Manī Si̇gh, Bhāī

views updated

Manī Siṅgh, Bhāī (d. 1738 CE). Sikh scholar and martyr. Manī visited Gurū Gobind Siṅgh, remained with him, and was later initiated by him. He remained celibate, devoting his life to the Gurū's service.

After the death of Gurū Gobind Siṅgh, Manī Siṅgh remained as granthī in Amritsar. He was a learned exponent of the Ādi Granth, and to him are attributed Gyān Ratanāvalī, a janam-sākhī, and Bhagat Ratanāvalī, a list of famous Sikhs up to the time of Gurū Hargobind.

In 1738, Manī Siṅgh obtained permission from the Governor of Lahore, Zakariā Khān, for a Divālī celebration in the Harimandir on condition that he paid a large sum. This he was unable to pay from the anticipated offerings, as the Sikhs were prevented from coming. Consequently, as he refused the option of accepting Islam, he was tortured to death and cremated in Lahore.