Th biography of Sant Kartar Singh Ji below was kindly provided by his family.
Sant Kartar Singh Ji was blessed from a very young age with a deep spiritual inclination and a voice filled with devotion for Waheguru Ji. Whenever he recited Gurbani or performed Kirtan, the Sangat would become immersed in divine love. There was a natural pull in his voice, not merely musical talent, but a reflection of inner connection and complete surrender to the Guru.
Sant Kartar Singh Ji was born on 26th October 1925 in the village of Jhang Maghiana (District Jhang, now in Pakistan), into the home of Bhai Ram Singh Ji and Mata Tej Kaur Ji, who was the elder sister of Sant Sujan Singh Ji. From childhood, his life unfolded under divine grace in extraordinary ways.
A significant turning point occurred during his school years. While studying in the 4th class, he failed his examination. Fearing that his father would scold him, he did not return home and instead went to Sant Sujan Singh Ji. At that time, Sant Sujan Singh Ji was preparing to visit Baba Nand Singh Maharaj at Nanaksar Kaleran, and Sant Kartar Singh Ji accompanied him.
Upon reaching Nanaksar, a 24-hour Paath of Guru Granth Sahib Ji was taking place, and the Sangat was awaiting Baba Ji’s arrival. During this time, the young Kartar Singh recited the Shabad, “Veera Ve Kithe Gaya Pardesiya.” Just then, Baba Nand Singh ji Maharaj arrived. Hearing about the boy who had been reciting so beautifully, Baba Ji called him forward and asked him to recite again. Baba Ji asked whose son he was. When informed that he was Bhai Ram Singh Ji’s son, Baba Ji lovingly declared:
“Ae teh apna hoya — he is ours. Leave him here; we will teach him Kirtan.”
Sant Kartar Singh Ji did not formally learn Kirtan from any musical Guru. It was solely under Baba Ji’s guidance and blessings that he was divinely blessed with the “taar da ghun.” Baba Ji himself said, “Tenu taar da ghun dita,” signifying that this gift was granted through spiritual grace rather than worldly training, similar to the divine blessing to Bhai Mardana ji by Guru Nanak Dev Ji.
It was also at this time that Baba Ji blessed him with the name “Kartar.” Referring to Guru Sahib, Baba Ji explained that just as a girl’s name changes after marriage, from that day forward the child would be known as Kartar Singh. This marked not just a change of name, but the beginning of his spiritual identity.
Although he briefly returned home weeping and expressing his desire to remain with Baba Ji, divine events continued to affirm his spiritual destiny. On one occasion, while playing, he accidentally inserted a wire into a plug and received a severe electric shock. He was taken to the hospital and recovered. Around the same time, his father, Bhai Ram Singh Ji, took him to Baba Ji. Baba Nand Singh Ji Maharaj Ji then told his father:
“Jamaya tuhade ghar hai, par cheez saadi hai. Peechle janam vi saade naal si, is janam vi naal hai, te agle janam vi naal hi hovega.”
(He has taken birth in your home, but he belongs to us. He was with us in the previous life, he is with us in this life, and he will remain with us in the next.)
Witnessing the child’s deep longing to remain with his Guru, Baba Ji explained that while parents give physical birth, some souls belong to the Guru’s house by divine destiny. From that moment onward, Sant Kartar Singh Ji’s spiritual path became firmly established under Baba Ji’s blessings.
Baba Nand Singh ji Maharaj bestowed immense affection and grace upon him. He personally tied a turban on him, gifted him new clothes, and blessed him with his own pair of footwear (Jhora), which are preserved to this day at his Asthan in East Punjabi Bagh, Delhi. The Asthan is presently managed by his son, Paramjit Singh, who continues his legacy.
During the final moments (Jyoti Jot Samay) of Baba Nand Singh Maharaj, Baba Ji said, “Cheti kar, sama te jhada hai,” and instructed Sant Kartar Singh Ji to recite “Ek Tuhi Tuhi…” The Kirtan began at approximately 3:00 a.m., and at around 4:30 a.m., Baba Ji went to Sachkhand, a profoundly sacred moment reflecting deep spiritual closeness and Guru’s grace.
One deeply touching incident from his life reflects his humility and gratitude. Despite the strict discipline that no letters were to be written, Baba Ji once instructed Sant Kartar Singh Ji to write to his parents. In that letter, he expressed that although he could not serve them in the worldly sense, they had enabled him to reach a spiritual state that countless souls yearn for. When he requested Baba Ji to sign the letter, Baba Ji asked if he had any doubts. Sant Kartar Singh Ji humbly replied, “No, Babaji.” Baba Ji then simply wrote, “Dhan Guru Nanak” at the bottom, a blessing far greater than any signature.
From a young child afraid to return home after failing in school, he was chosen and nurtured into a life of devotion and spiritual service. His legacy continues to inspire countless devotees who experience peace and divine connection through his remembrance and teachings.
If anyone has additional historical accounts or recordings related to Sant Kartar Singh Ji, they are encouraged to share them so that future generations may continue to learn about and cherish his blessed life.
The first batch of recordings below were kindly contributed by Sant Kartar Singh Ji’s family. Please ‘right click’ and ‘save link as’ to download audio files. Enjoy!
Sant Kartar Singh (Delhi) – 01 Jaye Basoh Vadbhagani Sakhiye
Sant Kartar Singh (Delhi) – 02 Chatrik Shabad Sun Akhiya Ughar Gayi
Sant Kartar Singh (Delhi) – 03 Gursikhan Ki Har Dhoorh Dehe
Sant Kartar Singh (Delhi) – 04 Shaan
Sant Kartar Singh (Delhi) – 05 Palle Ban Lai Mana Poonji Ram Naam Di
The following Shabads are from a cassette kindly contributed by Sardar Nachatar Singh Sahota.
Sant Kartar Singh (Delhi) – 01 Shaan
Sant Kartar Singh (Delhi) – 02 Mera Baid Guru Gobinda
Sant Kartar Singh (Delhi) – 03 Man Tan Tera Dhan Bhi Tera
The Shabad below was from a cassette kindly contributed by Sardar Sukhwant Singh Dhillon of Singh Videos’. Unfortunately, the recording is incomplete.