resize-16969468411332809024BabaShamSinghJi.jpg

Compilation of Sri Bhagat Prem Prakash Granth written by Baba Sham Singh

A project of Nad Music Institute
Baba Sham Singh.jpeg Karamjeet Singh
Renton, Washington, US
$12,716pledged of $30,000 goal
$12,716goal: $30,000
17donors
No tax deductible
0days to go
$

  • Story
  • Updates
  • Donor List
  • Photos

Context

Baba Sham Singh (1803-1928) was one of the greatest Kirtaniyas of the Sevapanthi sampardai of the Sikh-Panth, who performed kirtan with the siranda at Sri Harmandir Sahib, Sri Amritsar, for 78 years. Baba Sham Singh inspired Sant Attar Singh Mastuana, Bhai Vir Singh, and Sunder Singh Majithia, along with innumerable persons, to serve Sikhi. Due to his service and devotion at Sri Darbar Harmandir Sahib, the first karah-prasad degh in the early morning comes from Baba Sham Singh’s place, and the practice continues to date. Apart from a great Kirtaniya, Baba Sham Singh ji composed the Sri Bhagat Prem Prakash Granth, which is an important treatise of Sikh literature that contains the daily Maryada of Sri Harmandir Sahib, including Kirtan tradition of Sri Harmandir Sahib, Ragis and Rababis. Moreover, it contains the testimonies of Sikh sadhus, saints, and great people from the Guru period onwards. The compilation of this manuscript will be an important contribution to the field of Sikh studies.

Importance

This manuscript’s information can play an important role in writing the history of Sri Harmandir Sahib, its tradition of kirtan, and daily maryada. The author has also addressed the lives and anecdotes of Sikh saints primarily from the Sewa Panthi tradition. To write the history of Sikh Studies, this text can play an important role in the particular section related to the Sewa Panth tradition, which is one of the most important sampardai of Sikhi.   So this text will help in many ways in the understanding of Sikh practices in Sri Harmandir Sahib and in the writings of Sikh Studies. 

This manuscript was primarily written in the old style of Gurmukhi script, in which the letters are connected. There will be primary task to edit the manuscript in contemporary readable Gurmukhi. Within this, the footnote will be given to understand and clarify some of the important things in the manuscript. 

Budget


Relationship with Nad Music Institute

Karamjit Singh is closely related to Nad Music Institute from the academic research side. They have worked on a couple of research projects, including a bibliography of musical texts. Nad Music Institute is working on some key research areas of Gurbani Kirtan. The compilation of Sri Bhagat Prem Prakash Granth will be a valuable resource in the fundamental research work on Kirtan. This project is fiscally sponsored by Nad Music Institute.

  • 10/30/2024

    A Detailed Comparison of Manuscripts

    Gur fateh Ji,

    Recently, we made an intriguing discovery: a previously unknown version of the manuscript has surfaced in an archive in Uttarakhand, India. This newly unearthed manuscript is a copy of the original, preserved at Baba Sham Singh's place in Sri Amritsar.

    The manuscript is thoughtfully divided into two sections, Purabaradh and Uttarardh, each containing unique insights and narratives that reflect the text's cultural and historical significance.

    At this stage, our task involves a meticulous comparison of all existing manuscripts to identify similarities and differences. We are in the process of drafting the first ten chapters, focusing on how these variations manifest across the different versions. Alongside this, we are compiling an extensive index of notable names, places, events, and objects integral to the manuscript. This index will provide readers with a comprehensive guide for navigating the rich tapestry of information within the text.

  • 07/30/2024

    Research and Editing Process of the Manuscript

    Our current endeavor involves a profound exploration of the life of Baba Sham Singh, uncovering the rich tapestry of his experiences. We are also wholeheartedly dedicated to the intricate task of deciphering the manuscript attributed to Baba Sham Singh. This manuscript is composed in a language prevalent in 18th-19th century Punjab, showcasing stark variations from modern Punjabi. Notably, we have made substantial headway by completing the initial segment of the manuscript and crafting five detailed chapters. Here are two extracts from the edited draft: 

     

  • 05/05/2024

    Compilation of Sri Bhagat Prem Prakash Granth

    A Preliminary Survey of the Project:

    During this time, we have conducted a preliminary study of the Bhagat Prem Prakash Granth, which was authored by Baba Sham Singh. The manuscript is organized into a serial system, consisting of 51 chapters and an appendix. We have completed the study up to the mangalacharan chapter. Additionally, we had the opportunity to visit the main shrine dedicated to Baba Sham Singh, located in Sri Amritsar city. The shrine is known as Dera Baba Sham Singh and is overseen by saints belonging to the Seva-Panthi sampardai. The organizers of the shrine emphasized the services rendered by Baba Sham Singh at Sri Harmandir Sahib, particularly his contributions to Kirtan. They also highlighted the contributions of other Seva-Panthi personalities associated with the shrine, such as Sant Baba Kharag Singh, Sant Baba Satnam Singh and Sant Baba Darshan Singh. We have attached the main pictures of the Dera Baba Sham Singh. 

  • 02/04/2024

    The Research Project has started

    Our team is currently working on a research project that focuses on the life and legacy of Baba Sham Singh. During this project, we were able to uncover a manuscript called Sri Bhagat Prem Parkash, which belonged to Baba Sham Singh. This manuscript is currently housed in his Dera in Sri Amritsar and provides valuable insight into the tradition of Kirtan in Sri Harmandir Sahib.

    We are grateful for your assistance and encouragement in initiating this research project. However, we still need your support to successfully complete this project. Therefore, we kindly request you to donate generously to help us share this important text with the world.

    In the next step, we will decipher the text of the manuscript in contemporary Punjabi language.Images from Manuscript

Name Donation Date
Anonymous $1,900.00 October 2024
Anonymous $90.00 October 2024
Match Fund $500.00 September 2024
Anonymous $500.00 September 2024
P. C. $10.00 August 2024
Anonymous $1,500.00 July 2024
Anonymous $100.00 June 2024
Anonymous $150.00 June 2024
Anonymous $150.00 June 2024
Baljit Singh $11.00 June 2024
Anonymous $35.00 March 2024
Anonymous $100.00 November 2023
Match Fund $20.00 November 2023
cheroo singh $20.00 November 2023
Match Fund $400.00 November 2023
Anonymous $400.00 November 2023
Match Fund $400.00 November 2023
Match Fund $400.00 November 2023
Gurpal singh Dhaliwal $400.00 November 2023
Match Fund $400.00 November 2023
Harpreet Kaur $400.00 November 2023
Match Fund $400.00 November 2023
Amol Singh $400.00 November 2023
Match Fund $400.00 November 2023
Amaninder Singh $400.00 November 2023
Ekam singh $400.00 November 2023
Match Fund $200.00 November 2023
Tejbir Singh $200.00 November 2023
Match Fund $400.00 November 2023
Manjit Kaur $400.00 November 2023
Match Fund $400.00 November 2023
Ravinderpal Singh $400.00 November 2023
Match Fund $400.00 November 2023
Pritpal Singh $400.00 November 2023
Match Fund $15.00 November 2023
Narinder Kaur $15.00 November 2023