Bhai Mohkam Singh Ji: the washerman of Dwarka, the fourth of the Panj Pyare

This day celebrates the birth of Bhai Mohkam Singh Ji, the fourth of the Panj Pyare, who came forward at Anandpur Sahib on Vaisakhi in 1699 when Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji called for a fourth head.

Mohkam Chand of Dwarka

He was born Mohkam Chand in 1663 at Dwarka, on the coast of Gujarat, into a family of washermen and calico printers, a caste of low standing. He came to Anandpur Sahib as a young man, learned the bani and martial skills, and stayed in the Guru's service.

The fourth head

When the Guru stepped out again and asked for another Sikh ready to die, Mohkam Chand stood up. He received Khande di Pahul with the other four and took the name Mohkam Singh, his name meaning firm and steadfast. With the other Pyare, he then gave Amrit to the Guru himself, who asked to be received into the Khalsa as its member, not only its creator. Read more about Vaisakhi and the creation of the Khalsa.

Chamkaur

Bhai Mohkam Singh Ji fought in the battles around Anandpur Sahib and was known as a skilled warrior. In December 1704 he rode with the Guru to Chamkaur, and he was among the Singhs who went out of the garhi in small groups to meet the besieging army. He fell there with Bhai Himmat Singh Ji and Bhai Sahib Singh Ji.

How the day is observed

Sangats remember him with kirtan and Ardas, especially at Takht Sri Kesgarh Sahib and Chamkaur Sahib. Gurdwara Bhai Mohkam Singh Ji at Bet Dwarka, in Gujarat, stands at his birthplace and draws Sikh pilgrims from across India.