After the annexation of Punjab to British Empire in 1849, very large number of weak minded Sikhs were converted to Christianity under the influence of Christian missionaries. The population of Sikhs declined to mere 8 lakhs and the situation was so grim that according to British Government intelligence reports, there will be no Sikh in this world by the year 1900, A.D. if this pace of conversion continued.
At this critical time in the history of the Sikhs, Sant Attar Singh Ji was sent to this world by Almighty Wahe Guru to stem this tide of conversion of the Sikhs to Christianity. With the Grace of Guru Gobind Singh Ji, Sant Attar Singh Ji baptised about 14 lakh persons to Sikh faith in his life time. Population of Sikhs grew to 40 lakhs by the time Sant Ji left this mortal world.
Sant Attar Singh Ji, the most widely known and respected great saint, was born on 28th March, 1867 A.D. in the village Chima of the erstwhile Jind State (Now in Sangrur District of Punjab) to father Baba Karam Singh Ji and mother Mata Bholi Kaur Ji.
From his very childhood, Attar Singh showed signs of his future greatness. He loved quiet meditation. Even at the age offive years, he used to remain engrossed in meditation for long periods. At the age of seven, the young lad was sent to a village School but he respectfully replied that he would receive only that education which leads to realisation of truth.
in 1885 A.D., young Attar Singh joined the army. He took “AMRIT” (baptism) from five beloved ones (Panj Pyaras) led by Bhai Jodh Singh, a priest in an Army Sikh Gurdwara. Under his guidance, Attar Singh Ji devoted his time in studying the sacred Sikh books and meditating on divine NAM. He was also very active and upto date in the military duties and attained the first portion in markmanship.
News of his fathers death moved him to immerse in Divine Realm at the earliest. He decided to leave the service by getting himself changed from active service to reserve category. Then he proceded on foot from Dera Ghazi Khan (Now in Pakistan) to Historical Sikh Temple of Hazoor Sahib Nanded (Now in Maharashtra State).
Guru Gobind Singh Ji breathed his last at this sacred Shrine. He spent about 2 years at Hazoor Sahib and during this period, he engaged himself in prolonged meditation and infinite number of Japji Sahib Path recitations without caring for food and rest. He used to spend whole night in deep meditation and recitation of Holy Nam.
