Baba Bhag Singh was a Pooran Brahmgiani and ascetic Faqir who were always busy in reciting the name of Waheguru Ji. It has been just impossible to describe in words his ability to remain calm and peaceful. Baba Bhag Singh Ji was born in the ambrosial hours (Amrit-Vela) in the house of Harjas Singh of village Kadrabaad on 9 Maagh 1822. Because of so high spiritual level, whosoever would take a glance of Baba Bhag Singh Ji’s face would understand that he was not an ordinary child. Baba Ji’s name was taken from Baani at Gurudwaara Sahib Ji as follows:
ਭਾਗਠੜੇ ਹਰਿ ਸੰਤ ਤੁਮ੍ਹ੍ਹਾਰੇ ਜਿਨ੍ਹ੍ਹ ਘਰਿ ਧਨੁ ਹਰਿ ਨਾਮਾ ||
Fortunate are your saints; the wealth of the Lord’s name is filled in their homes.
ਪਰਵਾਣੁ ਗਣੀ ਸੇਈ ਇਹ ਆਏ ਸਫਲ ਤਿਨਾ ਕੇ ਕਾਮਾ ||
Their birth is approved, and their actions are fruitful.
Thus Baba Ji was named Bhag Singh. The father of Bhai Bhag Singh Ji had served Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib Ji. Since Guru Ji was pleased over Bhai Bhag Singh Ji, therefore Guru Ji spoke Bachan from his Mukhaarbind that one day Sardar Harjas Singh will have a son who will enlighten the name of whole Sikh community. Guru Ji explained how this child will get renowned in the whole world and how he will do Par-Upkaar for the Sikh Faith. Baba Bhag Singh Ji was raised in a very simple manner. The teachings of Gurmat and Sikh philosophy were given by his parents. He learned Farsi and Urdu from a local qaazi. From a very young age Baba Ji was attached with Waheguru and had manifested a lot of information and knowledge. All locals use to speak about Baba Ji’s greatness.
In village Kabrabad, there was a Dera of holy men who use to think good about God and God’s people. The leader of this Dera was respected by all the locals because he was a holy man. He used to engage himself in religious discourse. However, this man used to get angry often. And when locals would talk about Baba Bhag Singh Ji’s greatness, he used to get even angrier. Whenever he would see Baba Ji, he would start saying wrong words to Baba Bhag Singh Ji. Then one day, this Sadhu decided to indulge Baba Ji an argument because he thought by doing so he can make the locals join his side instead of Baba Ji. But whenever this Sadhu would try to make Baba Ji say something wrong, Baba Ji would ignore him laughingly. It was like adding fuel to the fire.
A devotee of Baba Ji once asked Baba Ji that whether Baba Ji would allow his devotee to finish this whole matter forever. Baba Ji laughingly said that the Sadhu is already very much upset because of his existing anger and not to make him angrier. Instead, they should feel pity for him. It’s a duty to think well being of that Sadhu and not to trouble him anymore. If this man makes mistakes by saying wrong words about me and I also reply him in the same tone, then what’s the difference between him and me!
Baba Bhag Singh Ji along with his Sikhs arrived at the Dera of this Sadhu when he was engaged in the discourse. As the discourse was finished, Baba Ji stood up and said in soft words that, “Swami Ji, Let’s please come to a resolution, you give me all the bad words and ill-deeds of yours and I will give you all of my love and peacefulness because I have a lot of sympathy in my heart for you. If you accept this resolution the all your sins will be forgiven and you be recognized as a true and pure holy man.” Baba Ji’s words had made a deep impact on Sadhu’s mind and soul. As he embraced with Baba Ji in a hug, his eyes were filled with tears. He said, “Baba Ji I am very empty from inside. Whichever good deeds I have done, you take them all and teach me the teachings of Guru Nanak Dev Ji so that I can also lead a life full of peace and love. Please teach me also how to forgive and make peace with people.”
The Sadhu then made a promise to himself that he will never speak wrong words about anyone regardless of who that person is and shall never hurt anyone. He decided to live a peaceful life filled with love and peace for others. After this incident Baba Bhag Singh Ji’s name was taken with more respect in the whole Sikh community and he was renowned in whole Punjab for his greatness.
A pilgrimage to go to Hazoor Sahib was decided by Baba Ji. The pilgrimage started from Lahore Dera Sahib. Then going through the Gurudwaaras of Punjab and Delhi, Baba Ji reached a jungle in which he decided to take some rest. The Sikh gathering travelling with Baba Ji requested in front of him to not stay in the jungle and also insisted that accommodation arrangements can be made in the nearby towns. The Sikh gathering was scared of staying in that jungle because there were wild animals which could have harmed Baba Ji. But Baba Ji was sure of his decision of staying in the jungle and said that there was no animal in the jungle which can harm them. That night a lion came to have a blessed vision of Baba Ji and left without making any damage. The inhabitants next morning say the imprints of lion feet and were amazed to see that the lion didn’t cause any harm or damage to Baba Ji. Now everyone was familiar with the fact that Baba Ji was a divine being and not a normal human. Again, news was spread about Baba Ji’s greatness.