Question: – Who is a ‘Hazoori Singh’? How is a ‘Hazoori Singh’ different to other Singhs?

Answer : – Before the ‘Khande Da Amrit’, ‘Hazoori Singhs’ were called only ‘Hazoori Sikhs’. After the ‘Khande Da Amrit’ was introduced, now the term ‘Hazoori Sikh’ and ‘Hazoori Singh’ are being used as synonymous to each other.

A ‘Hazoori Sikh’ was a Sikh, who used to live with any Guru. There were many ‘Hazoori Sikhs’ during the life-time of ten Sikh Gurus. Such ‘Hazoori Sikhs’ would live there along with their families. Other Sikhs used to visit Guru Ji occasionally. They would come to Guru Ji, have his ‘Darshan’ and then they would return to their respective homes. On the other hand, ‘Hazoori Sikhs’ used to live with Guru Ji. Their families were also there with them, so they did not need to go to their homes. Their requirements (food, money, weapons, cloths, education etc) were fulfilled by the Gurus’ court.

Many Sikh warriors, who fought under the Guru-ship of Sri Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji, were ‘Hazoori Sikhs’. For example, Bhai Sahib Singha Purohit Ji was a ‘Hazoori Sikh’.

Three Gursikhs, who were martyred along with Sri Guru Teg Bahadur Sahib Ji, were ‘Hazoori Sikhs’. Their names were ‘Bhai Sahib Mati Das Ji, Bhai Sahib Sati Das Ji and Bhai Dyala Ji.

Historically, a ‘Hazoori Singh’ was a Singh, who lived with Guru Gobind Singh Ji. There were many Hazoori Singhs in the holy court of Guru Gobind Singh Ji.

Most of the Sikh-warriors, who fought under the command of Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji in the battles of Sri Anandpur Sahib Ji, Nirmohgarh, Chamkaur Sahib Ji were ‘Hazoori Singhs’. History sings the glory of such Hazoori Singhs, like Bhai Sahib Dya Singh Ji, Bhai Sahib Dharam Singh Ji, Bhai Bachitar Singh Ji, Bhai Uday Singh Ji, Bhai Jeevan Singh Ji, Bhai Kirpa Singh Ji, Bhai Chaupa Singh Ji, Bhai Zorawar Singh Ji (adopted Sahibzada) etc.

The term ‘Hazoori Singh’ has also been used for a person, who tasted the Nectar (Amrit) at Takht Sachkhand Sri Hazoor Sahib Ji, in the city of Nanded, Maharashtra State of Bharat (India). Baba Banda Singh Bahadur Ji is also considered a ‘Hazoori Singh’.

Despite the fact that the ‘Khande Da Amrit’ should be considered same wherever it is tasted from, but there is some difference in the ‘Maryada’, which is followed at the holy Takht of Sachkhand Sri Hazoor Sahib Ji. The ‘Amrit’ is prepared in the presence of both of the ‘Granths’, Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji and Sri Dasam Granth Sahib Ji.

As per Hazoori Singhs’ belief, Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji is always present on his ‘Takht’ at Takht Sachkhand Sri Hazoor Sahib Ji: –

Jag Mag Jot Biraaj Rahi, Sri Abichal-nagar Apaar.

So, whenever any person wants to taste the holy ‘Amrit’, he sits right before the ‘Sri Angeethha Sahib Ji’ (also called ‘Manji Sahib’ or ‘Sri Takht Sahib Ji’) and gets the ‘Amrit’ and sees towards the holy weapons etc on ‘Sri Angeethha Sahib’. Because Hazoori Singhs believe that Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji is present there, and a devotee tastes the ‘Amrit’ in the ‘Hazoor’ (holy presence) of Satguru Gobind Singh Ji Maharaj, so such a devotee is called ‘Hazoori Singh’.

40/50 years ago, it was not so easy to taste ‘Amrit’ at Takht Sachkhand Sri Hazoor Sahib Ji. The five beloved ones used to examine the devotee very strictly. If they find him eligible for the ‘Amrit’, only then he would get the chance to taste the ‘Amrit’. Now, few changes have been made there.

The term ‘Hazoori Singh’ is also used for a ‘Singh’, who lives in the city of Nanded. Sikhs living in the city can be divided into two categories. The Sikhs of Maratha origin can be put under first category. Second category consists of Sikhs from Punjabi origin.