11-27 Coming to the Place Where Anandpur will be Founded

The Katha of Guru Granth Sahib ji, I, Kavi Santokh Singh, have stated it with love.   Now I come back to the Katha of the 9^th Guru.  Oh listeners, listen with bliss.  After Guru Tegh Bahadhur ji had placed the Guru Granth Sahib ji into the River Beas, he entrusted them to the river and bowed.  Guru Sahib and the vaheer went forth on their way.  Night came and the group stopped to set up camp.  They all ate and went to sleep.  As the night approached its final watch and a half (2 AM), Guru Sahib got up and did his morning cleanses.  Guru ji gives bliss to his servants.  The Rababis (singers of Gurbani Kirtan) sang the Asa Vaar by which the Sikh’s Karma was cleansed.  Their sins were washed away as they listened.  Guru Sahib was sitting in Samadhi and immersed into Akaal Purakh’s presence inside of him.  When the Asa Vaar Kirtan was complete, when the sun came up, the Sikhs did the Ardaas and bowed their heads.

The Chariots and horses were ready for the next leg of travel.  The palanquins and chariots were ready.  Everyone got dressed and donned their weapons.  After putting his royal clothes on, Guru ji first put his beautiful Kharag on.  The hilt was made of gold.  The edge of the sword was really sharp.  He tied a quiver full of faulaad arrows to his back and held a bow in his hand.  He mounted his horse.  Baba Makhan Shah ji and many other Sikhs were with him in the Vaheer.  They all set forth from the camp, travelling slowly.  They would set up camp during the night and travel during the day.

It had become known in far away lands that the next Guru had been revealed.  Everyone heard of the new Guru sitting on the throne.  People would come from far and wide to visit Guru Sahib and bring him gifts from their homes.  The Sangat of the Guru came.  Many would come with money and food.  They came from every direction.  Their wishes were fulfilled.  Almost a thousand people would come see Guru Sahib on a daily basis.  They all brought gifts for Guru ji. 

As people would come visit, Guru Sahib and the Vaheer would keep their travels constant as well.  They soon reached the Satudruv (older name for Sutlej River).  Guru ji had asked for boats to cross the river.  The ferrymen brought the ferries, obeying Guru ji.  Bhai Makhan Shah ji and Guru Sahib, along with the sangat crossed the river by boats.  After crossing the river and continuing their travels, Guru Sahib, the root of bliss, wanted to establish a new city.  He began looking for a beautiful area.  Guru ji and the Vaheer had stopped and set up the Dhera about 5 Kos (15km) away from Kiratpur Sahib.  This was the area of the Kahiloori Pahari (Mountain Area) King, Raja Tara Chand.  This was the descending area of the mountainous regions.  The Sutlej River ran deep through this area.  The water was deep and pure.  This river flowed into the ocean.  Guru ji sat where he could see the river flowing.  On the other side were the mountains.  On the east and west, small rivers could be seen.  The site of Naina Devi was upon one the mountains.  The mother of the world, the Shakti of sight, her Mandir was there.  Recognizing the future, where the Devi was to come, where the Khalsa was to be born, Guru ji saw that place and set up a Dhera.  The place was joyful in every way.  The established cities that had Sodhis living in them nearby, was no longer suitable as the Sodhi cousins were full of jealousy.  Guru ji didn’t want to fight the Sodhis.  He figured that staying close to the Sodhis, they would be jealous.  Sri Amritsar was close to Lahore.  The Sodhis there were already established.  Guru ji did not want to stay there as conflict would arise.  Guru ji thought about all this.  Guru ji wanted to establish a new city.  The Gurus before Guru Tegh Bahadhur ji also established new cities.  Guru Tegh Bahadhur Sahib ji was going to do the same.  He thought to himself: “I will establish a new city.  Staying far from family would be good.  The conflict would not arise then.  We will live in our city with joy.  Nobody will be jealous here.”  Guru ji thought of all these things.  Guru ji stood there as he decided to settle in that place.  This particular practise would allow for new people to come who would have faith in the new Guru.  This would allow for more spiritual harmony as there was no old conflict coming up. 

At this new place, a lot of sangat would come from afar to visit Guru Sahib, as they heard about him.  They would bring money and gifts.  Money had begun to accumulate in great quantities by the day.  Guru Sahib would have Langar made and served Day and Night.  The Masands from different places began to come as well with their Sangats.  Their faith was now firm in the new Guru.  The blessed holy family of Baba Buddha ji: Baba Jhunda ji and his son Baba Gurditta ji came as well.  They brought a lot of gifts.  They came to give the great Dastaar for Guru ji.  They brought a priceless horse, a strong bow and quiver full of sharp arrows.  Guru Tegh Bahadhur ji sat on the Ghaddi.  Baba Jhunda ji and Baba Gurditta ji came and presented the gifts to Guru Sahib.  A fine cloth Dastaar was given along with money.  The Tilak of the Guru was placed on Guru Tegh Bahadhur Sahib ji’s forward by the blessed family.  Guru ji respected them and set up a great place for them to stay.  He had the Sikhs do their Seva in many ways.  Once Baba Buddha ji’s family had come to present the Dastaar, all of the remaining Masands around the lands also had come and confirmed their faith with Guru Tegh Bahadhur Sahib ji.  This was the deciding factor for all.  Everyone came with gifts and money.  They came and bowed to Guru ji with humility.  Guru ji set up camps for everyone.  Everyone was respected with the first tradition of giving Siropas.  The Masands were given leave for their lands.  The Masands met Guru ji and were really happy with his personality.  They said: “there is no more doubt.  His radiance is showing that he is the true Guru.” 

As everyone came, news got to Dheermal about the remaining Masands confirming their faith with Guru Tegh Bahadhur ji.  He was upset.  The news did not sit well with Dheermal.  He was paying the Masands to stay with him and bring him the Sangat.  Even then, the people stopped coming to him. 

There was a Masand in Kabul who was skeptical.  He wanted to be sure who the real Guru was.  He sent his men to both Guru Tegh Bahadhur Sahib ji and Dheermal.  He sent an even amount of money for both.  The two groups went to Anandpur and Kartarpur.  They were given Siropas (dastaar as a token of respect) from both places.  The two groups went back and gave the Siropas to the Masand.  After seeing both Siropas, the Masand was in doubt.  He said to himself: “how do I decide which Guru is the real one?  Who is the Complete One?  I will become the Complete One’s servant.  I will weigh the Dastaars.”  He weighed the Dastaars on a scale to see which one was heavier.  He decided in his mind: “Satguru ji, may your Dastaar be the heavier one.  Tell me where you are from the Dastaars.  Show me your unlimited power.  See me as your servant and keep me with your feet.”  He put Dheermal’s Siropa on one side of a weighing scale and Guru Sahib’s Siropa on the other.  Guru Sahib’s Siropa was much more heaver than Dheermal’s.  So much more heavier that it would not budge even after trying to put extra weight on the other side of the scale.  The whole Sangat of Kabul saw this and folded their hands.  They rejoiced and said: “Dhan is the Guru.”  Many Sikhs did Ardaas’s in other places.  They all knew now that Guru Tegh Bahadhur Sahib ji was the ocean of Gyaan.

Guru Tegh Bahadhur Sahib ji’s glories were spread far and wide.  The Sangat came to visit Guru ji.  Once the sun comes out, it is hard to conceal it.  Guru ji was radiant like the sun.  The darkness of attachment was destroyed.  Dheermal sat in deep worry.  He sent many of his men with messages to Baba Buddha ji’s family.  He said: “send me a Kalgi and a horse.  In return, you can take as much money as you wish from me.”  He tried many times but Dheermal did not get any responses from the family of Baba Buddha ji.  He was ignored by them.  Nobody sent him any money or come to bow to him.  Dheermal made many attempts to have other prominent members of the Sangat to come to him but it was of no use.  He couldn’t be as radiant as Guru ji.  He stayed in his home as he was before.  How can one call themselves a millionaire without having any money?  Nobody would honour such a person’s “Hoondi” (cheque).  The wise ones would not believe them.  The fools would only follow such a person.  When the lion roars in the jungle, the deer and other animals can no longer stand.  Elephants and other animals are afraid of the lion, so how would other smaller animals fair well?  Guru Tegh Bahadhur ji was the form of Akaal Purakh.  Nobody could compare to his radiance. 

11-28 Bhai Makhan Shah ji takes Leave and Sri Anandpur is Founded

When Satguru ji came to the new area, the wealth began to grow.  It had now been established without a doubt that Guru Tegh Bahadhur ji was the True Guru.  Bhai Makhan Shah ji was delighted to see Sikhs coming from far and wide to pay their respects to Guru Tegh Bahadhur Sahib ji.  He did Guru ji’s Pooja.  The accumulation of wealth was growing day by day.  Bhai Makhan Shah ji felt at ease knowing this.  Bhai Makhan Shah ji came to Guru Sahib one day and said: “Prabhoo ji, to have your Darshan, my wishes have been fulfilled.  Being in your presence, I am blessed.  All my dreams and wishes have been fulfilled.  I am no longer worried about being in the cycle of birth and death.  As I did your Darshan everyday, the filth of attachment from my mind was washed away.  You are with me in both worlds, I am confident of this.  I am fortunate.  You were hidden before.  You blessed me and came out.  You did this for me.  The doubt of the next Guru was destroyed.  Please give me permission to return to my home.  I will always picture your holy feet in my heart.  I am leaving my mind at your feet.  Please bless me that I may never forget you.  Be compassionate on your servant.  I want to thirst for your Darshan.  The “chumaasa” (the four months of the monsoon season of rain) is near and I would like to leave before then as it would be difficult to travel in so much water.  My home is far from here.  Prabhoo ji, don’t forget me.  See me as your servant and protect me.”  Hearing Bhai Makhan Shah ji’s request, Sri Guru Tegh Bahadhur ji was happy and gave him a great blessing: “you are no longer in the cycle of Birth and Death.  You are now a servant of Guru Nanak Dev ji.  Day and night, think of Satnam and read Gurbani.  This will give you peace.  The minds that are connected, they are never separated again.  Whatever you see in this world, do not get attached to it.  This body, family and worldly objects are all going to perish one day, therefore do not fall into the delusion of loving worldly things.  The Chetna (consciousness – the light of Akaal Purakh) inside you, it does not fall into the category of child or elderly.  That pure love is always in a calm and stable state.  It is very pure.  Consider that light as your “true” self.  Connect with that.  That, is pure love.  That light will put you into the state of bliss where pain, pleasure, joy and sorrow will be the same for you and will not let you go through more lives.  That is the Aatma which does not go through different Loks.  Stay connected to that real self.  Be stable in that form.  The true form is the most beautiful.  Think of that.”  Guru ji blessed his Sikh and gave him leave.  Bhai Makhan Shah ji heard these words from the True Guru and grabbed his feet.  He placed his head onto the feet of the Guru and stayed there for a long time.  He kept massaging Guru ji’s feet.  He didn’t want to leave.  After a while, Guru ji raised Bhai Makhan Shah ji.  Bhai Makhan Shah ji was filled with love and was shedding tears from his eyes.  He kept bowing to Guru ji.  He didn’t want to go.  Guru Sahib gave Bhai Makhan Shah ji a very expensive Siropa.  Bhai Makan Shah ji placed it on his head.  Bhai Makhan Shah ji went back to his camp and packed his stuff.  He mounted his horse along with his men and began his journey home.  As Bhai Makhan Shah ji left, he kept looking back at the Guru and didn’t want to leave.  He did the Simran of Guru.  He took all of his men with him.  Slowly he walked and continuously he looked back.  His heart was forever with the Guru.  Bhai Makhan Shah ji had taken leave and was now on his way home.  Wherever he went, he praised Guru ji.  His life was a success. 

Guru Sahib wanted to establish a city at the place where he had his camp set up.  This place was within the mountain ranges.  The scenery was great.  The Sutlej River flowed through this area and the Naina Devi Temple was upon the mountain range.  Guru Sahib sent his Masands to the rulers and owners of the land they were on.  The Masands then went to the Raja and owners of the land.  They told the story of Guru Tegh Bahadhur Sahib ji.  They said: “his father Guru Hargobind Sahib ji was a great and powerful Guru.  His son is the most patient one.  His name is Sri Guru Tegh Bahadhur ji.  He is very calm and a great Brahmgyaani being.  He wishes to establish a city near the place of Chandika (the temple of Naina Devi).  His elder brother, Baba Gurditta ji, established Kiratpur.   He was well-known.  He came here and saw a beautiful place.  This was the place where Guru Nanak Dev ji did Keertan, hence it was called Kiratpur.  All 4 castes of people made their homes there.  In the same way, Guru Tegh Bahadhur ji wishes to buy this land and start a new city.  This is the reason we have come to you.”  The king’s administrative men heard the Masands.  They went to the king for permission.  The Raja was now Raja Deep Chand, the son of Raja Tara Chand (who was rescued from Gwalior by Guru Hargobind Sahib ji).  Raja Tara Chand had just died.  His widow invited Guru Tegh Bahadhur Sahib ji to the Bhog (final prayers) of Raja Tara Chand.  She was very happy to see Guru ji and wanted to gift the area of Anandpur to Guru Tegh Bahadhur Sahib ji.  She was grateful that her husband was rescued by the 6^th Guru.  Guru ji didn’t want to receive the land as a gift.  He wanted to buy the land.  The Rani said: “my grandson is Bheem Chand.  Please bless him.”  Seeing the future, Guru ji responded: “he will be as according to his intentions.”  Deep Chand was young at that time so the Rani was in charge.  She agreed to Guru ji’s wish to purchase the land.  The administrators surveyed the land and priced it accordingly.  The Masands paid the price and the deed was then written.  It was priced at 500 Rajitpuns and registered as “Chak Mata Nanaki.”  It was later known as Anandpur.  The Masands placed the “putta” (land ownership certificate) in front of Guru Sahib.  An auspicious time was found and craftsmen of all kinds were called.  The workers were called.  They were taken to the land that was newly purchased.  Guru ji said all of the instructions and placed the foundations for all the homes.  He saw this place as “Ajit,” undefeated.  The time was very auspicious, one which would confirm that the place would never be won. 

Guru Sahib did the ground breaking ceremonies and did the Ardaas to all the Gurus.  Celebrations occurred with various foods.  The servants were told to make all of the foods.  Keertan was done with joy.  All types of auspicious celebrations were done.  Doing the Darshan of Guru ji destroyed all of the bad omens.  Guru Sahib then started to plan the city and called all kinds of trades workers.  He did the ground breaking of the houses.  Guru Sahib gave money for people to build their houses and to start their new trades or businesses.  People were invited to settle here.  The ones who came, were given money and respect to settle in the new city.  The news spread far and wide: “Guru Tegh Bahadhur ji founded a new city.  A new city is being settle within the Dhoons of the mountains.”  People brought their families and came to the Masands to tell them what they needed.  Merchants came and set up their businesses.  Many workers came to do work.  They were paid for their work.  They brought their wife and children.  Many people from Doaba wanted to settle here.  They came and met Guru ji.  People from the mountainous areas came to settle in the new city.  They brought their families and children.  They came to live under the support of Guru ji.  They came and met the Masands and asked for what they needed.  Guru Sahib had ordered the Masands: “provide for the new citizens and help them build their houses and start their businesses or trades work.  Give them what they ask for.  Give them with respect.”  The Masands helped everyone out.  Some new people made their own houses or shops.  Some needed the tradespeople to help build their places.  Whatever was required, wood or money, it was freely given to everyone who needed it.  The people lived there with there families.  Markets were made with many shops.  They bought stock to start their business.  The Sangat came from many lands.  The trades began with those merchants.  Rice, flour and lentils, everything was sold in the shops.  In this way, many people came and settled.  More came daily.  Everyone worked hard.  The workers were paid as much as they worked.  Everyone worked for a living.  Whatever one could do, Guru ji gave them their tasks or jobs.  Guru ji helped them all.  Just as the elder Gurus established new cities, Guru Tegh Bahadhur ji founded this new city in the same manner.  He helped everyone settle.   

Guru ji then got his own family’s home made.  Which is known as “Guru-ka-Mahal,” in the current times.  Guru ji made sure that the foundations ran deep.  He supervised the work himself and gave the directions.  He stood there and directed it: “make the beautiful home in this way.”  The tradesmen heard the instructions and started the work.  A beautiful home for Guru ji was made.  A big Dharamsala was made in which the Sangat can come and stay.  Big doors were made an all 4 sides.  Wind was needed in the hot months of “Greekham” (summer).  Guru Ji made sure the houses had a lot of doors and windows so there was plenty of fresh air and ventilation.  In this way the new city of the Guru was established. 

11-29 Makho Daynt

Satguru ji was thinking in his mind and looked all around.  He was standing with his Masands at a high place.  He looked in all the directions and saw the awesome views.  In one direction he saw an escarpment of rocks and mountains that had tall green trees growing from them.  From where Guru Sahib was standing, he could see the temple of Naina Devi on the highest mountain, where the Devi resided.  In the other direction, he saw the mighty Sutlej River, flowing ever so strongly.  Guru Sahib saw the state of bliss that nature was in and named the city “Anandpur” (City of Bliss).

On the same night that the True Guru had named the city, everyone had their dinner and fell asleep.  There was darkness everywhere.  As Guru ji laid down, a Daynt wanted to come see Guru ji.  There was a Daynt that inhabited the area.  The Daynt came towards the house of Guru ji.  The Daynt had a horrible stench.  So bad was his smell that the air picked up the very foul stench.  When this smell reached Guru Sahib, Guru ji covered his face with a cloth.  Guru Sahib looked towards the door of his room and saw a huge body standing in the doorway.  It was a very scary-looking Daynt that would scare the best of humans.  The Daynt had horns sticking out of his head and had red hair.  The Daynt was licking his lips with his long tongue as he was getting ready for a feast.  He was looking at Guru Sahib with his red eyes.  His beard was also red and had a great big belly.  He wore a necklace of bones around his neck.  He had bracelets of bones around his wrists.  His whole body was dark in colour and his veins were visible to the naked eye.  His belly was big.  He held human skulls in his hands which he tapped in a beat.  He looked towards Guru ji with a terrifying stare.  The Daynt looked at his wife and said: “I will eat now.  When we drink the blood, we will be satiated.  This land belongs to me and these people have trespassed on my land.  I will kill them.  Does this person not feel afraid coming in to my range?”  He spoke like this to scare Guru ji.  Guru Sahib heard the Daynt and was now in anger.  He quickly picked up his bow and arrow.  He mounted a very sharp arrow on to the bow.  As he aimed the arrow towards the Daynt, while pulling the string of the bow, the Daynt immediately felt the unlimited power of Guru Sahib.  The Daynt felt as though he was now powerless.  He thought to himself: “he is not afraid of me.  He is too powerful.  I hope he doesn’t shoot his arrow.  I hope he doesn’t pierce me heart with his power.”    He was shocked to see that the person in front of him was not afraid of him.  In fact, for the first time, he was afraid.  Guru Sahib yelled at the Daynt: “stay there.  I won’t let you run away now.  I will destroy you with one of my arrows.  You will be dead in an instant.  You have scared too many people and deserve to die.  You will be destroyed along with your family.  Otherwise, tell me who you are and what are you doing here?  Tell me your name.  Where are you from?”  The Daynt folded his hands as he had figured out that the person in front of him was a power of Akaal Purakh.  He shed tears in fear.  The Daynt spoke: “my name is Makho Daynt and I live in the Pipal tree, where you are.  I have been living here for a very long time with my family.  Now that you have made a city here, you have taken my home from me.  This place is called “Makhowal” and you wish to establish a city here now.  I can’t live with you here.  You and your people sing and read Gurbani out aloud, day and night.  That hurts me and my people.  You are now protecting this area.  Your Bani doesn’t let us eat anything.  Your Sikhs recite Gurbani and so my family gets scared.  They can’t go there.  I would like you to go away and make your city elsewhere as I cannot hunt for the food we eat.  We have lived in this Dhoon area of the Kahiloori Mountain rage for 700 years and would hunt our food with our powers.  This was the area I ruled.  We hunt and eat in this area.  I have been worried since you came.  Now, we cannot use our power as you sing Gurbani.  We are hungry and in pain.  I came here for this reason.  You do not fear me.  I thought you were going to kill me with your arrow.  I know that you are a very powerful person.  If I didn’t fold my hands, you would have killed me.  If it would have been someone else, I would have killed them and destroyed your city by now.  I saw your powers and stopped thinking.  I quickly folded my hands.  None of my magic powers worked because of you.”  The Daynt stood there, trembling in fear.  He was black like the mountains.  His teeth were white like a heron.  Hearing the Daynt’s story Satguru Tegh Bahadhur ji scolded him with disrespect: “I need you to leave this place now, you cannot live here anymore.  Go somewhere else.  The Guru’s lineages will live in this area forever.  The problems will be gone from here.  Many pilgrims will visit this place, day and night.  Our kingdom will be established from this place, which will be radiant.  Many Sangat will come here.  They won’t be able to be counted.  You and your people will not be able to live in this place.  Go and obey me.  There are plenty of other places of the Malish where bad people live.  Go live there.  There will be many wars here and a lot of battles will be planned.  Armies will fight.  Akharas will happen.  It’s good that you leave now.  You will not be able to live here.  You will be in great trouble if you stay.”  After listening to Guru ji, Makho spoke with his hands folded: “Oh Guru Master, please be compassionate with me.  I ask from you this favor:  this place is named after me.  I would like my name to be famous.  I would like my name to be known in this city.  Bless me in this way.”  The Daynt made many requests.  Guru ji had pity over the Daynt and said: “all of the Kings in the area including the citizens, Pahari mountain folk and Hindus, that are not my Sikhs or Servants, people of other Panths, they will call this area “Makhowal.”  Some will call it “Makhowal Anandpur.”  Men and women, not of the Sikh Panth, will call this place “Makhowal Anandpur.”  Your name will remain but this place will be a beautiful city for my Sikhs.  The Sikhs will call this place “Anandpur.”  Makho was then pleased, hearing Guru ji.  Makho was happy.  He then asked Guru ji: “if you want me to leave, please tell me where I should go?  Where should I make my home?  Please tell me the place.  I will bow to your feet and leave for that place.”  Satguru ji thought of the Daynt’s wellness.  After visioning into the future, Guru Sahib then made a decision on where Makho should move to.  Guru ji said: “if you wish to live for a long time and without worry, if you want to live peacefully with your family, getting all the food you want, Makho, you should take your family and people to the “Deshbaavani,” the place of 52 villages, Sirhind.  Sirhind is a kingdom of 52 villages.  You and your people will be well-suited for that area.  You will live in joy there.  You can eat as much as you want there.  The dry or green fields, eat there.  That place is a good place for you.  I am telling you for your wellness.  You will live there for some time.  After about 30 to 40 years, other Daynts will come to live there with you.  The Daynt of Bathinda, who has only one eye, he is strong and has been living in the Bathinda area for a hundred years (by the command of Guru Amardas ji, when the Daynt was sent away from Goindwal); I will send him and his family to you (in my 10^th incarnation).  I will kick him out of his fort and send him and his family to you.  His name is Makha.  He will bring a lot of Daynts with him.  You should all live together in Sirhind with peace.  Stay with him.  Live with all of them in peace.”  Guru ji, the Compassionate One, gave Makho his orders.  After getting his new directions in life, Makho bowed to Guru Sahib, with joy in his heart, and left for Sirhind. 

Makho moved to Sirhind with his family and people.  He made a living there.  He lived in a big garden as he loved big trees.  Makho would wait for the farmers in Sirhind to take the harvest home and grind it.  He did what he wanted to.  Makho would take a portion of their food and stored harvest without them knowing.  People would bring home their harvest and Makho would take it.  Where there was the name of the Satguru Hari Parmeshwar, the Daynts did not go there.  They would only go to the houses where there was nobody who said the name of the Lord.  Makho would take a portion of their food.  He would take a fourth of a third of their harvest.  From some, he would take half and eat it.  He would eat half of their fields.  The ones who would say the name of the Guru before eating, he would not take their food.  He wouldn’t go to the homes of the people that did Simran. 

In this way, when Guru ji kicked Makho out, he slept the night with joy.  In the morning, Guru ji bathed and sat in Samadhi.  He then sat in Divaan for Asa Vaar Keertan.  Guru ji would spend the day in designing and supervising the construction of the new city. 

11-30 A Peer’s doubt is Cleared

The son of Sri Guru Hargobind Sahib ji is deserving of worship.  He is worshiped by all.  Sri Guru Tegh Bahadhur Sahib ji is the support of the Dharma.  His focus was always affixed in the Yoga, in Akaal Purakh.  The homes and buildings were being built in Anandpur.  The tradesmen were called to do the work a long with many labourers.  Guru ji was busy helping and directing the building of the Dharamsala.  He made sure the best wood was used and the floor was set with the best materials.  The best-smelling wood was used.  Pictures and engravings were made with skill on the walls and the wood of the Dharmsala.  The windows and doors were made with many engravings.  The wise craftsmen carved the engravings on all the doors.  The place was full of bliss.  The houses were beautiful.  The floor of the Darbar was a square.  The tradesmen used all their skills.  The place was pleasant in all 6 seasons.  The place was beautiful to look at.  There was another Dharamsala made for people visiting from far away lands.  Homes were made for living.

There was a wandering Peer that had come to Anandpur, crossing it during his travels.  He saw the buildings being constructed.  The walls were being built.  He stood at the place where the shops were being built and asked one of the tradesmen: “who is initiating the construction of these buildings?”  The mason tradesman spoke: “Sri Guru Hargobind Sahib ji’s son, Guru Tegh Bahadhur Sahib ji is the current Guru.  He sits on the Gurta Ghaddi.  He is filled with Vairagya Gyaan, joyfully.  He is a very wise and knowledgeable Saint.  He has taken on the task of getting these houses and shops built.  He is architecting this beautiful new city.  He wished to establish this.”  The Peer listened to the tradesman carefully and said to the tradesman: “I have a doubt in mind about the Guru: it seems as though his ideology does not match his actions.  If he has Vairagya in his heart (detached from the world), why is he keen on building such a beautiful city?  A Saint only does enough to run their body.  They do enough just to get by and pass the time.  A Saint does not expect anything from this world.  They merely go about this world minding their own business.  He calls himself the Guru of the Hindus.  How will he save his Sikhs when he is stuck in the world?  When you go to your Guru, please give this message to him: your mind is in the Parvirti.  How will you save your Sikhs then?  If you are to carry on like this, preaching an ideology of detachment from worldly affairs but still being heavily involved in the world, what statement would that be for your Sikhs?  Please ask your Guru and get his response.  I shall be back to hear what he has to say.”  The Peer Fakir left after making his criticism.

That evening, the same tradesman went to go collect his pay from Guru Sahib.  He went to Guru ji’s home.  He bowed to Guru ji and told him the whole story of what the Fakir had asked.  He stood at Guru ji’s feet with his hands folded and said: “there was a Peer passing by today.  He asked me of what was going on here.  I told him that a new city was being made by our Guru ji.  The Peer said: “if your Guru is stuck in Parvirti actions, how will he save his Sikhs?  Ask your Guru to respond to my questions.  I will come back for the answers.”  Please tell me what your wish is.  I will give him your response.”  Sri Guru ji smiled when he heard this.  Guru ji said: “if he comes back, tell him to come with you.  I will answer his questions.  I will answer him in person.  Bring him with you.”  The Tradesman touched Guru Sahib’s feet and went home.  He then went to sleep.

The next day, the tradesman waited for the Peer to come as he worked.  He thought to himself: “I will take him with me.”  When the Peer came, they both greeted each other and were happy to see each other again.  The Peer said: “did you give your Guru my message or not?”  The Tradesman spoke with respect: “I gave your message.  He commanded me to bring you to him.”  The Peer thought to himself: “I wonder how he will respond.  It is good to get the answers from him though.   I heard about his praises.  He spreads the glory of Khuddah.  It is good to have discussions with Saints and Sadhoos.  There is joy in the Sangat of great beings.”  He thought about this and agreed to go with the tradesmen. 

As the Peer came into the court of Guru Tegh Bahadhur ji.  He bent over to do a Salaam to Guru Sahib while remaining to stand.  The Peer was skeptical though.  Guru Sahib had the Peer sit close to him and said: “who are you and where are you from?  What is your question and what ideology do you follow?”  The Peer spoke: “I am a Sayed Peer and I am from Ropar.  My Mureeds (students) live across the other side of this city and I was going to visit them.  I had to cross this area.  That is how I got to visit you.  You are called the Guru of the Hindus and you give them the righteous path.  You are a Saint but are constructing these monuments of “worldly attachment.”  The attachment will grow.  This is not good for Saints to do.  Saints see the world as dull and should teach their students knowledge which is useful in the house of Akaal Purakh.  They should do what gives joy in the afterlife.  You should let go of these worldly affairs.”  Listening to the Peer, Guru Sahib then spoke: “Listen Peer ji, the life of the Ghrist Ashram, the householder order, is of the highest order.  The other Ashrams are born from this Ashram.  It is the householder that sustains all the other orders.  The successful Ghristi reaches the highest status in the end.  The householder that lives an honest and pious life, they are rewarded in Sach Khand.  The Ghristi householder that is generous and applies his/her body, mind and money in selfless welfare, that person is pure as the waters of the Ganga.  A Ghristi with a home; when a guest comes to the house of a householder, the guest should be treated with respect and given various types of foods to eat.  The Pooja of the guest should be done.  This becomes good karma and the householder is deeply rewarded for this.  If you would like to see what types of rewards are given for this service, take a cloth, cover your body and lay down.  I will show you the greatness of the Ghristi.”  The Peer was surprised by Guru Sahib’s answer and was very curious.  He wondered what was going to happen.  He took a large sheet and covered his body and closed his eyes.  When he closed his eyes, he started to dream.  He flew very far in his dream.  In his vision, he went to Heaven and saw a big beautiful golden palace with all the pleasures one can imagine inside.  He saw many things.  The Peer was surprised.  Guru ji showed him Heaven and took him very far inside.  The palace was made of gold and had silk drapery inside.  He saw a golden bed with strands of pearls.  The canopy of the bed had Zarri laces.  The top of the bed was softer than milk foam.  There was a nice pillow on top.  There was a man sitting on the bed who had lady servants fanning him.  The ladies were prettier than the moon.  They were serving him in various ways.  Guru ji asked the man: “tell the Peer what type of charity or donations you gave?  How did you come to Heaven?  Tell us what happened to you.”  The man on the bed started to tell his story: “in my last life, I was a lion.  It was the Tamsik life of hunting.  I was living under a small tree.  On top of the tree, a great bunch of thorny vines had bundled up, forming a small hut.  It was a dense place.  It was as though it was made for humans, by humans.  It would protect me from water, cold and wind.  It was a cave, where I lived and slept.  One day I went out for my hunt and hunted a deer to eat.  I ate the deer’s meat and was headed home after being satiated.  As I was going home, there came a big storm with rain, hail and wind.  The dust flew, blinding my vision.  There were two travellers going through my area and saw my home.  They had no other choice and so they decided to take shelter in my home.  By looking around my hut, they figured out that this place was the residence of a big lion.  There was nothing else they could do.  It was hailing.  They were talking amongst themselves and I over heard them as I came near: “this is the place of a lion.  We hope he doesn’t come and eat us.”  Understanding that they would fear me and run away into the storm, I didn’t go inside my home.  I saw the travellers as my guests and recognized my duty to make sure they were at peace.  The people wanted to stay there.  I felt that there was no Dharma or duty higher than to serve guests in your own home.  I wanting to give them peace.  Some good Karma of mine came to fruition that I was thinking like a good person.  I did the right thing.  There was hail in the storm and I remained standing outside.  I took the brunt of the hail on my body and made sure the guests were peaceful inside my home.  The travellers were afraid inside my home and kept checking outside, but I made sure they didn’t see me.  Their night was more peaceful than mine.  They wondered if I would come but I understood my Dharma.  I took the pain of the rain on my body.  It rained till midnight and I was without shelter.  I was soaked.  After the rain, the wind that blew was very cold and by morning I had died, freezing to death.  The travellers were saintly folk and when they had seen what I had given up for their peace, they blessed me.  They saw my good Karma and became compassionate and sent me to Heaven.  I came to heaven because of their blessing and I live in peace.  I got this reward for one restful night for my guests.  I enjoy the pleasures of Heaven.  To treat guests like God, is the most noble and charitable act one can do.  The life of a householder is of the highest of all duties and religions.”  When the Peer heard the last sentence, the Peer got up.  He got up and grabbed Guru ji’s feet.   He said: “I couldn’t recognize your greatness.  What you have said is correct.  Everything else in the world is tasteless.  You came into the world as an Avtaar to save it.  I’ve understood why you are helping the householders build their houses Guruji.  My doubts are now cleared.” Satguru ji was happy to hear the Peer.  Guru ji gave him faith and destroyed his doubts.  Guru ji blessed the Peer.  The Peer bowed and went to his home.  Anywhere the Peer went, he would talk about the glories of Guru Tegh Bahadhur Sahib ji.  He preached the message of Guru ji.