Bhai Banno Ji was a prominent Sikh figure during the time of Guru Arjan Dev Ji, the fifth Guru of the Sikhs. He is best known for his role in the compilation and distribution of the Guru Granth Sahib, the holy scripture of Sikhism. Bhai Banno Ji's contributions have left a lasting impact on Sikh history and tradition.

Early Life
Bhai Banno Ji was born on April 30, 1558, in the village of Mangat, now in the Punjab region of India. He was the son of Bhai Bishan Dev and grew up in a family devoted to Sikhism. From a young age, Bhai Banno Ji was deeply influenced by the teachings and principles of Sikhism, which shaped his life and actions. His devotion and commitment to the Sikh faith earned him a special place among the close followers of Guru Arjan Dev Ji, the fifth Sikh Guru.
Service to Guru Arjan Dev Ji
Bhai Banno Ji’s dedication to the Sikh faith was clearly seen through his devoted service to Guru Arjan Dev Ji. One of his key contributions was in the construction of the Harmandir Sahib (Golden Temple) in Amritsar. Bhai Banno Ji played an important role in the completion of this holy site, showcasing his strong commitment to the Guru’s vision and his faith in Sikh principles. His efforts in helping build the Golden Temple highlighted his deep loyalty to Guru Arjan Dev Ji and his willingness to serve the Sikh community selflessly.
The Compilation of the Adi Granth
Another of Bhai Banno Ji's key contributions was his involvement in the compilation of the Adi Granth, the original version of what would later become the Guru Granth Sahib, the central religious scripture of Sikhism. Guru Arjan Dev Ji undertook the monumental task of gathering hymns and writings from previous Gurus, as well as from other saints and poets, to create a unified scripture for the Sikh community. This compilation was crucial in preserving and passing down the spiritual teachings for future generations. Once the collection was complete, Guru Arjan Dev Ji entrusted Bhai Banno Ji with the responsibility of taking the manuscript to Lahore for binding. This was a task of great significance, as it ensured the Adi Granth would be preserved in a permanent form.
The Creation of the Banno Bir
While traveling to Lahore, Bhai Banno Ji decided to create a personal copy of the Adi Granth. He employed scribes to assist in the effort, ensuring the copy was made as accurately as possible. This copy became known as the "Banno Bir." However, during the process, Bhai Banno Ji added hymns that were not part of the original compilation created by Guru Arjan Dev Ji. He included writings attributed to Bhagat Mira Bai and others, which had not been authorized by the Guru. This change led to controversy within the Sikh community, as it was seen as a deviation from the Guru’s original intention. Despite the controversy, the Banno Bir remains a significant historical artifact, representing both Bhai Banno Ji’s devotion and the complexities that can arise from human interpretation and involvement in sacred tasks.
The Controversy Surrounding the Banno Bir
The creation of the Banno Bir and its inclusion of additional hymns led to a significant controversy within the Sikh community. Some Sikhs saw Bhai Banno Ji's actions as an unauthorized change to the sacred scripture, fearing that adding hymns not approved by Guru Arjan Dev Ji would distort the original message and teachings. Others, however, believed that Bhai Banno Ji's intentions were to enhance the spiritual content available to the Sikh community. They thought that adding other devotional hymns could enrich the teachings and offer a broader spiritual perspective. The disagreement sparked discussions about the importance of preserving the sanctity of sacred texts and the role of personal contributions in religious matters.
Guru Arjan Dev Ji's Response
When Guru Arjan Dev Ji learned about the Banno Bir and the additions made to it, he expressed disapproval. The Guru emphasized the importance of maintaining the purity and integrity of the Adi Granth, which had been carefully compiled under his direct guidance. Guru Arjan Dev Ji’s concern was that altering the scripture could lead to confusion and division within the Sikh community.
As a result, the Banno Bir was not granted the same status as the original Adi Granth. Guru Arjan Dev Ji’s response underlined the significance of preserving the original compilation and ensuring that the teachings remained true to his vision for the Sikh faith.
Legacy of Bhai Banno Ji
Despite the controversy surrounding the Banno Bir, Bhai Banno Ji’s contributions to Sikhism remain significant. His hard work in spreading the teachings of the Gurus, especially his involvement in the construction of the Harmandir Sahib (Golden Temple), has left a lasting impact on Sikh history. His dedication to the Sikh community and his efforts in preserving and sharing the spiritual teachings of the Gurus continue to be remembered and respected. Though his actions regarding the Banno Bir were controversial, his overall contributions to the faith have cemented his place in Sikh history.
Gurdwara Bhai Banno
To honor Bhai Banno Ji's service and dedication, a gurdwara named after him was established. Gurdwara Bhai Banno serves as a place of worship and reflection, reminding visitors of his contributions to the early days of Sikhism. This gurdwara stands as a symbol of his devotion to Guru Arjan Dev Ji and his role in shaping the history of Sikh scriptures. It also serves as a reminder of the complex and sometimes contentious nature of Sikh history, highlighting both the dedication and challenges faced by those involved in preserving and passing down the faith.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Bhai Banno Ji’s life and contributions to Sikhism are marked by both devotion and controversy. His role in the construction of the Harmandir Sahib and the compilation of the Adi Granth remains significant, despite the debate surrounding the Banno Bir. His unwavering dedication to the Sikh faith has left a lasting legacy, symbolized by the Gurdwara Bhai Banno. While his actions were not without controversy, they reflect the complexities of preserving and promoting the teachings of the Gurus, and his legacy continues to inspire Sikhs today.
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