Bhai Kanhaiya Ji (1648 - 1718) was born in Sodhara village near Wazirabad in Sialkot (now in Pakistan) district, his father was a wealthy merchant. From a very young age, Bhai Sahib used to keep coins in his pocket so that he could help the needy. The local people were amazed at the compassion and thoughtful nature of such a young person. After his father passed away, bhai Kanhaiya ji took over the family business. As he grew up, he started helping the needy in other ways, his special mission was to serve humanity selflessly without discrimination irrespective of caste or caste.
Bhai Kanhaiya Ji was the designated water carrier at Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji Langars. He also looked after Guru Sahib's horses. One day while serving the horses, Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji went to Bhai Kanhaiya and blessed him, and advised him that his future should be filled with service to humanity at large, To serve humanity selflessly without caste discrimination. During the frequent skirmishes between the Khalsa forces and enemy forces during the time of Guru Gobind Singh, Bhai Kanhaiya was often seen carrying a mashak (a water pouch made of goat skin) with which he used to give water to the injured soldiers. Quenching the thirst He continued this selfless service, with love and affection without any discrimination, This service of his was severely criticized by fellow Sikhs, who complained to Guru Gobind Singh Ji, saying that Bhai Kanhaiya Ji served by giving water to Hindu hill armies and Mughal raiders!
On receiving complaints about this service work of bhai Kanhaiya, Guru Gobind Singh ji sent a summons to him, when Bhai Kanhaiya appeared before Guru ji, Guruji said to Bhai Kanhaiya, "Your complaint has been received that you give water to even your enemies. You giving them water so that they get ready to fight again "Is it true?" Brother Kanhaiya replied "Yes Guru father, you have heard the truth, but Maharaj, I have not seen any Mughal or Sikh in the battlefield. I have only given water to human beings, Guruji, you have taught us to treat all of us equally" Guru ji blessed bhai Kanhaiya with a smile. Then Guru Ji told the complaining Sikhs that Bhai Kanhaiya had correctly understood the teachings of the Gurus!