The Damdami Taksal is an educational institution founded by the Tenth Guru - Guru Gobind Singh Ji. Its origins are traced back to an instance from Guru Gobind Singh Ji’s history where a Sikh unknowingly misread a line of Bani, thereby changing its entire meaning. Upon the requests of the Sangat (congregation), Guru Sahib Ji themselves taught the proper meanings and pronunciation of this Bani at Damdama Sahib. From the group of listeners that received this divine knowledge, Baba Deep Singh Ji and Bhai Mani Singh Ji were chosen to lead the Taksal and pass this knowledge to the coming generations. Read more about the origins, contributions and significance of this esteemed institution here.

Bhai Jaswant Singh (Bhagat Ji), born in 1936, has spent more than 60 years of his life teaching Gurbani pronunciation and writing its meanings. They spent over 8 years learning under the guidance of Sant Baba Gurbachan Singh Ji Bhindranwale in the Damdami Taksal. They were one of the scholars who pioneered the correction of the mangals in the Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji upon the SGPC’s request more than 3 decades ago. They have dedicated their entire life in the service of the Khalsa Panth. Many eminent Sikh scholars and preachers have been students of Bhagat Ji. Read more about their life, upbringing and service to the Sikh Panth here.

The complete and proper pronunciation of Bani has an uncountable number benefits. Each letter and character of Bani contains immeasurable value and knowledge. It is only by learning Shudh Ucharan (the proper pronunciation of Bani) that we understand the Shudh Arth (correct meanings) of Bani. Aside from this, Shudh Ucharan and properly focusing on even the smallest symbols (like the sometimes considered ‘silent’ siharees ਿ and unkarhs ੁ) found within Gurbani aid to concentrate/focus our mind and help us receive the blessed vision of the Guru that we all long for.

The Gurus have blessed us with COMPLETE knowledge of the world - no aspect of our life has been left directionless. We find that many resources today only focus on learning the literary/spiritual portions of Sikhi without delving into the lifestyle reforms that it also ordains. The lifestyle section of this website is designed to address this problem by explaining through Gurbani references how the Guru wants their followers to maintain their moral character, nourish this body and conduct their daily tasks. (Coming soon)

One of the unique distinctions of Sikhi resides in its acceptance of all humanity. It does not look at religion, caste, creed, occupation or anything else. Instead it focuses on the deeds performed by individuals. As a result, the Gurus have tailored the guidance in Guru Granth Sahib Ji so that it can provide knowledge and benefit to ANYONE that reads it. In fact, the Gurus went as far as incorporating the hymns composed by realized/perfected souls from other religions and different castes into Guru Granth Sahib Ji, thereby eradicating this perceived difference between us. It even goes as far as directing edicts specifically on how one can become a true Muslim, Brahmin, Jainist, renunciate, etc.Let’s start our journey into Sikhi and experience the bliss that comes when we find uncountable/countless ways to better ourselves and those around us!