Baba Buddha Ji met Guru Nanak Dev Ji as a boy and lived to serve the first six Gurus. He performed the ceremony of Guruship for several successors and was appointed the first granthi of the Harmandir Sahib in 1604. He is remembered as a model of lifelong, humble service.
Life
Baba Buddha Ji was born around 1506 in the village of Kathu Nangal, near Amritsar, and was named Bura. According to Sikh tradition, he met Guru Nanak Dev Ji as a boy and asked such thoughtful questions about life and death that the Guru said he spoke with the wisdom of an old man — a buddha. From then on he was known as Bhai Buddha, later Baba Buddha Ji.
He devoted his long life to the Gurus. Tradition holds that he applied the tilak at the installation of Guru Angad Dev Ji and of each following Guru up to Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji. He took part in the great works of the early Sikh community, including seva at Goindwal and the building of Amritsar, and looked after the Guru's lands and cattle.
When Guru Arjan Dev Ji compiled the Adi Granth and installed it in the Harmandir Sahib in 1604, he appointed Baba Buddha Ji as its first granthi. Sikh tradition also tells how Mata Ganga Ji, wife of Guru Arjan Dev Ji, sought his blessing for a son, and how Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji was later trained under his care. Baba Buddha Ji passed away around 1631 at Ramdas, near Amritsar, with Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji present, according to tradition. He is honoured as a symbol of devotion that lasts a whole lifetime.
Why Sikhs remember Baba Buddha Ji
- He is the living link across the first six Gurus.
- As the first granthi of the Harmandir Sahib, he stands at the start of a central Sikh institution.
- His humble, practical seva shows that spiritual greatness and everyday work go together.
Key events
- c. 1506
Birth Historical record
Born at Kathu Nangal, near Amritsar.
- —
Meeting Guru Nanak Dev Ji Traditional account
Tradition tells that his wise questions earned him the name 'Buddha'.
- 1539–1606
Tilak for the Gurus Traditional account
Tradition holds he applied the tilak for successive Gurus, from Guru Angad Dev Ji to Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji.
- 1604
First granthi Historical record
Appointed first granthi of the Harmandir Sahib when the Adi Granth is installed.
- c. 1631
Passing at Ramdas Historical record
Passes away at Ramdas, near Amritsar.
For children
When Baba Buddha Ji was a little boy, he met Guru Nanak Dev Ji and asked very wise questions. The Guru smiled and said he talked like a wise old man — a "buddha"! He grew up to serve six Gurus, one after another. He was also the first person chosen to read from the Guru Granth Sahib at the Golden Temple. He shows us how to serve happily all our lives.
Lessons for today
A lifetime of seva
Baba Buddha Ji served for over a century of Sikh history. Small daily service, kept up, becomes something great.
Ask big questions
His childhood questions opened his path. Curiosity about life and death is a doorway to wisdom.
Places connected with this life
- Gurdwara Beed Baba Buddha Ji, Thatha
Associated with the lands where Baba Buddha Ji served. - Harmandir Sahib, Amritsar
Where he served as the first granthi.
Further reading & sources
- Harbans Singh (ed.), The Encyclopaedia of Sikhism, Punjabi University, Patiala
- Vaaran Bhai Gurdas
- Sri Gur Pratap Suraj Granth (traditional account)