Guru Balak Singh Ji was born in Samvat 1841 (1784 AD) in the village of Sarwala near Hazro Sahib (in Pakistan).

It was the prophecy of Guru Gobind Singh, which is written in the Suraj Parkash, rut 5th-anshu 38, wherein when asked by Alam Singh (a friend and sevak of Guru Gobind Singh) :-

"Awilm isMG bMd kr doie [ ikhw ik drsn BI qum hoie ["

doihrw: kihE gurU hm BI rKih ihrdy BwvnI soie [ sRI AMmRqsr phuMc by, rwm srovr joie [

byr igAwrvIMN hm cl Awvih [ iqsqy koiek hm lK pwvih [ pMQ Kwlsw KyqI myrI [ kroN sMBwln mY iqs byrI [ (sRI gur pRqwp sUrj ruq 5vIN AMsU 38)

When Guru Balak Singh Ji was born, his mother was blessed with the 'Darshan' of Guru Nanak DevJi.

According to the prophecy, Guru Balak Singh, lived in obscurity, and was confered the Gur-Gaddi by Guru Gobind Singh. A detailed version follows:-

The following extract is taken from the book "Sikhism" by W.H.McLeod. (see also "The Death of Guru Gobind Singh" in researches section)

After freeing Rustam Rao and Bala Rao the Guru helped the Raj put ruler of Bhadra. He remained in Bhadra until 5. 1812 [1755 A.C.) and then moved to Jind, staying there until S. 1818 [1761 A.C.]. From Jind he proceeded to Patiala where he resided for twelve years and then made preparations to shift to Nabha. In the month of Magh S. 1830 [January/February 1774 A.C.] he moved to Nabha and established his residence there in a grove of trees. This remained his home base until his death in S. 1869 [1812 AD.]. He lived out the remainder of his life under the name of Baba Ajapal Singh and during those chaotic years continued to aid his Sikhs in times of distress . . .

Once during this Nabha period, and under this guise, the Guru visited the Attock area. There lived in that area Balak Singh, son of Dayal Singh of Hazro. Ever since his early childhood Balak Siagh had been absorbed in the worship of God, but although he had led a saintly life he still felt the need of finding a guru who could provide him with spiritual satisfaction. At that time he was still only twelve years old. His father had a shop in the village of Chhoi and Balak Singh was frequently required to make the journey from Sarvala to Chhoi. Early one morning he set out for Chhoi, following the road which would lead him past the place where the Haro stream joins the Indus river. Sant Indar Singh Chakravarti takes up the story:

This is a supremely peaceful spot, a delightful place of great beauty. Ahead lies a magnificent view of Mount Chhoi, a marvellous scene for anyone who appreciates the splendour of nature. In such a setting the restless mind is stilled and one's spirit is irresistibly drawn to the praise and worship of God. It was mid morning by the time the devout Guru Balak Siugh approached this place. As he came down to the river his mind was concentrated on the blessed feet of the Guru and while he was thus rapt in meditation he beheld Guru Gobind Singh riding a horse in the company of five Sikhs. He immediately grasped the reins and the Guru, having dismounted took the seat which was offered to him. Perceiving in his countenance features associated with the Tenth Guru, Balak Singh questioned him. Knowing full well what was in his mind, the Guru declared, 'Until now I have kept my identity a secret as it was felt better not to reveal it....

Thus did the Tenth Master confer on Balak Singh the praise and adoration due to one divinely endowed. He proceeded to designate him his successor as Guru, laying five copper coins and a coconut before him and then prostrating himself....

Giani Gyan Singh relates the birth of Satguru Ram Singh (the twelfth Guru) in a particularly beautiful passage. . . . According to Gyan Singh he was born in the village of Bhaini Rai an, Ludhiana District, on the fifth day of the wa moon in the month of Magh, S. 1872 [1816 A.C.J. The birth took place in tu house of his parents Jassa Singh and Sada Kaur. Following a childhood notable for its marvellous achievements the youth Ram Singh enlisted in the army of Maharaja Ranjit Singh. Together with his brother-in-law Kabal Singh he joined the Naunihal Regiment and remained in the army until the first Anglo-Sikh war [1845~6]. While serving as a soldier he devoted his spare time to singing God's praise, with the result that his unit came to be known as the 'Bhagat's Regiment'. Sant Nidhan Singh Alam describes how in 1841 Satguru Ram Singh happened to be quartered in Hazro while marching with his platoon to Peshawar on some official business. At that time Guru Balak Singh was delivering the divine discourses which were winning worldly souls to true happiness. While conferring the succession on him Guru Gobind Singh had told him that he would himself return as the twelfth Guru and reclaim it from him.

When Satguru Ram Singh visited Guru Balak Singh to pay his respects the latter was engaged in interpreting the hymn 'I have come for your protection, Master.' When Satguru Ram Singh prostrated himself in the usual way Guru Balak Singh said, 'Come, my Lord and Master! I have awaited your coming for a long time.' Joyfully he arose (he had been sitting behind the Sri Granth Sahib) and lovingly embraced Satguru Ram Singh. He then introduced him to the assembled congregation and initiated him by whispering the divine mantra in his ear.Guru Balak Singh then commissioned him with the sacred duty of preaching the message of deliverance to all who dwell in ignorance. Placing five copper coins and a coconut before him he entrusted him with the divine responsibility of serving as Guru.

Thus the Guru's succession which had extended from S. 1526 to S.1765 [1469-1708 AD] did not come to an end. . .. It continued to run, the inheritance passing from Guru Gobind Singh through Guru Balak Singh to Satguru Ram Singh.