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.
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.
Watch Harinder Singh's tribute to Bhai Sahib Bhai Vir Singh Ji on his 148th Birth Anniversary in collaboration with Bhai Vir Singh Sahitya Sadan
Kant Maheli unveils the love-feelings of a maheli. Multiple words expressing the degrees of intensity, amplification and subtle elevations of love flow throughout this piece.
The Fragrance of Bhai Vir Singh is a audio series exploring the legacy of the seminal poet presented by Sikh Research Institute.
"It is through compilations of personal letters in Piare Jio, (O’ Beloved) that we get a glimpse of the man, the father-figure he was.
"It is through compilations of personal letters in Piare Jio, (O’ Beloved) that we get a glimpse of the man, the father-figure he was.
Kant Maheli unveils the love-feelings of a maheli. Multiple words expressing the degrees of intensity, amplification and subtle elevations of love flow throughout this piece.
Kant Maheli unveils the love-feelings of a maheli. Multiple words expressing the degrees of intensity, amplification and subtle elevations of love flow throughout this piece.
Watch Harinder Singh's tribute to Bhai Sahib Bhai Vir Singh Ji on his 148th Birth Anniversary in collaboration with Bhai Vir Singh Sahitya Sadan
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.
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.
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.
Separation is perhaps the most difficult human emotion that one experiences. Does separation turn into a “longing?” Does “longing” guide us to an awareness? An awareness that love is eternal, so there can never be a separation in love.
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".