Bhai Kanhaiya Ji was a Sikh of Guru Gobind Singh Ji who, during battles at Anandpur, gave water to wounded soldiers on both sides. When questioned, he said he saw only the Guru's light in every face. He founded the Sevapanthi tradition of selfless service.
Life
Bhai Kanhaiya Ji was born in the seventeenth century at Sodhara, near Wazirabad in western Punjab (now Pakistan), into a well-off family. He was drawn to the spiritual life and became a Sikh in the time of Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji, devoting himself to seva — carrying water, cleaning and caring for others. He was known for his gentle nature and his readiness to do any task.
During the fighting at Anandpur in the time of Guru Gobind Singh Ji, Bhai Kanhaiya Ji went onto the field with a water bag, giving water to wounded and thirsty soldiers. He served everyone who needed it, Sikh or not. Some Sikhs complained to the Guru that he was helping the enemy. He did not ask which side a man had fought on.
According to Sikh tradition, when the Guru asked him about this, Bhai Kanhaiya Ji replied that he saw no friend or foe — only the Guru's light in every face. The Guru was pleased, and tradition tells that he gave Bhai Kanhaiya Ji ointment as well, asking him to tend wounds too. Bhai Kanhaiya Ji went on to found the Sevapanthi (or Addanshahi) tradition, devoted to humble service and learning. He is often remembered today as an early example of the humanitarian spirit later seen in organisations that care for all wounded in war.
Why Sikhs remember Bhai Kanhaiya Ji
- He is the best-known Sikh example of seva without distinction between friend and foe.
- His answer expresses the Gurbani teaching that one light lives in all.
- The Sevapanthi tradition he founded continued his path of service and learning.
Key events
- 1600s
Early life at Sodhara Historical record
Grows up near Wazirabad and turns to a life of seva.
- c. 1700s
Water on the battlefield Traditional account
Gives water to the wounded of both sides at Anandpur.
- c. 1700s
The Guru's approval Traditional account
Tradition tells the Guru praised him and gave him ointment for wounds.
- 1700s
Sevapanthi tradition Historical record
Founds a tradition of humble service.
For children
Bhai Kanhaiya Ji carried a water bag during a battle. He gave water to every hurt and thirsty soldier — even soldiers from the other side! Some people were upset. A story from Sikh tradition says the Guru asked him why. Bhai Kanhaiya Ji said, "I see the Guru's light in everyone." The Guru was happy and gave him medicine too. He teaches us to be kind to everyone.
Lessons for today
Kindness without sides
Bhai Kanhaiya Ji helped all who suffered. You can care for people even when you disagree with them.
See the one light
He saw the Divine in every face. That way of seeing changes how you treat everyone around you.
Further reading & sources
- Harbans Singh (ed.), The Encyclopaedia of Sikhism, Punjabi University, Patiala
- Khushwant Singh, A History of the Sikhs, Oxford University Press
- Sri Gur Pratap Suraj Granth (traditional account)