Hazoori Sikhs

Time of origin: 1708

One may ask the question: ‘What if the British Raj did not establish itself in India?’

What would the present day, original Akali Nihang Singh Khalsa Sikhism be like? The answer to this is that it would be very like the Sikhism found in modern day Sach Khand Hazoor Sahib (in Nanded, Maharastra). Here, a Sikhism unaffected by the Tat Khalsa Singh Sabhias, or S.G.P.C. Gurdwara reform movement flourishes. Like the Akali Nihang Dals, the traditions of Sach Khand Hazoor Sahib remain, as far as possible today, in their pristine state. It is the Sikhs of Hazoor Sahib who are known as ‘Hazoori Sikhs’.

Takht Sri Sach Khand Hazoor Sahib
The fourth 'Takht' (seat of authority) within the Sanatan Sikh world and the site that marks
the place where Akali Nihang Guru Gobind Singh Ji ascended to 'Sach Khand' (abode of truth)

According to mythology, during the age of ‘Sat Yuga’ (Age of Truth), Akali Nihang Guru Gobind Singh as Dusht Daman, aided Chandi in defeating the demons and meditated on Immortal God ‘Akal Purakh’. It was here during ‘Kal Yuga’ (Age of Technology) in 1708, that Akali Nihang Guru Gobind Singh departed from the mortal world and installed the Adi Guru Durbar as the eternal Guru of all Sikhs. This was the time that the first community of Akali Nihang Sikhs was established in Nanded. With regards to the origin of Sach Khand Hazoor Sahib, the noted Sikh scholar and historian Piara Singh Padam commented:

Chandi Di Vaar
Folio from Dasam Guru Durbar depicting Chandi slaying demons,
circa 1850-1860. 'Chandi Di Vaar' written by Akali Nihang Guru Gobind Singh ji
speaks of Nihang warriors fighting for 'Dharam' (divine universal law of righteousness)

In Suraj Prakash, it states that it was Bhai Santokh Singh Ji, an Akali Nihang who was made first Jathedar of Hazoor Sahib by Akali Nihang Guru Gobind Singh. He was told to look after the shrine and run ‘Langar’ (a free kitchen) and ‘Degh’ of ‘Sukha’ for all.

Akali Nihang Guru Gobind Singh
Pahari painting entitled 'Guru Gobind Singh riding towards his own funeral pyre', circa mid 19th century

Then Akali Nihang Baba Gajjan Singh joined Bhai Santokh Singh and took up the construction of the premises. Shortly afterwards, Bhai Mela Singh and his band of thirty or so Nihang Singhs joined them. It was around 1710 when the first proper shrine to Akali Nihang Guru Gobind Singh was erected. By this time Udhasis were also to be found there. Many had, like Seva Das, traveled there with Akali Nihang Guru Gobind Singh and his Akali Nihang Singh Khalsa army.