Baba Budha Ji, born on the 7th of Katak Sammat 1563 (21 October 1506), holds a special place in Sikh history. He was born in the village of Kathu Nangal, in the district of Amritsar to father, Sugha (Randhava), and mother, Gauran. His parents were highly respected in their respective Randhave-Jatt and Sandhu-Jatt community, adhering to the social divisions of that time. Mata Gauran Ji was the daughter of Gaji from Bundale village of Sandhuan.
Baba Budha Ji was originally named Bura "ਬੂੜਾ". His life took a critical turn in 1518 CE when Sahib Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji visited the village Kathu Nangal during his Udasi. Baba Budha Ji was 12 years old then, and he offered milk in the service of Guru Nanak Dev Ji with pure devotion. During small conversation with him, Guru Nanak ji was impressed by his wisdom. Despite being young at age, he was kind of a person who hold the wisdom of an elderly person or Budhha, so upon call of Guru Nanak Dev Ji he became to be known as 'Buddha,' from that day. Wise individuals have always been recognized for their intellect rather than their physical age in years as Shaykh Shaadi says, "Bazurgi ba-akl na ba-sal."
Baba Budha Ji lived a life of an ideal sikh of Guru and set an example of Gursikhi gaining a special place in the Darbar of Guru Nanak. He was given the duty to organize ceremony of passing Gurugaddi to the Next Guru. During his long life he was fortunate enough to serve 6 Sikh Gurus and perform the 'tikka' ritual from Guru Angad Dev Ji to Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji.
When Guru Arjan Sahib Ji compiled Adi Granth in CE 1604, then known as Pothi Sahib, Baba Budha Ji was entrusted with its Seva-Sambhaal i.e. maintenance and appointed as the first Granthi of Sri Harmandir Sahib. He had a deep understanding of Gurbani's essence because he had been serving as a Sikh sevadar since the time of Guru Nanak. He was the one who introduced Emperor Akbar to the principles of Guru Nanak when Akbar came to pay homage to Sri Goindwal Sahib.
Baba Budha Ji loved the Pothi Sahib more than his life, he knew the true value of Gurbani compiled in Adi Granth from day one. His expertise in martial skills made him an excellent guardian alongside a scholar. Bhai Santokh Singh Ji highlighting unwavering dedication of Baba Budha writes in Sri Gur Partap Suraj
ਰਿਦੈ ਬਿਚਾਰਨਿ ਸ੍ਰੀ ਗੁਰ ਕਰੈਂ । ਟਹਿਲ ਗ੍ਰਿੰਥ ਕੀ ਕੌਨ ਸੁਧਰੈ ।
ਇਹ ਸੇਵਕ ਕੀ ਵਸਤੁ ਸਦੀਵਾ । ਨਿਰਹੰਕਾਰ ਜਿਨਹੁ ਮਨ ਨੀਵਾ ॥
ਸੇਵਾ ਬਿਖੈ ਨਿਪੁੰਨ ਜੋ ਹੋਇ । ਕਰੀਅਹਿ ਇਹਾਂ ਸਥਾਪਨਿ ਸੋਇ ।
ਸ਼੍ਰੀ ਨਾਨਕ ਕੋ ਦਰਸ਼ਨ ਕੀਨ । ਅਸ ਬੁੱਢਾ ਬਿਚ ਸੇਵ ਪ੍ਰਬੀਨ ॥ 26॥
{ਰਾਸਿ 3, ਅੰਸੂ 50}
Singh Sahib Giani Kripal Singh Ji referred to Baba Budha Ji as "Bhai Sahib Budha Sahib Ji" in his book, "Sri Harmandir Sahib Da Sunehari Itihas." Initially, Baba Budha Ji was known as Bhai Budha Sahib, similar to other respected Sikh figures like Bhai Mardana and Bhai Gurdas Ji. However, as a mark of respect, as he grew older, he came to be called Babaji, and this name eventually became popular as Baba Budha Ji.
Apart from this
- He taught Gurmukhi to Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji - the only son of Sri Guru Arjan Sahib.
- He was the caretaker of the Sarovar at the Bauli Sahib in Goindwal, and is remembered as "Bir Baba Budha Ji."
Baba Budha Ji was very well trained well in Shastar Vidya. After the martyrdom of Guru Arjan Sahib Ji, he played an important role in Guru Hargobind Ji's Gurgaddi, which symbolize the beginning of Miri and Piri in Sikhism, however we believe that Miri Piri was in Sikhi from the beginning - time of Sri Guru Nanak Sahib Ji. He was selected to oversee the construction of Akal Bunga (Now known as Akal Takht Sahib), along with Bhai Gurdas Ji.
When Jahangir imprisoned Guru Hargobind Ji in the Gwalior fort, Baba Budha Ji organized the Shabad Chowki ritual to commemorate the Gurus. These 'Shabadi jathas' would perform parikarma of Sri Darbar Sahib and march from Sri Amritsar to Gwalior fort, singing Gurbani Shabads from Pothi Sahib and effectively turning these processions into peaceful protests. This played an important role in securing the release of the imprisoned Guru Hargobind and instilled fearlessness among the Sikh community. The tradition of Chowki Sahib initiated by Baba Budha Ji continues to this day.
Baba Budha Ji performed Guriya Tilak for five Guru Sahibs
He was the only one who had a chance to see eight out of 10 Guru Sahibs, and not just that he became first Granthi of Pothi Sahib which later became eternal Guru of Panth in form of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji.
Baba Budha Ji completed his life journey of around 125 years, taking his last breath in the sacred presence of Sri Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji in City of Ramdaspur on 16th November 1631. His life continues to inspire Gursikhs in the Sikh community and will keep inspiring us all forever.
Baba Budha Ji - Sachitar Jeevani PDF
"Baba Budha Ji - Sachitar Jeevani" is a 40-page Punjabi language book available as a free PDF download.
Baba Budha Sahib Ji – Janamsakhi PDF Download
The book titled "Baba Budha Sahib Ji Janamsakhi," authored by Bhai Mangal Singh Updeshak, offers a valuable and rare insight into the life journey of the revered Sikh personality, Baba Buddha Ji.
