Maharaj Baba Siri chand Ii was a great Udasi saint, as described by Hazrat Mian Mir in his conversation with Emperor Jehangir. Mir referred to Babaji as the "Emperor of all Fakirs." Eldest son as well as the disciple of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, Baba Siri Chand Ji was highly respected by kings, saints, yogis, Sikh Gurus, and the common people of all sects and religions. Babaji devoted his long life (149 years) to meditation, preaching Nam, and to moral, spiritual, and religious uplift of society, helping the poor, the downtrodden, and those in need. As directed by his father and Master, Baba Siri Chand Ji played a unique role of setting the sadhu samaj on the right path.

Babaji was born on Bhadon Sudi 9 of Samat 1551(1494 AD) in Sultanpur Lodhi District Kapurthala, Punjab. His mother Sulakhni Ii was a great lady who did all she could to help him achieve his goal. There were several highly unusual circumstances surrounding his birth. Instead of crying, he emerged laughing. The room was filled with light and fragrance. A thin layer of ashes covered his body and the small curly knots of his hair were shining brightly. His right ear lobe was extended in a ring of flesh, leaving no doubt that he was a born "yogi."

Guru Nanak Dev Ji started Babaji's training at a very early age, mostly by personal example. Thus, as a child he formed habits of rising early, bathing, and spending long hours in meditation. He was told religious stories and sermons to which he listened attentively. Babaji did not play like other children of his age; on the other hand he collected them and taught them meditation whenever they called upon him to play. There are several miracles associated with his childhood, for instance. Once when people got anxious over the delay in his return from the jungle where he had gone, a search party was organized. It found, to its great surprise, Babaji in deep meditation surrounded by wild animals of all sorts such as elephants, tigers, and leopards. All were sitting at his feet motionless, perfectly silent, with eyes closed, enamoured by his mystical powers and in service of their master.

In 1558, when Babaji was seven, Guru Nanak Dev Ji left for his first Udasi (long preaching journey as a renunciate). Babaji was placed in the care of Bebe Nanaki, Guru Ji's elder sister. "Respected sister," said Guru Nanak Dev Ji, "this is no ordinary child. He will grow to be a great saint, with a large following. He will have a long life and lead a separate seat. He will not marry but his younger brother Baba Lakhmi chand will have a family and provide a link with our future generation." Babaji visited Pakhoke and Talwandi also to meet his grandparents. Though he was a child, Babaji's face was glowing with friendliness and his wide knowledge, sharp intelligence, and spiritual achievements at such a tender age made him popular everywhere. The Nawabs at these places especially paid homage, as they did to Guru Nanak. When Guru Ji returned from his first Udasi, he found his son, a lad of fifteen, very firm in his principles and fully devoted to meditation. Guru Ji, during his brief stay at Sultanpur and before leaving for the second Udasi, gave maximum time to Babaji and blessed him with NAAM as his first disciple. On return from the second Udasi, Guru Ji advised him to study Vedas and other Shastras to continue his religious education, even though both sets of grandparents wanted him to enter business, in accordance with the family tradition.

Babaji was in Sirinagar for two and a half years in the famous school of Pandit Purshotam Das Kaul. He was the best student and surprised everybody with his intelligence, maturity, and perspicacity. For example, when his teacher was challenged to a debate by a well-known and proud Brahmin of Kashi, Pandit Som Nath Tripathi, Babaji stepped in place of his teacher and in n6 time demolished the arguments of Pandit Som Nath Tripathi, who felt so nervous that he left in a huff.

Babaji's soul had now merged with God. While meditating with complete devotion, he saw the whole universe, gods and goddesses and heavenly bodies, in reverence to Guru Nanak Dev Ji. From that vision he composed "Arta" in praise of his father and Guru. Thus, when Guru Nanak returned from his third Udasi, he was greeted with candlelights and showered with flowers and saffron and welcomed by Babaji's recitation of divine hymns in his honour.

Let us sing the praises of Nanak, King of kings,
Emperor of both worlds.
   The whole cosmos is His temple
   Congregations sing sweet songs in His praise.
   Millions of goddesses burn holy lamps in His honour
   Millions of gods sing psalms in His praise.
Millions wash His lotus feet
The moon and sun illuminate Him with their radiance.
Masses of flowers are offering Him fragrance.
The True Master, the True Light, He is merciful to the poor.
   The King of the Winds fans Him
   While saints and sages meditate on His holiness.
   He is universally accepted as the perfect Guru
   The entire cosmos vibrates with his celestial song.
Bells ring out the tone -ONKAR-
Continuously illluminating the heavens.
He is one with God, Whose Name is Truth,
In Nanak's Name saints find their support.
   Siri Chand, Nanak's son, declares,
   "Nanak is unattainable, unfathomable, unshakeable, and pure.
      Whoever sings Emperor Nanak's praises
      Resides in heaven and achieves complete salvation.
Oh kind Master, protect those who seek your shelter
Oh Nanak! You are the saviour; we are just your children."

Baba Siri Chand's Life and Teachings

Birth

Early Life

With Bebe Nanaki

Education at Kashmir

Aarta