Akali Baba Naina Singh Ji

Jathedar Akali Baba Naina Singh Ji enlisted in the Budha Dal at the age of 20, becoming its 5th Jathedar. He was a devout follower of Gurmat and a skilled practitioner of Shastar Vidiya. Under Baba Ji's leadership, the illustrious warrior Akali Phoola Singh Ji emerged as a formidable force in the Panth. Baba Ji fearlessly led many Singhs into battle, achieving numerous victories. In one such war, a young boy's father sacrificed his life and Jathedar Baba Naina Singh Ji took the responsibility of raising and educating him. This young boy eventually grew up to become Akali Phoola Singh Ji.

​

Stationed at Anandpur Sahib, Akali Baba Naina Singh Ji initiated a revival movement, reviving several ancient traditions of the Nihangs. One of these traditions included the donning of a grand Durmalla, as mentioned in Sri Gur Panth Parkash by Giani Gian Singh Ji. During his travels, Akali Baba Naina Singh Ji would recite the following Shabad:

​

I am a wrestler; I belong to the Lord of the World.

​

I met with the Guru, and I have tied a tall, plumed turban.

​

SRI GURU GRANTH SAHIB JI, ANG 74-SRI GURU ARJAN DEV SAHIB JI MAHARAJ

​

Akali Baba Naina Singh displayed a deep distrust towards the East India Company, recognizing their intentions to undermine Sikh rule in Punjab. He held the colonizers in contempt and remained vigilant about their true motives. This awareness extended to his role as Jathedar of the Akali Nihangs, where both Akali Baba Phula Singh Ji and Akali Baba Hanuman Singh Ji shared his understanding of the British presence in Punjab.

​

Stationed at Anandpur Sahib, Akali Baba Naina Singh Ji commanded a force of 2,000 troops. It was during this time that he took under his wing the young Akali Baba Phula Singh Ji, whose father, Shaheed Baba Ishar Singh Ji, had sacrificed his life. Akali Baba Naina Singh Ji dedicated himself to reviving the original traditions established by the 10th Guru, Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji. In an era when the Misldars and Sardars, fueled by the wealth amassed by the Misls, began adopting regal lifestyles and diluting their devotion, Akali Baba Naina Singh Ji raised the standards set by the Guru. As a result, Akali Phula Singh became the most influential figure in the Sikh Empire, with even Maharaja Ranjit Singh unable to defy his commands.