November 27, 2016
The Udasis don't deny the Sikh Gurus but prioritize the lineage from Guru Nanak through Sri Chand to the Udasi leaders. They understand the Guru Granth Sahib's message in Vedantic terms and don't follow the Khalsa's Rehat Maryada. They also worship five Hindu deities: Shiva, Vishnu, Durga, Ganesha, and Surya.
By the early 1900s, numerous Sikh gurdwaras in British India were overseen by Udasi leaders or managers appointed by the Governors.
Udasi, a sect of ascetic sadhus in northern India, follows the teachings of Sri Chand, the son of Guru Nanak, who founded Sikhism.
The term 'Udasi' comes from Sanskrit, meaning someone detached from worldly things. It was also used in Sikh tradition to describe Guru Nanak Sahib Ji's four preaching tours, signifying long absences from home. Although some scholars, including many Udasis, connect this sect to ancient times, historically, Baba Sri Chand is considered its founder.
In 1629, Sri Chand asked Guru Hargobind to send one of his sons to join him in preaching. The Guru sent Baba Gurditta, his eldest son, who despite being married, was inclined towards a saintly life. Before Sri Chand passed away, he initiated Baba Gurditta into the Udasi order and named him as his successor. Baba Gurditta then appointed four main preachers and provided them with Udasi attire and sacred embers from Sri Chand's hearth to start their monastic centers.
These Udasi monks established new centers using those embers, creating the four active hubs of Udasi preaching, each named after its lead preacher.
Baba Bhumman Shah, also known as Baba Bhuman Shah, is esteemed among the top Udasi saints in India. He was born on April 14, 1687 CE, in Behlolpur village, Punjab (Pakistan), to a family reportedly of Kamboj lineage. His parents, Chaudhury Hassa Ram and Mata Rajo Bai, were deeply religious and devoted to Guru Nanak and Baba Sri Chand, the Udasi Panth's founder.
Baba Bhumman Shah traveled from village to village, spreading messages of love, peace, brotherhood, religious tolerance, and equality. He attracted followers from various faiths, including Hindus, Sikhs, and Muslims.
He visited the Dargah of Sufi Saint Baba Farid, the Golden Temple in Amritsar, and several other Sikh and Hindu shrines during his journeys. At Kutub-Kot village, later known as Dera Baba Bhumman Shah, he established the tradition of singing hymns (Kirtan) and offering free meals (Langar).
