Coming to Kiratpur

It was decided that Bhai Jassa ji would be killed. The Brars said: “when we see him alone, we will shoot him and kill him.” They kept a spy with him. One day, Bhai Jassa ji was riding his horse out alone. As soon as he was alone, the spy told the Brars. He said: “he went that way, riding his horse. He went on a big horse. He’s alone.” The Brars got ready. Two or 3 mounted their horses and headed towards his direction.

They saw some ruins and waited. In that time, Bhai Jassa ji came back. His horse was energetic. The horse was jumping. The Brars got their guns ready and slowly creeped up towards Bhai Jassa. As they came closer, they shouted: “stay there! Don’t move! You will be punished for what you said. Get ready. We won’t let you go.” The Brars came up to Bhai Jassa ji all of a sudden. He didn’t have a way out. A rifle was fired. The bullet hit Bhai Jassa ji in the heart. He fell to the ground as soon as he was hit. They killed him and came back to their Dhera, quickly.

The Brars told Bhai Gora ji: “we did the task. The enemy was killed.” Bhai Gora got happy and rewarded them. He said: “you completed my wish. The debt is off my head, of his insult. He burnt my heart in the middle of the court.”

Sri Guru Har Rai ji was given the news: “Bhai Jassa, your Chaur Waiver, has been killed. He was on his horse. The Brars met him and killed him with a rifle.” Guru ji heard this and got angry. He understood what happened. He figured out that the words he said while laughing, that made Gora angry. His anger didn’t calm down. Bhai Jassa was hunted down and shot. Guru ji thought to himself: “did he not fear me? He became stubborn and killed him. If I don’t say anything to him, the respect and love between the Sikhs won’t last. I need to punish him.” In this way Sri Guru Har Rai ji thought about all this. Guru ji got angry and cursed Bhai Gora ji. The whole court heard Guru ji with their ears. The son of Bhai Bhagtoo ji was named “Nanava” since then. Guru ji addressed Gora by this name from then on and none other. Guru ji said: “you will receive the birth of a rock; your children will break like the branches of a tree; your eyes are like a cat; you will die and become a crow many times; you will be a pig, dog, hyena, deer, lion, rooster, parrot, bird; spider, snake. Oh fool, you will spend many lifetimes as an animal. You will be a crab, frog, worm, scorpion, and many other insects. You will become a cloud and rain over the world, towing water. You will die by the noose. Your descendants will be known to fools.” How can we count all of the curses. Guru ji gave him 101 curses. He continued: “he will not face me again. He will stay far away from me so I don’t see him. Nobody should bring his reference. Whoever does, they will be his friend.” Guru ji gave him very painful curses. Guru ji thought of Bhai Jassa ji and got really angry. Guru ji called for Bhai Jassa ji’s body and had it cremated. Everyone was scared seeing Guru ji’s anger. Guru ji stayed at that place for one night and left in the morning with the whole Vaheer.

Bhai Gora ji was told the whole news: “Guru ji is very angry with you. The joys of every world have been destroyed for you by Guru ji’s curses.” The curses were told to Bhai Gora ji. He was upset hearing them. He got scared and became humble. He wanted to do Seva. He thought to himself: “I will do good deeds for Guru ji and try to make him happy. Otherwise. I will give my life. I want Guru ji to forgive me. I will do Karam with my mind, words and actions. The painful curses that I have been given by Satguru ji’s anger, I will keep doing Seva till Guru ji is not happy.” Bhai Gora ji was determined to do Seva. He stayed about 2 km away from Guru ji. He always followed Guru ji when he travelled. He had the wish to be forgiven.

Guru ji travelled slowly with all the army. Guru ji was in his palanquin, travelling with joy. Many Nagaras played as they travelled. The warriors travelled, carrying their weapons. If they saw a deer come out on the way, the warriors quickly ran after it. They would ride fast and grab it with great strength. The horses rode like the wind. They were strong as they were given sugar and ghee. They loved to show off their strength. The Sikhs would chase down the deer and tackle it. The deer would have black backs. Their horns were huge. They would get caught and given to the servants. They all conversed and enjoyed themselves on the way as they travelled. They would nurture the deer and not kill them. They collected thousands of animals in this way. They had all been caught from the jungles. They would take care of them.

Wherever the Dhera was set, Bhai Gora ji would hear about it and follow behind. He stayed about 2 km away. He wanted to make Guru ji happy. He kept his army with him. He had strong soldiers and strong horses. They never came close to Guru ji. They understood that Guru ji was really angry with them. The curses were really painful. Gora wanted Guru ji to be happy and forgive him. Bhai Gora stayed behind Guru ji and set up his own camp. They were great warriors with a lot of weapons. They were never afraid to fight. They were never afraid of the enemy. After the travels, Sri Kiratpur could be seen in the distance. Bhai Gora ji set up a Dhera 2 km away. He set up camp with his army. Sri Guru Har Rai ji entered the city. The people of the city got happy to see Guru ji. They all climbed upon their balconies and showered flowers on top of Guru ji as he came in. Everyone bowed their heads, as Guru ji passed by. Many types of celebrations happened. Satguru ji came into the city. In the beautiful home, many pictures were made on the walls. Everyone left their horses and palanquins to go inside the home. Big beds were laid out with sheets laid out on them. The servants came to lay them out. Sri Guru Har Rai ji came and sat on top of the bed. Tarps and rugs were laid out. They were colourful. They were radiant. The people came with many gifts. They were happy to see Guru ji. They bowed to his lotus feet. Their pain was gone, after meeting Guru ji. Guru ji asked how everyone was. The people said: “we are well by your blessings. Your father founded this place. The people are in bliss here. Please don’t forget them. You are the support of this city. You have stayed away for a long time. We have been waiting for you for a long time. This place has no other Master. You are the keeper and protector.” Guru Har Rai ji heard this and said: “my grandfather stayed here. I will live here as well. I won’t give any pain to the city here. Live here with bliss. Don’t worry. Do the Simran of Guru and destroy your obstacles.”

A servant brought Sri Har Krishan Chand ji in his lap and had him stand in front of his father. The young son of the Guru then bowed to his father which made his joy increase. Guru ji saw his younger son and picked him up by his arms. He placed him in his lap and touched his head. He knew that he was going to be the Master of the Throne. The ocean of Wisdom then got up and bowed to his mother, Mata Neti ji. Mata ji saw her son and blessed him. Her heart was filled with joy. The wives of Guru Har Rai ji all did Mata ji’s Darshan. They bowed to Mata Neti ji with joy. In this way Sri Guru Har Rai Sahib ji came to Kiratpur and lived there.

10-12 Sri Guru ji’s Daily Tasks

Doing many tasks of joy and bliss, it had been 6 months when Guru ji came to the city. The Sangat came from every direction to see Guru ji, along with Masands and servants. They brought many types of gifts. They did his Darshan and had their wishes fulfilled. Guru ji’s glory and praise spread though out many lands. On Diwali and Vaisakhi, the Melas would be held. Saints would get together to have discussions. Simran and Keertan happened all the time. Many were connected in the Simran of Satnam. The Sikhs with Manjhis had made their Sangat grown quite large. They all came to See Guru ji. Whatever blessing or curse came from the Masands’ mouths, was fulfilled. They had become very powerful, who were installed by Guru ji. All of those powerful Masands and Sikhs all came to see Guru ji. They brought unique items for Guru ji. The greatest kings came to bow to Guru ji, just as they would go to see the greatest Emperor. Sri Guru Har Rai ji sat on the Takhat. He gave donations and blessings, looking ever so radiant. Many would come and say to him what their wishes were. Some would keep their wishes a secret. Guru ji fulfilled the wishes of his servants and made them happy. Some came and asked for sons. Some wanted money and had their wishes fulfilled. Some asked for good health and for their illnesses to go away. Some were happy to have their obstacles destroyed. Some came to ask for help with humility after being in deep trouble. How many can I count? They came to the omnipotent Guru and had their wishes fulfilled. Guru ji sat on a high throne, looking radiant. The Bhatts would perform the Divaan in every direction. The Chaurs were waived by Sikhs over Guru ji’s head. The Chobdhaars stood, holding golden maces. They would deliver Guru ji’s commands. The Bhatts and the Naqeebs sang the glories of Guru ji. Many warriors stood guard. The Soorajmukhis were upright in the court, shining like the sun. The Mevras stood and did the Ardaas for the Sangat to Guru ji. The rich Masands came with their families. The Masands stood all around Guru ji and praised him. The gifts piled up in front of Guru ji. Everyone stood around Guru ji with their hands folded. They asked for blessings at Guru ji’s feet. Sometimes, Guru ji would glance at everyone with a divine sight of blessings. He would look at all the standing Sikhs in the court. Guru ji wore a Chola with 101 pleats. His cholas were made of fine and expensive fabrics. His cholas were made of silk with heavy embroidery on the shoulders. When he walked, he collected the pleats of his chola and hung them on his arm. He had silk cloth on his shoulders. He wore a white round pearl necklace around his neck. Another necklace of gold went down to his belly button. The golden necklace had many diamonds embedded into it. He wore armlets with 9 gems on them. They were like the 9 planets hanging radiantly from his arms. He wore golden bracelets in his wrists. The corners of the bracelets and Jadow work done on them. He wore diamond rings in his fingers. Some were in the shapes of pretty Chakors. He wore golden hoops in his ears, which hung over his cheeks. They looked great, dangling, as if Inder was wearing them. He wore a Dastaar of a fine fabric on his head. He wore a Kalgi and Jigha on top. It was the form of the Calm Ras. He was the sun of Gyaan. His words were sweet and priceless. His words would attract the minds of all. His eyes were like the petals of the lotus flowers. He wore a sharp Shamshir around his waist. There were gems and diamonds in the golden hilt of his sword. His quiver had sharp arrows in them. Pearl strands hung from the quiver. His bow was fierce. It was very hard to pull that string. He kept all his weapons near him. He wore some of the weapons. He followed the words of his grandfather. He didn’t fight. Guru Hargobind Sahib ji had said to him: “if the Turks or other enemies come to fight, they will be faced with obstacles, all of a sudden. They won’t be able to come near you. They will be destroyed without striking.”

Guru Har Rai ji woke up at Amritvela and bathed everyday. He would get dressed and then sit in Samadhi. He would make his mind still and connect with his Aatma. He would connect with his real form, which exists everywhere. There was absolutely no attachment or hate in that form. There was no conflict there. He would connect to that form inside of him.

Many Rababis would come and sing Asa Vaar in many Raags. The fortunate ones would come and experience the shower of Amrit. They listened with love. When the sun would illuminate the land, the Bhatts and Naqeebs would sing the praises of Guru ji. Sandalwood and saffron was crushed and mixed. The servants would keep this with them in a pot. The Gurmukhi Tikka was placed on Guru ji’s forehead. Guru ji would see his face in the mirror after the Tikka. The radiance of Guru ji’s face could not be spoken of. He was very handsome. Guru ji would comb his beard and then come to the Divaan. He would sit on his Throne where everyone could see him. Many would come to bow to him. The 3 illnesses would run away, where Guru ji’s sight would fall. The Bilaval Chownki would then be played (also known as Charan Kamal Chownki). The Mridangs and Rabas would play. Everyone would listen to the Shabads being sung. As the Keertan was heard, the Aatma of the Sikhs became purer. Some would ask about Gyaan from Guru ji. Guru ji would give them the wisdom of the Aatma. Many Sikhs did great Seva. Guru ji would be happy with them and take them out of the cycle of birth and death. Some Sikhs did Bhagti. Guru ji would instruct them to do the Simran of Satnam. They would get connected right away. They did Simran, day and night, without stopping. The ones who had their minds become still, they would have the same light as the great Jogis. In the end, they immerged into the Guru. They would be in bliss forever. Some received Aatam Gyaan and broke the bonds of many births.

When it was around 10 am, Guru ji would sit in the court, giving wisdom to his servants. He would break the bonds of the bad wisdoms. The Langri would then come and announce the Langar. He would come and stand with his hands folded. When Guru ji would see him, he would say: “Maharaj ji, the Langar is ready.” Guru ji would get up and go to the pure place. He would wash his hands and feet. Guru ji would sit on a stool. On another stool, there would be placed a plate of food. He would eat many types of food, as much as he wanted to. He would drink water and wash his hands. He would then go and lay down on his bed. He would go into the Sakopat state and rest. At around 3 pm he would get up and wash up. He would then come to the Divaan and give everyone his Darshan. Shabads in Raag would be sung. Guru ji would bless the ones who listened with love. At night time, Guru ji would eat again. He would then eat by 10 pm. He would then go and lay down on a nice bed. He would wake up at Amritvela again to bathe. He bathed with 101 pots of water. He bathed in every season with 101 pots of water. This was what he did on a daily basis. He blessed many people all day long. Guru ji stayed for 6 months in Kiratpur.

10-13 Guru ji’s Dhera Surrounded by Turks

Bhai Gora ji stayed about 2 km away from wherever Guru ji was. He wanted to please Guru ji some how, but didn’t get a chance. He spent his days and nights doing the Simran of Guru ji and gave his soldiers hope. He provided for his men and took care of them as he was a ruler/Zamindar. He and his men were always ready with their clothes and weapons. Sri Guru Har Rai ji wished to ride and explore the area of Malva. He wanted to see the Jungle Desh. He wanted to travel slowly along the Sutlej. He had the warrior Sikhs prepared to go and set off from Kiratpur. The Nagaras sounded. The soldiers heard the Nagaras and awakened the wish to fight inside of them. They made their horses jump and fired their rifles. The strong soldiers made their horses dance. Sri Guru Har Rai ji rode his horse. His horse rode like the wind. Guru ji lifted the reins high making the horse run fast. The horse danced like a performer or an acrobat. The Sikhs held their weapons and rode. Spears and swords were held. It was as if the men were going to fight. They all travelled the shores of the Sutlej. The men riding their horses looked like they were going to fly any second now. They all showed their skills on their horses. Guru ji stopped and waited for the army, doing many acts of joy. People along the way stood with their hands folded as Guru ji rode by. Thousands stood and watched. The Karta Purakh Guru Kartar did many acts of leisure as he rode. The wives of Guru ji travelled as well. Guru ji was going to spread the wisdom of Sikhi in Malva. It was the 7^th form of the Master of the Universe. Guru ji and the Vaheer travelled the path along the shores of the river. They travelled during the day and set up camp at night. The wives of Guru ji travelled in their palanquins. Satguru ji brought them along. Guru ji was at the front with the Nishans. Mata ji and the servants were on their chariots. There were many carts pulled by bulls that had the luggage on them. Bhai Gora ji would set up camp about 2 km behind Guru ji. He would go wherever Prabhoo ji went. Bhai Gora ji had about 300 men with him. They were great fighters. They rested the night after eating.

In the morning everyone bathed and got ready. They saddled their horses and set off on their way again. Sri Guru Har Rai Sahib ji would travel at the front. The Nagaras would sound and the army would follow. The wives would be about a kilometre behind. Their maids and servants were with them. Bhai Gora ji would get news of Guru ji leaving and then would get his men to leave as well. He would have his Nagaras played as well. It had been a year that he had been staying in his camp in this way. They all travelled along the shores of the Sutlej. The Vaheer travelled in this way.

From Lahore, the army of the Turks were headed to Delhi. A senior Umraav (a relative of Painday Khan) was headed to Delhi to meet the Badshah. He had a big army with him. Sri Guru Har Rai ji was riding at the front. His wives were at the back. The Turks saw the Vaheer of the wives of Guru ji. They asked: “whose Dhera is this? This is a big Vaheer.” Somebody told him: “it is Guru Har Rai ji. He has gone ahead. This is his family and the Vaheer. The army has gone ahead.” When the Turk heard this, enmity arose in his mind and he said: “the grandfather of this Guru killed many of our men. He killed my grandfather as well. Mughlas Khan was my grandfather. He was very strong. The Guru killed him. I want to avenge my grandfather’s death. I want to loot the Vaheer. Surround the palanquins. Don’t let them go ahead. Aim your rifles. If the Sikhs fight, we will fight.” The Turks heard the orders and surrounded the Vaheer of the wives and servants.

One Sikh warrior saw this and rode to Guru ji. He told Guru ji what happened: “Prabhoo ji, you are way ahead. The Turks have surrounded the Vaheer. They are angry. They surrounded the Vaheer. Let’s go back and rescue them.” Prabhoo ji heard this and stopped his horse. He came to his army and noticed that it was time for war. He thought to himself: “Pitamah ji told me not to fight battles. This is an interesting situation. I need to go back and fight.” The Guru Bhagvaan stood there and thought for a few moments. After thinking, Guru ji said: “who else is at the back? Which strong Jathedaar is at the back?” The Sikhs folded their hands and said: “the whole army is at the front. The Vaheer at the back have no weapons. We do hear a Nagara at the back though. It is the Nanava (the unnamed one) of Bhai Bhagtoo ji. There is no other general with him.” Sri Guru Har Rai ji heard this and said: “if the son of Bhai Bhagtoo ji is there, he will save his mothers himself and bring them ahead. He will fight the Turks and save everyone.” Guru ji then rode off and continued on his way. The army was ready to fight and became disheartened that they did not get the command to fight. They thought: “he didn’t let us go fight. The Turks are in great numbers. If we go without permission, we will get in trouble. Nobody can say anything to Guru ji.” They lowered their eyes and travelled ahead. They kept thinking: “Guru ji’s wives are coming behind. This is a bad thing that the Turks are planning a corrupt thing.” The warriors were all quite and travelled with no joy.

Where the Turks gathered, Bhai Gora ji and his men reached that place. Bhai Gora ji sent a man to get news. The messenger asked the Turks: “why have you stopped the Vaheer of the Guru? Give us way to go ahead, otherwise we will fight a fierce battle with our weapons. This is not your public whom you can stop at any time. To kill and be killed is our task. We won’t stand and watch.” The Turks heard this and spoke in pride and anger: “we will take your weapons from you. If you want to leave humbly, we will let you go. If you love your life, then leave your horses and your weapons. Leave from here.”

When Bhai Gora ji heard of this response, he got angry and prepared to fight. He thought to himself: “it’s now time to lay my life for the Guru. I will win and ask for forgiveness. I was waiting for this opportunity. I got my chance today. Guru ji gave me 101 curses for both worlds. They are painful. I will get them erased by making an effort today. There is nothing better than this.” He thought about this and gathered his eagerness. He wanted to fight the Turks. He thought to himself: “I will fight fiercely with all my might today. If I don’t fight with anger; if I don’t fight to kill or be killed today, the task of the Guru will go bad. The Turks won’t stop. They will loot everything and disrespect the mothers. My life will be damned then. The people will say: “he is no warrior. He saw Guru ji’s Vaheer go to ruins. He didn’t fight and kill the Turks.” My life will be a success if I fight. If I win, my task will be a success. The Guru Master will assist me. He gave me this opportunity today.” Bhai Gora ji thought about this and gave his command: “play the Nagaras for battle preparation. Unfurl the Nishans. Oh Sikhs! Collect your strength! Guru ji is the protector of both worlds. Don’t love your life now. Take pleasure in killing the Turks. Give your minds to this task.” The 300 men with him got ready to fight. They were inspired by Bhai Gora ji to fight. The men were happy. They wanted to destroy the Turks. When the Nagaras sounded, the army came to fight. The Vaheer was guided to one side. The Matas went ahead towards Guru ji. When the Turks attempted to stop them, the Sikhs pushed them back and fired their rifles. The battle started.

10-14 Gora Battles the Turks

The bullets were shot. They injured the Turks. The ones on the front lines, fell off their horses right away. Bhai Gora ji and his men stood in front of the Turks and stopped them. The great warrior stood in their way. The Vaheer was sent ahead towards Guru ji. The family of the Guru was without worry. The enemy was surrounded and faced a rain of bullets. The Sikhs didn’t let the Turks chase the Vaheer. The Sikhs fought fiercely. They straitened their horses. They had spears in their hands. They sent the Turks to the realm of the Jumms. The sharp arrows flew. The bullets flew and busted the bodies. The men fell. The horses were empty. The bullets fired, making popping sounds. The swords were out. The arms were cut. The limbs were cut. The warriors shouted and attacked. When Bhai Gora ji fought hard, many Turks were killed. Their faces were busted. Many were on the ground begging for water. The blood flowed and mixed into the dust. The Turks were stopped. The Sikhs were too fast. The Umraav was angry. He said to his men: “what are you all looking at? Go and fight. Kill them! They are few in numbers. Charge hard and make them run away. Loot the Vaheer then. There is a lot of wealth there.” The Turks heard their leader. They obeyed and loaded their rifles. They shot the bullets towards the Sikhs. The gunpowder sparked. The horses ran. The Turks were hit with spears, coming close. Bhai Gora ji faced them off with his chest wide open. His feet were planted. The Turks were not allowed to go ahead. They were hit with bullets. The Sikhs challenged the Turks. The Turks attacked hard. They were in Bir Ras. The Turks were busted. The heads exploded. Many Turks came on hard. They played their Nagaras. The Sikhs faced them hard. The Vaheer was long gone. Bhai Gora ji saved the Vaheer. Metal clashed. The Turks backed down. It was getting dark. They knew the battle was useless now. They fought one more charge. The swords were out. It was close combat. The ones who attacked were not left alive. The great warrior, Bhai Gora ji, attacked. He and his men attacked and cut the limbs. The ground was red. The heads rolled. Many died. The Turks fought all day. The guns and spears were used. The Turks were not able to go ahead. The Sikhs were like the gate of a fort.

The wives of Satguru ji and the servants went to Guru ji with no damage. Nobody was able to get to them. They were safe and sound. The Turks could not loot them. Till the sun was up, the battle carried on. Bhai Gora ji stayed on the battlefield. When it was dark, the Turks retreated. The Turks went to the Umraav and said: “it’s dark now. The Vaheer is gone. The Sikhs fought hard. They fought with bravery. They weren’t scared. We lost many men for no reason.” The Turks set up camp and rested. They collected their dead and buried them. The tended to the injured.

Bhai Gora ji sounded the victory Nagara and headed towards Guru ji. When he was 2 km away, he set up camp. His men all set up the Dhera. The Vaheer reached to where Guru ji was. Guru ji asked them: “the Turks didn’t cause any damage to you, did they? Is everything with you? There was a battle. The loud noises could be heard. Who fought? Which brave soldiers fought?” The wise people told Guru ji about the battle: “the son of Bhai Bhagtoo ji fought bravely. He stopped the enemy. He saw the enemy and stopped them. He stopped them but they didn’t listen. He brought his men and inspired them to attack. He and his men stood like a pillar. He stood on the battlefield like a Ranthunba. The Turks attacked. Both sides shot rifles. They fought with anger. It was a fierce battle. Bhai Gora ji stopped the Turks. He had the Vaheer go ahead. Bhai Gora ji didn’t let the Turks come close. The swords swung. Many enemies fell. Some Sikhs died. The Turks tried hard but they didn’t get way. Bhai Gora ji stopped them. Nothing was looted. Nobody was injured in the Vaheer. We came with joy. You assisted us. We were saved. The son of Bhai Bhagtoo ji is a great warrior. He is fearless. He fought the Turks and killed them. Many were killed. He was victorious. When we came, they all kept fighting. When Bhai Gora ji knew we all passed with ease, he came as well. The Turks got tired. We can’t praise Bhai Gora ji enough. He didn’t let anyone come close. He didn’t love his body for the Guru. He had only a few men. He faced many thousands of Turks. When it got dark, the enemy backed down. When they left, Bhai Gora ji then came playing the victory Nagara. He set up his camp away from here.” Guru Har Rai ji heard this and was very happy. He saw Bhai Gora ji as his great Sikh. He said to a servant: “go call Gora. He fought a great battle. I will forgive him for his mistake. I will release him from all his pain now.”

The Servant obeyed and went to call Bhai Gora ji. He told Bhai Gora ji the command. The son of Bhai Bhagtoo ji folded his hands and bowed his head. He said: “you go on ahead. I will come after my Dhera is set. I am injured. Let me get bandaged. I will give my men hope and come.” The servant told Guru ji what Bhai Gora ji said. Guru ji sent the servant back and told him: “bring him here now. I will sit when he comes.” The bed was laid but Guru ji didn’t sit.

The servant rode his horse and went to Bhai Gora ji. He said: “come quick. Guru ji is standing and is waiting for you. He sent me back to get you. He wishes to see you now.” The son of Bhai Bhagtoo ji said: “let me wash up and come. My clothes are dirty from battle. I wish to see Guru ji. I wish to touch his feet.” The servant came back and told Guru ji. Guru ji sent his own servant and said: “tell the son of Bhagtoo: if you don’t come now, Guru ji will come to you then. If you don’t come now, I will come.” The servant went to Bhai Gora ji and said: “the complete Guru is waiting. Don’t wash up. Just come.” Bhai Gora ji came with dirt and blood on his body. He came on his horse with his weapons. He came to where Guru ji was waiting in joy.

10-15 Gora’s Curses are Forgiven

Bhai Gora ji rode his horse fast towards Guru ji. He was eager to see him. He came to the Dhera of Guru ji. He got off his horse from a distance. He stood in front of Guru ji with his hands folded and his head lowered. He saw himself as guilty. He stood with his hands folded. Sri Guru Har Rai ji looked at Bhai Gora ji and blessed him. He was happy with him and called him to sit with him. He spoke to him with respect: “come forward. Don’t stand far away now. You have made me happy. Ask for what you wish for.” Bhai Gora ji heard Guru ji’s words and remained standing. He said: “oh Master, I am guilty. I am at your mercy. Please forgive your servant. I am filled with vices in every way. You are the Guru who forgives. This is your promise. Connect me to your feet so I may be pure. Erase the pain of my two worlds. Body, wealth and my belongings are not mine. Everything is yours. May you use everything I have. It would be successful then. This is my wish.” Guru ji heard this and was about to erase his curses. Guru ji blessed him with his sight as he stood. He held a cloth and wiped the dirt from Bhai Gora ji’s face. He spoke as he wiped: “the life of the rock, snake, clouds and other animals and insects; these have all been erased. You won’t be going through these now. Your family will grow. You will be known in the world for many years. All of the curses have been erased. Great beings will be born in your line of descendants. I erase the curse of you dying by the noose.” When all these curses were erased, Bhai Gora ji spoke with humility: “you erased my curses by your compassion. This body will still die one day; nobody remains on this earth. Everyone dies. Please leave the curse of the “dying by the noose.” I will die by the noose. Don’t erase this curse. Let it remain. I wish to die by your curse. Only this one. If even one of your curses don’t remain, the atheists and faithless will speak badly about you. They will say that your words were false and not one curse came out to be true. Please leave this curse oh Compassionate One.” Guru ji was happy to hear this and said: “this is the way of Sikhs. This makes the glory of the Guru greater. By which the glory is lessened, a Sikh should never do such a thing. This is a good thing you thought of. One curse will remain. This will make you great. You made your life and afterlife a success. You are great in the eyes of the Guru. The curse of “dying by the noose,” you will feel no pain when it happens. You will be in bliss when you leave your body. There will be some excuse, by which this situation will arise.”

Guru ji had Bhai Gora ji sit next to him. He looked at all of his wounds. Guru ji asked: “how many Sikhs were injured? How many died? How many Turks were killed?” Bhai Gora ji folded his hands and said: “whoever you saved, is still alive in this world. Whoever you killed, died. Everything is in your command. It’s your will. What should I say to you? You are the cause and the effect.” Guru ji wiped Bhai Gora ji’s face and blessed him. He was guilty and now he was saved. He was seen as his servant and forgiven. The Dhera of Bhai Gora ji was mixed with Guru ji’s Dhera. The army was mixed with Guru ji’s personal army. Bhai Gora ji was really happy with Guru ji’s compassion. His painful curses were all forgiven.

Bhai Gora ji went to his Dhera and took news of his injured men. They all ate and were tended to. In the morning, Satguru had a Divaan with Satnam Simran. Many Masands and Mevras were there. Many warriors and servants were there. Sangat came to visit from the nearby villages. They brought many gifts for Guru ji. Guru ji called Bhai Gora ji to him, in the Divaan. He came with his servants. His men came as well. Guru ji had them sit respectfully. He praised his Sikh of his bravery. He then told him to go to his home as he had been travelling with Guru ji for more than a year, trying to get his attention. He said: “rule your land and do your tasks. You have been here for a long time. Take care of your homes and kingdom.” Bhai Gora ji folded his hands and said: “we stay in your command.” Guru ji gave him a Siropa with his own hands and gave him leave. Guru ji said: “I will be going back to Kartarpur. I will spend time there now. You should go back to Bathinda. Show your might and make your kingdom bigger.” Guru ji spoke in the court for all to hear and praised him. Bhai Gora ji stood there with his hands folded. He bowed his head and touched Guru ji’s feet. He left the court with a great bliss in his heart.

Guru ji spent another night. Bhai Gora ji got ready to leave. He met all the other Gursikhs and left for his home. He bowed to Guru ji’s feet and left for the Jungle Desh. He then made his kingdom bigger. He took many villages under his rule. He commanded them all. He set up his posts in all the villages. He was a strict ruler. His wealth and home got bigger. He was a good ruler who looked after his people. They were all happy with him. He stayed in Bathinda for a long time. He had the Brars in his army.

Listen to Satguru ji’s Katha now, which washes the sins of many births. Guru ji mobilized his Vaheer and reached the shores of the Sutlej. The ferrymen were called who brought big ferries. The horses and carts were crossed over. The army crossed over. Guru ji paid the ferrymen well. They then spent the night there. The next day, they travelled with joy. Guru ji arrived in Sri Kartarpur. Baba Dheermal came to receive Guru ji with many elders of his city. They all brought great gifts. They folded their hands and bowed to Guru ji. Guru ji asked how everyone was and entered the city with the Sangat. The army set up camp in the gardens. They set up camp where they found fit. Guru ji went to the home that was there. The wives of Guru ji went inside the homes. Everyone got off the palanquins and chariots. They settled in the homes with joy.

Baba Dheermal asked about the battle: “how did this fight happen? You shouldn’t fight the Turks. Don’t appose them. Spend your time with peace.” Guru Har Rai ji spoke: “it was the grandson of Mughlas Khan. He thought of his grandfather’s death and attacked. He wanted to avenge his death. He sent his army towards us. He wanted to loot the Vaheer. I was way ahead. I got news of this situation. I remembered Pitamah’s command of not fighting a battle. I didn’t fight then. The son of Bhai Bhagtoo ji was at the back. He saw the Turks coming towards the Vaheer. He used his weapons and fought the enemy. He saved his Sikhs and the Vaheer. Many Turks died. The Turks backed down when it got dark. This battle happened all of a sudden. It was dark, so the battle broke up.”

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