12-61 In the Iron Cage

Guru Sahib was in the iron cage.  The Mughals were happy with this decision.  Baba Gurditta ji was in chains as well and would serve Guru Sahib.  The Mughals were keeping a strict guard around Guru ji.  The jailor and the other guards were standing closer to Guru ji.  The jailor wouldn’t go home at night and would stay up all night.  None of the guards would sleep.

The Sikh that was sent by Guru Gobind Singh ji from Lakhnaur reached Delhi after five days.  He met Baba Gurditta ji and gave him the news of the child Guru: “I would like to meet Guru ji.  Mata Nanaki ji sent a message as well.  The whole family is worried.  I need to tell Guru ji all this.  How can I meet him?”  Gurditta ji told him: “I will tell Guru ji and then he will call you if he pleases.”  Gurditta ji indicated to the Sikh to stay close by.  The jailor and guards saw Gurditta ji walking towards Guru ji.  They knew that he was Guru ji’s sevadaar that would give Guru ji food all the time.  Gurditta ji went near Guru ji to give him food and said: “Guru ji, there is a Sikh here with news from Lakhnaur.”  Guru ji responded: “tell him that I will see him in the morning.  I will listen to his messages and will send a message back as well.  Tell him to rest the night, not to worry and do Simran of Satnam.”  Gurditta ji told the Sikh what Guru ji’s command was. 

During the night, the guards were keeping watch.  The jailor told everyone to stay awake.  He would keep his sight on the cage.  When it was midnight, Guru ji left the cage and his body could not be seen.  One of the guards noticed and said: “look, the Guru is no longer in the cage.  The door is closed and locked, still.”  The jailor heard the guard shouting and came running.  He started to look around but couldn’t see where Guru ji had gone to.  He told the guards not to make a fuss or shout.  He said: “we don’t want the news of his disappearance to go to the Emperor.  Maybe we can find him close by in the streets or between the houses.”  They searched between the houses and on top of the balconies.  They were surprised at how Guru ji left the cage.  There was nothing they could do.  They asked Gurditta ji: “where is your Guru.  Tell us or else we will kill you.”  Gurditta ji responded: “how should I know where he is?  You don’t let me sit near the Guru.  We are separated at night.”  The jailor and the guard thought to themselves: “the Guru is a Saint and must have left with his power.  He had been leaving the same way to meet his Sikhs.  It was not like this before though.  The cage is quite tight as apposed to the cell.  I don’t think he will come back to the cage because he is in more pain.  He can come and go as he please.  He doesn’t need to put up with us.”  The jailor said: “no, he is above pain and pleasure.  He wasn’t affected by the tightness.  He continued to speak calmly and majestically, like a king or a warrior would.  He did not show any indication of weakness or pain, whatsoever.  His face was radiant in the same manner as was when he was in the jail cell.  The Emperor is cruel.  He will arrest and kill us.  Either we should quit our jobs and run away from Delhi to survive, or we should meditate on Guru Tegh Bahadhur ji all night long, to protect us.  We should do Ardaas to him to make sure we are not in pain.  When he wishes, he may come back in his cage.”  The guards and the jailor were worried and discussed what the right thing to do was.  “The Emperor wouldn’t believe us, that the Guru left with his powers.  He will allege that we took bribes,” they continued.  The guards all thought of Guru ji and began to meditate on his name.  They were all standing near the cage and worried about their jobs, and lives.

When the sun came up at around 5 am, Guru ji was back in the cage.  It was as though he never left.  He was calm and radiant as he always was.  He was in peace.  He was just like the sun.  The guards were relieved.  They were all happy now, just as though the lotus blooms, seeing the sun.  They all reciting “Dhan Guru Tegh Bahadhur.”  They folded their hands and bowed to Guru Sahib.  The guards whose shift was over, went back to their homes and the new shift came in.  The jailor spoke to Guru ji: “Guru ji, your glory is wide spread and you are the most powerful, I have figured this out: that you look after your servants in this world and in the next.  You give them peace in both worlds.  I now know who you are and consider myself fortunate to be in front of you right now.  Please accept me as your servant.  I will open the cage and we can leave from here.  I will serve you for the rest of my life.  The guards who are under me, will all come with us as well and will become your Sikhs.  Why are you staying in the jail and bearing all this pain?  The Emperor is a sinner and a tyrant.  He has no pity for anyone.  Guru ji, please bless us.  This is my plea.  Please accept my plea.  Let’s go and live in peace.”  Guru ji heard the jailor and smiled.  He was happy to hear the jailor speak and responded: “you now have great faith in the Guru.  You had eaten the food by the salary of Aurangzeb, which was blinding your logic and humanity.  Now that you have been in the Sangat of Satsangis, you are now awake and aware of the truth.  You will be rewarded for this.  Your family will grow and your generations will be great.  I will tell you what my plan is: I am to smash my body on top of Aurangzeb’s head and make him guilty for my death.  I have structured this play.  This play is of my own design.  This will diminish the power and radiance of the Mughals.  I am here by my own wishes.  If I wish to leave, nobody can stop me.  Sri Guru Nanak Dev ji had blessed Babar with seven generations of rule.  Babar had asked for the kingdom from Guru Nanak, begging at his feet.  Satguru Nanak’s words are permanent.  Just like a storm cannot move the Sumair Mountain, Guru Nanak’s words cannot be reversed.  When Babar asked for seven generations of rule, Guru Nanak said: I will give you the rule but when your children become unjust, I will nullify their power by putting a great blame on them.  I will give my Sikhs the kingdom.  Now, Guru ji’s words have become prevalent and Aurangzeb wants to destroy Hinduism.  Different Saints and sadhoos are worshiping Akaal Purakh in their own way.  Aurangzeb had these saints tortured and killed.  He even killed the Muslim Dervishes like Sarmad.  Nobody could kill Aurangzeb because of Guru Nanak’s blessing.  The Hindus and Muslim Saints, he gave them pain, just as the lotus shrivels in pain by the moon’s light, so did Aurangzeb shrivel these flowers of Akaal Purakh.  The musicians were not allowed to sing in his kingdom and were in pain as they were not allowed to sing under the Shariya law.  I will make him guilty of my killing.  I will rid this disease, Aurangzeb, from this world.  You have faith now, that is why I am telling you, my plan.  Watch and see what happens next.  The Mughals will lose their kingdom.”  The jailor heard Guru ji’s words and bowed to his feet.  He spoke: “Guru ji you are the most powerful.  You give everyone power and you are the one that takes things away from everyone.  You break everyone’s bondages.  Everything is in your command.  What can anyone else do?  They are weak in front of you.  You know past, present and future.”  The time passed and the sun was now fully risen.  The guards who were worried last night, they were now in peace.  Guru ji spoke: “Duroga ji (jailor), a Sikh of mine has travelled from far and wants to see me.  Call him so I may meet him.  He has news from home for me.  Don’t worry, I won’t go anywhere from here now.”  The jailor heard Guru ji’s words with great love and faith.  He was now convinced of the Guru’s greatness.  He went outside the jail and found the Sikh messenger.  He brought the Sikh to Guru ji.  The same guard that was strict, now had faith in Guru ji and didn’t care anymore about keeping a strict watch.  He now knew that Guru ji’s power far exceeded anyone’s thought process.  Guru ji came here by his own wishes.  He now knew why Guru ji was in the jail.  He has the ability to do as he wishes, without haste.  There was no point to bother the Guru and go to hell for it.  He no longer wanted to give Guru ji a hard time for anything. 

12-62 Satguru ji Sends a Letter from Delhi

The Sikh from Lakhnaur saw Guru ji in the iron cage and bowed.  The Sikh began to shed tears and felt a deep pain in his heart.  Guru ji was calm and serene, even though the cage was so tight that Guru ji could not move in it.  The Sikh folded his hands and said: “Guru ji, your family left Lakhnaur as per your instructions, and is headed for Anandpur.  Your mother is in great pain.  Her mind is not at rest without you.  She is taking deep breaths and shedding tears as she walks around.  Mata Gujri ji is in pain as well.  She constantly thinks of you and waits for you.  The Sangat is worried and wondering what news awaits them.  Day and night, everyone worries for you.  Nobody likes to eat.  The Sahibzada is keeping everyone in high spirits and keeps them happy.  He is in high spirts himself and tells everyone that his father is always with the Sangat.  He consoles everyone and gives them hope.  He praises your glory in the Sangat.  He says that “the Guru is the most powerful with unlimited capabilities.  He is the doer that sets the universe in motion.  He can do what he pleases without delay.  He has set his own play.” He consoles everyone but then when Mata Nanaki ji thinks of you again, her sadness returns.  Both mother-in-law and daughter-in-law are in great pain.  The Sahibzada consoles them both.  The Sahibzada called me and spoke to me out loud so both mothers can hear him: “Mataji don’t worry, I will send this Sikh to Delhi and he will bring back news.  We will get a letter from Pithaji sent from Delhi and we will listen to what he has to say.  Don’t worry about anything Mataji, whatever Guru Tegh Bahadhur Sahib ji wants to do, that will happen.  What Guru ji has gone to do, nobody can stop.”  The Sahibzada sent me for this purpose.  He wants me to bring back your commands.  They will listen to your letter and then their pain will lessen.  This is the reason for my visit Guru ji.  Your family and Sangat await your response.  The Sangat and the Masands are waiting for your directions.  Everyone is worried for you, Guru ji.  Wherever Sikhs gather, they think about your absence and are in pain.  This Auranga is a great sinner, he gives pain to saints.  You, Guru ji, had come without meeting anyone.  People come to see you in Anandpur but leave, not finding you there.”  Guru ji knew about the pain that the Sangat was in and what the family was going through.  He asked for a paper and quill.  The jailor, who was now Guru ji’s faithful, along with his guards, brought all the stationary required for Guru ji to write a letter with his own hand.  Guru ji was going to write his Saloks (poetic verses) for the Sangat.  The Saloks were of love, sacrifice, unattached from the desires of this world/life and full of devotion.  He began to speak: “These instructions and sermons are for the deserving and faithful.  Whoever will read these Saloks, that person will be peaceful and content in this world, and the world hereafter.  He began to write the Saloks:

Sri Mukhvaak (the holy words from the True Guru, Gurbani) Salok Mahala 9 (Salok Nanak IX)

One who does not sing the praises of the Lord, their life is spent in futility.  Says Nanak, oh mind, do the Simran of Hari, just like the fish in the water drinking the water continuously.1.

Guru ji wrote 49 Saloks in the iron cage.  Guru ji’s message was that: one should remember Akaal Purakh to rid one of their pain and sorrows.  All of the worries will go away by meditating on the Akaal Purakh.  He wrote these Saloks for the Sikh Sangat.  Do the Simran of Vahiguru.

Then Guru ji wrote Saloks for his mother, Mata Nanaki ji.  Mata ji would be relieved of her sorrow after reading these Saloks.  Nothing is permanent in this world.  People who had great powers, all had to die one day.

Sri Mukhvaak (the holy words from the True Guru, Gurbani) Salok Mahala 9 (Salok Nanak IX)

Raja Ram Chander had to leave this world, Raavan (who had defeated Inder), the one who closed all pathways to death, and had a huge family, also had to die.  Says Nanak, nothing is permanent.  This world is like a dream.50.

One should only worry that, which was not supposed to happen, Oh Nanak, the world is a pathway on which nothing is permanent.51.

What is born, must die one day.  It will perish today or tomorrow.  Nanak sings the glory of Akaal Purakh, Hari, who will release all the webs of bondage.52.

He wrote 3 Saloks for his mother Mata Nanaki ji.  He erased the worries of Mata Gujri ji as well.  “Raja Ram Chander was an Avatar of Akaal Purakh’s form (born with 12 powers of Akaal Purakh, who later took 2 extra powers from Purshooram ji, giving him a total of 14 powers) he had won the world; Raavan, who won all three worlds, had 100,000 children and 125,000 grandchildren, his wealth and citizens could not be counted, Devatas was afraid of him.  Both Ram and Ravan were powerful but both had to die.  When we are watching a dream, we think it is the truth.  The sorrow and happiness all seem real.  When we awake, we meet the world, the world that is created in the dream, that is all gone.  Whoever sees the world as false, that person does not regret what is lost.  This is how the world works.  Till a person is alive, they are attached to the world.  When the breaths in the body finish, the world finishes for them as well.  If something happens, that was not part of Akaal Purakh’s design, that is indeed worrisome.  But what happens in every home (death), what is the point of worrying about that?  Whoever is born, must die one day.  Accept this truth, death will come, either today, tomorrow or some day after that.  Sing the praises of Hari, Akaal Purakh and detach yourself from these attachments.  Do not worry about my body, its end time is near.  If I was near all of you, I still would have endured the same situation in which my body would diminish.  For this reason, shed your worry and sorrow and do the Simran of Satnam.”  Guru ji wrote the Saloks for both, Mata Nanaki ji and Mata Gujri ji.  He then wrote Saloks for his son, Guru Gobind Singh ji.  He wanted to see how strong his control on his emotions were.  He wanted to see how powerful he was.  He wrote a Dohra (couplet) for him:

Sri Mukhvaak (the holy words from the True Guru, Gurbani) Salok Mahala 9 (Salok Nanak IX)

Dohra – My power has diminished. I am bound by chains and nothing can be done now.  Says Nanak, only Akaal Purakh can help now, just as the elephant was saved from the crocodile.53.

Guru ji reminded his son of their previous birth as Rishi Samundh and Dusht Daman: “Just as Samundh Rishi remembered Akaal Purakh to kill the demons that were chasing the Goddess, Chandi, the demon now is Aurangzeb, who has bound the Guru in a cage.  That time has come, you will have to take your Dusht Daman form again and save the world.” 

Guru ji wrote more Dohras:

Sri Mukhvaak (the holy words from the True Guru, Gurbani) Salok Mahala 9 (Salok Nanak IX)

My relatives and friends have left me, nobody has stayed with me till the end.  Oh Nanak, in this situation, seek the protection of Akaal Purakh, Ragunath.55.

Only the name of Akaal Purakh, the Saint, the Guru, the Govind are permanent in this world.  Oh Nanak, only a few ponder on the words of the Guru.56.

There is nothing in comparison to Akaal Purakh’s name, Ram, I have accepted this with my heart.  All troubles are eradicated when one remembers the holy name and meets the holy form of Akaal Purakh.57.

Satguru ji wrote these Saloks.  There is a lot of love and sacrifice in these Saloks.  These Saloks also have deep scholarly concepts.  The leader of the Sodhis has wrote these Saloks which are the essence of the Divine.  He collected the papers and called the Sikh from Punjab over and said to him: “go forth, quickly to Guru Gobind Singh and tell him to write back a response.  Tell another Sikh to bring the answer back to me as soon as possible as the days to my martyrdom are fast approaching.  Do not waste time.  Don’t tell anyone that I will die in a few days.  Do not rest on the way.  Go quickly.  You won’t be tired, or face any hurdles, this is my word.  Give everyone hope and tell them not to worry.  Tell them to do Simran of Satnam.”  The Sikh bowed to Guru ji and said: “you are great Guru ji, you have done a lot for your Sikhs and the World.  You are always in the same state, whether it is a happy time or a sad time, you are undeterred.  You write differently, you seem to write words of sorrow but in real life, you are in a state of calm, bliss and serenity.”  He bowed many times to Guru ji and left the jail.  He travelled fast without rest.  He ate food and bathed but continued his travels quickly.  He walked continuously day and night as he had the command of Guru ji.  He reached Kiratpur after crossing Ropar.  Then, he went straight to Anandpur.

12-63 The Response of the Sahibzada, The Guruship

The sun had only been up for about 45 mins and Guru Gobind Singh ji was sitting in the Divan (Kirtan) after bathing.  The Sikh that set off from Delhi had reached with Guru ji’s letter.  He came to Guru Gobind Singh ji and bowed.  He gave him the letter, written by Guru Tegh Bahadhur Sahib ji.  Guru Gobind Singh ji read the letter and understood what the deeper meanings of the Saloks were.  He got up from the divan and went to the room where both his mothers were sitting.  Both Mother and daughter-in-law were thinking of Guru Tegh Bahadhur ji and shedding tears.  They were terribly worried.  They knew that the Guru was all-powerful but their love would overwhelm them with emotions.  Guru Gobind Singh ji sat next to them.  Some other Sikhs and Masands were sitting there too.  Everyone was quiet.  They already got the sad news of Bhai Matidas ji, Bhai Satidas ji and Bhai Dyala ji’s martyrdom and were feeling depressed and worried.  Guru ji looked towards his grandmother and said: “Daddi ji look, Guru Sahib sent this letter.  He told us not to worry.  He sent teachings for all of us.  You, me, Mataji and the Sangat.  Look, it was this Sikh (pointing to the Sikh coming from Delhi) that brought the letter.”  Guru ji looked towards the Mevra and said: “take this letter and read it out to everyone from the beginning to the end.”  The Mevra took the letter and read the Saloks written for the Sangat.  The Saloks made everyone’s hearts heavy with emotion: In this world, nobody will stay forever.  Great beings have been here before and had to leave.  Avatars such as Ram and Krishan came and had to leave.  The characteristics of a Brahamgyaani were described: one who sees friend and foe as the same; one who does not boast about their own greatness; one who is never happy nor sad; one does not recognize themselves by their body; they never fear anyone nor terrorize anyone; they see praise and slander as the same; respect and disrespect is no different to them; dirt and gold are the same.  For Mata Nanaki ji: only worry that which does not happen in every house; this world is a dream; whoever is born will die one day; let go of the love of all these worldly webs and do the Simran of Akaal Purakh.  Remember the Prabhoo, Akaal Purakh in every breath.  Then for the Sahibzada: the chains are bound, nothing can be done, only Akaal Purakh can help.  The Sahibzada listened to the Saloks as well.  All the Saloks were read out.  Everyone was shedding tears: the Sangat, Masands and the mothers.  Nobody could speak.  The Sikh from Delhi folded his hands and said: “Guru ji had asked me to make sure that the Sahibzada hears this Salok that is addressed to him.  Guru ji wants you to send him an answer back to him as a response.  He wants the answer back as soon as possible.  Please think about what is written and write your response as soon as you can.  Whatever you shall write, I will take back to Guru ji.”  Guru Gobind Singh ji understood what was said to him by his father and what was needed.  Guru Gobind Singh ji possesses all of the powers of Akaal Purakh.  He thought to himself: “my father has the strength of all of the powers of Akaal Purakh; he can stop the sun and moon; his strength exceeds anyone till Brahm Lok (Brahma’s abode); Inder, the king of the Devatas stands in front of my father with his hands folded; his one word can change the movement of the universe; these powerless men in Delhi are nothing in front of my father; my father can blow the world away with one blow; one word from his mouth would destroy the Mughals; king and pauper are nothing; Guru ji protects everyone, wherever they are; wherever anyone remember the Guru in their heart, the Guru can reach; such a great a powerful being, why is he asking for my help?  The servants of the servants of the Guru are so powerful that they can destroy or protect the entire world.  Who can help such a powerful Guru whose command runs through all 14 worlds?  He is the light of Guru Nanak whose radiance is fully lit inside of him.”  Guru Gobind Singh ji, the son of the Guru, then thought about his father’s words and began to write:  he wrote his salutations to his father first, “Ik Oankaar Satgur Prasaad.  Likhtum Gobind Singh, Nandan Sri Guru Tegh Bahadhur Sahib ji.  Guru ji, whatever you think about, you can do in the blink of an eye.  After being the master of so many powers and abilities, you do not show your powers.

Sri Mukhvaak (the holy words from the True Guru, Gurbani) Salok Mahala 10 (Salok Nanak X)

Possessing all of the powers, the bounds are broken.  The power of Akaal Purakh is inside, therefore anything can be done.  Nanak, everything is in your hand, you are the protector, you are your own protection.54.

Guru Gobind Singh thus wrote a response to his father and also wrote about how the Sangat and the family was doing.  He continuously wrote that “you are the master of the three worlds.  You are the creator and the destroyer.”  After writing this, he thought to himself: “the martyrdom of Guru ji is not long from now, time is running out.  Guru ji’s head will need to come from Delhi to Anandpur.  The person coming back, should be quick and fearless.  This person who has come, shouldn’t go back.”  Guru ji asked another Sikh to come to him: “here, take this letter and fly like the wind.  Do not be scared and go straight to Guru ji.  Nobody will be able to see you.  Give Guru ji our respect.  You will be able to see what will happen with Guru ji.  Do not be in doubt, that anyone would be able to see you or not.  Nobody will stop you.  Do not be scared in your travels.  Keep reciting Gurbani and focus your attention on Guru Tegh Bahadhur Sahib ji.”  With these instructions, the Sikh folded his hands and bowed.  He got ready to go to Delhi.  Mata Nanaki ji continuously told the Sikh: “tell my son, I am very old and have seen a lot of painful things in my life.  What is this that you are now going to show me?”  Mata Gujri ji said to the Sikh, shedding her tears: “my message is: I wish to see you again.  In any which way you can do it, please do that.  My mind is always in your feet.” 

The Sikh took the letter and was off to Delhi.  He went as fast as the wind.  He travelled day and night without fatigue and eventually reached the doors of Delhi.  He went to the jail where Guru ji was.  He was fearless.  He saw Guru ji in the cage and bowed to him with his hands folded.  Guru ji was sitting in total bliss.  His face was content and calm.  The Sikh placed the letter in front of Guru ji and told him that everyone in Anandpur was well.  Guru ji took the letter and read it.  He was happy to hear that his son was very strong and courageous.  He wanted to test him.  When he read the response, he was extremely happy.  He knew that his son’s scholarly abilities were deep, of which no one else can exceed.  He knew that this son was the result of millions of years of tapp/penance.  “It was for him that I had did tapp on Hemkunt, when he came into being and destroyed the demons; and it was for him that I had did tapp in Bakala.  The one Akaal Purakh was meditated upon and then the lion’s skin was waved, which had all the power from the tapp.  My son had performed a tapp which was the most intense and longest ever.  He is the power of Akaal Purakh, the Purshotam, that has now come in human form.  He killed millions of demons.  Chandi blessed him that: she will be with him all the time and he will be undefeatable.  In Satyuga he was Dusht Daman and had been doing tapp ever since then.  Because his tapp was so severe, the Devatas got scared and insecure.  His radiance was unbearable for all; demons and devatas.  Akaal Purakh blessed me with this son.  This son was for the purpose of holding the Guruship.  He will purify and pacify millions of others.  He is the unlimited, unbound, infinite power of Akaal Purakh.  He will be powerful but will not show how powerful he actually is.  I am going to give my head with patience.  My son will also be extremely patient.  He is extremely powerful but wants to keep his powers hidden.  Only one that is able to be patient after holding so much power can be the heir to the throne of Guru Nanak’s throne.  He has the ability to harness the energy and be humble about it.”  Guru ji had now made his decision.  He decided on who is the true heir to the Ghaddi, the throne of the almighty: Guru Nanak Dev ji.  He said to the Sikh: “go quickly to the market and get me a coconut that is clean and of the highest quality.  Also bring 5 Paisas for me.”  The Sikh left the jail and went to the market.  He bought a coconut and gathered 5 coins.  He came back to the jail where the master, Guru Tegh Bahadhur ji was. 

Sri Guru Tegh Bahadhur ji took both the coconut and the coins in his hand and focused on his son, Guru Gobind Singh ji.  He closed his eyes and put the coconut and coins on the ground and bowed.  He transferred the throne of Guru Nanak Dev ji, will all its rights and powers, to Guru Gobind Singh ji.  Guru Gobind Singh ji was now the successor of Guru Tegh Bahadhur Sahib ji and holder of the throne of Guru Nanak Dev ji.  He was now the master of the universe.  The light that travelled through the 9 Gurus, was now entering into the 10^th incarnation, Guru Gobind Singh ji.  Guru Tegh Bahadhur Sahib ji spoke to the Sikh: “take this coconut and these 5 coins.  Place them in front of Sri Gobind and bow to him; for he is now the true Guru.  Do not stop along the way.  You will not feel tired.  Go quickly and see him.  Tell him that: he is now the Guru.”  Guru ji spoke to the Sikh and also wrote one last Salok in regards to his son:

Sri Mukhvaak (the holy words from the True Guru, Gurbani) Salok Mahala 9 (Salok Nanak IX)

Akaal Purakh’s Name will remain, the sadhoos will remain, Guru Gobind will remain.  Says Nanak, coming in to this world, only the few have listened to the Guru.56.

The Sikh listened to Guru ji’s instructions and bowed.  He was fearless and set off to Anandpur.  He left the jail and was quick. 

In Anandpur, Mata Gujri fell asleep at night.  She saw two scary dreams.  She was continuously thinking of Guru Tegh Bahadhur Sahib ji.  She woke up and couldn’t go back to sleep.  She didn’t say anything to anyone and worried on her own.

12-64 Nauranga Gets Stricter

Sri Guru Gobind Singh ji came to pay his respects to his mother.  Mata Gujri was shedding tears, worried and concerned after having such scary dreams.  She would stare at the floor constantly.  Guru ji sat next to his mother.  Guru ji asked his mother: “Mata ji, what’s wrong?  You usually are bathed and ready by Amritvela, and doing your Nitnem.  Why are you not ready yet?  What are you worried about?  Tell me what’s in your heart?”  Mata ji told Guru ji her dreams: “son, I had very concerning dreams last night.  Your father took a coconut along with 5 coins and placed them at your feet.  Then I saw his head separated from his body.  This made me extremely worried and I couldn’t sleep after seeing these dreams.  Send a messenger on horseback to Delhi and tell him to quickly find out what is the news.  I am extremely worried.  Ask him to go to the Delhi Sangat, stay close to Satguru ji and meet him.  I feel there is a tragedy about to happen.”  Guru ji heard his mother and called for a Sikh to leave on a horse right away.  He commanded him to go and find out how Guru ji is: “there is already a Sikh travelling to and from Delhi, you may meet him on the way.  Tell him to come back quickly.  You should go to Satguru ji.”  The Sikh bowed to Guru Gobind Singh ji and started his journey on horseback.  After remembering Guru ji, he was off. 

The Sikh that had the coconut and 5 coins was on his way from Delhi.  The other Sikh sent from Anandpur was on his way to Delhi. Both were in transit.  Guru ji was in the iron cage but was in a serene state.  Guru ji was above happiness or sorrow.  Some days had passed in transit.  The Emperor was angry as Guru ji had not accepted his offers.  He thought to himself: “my wishes of bringing the whole world into the Islamic Shariya is still not fulfilled.  The main door to the Hindus, the Guru, he is stubborn and not converting.”  Nauranga thought he was giving Guru ji pain, when in fact, it was Nauranga himself that was burning with unfulfilled desires.  “I will send Maulanas today to convince the Guru and to convert him to accept the Shariya.  Either that, or I want to see miracles.  I will only accept one or the other.  Only then will I set him free.  If he doesn’t agree to either, I will execute him.  Once he is executed, everyone will fear me and convert to Islam out of fear,” Nauranga thought to himself.  The sinner did not realize that he was pulling his roots with his own hands.  He called one clever Maulana and one Umarov and said to them: “the Guru is still in the jail and hasn’t accepted my offers.  Tell him to convert to Islam or else I will punish him.  I want you to scare him so he converts.  Give him bribes of money and land.  I will offer my daughter for marriage.  I will give him nobility and status if he comes into Islam, willingly and happily.  When a person is brought into Islam, you are rewarded greatly for converting that person.  Converting the Guru into Islam will be a great thing.  I have done a lot for my religion.  There is nobody greater than me.  I want history to remember me for converting the whole world into Islam.  Just as I am the star within Islam, the Guru is also a star for the Hindus.  There is no other than the Guru, if he reads the Kalma, many Hindus will convert and follow the Shariya.  Nobody will resist.  There are 2 great opponents, myself and the Guru.  Let’s see what happens.  If he does not listen, tell him to show me a miracle.” 

The Maulana and the Umarov visited Satguru ji.  Guru ji was not in any pain from the iron cage.  He was above pain and pleasure.  He was calm and in bliss.  The officers stood in front of Guru ji and were surprised.  Guru ji was still happy after being in so much pain.  He was not given any food, rest or comforts.  The Maulana spoke: “Guru ji, the Emperor has sent us.  Why are you enduring so much pain and being so stubborn?  Why don’t you accept the pleasure-filled incentives offered by the Emperor?  Why don’t you listen to the Emperor?  Millions have converted to Islam and received many incentives and wealth by the Emperor.  Guru ji, if you convert to Islam, you will be the highest Saint in the land.  The Emperor is true to his word.  He is offering the hand of his daughter, Zeb-un-Nissa, in marriage to you.  (Zeb-un-Nissa was in fact a very wise and beautiful lady who penned many great poems.  She would often advise her farther to refrain from detrimental decisions).  If he is ready to give you his daughter, what else is left?  What are you thinking about?  You will be wealthy.  You will have status and command.  You will go to Allah in heaven after you die.  Smart people accept great offers.  The Emperor is angry now.  He will execute you.  He has executed other saints in the past.  You have 3 options: Accept the Shariya by reading the Kalma.  You will be wealthy and will have status.  If you do not accept this then show us a miracle.  Show him the type of miracle he wants to see.  He will be happy.  Your grandnephew Ram Rai showed the Emperor miracles, and received a lot of wealth for it.  He showed hundreds of miracles upon the Emperor’s request.  We would do whatever the Emperor asked him to do.  Ram Rai was given 13,000 Rupees a day by the Emperor.  His Sangat grew on a daily basis.  Ram Rai is living like a king in Dehradun right now.  If you show your powers, you will be given status and land.  If you do not accept both these options, then you will need to accept death.  You will be killed.  The Emperor is stubborn.  You will be put to death if you do not accept these offers.  1 of 3 things will happen.”  Sri Guru Tegh Bahadhur ji, who was Bahadhur (courageous) in following his duty and religion, heard the options and said: “my answer to Aurangzeb is: my religion is Hindu.  I will not leave my religion.  Everyone loves their own religion.  This religion gives peace in this world and the next.  There is no other religion equal to this one.  Only the weak and dirty-minded people, full of greed and fear leave their religion.  Whoever lets go of this religion, they face a lot of hardship and pain.  The messengers of death beat them when they die.  The messengers of death do not get tired of beating such a person.  The smart person never leaves their religion.  I have high morals. I will not leave my religion.  Women and wealth, I do not have the slightest desire for these.  Why do you try to tempt me over and over again?  I will not leave the religion that I love.  Your Emperor is a fool and the tyrant of the world.  He wishes to be glorified in the world.  People will spit upon hearing his name.  His forefathers served the Gurus and received this kingdom as a reward.  Nauranga is destroying the reward now.  Miracles are not liked by Akaal Purakh.  The people of Parmeshwar do not show off miracles like magicians.  Miracles are not to impress people.  I will not perform such miracles as Ram Rai did.  The people that show miracles for entertainment, they cannot sit amongst the holy saints of Akaal Purakh.  They are humiliated in Akaal Purakh’s court.  I reject both your offers.  I will not convert nor show magic tricks.  You may place this offer in front of me a billion times, each time I will reject your offer.  You may try billions of other tactics.  You will not be able to convince me otherwise.  The third thing that you said about being executed, that I am already ready for.  I will give me head for the Hindu religion.  I won’t let the Hindu religion go extinct.  It will not cease to exist by your wanting it to.”

12-65 Departing for Sach Khand

Guru ji spoke with a stern and strict voice.  His words were strong, without a doubt and full of faith.  The Umraavs heard Guru ji’s words and were filled with rage.  The Maulana spoke: “he is not listening and does not accept the Emperor’s options.  He is in the iron cage and this was of no effect.  He is not scared.  We tortured him and harassed him but it was of no use.  We tried our best and it’s no use.  He is not going to listen.  We can not let him go.  It looks like the Guru will be executed now.  The Emperor is stubborn and so is the Guru.”  Both the Maulana and Umarov discussed this and headed towards the Emperor’s palace.

The Umarov and the Maulana approached the Emperor and told him what discussions happened with Guru Sahib: “the Guru does not accept Islam.  He is being tortured and harassed in the jail.  He is not given food and his Sikhs were killed in front of his eyes but he is not budging.  He is still smiling and is calm.  His face is always blossoming like a lotus flower.  We tried our best but it had no effect on the Guru.”  The foolish Emperor, Chaugata, spoke: “if Guru Tegh Bahadhur is so set on keeping his religion, why is his name Tegh Bahadhur?  I haven’t heard of any Hindu or Muslim have such a name.  Tegh and Bahadhur are both words from the Arabic and/or Persian languages.  All of the other Gurus’ names are from Sanskrit.  What does his name mean?  Ask the Guru what it means.  The Hindus worship him but his name has no meaning.  How do I know what type of courage he has?  He is called Tegh Bahadhur but what is the reason for his name?  Go and ask him what his name means.  Tell him if he does not tell us the meaning, he will be killed for it.” 

The two officers returned to Guru ji to ask him what his name meant: “tell us what your name means.  Who named you?  The Emperor is angry and wants to know.”  The Satguru heard their question with patience and calmness and responded: “name and form are the dharma of the body.  The soul has no name or form.  The soul is true, consciousness and bliss.  The body has a name and form.  There is a very deep meaning to my name.  The Emperor’s father’s (Shah Jahan) army attacked my father’s army in Kartarpur.  78,000 soldiers came in Shah Jahan’s army and my father’s army was only 1,800 in number.  The 78,000 soldiers were all killed by the 1,800 Sikhs.  I was 13 years old then and I fought in that battle.  I showed my military prowess and swung the sword valiantly in that battle.  My father was so proud of me in that battle that he give me the name “Tegh Bahadhur.”  The meaning of my name is deep: I know how to swing the sword and I know how to take the strike of a sword.  I will show you what the meaning of my name means.  Bring a sword that is made of Damascus steel by the smiths of the Hallab region or the Junubhi region.  Make sure it is the sharpest sword.  So sharp, that an ant may not sit on it.  Wrap a paper on the edge of the sword and fasten it with a weak thread; get your strongest and skilled soldier or executioner and strike the sword on my neck.  I will guarantee you: that the sword will not be able to touch my neck.  Even the paper will not be cut.  This is the glory of the name given to me by my father.  If you do not trust my words, go ahead and try it.  This is the truth.”  When the officers heard Guru ji’s words, they ran back to the Emperor.

They ran back to the Emperor in the most anxious state and said: “the Guru who did not agree to showing us a miracle before, has now said that he will show us a miracle in respect to his name.  He said to try striking his neck with a sharp Tegh made in Hallabi or Junubhi countries, with a paper fastened by a thread.  The Guru said the paper and thread will stay intact.”  Aurangzeb heard the word “miracle” and became excited.  He got the sharpest, strongest and most expensive sword from his collection.  The sword was brought and the Emperor tested it out.  It was so sharp that an ant would not be able to walk on its edge. It would be cut in half.  The Emperor took a paper and wrapped it with a thread.  There was a young man from the Syed caste named Jallaludeen of Samana.  He was called to the Emperor’s service.  He was an executioner that was tall and strong.  He had great big arms.  He was asked to take the sword and sent along with the 2 officers.

The news spread throughout Delhi of what was about to take place.  People began to gather in the Chandni Chownk of Delhi.  Aurangzeb sent other soldiers as well.  The Sikh that was sent from Anandpur, was walking in and around the area Guru ji was kept.  The Sikh approached the jailor and asked him that he wanted to see Guru ji.  The jailor, who was now Guru ji’s Sikh, saw an opportunity and took the Sikh (from Anandpur), to Guru ji.  The Sikh bowed to Guru ji and spoke: “Guru ji, I have come from Anandpur to take news.”  Guru ji said to the Sikh: “today is the last day of my body.  Stay close by the cell.  When I will be executed, my head will come into your lap.  Don’t be afraid.  Nobody will be able to see you.  Take my head straight to Anandpur and cremate it there.  My son will cremate my head.  You have come at the right time.  You have a great responsibility: you must take my head to my son.”  The Sikh (Bhai Jetha), the jailor and the guards heard Guru ji’s words and were shocked and in pain.  They began to shed tears and could not stop the flow from their eyes.  Guru ji said to them: “keep your faith strong.  This is not the time to cry.  Remember the Parameshver Akaal Purakh.  It is in Akaal Purakh’s command that a person comes into this world and leaves this world.”  Bhai Gurditta ji, the descendant of Baba Buddha ji, was still serving Guru ji, began to cry.  Guru ji consoled him as well: “Bhai Gurditta ji, after I am executed, you will be set free.  They won’t say anything to you.  You may then do as you please.  If you wish to go to Anandpur, you may do so.  If you feel like going to your own village of Ramdaspur, that is your choice as well.”  Bhai Gurditta ji spoke: “Guru ji, I can’t go anywhere, I want to stay with you.  I want to be with you wherever you go.  What am I going to do staying alive after you are gone?  I cannot live without you.  I will die after you.”  Guru ji heard his words and responded: “Bhai ji, your ancestor Baba Buddha ji has a place about 15 km from here.  He stayed there once.  It is in the south direction from here.  When Baba Buddha ji went to send off my father to Gwalior, Baba Buddha ji camped there with 1800 armed Sikhs to feed the horses.  Go there and then leave your body there.  You will come along with me to Sach Khand.”  All of the beloved Sikhs of the Guru were sad and moved away from Guru ji.

The officers of the Emperor along with Jallaludeen reached Guru ji.  Jallaludeen was carrying the sword with the paper and thread wrapped around it, given to him by the Emperor.  They said to Guru ji: “Guru ji, we have brought the sword you asked for, as instructed by you.  The Emperor has personally attested to the paper and the thread around the sword.  Guru ji, why are you accepting death for no reason?  Why don’t you listen to us and accept Islam?  You will live in peace and you will be married to the Emperor’s daughter.  You will be given any kingdom you ask for.  The Emperor will give you what you ask for.”  Guru ji smiled and said: “Maulana ji, this sword that you have brought cannot even cut the paper on its edge.  My words are always true.  I do not lie.  If you don’t trust me, go ahead and try it.  Your sword does not have the ability to cut my neck.”  The officers then opened the door of the cage.  The cage was tight as Guru ji was more than 6 and a half feet tall with a solid body.  The light of Brahamgyaan, the one with great patience, came out of the cage and exited the jail.  Guru ji headed towards the Chandni Chownk.  The public was gathered to see this spectacle.  They were standing on top of their roofs and in their balconies.  The Royal guard and the police were present in the thousands, lined up to see the execution.  People were forced to stay back, so no body was able to come to the Guru.  The whole market was shocked.  Guru ji went to a well near the Chandni Chonk.  He had water taken out from the well and bathed his body with the water from that well.  Guru ji told Jallaludeen: “I am about to read Gurbani.  When I finish reading, I will bow my head and lift it up again.  When my head comes back up, strike my neck with your sword.”  There was a tree next to the well.  Guru ji sat under the tree and began to recite Japji Sahib with the utmost focus. 

It was Maghar Sudhi Panchami (5^th day after the new moon), Thursday, 1732 Vikram Samvat (November 11, 1675 AD), 11 am, the Guru gave his head but not his respect.  He not only stayed undeterred in his faith, but became an icon to the world: to fight for your right to practice your religion.  He saved the world.  He taught the world how to live with dignity and self-respect.  He protected the Hindu religion from extinction. 

When it was 20 minutes past noon, Satguru Tegh Bahadhur ji completed the recitation of Japji Sahib and bowed his head.  When he lifted his head, Jallaludeen pulled the sword back and prepared himself for a powerful strike.  He then aimed for Guru ji’s neck and swung the sword.  The sword swung but did not reach the head of Guru ji.  The head was not there on top of the body.  It had already separated from his body before the swing of the sword.  As the strike was an empty one, Jallaludeen’s arms felt a whiplash.  He was well aware that the sword did not touch Guru ji’s neck.  The head of Guru ji had disappeared.  A wind storm began immediately and dust began to fly everywhere.  The people watching, had dust blowing into their eyes.  The Satguru started the storm.  Everyone began to scream: “Hai, Hai, Hai.”  Everyone was in deep shock and panic began.  The good people knew that Aurangzeb had committed blasphemy.  They felt like Delhi was going to drown today by the storm.  Guru ji had been martyred.  The earth shook and the sky trembled in fear.  Everyone’s heart was beating hard.  The officers and Jallaludeen were scared for their lives.  Everyone knew that the unthinkable was done and the stain of this sin would not be washed away by their generations. 

Bhai Jetha was standing nearby as per Guru ji’s instructions.  Guru ji’s head came into his lap.  Bhai Jetha wrapped up Guru ji’s head.  He found a basket and filled it with Neem leaves and placed Guru ji’s head in it.  He left towards Anandpur and did not look back.  He left right away.  He left through the fields of Bhaagpat and crossed the Jamuna.  He then passed through Trawadi and then reached Ambala.  From there, he reached Nabha and then Kiratpur.  He walked as fast as he could.  He did not stop day or night.  He did not rest.  He meditated on Sri Guru Tegh Bahadhur ji and asked for strength: “Guru ji please protect me so that I may reach Anandpur without any hurdles.  I want to get your head to your son as fast as I can.”

When Bhai Jetha exited Delhi, the wind storm calmed.  Everyone then saw the body of Guru Tegh Bahadhur Sahib ji.  When they noticed that the head was not there, a deep fear struck everyone’s inner core. 

of the Emperor’s court were all shocked to hear that one person was in two places at the same time.  The Emperor sent two guards at the same time to see if the Guru was indeed at two places at the same time.  Both the guards reported seeing the Guru in their respectively assigned checking spots.  Some people were declaring the Guru as a person with supernatural abilities, others were developing faith for the Guru.  Nauranga became very angry and said: “why is the Guru doing this?  I hope the Guru doesn’t leave the jail?  What will we do if he leaves?  It was so hard capturing him.  Now I am determined to convert the Guru and bring him into the Shariya law.  When the Guru reads the Kalma and converts, the rest of the Hindus will convert as well, without any effort.  If the Guru converts, the Hindus will follow.  We need to hurry up and convert the Guru.”  The jailor was scolded again: “Make sure the Guru does not leave the jail again.  He left today to go eat at a Sikh’s house, make sure this does not happen again.  Keep a guard day and night with a sword and spear.  Keep threatening and scaring the Guru.  If the Guru agrees to converting, tell me right away.  Don’t trust the Guru as he may leave anytime.  If he escapes, you will be jailed.  If you are successful, you will be rewarded.”  The jailor went back to the cells and kept a strict guard.  He thought: “if Guru Sahib leaves, I will be in trouble.”  Guru Sahib was still in his cell and was in high spirits.