The Martyrdom of Bhai Mani Singh Ji

Bhai Mani Singh, after a blow to the wrist, points out the correct order of his dismemberment to the henchman (after refusing to convert to Islam, he was sentenced to death by Mughal governor Zakarya Khan).

ੴ ਸਤਿਗੁਰ ਪ੍ਰਸਾਦਿ ॥
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ਹਾੜ ੨੫ (July 9): The Martyrdom of Bhai Mani Singh Ji.
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The following is an excerpt from "Sri Gur Panth Prakash" on this historical event:

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ਦੋਹਰਾ:
ਅਬਹਿ ਹਕੀਕਤ ਮੈਂ ਕਹੋਂ ਸੁਨੌਂ ਸੰਤ ਲਾਇ ਪ੍ਰੀਤ ।
ਮਨੀ ਸਿੰਘ ਜਿ ਰਖ ਸਿੱਖੀ ਮਹਾਂ ਸ਼ਹੀਦੀ ਲੀਤ ।੧।
"Now I narrate the true account (of Mani Singh’s martyrdom),
And beseech my readers to listen with devotion.
The way Bhai Mani Singh preserved his Sikh faith,
And achieved martyrdom with his supreme sacrifice."

ਚੌਪਈ:
ਮਨੀ ਸਿੰਘ ਥੋ ਸੰਤ ਸੁਜਾਨ । ਜਤੀ ਸਤੀ ਔ ਧਯਾਨੀ ਮਾਨ ।
ਹਠੀ ਤਪੀ ਔ ਮਤ ਕੋ ਪੂਰੋ । ਸਹਨ ਸ਼ੀਲ ਔ ਦਿਲ ਕੋ ਸੂਰੋ ।੨।
"Mani Singh was a saintly enlightened person,
As well as a celibate, and a renowned meditative soul,
He was perfect in resolution, meditation and self-realization,
As well as perfect in human endurance and courage."

ਕਰਮੀ ਧਰਮੀ ਭਗਤਿ ਗਿਆਨੀ । ਸਤਿਗੁਰ ਬਚਨਨ ਪਰ ਮਤਿ ਠਾਨੀ ।
ਹੁਤ ਸਤਿਗੁਰ ਸੋ ਰਹਿਤ ਹਜ਼ੂਰ । ਤਿਸ ਕਰ ਭਯੋ ਸੁ ਗੁਰਮਤ ਪੂਰ।੩।
"He was industrious, religious, devoted and scholarly,
Who had reposed complete faith in Satguru’s teachings.
Since he had lived in the sacred company of the Guru,
He became thoroughly groomed in the Sikh way of life."

ਉਨ ਸਤਿਗੁਰ ਕਛੁ ਜੂਠੋ ਖਯੋ । ਤਾਂਤੇ ਹਠੀਆ ਅੜੀਆ ਭਯੋ ।
ਸਿੱਖਨ ਕੋ ਸੋ ਸਿੱਖੀ ਦ੍ਰਿੜਾਵੈ । ਸਿਖੀਓਂ ਚੁਕੈ ਤਿਸ ਤਨਖਾਹ ਲਾਵੈ ।੪।
"Since he had broken bread with the great Guru,
He became a man of resolution and firm convictions.
He would drive home the spirit of Sikhism to the Sikhs,
As well as award punishment to those erring in Sikh conduct."

ਬੀਜ ਬੀਜੇ ਵਹਿ ਗੁਰਮਤ ਲਾਵੈ । ਚਾਰ ਬਰਨ ਕੋ ਸਿਖੀ ਦਿੜਾਵੈ ।
ਕਰ ਸਾਖੀ ਬਹੁ ਸਿਖਨ ਸੁਨਾਵੈ । ਕਛੁ ਗੁਰ ਕਹੀ ਕਛੁ ਮਨ ਤੇ ਲਾਵੈ ।੫।
"He would indoctrinate young minds in Sikh way of life,
As well as preach Sikhism among all the four castes.
He would narrate many episodes from Guru’s lives to the Sikhs,
Partly by quoting from the Gurus, partly through self-composed anecdotes."

ਦੋਹਰਾ:
ਮਾਤਾ ਭੇਜਯੋ ਤਿਸੈ ਕੋ ਦਿਲੀ ਤੇ ਸਮਝਾਇ ।
ਅੰਮ੍ਰਿਤਸਰ ਚੜ੍ਹਤੀ ਚੜੈ ਸਿੱਖਨ ਜਾਹਿ ਖੁਵਾਇ ।੬।
"Mata (Sundari) dispatched Mani Singh from Delhi,
After briefing him thoroughly with detailed instructions.
She asked him to take control of the offerings at Amritsar,
And utilize these for running a community kitchen for the Sikhs."

ਚੌਪਈ:
ਤਿਸਨੇ ਆਇ ਬੰਦੋਬਸਤ ਕੀਆ । ਮਾਤਾ ਚੜਾਵਾ ਖਾਲਸੇ ਬਖਸ਼ੀਆ ।
ਆਗੇ ਚੜ੍ਹਾਵੋ ਪਟਨੇ ਜਾਵੈ । ਮਾਤਾ ਕਹਣੇ ਤੇ ਈਹਾਂ ਆਵੈ ।੭।
"Arriving at Amritsar, he took over the (shrine) administration,
With the blessings of Mata Sundari for the Khalsa Panth.
Earlier, the offerings from Amritsar were sent to Patna Sahib ,
Now with Mata Sundari’s instructions, Patna offerings would reach here."

ਸਤਿਗੁਰ ਖੁਸ਼ੀ ਥੀ ਖਾਲਸੇ ਭਈ । ਸੋਊ ਮਾਤਾ ਸੁਨ ਸਿੰਘਨ ਦਈ ।
ਸਤਿਗੁਰ ਕਹਯੋ ਥੋ ਹਮ ਸਿੰਘ ਪਯਾਰੇ । ਪੁਤ੍ਰ ਪੋਤਰੇ ਏਈ ਹਮਾਰੇ ।੮।
"Since Satguru Guru Gobind Singh had blessed the Khlasa Panth,
Mata Sundari had fulfilled Guru’s blessing to the Panth.
Satguru had declared Khalsa Panth being dearest to him,
The Singhs being the dearest sons and grandsons of the Guru."

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ਸ੍ਰੀ ਮੁਖਵਾਕ

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ਸਵੈਯਾ
ਦਾਨ ਦੀਯੋ ਇਨ ਹੀ ਕੋ ਭਲੋ ਅਰ ਔਰ ਕੋ ਦਾਨ ਨ ਲਾਗਤ ਨੀਕੋ ।
"Charity be best given to the Singhs,
None else is more deserving than the Khalsa Panth."

ਚੌਪਈ:
ਪੁਜਾਰਨ ਸਿਰ ਬਡੋ ਪੁਜਾਰੀ । ਹੁਤ ਸਤਿਗੁਰ ਘਰ ਬਡ ਇਤਬਾਰੀ ।
ਅਕਾਲ ਬੁੰਗੇ ਕੇ ਤਖਤ ਸੁ ਬੈਠੇ । ਖਤਾਦਾਰ ਕੇ ਕੰਨ ਸੁ ਐਠੇ ।੯।
"(Bhai Mani Singh) being the chief among the Sikh clergy,
Satguru had reposed maximum confidence in him.
He would sit at the supreme position at Akal Takht,
And reprimand those who erred in their Sikh conduct."

ਦੋਹਰਾ:
ਮਨੀ ਸਿੰਘ ਕਿਛ ਦਿਲ ਅਈ ਬੀੜ ਗ੍ਰੰਥ ਦਈ ਹਲਾਇ ।
ਤਬ ਸਿਖ ਸੰਗਤ ਬਚ ਕਹਯੋ ਹੋਗੁ ਬੰਦ ਬੰਦ ਤੁਝੈ ਤੁੜਾਇ ।੧੦।
"Once acting upon a random instinct in his own mind,
He made certain alterations in Guru Granth Sahib’s compilation.
At this, the Sikh congregation had heaped a curse upon him,
That his own body would be dismembered limb by limb."

ਚੌਪਈ:
ਜਿਮ ਗੁਰ ਗ੍ਰੰਥ ਬੰਦ ਬੰਦ ਹਿਲਾਯਾ । ਤਿਮ ਤੁਮ ਬੰਦ ਬੰਦ ਹੋਗ ਕਟਾਯਾ ।
ਸਿਖ ਸੰਗਤ ਇਮ ਦੀਨੋ ਸ੍ਰਾਪ । ਮਨੀ ਸਿੰਘ ਸੋ ਲਾਗਯੋ ਪਾਪ ।੧੧।
"As Bhai Mani Singh had altered guru Granth Sahib’s compilation,
His own body would be dismembered limb by limb.
As the Sikh congregation had hurled a curse on him,
Mani Singh had invited this sin upon himself."

ਤਬ ਹੀ ਮਨੀ ਸਿੰਘ ਯੌ ਸੁਨ ਲਈ । ਸੁਨਤ ਬਚਨ ਤਿਸ ਚਿੰਤਾ ਪਈ ।
ਸੰਗਤ ਬਚਨ ਸੁ ਖਾਲੀ ਨਾਂਹੀ । ਸੱਤਿ ਬਚਨ ਇਹ ਹਮ ਸਿਰ ਆਹੀ ।੧੨।
"As Mani Singh heard the heaping of this curse,
He felt concerned at the consequences of such a curse.
Since the congregation’s collective prayer never goes unrewarded,
Such a curse would really be heaped upon his head."

ਜੋੜ ਹਾਥ ਸੋ ਤੁਰਤ ਖਲੋਯੋ । ਕਰਹੁ ਅਨੁਗ੍ਰਹੁ ਜੁ ਹਮ ਸੇ ਹੋਯੋ ।
ਗੁਰ ਸੰਗਤਿ ਸੰਗਤ ਗੁਰ ਆਹੀ । ਗੁਰ ਸੰਗਤ ਮੇਂ ਭੇਦ ਕਛੁ ਨਾਂਹੀ ।੧੩।
"Standing before the congregation with folded hands,
He begged for mercy for his breach of conduct.
Since the Guru and Guru’s devout congregation were synonymous,
There was no difference between the Guru and congregation."

ਸੰਗਤ ਬਚਨ ਹਮਹਿ ਸਿਰ ਧਰਯੋ । ਸੋ ਮੈਂ ਚਹਯੇ ਅਬ ਬਰ ਕਰਯੋ ।
ਮੋਰੀ ਸਿੱਖੀ ਸਾਬਤ ਰਹੈ । ਬੰਦ ਬੰਦ ਕਾਟਤ ਨਹਿਂ ਦੁਖ ਅਹੈ ।੧੪।
"Since he had accepted the congregation’s verdict cheerfully,
The congregation should bless him to fulfill their word.
He should remain steadfast in his Sikh faith,
And be able to endure the mortification of his body’s dismemberment."

ਸਿੱਖੀ ਮੈਂ ਕਿਛੁ ਭੰਗ ਨ ਪਵੈ । ਦੇਹ ਸੀਸ ਤੁਰਕਨ ਸਿਰ ਭਵੈ ।
ਦੇਹ ਕਟਨ ਮੈਂ ਸੰਸ ਨ ਮਾਨੋਂ । ਸਿਖੀ ਰਹੈ ਮੈਂ ਬਡ ਸੁਖ ਜਾਨੋ ।੧੫।
"He must not betray his faith in the least,
And be able to sacrifice his life against the Mughals.
He must not be scared of his body’s dismemberment,
And be able to seek fulfilment in preserving his faith."

ਦੋਹਰਾ:
ਦੇਹੀ ਕਿਸ ਕੀ ਬਾਪਰੀ ਸਿਖੀ ਜਿ ਸਾਬਤ ਹੋਇ ।
ਦੇਹ ਤੋ ਆਵਣ ਜਾਣ ਹੈ ਸਿਖੀ ਲਭੈ ਕਬ ਕੋਇ ।੧੬।
"Preservation of human body matters a little,
Provided a Sikh is able to preserve his faith.
While human body is subject to cycle of birth and death,
Preservation of faith for a Sikh is a rare phenomenon."

ਚੌਪਈ:
ਤਬ ਸਿੱਖਨ ਸੋਊ ਮੰਨ ਲਈ । ਸਿਖਨ ਸਿਖ ਪੰਜਨ ਆਗਯਾ ਕਈ ।
ਸਿੱਖੀ ਸਾਬਤ ਸਿੱਖ ਕੀ ਰਹੈ । ਕਰ ਅਰਦਾਸ ਸਿਖਨ ਦੀਓ ਕਹੈ ।੧੭।
"Upon this, the congregation, accepting Mani Singh’s plea,
Asked the five representative Sikhs to perform a prayer.
These five Sikhs made a prayer to the Guru,
To grant strength to Mani Singh to keep his faith."

ਦੋਹਰਾ:
ਯੌ ਸਿੱਖਨ ਦਈ ਅਰਦਾਸ ਕਰ ਤਉ ਭਏ ਕੰਮ ਸਿਖ ਰਾਸ ।
ਤੌ ਫਿਰ ਮਨ ਮਨੀ ਸਿੰਘ ਕੇ ਵੈਸੋ ਭਯੋ ਹੁਲਾਸ ।੧੮।
"As the Sikhs offered a prayer in the prescribed manner,
Everything seemed to fall in place after that.
This acceptance of Mani Singh’s prayer by the congregation,
Made him take delight in his heart of hearts."

ਕਈ ਬਰਸ ਬੀਤਤ ਭਏ ਸਮੋਂ ਪਹੁੰਚਿਓ ਆਇ ।
ਮੇਲਾ ਦੁਆਲੀ ਕੋ ਲਗਯੋ ਤੁਰਕਨ ਤੇ ਅਖਵਾਇ ।੧੯।
"After many years passed after this incident,
The moment of truth finally arrived at last.
The annual congregation got finalized on the eve of Diwali,
At Amritsar, with due permission from the Mughal authorities."

ਚੌਪਈ:
ਦੁਆਲੀ ਕੋ ਥੋ ਮੇਲਾ ਲਾਯਾ । ਤੁਰਕਨ ਨੇ ਥੋ ਟਕਾ ਚੁਕਾਯਾ ।
ਦਸ ਹਜ਼ਾਰ ਰੁਪੱਯਾ ਠਹਿਰਾਯਾ । ਟਕਿਅਨ ਖਾਤਰ ਤਿਨ ਦਰੋਗਾ ਬਹਾਯਾ ।੨੦।
"Diwali congregation was allowed to be held on Diwali,
After determining the quantum of tax to be paid to the Mughals.
As the amount of this levy was fixed at ten thousand rupees,
The Mughals appointed an official for the collection of this tax."

ਨਬਾਬ ਕਹਯੋ ਤੁਮ ਮਤ ਚਿਤ ਡਰੋ । ਦਸ ਦਿਨ ਮੇਲਾ ਅਬ ਤੁਮ ਭਰੋ ।
ਸਭੀ ਖਾਲਸੇ ਚਿਠੇ ਫਿਰਾਏ । ਆਇ ਅੰਮ੍ਰਿਤਸਰ ਡੇਰੇ ਲਾਇ ।੨੧।
"The Nawab of Lahore, setting all Sikh apprehensions at rest,
Exhorted the Singhs to hold the congregation for ten days.
The Khalsa Panth, sending invitations to the Sikhs for congregation,
Put up their camp at (the sacred shrine) at Amritsar."

ਤਬ ਨਿਬਾਬ ਕੰਨ ਲੱਖੂ ਪਾਈ । ਸਿੰਘ ਜਾਤ ਫਿਰ ਕਰੈਂ ਦੰਗਾਈ ।
ਤਬ ਨਬਾਬ ਨੇ ਫੌਜ ਚੜ੍ਹਾਈ । ਦਿਵਾਨ ਲੱਖੂ ਕੇ ਗੈਲੇ ਲਾਈ ।੨੨।
"At this Lakhu poisoned the Nawab of Lahore’s ears,
That Singhs, being Singhs, could never shun violence.
At this, the Nawab dispatched a battery of Mughal troops,
To assist Dewan Lakhpat Rai (to maintain law and order.)"

ਤਬ ਲੱਖੂ ਕੋ ਖਾਂ ਨੇ ਕਹਯੋ । ਰਾਮ ਤੀਰਥ ਜਾਇ ਡੇਰਾ ਲਹਯੋ ।
ਬਿਨ ਉਨ ਛੇੜਨ ਸਿੰਘ ਨ ਛਿੜਯੋ । ਫੌਜ ਪੜੀ ਤੇ ਰਹੂਗੁ ਦਬਯੋ ।੨੩।
"The Nawab of Lahore gave instructions to Dewan Lakhpat Rai,
That he should station his forces near Ram Tirath shrine.
Prohibiting him from provoking Singhs without any provocation,
He visualized that Singhs would remain peaceful with army’s presence."

ਕਰੂਗੁ ਨ ਕੋਊ ਤੱਦੀ ਵਾਇ । ਇਮ ਕਰ ਦਯੋ ਲੱਖੂ ਸਮਝਾਇ ।
ਹੋਣਹਾਰ ਸਗਵਾਂ ਬਨੀ ਆਇ । ਕੌਣ ਸਕੇ ਪੰਥ ਬਚਨ ਟਲਾਇ ।੨੪।
"The Nawab gave strict instructions to Dewan Lakhpat Rai,
That he should not commit any excesses on the Singhs.
But whatever was destined was bound to take place,
How could Khalsa Panth’s prophetic words remain unfulfilled."

ਦੋਹਰਾ:
ਦੁਵੱਲੋ ਫੌਜੈਂ ਜਬ ਜੁੜੈਂ ਸੁੱਖ ਕਹਾਂ ਤਬ ਹੋਇ ।
ਸਮੋਂ ਮਨੀ ਸਿੰਘ ਆ ਪੁਜੋ ਖਾਨ ਅਕਲ ਦਈ ਖੋਇ ।੨੫।
"Whenever the two armies stood eyeball to eyeball,
How could peace prevail in such a situation?
As the moment of truth for Mani Singh had arrived,
The Nawab had reached his wits’ ends (by sending the army)."

ਚੌਪਈ:
ਨਿਬਾਬ ਅਕਲ ਯੌਂ ਗਈ ਬਿਕਾਈ । ਬਰੂਦ ਅਗਨ ਸੋਂ ਚਹੈ ਮਿਲਾਈ ।
ਸ਼ਾਹਿ ਦੋਇ ਔ ਮਸਤ ਸਿੰਘ ਦੋਇ । ਹੋਏ ਇਕੱਤ੍ਰ ਕਬ ਸੁਖ ਹੋਇ ।੨੬।
"Since the Nawab had lost his mental balance,
He had created a situation by placing fire near the explosives,
When two sovereigns and two wild lions got together,
How could peace and harmony prevail there?"

ਸਿੰਘਨ ਫੌਜ ਸੁਨੀ ਜਬ ਆਈ । ਤੌ ਸਿੰਘਨ ਦਿਲ ਔਰ ਬਿਹਾਈ ।
ਹਮਕੋ ਮਾਰਨ ਫੌਜ ਸੁ ਆਈ । ਸਲੂਕ ਇਨ੍ਹੈਂ ਕੋ ਹਮ ਕਬ ਭਾਈ ।੨੭।
"When the Sikh pilgrims heard about the arrival of Mughal troops,
They became apprehensive about the Mughals’ designs,
The Sikhs thought that the Mughals had come to kill them,
Since there was no love lost between the Mughals and the Singhs."

ਆਪ ਆਪਣੇ ਜਾਤ ਸੁ ਭਏ । ਕਿਛ ਨਾਤੇ ਕਿਛ ਬਿਨ ਹੀ ਨ੍ਹਏ ।
ਨਹਿਂ ਦਰੋਗੈ ਕੋ ਟਕੇ ਸੁ ਆਏ । ਹੋਵਨਹਾਰ ਸੁ ਹੋਨੀ ਭਾਏ ।੨੮।
"So the Sikh pilgrims started departing from Amritsar voluntarily,
Some after having a quick dip, others without a dip in the sacred pool.
As a result, the tax amount could not be paid to the Mughal official,
Since whatever was destined was bound to take place."

ਸੰਗਤ ਕਹਯੋ ਦਿਨ ਆਯੋ ਸੋਈ । ਮਨੀ ਸਿੰਘ ਸਿਰ ਹੋਨੀ ਜੋਈ ।
ਸਮਝ ਮਨੀ ਸਿੰਘ ਮਨ ਮੈਂ ਬਹਯੋ । ਕਈ ਸਿੰਘ ਉਨ ਸਾਥ ਨਿਰਬਹਯੋ ।੨੯।
"The congregation felt that the destined day had arrived,
When Mani Singh would have to make the promised sacrifice.
Mani Singh realized his destined end in his heart of hearts,
Even as many other Singhs prepared to sacrifice along with him."

ਦੋਹਰਾ:
ਪੈਸੋ ਪੂਰੋ ਨਹਿਂ ਭਯੋ ਤੁਰਕਨ ਆਮਦ ਜਾਨ ।
ਦੰਗੋ ਫੰਗੋ ਭੀ ਭਯੋ ਪਹੁੰਚਯੋ ਸਮੇਂ ਸੁ ਆਨ ।੩੦।
"The agreed tax money could not be realized for payment,
As offerings declined due to the arrival of Mughal troops.
A little bit of skirmish also took place between two forces,
As the destined moment of truth had arrived near."

ਸਿੰਘ ਸੁ ਦੰਗਯੋਂ ਕਬ ਟਲੈਂ ਜਿਨ ਕੀ ਆਦਤ ਦੰਗ ।
ਹੋਵੈਂ ਪ੍ਰਸੰਨ ਏਹ ਕਰਤ ਹੀ ਆਦਿਹ ਦੰਗ ਔ ਜੰਗ ।੩੧।
"How could the Khalsa Singhs avoid picking up a fight,
When they had developed a compulsive addiction for violence?
It gave them immense pleasure to indulge in violence,
Since they had became addict to fighting since their origin."

ਚੌਪਈ:
ਯੌ ਅੰਮ੍ਰਿਤਸਰ ਲੱਖੂ ਆਯੋ । ਊਹਾਂ ਸਿੰਘ ਜੋ ਕੋਊ ਉਨ ਪਾਯੋ ।
ਦੰਗੈ ਫੰਗੈ ਸੋਂ ਸੋ ਫੜ ਲਯੋ । ਫੜ ਆਗੈ ਨਿਬਾਬ ਪਾਸ ਪਹੁੰਚਯੋ ।੩੨।
"So Lakhpat Rai, arriving with troops at Amritsar,
Confronted a few odd Singhs present there.
Capturing these Singhs after a minor skirmish,
He presented their captive Singhs before the Nawab."

ਹੁਤੇ ਸਿੰਘਨ ਮੈਂ ਜੋ ਨਾਮਦਾਰ । ਸੋ ਫੜ ਲੀਏ ਮਨੀ ਸਿੰਘ ਨਾਰ ।
ਐਸੋ ਫੇਰ ਸਮੈਂ ਕੋ ਆਯੋ । ਔਰ ਤਕਤ ਤਹਿਂ ਔਰੋ ਭਯੋ ।੩੩।
"Those who were prominent among the Khalsa Panth,
He captured all of them along with Mani Singh,
The whole situation took such a turn for the worst,
That the opposite happened to what was intended."

ਸੋਊ ਨਿਬਾਬ ਕੈ ਅਗੈ ਖੜਾਏ । ਨਬਾਬ ਕਾਜੀਆਂ ਦੀਓ ਭਖਾਏ।
ਨਬਾਬ ਕਹਯੋ ਹਮ ਪੈਸੇ ਦੇਹੁ । ਔਰ ਸਿੰਘਨ ਕਹਯੋ ਜ਼ਾਮਨ ਲੇਹੁ ।੩੪।
"As these Singhs were made to stand before the Nawab,
The members of the Muslim clergy instigated the Nawab.
When the Nawab demanded the payment of tax,
The Singhs promised to sign a surety bond for making payment later."

ਸ਼ਾਹੂਕਾਰ ਭੀ ਮੰਨਣ ਥੇ ਆਏ । ਮਨੀ ਸਿੰਘ ਸੋ ਦਏ ਹਟਾਏ ।
ਹਮ ਪੈ ਟਕੇ ਅਬੈ ਸੋ ਨਾਂਹੀ । ਟਕੇ ਨ ਦੇਣੇ ਹਮਨੇ ਕਦਾਂਹੀ ।੩੫।
"As many financiers came forward to stand surety for the Singhs,
Mani Singh prohibited all of them for standing any surety.
The Singhs would neither pay any tax at present,
Nor would they make any payment in future as well."

ਕਹਯੋ ਵੇਲਾ ਹੈ ਹਮ ਰਾਸੋ ਆਯਾ । ਬਚਨ ਸਿਖਨ ਮੈਂ ਚਹੋਂ ਉਤਰਾਯਾ ।
ਮੈਂ ਬੰਦ ਬੰਦ ਅਬ ਚਹੌਂ ਕਟਾਯਾ । ਇਮ ਕਹਿਕੈ ਉਨ ਇਮੈ ਅਲਾਯਾ ।੩੬।
"Mani Singh felt that the long-awaited moment had arrived,
When he would be able to fulfill the congregation’s prophecy.
He would wish to get his body dismembered bit by bit,
Thus making his intention clear through a declaration."

ਅਬ ਪੈਸੇ ਹਮ ਪੈ ਕਛੁ ਨਾਹੀਂ । ਲੈ ਜਾਨ ਹਮਾਰੀ ਨਗਦੀ ਮਾਹੀਂ ।
ਸ਼ਹਰ ਲੋਕ ਆ ਇਕੱਠੇ ਹੋਏ । ਲੈ ਕੇ ਪੈਸੇ ਆਨ ਖਲੋਏ ।੩੭।
"Since the Khalsa Panth had no money to make a payment,
He would instead offer his own life in place of money.
The people of Lahore came in a body in support of Mani Singh,
And stood with money in cash to pay the tax."

ਦੋਹਰਾ:
ਮਨੀ ਸਿੰਘ ਸੋ ਲਖ ਸਮੋ ਹੁਈ ਬਾਤ ਦਏ ਤੋੜ ।
ਸਿੱਖਨ ਬਚਨ ਸੁ ਕਿਮ ਟਲੈਂ ਕਰੈਂ ਜਤਨ ਜੁ ਕਰੋੜ ।੩੮।
"Realizing the inevitability of the moment of making a sacrifice,
Mani Singh abandoned every possibility of a negotiation.
He believed that Singh congregation’s prophecy could never go in vain,
Even if a million attempts were made to put it off."

ਚੌਪਈ:
ਨਬਾਬ ਮਨੈਂ ਬਹੁ ਕ੍ਰੋਧੋ ਆਯਾ । ਹੋਣ ਸ੍ਰਾਪ ਨੈਂ ਸਮੋਂ ਪੁਜਾਯਾ ।
ਕਾਜ਼ੀ ਮੁੱਲਾਂ ਲਏ ਬੁਲਾਇ । ਪੁਛਯੋ ਉਨ ਕੋ ਪਾਸ ਬਹਾਇ ।੩੯।
"Nawab of Lahore felt extremely outraged (at Mani Singh’s audacity),
Since the moment for the fulfillment of prophetic cause had approached.
Summoning the members of the Muslim clergy and theologians,
He sought their advice (for the execution of Mani Singh)."

ਖਾਨ ਕਹਯੋ ਹੋਹ ਮੁੱਸਲਮਾਨ । ਤਦ ਛੋਡੈਂਗੇ ਤੁਮਰੀ ਜਾਨ ।
ਸਿੰਘਨ ਕਹਯੋ ਹਮ ਸਿਦਕ ਨ ਹਾਰੈਂ । ਕਈ ਜਨਮ ਪਰ ਸਿਦਕ ਸੁ ਗਾਰੈਂ ।੪੦।
"The Nawab asked the Singhs to get himself converted into Islam,
If they wished their life to be spared by the Mughals.
The Singhs remarked that they would never betray their faith,
As they could forego many lives for the sake of their faith."

ਸਿੰਘਨ ਮਾਰਨ ਕੀ ਬਿਧ ਕਹੋ । ਕੁਰਾਨ ਕਿਤਾਬਨ ਲਖਯੋ ਜਿਮ ਸਹੋ ।
ਤਬ ਕਾਜ਼ੀ ਨੇ ਜਿਮ ਹੀ ਕਹਯੋ । ਤਿਵੇਂ ਮੁਫ਼ਤ ਨੇ ਫਤਵਾ ਦਯੋ ।੪੧।
"The Nawab asked the clergy to suggest ways of executing the Singhs,
Exactly as it was prescribed in the Book of Koran.
Then, as interpreted and directed by the theologians,
The Islamic judge pronounced the manner of execution."

ਬੰਦ ਬੰਦ ਜੁਦੋ ਸਿੰਘ ਮਨੀ ਕਰਾਵੋ । ਇਮ ਕਰ ਚਹੀਯਤ ਜਗਤ ਦਿਖਾਵੋ ।
ਹੋਨੀ ਸੀ ਸੋ ਉਨ ਮੁਖ ਬੋਲੀ । ਉਨ ਮੁਖ ਭੀ ਸ੍ਰਾਪ ਕੁੰਜੀ ਖੋਲੀ ।੪੨।
"Mani Singh’s whole body be dismembered limb by limb,
So that it became a deterrent for the whole world.
What was predestined was expressed through the cleric’s words,
Even as the Islamic judge became an instrument to unfold that curse."

ਦੋਹਰਾ:
ਉਨ ਕੀ ਕਿਤਾਬਨ ਤੇ ਤਬੈ ਨਿਕਸਯੋ ਸੋਊ ਵਾਕ ।
ਵਾਕ ਸਿੱਖਨ ਕੋ ਨਹਿਂ ਮਿਟੈ ਮੇਟੈ ਉਡੈ ਤਿਸ ਖਾਕ ।੪੩।
"That is why this manner of Mani Singh’s execution,
Came to be quoted from the books of the Islamic text.
The Sikh congregation’s prophetic words could never remain unfulfilled,
Since whosoever tried to subvert these would perish."

ਚੌਪਈ:
ਤਬ ਨਬਾਬ ਨੌ ਯੌਂ ਫਰਮਾਯੋ । ਬੰਦ ਬੰਦ ਅਬ ਜੁਦਾ ਕਰਾਯੋ ।
ਚੰਡਾਲਨ ਸਿੰਘ ਤੁਰਤ ਫੜਾਯਾ । ਨਿਖਾਸ ਚੌਂਕ ਕੇ ਵਿੱਚ ਬਹਾਯਾ ।੪੪।
"Then the Nawab of Lahore made a declaration,
That Mani Singh’s body be dismembered bit by bit.
The official executioners, getting hold of Mani Singh instantly,
Made him sit in the central place known as Nikhas square."

ਚੰਡਾਲ ਬੰਦ ਤਬ ਚਾਰ ਬਤਾਏ । ਬਾਹਾਂ ਟੰਗਾਂ ਕਰੋਂ ਜੁਦਾਏ ।
ਤਬਹਿ ਮਨੀ ਸਿੰਘ ਉਨ ਸੋਂ ਕਹੀ । ਤੁਮ ਬੰਦ ਬੰਦ ਕੋ ਜਾਨਤ ਨਹੀਂ ।੪੫।
"The butchers, identifying four distinct limbs,
Proceeded to dismember Mani Singh’s two legs and two arms.
At this Mani Singh reprimanded his executioners,
Did they not know the meaning of cutting limb by limb?"

ਮੈਂ ਬੰਦ ਬੰਦ ਨਿਜ ਦਿਓਂ ਬਤਾਈਂ । ਤਿਮੈਂ ਤਿਮੈਂ ਤੂੰ ਛੁਰੀ ਚਲਾਈਂ ।
ਪਹਿਲੇ ਉਂਗਲੀਓਂ ਪੋਟੇ ਕਟਾਏ । ਫਿਰ ਮਧ ਗੰਢੋਂ ਬੰਦ ਛੁਡਾਏ ।੪੬।
"As he would go on demarcating each organ of his body,
They should go on chopping off his organs with their knives.
Directing them to first chop off the nodal parts of his fingers,
Thereafter they should sever his fingers from their joints."


ਫਿਰ ਉਂਗਲੀ ਤਿਈ ਵਾਰ ਕਟਾਈ । ਫਿਰ ਪੌਂਚੇ ਸੁ ਬੀਣੀ ਛੁਡਾਈ ।
ਚੰਡਾਲ ਚਾਹੇ ਫਿਰ ਮੋਢਿਯੋਂ ਲਹਾਈ । ਮਨੀ ਸਿੰਘ ਦਈ ਕੂਹਨੀ ਅੜਾਈ ।੪੭।
"Then, after getting his each finger cut from three places,
He got his hands severed from the point of wrists.
After that, whereas the butcher intended to dismember his shoulders,
Bhai Mani Singh insisted on getting his arms cut from the elbows."

ਕੂਹਣੀ ਕਟਾਇ ਫਿਰ ਮੋਢਯੋਂ ਲਹਾਈ । ਸੱਜੀ ਕਟਾਇ ਫਿਰ ਖੱਬੀ ਫੜਾਈ ।
ਤਿਮ ਹੀ ਪੋਟਯੋਂ ਬੰਦ ਕਟਾਯੋ । ਗਠ ਗਠ ਉਂਗਲ ਗੂਠੋ ਬਢਾਯੋ ।੪੮।
"After the elbows, he got his shoulders chopped off,
Getting the left shoulder-severed after his right shoulder.
He got his second hand's fingers cut in the same manner,
Thus, getting his fingers and thumb severed inch by inch."

ਦੋਹਰਾ:
ਸੱਜੀ ਜਿਮ ਖੱਬੀ ਕਟੀ ਤੌ ਦੀਨੋ ਚਰਨ ਚਲਾਇ ।
ਤਿਮ ਪੋਟੇ ਪੈਰਨ ਕਟੇ ਤਿਨ ਗਲਮੋ ਗੋਡੇ ਕਟਾਇ ।੪੯।
"Just as both right and left arms got severed,
Similarly he got his feet severed inch by inch.
Then, as the nodes of his two feet got severed,
Similarly he got his heel joints and knees dismembered."

ਚੌਪਈ:
ਤਬ ਇਕ ਦੇਖਯੋ ਸੱਯਦ ਤਮਾਸ਼ਾ । ਪਿਖ ਚਰਿਤ੍ਰ ਬਢ ਗਯੋ ਸਾਸਾ ।
ਜੋ ਇਸ ਮੁਖ ਤੇ ਨਿਕਸੇ ਵਾਕ । ਜਾਵਗੁ ਸੱਤ ਵਲਾਇਤ ਤਾਕ ।੫੦।
"The executioners witnessing this such a gory spectacle,
They started gasping for breath with tension.
They felt if this victim (martyr) perchance, let out a curse,
It would cause havoc across several nations."

ਇਕ ਧੰਧਲੀ ਥੋ ਸਿੱਧ ਕਹਾਯੋ । ਤਿਸ ਕੋ ਚੇਲਾ ਕਿਛਕੁ ਅਕਾਯੋ ।
ਏਕ ਪਟਨ ਪੁਰ ਨਿਕਸਯੋ ਬੋਲ । ਅਠਾਰਾਂ ਗਰਕ ਗਏ ਇਕ ਤੋਲ ।੫੧।
"They had heard about a mystic (Siddha) known as Dhandli,
One of whose disciples was harassed by some people.
This harassed disciple had let out a curse at one of the cities,
Which sank a cluster of eighteen towns in an instant."

ਧੂ ਤੇਗਨ ਤਿਨ ਮਿਆਨੋ ਨਿਕਾਰੀ । ਮਾਰ ਮਨੀ ਸਿੰਘ ਗ੍ਰੀਵ ਉਤਾਰੀ ।
ਸਿੰਘ ਜੀ ਮੁਖ ਗੁਰ ਪੜ੍ਹਤੋ ਬਾਨੀ । ਨਹਿ ਕੁਛ ਪੀੜ ਦੇਹ ਉਨ ਜਾਨੀ ।੫੨।
"So, the executioner, taking out his sword from its sheath,
Slashed out Mani Singh’s head from his neck.
Bhai Mani Singh, being engrossed in the recitation of Gurbani,
His (mortal) human body did not register any pain."

ਬਿਦੇਹ ਰੂਪ ਥੋ ਸਿੰਘ ਜੀ ਧਾਰਯੋ । ਮੁਖ ਸੋਂ ਸ਼ਬਦ ਬਿਦੇਹ ਉਚਾਰਯੋ ।
ਪਾਠ ਸੁਖਮਨੀ ਮੁਖੋਂ ਉਚਰੈ । ਨਹ ਕਿਛੁ ਜਨਮੈ ਨਹਿ ਕਿਛੁ ਮਰੈ ।੫੩।
"Since his soul had got alienated from his body,
His soul kept on reciting Gurbani even after (physical) death.
Carrying on with the recitation of Sukhmani hymns,
His soul crossed all boundaries of birth and death."

ਦੋਹਰਾ:
ਮਰਨ ਸਭਨ ਕੇ ਸੀਸ ਪੈ ਸੁਫਲ ਮਰਨ ਹੈ ਤਾਹਿ ।
ਤਨਕ ਬਿਖੈ ਤਨ ਕੋ ਤਜੈ ਪੀਯ ਸੋਂ ਪ੍ਰੀਤ ਬਨਾਹਿ ।੫੪।
"Although every human being is bound to shed his mortal frame,
They alone die a meaningful and successful death,
Who shed their mortal frame voluntarily in an instant,
While keeping their communion with the Divine Lord intact."

ਕਬੀਰ ਜਿਸੁ ਮਰਨੇ ਤੇ ਜਗੁ ਡਰੈ ਮੇਰੇ ਮਨਿ ਆਨੰਦੁ ।
ਮਰਨੇ ਹੀ ਤੇ ਪਾਈਐ ਪੂਰਨੁ ਪਰਮਾਨੰਦ ।
"O Kabir, Death which sends a shudder down the ordinary mortal’s spine,
I (Kabir) bask in the glory of its bliss,
It is through the shedding of this mortal body,
That one gets into perfect communion with the Divine."

ਦੋਹਰਾ:
ਮਨਸੂਰ ਮਨਸੂਰ ਇਮ ਜਗ ਭਯੋ ਕੱਟੇ ਹੱਥ ਇਕ ਸੱਟ ।
ਮਨੀ ਸਿੰਘ ਬਹੁ ਸੱਟ ਸਹੀ ਬੰਦ ਬੰਦ ਸੁਟਾਯੋ ਕੱਪ ।੫੫।
"(The Sufi saint) Mansur had become very famous in the world,
When both of his hands were chopped off in a single stroke.
Bhai Mani Singh had undergone a far more grievous pain,
By getting his body dismembered limb by limb."

ਸੂਲੀ ਰਿਖ ਰਖ ਦੇਹ ਕੋ ਮਧ ਸੂਲੀ ਦੇਹ ਫਿਰਾਇ ।
ਸੋਈ ਦੇਹ ਇਨ ਨਾਂ ਰਖੀ ਇਮ ਮਨੀ ਸਿੰਘ ਅਧਿਕਾਇ ।੫੬।
"A sage known as Suli Rishi preserved his human body,
Despite being executed by the executioner’s knife.
Since Bhai Mani Singh did not preserve his body,
He came to be known as a far greater martyr."

ਚੌਪਈ:
ਸੀਸ ਭਯੋ ਤਬ ਧੜ ਤੇ ਦੂਰ । ਰਹੀ ਸਿਖੀ ਸਿੰਘ ਸਾਬਤ ਸੂਰ ।
ਹੈ ਹੈ ਕਾਰ ਜਗਤ ਮੈਂ ਭਯੋ । ਜੈ ਜੈ ਕਾਰ ਸਿਖਨ ਮਨ ਠਯੋ ।੫੭।
"Although Bhai Mani Singh’s head got severed from his body,
He kept his faith in Sikhism steadfast and intact.
As the people of the world regretted and mourned his death,
The Sikhs felt victorious and proud at his sacrifice."

ਸਾਬਤ ਸਿਖੀ ਸਿਖ ਕੀ ਰਹੀ । ਸ੍ਰਾਪ ਸਿੱਖਨ ਕੋ ਤੌ ਭਯੋ ਸਹੀ ।
ਭਯੋ ਸ਼ਹੀਦਨ ਮੈਂ ਸਰਦਾਰ । ਸਾਹਿਬਜਾਦਨ ਢਿਗ ਡਿਉਢੀਦਾਰ ।੫੮।
"As Bhai Mani Singh was able to keep and uphold his faith,
The Sikh congregation’s prophetic curse proved to be true.
His sacrifice making him a chief among the Sikh martyrs,
Ensured a seat with the Sahibzadas in the Divine court."

ਮਨੀ ਸਿੰਘ ਯੌ ਸਾਕੋ ਕੀਓ । ਸੈਈ ਸਤਾਰਾਂ ਸੈ ਚੁਰਾਨਵਯੋ ।
ਰਤਨ ਸਿੰਘ ਸੁਨ ਸਾਖੀ ਲਿਖੀ । ਪਿਤਾ ਹਮਾਰੇ ਕਹੀ ਸੀ ਪਿਖੀ ।੫੯।
"The supreme sacrifice which Bhai Mani Singh attained,
Took place exactly in the year seventeen hundred and ninety-four .
Rattan Singh (the author) has recorded this episode,
As his father had given an eyewitness account of it."

-

ਉਸ ਵਕਤ ਕੇ ਭੱਟ ਕੋ ਵਾਕ ('ਮਨੀ ਸਿੰਘ ਤੁੱਲ ਭਯੋ ਕੋ, ਰਾਣਾ ਔ ਨ ਰੰਕ ਜੀ')
"(Bhai Mani Singh’s sacrifice) in the words of a contemporary Bard:
No one could excel Mani Singh (in sacrifice),
Either from the rich or from the poor as well."

-

ਕਬਿੱਤ:
ਸਿੱਖਨ ਮੈਂ ਸਿੱਖ ਊਚੋ ਭਗਤਨ ਮੈਂ ਭਗਤ ਮੂਚੋ,
ਸਿੱਖੀ ਕੀ ਨਿਆਈ ਕਹੀਏ ਭਾਈ ਮਨੀ ਸਿੰਘ ਜੀ ।
ਜਗਤ ਮੈਂ ਜੈ ਕਾਰ ਭਯੋ ਧਰਮ ਅਰਥ ਦੇਹ ਦਯੋ,
ਸਿਦਕ ਸੋਂ ਕਟਾਯੋ ਹੀਯੋ ਨ ਮਾਨੀ ਕਛੂ ਸੰਕ ਜੀ ।
ਸਿੱਖ ਸੋ ਪ੍ਰਸੰਨ ਭਏ ਦੁਸ਼ਟ ਸਭ ਭ੍ਰਿਸ਼ਟ ਭਏ,
ਗਿਆਨ ਕੀ ਖੜਗ ਸੌਂ ਸੋ ਮਾਰੇ ਚੌਰੰਗ ਜੀ ।
ਜੋ ਗੁਰ ਸਿਖ ਕਹਾਵੈ ਸੋਊ ਕਰਨੀ ਯਹਿ ਕਮਾਵੈ,
ਮਨੀ ਸਿੰਘ ਜੀ ਕੇ ਤੁੱਲ ਭਯੋ ਕੋ ਰਾਣਾ ਔ ਨ ਰੰਕ ਜੀ ।੧।
"Being the greatest Sikh among the Sikhs,
Being the greatest spiritual devotee among the devout,
Bhai Mani Singh could be declared as unbeatable in faith,
In the annals of Sikh faith throughout,
Having earned a great applause in the world,
Having sacrificed his life for the sake of religion,
He got himself slaughtered for the sake of faith,
Without displaying a trace of the slightest fear.
Sikhs having been delighted with his sacrifice,
The wicked having been contaminated with his act,
He decimated evil all around the world,
With the sword of his spiritual enlightenment.
He who claimed himself to be a Gursikh,
He alone could accomplish such a deed.
No one could excel Mani Singh in sacrifice,
Either from among the rich or the poor as well."

ਦੋਹਰਾ:
ਮਨੀ ਸਿੰਘ ਮਰਨ ਮਾਂਡਿਓ ਸਿੱਖਨ ਸ੍ਰਾਪ ਪਛਾਨ ।
ਚੌਕ ਨਿਕਾਸ ਲਹੌਰ ਮੈਂ ਚਲਯੋ ਬਜਾਇ ਨਿਸ਼ਾਨ ।੨।
"Bhai Mani Singh had determined to sacrifice,
After he realized the implications of Sikh congregations curse.
Shedding his mortal frame at Nikhas square at Lahore,
Bhai Mani Singh’s soul went to heavens with a thunderous applause.

ਦੋਹਰਾ:
ਮਨੀ ਸਿੰਘ ਕੇ ਸਾਥ ਜੋ ਫੜੇ ਸਿੰਘ ਥੇ ਔਰ ।
ਮਾਰੇ ਚਰਖ ਚੜ੍ਹਾਇਕੈ ਚੌਂਕ ਨਿਕਾਸ ਲਹੌਰ ।੩।
"There were other companions with Bhai Mani Singh,
Who had been arrested along with him.
They too were executed by crushing between spiked wheels,
At the same place of Nikhas square at Lahore."


- Sri Gur Panth Prakash Vol.II, Episode 93
  Author: Rattan Singh Bhangoo (English Translation: Kulwant Singh)

ਵਾਹਿਗੁਰੂ ਜੀ ਕਾ ਖਾਲਸਾ, ਵਾਹਿਗੁਰੂ ਜੀ ਕੀ ਫ਼ਤਿਹ!