Bhai Mani Singh

Bhai Mani Singh
Jathedar of the Akal Takht
In office
1721–1737
Preceded byBhai Gurdas
Succeeded byDarbara Singh
Personal details
Born
Mani Ram

(1644-04-07)7 April 1644
Alipur Raj, Multan, Panjab
Died14 June 1738(1738-06-14) (aged 94)
Nakhaas Chowk, Lahore, Panjab
Cause of deathDismemberment
SpouseSeeto Kaur
ChildrenChitar Singh
Bachittar Singh
Udai Singh
Anaik Singh
Ajab Singh
Parents
  • Rao Mai Das (father)
  • Madri Bai (mother)
Known for
  • Transcribing the Guru Granth Sahib
  • Gyan Ratnavali
  • Writing Bhagat Ratnavali
  • Being the 3rd Granthi of Akal Takht
  • Being executed by dismemberment for his refusal to convert to Islam

Bhai Mani Singh (7 April 1644 – 14 June 1738) was an 18th-century Sikh scholar and martyr. He was a childhood companion of Guru Gobind Singh[1] and took the vows of Sikhism when the Guru inaugurated the Khalsa in March 1699. Soon after that, the Guru sent him to Amritsar to take charge of Harmandir Sahib, which had been without a custodian since 1696. He took control and steered the course of Sikh destiny at a critical stage in Sikh history. He was also a teacher of the Gianian Bunga (learning Institute), later becoming known as the "Amritsari Taksal", currently located in Sato Ki Gali.

The nature of his death in which he was dismembered joint by joint has become a part of the daily Sikh Ardas (prayer).

  1. ^ Singh, Patwant (2007). The Sikhs. Random House Digital. ISBN 9780307429339.