11-41 Baray, Gobindpuray, Ghaaghay, Gurnay, Mukror, Dhumdhan

Guru Sahib then went to Baray village and set up a Dhera in a nice place.  Guru ji met with the people there.  The people of the village came with their hands folded and did Seva of Guru ji in a well way.  It was the time of the Chumaasa (4 months of the monsoon rains) and Guru Sahib remained there.  Travelling during this time was difficult as the mud roads would be full of slick and the rivers would overflow.  It was a tradition to go live with Saints and Sadhoos during this time.  Guru Sahib had oats planted for the feeding of the horses.  The horses were taken care of and fed.  The cows were fed well and the animals were given time to rest.  They had been well kept with good feed.  Sangat from faraway places would come every day and bring a lot of food.  Langar was made and given to all.  Sangat would come to see the Lord Guru and bring many gifts.  They would stay with Guru ji for some days and do his Darshan.  They would listen to Kirtan and listen to Guru Sahib speak with devotion.  The pain of many births was washed away.  By listening to Kirtan and Katha, their bad karma was dispelled.  The Masands of the different areas also came to see Guru Sahib and brought their particular Sangat as well.  They would collect money from around their area and bring it to Guru ji.  They all did Guru ji’s Darshan.  One Masand would come bringing a lot of Sangat and then leave.  Then another Sangat would come every day and bring a lot of money.  A lot of money would come.  Guru Sahib used that money to distribute Langar twice a day.  The money was used to make wells in the villages and other advancements.  Thousands would come to do Guru ji’s Darshan.  As the Chumaasa passed, the roads began to dry up.  Guru Sahib was very pleased with the Baray village people.  Guru Sahib advised the village to move the village to the other side and make new houses.  Baray village was then moved and because they had listened to Guru Sahib, they prospered and lived in abundance.  There was no shortage for those people.  Guru ji fulfilled all their dreams.  Whatever wish the people had, Guru ji fulfilled in an instance.  Guru ji continued to give the sangat his divine sermons and blessed their souls.  He stayed there for four months.

Guru ji then went to Bhulaaday and spent the night there.  Guru Sahib then went Gobindpuray and then to Ghaaghay.  Guru ji set up a Dhera in a nice place.  When they got to Ghaaghay, the Sikhs that were in charge of feeding the horses went to go get fresh grass for the horses from the fields.  The collected the grass and tied it up with great effort.  The farmers of Ghaghay saw the Sikhs taking the grass.  They grabbed their collected grass from the Sikhs by force.  They were violent and yelled at the Sikhs.  The hit the Sikhs.  They kicked the Sikhs out of the fields.  The Sikhs came back empty-handed to Guru Sahib and told him what had happened to them.  The Sikhs said to Guru Sahib: “Guru Sahib, these Jatts are fools. these people do not know your glory.  They walk on the wrong path.  We did not touch their fields.  We just took the grass.  They were rude to us and took our grass.  They didn’t request us to leave nicely.  They took our grass and hit us.  We told them that we didn’t take anything from your fields but those fools didn’t listen to us.  They were uncivilized.  They are not Gurmukhs.  They are Manmukhs.  Let’s leave from here as we desperately need the grass for the cows and other animals.”  Guru Sahib accepted their plea and left at once.  They did not stay the night.  Guru ji was angry but did not give any curses. 

The vaheer then reached Gurnay and set up camp there.  The farmers from Ghaghay got together and regretted their actions.  They said: “we didn’t respect Guru ji.  We have sinned.  Everyone does Guru ji’s Seva, wherever he goes.  People fold their hands towards him and bow to him.  The Baray villagers kept Guru ji during the Chumaasa.  They served him as his servants.  Thousands of people come to see him every day.  They give money and bow their heads.  Their wishes are all fulfilled by him.  Everyone worships him in the world.  If someone disrespects him, he can curse them.  That would destroy them.  He can destroy money and wealth.  He is all-powerful.  He is omnipotent.  He could have destroyed us with his curse.  We should all go and ask for forgiveness.  We will fold our hands and bow our heads to his feet.”  In this way the people took a pot of ghee and a blanket.  They realized what they had done and went to Gru ji.  They came to Guru Sahib to ask for forgiveness.  The farmers said to Guru Sahib with humility: “please forgive us Guru Sahib, we are sinners and you’re the forgiving one.  You are a great saint and we are grateful that you have not cursed us yet.  Please don’t curse us.  Saints only do good for all.  We would have been destroyed.  What you say becomes true.  Your curse is like the Bajjar of Inder.  It cannot be stopped.  You are the most merciful.  Who can save us from your anger.”  They begged Guru Sahib for forgiveness but Guru Sahib did not accept their apology, seeing them as uncivilized fools.  Guru ji sat in a Samadhi.  Guru ji stayed for 3 days.  Guru Sahib then got ready to leave Gurnay.  The Ghaghay people tried to ask for forgiveness for 3 days.  Guru ji did not look at them.  The farmers and the people of Ghaghay followed Guru Sahib and repeatedly asked for forgiveness.  Guru Sahib kept ignoring them. 

Guru ji left to Makrore.  The farmers followed Guru ji and kept begging for forgiveness.  Many other Sikhs would ask for forgiveness on their behalf.  The farmers were afraid of Guru Sahib’s anger and his words.  They knew that whatever would be spoken from the Guru’s mouth, would definitely come true.  The same Sikhs that were beaten by the farmers, then asked Guru Sahib to forgive them.  The Sikhs said: “please forgive them.  You are the compassionate One.  You are forgiving.  They are fools and don’t know your greatness.  They are regretting their actions.  They seek your protection.  When fools are hit in the head, only then do they understand.  You are compassionate.  They are afraid of your anger.  They are regretting their actions.  Bless them.  You destroy doubts and illuminate faith.  Give them Sikhi and make them determined in Prema Bhagti.”  Guru ji saw the emotion and wish of the Sikhs.  Guru ji became compassionate.  The farmers had learnt their lesson.  Guru ji forgave them and accepted their offering of ghee and the blanket.  Guru Sahib was ready to forgive them a long time ago but he wanted the farmers to realize the value of forgiveness and the Sikhs to understand compassion and empathy for people who do bad acts due to their anger.  He was waiting for the Sikhs to forgive them as well.  Guru Sahib forgave the farmers and said: “your family was going to be destroyed for what you did but you came and asked for forgiveness.  You came and begged for forgiveness.  Your family will not be destroyed but won’t be big.  You will carry on for generations to come but will be small in numbers.  Your family will be full of warriors though.  They will be like sparks and will survive.  The fire that is fierce stays for little time, that’s how you will be.  They will never be defeated in battle.  The Gul Gulyana clan, if they have 5 people, they will over power all.  The Sidhu clan will always be in conflict with you but you will never lose.  Even if you will be only five in number, you will not face defeat.  You will not run away.” In this way, Guru ji forgave the people.  They all became Sikhs and had faith in Guru ji.  They gave gifts and made their requests.  Their wishes were all fulfilled.  A lot of money and food came.  Guru ji used the money for the good of the people.  A lot of food was made in the Langar and distributed.  Day and night, people ate like kings.  When the hungry and poor without clothes came, they were given food and clothes. 

Sri Guru Sahib ji then departed and travelled to Dhumdhan.  The whole Dhera travelled.  The chariots and palanquins were all loaded and started their travel.  Many saints and Sadhoos were with Guru Sahib as well.  Guru Sahib reached Dhumdhan and set up camp.  The people of that village heard of the glories of Guru Sahib and came to see him.  There was one farmer, named Dhugo, who came to see Guru Sahib and brought milk for him.  Dhugo brought the milk and placed it in front of Guru Sahib.  He bowed his head and did Guru ji’s Darshan.  He sat down and stared at Guru Sahib’s radiant face.  Guru ji, the Ishwar of the universe, was sitting on his throne and the Divan was in progress with Kirtan being performed.  Guru Sahib looked at the milk and said: “take this milk back.  This is as if blood has been placed in front of me.  This is not up to standards for me to drink.  I can’t drink this.  It is not right.  Take it back home.”  Dhugo folded his hands and said: “this is milk and nothing else, my Lord.  Why do you doubt it?  Please drink it.  I have brought it with a lot love.”  Sri Guru ji said: ” “where is this milk from?  I have seen the pot and how the cow was milked.”  Dhugo said: “well, Guru Sahib the cow is from my home.  The calf of the cow had died.  It is no more.  The cow does not let us sit below it.  I have to take the tail, twist it and put it into the vaginal area.  Only then does it give milk.  I brought the milk then.  I tell you the truth Guru ji.”  Guru Sahib said: “you people of the Baanger state, are really ruthless.  You insert arms into the animals with force and then cause the animal pain to milk it.  I have told you people many times to be gentle with the animals but you do not listen.  It is useless for me to scold you.  Sikh or not, you all continue to do this.  I will not have this milk.  Take it back home.”  Guru ji did not drink the milk.  It was taken away. 

Guru Sahib stayed at this place for a while.  Langar was made twice a day and people would eat.  People would come from far and wide to see Guru Sahib.  They brought many gifts with them.  A lot Sikhs did Seva and wanted to receive Mukti.

11-42 Mohay

While Guru Sahib stayed near Dhumdhan, Guru ji went hunting everyday.  Guru Tegh Bahadhur ji kept the tradition of hunting alive as per his father Guru Hargobind Sahib ji’s instructions.  This kept the Sikhs ready for war.  Guru ji blessed many as they would go with him.  The hunted animals were given Mukti by Guru ji as per their previous Karma.  Mata Nanaki ji and Mata Goojri ji were with Guru Sahib as well.  Mata Goojri ji would serve Mata Nanaki ji everyday.  Guru Sahib stayed here for quite a while and enjoyed himself with leisurely activities everyday.  There was a lot of joy and bliss.  There was a person named Bhai Nand Lal Sohna ji who had a son named Bhai Ramdev ji.  Bhai Ramdev ji was later known as Bhai Meeha Sahib ji (a Bakshish of the Udaasi Panth).  Bhai Meeha ji (who would sprinkle a lot of water where Guru ji went to rest the soil; Guru ji would say: “you’ve made it rain!  He was then known as Meeha- rain) would serve Guru Sahib with full devotion.  He would bring water for Guru Sahib from a far away well.  He would carry the pots of water on his head and had deep devotion and love for Guru Sahib.  He was coloured in Prema Bhagti.  He never rested; he was busy in seva.  He did Seva with devotion.  Bhai Ramdev ji would never speak to anyone.  He would bring all of the water for the Sangat.  He would always recite Gurbani and Vahiguru, the name of Akaal Purakh.  His Karma came to fruition.  He had faith in the Guru.  He would eat little.  He would eat whatever he got and did more Seva.  He had forgotten the taste of food as his mind was in his control.  He ate whatever he got.  He carried the pots of water on his head and brought them.  He would not let the water finish in the camp.  As soon as he would empty out his pot, he would go back to the well for more.  The water was never finished.  He would fetch water till late in the night.  He only had the wish to do Seva.  He had no other desires.  From carrying the pots of water constantly, he had developed a cut on his head that started to grow.  A wound formed which grew by the day.  He didn’t think of the wound as he was drenched in the love for Seva.  Fleas and insects started to bite at his wound day and night.  He didn’t care about the scab on his head, his devotion would get deeper and deeper for the Guru.  He kept bringing the water on top of his head in the pot in this way.  He didn’t let the water finish.  Everyone in the Dhera bathed with the water he brought.  A lot of Langar was made for all the people.  He would bring water for the Langar.  Water was needed for many things.  He did Seva without laziness.  He spent many days doing Seva like this.

The infestation of fleas and infection was growing but Bhai Ramdev ji did not say anything to anyone.  He tolerated the pain, quietly.  The scab became bigger.  Bhai Ramdev ji did not care of the pain.  He was engrossed in Seva.  He kept doing Seva.  The insects kept biting him.  He tied a bina (round cushion) to his head to support the water pots.  The bina would cause his skin on top of his head to stretch more.  He would open it only sometimes.  One day, he took off the bina.  He opened the rope and held the bina in his hands.   He noticed that there were insects on the bina.  Some of the insects fell on the floor.  Mata Nanaki ji saw this.  Bhai Meeha ji was compassionate and thought to himself: “these insects would die without eating the flesh from my head.  They will die on the floor.  Where will they eat flesh from?  They will die under somebody’s feet.  I need to do something to save them.  Without my head, they don’t know anything else.”  With great compassion, he picked up the insects and put them back in his head.  He said to himself: “they will live here.  They can eat the flesh of my head.”  He re-tied the bina so the fleas could continue to eat his flesh.  Mata Nanaki ji saw what was happening.  She became compassionate.  She came to Bhai Ramdev ji and said: “listen my brother, you have earned Seva with a lot of love.  Your devotion is very deep.  You have earned the Seva of the Sri Guru with great devotion.  You did not mind the pain on your head and continued to serve the Guru with full devotion.  You didn’t care about the insects in your head.  You continued to do the Seva.”  Bhai Meeha ji (Ramdev) said: “my body is nothing.  If my seva is accepted, then hopefully these fleas are blessed.  I don’t wish for these insects to be in pain.  Please give them this blessing, Mata ji.”  Mataji blessed his service and said: “Guru ji will be compassionate with you, brother, when he hears about this.  He will give greatness in every way.”  Bhai Meeha ji continue doing his Seva.  He went to bring the pots of water.

One day, Mata ji was sitting with Guru Tegh Bahadhur Sahib ji and Bhai Meeha ji came with a pot of water.  He had the pot on top of his head.  Mata ji saw him and then spoke to her son: “Oh son, this person’s seva is really great.  I was amazed to see his state yesterday.  He has a wound on top of his head.  I saw the Bina that he removed from his head and it had insects in it that were feeding on the skin from the top of his head.  As some of the insects fell on to the ground, he picked them up and put them back on his head.  He has done a great Seva.  Bless him.  He has been serving you for a long time.  He never told anyone of his pain.  He has never told anyone of his Seva.  He quietly does his Seva.  He does not desire good food or rest.  He does Seva, day and night, with love.  Be compassionate and please bless him.  Please fulfill his desires.”  Guru ji heard his mother and was filled with love hearing his story.  He called Meeha over.  Guru Sahib recognized his Seva and was going to bless him.  Guru ji said: “the Tapp earned in previous Yugas: sitting in the cold water in the winter; sitting around 5 fires in the summer; eating only fruits; hanging upside down from trees; eating leaves and fasting; living alone in the jungles and doing Bhagti; doing Yoga in the Padamasana; how many Tapps can I count?  Seeing the Tapp of the Tapasvis, Brahma and the other Devatas would bless them.  They would come and grant their wishes.  They gave joy but not Mukti.  In Kaliyuga these Tapasyas are very difficult.  That level of strictness does not exist in Kaliyuga.  The people of Kaliyuga don’t have that kind of power.  If they don’t eat, they will die.  How can they live in the jungles?  They can’t do a strict Tapp without going to the jungle.  For this reason, the Satguru has started a new tradition.  Guru Nanak Dev ji has given us the gift of sitting in the Satsang and doing its Seva.  This is the highest form of meditation and Tapasya.  One should earn this with determination.  Seva is the highest form of Tapp.  This will give the joy of both worlds, the worldly items are nothing, Mukti is given to such a person.  Their bonds are all broken.  This seva will give you the wealth of the world as well as breaking of bonds.  Mukti is given.  There is nothing in this world that can’t be obtained by doing the Seva of the Guru’s Sangat.  Seva is easier than Tapasya.  The fruit is bigger.  Doing a strict Tapp for a long time is less than a few days of Seva.  The reward is much bigger.  One day’s seva is equal to a year’s worth of meditation.  But this is less too, Seva is a lot bigger.”  Guru ji was happy with Bhai Meeha ji’s Seva.  The Bhagwant had Bhai Meeha ji sit next to him.  He said to him: “become the Mahant of the saints now.  You will be given greatness.  You have done a great seva and are now deserving of Bhrahmgyaan.  The insects on your head will be born as your Sikhs and will be saved.  You wanted Mukti for them.  They will become Sikhs and live with you.  You will get the big reward of the Seva.  Brahmgyaan will come into your heart.”  Guru Sahib was compassionate and casted his divine vision onto Bhai Meeha ji.  In an instance, the light illuminated inside of Bhai Meeha ji’s heart.  He was made into a lion from an insect.  Guru ji made a speck of dust into the Sumer Mountain.  Bhai Meeha ji folded his hands and bowed.  He understood the glory of the Guru.  Guru Sahib gave Meeha a bull from the south.  The bull was strong and beautiful.  Bhai Meeha ji was given a Baksheesh.  He was given a Nagara and a Pink Flag.  He was then made into a Mahant of the Udaasi order.  He had strong saints in his order such as Baba Magni Ram ji, Baba Lakhmeer Das ji, Baba Ban Khandi Sahib ji, Gur Narain ji and others.  These saints served the Panth in the future and travelled far to preach the message of Guru Nanak Dev ji.

Guru ji gave a lot of gifts to Bhai Meeha ji and took all his pains away.  Bhai Meeha ji saw Satguru ji as the Parbrahm.  Bhai Meeha ji then preached Sikhi in the land.  He was very wise.  His first student was Baba Lakhmeer Das ji.  He would worship the shoes of Satguru ji.  He preached the glory of Guru ji.  In this way, after doing the Seva, Bhai Meeha ji became a Mahant and lived in peace and joy.  He received glory in both worlds.  He received all of this by doing the Guru’s Seva. 

Guru ji stayed in this village and did many things.  He would go hunting and then come back to the Dhera.  A lot of Sangat would come to do his Darshan.  The Sangat would bring a lot of money.  Satguru ji would have a lot of Langar made but the money would still keep growing.  When Satguru ji would see the money, he would give it away for the good of all.  In some places he would have new wells dug up and made.  In some places he would plant seeds for crops.  He had gardens made with fruit trees.  The Master would not keep the money with him.  He would spend it on the people as soon as it would come.

11-43 Dhumdhan, Tikhaan Sikh, Kainthal

Guru Sahib had spent many days in Dhumdhan.  The Sangat from Lamah Desh came.  The Sangat from other far away lands would come looking for Guru Sahib and would eventually find him.  They would get tired in their travels.  As the Sikhs came from far away lands, they had love for Guru ji in their hearts.  As much love they had, that is how rewarded they would be.  They would become Sikhs, discarding their egos.  Their wishes would be fulfilled.  They would come singing the praises of Guru ji.  A lot of wealth was accumulated due to many people coming to see Guru Sahib. 

There was a farmer (by the name of Dhugo) that would come and do a lot of Seva.  He would come and sit near Guru Sahib everyday.  After a few days the Sangat went back home.  Guru Sahib had decided to leave as well and asked for that farmer to come see him.  When the farmer came to see Guru Sahib, Guru Sahib gave him all of the money that was accumulated.  Guru Sahib commanded him: “make a big well in this area.  Use a lot of money to make it nicely.  Construct a great Dharmsala as well, that would serve many Sadhoos and Sikhs.  Assign a Sikh Sadhoo to take care of the place.  Plant many fruit trees and spend a lot of money to plant many gardens.  Do this task with a lot of faith and devotion.  Never let greed enter your heart.  Make everything here.  If you are to make wells or buildings any where else, then the initiatives will not be successful.”  Guru Sahib gave Dhugo a lot of money to carry out these tasks.  Guru ji commanded him to make the well and gardens.  The Sangat was given leave after their wishes were fulfilled.  The Sangat began to go to their homes.  Guru Sahib along with the vaheer carried on with their travels as well.  Guru had wanted to go on the long travels.

Listen to the Katha of the farmer now.  After everyone had left, the farmer waivered from his tasks.  He got greedy, seeing the money.  He decided not to make anything he was instructed to, by Guru ji.  He was still afraid of Guru Sahib though.  He thought to himself: “I hope my family is not destroyed.”  His thoughts were influenced on top of the horses of greed.  He had a hard time keeping the money and a hard time starting the task of making the well.  Many days had passed, thinking about all this.  He then decided: “I will have the well built on my fields.  My fields will get the well.  Guru ji’s instructions would be fulfilled and I will be able to benefit from the well.  I will plant gardens there too.  My sons and grandsons will benefit from this.  I may be in trouble if I don’t do this.”  He then called the tradesmen to start building the well.  They started to dig and began to build the wall of the well.  As the wall of the well is built above the ground, it’s supposed to go into the ground by the weight of the wall. When Dhugo built the well, the wall of the well did not go into the ground.  He made many efforts but the well did not go down.  Kavi Santokh Singh ji says: “what else can I say?  The wall of the well still stands.  I went to Dhumdhan to see the well.  The Singhs of the village showed me the well.  It was still standing above the ground and did not go down.  Guru ji’s words can be visually seen.  Dhugo did not obey Guru ji.  He had caused ruin to him and his whole family.  He lost his well as well.”

Guru Sahib left Dhumdhan and traveled ahead.  Guru ji reached the outside of a village and stood there.  The Sarasvati River flowed from that place.  Guru ji reached the boundary of the Kurukshetra where the great war of the Mahabharat had taken place.  The battle ground of the Kurukshetra Teerath was guarded by four Jachs (Yakshas).  The western boundary of the ground was guarded by a Yaksha named Vaihar Juch.  The name of the village was named after that being, Baihar Juch.  Guru Sahib stood near the banks of Sarasvati and said: “is there a Gursikh in this area?  Is there someone here who follows the Guru’s home and who follows the ideology with determinations?”  One of the persons in the crowd came forward and told Guru Sahib: “there is a Tikhaan (carpenter) living here who is a Sikh of the Guru.”  Guru ji told him to take him to the Sikh’s home.  The person took Guru Sahib to the Tikhaan’s house.  The Tikhaan was sitting inside his house.  One of the Sikhs announced the arrival of Guru Sahib and told him to bow and be rewarded.  The Tikhaan heard the announcement and dropped what he was doing.  He came running in joy to Guru ji and bowed to Guru Sahib’s feet.  He stood and did Guru ji’s Darshan.  He saw Guru ji’s great and radiant face.  Seeing the Guru’s great height and radiance, the Sikh was delighted and put his head onto Guru ji’s feet.  He folded his hands and said: “Prabhoo ji everything that you see here belongs to you.  Please enter my house and bless me.  See me as your Sikh and bless my home.”  Guru ji saw the Sikh’s love and came to his home to bless him.  All of the chariots were parked by the door and everyone came inside to rest.  The whole Vaheer came in and set up Dhera in an open space.  They rested in their tents.  The sangat travelling with Guru Sahib brought flour and rice and cooked langar.  After they ate, everyone went to sleep.  Guru ji spent the night in peace.

Guru Sahib got up at Amritvela.  He woke up another Servant and went to bathe in the Sarasvati River Teerath.  Sarasvati was really pure.  Guru ji bathed in its pure waters.  Guru ji wiped himself with a towel and wore his clothes.  After he got ready, Guru Sahib sat down in deep meditation of Akaal Purakh.  He made his mind still and set his focus into his real form.  When the sun rose, many Brahmans came to Guru Sahib and received donations.  Guru ji gave all of them donations.  The Brahmans received the donations and were really happy.  They praised Guru ji and went to their homes.  They said: “he is as we heard of him.  He is very generous.”  The Tikhaan Sikh also presented gifts for Guru Sahib.  He served Guru ji as much as he could.  Guru ji saw the Sikh’s faith and blessed him.  The Sikh was in bliss.  He was blessed.  Guru ji gave him Brahmgyaan.  The Sikh bowed to Guru ji’s feet after seeing the full Gyaan.  In this way, Sri Guru Tegh Bahadhur Sahib ji, the Patient One, stayed at the Teerath for 3 days.  Guru Sahib wanted to leave and so he asked the Sikh: “I wish to go to Kainthal village.  Is there a Sikh in that area?  I will set up a Dhera there.  I wish to spend some days there in peace.”  The Sikh responded with his hands folded: “there are three houses of Sikhs in Kainthal.  One belongs to a Tikhaan, and the other two belong to Sikhs of the Baaniya, Merchant caste.”  Guru Sahib heard this and said: “come along and show me the houses.  Show me the Sikhs and then come back to your home.”  The Tikhaan Sikh went along with Guru ji and the Vaheer.  Kainthal was about 8 Kos (24 km) away.  The Tikhaan Sikh took Guru ji to Kaithal.  Guru ji stopped at the edge of a Sarovar near the village.  There were many fruit trees there.  There were many Neem trees there.  Guru ji tied his horse there, where Gurdwara Neem Sahib exists in modern times.  The Sikh asked Guru Sahib: “which house would you like to go to first?  Two belong to Baaniyas and one belongs to a Tikhaan.”  Guru Sahib ji commanded: “take me to the closest one.  I will do a Dhera there.”  They then went to the Tikhaan’s house.  The whole Vaheer went there.  The Tikhaan told the other Tikhaan Sikh: “Guru ji himself has come here.  His Darshan destroys the sins of many births.”  The Sikh heard this and was delighted.  With great bliss, he came to see Guru Sahib who had travelled to give his blessings in person.  He bowed to Guru ji and took Guru ji to his home.  He respectfully set up a Dhera for Guru ji.  He did Seva of Guru ji to the best of his abilities.  Guru ji was happy with the Sikh’s Seva and destroyed his pains and problems.  The other two families also came to see Guru Sahib there.  They came with their families.  They brought gifts and bowed to Guru ji’s feet.  Their wishes were all fulfilled in a great way.  They said: “Dhan, Dhan.  You have come to our home.  We are fortunate to do the Darshan of the Guru.”  For some days, Guru ji stayed there and then wished to leave.  The home where Guru ji stayed, there is now a Gurduara there.  Kavi Santokh Singh ji says: “there is now a Gurduara at the house of the Tikhaan where Shabad Kirtan occurs all the time.  Maharaja Bhai Sahib Uday Singh ji comes there all the time.  The Singhs do Pooja there.  I, the Kavi, live there too.  The sins are washed away by singing the praises of the Guru.  I stayed there to write the glory of the Gurus.  The Sangat meets with love at the Gurduara.  May I be blessed.  Kavi Santokh Singh was given a lot of joy by Guru ji, when I came here.”

11-44 Farmers of Barna told to Reject Tobacco

After giving Darshan to the Tikhaan and blessing him in his home, Guru Sahib wished to carry on with his travels.  He got ready to leave.  Mata Goojri ji was on her palanquin which was made of muslin cloths.  There was a beautiful chariot which had Mata Nanaki ji on it.  The chariot was pulled by bulls that were really strong and had great big horns.  A red straddle was tied to the bulls.  The bulls rode fast.  There were bells in their necks, which made noise as they rode.  The chariot was at the front, travelling far.  The palanquin of Mata Goojri ji followed.  The rest of the vaheer was also moving along.  The servants and some beloved Sikhs followed, along with many Sadhoos and saints.  They all travelled singing the glories of the Guru.  They travelled through many lands.  Guru Tegh Bahadhur Sahib ji was on a great strong white horse.  It was white like the moon.  It was beautiful and radiant.  It didn’t disobey or try to show its cleverness.  The horse was very obedient and would trot to the command of its rider.  The trot of the horse was very smooth.  Its neck was curved like a peacock.  The horse was very big and strong. 

Guru Sahib rode the horse with patience.  The horse’s legs would curl as it moved.  Guru ji left Kainthal and went on ahead.  Guru ji brought everyone with him.  Guru ji traveled about 45 km and came to a village named Barna.  He stopped outside the village and wanted to stay there.  A person came out of the village and saw Guru Sahib and the travelling community.  The person came to Guru ji and bowed his head.  Guru Sahib asked him: “is there a home of a Sikh in this village or not?”  The person told Guru Sahib: “there is a farmer Sikh that lives in the village.  He is the only Sikh in the village.  He is a good person but has little faith.  He is the only Sikh.  There are no others.”  Sri Guru Sahib ji said: “I wish to meet him.  I wish to stay at his home and set up a Dhera for a few days.  Go and call him.”  The person obeyed and went to go tell the Sikh: “a Saint has arrived with a lot of people.  He wishes to see you.  He is waiting to see you.”  As soon as he was about to go to receive Guru ji, the “Patvaaris” (administrators of the government) came to make an assessment of the Sikh’s fields.  They wanted to see how much crop was produced for the half year.  The Sikh thought to himself: “it is a priority to see to the Patvaari but I know that I should at least see the Saint first.  I will go so the saint first.  I’ll go see the Patvaaris next so they can do the assessment.”  By this time, he still didn’t know that it was Guru ji who had come.  He thought about quickly going to see the saint that was calling for him. 

As the farmer came outside the village, he was surprised to see that it was actually Guru Sahib who had arrived.  He recognized Guru ji and bowed to Guru Sahib, paying his respects.  He knew that Guru ji wanted to stay at his place.  He folded his hands and said: “please come to my home, Guru Sahib.  Set up your camp and rest in joy.  Let’s go quickly and not waste time.  I have to receive the Patvaaris in my fields who have come to assess my crops.  I will go towards my fields.”  Guru Sahib heard this and said: “don’t worry about going to the fields.  Kartaar will take care of your fields.  Your crops will be saved and you will be in joy.  Set up the Dhera for us.  It’s a good time to do seva.  Come and don’t miss the opportunity.  Don’t waste your time.  The Guru will give you prosperity if your devotion remains solid.”  The Sikh farmer heard this and spoke with his hands folded: “Guru Sahib, please rest in my home.  My field is ready.  It’s my hard work over 6 months.  The Patvaari is here to see my hard work.  He has come after 6 months and I want to make sure he has the accurate amount to assess.  If I don’t go on time, the Patvaari may record the wrong amount.  I may need to give more tax.  I will plead with them to assess my amount lower so I may have more crop.  I need to make sure I have enough for the next 6 months for my family.  We farmers have to work for our crop.  It will only take me three hours Guru Sahib.  If I don’t go, my crop will be lost.”  Guru Sahib heard this and figured out that he was a fool: “he does not understand the way of the universe and the strength of the Guru.  He doesn’t understand my hints.”  Guru Sahib was forgiving and said to him: “if you really want to go, then go to your fields, but do not say anything.  Stand by the side and don’t plead with them or converse with them.  The Satguru will be with you.  You will see how the Satguru will look after you.  After they make their assessment, come home quickly.”  The farmer agreed and then went to his fields. 

The farmer stood by the Patvaaris where they were making their assessments.  The Patvaaris were assessing the other fields at that time.  When it was the farmer’s turn, the farmer’s field was assessed as half of what it actually was.  He had 200 Bigha (125 Killas: 1 Killa = 1 Acre) of field.  When the Patvaari wrote his amount, he wrote 100 Bighas.  The farmer’s cousins spoke up and told them: “you didn’t write the correct amount.  He has 200 Bighas.  You have assessed him before.”  The cousins didn’t have well intentions for the farmer.  They said: “you come here every year, how are you missing the correct amount?  Measure his fields again!  It seems as though our cousin has bribed you.  You are ruining the governments taxes by half.  We will file a report with the authorities.  You will get in trouble then.”  The main Patvaari got scared and said: “I have measured the fields accurately, but I will do it again.  You can stand by and watch me as I do it.  Watch with detail.  I will do it accurately.”  The Patvaari took his measuring tools and began to measure the fields again.  He did the measurements and would yell out the values as he measured it.  He had other people to help him.  The Sikh was just standing there and watched as this measurement was being done.  The second time was also measured at 100 Bighas, half the amount as it was in the previous year.  Everyone in the village was astonished and surprised to see why the fields measuring at half the usual amount.  Everyone called the assessor as corrupt: “he has been measuring the field every year.  It was always 200 Bighas.  It was never less.”  The Sikh listened to Guru ji and didn’t speak a word.  He watched the miracle.  He was amazed.  He stayed quiet.  The Patvaari and the village people began to yell at each other.  They got into a fight.  The Patvaari made a third attempt and the village people measured with the Patvaari.  Everyone was in doubt.  They made sure that the measuring tool was good, then they measured the field.  The third time was also the same measurements as before.  The cousins were with the Patvaari and they did the measuring with the Patvaari.  They watched carefully.  The ones that said 200 Bighas, they were proven wrong.  It was 100.  The people were upset and came back home.  The Sikh now understood that this was the Guru’s doing.  He saw the Guru’s radiance.  His devotion was now deep.  The Guru had made sure the Sikh’s devotion was now fully awake.  His faith was fragile before, but was now solid.  The Patvaaris left. 

The farmer came home and told his wife to prepare Langar for the Sikhs.  He came to Guru Sahib and bowed to his feet and told him the whole story.  Guru Sahib heard the story and said: “had you listened to me at my first command, you would have kept the full amount of your crop and wouldn’t have had to pay any tax.  All your tasks would have been completed.  You had listened to my second command, so that is why you had to pay only half of the tax.”  The farmer Sikh understood the Guru’s greatness.  The Sikh kept bowing to Guru ji’s feet. The Sikh then served Guru ji and the Sangat by setting up the Dhera in his home.  Everyone rested.

There was a tamarind tree in the farmer’s home.  Guru ji’s horse was tied to the tamarind tree.  Mata ji’s chariot and palanquin were rested.  Everyone’s beds and camps were set up.  The whole village served the Sangat as well.  They brought pure water for everyone.  Langar was made.  After Langer everyone went to sleep.  When it was around 2:30am, everyone woke up to bathe and then did Simran of Satnam.  Everyone did Simran.  Guru ji bathed and sat in Samadhi.  He set his focus within himself.  As the Sun came up, Guru Sahib asked the Sikh to come near.  When the Sikh came near, Guru Sahib gave him wisdom for his blessings: “take tobacco out of your family.  You should hate it and avoid it.  Do not let this plant near you.  Do the Seva of saints and Sikhs.  Earn an honest living and share your earnings.  If you follow these commands the Satguru will look after you in this world and in the next.  The Guru will remove all your pains and sufferings, by giving his hand.  Till tobacco does not enter your family/home and you do not plant tobacco, you will remain in high sprits and prosperity will always be in your house.  Your wealth will grow.  Your cows will give a lot of milk.  You will not have a shortage of anything.  Your family will live in peace.  If someone in your house will consume tobacco, the wealth will be gone.  Poverty and pain will come.”  The farmer bowed to Guru Sahib’s feet and promised Guru Sahib that he would follow Guru ji’s orders.

Kavi Santokh Singh ji said: “I know his family.  They still live in Barna.  I went to go see this farmer’s family.  Till there was no consumption of tobacco in the family, they were very prosperous.  The family now, the current generation began to smoke.  The whole family is now in ruins.  They lost all their wealth.  I went to go meet them in their home.  They had no food to eat.  I told them that their ancestors had promised Guru ji not to use tobacco.  I had advised them to let go of tobacco.  I made them take Amrit of Khanda Pahul.  After that, I did not mee them again.  I don’t know if they are poor still or they are doing better financially.”  In this way, Satguru ji’s words are still evident.  It can be seen till today.  Guru ji stayed there for 2 or 3 more days.  Guru ji blessed the Sikh.

11-45 Thanaysar, Buni Budhurpur

Wearing a white Chola, white Dastaar and mounting a white horse, Guru ji left Barna to continue with his travels. There was a beautiful sword on his one side with a golden hilt.  There was a quiver full of arrows hanging from his opposite shoulder.   He held a strong bow.  The Vaheer was with him.  Meeting Sikhs in their homes and blessing them along the way, Guru Sahib came to Thanaysar (the site where Mudhkaytab gave their heads to Ishwar).  The site was also known as Kurukshetra.  About 6 Kos (18 km) ahead, there was the Teerath (where Arjan was given the wisdom of the Geeta) observing the solar eclipse.  There were many people from every direction attending the Mela.  People came there in big groups.  They all set up their camps.  Guru Sahib arrived and looked for a good place.  He wanted to bathe in the river.  He went to the northern side of the site where the beautiful River Sarasvati was pure.  (Although Sarasvati is not seen physically, it runs underground and shows up above ground in few areas) The water of the Sarasvati was only sometimes seen there.  There were pure Teeraths along its shores.  Those Teeraths are known to all.  There, Guru ji unmounted his horse and stood on the ground.  He saw a lot of holy sites there.  Sri Gurudev ji was happy to see the Teeraths.  The rest of the travellers set up camp along the river bank.  Feed and food were called for.  During the evening, Langar was made and served.  After Langar, Guru Sahib went to sleep.  He got up just before the last watch of the night and went for his daily cleanse/bath.  He then sat down in deep meditation to connect with Akaal Purakh.  News spread across the holy site and people found out about Guru ji being present.  People came to pay their respects and bowed their heads to Guru ji’s feet.  The attendees talked amongst themselves: “we accomplished 2 tasks at once: we bathed at the Teerath and got to see Guru ji.”  As the Sikhs in the Mela heard, they all came to Guru ji in great numbers.  They all bowed and stood around Guru ji.  A great crowd gathered.  They sat in Guru ji’s court.  Where ever the Guru casted his divine vision, a feeling of serenity would follow.  Many people were blessed by his vision.  The people would bow with humility.  Some were standing with their hands folded.  They had love in their hearts.  The pilgrims saw the glory of Guru Nanak Dev ji’s throne in full effect.  Some saw Guru ji for the first time.  The people would say: “he is on the throne of Guru Nanak Dev ji.  He is omnipotent and all powerful.  He is happy with Seva done with love.  He blesses them.  He is the giver of many powers.  He destroys the troubles of both worlds.”  People praised Guru ji in this way.  One group came and one would leave.  Guru ji gave his Darshan to all. 

There was always a crowd with Guru ji during the Mela.  Many saints and scholars of different religions and ideologies would come to see Guru Sahib.  Guru Sahib would be delighted to meet them and asked them to sit near him.  Guru Sahib would answer their questions and relieve their doubts.  He had peaceful discussions with them.  Sri Prabhoo ji was compassionate with them.  The saints would listen to Guru ji and say: “Dhan Dhan!”  The saints praised guru ji.  Many Sadhoos had humility.  They would ask Guru ji: “Prabhoo ji, after attending this Mela in a great way, where are you going next?  Will you go to Muder Desh (Punjab) or somewhere else?”  Guru Tegh Bahadhur Sahib ji responded: “I wish to visit the Teeraths.  I would like to head all the way to the East and bathe in the Teeraths.  There are many Teeraths all the way to Brahmaputra.  I will move slowly and visit all the holy sites along the way with peace.  Jumna, Ganga, Prayaag and Gaya; are very pure sites to wash your sins.” (According to Guru Granth Sahib ji, the holy sites long for the dust of the feet of holy saints.  The holy saints bless those sites and therefore many pilgrims visit these sites to wash their sins.  The Teeraths called out to Guru ji for his Darshan).  The saints were happy to hear this.  They decided to go along with Guru Sahib: “we wish to go with you too, Guru Sahib.  We would love to be in your company.  We will have your Darshan everyday and visit the holy Teeraths.  We will visit the holy sites and listen to your sermons everyday.  We will visit many lands.  We will be in joy with you.  You are going to the Teeraths.  Take us with you.”  This news spread to all the saints and Sadhoos.  They all wanted to go.  They were happy to go as they would get Langar everyday.  They all came to Satguru ji’s Vaheer and joined the travelling party.  It was going to be a pleasant journey for them as visiting the Teeraths of the east alone was difficult. 

After about 2 days, the day of the solar eclipse came.  Everyone bathed in the Brahm Sarovar.  The Brahmins would traditionally receive donations during this time.  Which ever Brahmin came to see Guru Sahib, they received a hefty donation.  They received so much that their money shortages were filled.  They left in great joy.  They all praised Guru ji.  They were blessed by Guru Sahib.  When the sun re-appeared, everyone bathed again.  Others were given donations by Guru ji.  The Master came back to his Dhera and ate Langar.  At night, Guru ji slept.  Guru ji woke up at Amritvela and bathed at the Teeraths of his father, Guru Hargobind Sahib ji, and Guru Nanak Dev ji. 

Guru Sahib stayed for another two days and then got ready to leave.  Many new Sikhs and saints joined the travelling community.  They realised that the true essence of life is in the feet of the True Guru and tagged along Guru ji’s travels.  They said: “we will do Guru ji’s Darshan and visit the Teeraths.  There is nothing more blissful than this.”  Many mounted their horses.  A lot of people gathered.  Guru Sahib mounted his horse at Thanashwer.  He wanted to travel far.  At about the 33 km mark, there was a place called Buni Budhurpur where Guru Sahib set up camp.  There is a Gurduara there in modern times which Kavi Santokh Sahib had visited during his time.  Langar was made and consumed.  The Vaheer reached there.  They all ate and went to sleep at night.  The Sangat did Simran of Satnam.  A lot of Sangat reached there.  They brought a lot of money. 

Many Masands of the area found out and came to meet Guru Sahib at this place.  Some travelled from far away places.  They came for Guru ji’s Darshan.  They brought gifts and money.  Guru ji gave them respect and Siropas.  They were given leave.  The Sikhs from far away lands had sent their money with the Masands.  The Masands brought the Dasvands of the Sikhs.  Whenever they would meet Guru ji, they would give the money.  Guru ji noticed that the bag of money got full as the money came.  Guru Sahib called a landowner/farmer in the area and gave him all of the money.  Guru Sahib gave him specific instructions: “take this money and do good things.  Plant trees and dig wells here.  Construct a permanent place that serves Langar everyday.  Use all of the money and don’t let greed enter your heart.  You will be in joy and make your life a success.  The purpose of your life will be fulfilled as you do these tasks.”  The landowner/farmer folded his hands with love.  He bowed to the Guru and received the “budhra” (bag of money) and hence the name of the village was named “Buni Budhurpur.”  Kavi Santokh Singh ji says: “I have visited the Gurduara and the trees that were planted upon the Guru’s instructions.  The trees still stand there.  The Gurduara is well built.”  Guru Sahib stayed there for two days.  He gave all of the money that was collected there.  Guru ji then left the place and travelled towards Jamna Nagar Jaghadri. 

A lot of people were with Guru Sahib.  There were more than 700 saints travelling with Guru Sahib at this time.  Guru ji travelled in joy.  Guru Sahib was at the front and everyone followed behind.  They moved slowly so no one would get tired.  Everyone was in joy.  They travelled small distances so no one gets tired.  They camped at night.  Guru ji would get news of everyone’s well-being.  If anyone needed anything, Guru Sahib would provide it right away.  Clothes, food and other things were given as per the needs of the people.  Everyone was in joy.  Nothing was in shortage.  Everyone was fearless.  There were no problems that were faced.  They were with the Omnipotent Master who wielded weapons and kept an armed force.  Guru Sahib reached a place called Sudhail.  There were many trees there.  They set up camp outside the village and rested the night.  Gurduara Panjteerthi Sahib is there.  Since the Sikhs had been with Guru ji, Guru ji would not go into the villages.  There were too many people.  The Dhera was outside of the villages.  They travelled small distances and set up camp.  They didn’t stay too long.  They ate and slept the night. 

The next morning, everyone got ready and were on their way.  After leaving Sudhail, about 10 Kos (30 km) away, Guru ji reached Booreeya (where Kavi Santokh Singh ji wrote the Nanak Prakash Granth).  The Jamuna River flows here which has a dark/blue tint.  Guru ji got off his horse and waited for the people coming.  Guru Sahib came to the river bank.  He removed his weapons and clothes and took a bath in the river.  There were Brahmans in the village who noticed that there was a travelling vaheer that had arrived.  They wanted donations.  The Brahmans went close to Guru Sahib.  Guru Sahib saw them and donated money and gifts to them.  The Brahmins gave Guru ji blessings, not knowing who he was.  Nobody left empty-handed.  The poor received donations as well.  After taking the donations, the Brahmans left, praising Guru ji. 

Guru Sahib then called boats and canoes to cross the Jamuna River.  Everyone boarded the ferries and crossed the river.  After they reached the other shore, the powerful Guru stood there.  All of the chariots and palanquins crossed.  When everyone reached the shore, Guru ji mounted his horse and continued the travels.  They travelled a little more and set up camp near the next village.  They ate Langar and resting the night.  The Sikhs of the villages would come to eat Langar.  They would bring raw foods for the Vaheer.  They would rest the night.  Guru Sahib would travel slowly during the day and rest at night in this way.  Guru ji travelled about 10, 11 or 12 Kos per day.  The destroyer of problems would set up camp everyday.  They all faced the east and travelled.  They travelled slowly with peace.  It was a long way to go.  Guru Sahib used the excuse of visiting the Teeraths when in fact the real reason was to meet the Sikhs in far away villages and lands.  Guru Sahib wanted to bless the Sikhs who had prayed for his Darshan and weren’t able to come see the Guru for various reasons.  This was the best way of completing their prayers. 

.