Bhai Daya Singh Ji is an important figure in Sikh history and one of the Panj Pyare (Five Beloved Ones) who played a significant role in the establishment of the Khalsa, the community of initiated Sikhs. Bhai Daya Singh Ji was born in Lahore, present-day Pakistan, in 1661.
Daya Ram was his given name at birth. In the Sikh Ardas, his name is spoken first among the five Beloved of the Guru (Panj Pyaras).
Bhai Suddha was a devoted follower of Guru Tegh Bahadur and had frequently traveled to Anandpur to ask for his grace. He returned to Anandpur in 1677 with his family, including his infant son Daya Ram, to pay respects to Guru Gobind Singh and to create a permanent home there.
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Daya Ram, already well versed in Punjabi and Persian, engaged himself in the study of classics and Gurbani. He also received training in the use of weapons.
As one of the Panj Pyare, Bhai Daya Singh Ji was chosen by Guru Gobind Singh Ji, the tenth Sikh Guru, to be part of the Khalsa initiation ceremony on April 13, 1699. During the ceremony, Guru Gobind Singh Ji asked for volunteers willing to give their heads (offer their lives) for the Sikh cause. Bhai Daya Singh Ji, along with the other four individuals, responded courageously and offered them for the service of the Guru.
Guru Gobind Singh Ji then initiated the Panj Pyare by baptizing them through the Amrit Sanchar, a special ceremony where they consumed Amrit (a sweetened mixture of water and sugar stirred with a double-edged sword), thus becoming the first members of the Khalsa. Guru Gobind Singh Ji gave Bhai Daya Singh Ji the title of "Daya Singh" (meaning "the compassionate lion").
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Bhai Daya Singh Ji remained a close associate of Guru Gobind Singh Ji throughout his life. He participated in various battles and was present during significant events in Sikh history. After the passing of Guru Gobind Singh Ji, Bhai Daya Singh Ji continued to serve the Sikh community and spread the teachings of the Gurus.
Bhai Daya Singh Ji is revered by Sikhs for his selfless service, bravery, and devotion to the Sikh faith. His role as one of the Panj Pyare signifies the importance of equality, sacrifice, and courage in Sikhism.
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