Sant Baba Puran Singh Ji's 38th Barsi Samagam [Promo] 3-5 June 2021

Sant Baba Puran Singh Ji of Kericho, known affectionately as ‘Babaji’, stands as one of the most eminent and influential Sikh saints of the twentieth century. He was born in 1898 in the Punjab village of Gura, India, and belonged to a family which had long engaged with and served great holy men of the region. Babaji’s fathers name was Isher Singh and their mother’s name was Bhagwan Kaur. They had two older sisters - Basant Kaur and Chint Kaur, and one older brother - Kirpa Singh. Babaji got married in 1912 to Charan Kaur, known affectionately as Beji. Beji was from the village Chuk Kalaa (near Banga). Babaji placed great emphasis on the Sikh principle of gristi jeevan, living the life of a married householder, with all its responsibilities to the family and society, rather than choosing a reclusive life. After just 5 years of getting married Babaji went to Kenya, and only went back to India every 4-5 yrs. Beji spent 20 years (1917-1937) with Babaji’s Family, and finally went to Kenya in 1937. During those 20 years Beji dedicated her time to serving Babaji’s parents and family. In later years Babaji always paid the highest tribute to Beji for her sewa (service).

In India Babaji’s family frequently visited a holy saint named Sant Baba Ram Singh Ji who resided in the village Mandi in Punjab. The family held a very close connection to Baba Ram Singh Ji, especially after Babaji’s sister, Chint Kaur, was married to Karam Singh Bhogal (born circa 1888) who also resided in the same village. Sant Baba Ram Singh Ji recognised the divine parkash or light within Babaji, and an enduring love and friendship developed between the two. Baba Ram Singh Ji was born circa 1900; He joined the Army, but after a profound spiritual experience he resigned. He also gave up family life, and relocated to Fatehana Sahib, which is located on the outskirts of village Mandi. He spent the rest of his life serving God, and is known to have received Amrit from the tenth Sikh Guru, Guru Gobind Singh Ji. When Babaji was first introduced to Baba Ram Singh Ji by Babaji’s sister, Baba Ram Singh Ji drew a circle on the ground representing Dargah (heaven), where he said Babaji was able to exercise great influence and power.
Babaji went to Kenya, East Africa in 1917 to find work. Babaji’s brother Kirpa Singh had already settled there some years earlier. Babaji worked initially in Kitale, Eldoret and then Turbotown, and finally settled in Kericho, a tea plantation area. Kirpa Singh returned to India after a few years.