Bhai

Bhai is a Sikh title and religious tradition, as a title it is conferred upon Sikh males who are religiously pious and educated. The word bhai literally means "brother" but in Sikhism it is used as an epithet or honourific for holy men. It is also used to evoke a familial sense and as a title of affection between equals. Other common titles held by such persons was baba or rarely guru. Guru as a title was usually held by Sikh guru-descendants or the Nirmalas. Where as the guru descendants in the 18th and 19th centuries had inherited holiness, the bhais had acquired it during their lives. To qualify as a bhai, a person needed to be able to interpret and explain the Guru Granth Sahib, such as by being a granthi, and be publicly recognized as pious. Further qualifying abilities include miracle-working, healing, and being able to provide reassurances. It was believed that a blessing from a bhai could improve one's life and fend off harmful elements. They played a key role in the propagation of Sikhism in the historical period. Some bhais were born into lineages associated with the role while others were from non-bhai backgrounds and rose to the title through their own merit, such as Maharaj Singh. Two hereditary bhai lineages were that of Vasti Ram and another of Bagrian.