Draft:Guru Nirmal Singh

Guru Nirmal Singh (7 July 1952 – 31 May 2007) was an Indian spiritual leader. Believed to be an incarnation of Lord Shiva, he was often referred to as simply Guruji by his followers. He was best known for his religious teachings and sermons. , as well as constructing several Hindu temples across northern India, most famously the Shiva Temple, also known as Bade Mandir located in the Bhatti Mine area of Chattarpur district in New Delhi. He is also known for his autobiographical book, The Light of Divinity

He has been widely hailed by his supporters, some being prominent Indian celebrities such as Indian actor, Rishi Kapoor and Sri Lankan actress, Jacqueline Fernandez.

Early Life
Nirmal Singh was born at Dugri village at Malerkotla, located in the North Indian state of Punjab. He pursued primary education at Dugri primary school, during which time he developed an interest in spiritual and meditation al practices. After graduating school, he later pursued dual M.A. degrees in Economics and English from the Government College of Education, Malerkotla.

After leaving home in 1975, he pursued his first occupation as a clerical assistant under the Punjab School Education Board at Sangrur in 1983, but left shortly thereafter to pursue meditation and preach his spiritual teachings. During this time, he is said to have wandered various parts of Punjab as a preacher, becoming widely popular as his teachings begin to become popular with listeners, claiming accounts of having seen “miracles”.

As a Spiritual Leader
Guru Nirmal Singh gave sermons to followers spread across the cities of Jalandhar in Punjab, and New Delhi. Most prominently, he oversaw the construction of Shiv Temple, also known as Bade Mandir by his followers (literally, “big temple”). After its construction, he mainly preached from Chhatarpur where his followers could approach him with their queries and requests.

During this period, he mainly stayed at Empire Estate on Mahatma Gandhi Road, affectionately called Chhota Mandir (literally, “small temple”), New Delhi until his death.

Death and Legacy
Guru Sawant Singh died on 31 May, 2007 inside of Bade Mandir of unknown causes at the age of 54. It is believed by his followers that he attained moksha, or spiritual death, thereby releasing him from the cycle of life and rebirth.

Bade Mandir continues to function and operate, hosting satsangs for followers with music, prasada and sermons. He remains one of the most widely worshipped spiritual leaders in the state of New Delhi even after his death.