Mata Sahib Kaur Ji was the wife of Guru Gobind Singh Ji and is honoured as the spiritual mother of the Khalsa. Every Sikh who takes Amrit is told that Guru Gobind Singh Ji is their spiritual father and Mata Sahib Kaur Ji their spiritual mother. She later shared in guiding the Panth from Delhi.
Life
Mata Sahib Kaur Ji, originally known as Sahib Devan, came from Rohtas in the north-west of Punjab (now in Pakistan). She joined Guru Gobind Singh Ji's household at Anandpur around 1700. Accounts of how this came about vary; many describe her as dedicating her life to the Guru's service. She had no children of her own. Sikh tradition remembers her for her quiet devotion and her life of service in the Guru's household.
According to Sikh tradition, when Guru Gobind Singh Ji prepared Amrit at Anandpur in 1699, she added patashe (sugar crystals) to the water being stirred with the khanda, blending sweetness with strength. Tradition dates vary on her exact role that day, but the Sikh Rehat Maryada records that at the Amrit ceremony initiates are told that Guru Gobind Singh Ji is their spiritual father and Mata Sahib Kaur Ji their spiritual mother, and Anandpur their home.
She shared the hardships of the years that followed and accompanied the Guru to the south; she was with him at Nanded. Afterwards she lived in Delhi with Mata Sundari Ji, and historians note that hukamnamas were also issued in her name to guide Sikh sangats. She passed away in Delhi in the 1740s. Sikhs remember her with deep respect as the mother of the whole Khalsa family.
Why Sikhs remember Mata Sahib Kaur Ji
- Every Khalsa Sikh is linked to her as spiritual mother, which gives her a unique place in Sikh identity.
- The tradition of the patashe expresses the Khalsa ideal of courage joined with sweetness and humility.
- She helped sustain the Panth in the difficult decades after 1708.
Key events
- c. 1700
Joins the Guru's household Historical record
She comes to Anandpur and joins Guru Gobind Singh Ji's household.
- 1699
Patashe in the Amrit Traditional account
Tradition tells that she added sugar crystals to the first Amrit.
- 1708
At Nanded Historical record
She is with Guru Gobind Singh Ji in the south.
- 1740s
Passing in Delhi Historical record
She passes away in Delhi.
For children
Mata Sahib Kaur Ji was the wife of Guru Gobind Singh Ji. A story from Sikh tradition says that when the Guru made Amrit, she added sweet sugar crystals to the water. This showed that the Khalsa should be brave and also sweet and kind. Sikhs who take Amrit call her their spiritual mother, and Guru Gobind Singh Ji their spiritual father.
Lessons for today
Strength with sweetness
Courage and kindness belong together. You can stand firm and still speak gently.
A family bigger than blood
Mata Sahib Kaur Ji is mother to every Khalsa Sikh. Faith can make strangers into family.
Places connected with this life
- Gurdwara Bala Sahib, Delhi
Where Mata Sahib Kaur Ji and Mata Sundari Ji are remembered.
Further reading & sources
- Sikh Rehat Maryada, SGPC
- Harbans Singh (ed.), The Encyclopaedia of Sikhism, Punjabi University, Patiala
- W. H. McLeod, Sikhs of the Khalsa: A History of the Khalsa Rahit, Oxford University Press