This is the final part in a two part series about the Gurudwaras of Karnataka. You can read part 1 here: The Historical Gurudwaras of Karnataka - Part 1 (destinationheritage.com)
Gurudwara Bhai Sahib Singh Ji (Panjve Pyare) Bidar, Karnataka
Gurudwara Bhai Sahib Singh is in memory of Bhai Sahib Singh ji who was one of the Panj Pyare (or the Five beloved ones) of Guru Gobind Singh Ji. Bhai Sahib Singh was formerly known as Sahib Chand and was a part a Nai (barber) family. He was born to Sri Guru Narayan & Mata Anakamma in Bidar[1] on 5th Magh 1732 Bikrami (1675 CE). These five formed the nucleus of the Khalsa. Sahib Chand, after undergoing the rites of the Khalsa, became Sahib Singh, receiving the title of Singh common to all members of the Khalsa. He fought many religious battles and attained martyrdom in the battle of Chamkaur in 1761 CE at Bikrami.
Just like Bhai Sahib Singh was initiated into Khalsa Tradition. Modern Day Sikhs also adorn the 5 K’s; Kesh (uncut hair) Kara (a steel bracelet) Kanga (a wooden comb) Kaccha - also spelt, Kachh, Kachera (cotton underwear) Kirpan (steel sword).
Left: A painting depicting Bhai Sahib Singh Ji (Panjve Pyare) after his initiation into Khalsa Form
Above: Exterior View of Gurudwara Bhai Sahib Singh Ji, Bidar
Gurudwara Tap Asthan Mai Bhago (Janwada village) Bidar, Karnataka
Gurdwara Tap Asthan Mai Bhago - Jinwada Village is 11 kilometres from Bidar along the Bidar-Barauli-Auradh road. Mai Bhago, the surviving heroine of the battle of Muktsar, who had left Nanded after the passing away of Guru Gobind Singh in 1708 CE came to Nanak Jhira and spent the rest of her saintly life at Janwada in a house just outside the walls of the fortress of Bala Rao and Rustam Rao, She helped these Maratha chiefs reestablish their chieftainship in this area.
This house was maintained as a holy place after Mai Bhago’s death. When Gurdwara Sri Guru Nanak Jhira Sahib was occupied by Sikhs in 1948, they also acquired this house of Mai Bhago from its last caretaker of the Rao family, Gulab Rao, and set up 'Gurdwara Tap Asthan Mai Bhago'.
Right: Exterior view of Gurudwara Mai Bhago Ji (Janwada, Bidar)
Above: A painting depicting the warrior Mai Bhago Ji.
Sources:
[1] Randhawa Ajit, Evolution of Faith and Religion: An Exploration, Author House 2009 Reference: Encyclopedia of Sikhism, by Harbans Singh. Published by Punjabi University, Patiala