10-46 Recognizing the Pattrani

Satguru ji got ready and left his Dhera.  He left with the Raja with joy.  They travelled towards the Raja’s palace.  The Raja spoke to Satguru ji with respect.  The Raja was barefoot.  When they came to the Singhpore (the doors with the lion statues), the people of the Raja got up and bowed to him.  They bowed their heads to Guru ji’s lotus feet.  Everyone around Guru ji bowed.  Guru ji entered the palace that was decorated for his welcome.  The courtyard was beautiful.  It was beautifully decorated.  A square was made in the middle with many colours.  Guru ji climbed the stairs towards the palace.  He walked slowly.  He was deep.  His virtues were deep.  He held a cane in his hand.  He would spin it up sometimes and spin it low.  He entered the palace.  There was artwork on the walls.  There were paintings of forests, flowers and fruits.  There were paintings of lions, deer and elephants; parrots, cuckoos, and swans; peacocks, parrots and other animals.  The Ataris were beautiful.  The domes were made of gold.  It looked like the clouds of winter.  The white palace was attractive.  A big canopy with Zarri tassels was hung with silk ropes.  A sandalwood stool was placed under the canopy.  Guru ji was taken to the stool to sit.  The Raja wanted to see the miracle but his devotion was deep.  He asked Guru ji to sit on the stool.  The beautiful queens with lotus eyes; voices like cuckoos; nose like a parrot; who were radiant, there were hundreds of them.  They were all sitting down, looking like lightening.  They wore different-coloured clothes.  They were young and pretty.  They wore expensive clothes and jewellery.  They wore 9 Lakh necklaces with diamond strands.  Every queen wore pashmina and other fine cloth clothes.  None was without precious gems.  They clothes were just as expensive as the jewellery.  They all sat in the Bangla.  The Pattrani, however, who was the most beautiful, wore dirty clothes which would be worn by servants.  She wore no jewellery.  She thought to herself: “if Guru ji is omniscient and knows every heart, then I want him to come and sit in my lap.  I want to see his powers.  If he can hear my thoughts, then I will bow to his feet and ask for wishes.”  She thought about this and sat in the corner.  She wasn’t sitting on a special seat.

For Guru ji, beautiful toys had been made.  The Pattrani had golden and silver toys made.  They were kept with the Pattrani.  5 horses were made of gold, diamonds and pearls.  5 toys were made of silver.  The horses looked like they were jumping with riders on top.  5 toys were made of clay.  They were painted in different colours.  5 sets of clothes were kept in a tray.  All of the toys were hidden in trays with cloths on top.

When Satguru ji came into the Runvaas with the king, the queens all met him.  It was like a garden of lotus flowers meeting the sun.  Everyone’s eyes were gleaming, seeing Guru ji.  They all folded their hands at the same time and bowed to Guru ji.  The queens were told not to get up by the king.  They remained seated.  They met Guru ji and saw his beautiful and attractive form.  The queens sat quietly, obeying the king.  The whole palace was filled with queens, maids and servants.  Guru ji went to where the queens were with his cane in his hand.  He placed his cane on one of the queen’s head and said: “this is not the Pattrani.”  He then tapped another on the head and then a third, saying: “she is not the Pattrani.”  He kept doing that for the queens as he walked by.  He kept tapping them on the head and walked on ahead.  The queens sat together.  Guru ji walked on ahead, tapping the queens on the head, ever so lightly.  He had the cane in his right hand and tested all the queens.  He passed the whole Runvaas and said: “she is not the Pattrani.”  The queens wore expensive clothes and jewellery.  They sat in their seats.  Guru ji kept walking on ahead.  Raja Jai Singh was amazed.  He walked behind Guru ji.  Everyone watched this amazing miracle.  Guru ji wanted to expose the façade.

The Pattrani was sitting at the back in simple and dirty clothes.  She sat in the corner like a maid.  She watched quietly and kept on doing the Ardaas in her heart.  She sat on the floor.  Guru ji slowly made his way to the Pattrani.  The Pattrani had her eyes lowered.  Guru ji had passed all the queens and came to the head queen.  He stood in front of the Pattrani and said: “you are the head Pattrani.”  Hearing the words, the Pattrani was very happy.  She took Guru ji in her lap.  She held Guru ji’s feet.  She was amazed to see such a great Avatar.  She said: “Dhan Satguru ji!”  Guru ji said: “you are the head queen.  It is not right for you to sit here.  You should sit on the special seat and wear nice clothes.  Wear nice jewellery.  You should have worn all that.  You are the Pattrani of the Maharaja.  Why are you wearing these deceiving clothes?  Get up and sit on your seat.  Deceiving Gurus and saints don’t go well.  You will have to suffer the bad consequences for doing this.  Your children will not be happy.”  The Pattrani got scared and folded her hands.  With her trembling hands, she pulled out the toys of gold and silver.  She gave Guru ji the toys and said: “these are for you to play.”  The queens all brought gifts for Guru ji.  Everyone got up and stood in lines.  They all got scared from the words of Guru ji.  They all wanted Guru ji to play with the toys, trying to divert his attention.  They didn’t understand that he was the Parmeshwar, not deceived by the delusions of desire.  They said: “we made toys for you.  We heard you like to play with toys.  Please bless us with a boon.  Gives us words of joy.”  Guru ji did not say anything.  The king of Jaipur got scared.  He got worried with Guru ji’s words.  He thought to himself: “whatever he says, becomes reality.  It never goes amiss.  He said: “my children won’t be happy.”  He is upset.  I should ask for forgiveness.  What I was afraid of, that is what happened.”  Jai Singh folded his hands and said: “Guru ji, please sit on the stool.  We are unwise.  We don’t know your greatness.  Your glory is great.  We are unwise.  Please forgive our mistakes.  We are sinners.  You save people like us.”  The Raja said this and picked up Guru ji in his lap.  He put Guru ji on the sandalwood stool.  The whole Runvaas was standing.  They were all scared.  They stood with their hands folded.  They all made requests to Guru ji.  The Raja said: “we are your servants.  You are the Master of all of us.  You are the ocean of compassion.  You are omniscient.  Your greatness could not be known.  You are the Prabhoo who has taken on a human body.  You are benevolent.  That’s why you came in the human body.” 

10-47 The Raja Becomes a Sikh

The Raja got scared along with all of the queens, hearing Guru ji give them a curse.  He wanted to make Guru ji happy again.  He realised he had done a wrong thing.  He sinned.  The Raja took his Pugri off and put it on Guru ji’s feet.  He folded his hands and became humble.  He wanted to make Guru ji happy.  He said: “the greater than great beings forgive the servants that make mistakes.  If they make someone as their own, they don’t look at their faults.  They forgive them.  The ocean is big which keeps the “Budwa Agni” (the fire in the ocean) in it.  (The 4 types of fires: 1. Samanya Agni- fire of the stove 2. Dhava Agni – jungle fire between plant life 3. Budwa Agni – the ocean fire 4. Jattar Agni – the fire in the gut).  The water is burned by the fire but the ocean does not renounce it.  Just as Shiva keeps Chander on his forehead, despite Chander’s sin of committing adultery with his Guru’s wife; Shiva protected his stain; please bless me with your compassion.  Don’t get angry, seeing my faults.  Calm your anger.  Give me wisdom which is good for me.  I wish to take your Charanamrit and become your Sikh.  Make me your Sikh, oh Master.  I want to make my life a success.”  Satguru ji heard this and said: “oh Jai Singh Svaee, the warrior, the ones who have a strong determination, Guru Nanak Dev ji gives them joy.  He stays by the side of such a person and protects them in both worlds.  He covers their secrets.  The ones who are in doubt; they bounce between faith and doubt; they see themselves as higher and inflate their ego.  Just as a high place on the earth cannot hold water, that is how the egotistical cannot love.  How can the farming of Seva happen there?  How can they achieve the fruit of Mukti?  Bliss is not in their dreams.  They are not satiated.  What else can I say to you?  I can see that you understand this.  You have faith oh Raja.”  The Raja lowered his eyes and began to shed tears.  He said: “Sri Satguru ji, you are the inspiration for the whole universe.  You are the cause and effect of all.  You are the consciousness of all.  The Jeev you bless, you show them the righteous path.  Please bless me in any way.  Don’t think of my faults.  I am yours.  See me as yours.  Just as a father sees his son and does not think of his faults; wishes for his progress; forgives all of the mistakes; please do that with me.  Give us a boon.  Give us good wisdom for the future.  Give us your Charanamrit and connect us with your feet.”  Guru ji heard this and said: “your family will grow but what will happen is, that some lineages will be seen where the queen will be in charge instead of your grandchildren.  The queen will control everything in the kingdom.  People will follow her.  The queen will sit in the court.  You compelled your queens to test me and put them in the front.  For this reason, the queens will rule in your kingdom instead of the men.  You still will have to tolerate this little result from the curse.  The other things of the curse I have dropped.  Everything else will be great.  You served me well.  Your faith will be rewarded with joy and peace.  Your kingdom will progress and will be well-reputed.  Your radiance will be great.  You will experience peace in the kingdom.  The Satguru will be with you.  You won’t see painful times.”  The Raja heard the blessed-words of Guru ji and got happy along with the queens. 

The Raja called for pure water.  He received Satguru ji’s permission and washed Guru ji’s feet.  The feet were soft and red.  The Raja rubbed Guru ji’s feet and drank the water from Guru ji’s feet.  The Ranis all drank the Amrit as well.  They put some of the Amrit in their eyes and then in their hair.  The King of Jaipur became a Sikh.  The Ranis all became Sikhs.  They drank the Amrit with joy.  They were happy and no longer scared.  The other maids in the Runvaas drank the Amrit.  The Raja presented diamonds and precious gems to Guru ji.  They shined in the light.  The Raja and the Ranis all bowed to Guru ji’s feet.  They saw themselves as fortunate.

The Pattrani brought gifts for Guru ji.  She bowed to Guru ji’s feet. The other Ranis placed their gifts in front of Guru ji.  They brought Dinars and other gifts.  They were drenched in deep love for the Guru.  They said: “Dhan Satguru ji.”  When it was evening, the Raja asked Guru ji to eat.  Four types of foods (crunching, sucking, drinking and eating) were prepared in a golden plate.  Foods of 6 types of tastes were made.  The Raja brought Guru ji’s plate.  He did Guru ji’s Seva with love.  He wanted to make Guru ji happy.  He asked Guru ji to try the different types of foods.  Cold and great tasting water was given to Guru ji.  The Raja’s faith became deeper.  Guru ji saw that the Raja’s heart had become pure.  Many types of delicacies were made.  Sweet and great smelling foods were eaten by Guru ji.  He ate with joy.  He then washed his hands.  Fennel seeds and other mouth fresheners with elachis were give to Guru ji.  Guru ji ate them all.  Guru ji held the Raja’s Pugri and told the Raja to come forward.  Guru ji tied the Pugri onto the Raja’s head and gave him Sikhi.  He completed the wish of the Raja.  He gave the Raja hope: “the Guru will be with you in both worlds.”  Guru ji left the Raja’s palace.  The people bowed to Guru ji as he departed.  Guru ji held the flower cane in his hand.  He spun the cane as he walked. 

Guru ji came back to his Dhera.  He completed the tasks of the Raja in this way.  The Raja met his queens and talked about the miracle.  He said: “the Satguru resides everywhere.  He is omnipresent.  Whoever sees him in their heart, they know.  You, Pattrani, were sitting in a corner, wearing dirty clothes.  Whatever you were saying in your heart, the Satguru passed all the other queens and came to sit in your lap.  You should tell everyone what you were saying in your heart.  The Satguru is great.  He saves the honour of all.”  The Pattrani and the Raja along with queens all discussed this.  All of the servants and maids were called.  The gifts were collected and sent to Guru ji’s Dhera.  Many Dinars, Pashminas and other expensive gifts were sent to Guru ji’s Dhera.  The treasurers of Guru ji received everything.  Guru ji was in his Dhera.  His Darshan destroyed all sins.  Thousands of people of Delhi would come every day to ask for joy.  The gifts piled up all day long.  Everyone bowed to Guru ji’s feet.   The Satguru was the giver of the whole universe.  Whoever was filled with Prema Bhagti, they received Mukti.  Others received worldly gifts.  The Bhagats were given the Satnam.  They would then renounce pleasures and connect to the Satnam.  Guru ji then thought to himself: “the time to leave my body is near.”  Guru ji began to prepare for his departure from his body.  He knew what was going to happen.  He wanted to connect with his Aatma. 

10-48 Taking the Dhera out of the City

Satguru ji thought in his heart: “the Raja has seen the miracle.  He will tell everyone else now.  The Badshah will get to know.  There is no way I will meet the Turkeshwar.  I will be strict to my vow.  I will fulfill it in every way.  If the Raja tells the Badshah, the Badshah will be adamant in seeing me.  He will make efforts to see me.  My brother has given me a curse.  The Guru lives in his words (in his mouth).  I need to honour my brother’s words and make them a reality.  There is no use in staying in the city.  My brother becomes jealous when more Sikhs come here.  He sees this and gets upsets.  Sri Tegh Bahadhur ji is great.  He will be given the Gurta Ghaddi.  Sri Guru Hargobind Sahib ji, my elder, he had said in regards to Sri Tegh Bahadhur ji: “he will be the Guru.”  Recognizing all of these reasons, Sri Guru Har Krishan ji saw it fit to go to Sach Khand.  He stayed in the Bangla that night. 

Guru ji woke up at Amritvela and bathed.  He did his cleansing routines and sat in Samadhi.  He then listened to Keertan and sat with this Sikhs.  As the Keertan was happening, Guru ji’s temperature began to rise.  Guru ji then lied down after Asa Vaar.  He lied down on his bed, feeling the effects of a fever.  His body felt fatigued.  When his Mata ji saw him, she became worried in her heart.  She said to Guru ji: “doing your Darshan destroyed the diseases of many.  You are on the Ghaddi of Sri Guru Nanak Dev ji.  You destroy the illnesses and pains of the world.  Millions of Sangat have faith in you.  You destroy the pains of both worlds of your servants.  What play are you playing?  You have taken on the pain of the whole city.  Seeing you, we are in doubt.”  Mata ji spoke in love.  She was really worried.  Guru ji saw his mother’s worry and said: “get ready.  We will leave from here.  We will set up a new Dhera.  I am not happy here anymore.”  The servants heard this and began to make preparations.  The chariots and palanquins were prepared.  The luggage was loaded.  The horses were saddled.  The warriors were ready.  The servant came to tell Guru ji of the preparations.  He said: “everyone is waiting by the door.”  Guru ji heard this.  His feet were beautiful.  Whoever thought of his feet, their pains were all gone. 

Guru ji covered his whole body and came to the front door.  Guru ji climbed the palanquin and the carriers picked it up.  Where the Mandir of Yogmaya is, where people worship Kalika (Yogmaya was born to Yashoda and was an incarnation of Durga), everyone headed that way.  The servants and Sikhs followed.  The carriers walked slowly.  They reached the place of the Devi.  Guru ji came off of the Palanquin and went inside the Mandir.  Guru ji closed the doors.  There was no other human inside.  Guru ji sat inside in solitude.  Guru ji sat inside for four and a half hours in Samadhi.  He spoke to the illusionary Shakti of Akaal Purakh in secret.  Seetala, is a power of Akaal Purakh.  He gave way for Seetala to enter his body. 

The Raja heard of Guru ji’s departure with the whole Vaheer.  Guru ji had not informed anyone of his leaving the Bangla.  Raja Jai Singh sent his Prime Minister to where the Sikhs were gathered.  He saw the Sikhs outside of the Mandir.  They all waited for Guru ji to come out.  Many people came there for Guru ji’s Darshan.  A crowd gathered and waited for Guru ji.  Slowly, more people came.  It was now late afternoon.  Guru ji came out.  Everyone did his Darshan and bowed to him with their hands folded.  They all praised Guru ji.  The Minister praised Guru ji as he came close to Guru ji.  He folded his hands and bowed his head.  He presented the Raja’s greeting.  He bowed for the Raja and said: “the Raja just found out about your departure.  He got worried and sent me.  I came in a hurry to see you.  Where are you headed towards?  The Raja is worried.”  Guru Har Krishan ji heard this and said: “we will do a Dhera outside of the city.  The Bangla was too crowded as it was in the city.  There was too much coming and going.  I want to be away from the city in a nice place.  I will live there permanently.  I will find such a place where I can stay forever.”  The people did not understand his riddled words.  The Prime Minister folded his hands and said: “I have been commanded by the Raja to go with you, wherever you go.  Wherever you go, the Dhera will be set.  You can stay there in joy.  You can rest there in joy.  The luggage will be sent there.”  Guru ji heard this and set forth.  The palanquin was picked up by the carriers.  The minister walked beside the palanquin with his hands folded.  He would speak to Guru ji of the nice places around Delhi.  They all walked slowly.  The minister stayed: “listen Guru ji, there are many places near the shores of the Jamuna which you may like.  Raja Jai Singh sets up his Dhera there.  The Topkhana (canon armoury) is there along with one of his regiments.  If you like that place, you can see it and stay there in joy.  It is located south of Delhi.  Let’s go there first.”  Satguru ji heard this and accepted his request.  Guru ji said: “let’s go there.”  The minister heard this and headed towards the area of the Topkhana.  They were looking for a nice place.  Many followed behind Guru ji.

Everyone reached the shores of the Jumana.  Guru ji saw the canons standing there with many soldiers.  There was an empty space there.  Guru ji saw a nice place for the Dhera.  He was happy and said: “I like this place.  Set up the Dhera here.”  The palanquin was set down.  Guru ji saw the greenery all around and the dark waters of the Jamuna.  There were many trees and plants with green grass.  To wash the sins that the Jamuna held, Guru ji came at the request of the Jamuna.  He was going to relieve the pain of Jamuna by dipping his feet into her waters.  She was holding the washed sins of many and cried out to the Parmeshwar for help.  There was a lot of greenery everywhere.  The grass was green.  The place was beautiful.  Guru ji’s bed was laid out with a white sheet.  Guru ji commanded: “the luggage we have, bring it all here.  We will stay here.  Set up a big tent.”  The servants did as they were told.  The Prime Minister stood and instructed everything.  Guru ji said: “tell the Raja that I like this place.  I want to set up the Dhera here.  The Bangla that was in the city, that was a nice place too.  This place will be the same thing.  Don’t feel bad about anything.  I had a task to do here that’s why I came.  The shore of the Jamuna is great.  It’s calmer here.  It’s away from the crowds.”  The Prime Minister was happy to hear this.  He bowed and went back to the Raja. 

The Sikhs came back to the Bangla to pick up the remaining luggage and to inform Mata ji of where the new Dhera was.  They said to Mata ji: “the new Dhera is set.  We are here to pick up the luggage.”  Mata ji saw her son’s wishes and collected her stuff.  The whole Dhera was emptied. 

Mata ji came to where Guru ji was staying.  Mata ji saw Guru ji’s fever-struck body.  She sat down in sorrow, seeing a bad time come upon her.  Many other people came to the new place.  They all set up their tents and tied their horses.  Tents and canopies were tied.  They were tied with silk ropes.  Pashmina clothes covered the tents. 

10-49 Pain in the Body

Raja Jai Singh woke up the next day and went to the Badshah’s court.  He looked at the Badshah with respect and bowed his head.  Nauranga saw Raja Jai Singh and asked him about Guru ji: “how did you do the Seva and recognize his abilities?  He is young but very wise.  Did you test his powers?  Did you see his power?  You stayed with him.  How is his behaviour?  How powerful is he?”  The Raja heard this and folded his hands.  He said: “he is immeasurable.  Nobody can know him.  Who is omnipotent enough that can measure him?  He is really deep, patient and generous.  I had my Pattrani sit in a corner wearing clothes of a maid.  The other Ranis were dressed well.  They all sat on a high place.  The Pattrani sat on the floor and prayed that: “if the Guru is omniscient, he should sit in my lap.”  I made this plan.  I made preparations.  I made a request to Guru ji: “come to my home.”  Guru ji knew I wanted to test him so he got upset.  He locked himself in a room.  I praised him and humbly requested him to come to my home.  He agreed and came to my Runvaas.  When he came to my home, he saw my queens, sitting all decorated.  He tapped my queens on their heads with his cane and declared them “not the Pattrani.”  He passed them all and came to the Pattrani who was dressed like a maid.  She prayed in her heart: “he shouldn’t go to the other Ranis.”  Guru ji heard her prayer and went to her.  He said to her: “this is the Pattrani.”  He sat in her lap and shocked the other Ranis.  They knew that Guru ji figured out what was going on.  He was being tested.  He got angry and then spoke harsh words.  We then folded our hands and asked for forgiveness.  He forgave us.  This is what we saw.  His powers are too great.”  Aurangzeb understood this and said: “Jai Singh, convince Guru ji to meet me.  I want to meet him.  Do what it takes.  I want to see his power.  Make a request on my behalf.  Convince him so that he will joyfully see me.”  Jai Singh folded his hands and said: “why wouldn’t I make the effort?  I am your servant.  I have said this request to him many times before.  I told him that you wished to see him.  I will make another effort.  I will try to have him meet you.”  The Raja said this and came back.

The Raja came to his home and called his minister.  He said to him: “tell me why Satguru ji left and went to an open place.  He set up tents.  Is he upset with me?  He went far away from me.”  The minister folded his hands and said: “I think he was happy.  He wasn’t upset.  He is never upset.  He is always happy.  I didn’t see any signs of anger on him.  I was with him as he travelled.  He first went to the Mandir of the Devi and stayed there for a while.  He was speaking to someone inside but was alone.  When he came out, I told him your request.  His servants and Sikhs were with him.  Where your Topkhana is; near the shores of the Jumana, that is what he liked.  He told me: “there is too much crowd in the Bangla.  I want to be in peace.  Too many people come and go at the Bangla.  I am happy here.  I will stay here forever.  Tell the Raja that I don’t want to go anywhere else.  There is no need to think that I am upset.  Jungle and home are the same for me.”  I heard him but didn’t understand why he went there.  The one who cured many, he has a fever now.  He has had a fever for a whole day now.”  The Raja heard this.  He slept the night and woke up the next morning.

The Raja got ready and headed towards Sri Guru Har Krishan ji.  He arrived at where Bala Sahib is today.  He saw a gathering of Sikhs.  The Raja’s soldiers were with him.  He saw the Nishan and got off his horse.  He then walked the rest of the way.  He sent news of his arrival.  Guru ji prepared for the reception of the Raja.  The rugs were laid out.  The Raja stood at the door with his hands folded.  He bowed and waited.  He was invited in after Guru ji heard of his arrival.  The Raja entered and saw Guru ji laying on a bed.  Guru ji had his body covered with a sheet.  Guru ji uncovered his face when the Raja came.  The Raja bowed and sat near the bed on the floor.  His other men were at the door.  The Raja did Guru ji’s Darshan and said: “Satguru ji, why are you laying down?  You didn’t hold court as you did before.  People would come to see you.”  A few Sikhs were standing near Guru ji.  Prabhoo ji remained quiet.  Bhai Gurbaksh Masand spoke: “the fever has spread throughout his body.  We saw the signs of Seetala today.  He speaks less now.  He still has a fever.”  The Raja folded his hands and said: “Maharaj, what play are you playing?  Your Darshan makes all of the diseases go away.  You cured many people in the city.  What is this that you are doing now?  Your name makes the pain go away.  You are all-powerful and omnipotent.  You are the creator and the destroyer.  It’s all in your hands.  Many people wish to have your Darshan.  The Badshah has sent you another request today to see you.  You should get well soon.  Use your power to cure yourself.  Sri Guru Nanak Dev ji is the Parmeshwar whose praises are infinite.  You are the master of his Throne.  You are the greatest.  Your boons and curses cannot be stopped.”  Sri Satguru ji heard this and said: “whoever has a body, joy and sorrow are always close to it.  The Vedas, Puranas and the saints say this.  What is going to happen, cannot be erased.  Whatever is to be endured upon the head, that will happen.  Ram Chander ji was exiled into the forest.  Krishan Chander ji’s family was destroyed.  Chander was stained; the ocean became salty; Rudra kept the Halahala (Kaalkoot) in his neck; how many can I count?  Everyone had to experience their destiny.  They were under their destiny’s hand.  Whatever the Parmeshwar wishes to do, accept that with joy in your heart.  This is the way of the saints.  Guru Nanak Dev ji has said this in his Bani.  Whatever the Ishwar does, is good.  The fool doubts it.  They are unwise who doubt the destiny.  You have to endure pain if it’s in your destiny.  The one’s who don’t accept this, listen oh Raja: don’t doubt the Parmeshwar’s will.  Walk in the wish of the Ishwar.  The Saints accept this with joy.”  The Raja heard the summary of Gurbani.  He started to ponder on the wisdom and became quiet.  What could he say in front of the omnipotent being?  He thought to himself: “he will do as he pleases.”  The Raja sat quietly for a while.  He got worried seeing Guru ji’s body.  He thought: “the Shah can’t meet him till he is still sick.  He can’t sit in the court.  The Shah will make various efforts.”  The Raja spoke to the Sikhs about medicines. 

Mata ji was sitting in a curtain.  The Raja bowed to Mata ji.  He took Guru ji’s permission and left.  He left on his chariot.  He reached his palace and ate food of various tastes.  He later went to Nauranga and said to him: “he has a fever and now: Seetala can be seen on his body.  I saw him laying down.”  The Shah heard this and understood everything.  He thought to himself: “this is the curse of Baba Ram Rai.”  The Shah said to Jai Singh: “keep me updated everyday.”  They spoke about other work.  The court was shocked at what was happening.  The Shah was surprised. 

10-50 Seetala

From that day onwards, Sri Guru Har Krishan ji gave his servants the command: “the Sikh Sangat from near or far should not come to me.  If it is really necessary, they should first ask for permission to come inside.”  The preparations were made according to the new commands.  Nobody could come to Guru ji.  Many blisters and spots were on Guru ji’s body.  Some were big and some were small.  The whole body was red.  There was swelling on the body.  This pain grew by the day.  Some blisters were filled with puss.  The Masands that wanted to come to see how Guru ji was doing and Sikhs who were concerned; they were sent news.  Nobody came to see Guru ji.  Guru ji remained laying on his bed.  The Shah kept sending his officers to get updates of Guru ji’s health.  Raja Jai Singh came everyday.  Guru ji had become detached from the world and the people.  He remained quiet.  Everyone figured out that this condition was the result of Baba Ram Rai’s curse.  Guru ji allowed the words to be fulfilled as it was his father’s power.  Satguru ji could have avoided the curse but he respected his father’s boon towards his elder brother.  How else could such a pain come to Satguru ji?  Doing his Darshan would make the pain go away.  Seetala and other diseases were cured in Delhi when Guru ji came.  The Sikhs of the city were great in numbers.  The all had come to Guru ji to be cured.  Whoever had come with their wishes, they were all fulfilled by Guru ji.  What pain could come to such a Guru?  How can darkness come close to the sun?  Whoever had come to Guru ji, they all spoke about this: “this is his drama.  Only he knows what he is doing.  He is young and achieved the Gurta Ghaddi.  He is not married nor does he have kids.  There is no servant in the Sangat who can be the heir to the Throne.  Who will sit on the Gurta Ghaddi now?  The elder son of Guru Har Rai ji was not considered eligible.  Guru ji banished him.  This was the past.  The Sikh Sangat who worships the Guru, they will be concerned about who the next Guru will be.  The ways of the Satguru are unique and unimaginable.  The Guru cannot be measured.  Who can understand this unknowable thing?”  The Sangat of Delhi got together and said: “Baba Ram Rai has no children as well.  He had been cursed by Guru Har Krishan Sahib ji.”  The Sikhs would come to Guru ji’s doors and bow.  They would get the news and return home.  In the month of Chet (March/April), the 5^th of the past portion, is the day Guru ji went to where Bala Sahib is today.  The Seetala was seen on the 6^th.  The big and small blisters were seen.  By the 13^th, the whole body was covered with small pox Seetala signs.  The Sikhs and servants that served Guru ji were really worried.  They were surprised to see what was happening.  They didn’t understand what was happening.  They said: “oh Satguru ji, what state have you put on your body?  Joy and pain are in your hands.  You are the omnipotent and fully capable in every way, oh Master of the Universe.”

Mata Kishan Kaur ji would sit with her son and be worried, looking at him.  She thought to herself: “I only have one son who is still a child (Baba Ram Rai ji was born to Mata Kot Kalyani ji).  He has no other children because he is still a child.”  She saw the state of her son and was upset.  She was worried and depressed.  She didn’t know what was going to happen.  She said to Guru ji: “oh son, why don’t you become well?  You sit on the Ghaddi of Sri Guru Nanak Dev ji.  What drama are you playing?  Why did this state come to you?  There is no joy in the house of Guru Nanak Dev ji, the Satguru.  You are the captain of this ship.  You are the support of all the Sikhs.  They come to see you from every direction.  They all want Mukti from you.  The ones who have faith, you give this to them.  Why don’t you notice the state of your body?  You are still a child.  This has been the tradition: that the eligible one sits on the Ghaddi.  Don’t do what you are doing.  The Line of the Ghaddi will end.  The Sodhi relatives will fight for the Ghaddi.  The Ghaddi left the relatives and came to you.  Please make your life longer.”  Mata ji would say this everyday, seeing her son’s body.  She was humble and sat with her son all day.  She was upset.  Guru Har Krishan ji would hear this and give hope to his mother: “what Vidhata has written, that is what will happen.  It cannot be avoided with any effort.  What is not meant to be, will not happen.  What is meant to be, that won’t be avoided.  The people can use their strength but it won’t be avoided. The Ghaddi of Guru Nanak Dev ji is true.  It will remain with the Sikh Sangat.  The foundation of the Guru’s home is permanent.  It will remain still, forever.  It will give great joy to all.  You are my mother.  You shouldn’t be worried like this.  It is not right for you to be like this.  You are getting stuck in attachment like other people.  Accept the will of the Prabhoo with joy.  See the creation as false.  It is like the illusion of a magician.  It will not stay.  It will not exist one day.  The wise ones do not fall in love with this world.  Raja Hari Chand’s city (Harchandauri) seen in the sky is just a fantasy.  It is the reflection of the clouds.  It is a dream.  It’s an illusion, like that of a magician.  The one who sees it as true and tries to grab it, it is like putting water in the palm of your hand.  Everyone and everything will cease to exist one day.  Some will go before.  Some will go after.  The fools want to stay here forever.  This world keeps moving like the flow of a river.  It won’t stop.  It seems like the river is always full but the water you see now has already passed in the next seconds.  Creation and destruction will keep happening.  The Master has placed death on everyone’s head.  Think about this and became patient.  Understand the ways of the Prabhoo and let go of your sorrow.”  Mata ji heard her son’s words and began to shed tears from her eyes.  She wiped her eyes and became quiet.  She was wise but still a mother.  She couldn’t see her son’s body in that state. 

Aurangzeb’s men came everyday to see Guru ji’s state and gave the Shah the updates: “the Seetala blisters are bursting.  The small pox are swollen.”  The Shah thought to himself: “he won’t survive now because of the curse.  The words of Baba Ram Rai became reality.  I have seen this many times in my court.”  The Shah would speak of the Guru in his court.  Baba Ram Rai was jealous so the Shah would speak to Raja Jai Singh.  The praises of Guru ji were said in the court many times. 

The senior Masands and Sikhs were worried.  Bhai Gurbaksh ji, Bhai Mati Das ji, Bhai Dargah Mal ji and others were worried about the Gurta Ghaddi.  They got together and said: “the Gurta Ghaddi won’t cease to exist.  We depend on the Guru.  The Sangat is worried of who they will go to after Guru ji.  They wanted to know who they can go to for their wishes.  Whatever they ask for, they get.  The Sangat thinks that their bad karma is upon them.  We can’t all see Guru ji everyday.  His Darshan made the sins of many lives go away.”  They all talked about this.  The whole city talked about this. 

Baba Ram Rai heard the news and didn’t say anything.  He didn’t talk bad or good about his brother anymore.  When brothers fight, there is always damage.  It is good to stop the fight.  The Jot of Guru Nanak Dev ji cannot be understood.  Sri Guru Har Krishan ji is omnipotent.  Everything is in his hands.  He accepted the words of his brother as they were considered the power of his father.  The brother spoke words out of jealousy. Guru ji knew that the words were said for many reasons: “Guru Tegh Bahadhur Sahib ji is to become the next Guru.  His son is going to start the great Panth.  He is going to be the all-powerful Avatar; the warrior Avatar.  He is going to pull the roots of the Turks.  The words of Pitamah ji and Pitha ji are going to become a reality.  I will have to leave my body for all these reasons.”  The omnipotent and omniscient Guru thought of the future and made preparations to leave his body.  He was the Benevolent One.  He wanted to leave his body.  He waned to see the Sikhs and give them love.  He was the all-knowing.  The unwise didn’t understand his greatness.