December 5 marks the 150th birth anniversary of Bhai Vir Singh (1872-1957), and we commemorate “The Sixth River of Panjab.” In his versatile and prolific creative life, Bhai Vir Singh was a mystic, poet, novelist, essayist, exegete, historian, editor, publisher, and journalist. He drew inspiration from diverse classical and contemporary languages to publish pivotal editions of old Sikh texts. Bhai Vir Singh’s literary innovations were fundamentally connected to Sikhi’s significant concerns. He became a leading figure in the Singh Sabha Movement – the Sikh renaissance in the late 19th – early 20th century. As “The Sixth River,” Bhai Vir Singh’s poetic heart currents run steady across Sikh history to the present to offer us wisdom and beauty.
Join Harinder Singh at Bhai Vir Singh Sahitya Sadan, Delhi, as he explores Bhai Vir Singh's unique framing of Sikh history on 25 September 2024.
To mark the 150th birth anniversary of Bhai Vir Singh, Harinder Singh shares 5 notions with 5 seeker personalities prevalent in today’s world culture.
Surinder Singh explains Bhai Vir Singh's musical genius which gets lost in his vast amount of work.
Nikky-Guninder Kaur Singh beautifully explains how she interprets one of Bhai Vir Singh's works called "what is life?"
Scholar Dr. Nikky-Guninder Kaur Singh, author, poet, and artist, Inni Kaur, and educator, Surinder Singh discuss the poetry, Gurbani, and the inspiration of Bhai Vir Singh.
Who was Bhai Vir Singh, and why is he called the "sixth river of Panjab"? A century ago, Bhai Vir Singh profoundly influenced Panjab—then a unified region in South Asia, now divided between India and Pakistan.
Selections from Muhhamad Iqbal, Allah Yar Khan Jogi, Shah Muhammad, Vir Singh, Puran Singh, and Afzal Ahsan Randhawa will be covered to present Sikhi as represented in poetry from 1469 to present.
Bhai Vir Singh ji
Dr. Nikky Guninder Kaur's presentation explores Bhai Vir Singh’s early and final lyrics from his respective anthologies Trel Tupke and Mere Sainyan Jio.
To the world, he is Bhai Vir Singh, the “Sixth River of Panjab.” To me, he is simply Pitaji. There are no family or blood ties, but there is a bond that transcends time and space.
This presentation surveys details of Bhai Vir Singh’s life. It attempts to present Bhai Sahib’s life story, highlighting various aspects of his Sikh and Panjabi life.
The Fragrance of Bhai Vir Singh is a audio series exploring the legacy of the seminal poet presented by Sikh Research Institute.
When the Guru-oriented being attains all three—Nam, dan, isnan—this is what happens. Realization dawns and the being recognizes the self as the observer.
Love does not emerge through dedicated practice or method. Remembrance is one form of love. Contemplating remembrance develops love. Contemplating virtues, contemplating Nam (Divine-Identification, ਨਾਮ), is also a form of love.
Bhai Vir Singh’s poem “Rana Surat Singh” unveils the mysteries of mystical love via 14,270 lines of verse in thirty-five cantos. The poem artistically presents a passionate vision of a world beyond the divisions of time and space.
Guru Nanak Sahib and the Jogi narrative is from Bhai Sahib Bhai Vir Singh’s book, "Guru Nanak Chamatkar". The dialogue occurs at the hermitage of an ascetic sect residing in South India's Kanji Forest.
Explore the spiritual journey of Inni Kaur as she reflects on the profound significance of Vaisakhi, drawing parallels between the historical events of 1699 and her path of self-discovery.
Through the pen of Bhai Vir Singh, we get a glimpse into a profound relationship. The tug of separation. The mystery of longing. The faith in relationships. The yearning for union.
My earliest memory of having anything to do with Pitaji’s writings is the sweetest. Every Wednesday we would have kirtan at home. Just before Anand Sahib Masterji (because he was a Master of ragas) would sing one of Pitaji’s poems.
SikhRI introduces a monthly series devoted to Bhai Vir Singh's writings.
Bhai Sahib Bhai Vir Singh ji is best described as a savant-poet. As a poet, even his prose takes on a mystical, lyrical quality. The physical effect of reading his works is like a shikara (light, flat-bottom, roofed boat) gently bobbing along an open river. Mentally, he stretches not just your imagination but also your understanding. Emotionally, he shakes you to the core. His words carry the weight of profound experiences. Written with deep conviction, their impact on the reader is inevitable.
This poem is from a lived experience of the one who is drenched with love. Nature and its seasons become a mere reflection of that love.
In Bhai Vir Singh's narrative masterpiece, "Rana Bhabor," a poignant dialogue unfolds between Rana Uday Singh and his devoted Rani, offering profound insights into the complexities of love and devotion.
Harinder Singh explores Bhai Vir Singh's unique framing of Sikh history at Bhai Vir Singh Sahitya Sadan, Delhi.
Join us as we delve into Bhai Vir Singh’s epic poem “Rana Surat Singh.” The poem unveils mystical love’s mysteries via 14,270 lines in thirty-five cantos. Mystical love is helical and circular in its workings.
In the third podcast, we discuss: What is giving-philanthropy? What is true giving? Does dan play a role in one’s journey towards becoming a Gurmukh, Guru-oriented?
In the second podcast, we discuss:What is purification? What is cleansing? Is it necessary in the journey to becoming a Gurmukh, Guru-oriented?
Join us as we delve into Bhai Vir Singh’s epic poem “Rana Surat Singh.” The poem unveils mystical love’s mysteries via 14,270 lines in thirty-five cantos. In the first podcast, we discuss: What is longing? What is satsang (company of inspired beings)?
In this conversation, we are joined by scholar Dr. Nikky-Guninder Kaur Singh, author, poet, and artist, Inni Kaur, and educator, Surinder Singh as they discuss the poetry, Gurbani, and the inspiration of Bhai Vir Singh.
We enter the world of Northern India in the 1920s through the eyes of a young Jain widow — Jamuna, as she struggles with loss, exploitation, and her own life.
Enter the world of Northern India in the 1920s through the eyes of a young Jain widow — Jamuna, as she struggles with loss, exploitation, and her own life.
The Fragrance of Bhai Vir Singh is an audio series exploring the legacy of the seminal poet presented by Sikh Research Institute. Known as the Sixth River of Panjab, Bhai Vir Singh gave style, rhythm, and flow to the modern Panjabi language.
Known as the Sixth River of Panjab, Bhai Vir Singh gave style, rhythm, and flow to the modern Panjabi language. His writings, spiritual in nature, stimulate the soul and open our eyes to the Beloved.
Rana Bhabor is a story of a small hill chieftain who came in contact with Guru Gobind Singh Sahib during the days of his struggle with the Hill Rajas.
Inni Kaur recites translations from the original works of renowned Sikh author and poet Bhai Vir Singh. In this episode, we explore the story of "The Nightingale & The Traveler".