Bhai Mani Singh Ji was a lifelong companion of Guru Gobind Singh Ji, a learned Sikh and, by tradition, the scribe of the Damdama Sahib recension of the scripture. He later served as head granthi of the Harmandir Sahib and was martyred in Lahore in the 1730s for refusing to abandon his faith.
Life
Bhai Mani Singh Ji came to the Guru's household at a young age and grew up alongside Guru Gobind Singh Ji at Anandpur. He took Amrit and served the Guru for decades, sharing the hardships of the Anandpur years and becoming known for his learning, humility and devotion. Tradition remembers that he served in the Guru's household with such humility that he became a trusted companion for life.
Sikh tradition names him as the scribe who wrote out the scripture at Talwandi Sabo, now Damdama Sahib, when Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji's bani was added in 1706. Tradition also associates him with collecting the writings attributed to Guru Gobind Singh Ji, and with explanations of Gurbani and accounts of the Gurus; scholars discuss how far some later works linked to his name are his own. Historians note that Mata Sundari Ji sent him to Amritsar, around 1721, to take charge of the Harmandir Sahib, where he helped restore harmony between rival groups of Sikhs. He served there as granthi and teacher for many years.
In the 1730s he sought permission from the Lahore government to hold a Diwali gathering of Sikhs at Amritsar, on payment of a fee. Sources relate that the gathering was disrupted and he could not pay; he was arrested, refused to give up his faith, and was put to death in Lahore. Dates of 1734 and 1737 are both given. He is remembered in the daily Ardas.
Why Sikhs remember Bhai Mani Singh Ji
- By tradition, he wrote out the Damdama Sahib Bir, the form of the scripture later installed as Guru.
- He preserved Sikh learning and cared for the Harmandir Sahib in a time of persecution.
- His martyrdom made him a symbol of steadfast faith and scholarship joined together.
Key events
- c. 1670s
Joins the Guru's household Historical record
Grows up alongside Guru Gobind Singh Ji at Anandpur.
- 1706
Scribe at Damdama Sahib Traditional account
Tradition names him as scribe when Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji's bani is added to the scripture.
- c. 1721
Granthi of the Harmandir Sahib Historical record
Mata Sundari Ji sends him to take charge at Amritsar.
- 1730s
Martyrdom in Lahore Historical record
Arrested after a Diwali gathering and martyred; 1734 and 1737 are both given.
For children
Bhai Mani Singh Ji grew up with Guru Gobind Singh Ji and loved Gurbani. Sikh tradition says he carefully wrote out the whole Guru Granth Sahib by hand. Later he looked after the Golden Temple and taught people about the Gurus. When rulers tried to make him give up his faith, he refused, and gave his life. He shows us how to love learning and stay true.
Lessons for today
Learning is seva
Bhai Mani Singh Ji served by copying, explaining and teaching Gurbani. Studying and sharing knowledge is a gift to your community.
Keep your word
He stood by his commitments even when it cost him everything. Integrity matters most when it is hard.
Places connected with this life
- Takht Sri Damdama Sahib, Talwandi Sabo
Where the scripture was prepared in 1706. - Gurdwara Shaheed Ganj Bhai Mani Singh, Lahore
Marks the place of his martyrdom.
Further reading & sources
- Harbans Singh (ed.), The Encyclopaedia of Sikhism, Punjabi University, Patiala
- Khushwant Singh, A History of the Sikhs, Oxford University Press
- Gurinder Singh Mann, The Making of Sikh Scripture, Oxford University Press