Sant Isher Singh

Sant Isher Singh (Punjabi: ਸੰਤ ਈਸ਼ਰ ਸਿੰਘ; 5 August 1905 – 26 August 1975), respectfully known as Sant Maharaj Isher Singh Ji by members of the Sikh community, was believed to be a Brahmgiani Sikh saint (Sant) from Rara Sahib. He devoted his life to Kirtan and Katha, spreading the divine message and teachings of the Sikh Gurus across the world, doing so for over 50 years.

Isher Singh served as the head of the Sikh institution 'Bhai Daya Singh Samparda ' (also known as the Rara Sahib Samparda), succeeding Sant Attar Singh Ji of Reru Sahib. Renowned for his unwavering devotion to Sikhi, he is claimed to not only embody the Sikh principles in his own life but also dedicated himself to spreading its teachings across India and beyond. His spiritual guidance is said to have inspired millions, leading countless individuals to embrace the Khalsa and deepening their connection to the Sikh faith. Early life and education On August 5, 1905, Isher Singh was born as Gulab Singh in the village of Allowal, district Patiala, in Punjab, to Baba Ram Singh, a respected Nambardar, and Mata Rattan Kaur, both devout Sikhs. According to his biographies and Sikh scholars, his birth is believed to have been prophesied on two significant occasions:

A wandering Sadhu, seeking alms at Sant Isher Singh’s maternal home, bowed before Mata Rattan Kaur and foretold that she would give birth to a great Brahmgiani saint.

From a young age, Sant Isher Singh is said to have displayed deep spiritual inclination; he would meditate by a well on the outskirts of his village and immerse himself in the teachings of Guru Granth Sahib Ji.

When Sant Isher Singh was five years old, it is said that he and his parents visited Baba Biram Das Ji, a revered saint from the Udasi Sect. During their meeting, Baba Biram Das Ji foretold that Sant Isher Singh would grow up to become a Raja Jogi and a Maryada Purushottam saint, commanding such spiritual greatness that even people of high status would bow before him.

Sant Isher Singh Ji not only excelled academically, consistently achieving the highest among his peers, but also demonstrated remarkable talent in sports.

Rara Sahib After the passing of Sant Attar Singh, both Sant Isher Singh and Sant Kishan Singh departed from Gurdwara Reru Sahib and eventually settled in the forests of Rara Sahib, a sacred place once visited by the sixth Sikh Guru, Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji. Immersing themselves in Simran and Samadhi (deep meditation) for a long time, they transformed the once-remote forest into what is now known as Gurdwara Karamsar, a revered spiritual center where Sikhs gather to learn, meditate, worship, and engage in Seva (selfless service).

Gian Singh Rarewala, former chief minister of PEPSU, was a classmate and close friend of Sant Isher Singh Ji Rarewale. On his request, Sant Isher Singh Ji and his companion Sant Kishan Singh Ji settled in village Rara Sahib and made this desolate place into a spiritual haven.

Preaching Sikhi Sant Isher Singh was widely revered among Sikhs not only for his immense Seva (selfless service) and Simran (meditative remembrance of God) but also for his dedication to preaching Sikhi, delivering Kirtan, and his literature. Between the 1950s and 1970s, he frequently traveled to Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, and the United Kingdom as part of his religious services, spreading the teachings of Sikhi and strengthening Sikh communities abroad. thumb

Death On August 26, 1975, Sant Isher Singh Ji died in Wolverhampton, England. Having practiced celibacy throughout his life, he neither married nor had children. In his final recording, he is said to have performed Kirtan of a verse that translated to, "Few are thine days, thou hast grown weary, and the body vesture has gone old." This is claimed to be one of the many subtle hints he gave, signaling his imminent departure. Sant Narain Singh ji ‘Sri Maan ji’ (Fatehgarh Panjgrian), the first Sri Maan ji (Sevadar responsible for Langar) of Rara Sahib, and the first Sri Maan Ji of Sant Ashram Dhablan Sahib, who later went to Fatehgarh Panjgrian under the Hukam of Sant Isher Singh ji. ‘Babu ji’, who is seen with Sant Isher Singh ji in many of the earlier pictures and served as the ‘Garvaee Singh’ (close attendant). Sant Waryam Singh ji (Ratwara Sahib), a well renowned scholar in Sikhi, known for his literature and educational contributions. Sant Sukhdev Singh ji (Alohran Sahib), who did a lot of seva in Gurdwara Sant Ashram Dhablaan and established the Gurdwara in Alohran Sahib. Sant Bhagwan Singh ji (Rara Sahib Begowal) Sant Baba Balwant Singh ji (Rara Sahib), who did a lot of seva in Gurdwara Karamsar, Rara Sahib. Many more…

Gurdwaras There are two Asthaans which were established by Sant Isher Singh ji and Sant Kishen Singh ji to preach the teachings of the Sikh Gurus:

Gurdwara Karamsar, Rara Sahib; named after Sant Karam Singh ji of Hoti Mardan, predecessor of Sant Attar Singh of Reru Sahib. Gurdwara Sant Ashram Ishersar Sahib, Fatehgarh Panjgrian: This Gurdwara is named after Sant Isher Singh Ji and was established by Sant Ranjit Singh Virakt and Sant Narain Singh Ji. Under the Hukam of Sant Isher Singh Ji himself, Sant Ranjit Singh ji Virakt came to this place to do Parchaar of Sikh teachings. It is among the earliest Gurdwaras of the Rara Sahib Samparda, established with the blessings of Sant Kishan Singh ji. Since the first Barsi (death anniversary) in 1976, Sant Kishan Singh Ji personally visited this sacred site each year to commemorate the occasion. Many educational institutions and medical institutions are established in his memory by his followers.