Mata Sahib Devan’s life remains a source of inspiration for Sikhs and countless others across the world.
Mata Sahib Devan, revered as the Mother of the Khalsa, occupies a unique and honored place in Sikh history. Her life exemplified unwavering faith, strength, and guidance. From her early days in Rohtas to her presence at Anandpur Sahib with Guru Gobind Singh Ji, her journey embodies the core Sikh values of faith, resilience, and compassion.
Early Life in Rohtas
Mata Sahib Devan was born on 1 November 1681 in Rohtas, which is now in Pakistan. She was the daughter of Har Bhagwan Devan, also known as Bhai Rama, who belonged to the Bassi Khatri family. Her family was deeply devoted to Sikh teachings, and this environment shaped her religious nature from a very young age. Even as a child, Mata Sahib Devan showed signs of spiritual depth, and her heart was drawn to prayer and reflection.
Marriage to Guru Gobind Singh Ji
Mata Sahib Devan’s life took a sacred turn when her father offered her in marriage to Guru Gobind Singh Ji, the tenth Sikh Guru. Their wedding took place on 15 April 1700 at Anandpur Sahib. This was not just a marriage but a spiritual companionship.
As the wife of Guru Gobind Singh Ji, Mata Sahib Devan became his constant support during a period of intense struggle for the Sikh community. The Mughal rulers of the time were harshly persecuting Sikhs, and battles for survival and religious freedom were common. Mata Sahib Devan stood by Guru Sahib with unshakable faith and courage, strengthening him through her devotion.
The Mother of the Khalsa
The turning point in Mata Sahib Devan’s life came during Vaisakhi of 1699, when Guru Gobind Singh Ji established the Khalsa Panth at Anandpur Sahib. On this momentous occasion, as the Guru prepared Amrit (the holy nectar) to initiate Sikhs into the Khalsa order, Mata Sahib Devan contributed sugar wafers, signifying compassion, kindness, and sweetness of spirit.
From that day, she was revered as the Mother of the Khalsa, with every initiated Sikh regarded as her spiritual child. This role gave her a distinct and revered place in Sikh history, embodying both courage and motherly care. Sikhs continue to honor her as “Amrit di Mata” — the Mother of the Amrit.
Spiritual Leadership
Mata Sahib Devan was not only a symbolic mother but also a spiritual leader. She was deeply knowledgeable in Gurbani and dedicated her life to Sikh values. Her guidance and presence were a source of comfort and strength for the Khalsa during times of crisis.
She issued several hukamnamas, or decrees, in the name of the Khalsa, offering leadership to the community in difficult times. She also inspired Sikhs through kirtan and spiritual teachings, reminding them that true strength comes when courage and spirituality go hand in hand.
Courage in Hardship
The Sikh community faced one of its most challenging times in 1704 after the battle of Sarsa, when Guru Gobind Singh Ji’s family had to separate. Mata Sahib Devan, along with Mata Sundari, disguised themselves as village women and made their way toward Delhi with the help of Bhai Nand Lal. This journey was full of risk, but Mata Sahib Devan remained steadfast, inspiring others with her calmness and determination.
When Guru Gobind Singh Ji arrived at Abchal Nagar (now Hazoor Sahib, Nanded), he handed over the revered weapons of Guru Hargobind Ji to Mata Sahib Devan, entrusting her with their care. Today, these weapons are preserved at Gurdwara Rakab Ganj in Delhi, symbolizing the Guru’s deep trust in her guardianship.
The Guru had once written, “Jab aav ki oudh nidhan bane, at hi ran mein tab joojh maroon” (When the time comes to face death, it is best to fight valiantly on the battlefield). Mata Sahib Devan reflected this same spirit of bravery, not through battle, but through her unshakable courage and faith.
Final Years and Legacy
Mata Sahib Devan spent her later years in Delhi, guiding the Sikh community with wisdom and strength. She passed away in 1747 at the age of 66, and her last rites were performed at Gurdwara Bala Sahib in Delhi. Her memorial stands alongside that of Mata Sundari.
Several gurdwaras honor Mata Sahib Devan’s contribution, such as Gurdwara Mata Sahib Devan Ji at Chamkaur Sahib in Punjab and Gurdwara Mata Sahib Devan Ji at Hazoor Sahib in Nanded. These places are not only centers of worship but also reminders of her remarkable role in Sikh history.
Inspiration for Generations
Mata Sahib Devan’s life remains a source of inspiration for Sikhs and countless others across the world. She exemplified that real leadership rests on compassion, bravery, and selfless devotion. Her recognition as the Mother of the Khalsa is more than an honorific. It signifies her enduring contribution in shaping and guiding the Sikh community.
Conclusion
From her birth in Rohtas to her sacred role at Anandpur Sahib, Mata Sahib Devan’s journey reflects the highest ideals of Sikhism. She brought both strength and sweetness to the Khalsa, guiding the community with love and resilience. Her life is a timeless reminder that women, too, play a central role in shaping faith, history, and humanity.
Mata Sahib Devan’s story continues to inspire all those who walk the path of justice, service, and devotion. She remains the eternal Mother of the Khalsa, her memory forever shining in the spirit of Sikhism.
Reference Links
Guldasta - A true soldier’s prayer
https://blog.gurdas.com/2010/06/28/a-true-soldiers-prayer/
Features an inspiring reflection on Guru Gobind Singh, his bravery, poetic legacy, and unwavering spirit.
Wikipedia - Mata Sahib Devan
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mata_Sahib_Devan
presents the life of Mata Sahib Devan—also known as Mata Sahib Kaur or Devi—the spiritual wife of Guru Gobind Singh, detailing her early life, her designation as the “Mother of the Khalsa,
Dasvandh Network- Mata Sahib Kaur: The Mother of the Khalsa
https://dvnetwork.org/page/mata-sahib-kaur-the-mother-of-the-khalsa
Highlights Mata Sahib Kaur’s role as the “Mother of the Khalsa,” her support to Guru Gobind Singh Ji, and her lasting spiritual legacy in Sikh history.
SikhiWiki - Mata Sahib Devan
https://www.sikhiwiki.org/index.php/Mata_Sahib_Devan
provides a detailed account of Mata Sahib Devan’s life, and her lasting status as the spiritual mother of all Amritdhari Sikhs.