The fact that 'Bhujangi' originally
meant 'Nihang' is lost to many Sikhs today. It
was the Akali Nihangs who Akali Nihang Guru Gobind Singh ordained
as custodians of the Khalsa, and to be its highest religious authority
always prepared to initiate new Khalsa.
Akali Nihang Singh Khalsa
A smart-looking Akali Nihang Singh Khalsa, painted at in the late
1800s
seen here wearing the traditional garb of the Akali Nihang Singh
Khalsa warriors
Bhai Rattan Singh Bhangu's 'Pracheen Panth Prakash'
tells how, after the Khalsa was created, Akali Nihang Guru Gobind
Singh then sent out Bhujangis (i.e. Akali Nihangs) in all directions
bringing about a great increase in the number of their Bhujangi
Nihang Panth (i.e. the Khalsa). This demonstrates
how the Guru utilised Nihangs to spread the Khalsa faith:
'From that day the Khalsa began to spread. Five, fifty, many
Singhs gathered. Whatever task the Guru set the Khalsa, the
Khalsa carried it out first everywhere. [The Khalsa] were sent
south, east, and north. Even to the heart of the west [i.e.
Muslim countries]. Amritsar and Patna, wherever was the Guru's
abode. Making Bhujangis [Nihangs] leaders, he sent them in full
faith. He gave them all authority. [The Guru said] perpetuate
the initiation of the double-edged sword yourselves. Wherever
are five Bhujangis, consider them as a Gurdwara. Where
five Singhs gather, they can initiate new Khalsa. Have five
Bhujangis say a prayer. Whatever you ask for, you will attain.
Whatever is donated at the Sikh temples, let these Singhs [Akali
Nihang Singhs] eat. Whatever is left over, you [other Sikhs]
may have. The initiation of the double-edged sword is powerful.
Take it and slay the Muslim [oppressors]. The initiation of
the double-edged sword has this power. The Muslims will flee
and the [Khalsa] Panth shall remain immortal... First the Khalsa
increased and then they created an upheaval.'
'How the Nihangs lived. First the Guru [after creating the Khalsa
in 1699] sent the Bhujangis towards Majha [Amritsar district]
and giving Amrit they settled near Gur Chak [Amritsar]. Like
this there was a great increase in the Panth of the Bhujangi
Nihangs. In their hands they kept clubs and from their necks
hung the Khanda [double-edged sword]. Some
wandered about while others stayed in Gurdwaras. Some built
Dharmsalas [Gurdwaras] while others built Boongeh
[forts]. Bhujangis only invited other Bhujangis over for a meal.
They never mixed with others. If a Bhujangi was in need, seeing
a Singh's house, he took it off them aggressively. He took that
much provisions, that much ghee [clarified butter], flour and
salt as he needed for a meal. He shouted: “The
Nihangs have come. Oh Sikhnia [Sikh women] joyfully open your
doors!!”. They who were Sikhnia, heeded the Nihang's
words. They brought forth what ever the Nihangs needed. Like
this every day Sikhs [Nihangs] asked and sought out the houses
of the Singhs. The Sikhnia came running out calling
out to the Singhs and gave them what ever they needed.
'
('Panth Prakash', Expurgated by Vir Singh Pa. 45&47)
An Akali Nihang Singh with his Sikhni
An old painting of an Akali Nihang Singh warrior carrying a 'toradar'
(musket)
and 'tegha' (heavy sword). His beasutiful wife can be seen wearing
a traditional Punjabi
dress with her long hair tied in a top-knot and covered with a 'chunni'
(a light head-covering)
