3-11 Coming back to Sri Amritsar

When Guru ji informed all of the Sikhs, servants and maids about heading back to Amritsar, they all rejoiced and got ready with great enthusiasm.  The carts, palanquins, horses and carriages were prepared to travel.  Everyone was happy to go.  The bulls and carts were loaded with the luggage and the belongings.  The servants picked up everything and loaded them.  Great big pots and pans in which Langar was prepared, were packed and loaded.  The other plates and utensils were packed up and loaded.  There were many rolls of clothing material that were loaded.  The bulls were attached to the carts.  Chariots were ready with expensive clothes.  The chariots had two pillars on the front which were made of gold.  The horses, who were really strong and clever, were prepared with bells in their necks.  The saddles were laced with expensive cloths.  They are attached to the chariots.  After attaching the horses, the chariots were tested by riding a short distance and bringing them back to Guru ji’s home.  Mata Ganga ji brought Sri Hargobind ji, carrying him in her lap.  She came outside and sat in her chariot.  She was very pleased and happy to be going to Sri Amritsar.  Guru Arjan Dev ji, the omnipotent one, sat in his palanquin.  They all set off for Amritsar with great joy.  Mata ji looked at her son’s moon-like face as she travelled.  Many maids were around Mata ji’s chariots.  Many Sikhs were around Guru ji’s palanquin.

The traveling party eventually reached Sri Amritsar.  The Sangat in Amritsar celebrated the return of Guru ji with Dhundhabs, Nagaras, conches, Napheeryas, and Shehnais.  The Mridangs were played with Rababs.  The Rababis sang Shabads as Guru ji came, singing the Raags of joy.  Guru ji had returned after 3 years of living in Vadaali to Amritsar.  Guru ji brought all the Sikhs and belongings back to Amritsar.  As people heard in Amritsar, they all came to greet Guru ji and celebrate his arrival.  Everyone was happy.  They all gathered when Guru ji entered Amritsar and welcomed him.  They came forward with enthusiasm as Guru ji came.  They sang Shabads of love.  They did Ardaas to Guru ji’s feet and expressed their joy to Guru ji.  They bowed their heads and put their foreheads to Guru ji’s feet.  They extended well wishes to everyone and said to Guru ji: “welcome back!  Live here with your beautiful son and meet us everyday.”  The Sangat walked with Guru ji.  The Sangat said: “please live here with peace and joy.”  Mata Ganga ji was carrying Sri Hargobind ji.  Mata ji got off her chariot and met the women of the city.  They elder women said: “may your son live forever!  May you be happy forever!  Welcome back.  Please stay here now.  Accept our offerings and bless us with your divine vision.”  The luggage and belongings were off-loaded and placed in the home of Guru ji.

Guru ji bathed and went to Harmandhir Sahib with the whole family.  Mata Ganga ji picked up Sri Hargobind ji to take him to Harmandhir Sahib for the first time.  They took a lot of sweets and Karah Prashaad.  The whole family folded their hands and bowed to the Harmandhir.  They did Ardaas for the family coming back and distributed the Prashaad and sweets.  They circumvented the Harmandhir Sahib 3 times in the small parkarma.  The 3 parkarmas represented man (mind), bach (words) and karm (actions).  The parkarma is done as a sign of devotion and sacrifice on to the greatness of the one around the parkarma is done.  Mata ji did the parkarmas as well.  The whole family sat for a while and then came back to their home.

Guru Arjan Dev ji also followed the traditions of the world.  The traditions state that one should meet one’s elders when coming into the city.  Guru Arjan Dev ji took the whole family and went to go see his elder brothers, regardless of their feelings towards him.  He first went to Baba Prithi Chand’s home, taking a lot of sweets.  Guru ji wanted to make his brother happy so he would reject his hatred.  The servants went with Guru ji.  Money, clothes and gifts were taken along with the sweets.  The master of the universe, the humblest, Guru Arjan Dev ji approached his brother, Prithi Chand, and bowed to his feet.  He respected him and then asked for permission to sit down.  Guru ji sat on a lower seat than his brother.  Mata Ganga ji went to see Karmo and bowed to her.  She made Sri Hargobind ji bow to Karmo as well.  She said to her son: “this is your Thaiji.”  Karmo saw the forehead of Guru ji and noticed that it was very radiant.  She saw his radiant face and said to herself: “this boy is the most beautiful boy I have ever seen.”  She was not happy.  She was burning with jealousy.  Her heart was burning.  She was speaking sweet words as a façade.  She was burning inside.  She said from her mouth: “Ganga, may your son live long.”  She said those words to hide her true emotions.  Karmo then had Sri Hargobind ji sit in her lap for a while.  After some time, Guru ji sent a servant to get Sri Hargobind ji to meet his Thayaji.  Guru ji took his son and made him bow to Prithi Chand.  Guru ji said: “My brother, I received this son with your grace.  He has brought a lot of joy to our house.  Please see him as your servant and bless him.  Please bless him with a long life.  This is your son and servant.”  Prithi Chand looked at his nephew and was surprised to see at how beautiful his nephew was.  His heart felt weak.  His own son could not compare to the beauty of his nephew.  He said in fake voice: “may your son live long.  May he be in joy.”  His words were compared to a peacock.  The peacock speaks sweetly but eats insects.  Prithi Chand spoke like a thief.  It was like poison hiding in milk.  He didn’t want his brother to have a son.  Prithi Chand asked: “how old is your son?”  Guru Arjan Dev ji responded: “he is yet to be 3.”  They made conversation of well wishes and updating each other of their last few years.  Prithi Chand kept on looking at his nephew.  After a while, Guru Arjan Dev ji picked up Sri Hargobind ji and asked for leave.

Guru Arjan Dev ji and the family went to Baba Mahadev ji next, his middle brother.  They all bowed to Baba Mahadev ji.  Baba Mahadev ji, although listened to his elder brother sometimes and sided with his voiced opinions, he was without hatred and jealousy.  He was genuinely happy to see his younger brother and his family.  Baba Mahadev ji picked up Sri Hargobind ji and put him in his lap as soon as he saw him.  He hugged him tightly and kissed his forehead.  He gave him many blessings: “may you be a brave warrior and be happy your whole life.  You are the gem of our Sodhi family.  You will be radiant like the sun.  May you live long.  May you cut the pain and troubles of your servants.  Your glories will be sung in every direction.  You will wash everyone’s sins.  May your body be big and strong.  May you be handsome, tall and calm.  You will live a long and happy life.”  Baba Mahadev ji expressed his love for his nephew and gave him a lot of hugs.  He asked his servant to bring money from his treasury.  He took the money and circumvented it around Sri Hargobind ji’s head and gave it to the poor.  He treated his nephew like his own son.  Guru Arjan Dev ji said to his brother: “your love and prayers were answered and we received this son.  It was your Ardaas that gave us this son.  You blessed us.  We faced a lot of danger in Vadaali, but you protected us from all the troubles.  Your prayers destroyed all the danger.”  Baba Mahadev ji said: “our father Guru Ramdas ji looks after all of us.  It is his grace that protects us.  He gave you this son.  He protects his servants.  He protected his own grandson.  Whoever Guru Ramdas ji protects, they can never be in trouble.”  The two brothers spoke for a little while.  After taking his brothers blessings and permission to leave, Guru Arjan Dev ji and the family came back to their home.

All of the pain and trouble was gone and Guru ji lived in peace.  The Sikhs and servants were happy to see the family.  Sri Hargobind ji would play in the house and sit with his father when he returned in the evening.  He only played in the home and didn’t go outside.  He was beautiful.  Kamadeva was jealous to see the beauty of Guru Hargobind ji.  He would eat delicious and nutritious foods after waking up.  He was dressed in expensive clothes and jewellery.  Wherever he would look, he would destroy everyone’s pain and troubles.  Mata ji would have Sri Hargobind ji sleep next to her.  She would place her hand on his chest and take care of him.  She would bathe him and dress him in black and yellow clothes. 

Some time passed and Guru ji’s body grew.  His radiance grew as he grew up.  He was now 3 years old.  Mata ji said to Guru Arjan Dev ji: “Prabhoo ji gave us this son.  Many troubles came but our son was protected by Akaal Purakh.  Please have a big Langar.  Let’s call all of the saints and great beings to eat Langar.  This will make things better.  They should be happy by eating.  They will give many blessings.  All of our pains and troubles will be gone.”  Satguru Arjan Dev ji heard these words and gave out his orders with joy: “open the treasury and prepare for a great Langar.  Make sure there is no shortage.  Call everyone.  Many people should come and eat what they wish to.  They will eat and be happy.  Get ghee, sugar and finely ground flour.”  A lot of money was given to the servants and told to get a lot of food.  The big pots and pans were taken out.  Karah Prashaad was prepared along with Pooris.  Many types of delicacies were prepared with sweets and gourmet food.  As the Sangat came to sit, they recited Japji Sahib as the Langar was being distributed.  Prithi Chand was given the first invitation along with Karmo.  Their maids came as well.  Baba Mahadev ji came with a lot of joy.  Many other Sikhs came.  Many Brahmins and beggars came.  Many Sevadaars came and distributed the Langar.  Everyone who ate was satiated with the food.  Some Sevadaars gave Pooris and some gave ladoos.  Kachoris and Pakoras were given with spices.  Whoever ate, they praised the food.  Nobody was left behind.  Everyone who came got all the food they wanted to eat.  They ate the food and gave their blessings.  They said: “may Sri Hargobind ji live the span of four yugas.  May he never be in pain.”  Guru Arjan Dev ji gave everyone a lot of money for coming.  Everyone praised Guru ji: “you are great Guru ji!  Your Langar was great.  May your son have a long life.”  They went to their homes by praising Guru ji.  Prithi Chand and Karmo was given gourmet foods.  They showed that they were happy but they had corruption in their hearts.  Baba Mahadev ji, on the other hand, was really happy.  He had Sri Hargobind ji in his lap.  He gave him many blessings.  Baba Mahadev ji had no ego in his mind.  He had understood that Guru Arjan Dev ji was the rightful heir to the Gurta Ghaddi.  He was happy to see his younger brother’s amazing radiance.  He was happy to see him as the Guru.  He loved his nephew like his own son.  He loved Sri Hargobind ji like the chakor loves the moon.  He knew that he was Akaal Purakh’s form.  He was happy seeing his brother.  He praised his younger brother and went to his home.

People who heard about the grand Langar, came as soon as they heard.  They all ate what they wanted to and praised Guru ji.  The celebrations would begin every morning.  The Dhundhabs would sound in the morning and the evening.  The napheeryas would sound.  There was happiness everywhere.  There was a lot of donations given by Guru ji.  The Sangat came with money and gifts. 

3-12 Sri Hargobind ji contracts Seetala

Karmo saw the great celebration and became depressed.  When she would hear the praises of Guru ji, her heart would be pierced.  Many instruments sounded at Guru ji’s door.  The Sikhs were happy to hear the music.  Karmo would hear the music and feel anxiety.  She was in pain.  She couldn’t do anything.  The jealousy was killing her.  She was corrupt.  She thought of ways how she can cause problems.  She thought to herself: “there is an arrow in my heart.  How can I be happy?  Sri Hargobind causes me pain.  He is happy.  When this boy dies, I will be happy.  Otherwise, me staying alive is like dying everyday.  They celebrate everyday.  I am in sorrow.  A lot of money and gifts come to their home.  The younger brother is prosperous and greater.  Their little boy is growing.  Ganga Mata is happy and celebrating.  Her boy is happy.  When he grows up, he probably will be like a lion.”  He will indeed by like a lion to whom many will bow to.  Karmo would speak her mind to her husband: “are you not worried?  The relatives are growing richer.  We are becoming poor.  They have one son.  Do what you can to kill the boy.  The Gurta Ghaddi should come to our home.  You are quiet and not doing anything.  You only sit in the home.  This is a great task which will make me happy.  We are just passing time.  What will our grandchildren do?  Meharban and his kids will be poor and beg for money.  Sikhs won’t give us money.  They won’t bow to us.  Our generations will point fingers at us and talk bad about us.  They will wilt away.  What will they do in life?  You will have to do something.  Find a way to kill their son.  The Gurta Ghaddi should come back to our family.  Sikhs will give us money and worship us.  Don’t waste time.  Kill the boy.”  Prithi Chand heard these words.  He told her to have patience: “don’t worry.  Your work will be done.  The boy won’t last many days.  He won’t grow up.  He will contract Seetala.  The boy will die then.  Record my words.  He won’t last.  If he does, I will do something else.  Sri Hargobind will be destroyed.  Our kids and grandkids will live in joy.  That time is close.”  Karmo heard this and said bad words: “your words don’t carry weight.  You’ve made these curses before but nothing happened.  I heard your words before and was happy but I was disappointed.  You are the son of the Guru but you have no powers.  Your brother’s family keeps growing.  This worry kills me.  I am always in pain.”  The two always talk about these schemes.  They always plot to kill Sri Hargobind ji.  They always think about hurting others.  They have no powers or abilities. 

Guru Arjan Dev ji’s personality was pure and calm.  He would always be thinking about doing good for everyone.  He was gracious and generous.  He would bless many people with mukti.  He would give gyaan by making everyone do Simran of Satnam.  Sri Hargobind ji was the mine of bliss.  Who would play and grow like the moon growing towards the full moon.  He soon began to speak.  He would speak like a child and make everyone happy.  The Sikhs would hear his child-talk and be happy.  Mata Ganga ji would love her child and feed him great food.  She would hug him and kiss his forehead.  Mata ji would love to hear her son speak all day long.  She would get him to speak on purpose.  She would look at his face and not be satiated.  His face was like the moon without the spots.  Sri Hargobind ji would go to his father sometimes.  He would go and play with his child friends outside sometimes.  The servants would keep bringing him inside but the child Guru would keep going back.  Just as a cow wants to keep her calf close to her, that is how Mata ji wanted to keep her son close.  The love grew.  Sri Hargobind ji would always escape and run outside, his jewellery clanking as he would run.  The sound of the jewellery clanking would make everyone happy.  There were diamonds in his jewellery that made everyone attracted to the young Guru.  He would run around the house.  Sri Hargobind ji would wear a flower symbol made of gold on his head.  He would be dressed in yellow clothes with golden borders of flowers.  They would shine brightly.  There were flower designs on his shoulders.  He would speak and make everyone happy.  His skin was fair with great big eyes.  His eyes were life lotus petals with reds at the ends.  His arms were long with bid shoulders.  He had long fingers.  He wore hoops in his ears.  His hair was black and moved like small snakes.  Guru ji’s radiance was mesmerizing.

Many days passed and Guru ji was now 5 years old.  He continued to play and make people happy.  One day, Sri Hargobind ji got a fever.  He laid down and couldn’t get up.  His mother got worried.  On the third day, the signs of Seetala could be seen.  They soon turned to blisters which covered his whole body.  They were red which were various in size.  His whole body was red soon enough.  There was no empty spot on his body.  It gave him great pain.  Guru ji laid down on his bed all day long.  The blisters caused inflammation all over his body.  On his hands, palms, feet and tongue, the small red spots could be seen.  The dots were sharp and hurt his body.  There were blisters on his eyelids which made it difficult to open his eyes.  He would keep his eyes closed.  Mata Ganga ji stayed close to her son.  She was extremely distressed.  She would keep checking her son’s body.  Just as a ship in the sea that carried all of the belongings of the house, gets stuck in the middle of the sea due to a storm, that is how it felt like having an ill son.  Mata ji only looked towards Akaal Purakh to cure him.  She would do Ardaas: “please cure my son.  Make him like the moon again.  The whole family loves him.  He is our hope.  Just as a cheap person looks for money, that is how we got our son.  Prabhoo Parbraham Akaal is our protector.  Please bless me and help my son.  Guru Nanak Dev ji, we are your servants.  See my son as your son.  Please come and protect us.  Protect my son’s eyes and his whole body.  May the Mother Seetala be happy.  Protect my son and cure him.”  In this way Mata ji did the Ardaas.  She didn’t eat or sleep.  She was deeply worried as she saw her son’s illness.  Prabhoo Akaal Purakh looks after the servant.  Sri Hargobind ji was Akaal Purakh.  This was a drama to follow the ways of the human form.  Guru ji was going with the ways of the human body and taking on an illness.  After three days, a lot of blisters were on his body.  There was puss in the blisters.  In this way, the whole family was worried and depressed.  Mata ji and the servants would remember Prabhoo ji all day and night: “may the problem be destroyed.” 

3-13 Prithi Chand’s fake concern/ Seetala takes a turn, having faith on the Satguru

The whole family was worried, including Baba Mahadev ji.  Baba Mahadev ji wanted Sri Hargobind Sahib ji to be well again.  Prithi Chand, on the other hand, was happy.  He spoke to Karmo: “did you see what is happening to their son?  There is no hope for him.  They are in pain.  Did you notice that my words came out to be true?  Just as I said before in anger, that curse came out to be true.  The boy contracted Seetala.  It’s quite severe.  I am sure he will die now.  I have noticed many times that my words come out to be true.  I am now saying: the boy will die now.  I have many powers.  Only Guru Arjan Dev ji knows about my powers.  He knows how strong I am, that’s why he is afraid of me.  He comes to bow to my feet out of fear.  He doesn’t fear Mahadev.  Mahadev is a naive person.  After Guru Arjan Dev ji’s son dies, there will be sorrow and pain in their home.  They will not have another son.”  After listening to Prithi Chand’s words, Karmo’s mind was calm and her eyes lit up.  She said to her husband: “if what you’re saying is true, there will be nothing better for us than this.  This is like an owner of 10 or 20 villages, who is losing money, becomes a Chakravarty King.  That is how happy we would be.  The Gurta Ghaddi will come to our home then.  We will be worshiped for a thousand years.  Many Sikhs will come and worship us.  A lot of people will become Sikhs.  Our family will illuminate in the world like the moon.”  Both husband and wife thought such sinful things.  They wanted a little boy to die for their personal gains.  What they want, will never happen.  Only that would happen which the Satguru wishes for.  Prithi Chand and Karmo loved sin.  They are not afraid to go to Hell for their sinful ways.  They would hide and talk secretly among themselves so no one else would hear them.  They were corrupt-minded.  They wanted others to be in pain.  These sinners were not afraid of being seen as bad people.  They were going to be talked bad about in this world and were going to go to Hell for sure. 

On the fifth day, Sri Hargobind ji was still not well.  The illness got severe.  There were blisters all over his body.  There was puss in the blisters.  They looked like pearls all over his body.  He couldn’t eat or drink anything.  He was not able to talk either.  He would stay quiet and have his eyes closed.  Cotton was placed over his bed to absorb the blisters.  His body was full of blisters and swollen.  The maids and servants would turn his body after a few hours.  His body felt soft.  Mata Ganga ji was very worried.  She kept on doing Ardaas to Guru Nanak Dev ji at all times: “please protect my son.  My wealth is my son.  Please make this pain go away.  Oh gracious one, your love is all over the world, you are the master of the poor and weak.  Protect us.”  Mata ji would pray to the master of masters, Guru Nanak Dev ji, all the time.  She would take deep breaths and shed tears all the time.  Her eyes were fixed on her son’s body.  She would look towards the ground when it was too much for her to look at his blisters.  Mata ji’s body got weaker too as she didn’t eat either.  She would stay close to her son.  These 5 days made everyone sad.  The servants and maids were upset.  Nobody was eating.  Nobody wanted to eat.  Nobody cared for their bodies.  They were all worried about Sri Hargobind Sahib ji.  Mata ji would not sleep.  The servants and maids would talk about the boy all the time.  They went to Guru Arjan Dev ji and told him about Mata ji: “Mata ji doesn’t eat anything.”  Guru ji gave them hope: “have patience.  Trust the Parbraham.  Have hope in Akaal Purakh.  Guru Nanak Dev ji is always with him.  Saying his name will make the trouble and pain go away.”  The servants would tell Mata ji but she would not feel better: “how can I feel better when my son is not well?” 

On the sixth day, during the night, the Seetala turned.  In the morning, as the sun came up, Sri Hargobind ji opened his eyes.  It was the seventh day that Sri Hargobind ji looked towards Mata ji.  Mata ji saw his opened eyes and had hope.  She was glad to know that his eyes were not affected by the Seetala.  Food was brought for Sri Hargobind ji and he had a little to eat.  The whole house was happy that Guru ji was on the path to getter better.  They all said: “glory to Guru Nanak Dev ji!  He protected us during the time of pain.  He saw Sri Hargobind ji as his servant and saved him.”  They were thanking Guru Nanak Dev ji.  When Baba Mahadev ji heard, he was happy.  He came to the home to find out.  He was worried that his younger brother only had one child and that he may die.  He was happy that his nephew was getting better.  Baba Mahadev ji went to go see Guru Arjan Dev ji.  Baba Mahadev ji bowed to Guru ji and Guru ji got up to bow to his older brother.  Guru ji had him sit down.  Baba Mahadev ji said: “tell me how is Sri Hargobind ji?  I just found out that his blisters are getting better.  I got this great news today that his pain is less now.  What do the blisters look like now?  I am happy to hear that his eyes are well.  I was afraid for his eyes.”  Guru Arjan Dev ji responded: “you have blessed us greatly.  It is your love that made our child better.  There is joy in the house again.  The time of pain is gone.  Your Ardaas to Guru Nanak Dev ji was accepted.  The Seetala is turning now.  The blisters are drying up and the pain is gone.  The protector has been gracious and came to save our child.  He protected his eyes.  He has eaten some food today.  His body will be better soon.  When you first came to see him, he was really bad.  The illness had taken over his body.  With your grace, Baba Mahadev ji, he is better now.  The pain is gone now.”  Baba Mahadev ji heard this and was happy.  He said out a blessing: “he will be happy!” 

Prithi Chand came next, having hatred in his heart, as a formality.  He had bad thoughts in his heart but spoke sweet words as a façade.  He came close to Guru ji.  Guru ji got up and bowed to his elder brother.  He had his brother sit down with great love and respect.  Guru ji was the master of the universe.  The master of the universe has no hatred, even for the ones that wanted bad for him.  Prithi Chand said: “how is your son?  Seetala is a very bad disease.  It gives a lot of pain.  I heard that his Seetala was really bad.  I was afraid that his eyes may go blind.  I hope Parmeshwar protects his eyes.”  Prithi Chand didn’t know that Guru ji had opened his eyes yet.  Guru Arjan Dev ji said: “Guru ji will protect him.  By your blessings, he will be well.  These things are not in the hands of human.  It is Ishwar that can keep people alive or kill them.  We only have hope of Parmeshwar who takes care of the whole world; who gives joy and sorrow to all.”  Prithi Chand heard this and thought that the trouble was still not gone.  He shriveled his face as to show his grief but, on the inside, he was jumping for joy.  Prithi Chand, the corrupt, got up and went towards his home.  He thought to himself: “their son won’t survive.”  The seventh day was over and Sri Hargobind ji was a lot better than before.

On the eighth day, he got even better.  He began to eat with joy.  He was sitting up now and his eyes looked like lotus petals.  His eyes were good and the blisters began to dry up.  The top layer of his skin came off and a new layer of skin came out from underneath.  There were no scars left.  Mata Ganga ji noticed that there were no blisters now so she gave Sri Hargobind ji a bath.  She warmed up the water and washed his face.  His skin was as fair and handsome as it was before now.  The maids and servants came and expressed their joy.  They said: “congratulations!  You have bathed your son after many days.”  Mata ji reciprocated the sentiment back to them.  The news spread in the city that Sri Hargobind ji was well.  Everyone came and celebrated.  Mata ji dressed Sri Hargobind ji with fine material clothes.  She dressed him with jewellery.  She kept looking at her son.  It was like her son had a new birth.  The servants took Sri Hargobind ji to his father, Guru Arjan Dev ji’s court.  They brought him to Guru ji and had him bow to Guru ji.  Guru Arjan Dev ji was happy to see his son well again.  He had him sit in his lap.  He checked his eyes and his body parts.  He noticed that he was all well.  He put his hand on his son’s head and blessed him.  Guru Arjan Dev ji said a Shabad of Gurbani, seeing his son’s eyes:

Gauri Mahalla 5..

The Gurudev made the eyes illuminated.. The doubt was gone as the Seva was accepted..1..Rahao..

The giver of joy has saved him from Seetala..  The Parbraham Prabhoo was gracefull..1..

Nanak, whoever chants the Name of Akaal Purakh, only lives..  In the Sadhsangat, one drinks the Amrit of the name of Hari..2..103..172..

(SGGS 200)

“Guru Nanak Dev ji made his eyes good.  He protected Sri Hargobind ji by extending his hand.  Our Seva was accepted and all the doubts were gone.  All the slanderers were proven false.  Guru ji made us his own.  The Seetala was very bad.  Akaal Purakh ji saved Sri Hargobind ji, seeing him as his servant.  He will recite the name of Sri Guru Nanak Dev ji and will live a long life.  He was blessed by Baba Bhudda ji and the pain was gone.  The Amrit name of Hari was taken.” 

3-14 The Seetala Katha

Mata Ganga ji was extremely happy.  She wanted to thank Akaal Purakh for curing Sri Hargobind Ji’s Seetala and have a ceremony (Seetala is seen as a power possessing the patient.  Once the patient is cured, it is a tradition in India to worship Seetala Mata or Durga Mata.  Seetala is also known as Mata for short).  She made all of the preparations and had her son meet the whole family.  She sent a maid and called Karmo.  She gave Sri Hargobind ji a bath and got him ready.  The maid went to Karmo and said: “Mata ji wishes to have a ceremony to pray to Aad Shakti Durga and wants you to come.”  The unfortunate one, Karmo, heard this and was upset that Sri Hargobind ji was well again.  It was as though she had been bit by a poisonous snake.  She started to think and her body just froze.  She couldn’t get up as there was a deep pain she felt in her heart.  After a while, she collected herself and got ready.  She didn’t wear any colourful clothes or nice jewellery.  She left with all the other senior women.

The women got together to worship Aad Shakti.  Many maids were with them as well.  They all sat near Mata Ganga ji.  Sri Hargobind ji was sitting in Mata ji’s lap.  Mata ji made her son bow to Karmo.  Although Karmo wasn’t happy, she said a blessing: “may you live long, be handsome and prosperous.”  The servants called Prithi Chand to come, who came and joined Baba Mahadev ji.  Everyone met and celebrated that the trouble was over.  Everyone wore expensive clothes and jewellery.  There was a great crowd gathered in the house.  As people came, they all congratulated Guru ji.  Mata Ganga ji gave everyone much respect.  The women with sweet voices sang songs of joy and showed their happiness.  The young girls smiled and swayed as they walked and danced.  They were like fish in the ocean of bliss.  Everyone was extremely happy. 

Sri Hargobind ji along with Mata Ganga ji, with women singing, walked towards the western side of the city where the place of Durga was.  Many instruments were played along the way.  Dhundhabs, Napheeryas were playing.  The Sikhs sang Shabads along the way.  They were all happy as they went.  Prithi Chand and his wife walked along as well.  They had smiles on their faces but their hearts felt like they were pierced with a sharp object.  They stayed quiet and didn’t look anyone in the eye.  They soon reached Durgiana and bowed in the temple.  The all sat down and the Brahmin sat down to conduct the ceremony.  A Pugri was tied to the Brahmins head and he was given many gifts.  Sandalwood and incense were lit.  A great big garland of flowers was offered to Devi Durga.  Clothes of red colour were offered to Chandi along with coconut and betelnut.  The Mother of the world was made happy in this way.  Karah Prashaad was distributed.  The Brahmin was given money for the ceremony along with clothes.  The Brahmin was given food to eat first.  Everyone was happy and shouted “Mata Bhagavati you are great!”  They all then went back towards the city.  The music could be heard miles away.  A lot of donations were given to the poor and needy.  Songs of joy were sung as they walked back.  The traditions of the Sodhi family were carried out as they entered the city again.  Everyone was given respect as they came home.  Everyone was given Karah Prashaad and Langar.  The people expressed their well wishes and said: “may Sri Hargobind ji live a long life.”  Young women were called and fed Langar (in the worship of the Aad Shakti after curing of Seetala, young un-married girls are fed food as an offering to Durga).  They were given new clothes and jewellery.  The Brahmins recited holy scriptures for the offerings to Seetala Mata.  They were given money for their prayers.  Beggars and poor people were given respect and money. 

There was a great celebration in the house of the Guru.  Many Sikhs came and brought money.  Guru ji gave a lot of donations and blessed everyone with their wishes being fulfilled.  Money was circumvented around Sri Hargobind ji’s head and given as donations by Mata Ganga ji.  Mata ji gave expensive clothes as well to the poor.  The enthusiasm was high as the celebrations carried on.  Many Sikhs came to meet Guru ji and bow to his feet.  Men and women praised Guru ji and sang praises as he was the giver of joy.  The celebration lasted for many days.  Karah Prashaad was distributed openly.  People came and did their Ardaas as to what they wished for.  The keeper of joy, Guru Arjan Dev ji, would grant them their wishes.  The Masands from different lands came and brought a lot of money from the Sangat.  The leader Sikhs were given Siropas from Guru ji’s court.  Many Sikhs came with the leaders.  The Sangat came in great groups.  They would come and offer their Dasvands, singing Guru ji’s praises.  Rare and expensive gifts would be brought to Guru ji.  They would offer money with great humility. 

On the Sankranti of Vaisakhi and Diwali, there would be a lot of Sikhs gathering in Amritsar.  Crowds would gather near Guru ji, just to see Guru ji.  They only wished to see Guru ji.  Guru ji, the omniscient one, knew what was in every heart.  He would grant their wishes and make them happy.  He would give them the wisdom of reciting Satnam, which would give the Sikhs a lot of powers: “let go of desire, anger, ego, greed and attachment.  See respect and disrespect as one; destroy your ego and accept the will of Akaal Purakh.  Whatever Prabhoo does, be happy with that.  There is only Prabhoo, that does everything.  There is no one else who gives joy or sorrow.  Say the name of Kartar Purakh, who never does injustice.  Akaal Purakh does what is deserving for everyone.  Consider Akaal Purakh as your friend, who looks after the poor and weak.  Let go of all your worries and recite the name of Akaal Purakh in your heart.”  Guru ji gave wisdom to all which showed the people the path to Mukti.  The Sikhs would eventually acquire many powers by themselves.  They did not wish to leave the feet of Guru ji, even though they had all the Riddhis and Siddhis.  Who would want to leave such a bliss-giving Amrit and go towards the poison?  The Sikhs stayed with Guru ji for the rest of their lives and did Seva.  Guru ji was seen as the Devata of Devatas by the Sikhs.  Guru ji had no joy or sorrow in his heart.  He could be seen as a human but the human traditions and needs were just a drama for him.  Guru ji’s radiance and glory was growing by the day.  The fortunate ones would stay close to Guru ji.  When the money came into the court, Guru ji would never touch it.  The Masands would take care of it and spend were needed.  Guru ji spent the money towards the good of all, whether it be Langar or the Kar of the Sarovars.  His praises were painful for the haters.  They were in pain and burning without real fire.  They were fools and becoming enemies with Guru ji for no reason.  They were burning in jealousy and giving fuel to their anger.  Who can go and say to them: “let go of your ego and grab the feet of Guru Arjan Dev ji?  Live in bliss and be rid of pain.  Guru ji will give everything you ask for.”  What can these unfortunate people do?  They didn’t have the good karma.  As Guru ji’s radiance grew, the fools would burn.  How can the sun be hidden by a fool? 

In the city of Guru Ramdas ji, many Sikhs gathered and began to live there.  The vices in the minds of the Sikhs were like deer; the words of Guru ji were like lions who destroyed all the vices.  Kavi Santokh Singh ji bows to such a great Guru.  Many days passed in this way.  Listen all, to the next kathas which will give you the four gifts of Dharam, Arth, Kaam and Moksha.

3-15 The Poison from the Brahmin

The small Dhundhabs were played in celebration, morning and evening.  The napheeryas played as well.  Shabad Keertan was sung by the wise Sikhs.  The instruments played everyday.  When Karmo heard these sounds of joy, her heart was in pain and sorrow.  She couldn’t tolerate Guru Arjan Dev ji’s joy.  Her soul was dark.  Her ill-intentioned wishes were not fulfilled.  She would be worried about her son all the time.  She was determined to do bad but nothing she wanted, would come out true.  She thought to herself: “everything I wanted to do, was not successful.  The boy is growing everyday.  Guru Arjan Dev ji’s and Mata Ganga Ji’s glory is growing too.  The boy is handsome and strong.  He is 5 years old but looks like he’s 10.  He is wise and will be able to handle everything.  We will not be able to do anything.  They will get the Gurta Ghaddi.  We won’t get anything and neither will our children.  What will our generations do?  They will have to beg.  My kids will see Guru Arjan Dev ji’s family and be upset.  We just need to kill the little boy, then we will be happy.  We will get all the joys in life.  A small tree can be pulled by the roots easily.  If the tree gets bigger, it’s hard to pull the roots.”  She would think about this day and night.  It was like an ant wanting to break and destroy a mountain. 

One day, Prithi Chand was sitting with his wife, Karmo, and praising himself: “Guru Arjan Dev calls himself the Guru but he bows to my feet.  How can my Sikhs bow to him?  The wise Sikhs only call me the Guru and worship me.  They see me as the treasure of miracles.  Whatever they ask from me, I give them.  Wherever a Sikhs needs me, I go and help them when they call me.”  Karmo got upset and said: “why are you praising yourself?  You couldn’t take this pain away that’s in my chest all the time.  You tried many things but they were all failures.  My pain is growing as the danger is growing.  As the boy gets older, our chances or getting the Gurta Ghaddi is getting less.  You said they would never have a child.  They had a son.  Your words were useless.  You said we will get the Gurta Ghaddi, that never happened either.  We wanted to kill him; he didn’t die.  You tried sending the nurse with poison on her breasts, she died instead.  The child grew up.  You then sent the snake but the child killed it.  You said that the boy would get Seetala and die.  He got the Seetala but survived.  Nothing happened to him.  His body, skin, eyes and limbs are fine.  These were all your words.  None of them were true.  Why didn’t they come out to be true?  The one who you want to kill, he his getting stronger.  I am worried about this day and night.  When I see Ganga happy, my heart feels like it is pierced with knives.  My chest burns like wet dung piles.  You keep praising yourself, why don’t you think of killing the boy?  Our family will be in pain because of that boy.”  Prithi Chand heard this and told her to be calm and patient: “the boy wasn’t supposed to survive.  He survived because many Sikhs did Ardaas.  They read Gurbani and Guru Arjan Dev ji sang Shabads.  They worshipped Chandi.  To nullify my words, they gave a lot of donations.  My words will be true.  I will kill the boy quickly.  I will fulfill your wishes.  My efforts from before were unsuccessful.  This time, I will surely be successful.  Sri Hargobind will go to the dimension of the Jumms.  The Gurta Ghaddi will go to my children.  The trouble will be gone.  Our son will be the Guru and Sikhs from far away will come to worship him.  The Bedis, Trehans and Bhallas will not get the Gurta Ghaddi.  Only the Sodhis can have the Gurta Ghaddi.  There are only three of us.  I am the eldest.  Mahadev is naïve and does not want to be the Guru.  We will kill Guru Arjan Dev ji’s son.  He will not have any more children.  Only my son will survive and we will be the Guru.  Let go of your worries.  My words are true.  You don’t trust me.  This is a reason why my words don’t come out to be true.  Just watch what I do in the next few days.  There is a Brahmin who will kill Sri Hargobind.  This Brahmin is a person who plays with Sri Hargobind.  He looks after him.  I have spoken to him.  I will give him money and make him give the boy poison.  Nobody will know what happened.”  Karmo heard this and said: “this will be good.  I will be happy then.”  They were still worried but got up, thinking they were going to succeed.  They were going to go ahead to kill Sri Hargobind ji by bribing his babysitter.

After a few days, Prithi Chand got the opportunity to speak to the Brahmin who worked in the home of Guru Arjan Dev ji.  At night time, he called for the Brahmin, sending one of his servants.  As the Brahmin came, Prithi Chand had him seated with respect.  He said to him: “I like your personality.  I like you.  I have seen you do a lot of Seva.  You serve Guru Arjan Dev ji day and night.  You do everything they say.  I would want to keep a person like you, with me.  I would take care of you better.  You are getting older and they pay you less.  We will keep you happy.  Guru Arjan Dev ji is my younger brother but he doesn’t value you.  They don’t see how much you do.  They give you less.  I can value a person better.”  The Brahmin said to him: “Guru ji, I need to make a living.  I do everything they say without laziness.  I didn’t get a job anywhere else.  I play with their son and I get paid little.  I stay awake all day and keep the boy.  The boy keeps me occupied.  I pick him up all day and my legs get tired.  He doesn’t let me sit.  If I sit, the boy starts to cry.  The boy is thick and heavy.  He is stronger than the average kid.  I get tired when I pick him up.  I have no other choice but to work there.  The boy doesn’t go to anyone else.  There are other servants but Sri Hargobind ji only stays with me.  I keep him happy, that’s why he doesn’t go to anyone else.”  Prithi Chand then spoke: “I want you to do something for me.  If you can do this task, I will give you a lot of money.  You will be set for life if you are successful.  You will live an easy life.  Nobody else besides you can do this.”  The Brahmin folded his hands and said: “tell me what you want me to do?  You want to give me a lot of money.  I will surely do what you want me to do.  If I am to be happy, I will do your work.  King or pauper, everyone wants to prosper and be in joy.”  Prithi Chand said to the Brahmin: “first grab your Janyow and take an oath.  I promise to give you a lot of money.  The two of your ears and the two ears of mine will hear this.  There will not be a fifth ear between us.  I will pay you as much as you want.  There won’t be any doubt after taking an oath.  We need to trust each other.  The task is confidential.  Grab your Janyow and promise me you won’t tell anyone.  You will do my work and I will do yours.”  The greedy Brahmin grabbed his Janyow and said: “I will not tell anyone what you want me to do.  If I can do your task, I will surely do it.  If I can’t do it, I won’t tell anyone else.”  Prithi Chand was satisfied now.  He then told the Brahmin his task: “oh Brahmin, do this favour for me and take all the money you want.  You must give poison to Sri Hargobind ji.  This is my task.  When I see him, I feel like my chest is pierced with a knife.  Guru Arjan Dev ji’s boy should die.  My son will be the Guru then.  If the boy stays alive, he will be the Guru and we will be poor.  I will pay you 500 Rajitpuns right now.  I will pay you more for the rest of your life.”  The Brahmin heard Prithi Chand and went quiet.  Prithi Chand spoke further: “I swear on my Janyow that I will pay you.  I will fulfill your other wishes too.  Tell me if you want something else instead.  I don’t lie.  Don’t worry.  Only you can do this task because Sri Hargobind ji only stays with you.  Don’t let Mata Ganga ji see you.  Give him poison when nobody is looking.  I can’t trust anyone else.  When he dies, just say that he had a stomach ache and died.  Nobody will know that he had poison.  They will think he ate something rotten.  I will take your side if someone suspects you.  I will scold the people who tries to say something bad about you.  If you feel danger, come straight to me.  Nobody will do anything bad to you.  If you get fired, I will keep you.”  The Brahmin got enticed by money and become greedy.  He said to Prithi Chand: “Mata Ganga ji keeps a strict eye on the boy.  Nobody can do as they please in front of her.  I can’t take the boy out of the house.  The servants and maids do all the work in the house.”  Prithi Chand responded: “use your wisdom and wit.  Do this quickly and get it over with.  Give the boy poison inside the home.  Don’t take him out of the home.  Ganga ji will not know.  Don’t be scared.  Come straight to me.”  In this way the Brahmin was promised money.  The two sat late into to the might and hatched their plans.  Both were sinners.  Prithi Chand gave the Brahmin a strong poison to give to Sri Hargobind ji.

The Brahmin came back to Guru Arjan Dev ji’s home, where he slept every night.  He took the poison that Prithi Chand gave him and grinded it to a fine powder.  He placed the poison in a small pouch and put it in his turban.  He wanted to give Sri Hargobind ji the poison in the morning.  He didn’t sleep at night and thought about his task all night long.  He made preparations to kill Sri Hargobind ji.  He was a Brahmin but his mind was corrupt.  He got up in the morning and wanted to do the sinful task, quickly.