10-1 Manglacharan/ Sri Guru Har Rai ji Comes to Kartarpur

The Sat, Chit and Anand Parmatma grants life to all Jeevs.  Parmatma is always calm and omnipresent.  Parmatma is the boundary of all power.

The one whose face is like the moon, the home of wisdom; whose radiance of her white teeth shines like lightening; the one known in the 3 Loks; the beautiful Maharani who is loved by all; the pool of the virtues; the destroyer of obstacles; whose glory is sung; whose hands are red; whose walk is deep like the current of a river; the one who has the deep bliss; the one who is seen as the Bani in the world; Santokh Singh bows to her illuminating form, day and night. 

Sri Guru Nanak Dev ji, the Guru of the world; whose glory shines like the moon and is white; whose moonlit glory hangs like a canopy over the world in all four directions; I bow to him with my two hands folded.

The one who tolerated the intolerable; the patient one, like the earth; Guru Angad Dev ji – whose lotus feet destroy the obstacles; I bow to thee.

From the family of the Bhallas, their dome; the giver of unlimited powers; Sri Guru Amar ji, the from of bliss; I bow my head onto his lotus feet.

The one who is always calm in the Ghrist; the Sodhi Sultan; Ramdas Sri Satguru ji; I bow to his lotus feet.

The one who saved the people of the future by compiling Sri Guru Granth Sahib ji – the containment of all the Shrutis; Sri Guru Arjan Dev ji; I place my head on his lotus feet and bow.

Whose back has a quiver tied to it; who holds a bow in his hands; a shield on his back; carries two swords; killed the deer-like enemy like a lion; I bow to Sri Guru Hargobind Sahib ji.

The one who makes kings out of paupers with his words; doing the Simran of Sri Har Rai ji, one is no longer afraid of the Jumms. 

The one who is the all-powerful in the form of a child; whose Darshan destroys the pain; Sri Guru Har Krishan ji, the cloud of bliss, I bow to his lotus feet. 

The one who appears as soon as he is remembered; the great saviour of the servants; Tegh Bahadhur Satguru ji, I bow to his lotus feet with respect.

The one who dispelled the thick darkness of the Turk’s powerful grip like the sun; Sri Guru Govind Singh ji makes his servants into kings; I bow to his lotus feet.

I am without the good virtues.  I am filled with the vices: desires, anger and lies, in great depth.  My mind is grinded by this pain; my wisdom is in pieces.  I have searched far and wide for the medicine for this pain.  May the complete Guru meet Santokh Singh, quickly, and see my state of deep pain.  I am the lonely pawn on the Chauper board.  Guru ji’s Name protects the seekers of his sanctuary and purifies the filthy.  His Name is beautiful.  He will honour his promise to his Bhagats. 

I begin the 10^th Raas after remembering the 10 Gurus. May Guru ji destroy all of the obstacles and be with me all the time. 

Guru ji stayed in Kiratpur for some time.  He saved many of his servants.  Mata Neti ji saw both of her sons staying separate from each other for many years.  She loved both of her sons.  She wanted both of her sons to meet.  She said to Guru Har Rai ji many times: “you have the Gurta Ghaddi, which is the highest, but still keep contact with your older brother.  Come to your Pitamah’s land and meet your brother.”  Mata ji said this to Guru Har Rai ji over and over again.  She wanted him to go to Kartarpur to meet Baba Dheermal.  Baba Dheermal sent a Masand by instructing him to ask Guru ji to come.  He said to him: “our house has the greatness.  I do not contest your status.  We are both sons of the same mother.  If another relative took the Gurta Ghaddi, that would not be good.  You have it, that is good.  Be compassionate and come to my city.  There is no difference between our homes.”  Sri Guru Har Rai ji was calm and serene.  He heard the Masand’s message and obeyed his mother’s request.  He got ready to ride to Kartarpur.  Everyone found out about this decision.  The Nagaras sounded.  The Nishans were unfurled.  The 2,200 soldiers got ready.  The horses were saddled.  The weapons and clothes were ready.

Guru ji got onto a shiny palanquin.  There was gold and pearls on the palanquin.  The strands had diamonds.  Mata Neti ji and the daughters-in-law all travelled.  The came to the Sutlej.  The ferrymen brought the ferries and everyone boarded.  The horses and chariots all crossed the river.  The army and the belongings crossed.  They started off from the other shore.  They slowly passed through the villages, giving Darshan to many.  They soon came close to Kartarpur.

Baba Dheermal came ahead to receive Guru ji with his Masands and Sikhs.  He saw his brother’s radiance as the Guru, and was happy to see this.  Both brothers met with joy.  They both exchanged pleasantries.  They set up Dhera in Kartarpur.  There was good shade in the gardens.  The army set up camp.  The army saw a nice place.  The people of the city were happy to see Guru Har Rai Sahib ji.  They hadn’t seen the Satguru since Guru Hargobind Sahib ji had fought the Battle of Kartarpur.  Everyone came to meet Guru ji, bringing many gifts.  They presented their offerings and bowed.  They sat down.  They did his Darshan with bliss.  Sri Guru Har Rai ji asked how everyone was doing: “how are you all?  Are you happy in the city of the Guru?  Tell me what is in your hearts.  My Pitamah Guru ji fought a battle here.  He then left towards the mountains, sighting the welfare of the Sikhs.  He didn’t want the Turks coming back here.  He went to Kiratpur for that reason, which was founded by his father, Guru Arjan Dev ji.  He left to give you all peace.”  Everyone heard this and folded their hands.  They said: “we are all in peace and joy by your blessings.  Whose Master is the Satguru, how can they be in trouble?  No trouble comes close to us.  You protect us with your hands.  You destroy our troubles of both worlds.  When the huge army of the Turks came, Sri Guru Hargobind Sahib ji fought them.  Guru ji saved the whole city.  He didn’t let the army come close to us.  He used his strength and threw out anyone that entered the city.  He killed them outside of the village.  The Turks tried but failed.  He cut many with his sword.  He charged and killed the Turks.  Many weapons were used to destroy them.  Satguru ji was a very powerful warrior.  Sri Guru Arjan Dev ji founded this village.  Since then, trouble has never come to us.  He saved us with his hand, seeing us as his own, in every way.  Guru ji called many people to settle in this city.  He gave us hope.  We have been living in this city ever since, in joy.  Everyone sings the glories of Sri Guru Arjan Dev ji.  Now, you are the Master of the Ghaddi.  You are the all-powerful who can create or destroy.”  Guru ji heard the people of the city.  Guru Har Rai ji heard the praises of his elders from the Sikhs.  He was drenched in Prema Bhagti.  He wanted to hear more of the praises of the elder Gurus.  He asked the ones who met the elder Gurus: “how did Sri Guru Arjan Dev ji come here?  Where did he sit and make the place pure?  How did he establish Kartarpur?  How did he make the houses to live in?  Tell me the whole Katha, what you have seen and heard?  Tell me what you heard from your elders.”  How the city was founded, Guru ji asked the people.  The people of the city thought and began to say the history of the area. 

10-2 The Katha of Establishing Kartarpur

Sri Satguru Har Rai ji asked about Kartarpur.  The senior Sikhs who had met Guru Arjan Dev ji said: “Sri Satguru ji, you are the Master of all.  You know past and future.  We are unwise.  What can we say?  Because it is your command, we will tell you what we saw.  We will tell you.  Sri Satguru Arjan Dev ji casually came from Amritsar with a few beloved Sikhs.  He left Majha and came to Goindwal for 4 days.  He met his Bhalla family members with respect.  He then crossed the Beas and came to the Shakargang Well.  He stayed there to rest.  There was a lot of shade there form the trees.  He set up a Dhera.  Pandit Jaati Malik ji was with Guru ji along with Bhai Jetha ji, Bhai Sanghera ji, Bhai Ameeya ji, Bhai Hayer ji, Bhai Muhroo Randhawa ji, Bhai Gurdas ji, Bhai Udo ji and Bhai Dao ji from Harike, and other Sikhs.  There used to be a small village there with mud homes.  The farmers lived here.  Bhai Sadhu, Bhai Boora, Bhai Pirana ji used to live there.  We remember their names. 

Guru Arjan Dev ji called the seniors of the village.  They brought some gifts as they came to meet Guru ji.  They bowed and sat with Guru ji.  They did his Darshan with joy.  Guru ji looked at them and spoke to establish a new city: “I wish for some land to establish a beautiful city.  You will be at ease because of this new city.  The Guru’s city will be founded.  The city will be prosperous.  Many will be grateful towards you.  Your Seva will be rewarded.”  The elders of the village heard this.  They were divided amongst themselves.  One group agreed and spoke, while folding their hands: “the whole earth is yours, Sri Guru ji.  Establish a new city and please support us.  Stay here and bless your servants.  We will do your Darshan and be in bliss.  We would be fortunate then.”  Guru Arjan Dev ji was happy to hear this.  Satguru ji blessed them.  The second group was asked the same thing.  They did not have faith or devotion.  They said: “we have a lot of people.  There is not enough land for our family members.  We won’t be able to afford this.  We can’t give you any land.  We tell you the truth.”  Guru ji spoke casually: “your people will decrease.  The land will be more.  People will eventually die but the land will remain here.  The ones that gave me the land, their people will grow.  Their families will grow.”  In this way, it became a blessing for one and a curse for the other. 

Guru ji wanted to establish a new city.  The Dhera was built.  After a few days, Guru ji called for diggers.  Guru ji analysed the whole land and planned where the markets and homes would be.  He planned where the Langar and Divaan Hall would be.  Baba Bhudda ji and Bhai Bhagtoo ji were there too.  They always wished to have the Darshan of Guru ji.  A lot of Prashaad was called and Guru Nanak Dev ji was remembered.  An Ardaas to the elder Gurus was done.  The Ardaas was done in a great way.  Everyone bowed their heads and distributed the sweet Prashaad.  The diggers were told to dig for the wall of the city.  The first digger picked up his hoe and stabbed it into the land.  The land was hard.  The digger’s Pugri fell off and his body shock.  People were in doubt and saw this as a bad omen.  Sri Guru Arjan Dev ji understood the sentiment everyone had in their hearts.  He smiled and spoke: “if someone attacks with their pulled bows, their Pugris will fall off.  This place will be a victorious place.  The dishonest Turks will die here.  The foundation of the Guru is permanent.  There is no trouble to it.  It will stay forever.”  In this way, Guru ji destroyed everyone’s doubt.  The workers worked and dug the foundation for the city wall.  Bricks were set for the wall.  It was a really high wall. 

Guru ji told everyone to build their homes.  He gave the city a beautiful name.  He named it “Sri Kartarpur.”  High and low caste were invited to come to the new city.  Guru ji called many people to settle here.  He gave them money and respect to settle here.  A dense and busy marketplace was made.  It was beautiful.  The homes began to build soon.  Rich and poor, they all made their homes according to what they could afford.  The place became joyful.  The merchants did their businesses.  They received many profits because of Guru ji.  In this way, Guru ji established the city.  He spoke his words, which are evident today.  Blessings and curses, they are both seen till today.  This is what we saw.  His words were true.  A big army of the Turks came.  We saw the army and got scared.  They surrounded us from every side.  They fought at night.  Sri Guru Hargobind Sahib ji was a brave and strong warrior.  He saw the enemy and came here.  It was a fierce battle he fought.  Swords, guns and rifles were used.  Satguru ji mounted his horse himself and released many arrows from his quiver.  His army was less but killed many Turks.  The Sikhs fought a great way.  Many warriors and horses died in that battle.  There were almost 100,000 dead bodies.  Nobody could walk in any direction.  There were many dead bodies in this area but Guru ji did not let hot wind touch the villages.  The few Turks that survived, they ran away.  The words were true of Guru Arjan Dev ji: they came and lost their Pugris, running away.  It is a great Katha of Guru Arjan Dev ji.  He made beautiful homes here.  He made a big house for himself as well. 

As Guru ji was establishing Kartarpur, he found a beautiful piece of land for himself to live on.  He came to preach Sikhi in Doaba.  He said: “make a house here.”  The Masands got to work right away.  The tradesmen and craftsmen were called and told: “make a big hall for the Satsang.”  Guru ji commanded for the home and the Divaan Hall.  The Masands and the workers folded their hands and said: “Prabhoo ji, the wood in Doaba is not thick and isn’t very long either.  We need thick and long pieces of wood for the ceilings of the big Divaan Hall.   We won’t be able to make the Divaan Hall till then for the Sangat to gather and sit.”  Guru ji said: “search near and far.  We will pay for the thick and long pieces of wood.  We can complete our task like this.  Pay for them and bring them.  The ceiling studs should be thick and long.  Take as much money as you need.”  The Masands heard the command and went to look for the desired wood.  They searched around everywhere.  Where this a lot of wood sold, men were sent there.  They took money and searched.  They were told to pay for whatever was asked for.  They needed to make a huge hall. 

10-3 The Katha Kartarpur

Many men began to look for the long and thick studs needed.  They looked in many villages but they couldn’t find anything.  The Masands came back to Guru Arjan Dev ji and said: “we couldn’t find the wooden studs that are thick and long anywhere.  We searched the villages far and near.  We couldn’t find it anywhere.  If we find it, we would pay for whatever price it would be.  We will do as you command.  It is as you wish now.  We will do that Satguru ji.”  When the Masands said this, there was a Sikh sitting in the Sangat who got up and folded his hands.  He said: “there is one really big Tahli (Sheesham/ Indian Rosewood) tree.  There is no other tree bigger than that one.  It is close to Kartarpur.  It is solid and thick.  It is really old.  The wood is solid like metal.  Nobody other than you can touch it though.  Nobody can go close to the tree.  People are afraid of it.  Some powerful soul lives in it.  It has been living in it for many years.  People respect it.  People from 40 km away come to bow to the Tahli tree.  They worship the tree.  They place gifts to the tree and have their wishes fulfilled.  Many come and bow their heads there.  They are afraid of the tree.  They don’t disrespect it out of fear.”  Satguru ji heard this and said: “take a Sikh and examine it.  Cut the tree by which the task of the Guru’s home will be completed.” 

Bhai Pirana ji got up and went to where the great Tahli tree was.  He took a Tarkhaan with him that had his tools.  They remembered the Guru and went.  Both Sikhs went and saw the Tahli tree.  It was really big and thick.  The name of the Tarkhaan was Bhai Sadhaaran ji.  He did Keertan as well.  He was a wise carpenter who knew how to make homes.  He examined the tree and said: “the trunk will be great.  It will be a great pillar on which the Darbar will be built.  It could tolerate a lot of weight.  The tree is really old and strong.  There is no other tree like this.  We can use its wood for other things.  We can use it for the frames.  The branches are thick too.  They will be useful for windows and furniture.”  Bhai Sadhaaran ji took his axe and swung it.  When the axe hit the trunk, it made little impact.  A voice began to speak from the tree: “listen Pirana, look at my state.  I have been living here for many years.  You now came here to destroy the tree.  It is my home.  The Guru and the Guru’s Sikh are powerful.  I can’t control you.  I can’t defeat you.  I didn’t do anything bad to the Satguru.  Why is my home being destroyed?  The whole world does my Pooja and brings me many gifts.  Stop what you’re doing.  Don’t destroy my home.  Make my plea in front of Satguru ji.  Protect the one who comes to his sanctuary.  See me as his own and protect me.  Tell Guru ji my state and then I will accept his command.  Tell me what the command is.”  Bhai Sadhaaran ji and Bhai Pirana ji heard this and were shocked.  They said to each other: “this is not right then.  This soul has been living here from a long time.  It spoke with humility.  It didn’t speak with pride.  We should go and ask Guru ji once and then we can cut it.” 

The two Sikhs went back to the village where Guru Arjan Dev ji was sitting.  They folded their hands and said: “listen Prabhoo ji.  The Tahli was big and thick.  When we were going to cut it, a voice came out of it that said: “why are you cutting my home?  Many villages believe in me.  They bring me many kinds of gifts.  If you destroy my home, my Pooja will stop.  Nobody will know about me then.  They know about the tree.  Go and tell Guru ji my request.  I will do as Guru ji says.”  Sri Guru Arjan Dev ji heard this and became compassionate.  He said: “I will go and see the soul.  I will give him hope.”  Guru ji got on top of a palanquin and went to the Tahli.  He wanted to see the tree and cut it.  Many Sikhs and servants went with Guru ji.  They wanted to hear the voice.  As they came close to the tree, Guru ji stood and saw the tree.  A voice came: “Namo!  You are the giver of joy to the world, Guru ji.  Prabhoo ji, why are you going to destroy my home?  I didn’t do anything bad to the Guru’s home.  Think about my deed.  Villages from far and near all bow to me with humility.  This tree is my mark.  Nobody will give me gifts.”  Satguru ji heard this and gave him hope: “in this land, there is no other Tahli like this.  We searched far and near.  We want to make a place for the Sangat.  We need the thick trunk.  There is no other tree like this.  I won’t let your Pooja go down.  It will get doubled.  Where we set the trunk of the tree, you will be worshiped.  People will come and do your Pooja.  You will listen to Keertan everyday.  You will be worshiped more.  People will come to you first and then do my Darshan.  You will live there in peace and joy.  Many will come to worship you.  Don’t worry about anything.  You will be better than before.”  Hearing Guru ji, the soul was happy.  He bowed and went quiet.  He let the Sikhs cut the tree down.  Sri Guru ji said: “listen Tarkhaan Sadhaaran, where you want to set the trunk, measure it and cut it.  Prepare it and cut the branches off.  Place it on a cart and have bulls pull it.”

Guru ji came back home.  The Sikhs did Simran of Guru ji and cut the Tahli.  The roots were first dug out.  The Talhi was then cut by many men.  The branches were cut with the axes.  The trunk was measured and then cut.  The trunk was shaved and made perfectly round.  The trunk was made really pretty.  Carts were brought with many bulls to pull the cut trunk.  Many men put the trunk on top of the cart.  With great effort, the trunk was brought into the city.  Where the Gurduara was to be built, they set the trunk there.  Guru Arjan Dev ji came to see the trunk.  He said: “you did beautiful craftwork into the trunk.”  He said this to everyone.  He then planned with the craftsmen on where the trunk is to go.  The trunk was stood upright in a good place.  Many men made an effort to stand it up.  The trunk was to be 9.25 hands.  When it was measured after being but, it was about 8 fingers less than it needed to be.  The task was ruined.  They couldn’t build what they wanted to.  They couldn’t find another trunk.  They didn’t know what to do.  They said to Guru ji: “Prabhoo ji, the task is ruined.  We tried so hard to find the trunk but it’s been cut too short by 8 fingers.  The place will not be built good.  If we make the ceiling, it won’t be as high as we want it to be.  The ceiling will be lower.  We don’t know what to do.  If we can make another effort, the task will be late.”  Satguru ji heard this and came to the standing trunk. 

Guru ji saw that everything was good but there was an obstacle while making the ceiling.  Everyone regretted this and were upset.  It was going to be hard to find another Tahli.  The big tree was cut and the task was not fulfilled.  Guru Arjan Dev ji saw the unfulfilled task and said: “you sacrificed the Tahli for the Guru’s home.  You gave yourself with your own joy.  There is Satsangat that happens here with Satnam.  The Simran happens day and night.  The Gurduara needs to be done.  Make yourself grow so the Gurduara can be made.”  Everyone was standing and watching.  After Guru ji spoke, he told the Sikhs to measure it again.  The trunk was re-measured and was found to be the proper height.  Everyone was happy to see this.  The trunk was stood upright and the other homes were built as well.  The Sangat that came, they would first bow to Thum Sahib and then go to see Guru ji.  This was the tradition of the place.  The Tahli was worshiped.

Listen to the Parsang of Thum Sahib oh Gursikhs.  The place was revered and respected by all.  People came with devotion.  For abut 150 to 200 years, the Pooja of the Thum happened.  When the kingdom of the Khalsa came, the Turks were in conflict with them.  From the west, the Turks gathered and came.  They fought battles, by which many Singhs became Shaheeds.  (Nassar Ali attacked.  Baba Vadhbhaag Singh ji then went to Dhauli Dhaar in Himanchal.  The Jathedaar of the Bhudda Dal Baba Jassa Singh ji Ahluwalia had Adina Beg and Baba Vadhbhaag Singh ji call a truce.  Adina Beg wanted to rule Jallandhar and needed the Khalsa’s help.  Baba Vadhbhaag Singh ji wanted revenge from Nassar Ali for destroying Thum Sahib.  Nasar Ali’s body was burnt after being dug out of its grave) Nassar Ali had seen the Thum Sahib and placed firewood around the Thum to burn it.  Fire was lit to the Gurduara.  When the fire burned, a loud noise came with a big flame.  The flame burnt and killed the Turks that were burning the Gurduara.  The Thum went right into the ground.  Nobody has seen the Thum ever since.  The Sikhs still go there but don’t see the Thum.  They place their gifts and bow.”

The Sikhs said: “listen oh complete Guru, these are the beautiful virtues of Guru Arjan Dev ji.”  As Sri Satguru Har Rai ji asked about the history of Kartarpur, the Sikhs had told him.

10-4 Bhai Bhagtoo

Meeting his elder brother, Sri Gur Har Rai ji set up his Dhera in Kartarpur.  They met with love.  The whole army of the Guru came as well.  Guru ji stayed in Kartarpur for a few days with joy.  This place was blessed as it was established by Guru Arjan Dev ji.  Baba Sooraj Mal ji and Guru Tegh Bahadhur Sahib ji’s weddings happened here as their wives’ parents lived there. 

Sikhs from many lands came to visit Guru Har Rai ji in Kartarpur.  They brought many gifts.  The month of Chet passed and Vaisakhi came.  Many people came to celebrate in Kartarpur to have the Darshan of Guru ji.  The people of Jungle Desh (Malva) came along with a great and powerful Brahmgyaani Sikh named Bhai Bhagtoo ji.  His mother was Mai Bhikha ji who was blessed by Guru Ramdas ji.  Bhai Bhagtoo ji came to Guru ji on Diwali and Vaisakhi, every 6 months.  He would sometimes spend months at a time with Guru ji.  He would bring many Sikh Sangats with him.  Many followed him and became his Sikhs.  They all came to meet Satguru ji.  Guru Har Rai ji loved Bhai Bhagtoo ji from a young age.  He would always smile and laugh when he would meet him.  Guru Har Rai ji was known to smile and laugh a lot.  Bhai Bhagtoo ji asked Guru ji once: “give me a Seva.”  Guru Har Rai ji laughed and said: “you’ve done a lot of Seva in your life.  At this age you should get married!”  They made a joke about this every time they met each other.  Bhai Bhagtoo ji was really old.  He came one day to Guru ji.  Guru ji laughed and said: “welcome Bhai!  You don’t have a wife now.  You should find a beautiful girl and get married to her.”  Bhai Bhagtoo ji had grandchildren at this point.  The Sikhs used to laugh with Guru ji hearing this.  It was an ongoing joke with him.  Guru ji respected him a lot.  (There are alternate versions of how Bhai Bhagtoo ji came to be.  One version is that because Baba Adam ji and Mai Bhikha ji didn’t have a son in their fate, Guru Ramdas ji had a piece of his power take birth in their home as Bhai Bhagtoo.  Hence he was known as an Avatar of Guru Ramdas ji.  Another version is that Guru Ramdas ji said: “I was supposed to have a 4^th son born to me but he will now be born in your home.  From Guru Arjan Dev ji to Guru Har Rai ji, they all saw Bhai Bhagtoo ji as their elder brother or uncle).  Bhai Bhagtoo ji heard this and bowed to Guru ji’s feet.  He presented his gift and sat close to Guru ji.

When Guru Har Rai ji came to Kartarpur, Bhai Bhagtoo ji came to Kartarpur for Vaisakhi.  As he left home, on the way, he realised that his end time for his body was near.  It was going to be his last visit to Guru ji.  He was going to leave his body in Kartarpur.  Knowing this, he thought to himself: “Guru ji has asked me to get married many times.  How can his words be without fruit?  Whatever comes from his mouth is always true.  I should fulfill his command.  He has said this while laughing many times.  I can’t let this go.  I don’t want another birth.  I will die soon.  I should get married again.  If I don’t do this, I will be left in the middle.  His words will be left for me to complete.”  Thinking about this, Bhai Bhagtoo ji travelled.  He saw a very nice field and wished to walk through it.  The oat was ready for harvest in the field.  Many birds came to eat the oats.  There was a 12-year-old girl there, who was the daughter of the owner of the fields.  She was keeping guard of the field.  She was a virtuous and pretty girl.  She kept making the birds fly away, saving her crops.  Bhai Bhagtoo ji saw her and thought: “this girl is from a Zamindar family which is the same caste as mines.  I will marry her and fulfill the Guru’s words.”  He thought about this and stood with his cane in hand.  He slowly walked towards the girls.  He looked up and said: “this grass is my witness that I am going to marry this girl.  She is now my wife.  She is my woman.  Grass, birds and everyone else present, I want you all to know this.”  The sky, sun and planets were all a witness to this great event.  He spun his came stick around the grass like Pheray (Laavan) were being done.  He then said to the girl: “you are now my wife.”  The girl heard the old man and shied her vision downwards.  She didn’t say anything.  She was a Bhagat from her previous life.  She listened to Bhai Bhagtoo ji.  Bhai Bhagtoo ji didn’t stay.  He continued on with his journey and left the girl there. 

Bhai Bhagtoo ji came to Kartarpur.  Sri Guru Har Rai ji was illuminating gloriously on his Throne.  Bhai Bhagtoo ji was happy to see Guru ji.  He bowed to Guru ji and sat down.  Guru ji laughed and said: “welcome Bhai!  In this old age, you finally got married, didn’t you?  Your body is old and weak now.  You have experienced the taste of Sikhi, a lot.  You earned it well.  You come to see me walking slowly.  Your Tapasya has not been weak.  You still wish to continue it.”  Bhagi Bhagtoo ji heard this and folded his hands.  He said: “your words are always fulfilled.  I got married on the way.  The forest, grass and other things were my witnesses.”  Guru ji heard this and laughed.  He said: “Bhagtoo ji you are a great Sikh.  You are full of virtues.  You keep the command of the Gurus.  You are deserving of praise.  You will be praised forever.” 

The Mela of Vaisakhi came.  Many Sikhs came in great numbers.  Gifts piled up in the court.  The Sikhs did Guru ji’s Darshan with joy.  For 5 days, the Mela went on.  People were happy to see Guru ji.  Everyone then went to their homes.  Their wishes were fulfilled.  They praised Guru ji on the way.  Bhai Bhagtoo ji knew it was his time to go.  He stayed in Kartarpur for his final days.  He wanted to see Guru ji while leaving his body.  In a few days, his health got worse.  He had some sort of stomach issue.  He had severe diarrhea.  He was weak.  The Sikhs served him and were shocked.  The Sikhs thought to themselves: “why is he in so much pain?  He served 4 Gurus.  He has hundreds of Sikhs of his own.  They have faith in him that he will protect them in their afterlife.”  They all wondered and spoke to each other.  They came to Bhai Bhagtoo ji and saw his failing health.  He didn’t eat much as nothing stayed in his stomach.  He became weak.  The Sikhs came and bowed.  They sat down and asked Bhai Bhagtoo ji: “you are the complete Sikh of the Guru.  Why are you enduring so much pain at this end time?  You have thousands of Sikhs in Malva who follow you.  They want your help in the afterlife.  If you can’t cure your illness, how will you help others?  How will you help your servants?”  Bhai Bhagtoo ji said: “I am enduring this pain by my own will.  I need to pay this debt.  Some of my Sikhs would steal cows.  I have many Brar Sikhs who steal cows in our area.  They would give me milk from those cows.  I couldn’t refuse the milk.  I drank it many times.  I need to pay for that now.  I can’t leave with that Karma on my head.  My afterlife will be pure now.  I will assist my disciples.”  Everyone heard this and bowed their heads.  They said: “Dhan Bhai Bhagtoo.”  Bhai Bhagtoo ji was in pain for about 20 days.  Nothing stayed in his stomach. 

Bhai Bhagtoo ji left his body while doing the Simran of the Satguru.  He became the same form as Guru ji.  He was fortunate.  Sri Guru Har Rai ji heard the news and came.  Many Masands and servants came.  Guru ji commanded for the funeral.  A platform was prepared with luxury.  Guru Har Rai ji did not wear shoes.  He was one of the carries of the platform which had Bhai Bhagtoo ji’s body on it.  Many Sikhs gathered.  Firewood was gathered and a pyre was prepared.  Bhai Bhagtoo ji’s body was bathed.  New clothes were put on him.  His body was placed on the pyre.  When it was time for the pyre to be lit, Guru ji got ready to light it.  The Compassionate One took the torch.  The Masands folded their hands and tried to stop him.  They said: “oh giver of joy, please command some other elder Sikh to do this task.  Give them the torch.”  Guru ji heard this and said: “no, it is my right to do this.  You don’t know of his reality of who he was to me.  Guru Ram Das ji, my elder, Bhai Bhagtoo ji was born from his power.  He was born from his soul.  He is therefore my great granduncle.  This is why it is right for me to light the pyre.  I regard this as my right.  I will light the pyre.”  Guru ji lit the pyre with his hands.  After completing the tradition, Guru ji bathed at the Gangsar Well and then came to his court.  Everyone else bathed and sat down, arriving in the court.  Guru ji praised Bhai Bhagtoo ji himself: “saying his name will wash the sins away.”

Guru ji stayed in Kartarpur for many days.  He was in joy.  He then moved his Dhera as he wished to see the Jungle Desh.  The Nagaras sounded.  The Masands and servants mobilized along with the 2,200 soldiers.  They rode their clever horses.  The Nishans were unfurled.  Thousands of Sikhs were with him.  The dust flew from the horses moving.  The horses neighed which echoed in the sky.  The royal grandeur can be seen.  Jaikaras were shouted.

On the way, there was a village called Mukandpur.  They set up Dhera there.  They came slowly.  They spent a few days there.  The horses were tied up.  The sticks that were planted into the ground, they became green and grew into full trees.  They still stand till today (says Kavi Santokh Singh ji).  You can see the Tribaini of the trees.  I have seen those trees many times.  The trees are dense.  I have seen them with my own eyes. 

Guru ji then left that area and same to the shores of the Sutlej.  He faced south and headed towards the area where his Pitamah fought the battle of Maraaj. 

10-5 The Koray and Maraaj Kisaans (Farmers)

Sri Satguru Har Rai ji entered the Jungle Desh.  It was named Malva by Guru Gobind Singh ji (in reference to Ujjain as being a rich state).  This is where the Koray Kisaans lived.  There were many brothers.  Guru ji set up a Dhera with his 2,200 soldiers and other Sikhs and Sadhoos.  The soldiers were strong that held many weapons.  As people heard of Guru ji’s arrival, they all came to do his Darshan.  They came and did his Seva.  The Koray Kisaans did his Seva. 

Guru Hargobind Sahib ji had come here when he killed Lalla Beg and Kabil Beg.  A Mela was going on when Guru Hargobind Sahib ji was hunting here.  He heard the Mela and came to see it.  As he came, everyone came to do his Darshan, seeing his awesome body and radiance.  They folded their hands and bowed.  They were in joy seeing him holding many weapons.  The Koray Kisaans were the landowners.  They had been prosperous.  They were a huge family.  They commanded the area with force.  They showed their strength in the Mela.  They did what they wanted.  They had seen Guru Hargobind Sahib ji and came to meet him. They folded their hands and bowed their heads.  They stood to do his Darshan.  There were many of them, holding spears and axes.  Guru ji looked towards them and said: “for what reason is this Mela happening?  Who is it for?”  The Koras said: “one of our elders, who was prosperous and radiant, lived here.  He fulfills our wishes when we pray to him.  This Mela is in his remembrance.  Whoever comes here, their wishes are fulfilled.  He listens to our prayers and takes the gifts.”  When the Koras praised their ancestor, Guru ji smiled and said: “where is he now, that fulfills your wishes?  Where does he sit now, that you speak about?  You give him gifts, where is he now?”  The Koras said: “he lives in the Mela.  Whoever remembers him, he fulfills their wishes.  We remember him in this Mela.  He lives in us with his power.  We all praise him.”  The wise and omniscient Guru Hargobind ji understood that these people were fools.  Guru ji looked at the leader Kora.  He said to him: “close your eyes and I can show you your ancestor.  You can see where he is now that you describe as “living in the Mela.”  The leader Kora Kisaan obeyed and closed his eyes.  Guru ji put his cane on the Kisaaan’s head.  The leader figured out where the ancestor was.  He saw the whole life of their elder and even saw his death.  He saw him go through many lives and dying each time.  He was currently born as a mountain crow.  He was sitting on a high hill.  He had no idea who he was.  When the Kisaan saw this, Guru ji asked him: “tell me where is your ancestor now?  Tell everyone what you have seen.”  The Kisaan then spoke what he saw to his people: “our ancestor is now a crow.  He is on a high hill right now.  He is a mountain crow.”  Guru ji said: “the Mela here, what is this for?”  The Koray Kisaans folded their hands and said: “we are just a bunch of sheep.  We did what our elders did.  Where one sheep goes, the others follow.  They only do what they say.  The people of the world are fools.  We all follow others without thinking.  Everyone does what they see, without knowing the truth.”  When the leader said this, everyone was shocked.  They said: “our pride was empty.  Satguru ji is all-powerful.  He showed us all of the births of our ancestor by putting a cane on the head.”  They understood the greatness of Guru ji. 

They had faith in Guru ji but they were still proud of their status.  They were proud of their land and power.  Their ego didn’t die out.  Guru ji hunted and then came back to his Dhera.  He sat on his bed and then the Koray Kisaans all gathered and came to see him.  They brought gifts to meet him.  They bowed and stood in front of him.  They saw themselves as the owners of the land.  They were proud of this.  The omniscient Guru Hargobind Sahib ji understood this.  He knew the past and future.  The Koray Kisaans folded their hands and said: “you have unlimited powers.  Make us your Sikhs.  Give us your wisdom and give us the same path that your other Sikhs follow.  We will follow you.  We will keep giving you gifts.  Please support us all the time.”  Guru ji saw their deceit.  They were egotistical and unwise.  Guru ji said: “I won’t make you my Sikhs as I don’t see you as deserving.  You have to be without ego to be a Sikh.  One should not be a slave to their vices and desires.  I only support such a person.  They won’t be in pain in this life nor in the after life.  I can’t accept gifts from you.  I have no wish for it.  I have no need for it.  Your gifts or money I do not accept.  I will not give you my Sikhi.”  When Satguru ji said this, the Kisaans still did not become humble.  They saw themselves as the landowners still.  They were inflated with this pride.  They stayed quiet and went back to their homes.  They were not fortunate.  Sri Guru Hargobind Sahib ji turned them back.  He didn’t make them his Sikhs.

Sri Guru Har Rai Sahib ji came to the same place and set up a Dhera, where Guru Hargobind Sahib ji met the Koray Kisaans.  The Maraaj Brar Sidhu Kisaans lived in poverty there.  They were nomadic with temporary homes.  They wanted to live in a proper place but they couldn’t find a home to settle.  (Their king had lost their kingdom in Rajasthan.  They came to Punjab.  They were from the family of Bhatti Jaisalmer.  A person named Sidhu was born in that lineage.  Sidhu’s nineth lineage was Brar.  Brar’s 12^th lineage was Baba Phool) The Maraaj Kisaans had been wandering for many years.  It was the area of Barnala.  These Maraaj ke Brars were the elders of Maharaja Patiala, Jind and Nabha.  When Sri Guru Har Rai ji came here, The Maraaj Brars came to see Guru ji.  They came with a lot of love.  They brought gifts of food and feed.  They bowed to Guru ji without delay.  They came with humility.  They said: “we are fortunate that you have given us your Darshan.”  Satguru ji asked how they were and gave them hope with love.  He made all of them his Sikhs.  He gave them wisdom of the righteous path.  They all came to do Satguru ji’s Darshan everyday.  They served him with hope.  They had wishes in their hearts.  They did Seva of Guru ji like a servant serving a king.  They came to Guru ji everyday for a few hours.  They listened to Keertan and served in the Langar.  Their women and kids did Seva as well.

The Koras came sometimes.  They were filled with ego.  They couldn’t bow with humility.  They were not given Sikhi for this reason.  Satguru ji saw a big fault in them.  They were filled with vices.