Lest We Forget

India's Prime Minister Indira Gandhi was assassinated on October 31, 1984 by two of her Sikh bodyguards acting in the aftermath of Operation Bluestar. Operation Blue Star was the brutal attack on the Holy Sikh shrines of the Akal Takhat and the Golden Temple during the period June 1 to 6, 1984. The Indian army invaded the Harmandir Sahib complex on the orders of Indira Gandhi, in order to remove the militant Sikh followers of Baba Jarnail Singh Ji Bhindranwale who were residing there. In the attack, around 1,600 innocent pilgrims - men, women and children - were killed. The operation saw the use of heavy artillery, rockets and tanks being employed. The attack was a massive, painful blow to the Sikh population. Gandhi paid for her crime. Over the next four days after Gandhi's assasination, thousands of innocent Sikhs were massacred in systematic riots planned and led by Congress activists and sympathizers. The Congress government was widely criticized for doing nothing to help, and for indeed inciting the violence and acting as a conspirator, especially since voting lists were used to identify Sikh families. On November 1, 1984, a huge mob from the suburbs of Delhi descended on various localities where mainly Sikh were concentrated. They were armed with iron rods, knives, clubs and some carried combustible materials, including kerosene. They had voters' lists of houses and business establishments belonging to Sikhs. The mobsters swarmed into Sikh homes brutally killing men, women and children. Their houses and shops were then ransacked and burned. Crazed mobs beat, tortured, raped and killed any Sikhs they could find. The most affected regions were neighbourhoods in Delhi, but in and out of Delhi, crazed mobs stopped buses and trains, pulling out Sikh passengers who were lynched or doused with kerosene and burned alive.

Never forget 1984.

 

Bleeding Wounds... 1984

My heart hurts at this time of the year. 28 years ago Harimandir Sahib (the Golden Temple) and Akaal Takht was desecrated by the Indian Army. They surrounded the complex, and no one was allowed in or out - no attempt was made to reduce the loss of innocent human life. The white marble floors were stained red, washed with blood, the sarovar (water tank) was coloured a deep crimson. The walls were embedded with bullets, the structures crumbled, dead bodies littered the complex. Innocent pilgrims - men, women and children - were shot and killed in cold blood. Their crime? Coming to remember the Martyrdom of the Fifth Sikh Guru, coming to worship, to love, to be at peace. The most beautiful, peaceful, holy place in Punjab was invaded by tanks and armed soldiers, it was showered with bullets and grenades, it was turned into a battlefield for the government to take out their fury... and hundreds of innocent Sikhs were mercilessly caught in the crossfire. Tell me, is a three year old child a terrorist? Is a 90 year old woman a terrorist? Is every man in a Turban a terrorist? Congratulations, India, for letting the real terrorists run free. Vaheguroo ♥

 

Bhagat Puran Singh Jee's letter renouncing the Padam Shree award from the Indian Govt.

Bhagat Puran Singh Jee's rejection letter to the Indian Government renouncing the honour of Padam Shree (the fourth highest civilian award in India, awarded by the government) after Operation Bluestar:

 To,
The President of India,
Rashtrpati Bhavan,
Delhi.

Subject: Return of the award of Padam Shree against the in-human army action at Sri Darbar Sahib Sri Amritsar.

Shriman ji,

Sending the armed forces into Sri Darbar Sahib for military action has already produced countless painful results. As a result of this army action the Sikh world has been deeply hurt. You have seen how painful has been the effect of this army action on the Darshani Deodhi and the building of Sri Akal Takhat. Army has perpetrated acts, which you could not have known. Up to September 9, 1984, I have been investigating what I have heard from the people. I have exercised much restraint and have not rushed to conclusions. I will relate some of the happenings (that I have investigated).

1. Army-men arrested a scripture reader of Sri Darbar Sahib along with his family. The entire family was not given either food or water for the whole day. Rifle butts were administered on the scripture reader’s hands the whole day. Another scripture reader of the shrine was given the same treatment until his hands were swollen.

2. The sangat in Darbar Sahib complex consisting of women, men and children has been fired upon (and killed) as the mosquitoes are wiped out with poisonous spray.

3. The pilgrims who had been arrested in Sri Darbar Sahib and Teja Singh Samundari Hall around 12 noon on Tuesday were given water by the Sikh army-men after thirty hours on Wednesday. The children’s eyes were popping out with thirst and their mothers tried to moist their lips with sweat. When some women asked for water for the children the army-men told them that the children would grow up and kill the army-men so why should they be given water? On Tuesday the small quantity of water that was given to the children had cigarettes thrown into it. They were told that this is the prasad of their Guru. Army-men smoked cigarettes in Teja Singh Samundari Hall and kept on blowing the smoke at the Sikhs. The treatment meted out to the Sikhs in the name of army action has deeply hurt the feelings of the Sikh world. Hands of the young pilgrims, arrested from Darbar Sahib, were tied with their turbans, their hair were untied and used to cover their eyes with. They were forced to kneel down on the hot marble floor and to walk around on their knees. Hands of the boys were tied behind them and they were shot through their foreheads.

On the first of June 1984 the CRPF had commenced firing on Sri Darbar Sahib Amritsar. On the first of June before the arrival of the army, the CRPF had killed a scripture reader in attendance upon Guru Granth Sahib and the volume itself was shot at. After it was all over, the Sikh Reference Library and the Sikh Museum were set on fire out of enmity and in pursuance of predetermined action. On June 3, 1984, two Sikhs wearing yellow turbans and kirpans got off at Batala bus stand. They were asked by the army-men to take off their turbans. On their refusal to do so they were both shot dead. Another Nihang was shot at and killed near Gumtala jail because he had refused to surrender his kirpan. One Sikh in proper Sikh dress was standing on the roof of his house in an area of Amritsar called Kittas. Army-men killed him because he was wearing a yellow turban.

On the third of July a black turbaned and kirpan-wearing young Sikh of about 25 years of age was walking past the Kitchlew traffic island. The army arrived, handcuffed and arrested him although nothing incriminating was found on his person. When army-men went to arrest the President of the Shiromani Gurdwara Prabandhak Committee Sardar Gurcharan Singh Tohra from Teja Singh Samundari Hall, one of them was smoking a cigarette. When Sardar Tohra asked him not to smoke (in the holy precincts), his reply was, “shut up old-man or I will shoot you dead. Tohra said ‘I am the President of this place’ upon which the army-men became quiet.

Temple servants of Sri Darbar Sahib Mukatsar, were made to lie face downwards in the circumambulatory path around the sacred tank and beaten mercilessly. As a result of this one of them died. All those boys who had taken amrit were pulled out of their homes in the villages and were beaten severely.

I am compelled to observe that the army has displayed bankruptcy of character and has acted with hearts full of enmity and in a manner indicating that it wanted to wipe out the Sikhs. Young-men from villages have been troubled much after the army action. Apart from the truth depicted above, I have received information about such shameful incidents, to mention which is to violate the cultural norms.

After hearing of and seeing such happenings, I reject and return to you the award of Padam Shree conferred upon me.

Puran Singh Bhagat

 This is the HONOUR, LOVE and LOYALTY Bhagat Jee had for JUSTICE and for the PANTH!

Global Protests for Bhai Balwant Singh Ji Rajoana

The global unity shown over this cause is unbelievable!!

Guru Hargobind Sahib Jee's First Sermon

Guru Hargobind Sahib Jee's first sermon must be heard again today, and it applies just as much now as it did when he first gave it.

Guru Arjan Dev Jee had been brutally tortured and had embraced martyrdom, becoming an example for the Panth. The Sikhs were grief-struck and felt a sense of despair. The small Panth of Guru Nanak had been targeted by the mighty power of the Mughals.

Guru Hargobind Sahib, became the next Guru as per the orders of his father. In front of all the gathered Sikhs, Baba Buddha jee put the two swords of miri and piri on Guru Hargobind Sahib. Guru Sahib was dressed like an emperor and there was a kalgi on his dastaar.

The Dhadis, Bhai Abdullah and Bhai Nath Mal, at the hukam of Guru Hargobind Sahib, sang a vaar filled with bir ras.

Then, Guru Hargobind Sahib rose and gave his first sermon to the Sikhs:

“Today the offerings that are beloved to me are good weapons and good youth. If you want my happiness, then exercise your bodies, wrestle, play gatka, go into the jungles to hunt and learn to ride horses. Weakness is now a crime to the Nation that cannot be forgiven for anyone. You will take up the sword and I now wear the sword so that the swords of tyranny and oppression will stop forever.

You have all come from far and wide today. The cool tranquillity has been stolen from not just your heart and my heart, but from the entire world. Our swords will not rest until we bring this oppression to an end.

Make day and night one. Go into the villages and light the inferno of revolution. Tell the people that we need their youth. Only that is a good youth that sacrifices itself for the cause of the Nation. We need sacred hearts and pure minds. Enshrine Waheguru in your hearts. We fear death because we have not experienced true life. We feel worry because we have not enjoyed a taste of life. We feel fear because our destination and goal seems so far off. But if you challenge death, death will flee from you. If you learn to walk with your heads held high then worry will depart. If you are determined to walk, the destination will not be so far away. Have faith in Vahiguru and all fears will vanish. If fear has left you then even death will seem like bliss.”

Guru jee continued,

“Do not think that you are too few. You are all like springs. Oceans flow out of these very springs. There are hundreds of thousands of springs like you in our Nation. When you come together and flow forward, you will create a flood.
A small and insignificant piece of wood, when made into a match, can light the entire jungle on fire. But you are humans! And furthermore, those humans whose heart has just now been scorched on hot iron plates [reference to shahidi of Guru Arjan Dev jee].

Addressing the poets in the Sangat, Guru Sahib said,

“See, God has given you the gift of poetry. When nations are built, you are the foundations. Stop all these other untimely songs and work to bring the Nation out of this deep dark pit. Tell those stories which will make the people willing to lose their skin like they would be willing to change their clothes. Fill the people of our Nation with the spirit and fervour to be like moths so they will sacrifice themselves in the flames of our cause.

Our blood has become cold. Tell us stories of Shahidi and become the furnaces that will boil our blood. Give us the passion to make the trampled Punjab and our crushed Nation rise to its feet once again.”

Speaking to the Dhadis, Guru Sahib said,

“Now is the time that your instruments should call out a challenge. Your notes should stir the Nation. The beat of your dhads should awaken the people and the bells on your bows should make hearts fill with the zeal of sacrifice.”

 
We must hear Guru Sahib’s message again today and rise to the challenge.

My thoughts on the Current State of Panjab

I haven't got any work done over the past week. I can't think about anything except what's happening to our brothers and sisters in Punjab.

 

I can't get over how corrupt the Indian government is and how unnecessarily violent the police are. Why are peaceful protests seen as such a crime? Why are the police beating protestors when all they've actually done is turn up? Why are the police acting violently and provoking reaction at a perfectly safe, peaceful protest? Why are youth being fired at, from behind? Why are the voices of the minorities immediately suppressed? Why are so called Sikh police officers failing to support the Panth? Why aren't these so called Sikh police officers showing loyalty towards their Guru and their Panth? Why is it okay for completely innocent boys to be shot? Why the hell is the Indian system so messed up?!

But I also can't get over how much support people are showing, and how much awareness we've managed to raise. The protests were shown on the news. People involved in British politics are showing their concerns. Seas of orange flooded areas of the country. Handsworth, Smethwick etc. were absolutely covered in orange, with orange material tied on every post, railing, streetlight, shop etc. Nishaan sahibs are adorning the cars and houses of Sikhs. Orange Dastaara are everywhere.... even the Raagis at Harimandir Sahib pledged orange. People are being asked by work colleagues about why they have nishaan sahibs on their houses and cars. I've been repeatedly asked about the orange band around my wrist at school. Even Facebook showed a video about Rajoana in the advertisements bar at the side of my page. People are shocked by the injustices of the Indian government.


All of this is simply a question of Humanity. The death penalty itself is a breach of human rights. The inconsistent use of the death penalty in certainly unjust. Needlessly beating and firing at innocent protestors is disgusting. Killing unarmed youth is completely unnacceptable. What's it gonna take for India to bring justice to its people? This is not about political/ religious factions opposing one another. The fight is for Justice.

"For the last ten years grave human rights violations have been perpetrated in Punjab by the police in their efforts to suppress an often violent campaign for the establishment of a Sikh homeland in a state called "Khalistan". These violations include scores of "disappearances", extrajudicial killings, widespread torture, unacknowledged detentions as well as deaths in custody. Amnesty International has documented its concerns about these human rights violations for many years. The state and central governments continue to deny the occurrence of virtually all these human rights violations. For example, K.P.S Gill, the Director General of Police, Punjab, claimed during a visit to London in June 1994 that allegations of "disappearances" were entirely unfounded since they concerned young men who had left the country and were living abroad. However, there were often eye-witnesses to their arrest and court orders to produce some of the victims of such practices in court have been routinely ignored by police and senior officials."

- Amnesty International

Bhai Balwant Singh Ji Rajoana

Bhai Balwant Singh Ji Rajoana. This Singh was one of the masterminds behind the killing of Punjab Chief Minister Beant Sinh, who was responsible for the death of over 50,000 young Sikhs (in extra judicial killings by the Indian Govt). This Singh was to be hanged till death, but his punishment would have been less severe if he asked for mercy, which this self-respecting Soorma rejected. Instead this Lion of the Guru requested that the government should execute him when they want to.

He shows no fear of death, like a true Guru ka Singh. His last wish is that any parts of his body be donated to those who need them, and that his eyes be donated to the blind Raagi of Darbar Sahib, Amritsar. In this way, his eyes can continue to have Darshan of Maharaaj even when he's gone.

"His is a rare case where an accused in a murder case, after being awarded death penalty, had not only chosen not to go for an appeal but even kept on asking to hang him as early as possible."

One more name to the long list of Sikh Shaheeds... Please remember him in your prayers...

The first part of Bhai Sahib Jee's will:

Ik Onkar

Oh Kabir, there is nothing of mine in this life,
Whatever is there, is yours.
If I surrender what is yours, unto Thee,
What do I lose or pay?

Bhagat Kabir, Guru Granth Sahib

Accepting the Omnipresence of Akal Purakh (God Almighty), I hereby swear an oath that, after my death, all the parts of my body which can benefit any person are pledged to the highest temporal authority of the Sikhs, Sri Akal Takht Sahib.

It is my earnest wish that after my death, my eyes may kindly be given to Hazuri Ragi of Sri Darbar Sahib Harmandar Sahib, Bhai Lakhwinder Singh, who is blind, so that through him, my eyes continue to revere holy Darbar Sahib. For medical or other reasons, in case this is not possible, then my eyes may be given to any other needy person.

In addition to this any other part of my body (heart, kidney or any other) which can be beneficial to any other person, may be given to that person.

How beautiful and abundant is the pyaar of this Gursikh??

Pledge Orange!!

This is why you should pledge orange!! Orange dastaara, patke, chunia, armbands, wristbands, scarves, flags, hoodies, t-shirts, whatever... it's the colour of the revolution!! Be questioned, educate those around you! RAISE AWARENESS!!

Young Hindu Panjabi Apologises to Sikh Nation

MUST WATCH: ONE LOVE ♥

To both my Sikh and my non Sikh brothers and sisters, please watch and share this video. It is an example of the love Humanity shares, regardless or religious, cultural, social, national, political etc. boundaries. If you can't understand Panjabi, I've written a rough translation/ summary below.

A YOUNG HINDU PANJABI SHARES HIS THOUGHTS ON THE KILLINGS OF TWO INNOCENT PEACEFUL SIKH PROTESTORS BY THE POLICE AND THE DISGUSTING AND DISRESPECTFUL ACTS OF PROVOCATION OF THE SHIV SENA. 

A Hindu Panjabi who has been watching the peaceful protests against the execution of Rajoana is talking about how yesterday a group of Sikh students was fired at by police after being provoked by the Shiv Sena (through burning and stamping on a Sikh's turban), in which two youth, much like himself, were killed. He expresses the distress he felt when he heard about the killing of Jaspal Singh, an 18 year old innocent Sikh student, and Ranjit Singh, who was only 16, who were peacefully protesting. He is deeply upset by the deaths and he expresses the pain he feels for the families. He cannot understand how and why the police can commit such atrocities. He asks his Sikh brothers to see the difference between the Shiv Sena and the rest of the Hindu population. He says that the Shiv Sena supporters cannot call themselves Hindu, and they are tainting the name of Hindus. He was angered that the Shiv Sena could commit such a disgusting act as to disrespect and set fire to a Sikh brother's turban. He requests for his Hindu Brothers not to fall into the trap of the Shiv Sena. He says if anyone is fighting for their justice (i.e. the Sikh Panth), please let them fight. He doesn't understand why the Shiv Sena got involved. Sikhs want justice for the massacres of 1984, and for these shaheeds, from the government, so why are the Shive Sena getting involved? He says these interferences are all just dirty politics. He says if you think Sikhs are bad, then answer this question: When Aurangzeb was forcefully converting the majority Hindu population to Islam, who did we (the Hindus) run to? To Dhan Guru Tegh Bahadur Jee Maharaaj, who was martyed for us. Where was our bravery then? When our sisters and daughters were being abducted, where was our bravery then? Where was the Shiv Sena then? At that time the Sikhs saved us. Now today, when they are being targeted, why are we not standing with them? Although he doesn't personally support Rajoana, he strongly objects to the injustices that occured yesterday with the killings of innocent protesters and the involvement of the Shiv Sena in disrespecting Dastaars. He personally, from the entire Sikh Sangat, puts his hands together and asks for forgiveness, as a Hindu, that people are taking his name of God and committing these disgusting acts. His last message for his Sikh brothers is to please hate the Shiv Sena, not Shiv Ji. They are not Hindus; they are animals taking the name of Hindus. After 27 years there was finally peace in our Panjab, and we were beginning to live in harmony. When the Son of a Mother dies, he's not a Hindu or a Muslim or a Sikh, he is simply the Son of a Mother.

This young Hindu should definitely not have to apologise on behalf of these animals, but the point is, you can't paint everyone with the same brush; love and despair crosses religious boundaries.

The Story of Bhai Balwant Singh Ji Rajoana

This is the story of Bhai Balwant Singh Jee Rajoana. The Indian government intends to hang this man. He was the back up assassin of former Chief Minister of Punjab, Beanta, who was responsible for the deaths of tens of thousands of Sikhs.

Why Balwant Singh Rajoana Never Appealed Against His Death Sentence

Why Balwant Singh Rajoana Never Appealed Against His Death Sentence

Ruchi Gupta

Balwant Singh Rajoana was to be executed on March 31. This would have been the first execution in India since 2004. His execution has been stayed - for the time being - in response to the rising whirlpool of politics that's engulfed Punjab on this issue. That India should sully its record again after 8 years with state sanctioned murder is a matter of distress, but this consideration seems largely removed from the politics of Rajoana's execution. However even in addition to principled opposition to the death penalty, the cynical considerations swirling around his execution, the specifics of the case itself are significant.

Opposition to capital punishment is removed from the specifics of the case, basing the argument on human rights, the range and extent of power given to the State, citizen's right to equality before law, the inherent arbitrariness in the exercise of power by individual state functionaries, and irrevocability of the punishment especially given the possibility of wrongful conviction. In contrast, the proponents of capital punishment argue on the specifics, seeking justification in the heinousness of the crime, recidivism, retribution, and deterrence. In this the proponents are almost vigilante in their perspective, with their preoccupation with punishment for the alleged lawbreaker than the state, its powers and processes, and civil liberties

Nevertheless in this instance, the specifics too raise some disturbing questions. Balwant Singh is on death row for his role in the suicide bombing of the former Chief Minister of Punjab, Beant Singh in 1995. 17 persons, including the Chief Minister were killed. The history has some relevance. Punjab had been racked by insurgency since the seventies, with the regional autonomy movement progressively hardening into a secessionist movement over the decades. President's Rule was established in 1987 in the aftermath of Operation Bluestar and the Sikh pogrom in Delhi in 1984. After five years of President Rule checkered by militancy and heavy police crackdown, elections were called in 1992, but were postponed twice. Protesting that the elections were unlikely to be "free and fair", the Sikh parties boycotted the elections. With voter turnout in the low twenties, Beant Singh's ascendancy was widely disparaged by the Sikhs as lacking legitimacy. Militancy and consequent police clampdown continued unabated. Beant Singh was assassinated in 1995 by suicide bomber Dilawar Singh, aided by Balwant Singh and others.

During trial, Balwant Singh refused counsel, asking instead to be allowed to represent himself. He did not cross-examine witnesses. He was awarded the death penalty. In 2009, when his death sentence came for conviction in the High Court [as part of the legal process], he again refused counsel and asked to be allowed to argue his own case. His intent in each instance was not to seek acquittal. In the 14 years that the case made its way from the trial court to the High Court, Balwant Singh held to his story, claiming that he strapped the bomb on to the body of Dilawar Singh. The High Court, noting that there was no evidence in favour of Balwant Singh in order to "have a second thought on the murder reference of Balwant Singh, coupled with his three confessional statements, there is no other alternate with us but to confirm" the death penalty. Balwant also refused to appeal against the death penalty administratively through mercy petition to the Governor and/or President. In a letter to the Chief Justice of the High Court, he writes, "legal system, judicial system of this Country and the rulers of this Country have been discriminating" [and that] "slavery of such system is not acceptable to me". In embracing 17 years of imprisonment including solitary confinement and ultimate execution, Balwant Singh is making a political statement.

In his letter and statements, he brings out his search for justice in the democratic framework, his feeling of marginalization and his desire for rebellion. He sees the injustice of the swiftness of response when a five star hotel in Mumbai is under siege and the dilatory tactics of commissioning enquiry committees without any accountability for the thousands who perished in the 1984 Sikh pogrom. He writes, "thousands of Sikhs were massacred. It is submitted that these murderers have neither been punished nor been punished by any Court of law of the country even after 25 years [...] Here I would like to ask your Lordship that the persons who have killed thousands of innocent xxxx, xxxx, and xxxx [redacted] are not the terrorists. Why not the law of the nation, [redacted] try to interfere in the matter. On the contrary, when the  hotels of Mumbai are attacked then the military of the country immediately interferes. The commandos of Delhi initiate immediate action after reaching Delhi. This is made to known as to which in which village the assailants reside in [redacted]. Contrary to it, the [redacted] of [redacted] of people in Delhi could not be identified. How the security can be assured without the law when everybody knows the killers" [sic]. He locates the justification for the suicide bombing in this persecution by the state (as per his contention) and the lack of accountability saying in a statement to the District and Sessions Judge, Patiala, "conscience of a person have self respect refuses to accept the authority of callous rulers. Such feels instigate a person for becoming human bomb rather than to become a human being [sic]"

The purpose of this article is not to romanticize Balwant Singh or terrorism. But surely some introspection is required when an obviously bright individual seeks political expression in the rejection of the "democratic" government itself even at the cost of his own life? Our democratic systems are discriminating - on class, caste, and religious lines. After 64 years of democracy, which by definition means people's control over the state to ensure propagation of their interests, more than 3 quarters of our country still ekes out a living on just Rs 20 per day. In our ostensibly secular state, all significant minorities have been persecuted (1984, 1992, 2002, 2008) without any accountability. Likewise the constitutional promise of equality before rule of law is flouted routinely. The poor are routinely displaced, their rights violated, their very being often declared illegal. The poor overwhelmingly populate our jails; around 70% are under-trials, not convicts. The death penalty too is disproportionately administered to the poor. Balwant Singh's execution is now embroiled in cynical politics from all sides, however whatever the outcome, we all share some blame in perpetuation of a system where meaningful political expression, redress and justice is denied to all but a small minority.

(Ruchi Gupta works in a think tank in Delhi. The views expressed are her own. She can be reached at  gupta.ruchi@gmail.com)

WE ARE NOT EXTREMISTS!

#RAJOANA

 

  

What are we fighting for? Watch this video.

Freedom of Food and the Golden Temple

This year the world will produce enough food to feed twice the world's population, yet every day almost one billion people will sleep hungry. From a culture of sharing we have become a culture driven by possession and profit. The century of self. Are we really moving in the right direction?

This short film comes from the kitchens of the golden temple where every day around 100,000 people, regardless of colour, caste or religion, donate, prepare, consume and clean for nothing more than compassion.

Jathebandia.... What's our problem?!

Honestly, if we're attaching ourselves to Jathebandia before we've even taken Maharaaj Jee's Amrit, you know we've got a problem :|

First and foremost, you're a Sikh of the Guru.

If someone asks what you're representing with your Bana and your Dastaar, and you reply with the name of a Jathebandi, there's something wrong.

If you're associating different Bania and different Granths with Jathebandia, there's something wrong.

If you label people with the name of a Jathebandi by judging the way they tie their Dastaar or the kind of Bana they wear, or by what Sangat they have or what Shastar they carry, or by the way they do Kirtan or Simran, there's something wrong.

If you haven't yet given your life to your Guru by taking Amrit, but you're marching around calling yourself AKJ or Taksali or Nanaksari or a Nihang or whatever else, there is seriously something wrong.

Every Jathebandi makes Sikhi flourish... they all have something to offer. But as soon as we use them to break up the Khalsa Panth, we forget what the bigger picture really is.

We forget that we're all united as the Khalsa under our true Guru.

That's our problem.

Here's to 2012

2011 has taught me that hard work reaps rewards. It's taught me that I'll get back what I put into my relationships, my spirituality and my work. It's taught me to appreciate and savour those precious little things and moments that make life so beautiful. It's taught me not to focus on broken friendships, but to focus on those wonderful people who Maharaaj has blessed my life with, who continue to help, inspire and support me, even in the smallest of ways.

I've realised that there are too many people in the world for us to be able to please and get along with everyone, so we shouldn’t be so attached to the idea of being liked by everyone we meet. But we should understand that every person who has stepped into our lives has taught us something, and has changed our lives, even in the tiniest of ways. The world and people in it are full of hypocrisies and faults, but rather than dwelling on them, we should learn from them and move forward. I’ve learned that it’s important to accept that you can’t always change someone for the better, but you can continue to help them, and that despite everything, the love you show them never goes unappreciated.

2011 has thrown some hard times at me, but it's shown me how to smile through losses, failures and hard times. 2011 opened my eyes to how little we really are aware of, and how little we know. There is so much that is beyond our understanding, but we should accept that it all happens for a reason and we should make the most out of it. . I've been shown the beauty of open mindedness, simplicity and contentment. It's shown me that peace and happiness is internal, and that if I want to attain it, I need to keep my mind clear of negative thoughts and full of love.

This year has pulled me a step closer to realising how blessed we are to have what we have, and how beautiful our Sikhi and our Guru really is. If we accept the mindset and the lifestyle, we can reap the benefits of it. This year has taught me that our only true relationship is with Maharaaj, and that if I want to love my Guru, I have to learn to love myself first. Life is not something that should be taken for granted. Each and every second we spend on this Earth is a blessing. I ask for Maharaaj to bless us all to use wisely and to learn from the year ahead. Roll on 2012!  ♥

Raagmala Audio - Sikhi Camp 2011

This is the audio to Raagmala Bani at the bhog of the sehaj paath at Boss Sikhi Camp 2011. It was a beautiful atmosphere.... the whole sangat joined in and recited Raagmala. Enjoy! :)

A Message to Sikh Youth

Today we are more lost than ever from the teachings of our Guru, we are forgetting Guru Gobind Singh’s words; Rehit Binaa Neh Sikh Kehavai, Rehit Binaa Dar Chotaa Khhaavai This means that: Without the Rehat (the code of conduct) he should not be called a Sikh. Without the Rehat, the doors are closed in his face. Guru has told us than when we follow his words, he will bless us, but when we slacken in our faith and discipline Guru Ji does not shower us with his blessings.

We forget Guru Ji’s own words “Rehat is more important to me than a Sikh”. Why is this? Guru Ji has 25 million Sikhs worldwide. He does not need any more. What Guru Ji loves is the Singh or Singhnee who follows Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s words; “If you desire to play this game of love with me, then step onto My Path with your head in your hand. When you place your feet on this Path, give me your head, and do not pay any attention to public opinion.” One who is steadfast in his faith in the Guru and all of the Gurus teachings is a Gursikh, not one who decides which parts of Sikhi he or she wants to follow, deciding which parts of the divinely inspired Sikhi are appropriate and which parts aren’t.

If the human wishes to be liberated in this lifetime then the path he or she follows is full of pitfalls. In Gurbani the path is described as “as sharp as the edge of a sword and as thin as a hair”. Since Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s times it was made compulsory that all Sikh had to keep Kesh (hair); Guru Nanak himself administered baptism or Amrit to all his followers in what was known as “Charan Pahul”. This is shown in all old historical documents and Bhai Gurdas’s Varan, which is considered Gurbani. So Amrit and the compulsory nature of Kesh did not start with the 10th Guru. Power was given to the Panj Pyare so they could administer Amrit since Guru Gobind Singh was to be the last living Guru.

If one intends to gain salvation from this world living life as millions of others do, in what many term as “living a good life,” is not enough. Liberation is open only to a select few who have truly realized Waheguru and followed Akal Purakh’s every command. In Gurbani it says “As a stone placed in a boat can cross over the river, so is the mortal saved, grasping hold of the Guru's Feet.” Our body is the stone and will sink in the water. Only with the Guru’s help, by submitting our full mind and body to Him, can we cross this world ocean and gain liberation.

Guru says “What useless activities are you attached to? Your life-night is coming to its end. The animals and the birds frolic and play-they do not see death. Mankind is also with them, trapped in the net of Maya (worldly illusion)...that dwelling (one’s own body) which you will have to abandon and vacate-you are attached to it in your mind… Those who fall at the Feet of the Guru are released from this bondage.” If one wastes day after day in shallow worldly pursuits, their precious chance of liberation will be over.

To begin to follow the true Gursikh path is much more fruitful than any worldly pursuits. Drinking, clubbing and other such activities provide only short term, shallow enjoyment and destruction to the inner body. Once a high spiritual level is obtained (such levels can be found by all, easily with some effort) the seeker is in a permanent state of bliss, beyond any possible words. For any reader who does not believe this, they are suggested to consult a Gursikh for details and be advised to follow full Rehat (Khalsa code of conduct) for 3 months. In these three months if all of Guru Ji’s Rehat and advice is adhered to with full effort and more importantly love from the seeker, with Guru’s grace the disciple will no longer be attracted to the empty worldly attractions and instead try to feel again the Anand (ecstasy) that is derived from the spiritual practices a Gursikh follows. As Guru Nanak Dev Ji says, “To explain this is as hard as steel”; such feelings cannot be explained but only experienced. Until this point we are wasting our days away making no spiritual progress to be reunited with Waheguru.

Whilst it is easy to say “I will take Amrit later” or “only the very religious take Amrit, it is not necessary”, or “I go to the Gurdwara once a week and pray, what more is needed”, until one has experience life the way our infinitely wise Guru have told us to live, how can we comment? The Gurus were not stupid. They were not mere men; every word they said came through them from God; Guru Ji tells us “Dhurr Kee Bani Aaee” – what they spoke came from God. For a change in lifestyle for only a few months of our lives, our entire path on this world may very possibly be changed. For those who have attempted to practice Khalsa Rehat, done Paath and Amritvela consistently with Pyaar for even a short period of time, they have seen for themselves the hidden gem in Sikhism which today’s modern youth have forgotten, rejecting the nectar instead for the mud and dirt.

To begin walking on the Sikh path can start with making small amounts of Paath part of one’s daily lifestyle, and over time the Rehat can be integrated into one’s life to accelerate spiritual progress. More Paath will make Rehat easier, and a stronger Rehat makes more Paath easier. Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji tells us “O servant Nanak, among millions, there is scarcely anyone who attains the Lord’s meditation.” To be gifted with the good karma from past lifetimes to realize the Truth, or even to attempt to practice the Truth, is truly a gift that many of us squander away. The path of Gursikhi is difficult in the beginning, but if we take one step towards the Guru the Guru will in turn come one hundred steps closer to us. To harbor false delusions of what Sikhi is and how release from this world is obtained, will not help one in the end, as Gurbani clearly tells us, the majority of us are consigned back to the wheel of reincarnation, and only those truly devoted to God reach a resting place.

It is often commented on that outside Punjabi culture, Sikhism is thriving whilst within Punjabi culture Sikhism is dying out; this is true in a way, as there are hundreds and thousands of white Sikhs in America and many thousands in the UK according to surveys. However it is also true that many Monna (cut haired) Punjabis are tasting the blissful flavor of the Naam, growing their hair, following the Guru’s Path and becoming much better Sikhs than many of those who have kept their hair from birth. As Guru Gobind Singh said, “Without arms (weapon – kirpan) and kesh (hair) do not even bother to come into my presence.” How many of us are fit to even stand before our Guru, never mind learn from Him?

In the late 80’s after Bhai Anokh Singh had his eyes gouged out, abdomen slit, groin electrocuted, metal poles dug into chest and legs, whilst uttering WAHEGURU instead of screaming in pain, Bhai Sahib’s last words were “Satguru, may the Sikhi and Kesh you have given me last with me till my final breaths” before his tongue was cut out with a metal saw, still finishing his Ardas at this time before being shot.

Guru Gobind Singh Ji himself begged in humility in front of the Panj Pyare for Amrit. Once they were created, he considered himself inferior to them when the full Panj were assembled. It is the most important thing to take the Guru’s Amrit; Amrit is not the end but the beginning of a beautiful spiritual journey. Without Amrit, the Gurmantar “Waheguru” is not bestowed on the seeker in his heart and one is defined as a “Nirgurey” or one without the Guru. In Guru Granth Sahib it says “For him who is without the Guru, there is no liberation.” Do not forget that Guru Gobind Singh’s 47th Hukam from Nanded was; “Live and die a Kesadhari Sikh”.

Do not dishonor the Gurus’ sacrifices by squandering the opportunity you have been given. They have died for your freedom to practice religion which we all are guilty of squandering.

Taken from:  http://www.vidhia.com/Informational/A_Message_to_Sikh_Youth.pdf

Bhai Bachittar Singh Ji

Bhai Bachittar Singh (6 May 1664–8 December 1705), the second son of Bhai Mani Ram, a Parmar Rajput and devotee of the Gurus, was a Minhas Sikh Rajput hero, a warrior under Guru Gobind Singh. His native village was Padhiana. He is best remembered today as the soldier who drove a spear (Nagni Barchha) into the head of an intoxicated elephant at the Battle of Anandpur.

Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji and a small number of Sikhs were defending their position in Lohgarh fort of Anandpur Sahib, which was under attack by numerically far suprior forces under the rule of the Moghul Emperor Aurangzeb and the Hindu rulers of the Hill States. Despite superior numbers, the besiedging forces were unable to penetrate the heavily-defended fort. They brought forth an armoured, druken elephant to batter in the gates. Bhai Bachittar Singh was tasked with stopping the elephant, armed with a nagni barcha, a type of spear with a twisted  head. Singh Sahib rode out of the fort on horseback and attacked the elephant, thrusting his spear into the animal's forehead and cutting the its trunk with his sword. The wounded elephant retreated, disrupting the attackers' ranks.

Bachittar Singh also took part in actions at Nirmohgarh and Basali and was wounded after taking part in the fifth and last battle of Anandpur. The city was evacuated, and Bhai Sahib safely crossed the Sirsa River. However, he was wounded in a skirmish near Malikpur Ranghran.

Hearing that Nihang Khan was sheltering some Sikhs, the Mughal troops searched his house while the mortally wounded Bachittar Singh lay in a small room attended by Nihang Khan's daughter. Living up to his name, Nihang Khan maintained his cool and succeeded in keeping the search party from entering the room by telling them that his daughter was nursing her very sick husband. Thus the danger was averted, but the life of Bachchittar Singh could not be saved. He succumbed to his injuries and breathed his last on 8 December 1705. Nihang Khan had the cremation performed secretly the following night.

Raag Kirtan, Raag Kirtaniya, and links

This is a list of my favourite Raag Kirtaniya and a few links where you can download Raag Kirtan. Enjoy!

Raagis I would recommend:

Bhai Balbir Singh Ji

Bhai Avtar Singh Ji

Bibi Ashupreet Kaur Ji

Bhai Gurmeet Singh Shaant

Bhai Amrik Singh and Dharam Singh Zakhmi

Bhai Dilbagh Singh and Gulbagh Singh

Giani Gian Singh Almast

Bhai Gurdial Singh Rasia

Almost any Naamdharis... especially Gurmeet Singh & Baljit Singh

Check out the nanaksar kirtaniya... especially  Bhai Amarjit singh ji nanaksar

All kirtan done in harmandir sahib is in raag

http://www.sikhsangeet.com/genre5-0-Shabad-Kirtan.html ... click on the ragis such as Bibi Ashupreet Kaur, Bhai Balbir Singh Ji, Bhai Avtar Singh Ji etc. Amrik Singh Zakhmi and Gurmeet Singh Shaant are amazing too, but they don’t always play in the raag that the shabad is written in.

http://www.keertan.org/multimedia.htm

http://www.sikhroots.com/zina/Keertani%20-%20International ... again, click on the names of the well known raagis... especially balbir singh and avtar singh. if you need help then just ask anyone who knows their kirtaniya :P

http://www.gurmatsangeetdarbar.com/ ... Gurmat sangeet, and in the Ragis section, click on the names of the raag kirtaniya

 

http://www.keertan.net/ ...  again, go on kirtanis, and click on the ragis

http://www.gurmatchanan.com/zina/Gurmat%20Keertan%20-%20Classical%20Raag ... this is one of my favourites :)

Shastar Naam Mala - Garland of Weapons

Shastar Naam Mala is a composition written by Guru Gobind Singh Ji. In it Guru Sahib Ji envokes the Almighty by describing Him through names of weapons.

Much of the composition is in 'Braham gian' and says that everything is as it is, according to the Almighty. "You are the one who causes conflict and yet You are the one on hand to resolve the whole situation." Again Guru ji says, "You O'Lord are Sri Raam Ji, You are Bhagwan Krishan Ji, You are the incarnations of Vishnu, You are Bawan, You are Buddha." A hard concept to understand for many questions arise. The way to resolve this is to emerse yourself in the bani of Guru Granth Sahib Ji and only then can the true meanings be understood.

In the wrong hands weapons can be a source of tyranny and oppression, but here Guru Ji is using the names of weapons as a source of inspiration, liberation and self pride. For too long the people of India had lain prostrate as wave after wave of conquorers from the north-west came and looted their homes and families. Here, Guru Gobind Singh Ji is giving these people their self worth, their pride. Guru Ji asks the Almighty to protect him and to destroy his enemies and oppressors of the poor and needy.

Literally translating to 'string of weapons', this is a comprehensive list of weapons used in battle and covers many verses. Many names of weapons are given in addition to references of great warriors (historical and mythological) who wielded them. Many weapons that were in their infancy at the time of the Guru, such as cannons and rifles, are also mentioned.

Guru Ji uses weapons through which to worship the Almighty. – You are the death, you are the destroyer of death, You are the Tegh and the Arrow. Your ultimate goal is victory and today, You are the ultimate warrior.

A description of some of the weapons used in the prayer. Only the introduction portion of Shastar Naam Mala has been reporduced below. The chapters after this deal with specific weapons -Chakar, Talwar, Barsha, Arrow and Gun among others.

Sarohi - Special sword made in Sarohi, Rajasthan
Saif - Straight sword
Asi - Curved sword
Turwar - Sword
Satrantak - Sword - destroyer of the enemy
Kavchantak - Armour severing sword
Jamdaadh - Two blade dagger, looks like demon tooth.
Tega - Broad & straight sword
Khanda - Double-edged blade
Kharag - Sword
Tabar - Battle-axe
Sehthi - Spear
karad - Small sword, usually used as symbol and kept in hairs
Tulvar - Sword
karwaar - Shamsheer=sword
Katar - Which destroys the demons, jungi name of shri sahib
Bichhua - Crooked dagger
Baank - Kind of sword
tufang - Matchlock musket
Bugda - A bent cutlass or dagger
Bisikh - Arrow without feathers
Khagarbhan - Arrow, which moves in the sky
Kaiber - Special arrow
Khatang - A rare type of wooden arrow
Tatarcho - An unusual arrow
Sasbaan - Special arrow with a half moon end
Patis - Double-edged sword
Sakkar - Special arrow
Jamdhar - A dagger like a tooth
Jamdhara - A double faced blade
Jodhantak - Sword and arrow that destroys warriors
Shasterser - King of arms
Samrantak - Sword, which ends battle
Sipra - Arrow, which breaks a shield
Sattar - Sword type
Sarangaar - Sword, which cuts bow
Tupak - Gun

Shastar Naam Mala - Garland of weapons

The one (and only) Savious - Unique Lord - victory to thee.
Invocation to Sri Bhagauti (the eternal and infinate supreme power of God) for assistance.
The narration (bani) of the tenth Master, Guru Gobind Singh Ji.

Couplet.
Spear, Sarohi (special sword made in Sarohi, Rajasthan) , Saif(stright sword), Asi (curved sword), arrow, gun and Turwar (sword), Satratak (sword -destroyer of the enemy) , kavchantak (armour piercing sword) (all these weapons kindly) protect me.
Asi, Saif, trident and Jamdaadh(dagger with two blades). Kavchantak Satrantak (lrage sword), tegh (broad sword) , arrow and sword that cuts the torso.
Asi, kirpan(sword), khanda (double edged sword), kharag (sword), gun, tabar(battle axe) and arrow. Saif, sarohi, sethi (spear) are our Guru (guide)
You are the arrow, spear, battle-axe and sword. Whosoever contemplates on your name crosses the ocean of life and death.
You are death and you are the destroyer of death, Kali , and you are the sword and the arrow. You are the emblem of victory and the bravest of warriors in the universe.
You are the trident, spear and battle-axe, the quiver and the arrow. You are also the dagger, lance, karad (small knife) and the sword.
You are the armament, sheild, armour and the quiver. The sword is your image and you are universally present.
You are the supreme and doer of everything and you are the essence of knowledge. You represent all and confer liberation upon them.
You are the day and you are the night and you are the granter of life. To perform miracles you incite them to quarrel amoungst themselves.
Ari, khanda, kharag, saif, tegh and talwar. Alwars protect us O armour breaking sword and karwar.
You are the katar, bichhua and the arrow. (Please) let me prostrate at your feet, and protect me as your (humble) servant.
You are the baank, mace, dagger, battle-axe and the sword. You are the dagger and spear - kindly protect me.
You are the mace, club, arrow and the tufung (matchlock musket) . think of me as your slave and protect me O omniscient (power)
All these names - knife, sharpened small knife, karad( small dagger) , dagger, bugda (a curved cutlass). Please help me from all the worldly illusions.
You initially created this universe and then created the (different) sects. You create conflict amongst them and then help them resolve it.
You are the incarnation of the fish, tortoise, boar and Waman the dwarf. Narasingh and Buddha incarnations were also yours and you are the sustainer of the universe.
You are (Lord) Raam. Siri Krishan and your are the incarnations of (Lord) Vishnu. You are the subjects and you are also the Emperor of this universe.
Your are the Brahmin and your are the Kashattria , you are the pauper and the king.
You transact unanimity , vanquish them, penalise them and are an answer to everything.
You are the head, you are the torso and you are the soul of the being.
You have granted the knowledge to (the four faced) Brahma, who has uttered the Vedas.
Bisakh (arrow without feathers) , Khatang, Tatarcho(unusual arrow) , all these (kindly) always fulfil my wishes.
You are present in the quiver as the susbaan (special arrow with a half moon end), which hunts and kills the enemy and game.
You overpower your enemies and then proclaim victory with your sword.
You are patis (double edged sword), spear, battle-axe and a mine of miracles.
the enemy of the enemy - the sword, khanda, kharag (large sword) and kirpan (sword) are all your names.
Your bestowed the Sakkar (special arrow) to your devotee, the king of the demi-gods (Lord Indra)
Jamdhar (a dagger like a tooth) Jamdhara (a double faced blade) Jodhantak (sword and arrow that destroys warriors) - all these weapon names. The warrior who goes into battle without them is badly hammered.
Baank (sword), mace, dagger, biaskh (arrow), birha (arrow with feathers) - are all your identity.
On the ones your granted your benevolence, they become kings of the world.
Shastersar (King of arms), Samrantak (sword, which ends battles), spira (shield breaking arrow) and shamshere (sword). He escapes the net of doom that mentions your name even once.
saif (straight sword) Sarohi, satter (sword), Sarangaar (sword, which cuts bows) are all these names.
Invariably remain in my mind and constantly comply with my wishes.
The Glory of Sri Bhagauti in the first chapter of Naam Malafrom the puraan has been concluded auspicially.

Simran Tune & Notation

This is  a very basic simran tune with the notation for anyone who is new to kirtan and wants to learn a simple simran tune. I apologise for the poorness of it - it was rushed! But I hope it helps :)

Amrit Vela - Katha By Sahib Gyaani Sant Singh Ji Maskeen translation

ਹਰਿ ਧਨੁ ਅੰਮ੍ਰਿਤ ਵੇਲੈ ਵਤੈ ਕਾ ਬੀਜਿਆ ਭਗਤ ਖਾਇ ਖਰਚਿ ਰਹੇ ਨਿਖੁਟੈ ਨਾਹੀ ॥
har dhhan anmrith vaelai vathai kaa beejiaa bhagath khaae kharach rehae nikhuttai naahee
The devotees of the Lord plant the seed of the Lord's wealth in the ambrosial hours of the Amrit Vaylaa; they eat it, and spend it, but it is never exhausted.
(Ang 734, SGGS Ji)

ਅੰਮ੍ਰਿਤ ਵੇਲਾ ਸਚੁ ਨਾਉ ਵਡਿਆਈ ਵੀਚਾਰੁ ॥
anmrith vaelaa sach naao vaddiaaee veechaar
In the Amrit Vaylaa, the ambrosial hours before dawn, chant the True Name, and contemplate His Glorious Greatness.
(Ang 2, SGGS Ji)

The Bani of Dhan Guru Granth Sahib Ji Maharaj gives special importance to Amrit Vela. If we look at the way nature has formed us, we can observe that seasons and time have their influences on one's mind. During monsoon season, the whole natural landscape looks melancholic. The strong gushing winds, the falling leaves, make the branches change their appearance, and the trees appear sad and naked. The nature of one's mann appears to be exactly the same as well. In the spring season, the entire vegetation, leaves and flowers look bright and happy. Beautiful flowers of different colours provide a colourful costume to the land and decorates it with immense grace. The spring season also leaves a special impression on one's mind. Similarly, summer and winter season both create impact on one's mind. In winter, we have to switch to warm clothes while summer forces us to put these warm clothes aside. Therefore, seasons influence one's body and mind both.

Just like seasons, time - the four pehars of day and four pehars of night, also creates their influence on one's body and mind. Sants had figured out long ago that, if one has sleeps before the end of the first pehar of the night, the body's need for sleep completes in the fourth pehar of the night. It is a different matter that, if one has not slept on time, it is difficult to wake up at Amrit Vela. But, if one has gone to sleep at the right time, then nature automatically wakes one up on time as well. We can observe nature wakes up the birds and animals on the right time, this is because their sleep is natural, in total accordance with the laws of nature. When the night enters the fourth pehar, the birds wake up and start twittering, the cows and their calves start mooing, the animal kingdom obeys this law of nature. Human beings, however, have made their sleeping and waking patterns artifical, and this artificiality can be observed in the eating and dressing habits as well.

By distancing themselves away from nature, human beings started going further away from Akaal Purakh too. In order to come closer to Akaal Purakh, it is imperative one comes closer to nature and adopt its laws in the lifestyle. So, the great Sants realised the fact that this fourth pehar is highly beneficial for Naam Simran. It is said, if one has eaten properly at night, it brings about laziness in the body and sleep takes over. During the sleep, the food is digested and the body starts getting rid of the laziness, and the body eventually wakes up when the laziness is over. Just like body will need food again, similarly, the mind will need Naam Simran too. It is said, 'Sau lugmeh din de, te ik lugmah subeh da' – saadhna done during the entire day and the saadhna done at amrit vela becomes equal.

Dhan Guru Nanak Dev Ji clearly states:

ਜੇ ਇਕੁ ਹੋਇ ਤ ਉਗਵੈ ਰੁਤੀ ਹੂ ਰੁਤਿ ਹੋਇ ॥
jae eik hoe th ougavai ruthee hoo ruth hoe
If the seed is whole, and it is the proper season, then the seed will sprout.
(Ang 468, SGGS Ji)

That, even if the seed is complete, still it will need the help of proper season, only then it will sprout. The farmer who does not sow the seeds in accordance with the present season does not develop properly. That farmer will not be able to fill his granary with the sub-par output of his seeds.

The fourth pehar of the night has been referred by the snaatan sants as 'Bhram-Mahurat' – the time to meditate and connect with Bhram's Name. Guru Nanak Dev Ji called this time amrit vela – that time when rain of amrit is falling. Mohammed Sahib termed this time, 'Allill Subah', the morning of Allah - that morning, which automatically reminds one of God. Therefore, anyone who has any desire to be an 'Antarmukhi', this time helps immensely.

Dhan Guru Ramdas Ji Maharaj says:

ਹਰਿ ਧਨੁ ਅੰਮ੍ਰਿਤ ਵੇਲੈ ਵਤੈ ਕਾ ਬੀਜਿਆ ਭਗਤ ਖਾਇ ਖਰਚਿ ਰਹੇ ਨਿਖੁਟੈ ਨਾਹੀ ॥
har dhhan anmrith vaelai vathai kaa beejiaa bhagath khaae kharach rehae nikhuttai naahee
The devotees of the Lord plant the seed of the Lord's wealth in the ambrosial hours of the Amrit Vaylaa; they eat it, and spend it, but it is never exhausted.
(Ang 734, SGGS Ji)

Even Avtari Purash regard anybody who has recited the Naam at Amrit Vela in the highest of esteem.

Bhai Sahib Bhai Nand Lal says:

Shabad kurban-e-khaake raahe sangat,
dile-e-goya humee bass aarzoo karat.

He says, Maharaj, there is only one desire left in my heart – Make me dust of the feet of that sangat that go towards you at Amrit Vela, such feet are pure and that walk is great. So, this walk is the walk towards Akaal Purakh, and waking up and meditating at Amrit Vela is a great device to accomplish that journey.

Bedari-ast zindaghi eh sahibaan-e-shauk
goya haraam-e-gardan aaieenda khawab-e-subah.

Bhai Nand Lal Ji goes further and says that anybody who has remained asleep during Amrit Vela, his sleep is Haraam, he has slept a sinful sleep.

Anybody who has got spiritually wiser, he has considered sleeping at Amrit Vela totally haraam. He wakes up naturally at amrit vela and utilises that time to its maximum.

Bhai Gurdas Ji does a prayer to Akaal Purakh:

nK isK lau sgl AMg rom rom kir
kwit kwit isKn ky crn pr vwrIAY ]

He says, hey Akaal Purakh, such is the state of my mind that I want my whole body to be cut into pieces, these pieces should go under the feet of the Gursikhs. But, the pieces of flesh will still remain.

So, Bhai Gurdas Ji says:

Agin jlwie, Puin pIsn pIswie qWihlY
aufy pvn huie Aink pRkwrIAY ]

Burn the pieces of my flesh and crush the bones that remain. Then, request the wind to blow it all away. But then, wind cant keep dust with it, it will have to drop it somewhere at some time.

Bhai Gurdas Ji says, yes, do drop it:

jq kq isK pg DrY gur pMQ pRwq
qwhU qwhU mwrg mY Bsm kY fwrIAY ]

But oh kind wind, drop this dust anywhere where the beloved Gursikhs wake up at amrit vela and meditate the name of Akaal Purakh.

iqh pd pwdk crn ilv lwgI rhY
dXw kY dXwl moih piqq auDwrIAY ]672]

This way, O Akaal Purakh Waheguru, a patit like me will be able attain salvation. So, anyone who wakes up at amrit vela and recites or listen to Gurbani, or does Waheguru Naam Jaap to move closer to God, such feet are truly blessed.

Bhai Gurdas Ji has written a precious pauri in regards to this:

ਚਰਣੋਦਕੁ ਹੋਇ ਸੁਰਸਰੀ ਤਜਿ ਬੈਕੁੰਠ ਧਰਤਿ ਵਿਚਿ ਆਈ ।
charanodaku hoi surasaree taji baikuntd dharati vichi aaee
Ganges, the wash of the Lords' feet, left heavens and came down to arth.
(Vaar 3, Pauri 4, Bhai Gurdas Ji)

The mythology says Ganges is the water of Shiva's hair, of Bhrama's Karmandal, and water that washed Vishnu's feet. The myth goes like this: Brahma had thrown the water from that karmandal on vishnu's feet. This water ended up falling on Shiv's hair and that water eventually came to be known as Ganges. The shape given to this myth by Bhai Gurdas Ji is indeed remarkable:

ਚਰਣੋਦਕੁ ਹੋਇ ਸੁਰਸਰੀ ਤਜਿ ਬੈਕੁੰਠ ਧਰਤਿ ਵਿਚਿ ਆਈ ।
charanodaku hoi surasaree taji baikuntd dharati vichi aaee
Ganges, the wash of the Lords' feet, left heavens and came down to arth.

ਨਉ ਸੈ ਨਦੀ ਨੜਿੰਨਵੈ ਅਠਸਠਿ ਤੀਰਥਿ ਅੰਗਿ ਸਮਾਈ ।
nau sai nadee narhinnavai atdasatdi teeradi angi samaaee
Nine hundred ninety nine rivers and sixty eight pilgrimage centres erged in it.
(Vaar 3, Pauri 4, Bhai Gurdas Ji)

According to Bhai Gurdas Ji, there are nine hundred and ninety nine perennial rivers flowing on this earth. Bhai Gurdas Ji says, out of all these rivers, Ganges is considered as the most important, and its water has its own unique properties because of the minerals and other elements found at its floor at various places. People often suggest someone sick to try 'changing the air', and it has been observed it does have a positive affect. Actually, physical fitness is one of the important conditions of Naam Simram. And, water from the Ganges used to work like amrit for keeping the body fit. In those time, washing clothes or spitting in Ganges was considered a major sin but these days, Ganges is used for dumping sewage water, it is being converted into poison. Maskeen Ji apologises for deviating and continues: There are about sixty eight different pilgrimages are constructed on the banks of Ganges. People go these pilgrimages and try to purify their mind, body and souls.

ਤਿਹੁ ਲੋਈ ਪਰਵਾਣੁ ਹੈ ਮਹਾਦੇਵ ਲੈ ਸੀਸ ਚੜ੍ਹਾਈ ।
tihuoee paravaanu hai mahaadayvai sees charhhaaee
In all the three worlds, it is accepted as authentic and Mahadev Shiva has borne it on his head.

ਦੇਵੀ ਦੇਵ ਸਰੇਵਦੇ ਜੈ ਜੈ ਕਾਰ ਵਡੀ ਵਡਿਆਈ ।
dayvee dayv sarayvaday jai jai kaar vadee vadiaaee
Gods and goddesses all worship it and hail s greatness.
(Vaar 3, Pauri 4, Bhai Gurdas Ji)

But Bhai Sahib Bhai Gurdas Ji's perspective which follows has its own unique greatness:

ਸਣੁ ਗੰਗਾ ਬੈਕੁੰਠ ਲਖ ਲਖ ਬੈਕੁੰਠ ਨਾਥਿ ਲਿਵ ਲਾਈ ।
sanu gangaa baikuntdakhakh baikuntd naadiivaaee
Myriads of heavens and the master of heavens including the ranges, absorbed in meditation declare,

Millions of Ganges from millions of Brahma's karmandal, millions of Ganges from Vishnu's feet and Millions of Ganges from Shiva's hair declare:

ਸਾਧੂ ਧੂੜਿ ਦੁਲਭ ਹੈ ਸਾਧਸੰਗਤਿ ਸਤਿਗੁਰੁ ਸਰਣਾਈ ।
saadhoo dhoorhi dulabh hai saadhasangati satiguru saranaaee
that the dust of the feet of sadhu is rare and is obtainable only by coming under the shelter of the true Guru.
(Vaar 3, Pauri 4, Bhai Gurdas Ji)

That sant who is awake at amrit vela and is meditating Akaal Purakh's name by placing all his attention in The Word, such millions of Ganges can be sacrificed over him.

We get to hear the beautiful sounds of birds singing at amrit vela, the happy, joyous sounds are heard at that time. Nobody is more unfortunate than the one who has slept this time away. If one has awoken at amrit vela, however, it would be difficult to find someone more fortunate than him. That time is meant to be dedicated to God, time can be taken out of the day to earn money, eat food, discuss politics, etc.

It is said that maya is asleep at amrit vela. By that, we mean because the rest of the world around us is asleep, there is less negative energy in the air, something which can disturb the concentration while meditating. One can meditate during the day but the immense negative energy during the day will not allow to concentrate fully. So, O human, wake up at amrit vela, create positive energy within you so that you can avail the nectars of Akaal Purakh's blessings.

- Unknown source