2-11 Guru ji Ponders to reveal a Teerath

The revenue from the villages began to come in.  Guru Amardas ji began to think about it: “the Baoli is now complete.  The money now needs to be used for the good of humankind.  A new Teerath needs to be established, where the Sangat can bathe their minds and bodies.  Many people come to Baoli Sahib and bathe in the Baoli.  There needs to be a Teerath for Guru Ramdas ji to preach the path of Sikhi.  Guru Nanak Dev ji founded Kartarpur Sahib.  He gave the throne to Guru Angad Dev ji in Kartarpur but told him to go to Khadoor Sahib.  Guru Angad Dev ji then preached there.  Guru Nanak Dev ji knew that his sons would cause problems for Guru Angad Dev ji.  Guru Angad Dev ji was radiant in Khadoor, without any conflict.  Guru Angad Dev ji did the same thing and had me sent to Goindwal to establish it.  He separated me from his children so they don’t cause conflicts.”  Sri Guru Amardas ji was placed on the throne and preached the path of Sikhi in Goindwal.  Guru ji thought about everything in the past and decided to send Guru Ramdas ji to establish a new city and Teerath.  Guru ji thought to himself: “there was a Teerath from the time of Satyuga.  For a long time, this Teerath has been lost and forgotten.  Nobody re-established it.  In Satyuga, the whole public requested Brahma to send a king to take care of the public.  They wanted a Raja that followed Dharma.  Brahma heard the people and thought to himself: “people on earth are in pain, without a king.  There is chaos right now as nobody is protecting and leading the people.  They definitely need a king, so they can live in peace and stability.”  Brahma ji created a king from the bodies of the 8 Lokpals (Devatas of directions, East- Indra; Southeast- Agni; South-Yamraj; Southwest- Surya; West- Varun; Northwest-Vayu; North- Kuber; Northeast- Som).  The King had 8 virtues and was named “Chup” (Vaivaswata Manu).  Indra had the virtue of happiness.  This virtue was given to Chup.  The virtue of Yamraj was to punish; Kuber was wealthy; many other virtues were given to him.  Raja Chup was a great king who ruled the earth.  He was the first King.  He kept everyone happy and punished the criminals.  He ruled for a very long time.  There was no other king like him.  After he died, Ikhvaak (Ikshvaku) became the king (Ikshvaku was the great-grandson of Kashyap; grandson of Surya; son of Vaivaswata Manu).  Like his predecessor, he was a great king as well.  He was a Satsangi.  He was a bhagat of Parameshver, who was wise.  The land surrounded by the ocean, he took care of it like his son.  He was very strong. 

One day, Ikhvaak thought to himself: “I should perform a Yagna and invite all the Devatas and Devis.”  He made preparations for the Yagna and collected all the necessary items required for the Yagna.  He gathered countless items for the Yagna.  He sent out invitations to all the Devatas.  Wise Rishis and Munis chanted Mantras in the Yagna.  Brahma and Brahmani; Shankar and Bhawani; Vishnu and Laxmi; Inder and other Devatas with Devis, all came to the Yagna.  Agni Dev, Kuber, Megh and other Devatas came happily.  The 11 Rudras came and the Vishvadevas (Vasoo, Kratoo, Satya, Kalaa, Daksha, Kaam, Dhriti, Karoo, Paroorva, Matruva), Gandarvs, Kinnaras came as well.  They came to take part in the Yagna.  Other Rishis and Tapasvis came as well.  This was a great Yagna in which everyone was satiated.  Everyone was given “ahooti” (offerings) and other gifts.  Ahooti to the ancestors were given.  Donations were given to everyone on earth.  There was no poor person left.  All around the Havankund sat, Indra, Brahma, Shiva and Vishnu.  Everyone was given their right.  Everyone sat in the love of Akaal Purakh and did the Bhagti of Akaal Purakh with great joy.  The praise of Ikhvaak spread throughout the world.  Everyone was happy with Ikhvaak.  The supreme Devatas said to him: “ask for a boon.”  Ikhvaak folded his hands and stood up.  He said to them: “Oh Prabhoo, if you are happy with me, give me this boon: where you are now, where this agankund is, this should become a Teerath.  In this Teerath, people should come here and have their sins washed away.  This Teerath should have the greatest radiance and no other Teerath should compare to this one.  In every direction of the agankund, all of you Devatas should live here forever.  (All of the Devatas are in service of Sri Amritsar Sahib now) Whoever comes here and takes a bath, bows in every corner, they should be blessed by having their sins washed away.  They should be removed from the cycle of birth and death.”  As everybody heard, they looked towards Akaal Purakh.  Narayan noticed that everyone wanted the same thing.  Narayan ji said: “oh king, you are a great Bhagat.  You think of the well-being of everyone.  You have asked for a great boon.  You will be blessed.  I am happy with your request.  There will be a Teerath in this place.  This Teerath will stay for a few thousand years, but then it will be hidden and forgotten.  When Kaliyuga will be 5000 years old, my Avatar will come to earth and re-establish this Teerath.  My name will be Sri Nanak and I will start a path of Bhagti (Ved Vyaas ji has mentioned Guru Nanak Dev ji in his Bhavikhya Puraan) Yog, Yagna and Tapp is the Dharma of the first three Yugas but requires a lot of effort.  In Kaliyuga, people will be without strength to do these things.  They will be weak from strength and wisdom.  The great path of Bhagti will be shown in Kaliyuga.  I will come in human form and travel the whole world.  I will establish Sikhi in every direction and show Gyaan with Bhagti.  After passing through three bodies, coming into my fourth incarnation, I will re-establish this great Teerath.  In the fifth incarnation, it will be completed.  In the middle of a pool, I will make the Harimandhir.  There will be none other like it.  It will have the glory of the true name, Satnam.  In my 6^th incarnation, the place where I sit now, I will make the Akaal Bhoonga.  It will be a beautiful Takhat (seat of power) where I will hold Divans.  I will be called the Guru of the world.  I will stay here forever.  The whole world will come here to bow.  They will be amazed.  My light will stay here forever.  It will be radiant.”  Akaal Purakh, the Purshotam, blessed Ikhvaak in this way.  Akaal Purakh looked towards Brahma, Shiva, Vishnu and others.  They all were happy and gave boons: they all said: “we will all live here.”  They were all given respect and given leave. 

Ikhvaak was a great king.  The Kshatriya clan started from him.  Ram Chander ji was born in his family along with other great kings.  This is the same family from where the Bedis and Sodhis came from.  Guru Amardas ji thought about this and knew it was time to re-establish the Teerath.  He wanted Sri Ramdas ji to go to Amritsar and construct the Teerath.  He said to himself: “My sons should stay here.  If Sri Ramdas ji, the leader of the Sodhis, goes there, there will be no conflict.  He will reveal the hidden Teerath.  The old boon will now be fulfilled.”  It was Akaal Purakh who gave the boon and now Akaal Purakh will reveal the ancient Teerath.  The time had come to reveal the greatest Teerath of all.

2-12 Guru Ka Chuk/ Kar of Santokhsar

Amardas ji, Sri Satguru, the omniscient one, called the gem of the Sodhis to him.  Guru ji said to him: “listen my dear, I want you to find a nice place and establish a new city.  Start a new city and plant your feet there.  That city will grow, slowly.  Just as I served the Guru in Khadoor and then came here to Goindwal, follow this same great tradition with great care and establish a new city.  Make a new home for yourself there.  You have the deed for the whole area, given to you by the Emperor Akbar.”  Sri Ramdas ji heard Guru ji and folded his hands.  He said to Guru ji: “Satguru ji, I cannot disobey you.  I am happy with whatever your will is.  I have promised myself to never disobey you.  Whatever you say, is good.  You only say what is good.  What can a human like me think about?  You are the ocean of all virtues.  You wish for me to find a new place and start a new city, but what wisdom do I have?  You are the omniscient one.  My wish is what you wish.  Guru ji, I will establish the city where you wish.  I haven’t the wisdom to evaluate the best place.  Living independently from you, I can’t do anything.  I am your servant and dependant on you.  I will do how you motivate me.”  Guru Amardas ji heard Sri Ramdas ji’s love-filled words.  Guru ji said to him: “listen Ramdas ji, there is a village named Tung near Gillvalli.  You should seek the land between these two villages.  Where Sultanwind is, look towards the west of it.  You should make your house here.  Whatever money is required to build the home and establish the village, take it from Baba Bhudda ji.  When your home will be made, go towards the East of it and make a Teerath there.  Start to dig a pool there, examining the four directions of the place.  You are to only dig the Sarovar.  Your children will make it permanent.  You are to only establish the village and dig the pool/Sarovar.  The village will grow slowly as people from every direction will come and settle there.”  Guru ji gave Sri Ramdas ji the directions and made preparations.  Guru Ramdas ji was given the horse of Bhai Paro ji.  Guru ji said to him: “this horse is amazing.  She does not let anyone else mount on top of her.  She has Aatamgyaan.  Only you and I can ride her.  Bhai Paro used to ride her before, when he would come to Goindwal.  This is your horse from now on.  Groom and care for her well.  Take Baba Bhudda ji with you as well and go to the new place.”  Guru ji gave Sri Ramdas ji leave and sent some Sikhs along with him. 

Slowly, Guru Ramdas ji reached the place that Guru Amardas ji had described.  He saw the boundaries of all the villages and located his new village.  He set up a boundary of the new village in the ground.  Baba Bhudda ji architected the village and set up the area.  Sweets were brought for the ground-breaking ceremony.  They placed Karah Prashaad and thought of Guru Amardas ji.  Baba Bhudda ji did an Ardaas for the new place.  Many people from the nearby villages came when they found out that a new city was about to be established.  They took part in the Ardaas as well.  The Karah Prashaad and the sweets were distributed among everyone.  Guru Ramdas ji broke the ground and set up a sign at the boundary.  He named the place “Guru Ka Chak.”  Ovens were set to bake the bricks.  Guru Ramdas ji began the construction of his own house, as per Guru Amardas ji’s directions.  The whole village, as planned by Baba Bhudda ji, was being constructed.  (The house that Guru Ramdas ji constructed, Guru Arjan Dev ji and Guru Hargobind Sahib ji lived here as well.  Guru Tegh Bahadhur Sahib ji was born in this house.)

Guru Ramdas ji took Baba Bhudda ji and headed East from his new home.  He scoped out the area as Guru Amardas ji instructed.  As Guru ji described the signs, Sri Ramdas ji looked for them.  Guru ji went North from the area and saw a forest of Beri trees.  He noticed the area, slowly, and hoped to find the area which was described by Guru Amardas ji.  Both Guru Nanak Dev ji and Guru Angad Dev ji had visited this place during their times and made prophecies of a great city to exist there in the future.  Guru Ramdas ji soon reached a Tahli tree (the place of Tahli Sahib) and noticed that this was the place that Guru Amardas ji had said.  Guru Ramdas ji and Baba Bhudda ji sat under the Tahli and began to scope the area.  They noticed that there was a lower gradation of the ground with a small pond.  Guru Ramdas ji said to Baba Bhudda ji: “I believe this is the area which was described by Guru Amardas ji.”  They examined the area around the pond.  Guru Ramdas ji showed Baba Bhudda ji where the four-sided Sarovar should be dug.  It took a whole day to find this place.  At night they went back to the new home and rested. 

The next day, they woke up at Amritvela and bathed.  Guru Ramdas ji sat in Samadhi till the sun came up.  Guru Ramdas ji decided to start the Seva of the new Sarovar.  He called for sweets from the Sikhs and had everyone gather at the Tahli.  This is the place of the Sarovar of Santokhsar.  Many Sikhs and labourers gathered there ahead of time.  There was a great gathering there with workers and Sevadaars.  There was a celebration there.  Guru ji sat under the Tahli and performed the traditions by doing Ardaas to the first three Gurus.  Sweets and Prashaad were placed.  After the Ardaas, the ground-breaking ceremony took place.  Guru Ramdas ji made the first dig of Santokhsar Sarovar.  This was a great thing for humankind.  It was to be a place for people to wash their sins.  The labourers began to dig the Sarovar and remove the dirt in an assembled fashion.  Some dug and some carried the dirt out.  Many workers and Sikhs did the work.  In this way, the work of the Sarovar started.  Guru ji would sit under the Tahli and direct the work. 

There was Seva going on in the new village as well as the new Sarovar.  On a daily bases, many Sikhs came to do Seva.  They came with faith and devotion.  In a few days, the Sarovar was well on its way but Guru Ramdas ji began to miss Guru Amardas ji and wanted to go and see him.  He headed towards Goindwal where Guru Amardas ji was.  Many people had made their new homes in Guru Ka Chak.  They had begun to live in their new homes now.  Guru Ramdas ji reached Guru Amardas ji’s home and bowed to Guru ji’s feet.  He gave him all the updates: “my home has been made along with other Sikhs’ homes.  The Sarovar has begun to be dug as you commanded.  The Sarovar is not complete yet, though.”  Guru Amardas ji, who knew past, present and future, saw the whole update with his divine vision.  He saw the new homes and the Sarovar. 

Guru Ramdas ji stayed in Goindwal for a few days and handled the income that came.  Sri Ramdas ji did other maintenance work that needed attention.  The leader of the Sodhis immediately completed tasks as Guru Amardas ji commanded.  Day and night, Guru Ramdas ji would do Seva all the time.  He had no other wish inside his heart, but to serve Guru ji.  He didn’t care what people had to say and served the Guru without laziness.  He was not looking for praises either.  He did Seva in the Langar and took care of the finances.  He applied the money where it was required.  The Seva of the Guru’s house grew but Guru Ramdas ji did all the Seva.  He was without ego.  He was obedient to Guru ji’s command.  Bibi Bhaani ji would serve Guru Amardas ji all the time.  Guru Amardas ji, the true Guru, noticed the Seva of both husband and wife.  He noticed that they were without desire.  He was very happy with him.  He had decided to give Guru Ramdas ji the Guru’s throne.

2-13 Kar of Sri Amritsar

After staying in Goindwal for a few days, Guru Amardas ji commanded Sri Ramdas ji to do another task: “do another task: go and see what the update is of the new village you have established.  The home that you have made, go and see the progress for that.  The Sarovar that you have started, make sure that it is perfectly aligned with the four sides.  Name that Sarovar: “Santokhsar.”  Go and complete that Sarovar.  There is another place near Santokhsar, which is at a lower elevation.  Start another Sarovar there and name it Sri Amritsar.  Go and begin digging there.  After a while, these Sarovars will be permanent when the bricks will be laid.  Go and start the new Sarovar’s Seva.  The Sikhs will complete it later.  They will be beautiful when they are complete.”  Sri Ramdas ji heard the command and started on his journey back to his new home. 

Sri Ramdas ji went to his new home and directed the workers.  At night he rested.  In the morning he woke up and headed towards the East with Baba Bhudda ji.  He followed Guru Amardas ji’s instructions and looked for the lower elevation of land.  He came upon a land with a lot of Beri trees.  There was a lowered area with a little water, forming a natural pond.  He was sure that this was the place, as mentioned by Guru Amardas ji.  He liked the area and discussed it with Baba Bhudda ji.  They scoped the area, in and around, and was sure that this was the exact place for the greatest Teerath of all.  Sri Amritsar will be made here with the command of Guru Amardas ji.  He spent the whole day figuring it out.  He put up markers in the area for the Sarovar.  It was to be 500 ft by 490 ft.  He called Sikhs to bring sweets.  Gurrh and ladoos were brought.  The workers and Sevadaars were gathered the next day.  They gathered in the morning and did Ardaas to Guru Nanak Dev ji, Guru Angad Dev ji and Guru Amardas ji, standing up.  They bowed their heads upon its completion.  Sri Ramdas ji broke the ground with a shovel, taken from Baba Bhudda ji.  Karah Prashaad was distributed.  All the Sikhs began to dig the area.  Some dug and some carried the dirt in baskets.  Many Sikhs came to do Seva.  Some workers were paid to work and some came just to do Seva.  They all did Seva with great effort, faith and devotion.  Where the Dukhbhanji Beri is today, that is where the digging began.  Guru ji told everyone to start in that place.  There is a slab near that place which is now named “Athsath Teerath.”  This is the place where Guru Nanak Dev ji once came and stood.  The Satguru stood there during his time.  That is where the ground was broken.  That is where the digging began.  Sri Ramdas ji would sit there to direct the work all day long.  The dirt was dug and carried out.  The news spread around the area that a great Teerath, the greatest of all, was being constructed.  The Sangat would come with great devotion.  They would have Langar and do work all day long.  This work went on for about 3 or 4 months.  Dirt was dug and carried away.

When the time came for Guru Ramdas ji to sit on the throne, he was called back to Goindwal by Guru Amardas ji.  Near the Dukhbhanji Beri, the work stopped right away.  It was then continued by Guru Arjan Dev ji later.  There was, although, a pool that was there at that time with water, gathering from the rain.  Guru Ramdas ji headed back to Goindwal, leaving the Seva as is.  In Goindwal, Guru Ramdas ji bowed to Guru Amardas ji and sat at his feet.  Guru Amardas ji said: “tell me how the work of Guru ka Chak is going.”  The gem of the Sodhis said: “Guru ji, with your blessings, the East part of the Sarovar is dug, quite a bit.  Water is gathered there now.  There are many Beri trees.  By your instructions, an Ardaas was done and the ground was broken.  We remembered the elder Gurus and yourself.  We said the name of Guru Nanak Dev ji, Guru Angad Dev ji and yours, by which all the obstacles were removed.  A lot of sweets were distributed among the Sikhs.  The wise Sikh, Baba Bhudda ji and other Sikhs were there too.  They did Seva too.  I followed the instructions of Baba Bhudda ji.  The Sikhs do Seva all day long.  Thousands of Brahmgyaanis do Seva there.  (Many Saints and Shaheeds have done their penances in this place.  There is no other place like this) Workers are digging the dirt and lifting it outwards.  Sikhs are doing Seva as well.  It was been going on for many days.  It is a great task and will take many days.  It will take a great effort.  Only a little portion has been dug.”  Guru Amardas ji was pleased with the work.  He said: “yes, the place is the correct place.  That is the place I described.  It will be beautiful place.  At one time there used to be a city there called Leelavati Puri.  When the Sarovar will be made, the old place will be revealed again.  It was a long time ago that the place was ruined.  Now it will be great again.  Guru Angad Dev ji had blessed me and sent me to establish Goindwal.  This place was in ruins as well, and by his blessing, this is now a beautiful place to live.  The new place will be named after you (Ramdas Puri).  It will be the greatest Teerath in the world.”  Guru ji said this and blessed him with bliss.  Sri Ramdas ji was very happy to be blessed.  Sri Ramdas ji stayed in Goindwal from then on.  Guru Amardas ji kept Sri Ramdas ji in his presence to do his Seva from that day onwards.

The Sarovar wasn’t very deep at this point.  The work was stopped.  It was not in completion.  Guru Amardas ji was very old but did a great Tapasya by standing in the Chabarra.  He held on to the peg and meditated while standing up.  People would visit him from the window.  He stood there day and night, while rarely sitting down.  His Tapasya was strict.  He gave wisdom to many Sikhs to do Simran of Satnam.  He cut the pain of his servant Sikhs in this way.  The Sikhs did Seva and Simran.  All the Sikhs got great statuses.  Sangat came from many other places.  They met Guru ji and were in bliss.  Many Sikhs stayed in Goindwal to do Seva.  They did Seva with mind, words and actions, having faith in their hearts.  Doing Seva, their hearts were purified.  They would then get Brahmgyaan with Mukti. 

The Emperor of Delhi was blessed along will his Umraavs.  They became Guru ji’s servants.  22 Manjis (Masands) were established, who were given great statuses and unlimited powers. They were praised in the land.  Guru Amardas ji made 22 Manjis just as the Emperor had 22 Soobas.  Whoever Guru ji blessed, they received the happiness of both worlds.  Guru ji made the 22 Manjis by making them Gurus.  They were Brahmgyaanis and were told to preach Sikhi.  They were given happiness in their Ghristi life as well as the after-life.  They were to do Simran and raise their families.  He spread his command everywhere.  Many people received Mukti.  Many Sikhs’ sorrows were washed away.  Guru ji sent the Manjis to different parts of the country and gave them the kingdom of all the worlds.  For 22 years, Guru ji sat on the Guru’s throne.  The 22 Manjis were given the unlimited power of the Guru. 

Guru Amardas ji looked towards Sri Ramdas ji and saw him as the rightful heir.  He had all the virtues and was a person who followed the Dharma.  He was the most eligible out of all.  There was no other like him.  Out of the 22 Manjis, he saw Sri Ramdas ji as the happiest to stay in the will of the Guru.  Guru Amardas ji tested him vigorously.  When Sri Ramdas ji’s life was about to end, Guru Amardas ji gave him his 7 remaining years of his life.  He said to his daughter, Bibi Bhaani ji: “the gem of the Sodhis will die soon.  How will you live as a widow?  What should we do?”  When Bibi Bhaani ji heard her father, she removed the jewellery that was worn by a married woman and placed it at Guru ji’s feet.  She said: “your words are always true.  It is probably his time to go.”  Guru ji saw his daughter’s determination and was very happy.  He said: “what I have said, it was going to happen that way, but I am going to give my remaining years to him.  Live peacefully with your husband.”  In this way, Guru Amardas ji gave his remaining life and the throne of the Guru to the gem of the Sodhis, Guru Ramdas ji.  He connected the Sikhs to Guru Ramdas ji.  The son of Hardas ji was seated on the Gurta Ghaddi.  He gave him the Gurta Ghaddi with all its powers and rights.  Guru Amardas ji wanted to go to Sach Khand.  He looked towards his daughter and said: “you have the most faith in your heart.  Ask for a wish.”  Bibi Bhaani ji heard her father and was really happy.  Filled with love, she spoke to her father: “you have blessed me in every way, father.  I am the most fortunate woman, ever.  You are my father and the Guru.  You gave me everything.  If you wish to give me a wish, I have a concern in my heart which I would like you to solve for me: The Gurta Ghaddi went from Guru Nanak Dev ji to Guru Angad Dev ji and then to you; please let the Ghaddi stay in my home.  Please let is stay illuminated in the house of the Sodhis.”  Guru Amardas ji heard his daughter and his eyes were filled with love.  He said to her: “your son, grandsons and husband will be the Gurus in this world.  Your wish will be fulfilled.”  After giving this blessing, Guru Amardas ji left this earth and went to Sach Khand.  Guru Ramdas ji became the Guru of the world, the master of the universe.  Guru Amardas ji gave wisdom to many Sikhs and broke their bonds and obstacles.  He released them from their troubles and gave them mukti. 

2-14 Kar of Sri Amritsar, Daily routine/ Hindhaal/ Bhai Gurdas/ Meeting Sri Chand

Sri Guru Ramdas ji resides in every atom of this universe.  When Ram, existing in every atom of the universe, took on the human form of Guru Ramdas, he blessed countless Sikhs in this world.  I (Kavi Santokh Singh ji) bow many times to the complete form of the Brahm Saroop.  Guru Ramdas ji would spend most of his time in solitude, in deep Samadhi.  The deep Samadhi would give him infinite bliss, which cannot be described. 

Guru Ramdas ji thought to himself: “the one who I was connected to, in love, he has gone to Sach Khand.  Without seeing the Guru, I cannot sleep; just as the lotus flower wilts without the sun, that is how I am.”  Holding his wisdom, he would calm his mind and connect with the Simran of Satnam.  He would then think: “I should do what Guru ji had instructed me to do.  I should do it without delay, as quickly as possible.  The Sarovar should be completed.”  Guru ji said to all the Sikhs: “let’s go to Majha.”  He said this to Baba Mohan and Baba Mohri ji as well.  He told him: “this was Guru ji’s command.  I must go there and complete the Amritsar Sarovar.  I started it but now it is stopped.  Please give me permission to go with the Sikhs.”  Guru Ramdas ji told everyone his wishes.  There was great love within the family.  Guru Ramdas ji met the whole family, Guru Amardas ji’s sons and grandsons, along with other Sikhs and got ready to go to Guru Ka Chak.  Many Sikhs got ready to go with him as well.

Guru Ramdas ji mounted the horse that once belonged to Bhai Paro ji Parmhans.  The horse was very clever and fast.  It had all the great virtues of a good horse.  The horse would jump a lot and ride fast.  When it rode, it was as if its feet would not touch the ground.  It looked like it was flying in the air.  The horse was able to read the rider’s mind.  Guru Ramdas ji would ride the horse with his mind.  She was able to travel great distances in a short period of time.  Many people were amazed to see this horse ride.  Guru ji soon reached Guru ka Chak, Sri Amritsar Sahib.  There was a great amount of Sangat with him.  Guru ji began the Seva again from where it was left off.  The digging began.  The Sikhs carried the dirt out in baskets, carried over their heads.  Guru ji said to the Sikhs: “whoever does Seva here, their wishes will be fulfilled.”  Some months passed and the Seva carried on.  Guru Ramdas ji’s glory spread in every direction.  Guru Ramdas ji was the most praised.  Guru ji would fulfill the desires of the Sikhs who came.  Wherever there were men and women gathered, they would praise Guru Ramdas ji.  A lot of money began to gather.  Laxmi’s wish to serve the Guru was finally fulfilled during Guru Ramdas ji’s time.

The Sodhis of Lahore were happy to hear the praises of Guru Ramdas ji.  They said: “Guru Amardas ji gave the Gurta Ghaddi to one of our own, Sri Ramdas Sodhi.  We should go and see him.”  The Sangat from Lahore came.  There were thousands of people who came to bow to Guru Ramdas ji.  He would fulfill all the wishes of the people who came to see him.  The Sodhis came to Guru Ka Chak.  Satguru ji welcomed them with great respect.  The next day, the Sodhis said to Guru Ramdas ji: “in Lavpur (Lahore), your ancestral home is there.  Your father has gone to heaven, and you came here to Guru Amardas ji.  You are the most eligible now.  You are the Guru.  The whole world bows to you.  It is good for you to come back to your ancestral home.  You should meet your whole family and clan. You must take care of your property as well.  Come and see your family and clan.  Meet with them and connect with them.  You should meet the young and old Sodhis.  You don’t have to come for a long time, a short stay would be good enough.  You can come back any time you would like.”  The Sodhis spoke to Guru Ramdas ji and requested him to come.  Guru Ramdas ji accepted their request and decided to go and visit Lahore.  He went back with the Sodhis, along with other Sikh Sangat, who were coloured with the love of Hari. 

Guru Ramdas ji, along with the Sangat, reached Lavpur (Lahore).  They rested one night along the way.  They reached the next day.  He went to his ancestral home, his birthplace, and stayed there.   A lot of Karah Prashaad and Langar was made and distributed.  Everyone rested the night and got up at Amritvela.  During Amritvela, Asa Di Vaar was sung.  The people of Lahore saw the traditions of Sikhi and fell in love with Sikhi.  They received Charan Pahul and became Sikhs of the Guru.  The were happy to follow the path of Sikhi.  Their wishes were fulfilled.  Sikhi spread in Lahore.  Many families became Sikhs and did Simran of Satnam.  Doing Simran of Satnam, their pain was all gone.  Satguru ji’s ancestral home became a Dharmsala for the Sangat to gather and sing Keertan.  A great well was dug near the home so there would be abundant water for the Sangat.  A lot of Sangat began to gather and praised Guru Ramdas ji.  Sikhs of all castes came and received the Charan Pahul from Guru ji.  They would say: “Dhan, Dhan, is Guru Ramdas ji.  He will save us.”  Sikhs would gather and talk about Gyaan.  They would have the love of the Guru in their hearts.  Sikhi spread in Lahore.  They came and brought a lot of gifts for Guru ji.  The tradition of Satsangat started in Lahore and Shabads were sung during Amritvela.  Guru ji stayed here for many months.  He then wished to return to Guru Ka Chak.  He gave the responsibility of the Dharamshala to some of the Sikhs to stay there and conducti the Divans.

Guru Ramdas ji along with other Sikhs headed towards Goindwal Sahib.  He reached Goindwal and met Guru Amardas ji’s family.  He met Baba Mohan ji and Baba Mohri ji.  He met everyone and asked how everyone was.  Sri Mahadev ji and Sri Arjan Dev ji came to meet their father.  They bowed to their father’s feet.  The whole family came to see Guru ji.  They found out that Guru ji’s glory was spreading far and wide.  Sangat from far away would come to meet him, bringing him clothes and money.  Guru Ramdas ji was worshipped by many.  On special days, the Sikhs would come in great numbers, bringing many gifts.  There was always a pile of gifts in his court.  The rarest and most expensive items were brought for Guru ji.  The Sikhs would offer their gifts and do Ardaas to him.  They wanted Guru ji to be happy with them.  Satguru ji would give the Sikhs wisdom: “do the Simran of Satnam.  This will save you in the world.”  Guru ji would do this everyday.

Guru Ramdas ji would wake up at Amritvela around 2 am and bathe.  He would then sit in Samadhi and immerse into his real form.  He would instill his focus into the Brahm Saroop.  This was the place of no thought, no movement.  There was no good or bad here.  There was no plan or action here.  It was the ultimate bliss.  This was the same state that Guru Amardas ji would be in after he sat on the Guru’s throne.  This level of Samadhi is only possible by the Avatar of Akaal Purakh.  It’s glory and greatness cannot be described in words.  He would be connected in Samadhi, fully still.  Guru ji would open his eyes when the sun would come up.  Whoever would come in front of his eyes, they would be blessed for eternity.  When the sun would rise, Guru ji would sit on the Guru’s throne in the court.  The Sikhs, with love in their hearts, would come to see Guru ji.  The Rababis would come to do Keertan with their Rababs.  They would sing Gurbani in various Raags.  The Sikhs would sit and listen to Keertan with great love.  The Keertan would put the Sikhs in a state above love and hate; pain and pleasure.  After the Keertan, Guru ji would give the Sangat Wisdom.  Karah Prashaad would be distributed.  At around 9 am, Langar would be ready.  The Langri would come and tell Guru ji: “the Langar is ready.”  Guru ji would get up with the Sangat and go to the Langar Hall to eat.  Everyone would come to eat.  Guru ji would sit in the middle.  King and beggar; rich and poor, would sit on the same level and receive the same food.  After eating, Guru ji would then go into solitude and rest on his bed.  In the afternoon, he would wake up, bathe and come to the evening’s Divaan.  He would do Katha and the Sikhs would listen with happiness.  Bhagti, vairagya and Gyaan was showered in the Divan.  The Katha of Guru ji would give bliss to the Aatma.  After the Katha, the Keertan would begin.  Various Raags would be sung.  The Keertan would give rise to love.  The Sikhs would be in a state of stillness, no pain and no pleasure state.  Only the fortunate ones would be able to taste the bliss of Keertan.  They would be drenched in this bliss.  Their attention would be focused on Guru ji’s feet.  Satguru ji would otherwise stay in solitude other than the Divaan.  He wouldn’t talk to anyone nor would he listen to any worldly things.  When a Sikh with a lot of love would come to see Satguru ji, Guru Ramdas ji would give them wisdom and guide them.  Otherwise, Guru ji would remain silent.  We would not give attention to worldly things.  After the evening Divan, Guru ji would go back into solitude.  He would command everyone to leave him alone.  He would stay immersed with the love of the Guru.  His eyes would always be filled with tears.  The river of love for Guru Amardas ji would flow continuously. 

The Sikhs would continue with Keertan till about 10 pm.  Guru Ramdas ji would sit with them till then, coloured in love for Guru Amardas ji.  Guru Ramdas ji would lay down to rest then.  When he would lay down, the Sikhs would know that Guru ji has gone to sleep and they would go home.  Guru ji would spend his day and night like this.  He would have love for Parmeshwar all the time.  He would wake up at 2 am again and bathe.  He would spend his time to bless his Sikhs from then.  His ways were amazing.  Kavi Santokh Singh ji says: “I cannot describe his greatness or his amazing life.  As much as the Satguru gives me wisdom, that is all I can say.” 

A Sikh named Hindhaal would come to Guru ji and do his Seva.  He would do Seva in the Langar and do Simran of Satnam Kartar.  He would do this Simran all day and all night.  He would not meet anyone and had no love or hate.  He would not speak to anyone nor listen to anyone.  He was still and calm, all the time.  He would sift flour for the rotis all day.  He did not know or see anyone else besides Satguru ji.  He was always immersed in the Guru’s love.  His mind was always still.  He had no desire, anger, greed or ego.  He was always connected to Satnam.  He had no joy or sorrow; no friend or enemy.  He was determined to win his mind, all the time.  He was without desire.  He was calm, serene and focused all the time.  The omniscient and gracious Satguru, saw this Sikh’s strict determination.  One day, Satguru ji went to the Beas River to bathe.  After bathing, Guru ji headed back to his home and crossed the place where Langar was being made.  He saw all the Sikhs doing Seva.  All the Sikhs saw Guru ji.  Bhai Hindhaal was kneading the dough.  The Sikhs all came to bow to Guru ji.  Bhai Hindhaal came as well but his hands were full of dough.  He thought to himself: “if I put my hands on the floor, my hands would get dirty.  The dirt would go back into the dough.  If I touch Guru ji’s feet, his feet would have dough on them.”  Bhai Hindhaal bowed to Guru ji with his hands behind his back.  He placed his head on Guru ji’s feet.  Guru ji saw his love and said: “your love has made me happy.  A new Panth will be started because of this.  People of your path will bow in this way.  I have blessed you with Mukti.  Your bounds are now broken.  Your Seva is complete.  Your wishes will be fulfilled without a doubt.”  As soon as Guru ji spoke, Bhai Hindhaal received all the Siddhis.  All his doubts were cleared.  It was as though a beggar was given the status of Kuber (Devata of wealth) in an instance.  Guru ji placed his hands on Bhai Hindhaal’s head.  He gave Bhai Hindhaal the cloth hanging on his own shoulder.  Bhai Hindhaal tied the cloth to his hand.  After Bhai Hindhaal tied Guru ji’s cloth on his head, he became one with Eshwar.  He was able to see the three worlds.  He was able to travel in every dimension.  He was given the status of Guru by Satguru ji and saw all the Siddhis standing in front of him with their hands folded.  It was amazing, what he saw.  He was in a state of infinite bliss, beyond description.  Hindhaal folded his hands and praised Guru ji.  He couldn’t say the praises as he was given the three worlds in an instant.  He said: “you bless your servants.  There is no other like you.  You are Dhan.  You save everyone.  Your ways are indescribable and amazing.”  Sri Satguru ji then said to him: “go to your home now, oh wise one.  Preach the Simran of Satnam.  Give wisdom to everyone.”  Bhai Hindhaal was given leave.  He left will all the powers of Guru ji after bowing to Guru ji.  He went back to his village and preached the message of Sikhi.  Sometimes, he would come and see Guru Ramdas ji.  This Katha of Bhai Hindhaal’s blessing, receiving the ultimate status, whoever Guru ji looked towards, they were blessed.  This Katha has great wisdom.  Hindhaal was like a rye mustard seed.  He was now made into a mountain.  This was not a difficult task for Satguru ji.

One day, the gracious Guru was seated.  Bhai Gurdas ji came to see Guru ji.  He folded his hands and requested Sikhi from Guru Ramdas ji.  Guru ji saw Bhai Gurdas ji’s faith and devotion.  He said to Bhai Sahib ji: “do Simran of Vahiguru Satnam.  You will be in bliss.  You should go to Agra and bring the Sikh Sangat to the Guru’s home.  There will be a time when you will recite your own Bani.  You can write and compose your Bani in Agra.  Your Bani will enchant the minds of Gursikhs.”  Bhai Gurdas ji heard the words of the gracious Guru and bowed to his feet.  He was to go to Agra. 

After a while, Guru Ramdas ji left from Goindwal.  Baba Mohan ji and Baba Mohri ji sent him off.  Guru Ramdas ji came to Guru Ka Chak.  The Sikhs were given the Name of Akaal Purakh. 

One day, Sri Chand ji thought to himself: “Sri Ramdas ji is the Guru now.  Does he have love for me?”  Baba Sri Chand ji would travel on the back of Bhai Ghodria.  He got on top of Bhai Ghodria’s back and headed to Guru Ramdas ji’s place.  The complete Guru, Guru Ramdas ji heard about Baba Sri Chand ji coming and was filled with love.  He came out of his house to meet him.  He folded his hands and bowed to Baba Sri Chand ji.  He had great respect for the son of Guru Nanak Dev ji.  He requested Baba Sri Chand ji to come inside his home.  Guru Ramdas ji gifted Baba Sri Chand ji one horse and 500 Rupees.  He served Baba ji well.  In the evening, the Rababis came to do Keertan in the Divan.  Guru Ramdas ji had Baba Sri Chand ji sit in a higher place.  Guru Ramdas ji sat in a lower place.  He had respect for Baba Sri Chand ji.  Guru Ramdas ji was very humble, being the master of the universe.  Baba Sri Chand ji spoke to test Guru ji: “why is your beard so long?”  Satguru ji heard him, got up, with love in his heart, and began to clean Baba Sri Chand ji’s feet with his beard.  Guru ji spoke with humility: “this is the reason why I have such a long beard, oh son of the Guru.”  Baba Sri Chand ji saw the humility of Guru ji and was really happy.  Baba Sri Chand ji said: “this is the same humility that Guru Angad had.  He took the Gurta Ghaddi by doing Seva this way.  Your love is without bounds.  Your glory is great.  Your glory cannot be fully said.  Whoever bathes in your Sarovar, the biggest sinner will receive Mukti.”  After giving this blessing, Baba Sri Chand ji returned to Sri Kartarpur Sahib.  Guru Ramdas ji had come to his home.  Guru ji washed the sins of all sinners. 

2-15 Sanghari Mal ji from Lahore Arrives

Satguru ji stays detached from everything.  He is unaffected by Karma.  The pain and pleasure of Maya remain separated from him.  One day, Satguru ji was sitting with the Sikhs who were seeking wisdom from him.  The words of the Guru give mukti.  He said: “listen Sikhs, you are very dear to me.  You have received the human birth, which is very hard to get.  Don’t waste your life on other things, do the Simran of Hari.  You won’t go to Heaven or Hell then.  Just as the pots on a well come up and down, over and over again, that is how you are caught in the cycle of birth and death.  Make the True Name, Satnam reside in your heart.  This will make all the vices of your mind run away.  Listen to and take in the wisdom given to you by the Guru and implement it in your life.  The biggest problems and conflicts you have will be destroyed.”  Guru ji uttered a Salok to tell the Sikhs how to live:

Mahalla 4

Whoever calls themselves a Sikh of the Satguru, they should wake up at Amritvela and recite the Name of Hari..

They should make an effort in the early morning and bathe in the Sarovar of Amrit..

Taking the wisdom of the Guru, do the Jaap of Har Har which will make your problems, sins and pain wash away..

When the day dawns, sing Gurbani and do Simran of the name of Hari while sitting or standing..

Whoever remembers my Hari Hari with every breath and morsel of food, that Gursikh is dear to the Guru..

Whoever my master is gracious with, that Gursikh is given the wisdom by the Guru..

The Jan, Nanak, asks for the dust of the feet of the Gursikh who does Simran of Hari and makes others do it as well..2..

(SGGS 305)

Listening to the wisdom for Guru ji, the fortunate Sikhs implemented it into their lives.  The mind of the Sikhs was like gold and the wisdom of the Guru was like gems.  This jewellery is radiant in the world and respected everywhere.  The hearts of the Sikhs are like a Sarovar in when the Guru fills it with the water of wisdom.  Whoever follows this way, they become a collection of lotus flowers.  The iron-like mind of the Sikhs is turned into gold with the philosopher’s stone, the wisdom of the Guru.  The filth in the mind is washed away like this.  This is the validation of listening to the Guru’s wisdom.  The wisdom of the Guru is like the Bhavan Chandan (dwarf sandalwood) which makes the mind and body of the Sikh, fragrant.  Guru ji is like a cloud and his words are like the raindrops.  The chatrik Sikhs drink it and become satiated.  Some receive the 18 Siddhis and some begin to ponder on the form of their Aatma.  Some fall in love with the Simran of Prabhoo and some fortunate ones wish to meet Hari.  Some become detached from their vices and desires and some attain bliss from their real form (the Aatma).  Doubts, attachments, illusions and the pain of the 3 types of illnesses, staying in the Sangat these are all removed.  The gracious Guru blesses everyone and breaks their bonds immediately. 

One day, Satguru ji was sitting in his court, like Shiva sitting with Munis.  Guru ji’s cousin (son of his Thayaji-father’s older brother) Sanghari Mal Sodhi lived in Lahore.  He was a good-charactered person with great virtues.  He came to Guru Ramdas ji from Lahore on his cart, bringing four of his servants along with him.  He came to Goindwal and went to Guru ji’s home, bringing sweets with him.  He folded his hands and wanted to bow to Satguru Ramdas ji.  Guru ji saw that it was his elder cousin, who was the son of his Thayaji, who was a good person, coming to his home with well intentions.  Guru ji held his hands, stopping him from touching Guru ji’s feet.  Guru ji, instead, touched his cousin’s feet.  Sanghari Mal was amazed by seeing this show of humility and said: “oh master, please do not do this unorthodox act.  I do not see you as my brother.  You have done the Sangat of Satguru Amardas ji and received the greatest status in the world as the Guru.  Thousands of people believe in you and have faith in you.  You bless them with all your powers.  You are omnipotent.  We are worldly people engrossed in the householder’s life and do not recite the name of Hari.”  Guru Ramdas ji responded: “you are my elder brother and the son of my father’s elder brother.  For this reason, it is right for me to bow to you.”  Both brothers met with great love and bowed to each other.  They sat down, asked how each other was doing and conversed.  Guru Ramdas ji noticed the sweets and asked: “what was the reason for your visit, leaving your household duties today?”  Sanghari ji folded his hands and said: “you are the star of the Sodhis.  You are praised in the world, which I cannot fully describe.  You nephew’s marriage has been set and I wish to celebrate it majestically.  It will not be a great celebration without you.  As you are the greatest of the Sodhis, I wish for you to come with all your grandeur.”  Guru Ramdas ji gave a lot of respect for the invitation and had his cousin stay in a nice place.  He was sent food and water along with a great bed to sleep on. 

Satguru ji thought to himself: “it is not right for me to go to the wedding.  Countless Sangat comes to meet me everyday, eating Langar and resting here.  They leave afterwards, but do stay for some days.”  Satguru ji slept the night.  Guru ji woke up at Amritvela and bathed.  He sat in Samadhi and when the sun arose, his brother, Sanghari Mal ji, came and sat down beside Satguru ji.  Sanghari Mal folded his hands and said: “please don’t analyse this too much and get ready to come with me.  I didn’t send anyone else to get you for this reason, as I wanted to take you myself.  I left all the pending tasks to come and get you.  Please consider my love and come with me to bless your nephew.  My home would be blessed to have your holy feet placed in it.  The radiance of my house will grow because of you.  All my tasks will be successful.  Meeting you is blissful.  Please protect us from any obstacles.  Consider my son as your own.”  Guru ji heard his brother’s words and was filled with great love.  To keep the honor of his brother’s request, Guru ji said: “my brother, what you say is correct, but listen to my side as well: Sangat from many other lands come to see me and leave.  If the Sikhs of the Guru are insulted, I cannot tolerate that.  They come for the love of the Satguru’s lotus feet.  Meeting the Satguru, they are happy.  Guru Amardas ji’s blessings and curses are true.  I wish to keep him happy.  The gem of the Bhallas, I am his servant.  The Sikhs are his.  I do not wish to upset them.  Guru ji gave me his Sangat.  If I leave them, this is not right.  Thousands of people come here.  How will the expense of so many people be endured?  When the Bharat reaches the bride’s home, there will be a great gathering of the Sangat that will come with me.  How will your son’s in-laws endure such a great expense to feed all those people?  We will need to think about all these things first.”  Sanghari Mal heard Guru ji’s words and continued to make his plea: “what you are saying is true.  I am seeing a big crowd of Sikhs here right now.  There are countless Sikhs here.  The Sikhs of other villages in and around that area would come as well when they find out you are there.  The in-laws would want us to stay over there and will have to prepare for food.  They do not have that much wealth and would surely be in debt after this.  This is not possible; I have understood this now.  But still, please accept another proposal that I have for you: please send your son along with me so all the tasks are completed with success.  My request is dependent on your wishes.  I will be forever grateful.”  Sri Guru Ramdas ji, the treasure of peace and happiness heard this and called for his eldest son, Prithi Chand.

Guru ji told Prithi Chand about the wedding and said: “go and attend the wedding.  This is the son of my Thayaji.  He is elder and worthy of being bowed to.  His son is about to get married and has come to me for the invitation.  It is good for you to go with him.  All of the Sodhis are our relatives.  Go and meet them.  Stay in Lahore for a few days and come back home when you wish to.  Go to the Dharamsala in Lahore, our ancestral home, and see how it is.  Give everyone gifts.”  Prithi Chand heard his father and didn’t think it was a good idea to leave his father.   He thought to himself: “staying close to Pithaji will make the love grow.  Staying far away, you only think about them some times.  If my brother stays with Pithaji, he will experience new kinds of happiness from the Sangat.  I take care of all the money and finances.  I keep a lot of that money for myself.  I take care of all the gifts and money.  I keep all the money.”  Understanding the higher status of Sanghari Mal ji, Prithi Chand bowed his head to his uncle.  Sanghari Mal ji blessed him and said: “live long.”  Prithi Chand stayed quiet for a while and thought: “after me, my brother will take over everything.  He will understand all the tasks and transactions.  He will keep all the money of Pithaji as much as he wants.  I will be left behind and the younger brother will come out ahead of me.  I worry about the money and the Gurta Ghaddi.  I think my brother will take it all.  Guru ji does not care for what happens with the money.  Those who have no right over the money, they take what they want.  Guru ji is happy with Seva and will give his throne to someone else.”  Prithi Chand, thought of everything in this way.  He had his head bowed the whole time he thought.  After a while, he spoke to his father: “you see the way I work, all the time.  There are thousands of give and take transactions that I need to do.  As one comes, another leaves.  I pay for all the Langar and bring all the food.  I don’t have a second of free time.  How can I go to Lahore?”  Satguru ji responded to Prithi Chand: “somebody else will take care of the tasks.  It is important for you to go now.”  Prithi Chand objected: “Pithaji, you do not care for profit or loss.  I can’t go.  It is too hot to travel.  There is too much unrest in the Bharaat which I do not like.  I like to stay calm.”  Prithi Chand made his intentions clear to Guru ji and did not obey his command.  Seeing his son’s deceitful mind, Guru ji didn’t say anything further.  Guru ji then called for his other son and wanted to see if he would obey his command.