Bhai Daya Singh
 | |
| Panj Pyare | |
| In office 1699–1708 | |
| Personal life | |
| Born | Daya Ram Sobti 1661 |
| Died | 1708 (aged 47) Nanded, India |
| Cause of death | Martyrdom |
| Parents |
|
| Known for | Member of the original, inaugural Panj Pyare; was the first to answer the call by the Guru for a head |
| Occupation | Shopkeeper |
| Religious life | |
| Religion | Sikhism |
| Institute | Khalsa |
Bhai Daya Singh (born Daya Ram; 1661 – 1708) was one of the Panj Pyare, the first five Sikhs initiated into the Khalsa order by Guru Gobind Singh in 1699. Among the Panj Pyare, Daya Singh is regarded as the most respected, as he was the first to respond to the Guru's call for a head, symbolizing sacrifice. Daya Singh is also known for his contributions to Sikh literature, his significant role in the military campaigns of the Sikh Gurus, and his devotion to the Khalsa ideals.
Early Life
Daya Singh was born as Daya Ram into a Sobti Khatri family in Lahore, Punjab (modern-day Pakistan) in 1661. His father, Bhai Suddha, was a devout Sikh of Guru Tegh Bahadur, and had visited the Guru's court in Anandpur on several occasions. Bhai Suddha’s strong religious convictions were passed down to his son, who received early spiritual training. In 1677, Daya Ram’s family moved to Anandpur, seeking the blessings of Guru Gobind Singh. During his time in Anandpur, Daya Singh pursued education in Persian, Punjabi, and various classical texts while also developing his skills in martial arts, Gurbani, and Sikh philosophy.
Baptism and the Formation of the Khalsa
On 30 March 1699, at the historic diwan gathering at Kesgarh Qila in Anandpur, Guru Gobind Singh called upon Sikhs to offer their heads in a symbolic act of sacrifice, a pivotal moment in Sikh history. Daya Singh was the first to answer the Guru’s call, becoming one of the first five Sikhs (Panj Pyare) to undergo the Khalsa initiation. This act of sacrifice and commitment to Guru Gobind Singh marked the beginning of the Khalsa order, a new phase in Sikhism that emphasized equality, discipline, and devotion. After this event, Daya Singh, along with the other four Panj Pyare, initiated Guru Gobind Singh into the Khalsa fold, a significant moment that solidified the Guru's leadership and the spiritual identity of the Khalsa.
Role in Sikh Battles and Escape from Chamkaur
Daya Singh was an integral part of the Sikh military efforts during the turbulent times of the 17th century. He participated in several key battles, including the defense of Anandpur and the Second Battle of Chamkaur. During the battle at Chamkaur in 1705, Guru Gobind Singh and his forces were besieged by the Mughal army. Daya Singh, along with other Sikhs, played a vital role in the defense and survival of the Guru and the Sikh forces. When the situation became dire, Daya Singh was one of the three Sikhs who followed Guru Gobind Singh as he made a strategic escape from the besieged fort. The three Sikhs demonstrated unwavering loyalty and bravery, and their journey after Chamkaur took them across several regions of northern India. This act of escape is one of the defining moments of Daya Singh's service to the Guru.
Delivery of the Zafarnama
One of the most significant acts of Daya Singh’s life was his involvement in delivering the Guru's Zafarnama letter to Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb. After the battle of Chamkaur, Guru Gobind Singh wrote the Zafarnama, a letter of defiance and a call for justice, addressing Aurangzeb's betrayal and the suffering caused by the Mughal Empire. Daya Singh, along with Bhai Dharam Singh, was entrusted with the crucial task of delivering this letter to the Emperor, who was encamped at Ahmadnagar in the Deccan region.
Daya Singh and Dharam Singh faced numerous challenges during their journey, including the difficulty of gaining an audience with the Emperor. Despite these obstacles, Daya Singh displayed remarkable courage and resourcefulness, ultimately delivering the Zafarnama to Aurangzeb. The letter, which challenged the Emperor’s actions, remains a testament to Guru Gobind Singh's indomitable spirit. Daya Singh’s actions during this mission exemplified his deep commitment to the Guru and to the ideals of the Khalsa.
Death
Daya Singh remained devoted to Guru Gobind Singh until the Guru's death in 1708. Following the Guru's passing in Nanded, Daya Singh continued his service, remaining in the Guru’s company. After a period of time, Daya Singh passed away in Nanded as well. His cremation site, alongside Bhai Dharam Singh's, is commemorated by a memorial known as Angitha Bhai Daya Singh ate Dharam Singh. This site serves as a place of remembrance and honor for their contributions and sacrifices.
Legacy
Daya Singh’s legacy is widely celebrated by Sikhs around the world. Early Sikh literature refers to him as the reincarnation of Lava, a significant figure in Sikh tradition. A prominent Gurdwara, Gurdwara Bhai Daya Singh, located in Dhami Mahalla, Aurangabad, marks a place where Daya Singh stayed during his travels.
Daya Singh is also believed to have authored a Rehitnama, a manual that outlines the code of conduct for Sikhs. This document has become an important guide for Sikh practices and is revered for its spiritual and ethical teachings. Additionally, the Darauli branch of the Nirmala sect traces its lineage to Daya Singh through Baba Deep Singh, a notable figure in Sikh history.
Beyond his military and spiritual contributions, Daya Singh is remembered for his literary and philosophical works, which have played a significant role in shaping Sikh thought and culture. His life embodies the virtues of sacrifice, service, and unwavering devotion to Guru Gobind Singh and the Khalsa principles. His contributions in the formation of the Khalsa and his lifelong commitment to the Guru’s teachings solidify his place as one of the most revered and influential figures in Sikh history.
References
- (No date) R/sikh on reddit: The panj pyare and the authority of the khalsa. Available at: https://www.reddit.com/r/Sikh/comments/26vsg4/the_panj_pyare_and_the_authority_of_the_khalsa/ (Accessed: 16 January 2025).
- Bhai Daya Singh (no date) Bhai Daya Singh - SikhiWiki, free Sikh encyclopedia. Available at: https://www.sikhiwiki.org/index.php/Bhai_Daya_Singh (Accessed: 16 January 2025).
- MyGuru (no date) Bhai Mohkam Singh Ji detailed information with photo, Detailed Information With Photo. Available at: https://www.myguru.in/The-Bhai-Mohkam-Singh-Ji.htm (Accessed: 16 January 2025).
- Singh, B. ‘Bo’ (2016) The inspiring life of Bhai Daya Singh, SikhNet. Available at: https://www.sikhnet.com/news/inspiring-life-bhai-daya-singh (Accessed: 16 January 2025).
