Guru Ram Singh Ji was the second Guru in the Namdhari sect of the Sikhs.

He was born in 1816 at Bhaini, Ludhiana, Punjab.

His parents, Jassa Singh and Sada Kaur were engaged in agriculture.

Guru Ram Singh Ji joined the army of Maharaja Ranjith Singh.

He was influenced by the teachings of Guru Balak Singh Ji.

Guru Balak Singh Ji was the founder of the Namdhari sect.

Ram Singh Ji left the army to get involved in the Kuka movement started by Balak Singh Ji.

After returning from the village, Ram Singh Ji started a small shop in his village.

He formed a group with a few patriotic friends from the army.

Guru Balak Singh Ji appointed Ram Singh Ji as his successor.

He built many Gurdwaras for the Namdhari sect.

A troop of well-developed soldiers was developed by him.

Ram Singh Ji preached that fighting for the freedom of the motherland was an integral part of religion.

He implored his followers to:

1. Boycott British government services
2. Boycott British educational institutions
3. Boycott British courts
4. Boycott foreign-made goods
5. Refuse to obey any law against one's conscience

His followers accompanied him in thousands wherever he went.

His soldiers were sent to Kashmir for special training.

The Namdharis recite Gurbani in high pitch called kook in Punjabi.

Hence the Namdharis were also called Kukas.

The British government was promoting cow slaughter by establishing slaughterhouses all over Punjab.

The Kukas opposed this and raided many slaughterhouses killing the butchers.

The most prominent among these was the raid at Malerkotla on January 15, 1872.

The British troop managed to contain the movement and brutal punishments were meted out to many Kukas.

Some were tied to the tips of cannons and blown to pieces.

Guru Ram Singh Ji was deported to Burma.

The British reported his death in prison on 29, December 1885.

Namdharis believe that Guru Ram Singh Ji escaped to Russia and continued his fight for the freedom of the motherland from there.

Knowledge Bank

Clearing the Path to True Devotion

To grow spiritually, it's essential to recognize and overcome the desire for recognition and prestige. This longing often leads to deceit, which can hinder your progress on the spiritual path. Even if you manage to overcome other obstacles, the desire for prestige can persist, fostering negative traits. True spiritual love, marked by deep affection, can only be achieved by eliminating deceit. The best way to cleanse your heart from these impurities is by serving those who embody pure devotion. Their hearts radiate divine love, which can purify your own heart and help you achieve true, unconditional love. By serving and learning from these pure-hearted individuals, you align yourself with the higher principles of devotion and love. Spiritual teachings consistently emphasize the immense benefits of such service as a key to spiritual growth.

Fulfilling Life's Three Debts Through Daily Duties

A human is born with three debts: Rishi Rina (debt to sages), Pitru Rina (debt to ancestors), and Deva Rina (debt to deities). To become free from these debts, scriptures prescribe daily duties. These include physical purification, Sandhyavandanam (daily prayers), Tarpana (rituals for ancestors), worship of deities, other daily rituals, and study of scriptures. Maintain cleanliness through physical purification, perform daily prayers through Sandhyavandanam, remember ancestors through Tarpana, worship deities regularly, follow other prescribed daily rituals, and gain spiritual knowledge through the study of scriptures. By adhering to these actions, we fulfill our spiritual esponsibilities.