4-1 Manglacharan

The holder of the Veena; the master of all the Vidyas; provider of wisdom to poets; oh Sharda, destroy all of the obstacles in my path for this great task. 

The treasure of compassion; the purifier of sins; the one who taught the world how to do the Simran of Hari; because of the Simran, one will not have to be reborn; crossing this world would be easy like living in the prime of youth.  I bow to the root of joy; the giver of Mukti and bliss; the son of Kaloo, Satguru Nanak Dev ji, whom the world worships.  Guru Angad Dev ji is always with the Sikhs.  The Sangat serves you and asks for Mukti.  You give the Sikhs the colour of Brahmgyaan.  The ones who served Guru Amardas ji and achieved the highest status, they remained immersed in the love.  He did not tolerate the pain of the Sikhs and made them free of pain.  He gave them Gyaan.  Oh son of Haridas, Satguru Ramdas ji, I think of your lotus-feet in my heart and fold my hands while making a request: please live in the Mansarovar of my mind forever.  Damned are those that reject the words of Sri Guru Arjan Dev ji.  He destroys every type of trouble and obstacle.  He destroys the voices and helps one’s mind to focus on Simran.  Sri Guru Hargobind ji is more handsome than the moon.  Kamadeva sees him and has to let go of his pride.  I bow to his glorious feet.  The ones who served Sri Satguru Har Rai ji, they were made into kings from paupers.  He broke the noose of the Jumms.  Sri Satguru Har Krishan ji was a child by body but was filled with virtues and a great Avatar.  Men or women, whoever sang your praises, they were saved.  Sri Guru Tegh Bahadhur ji was full of patience and greatness.  He did not let go of his greatness.  He saved the Dharma by giving his head like a piece of grass.  The ones born in the houses of Hindus; Sri Guru Gobind Singh ji was gracious to them.  If they do not believe this, there is no sinner greater than them.  Guru Gobind Singh ji was a strong warrior.  He destroyed the radiance of the Turks.  Many battles were fought, many warriors died.  The Hindu Dharma was saved.  Sikhs were filled with the warrior spirit.

I bow to the 10 Gurus, the Sikh Sangat and the servants of the Gurus.  May my mind be the Mansarovar and the Gurus’ feet be the Lotus flowers in it.  May my life be blessed.  I bow to the saints and begin the Katha of the Gurus that destroys all the obstacles.  Three Raases are complete and now I begin the Fourth Raas. 

Bhai Ram Koer ji says: “the Sikhs asked me to say the Katha of the Gurus.”  Bhai Ram Koer ji continues the Katha of the Gurus in a beautiful way.  The Sikhs listened to the Katha and Bhai Sahib Singh ji Likhaari wrote it down.  Baba Bhudda ji, Bhai Bhana ji, Bhai Jhanda ji, Bhai Sarvan ji, Bhai Jalal ji, Bhai Gurditta ji and Bhai Ram Koer ji were the eye witnesses of the Gurus’ lives.  Kavi Santokh Singh ji took the same Katha and put them in poetry form.  Bibi Pardhaan Kaur ji was the daughter-in-law of Bhai Ram Koer ji (and daughter of Raja Ala Singh ji) who took the writings of Bhai Sahib Singh ji back to Patiala.  Baba Gaandha Singh ji Nirmala had the Pothis for that time as Bibi Pardhaan Kaur donated land to him for the purpose of preaching Sikhi and teaching Vidya.  The Pothis eventually returned to the library of the Maharaja of Patiala.  Maharaja Uday Singh ji brought Kavi Santokh Singh ji to Kaithal and arranged to have the Kathas dictated by Bhai Ram Koer ji brought to Kavi Santokh Singh ji.  There were some gaps in the Katha which Kavi Santokh Singh ji noticed.  The gaps were filled by receiving writings from a Shaheed Singh that came to his home in Kaithal.  The Shaheed Singh came to his home for the purpose of eating food and then disappeared, leaving behind a Khazana which contained the writings.  The Katha that Bhai Ram Koer ji dictated, the Singhs listened with enthusiasm.  They loved listening to this Katha.  They all loved the feet of the Guru and were with Guru Gobind Singh ji before he left his physical body.  Bhai Ram Koer ji was a Brahmgyaani of the highest level, who can see past, present and future.  Brahmgyaan was on his palm like a gooseberry fruit.  He gave bliss to all with his Katha.  The generation of Baba Bhudda ji, the Singhs said to him: “you go hunting everyday and meet Guru Gobind Singh ji there.  While enroute to Abchalnagar, Guru ji noticed that you did not want to leave him.  He told you to: “go hunting if you wished to meet me.  Go now to your village.  You wish to come with me, but I need you to go back to Punjab.  Your wish will be fulfilled.”  You used to go hunting with Guru ji and you continued your ways.  He sees you.  Guru ji is the home of Gyaan.  All of the Singhs have come to meet you.  We see Guru ji inside you.  Our life is a blessing because we listen to your Katha.  You are the descendent of Baba Bhudda ji.  We see Guru ji when you speak.  This makes us happy.  You are great in both worlds.  We are blessed to be with you.  This is your greatness that you are speaking the Katha in details.  Please continue to speak the Katha of how Guru Arjan Dev ji gave his Shaheedi and how Guru Hargobind ji lived.  Chandoo was the guilty one and Guru ji left this earth.  Please tell us that Katha now.  Bless us.” 

Bhai Ram Koer ji heard the Singhs and spoke with great bliss: “you are blessed to have the wish to listen to the Katha of the Great Avatars of Akaal Purakh.  You are following the Dharma of Sikhi.  Your life is a success for being with Guru ji and now you wish to hear the Katha.  Seeing your enthusiasm, I am motivated to speak.  It gives my bliss to speak the Katha.  I will tell you the Katha of all the Gurus up to Guru Gobind Singh ji.  The Khalsa is great.  I will tell you how Guru Arjan Dev ji left this earth and how the wedding of Guru Hargobind ji happened.  I will tell you as it happened.  The Emperor met Guru ji and Chandoo caused the problems.  I will tell you how Chandoo was killed as well.  Guru ji went to Delhi.  Guru Hargobind ji fought battles with the Emperor.  He crushed the armies of the Turks.  Only a few survived.  Guru ji travelled to Malva and performed many tasks.  Guru Hargobind Sahib ji’s Katha is long.  I will say it how it happened.  There is greatness in this Katha.  If someone listens to the whole Katha of all the Gurus with faith and devotion, they will not be born again.  The ones who have love for the feet of the Gurus, their love will grow.  They will receive what they ask for.  They will receive children, wealth and Jog.  They will receive health and the illnesses will go away.  The worst sins will be washed away.  Their ancestors will be blessed.  Their troubles will be destroyed.  The great Dharma will be achieved if one listens to this Katha with faith and devotion.  Guru ji will bless the one in the end, who listens to this Katha.

4-2 Chandoo looks for a Groom for his Daughter

Listen to the Katha with your full attention, oh Sikhs of the Guru.  The conflict with the Turks will grow from here.  Jahangir was the emperor.  Everyone listened to his command.  He had many great forts and a huge army.  He had no contenders.  The kings in the other directions all paid taxes to the Emperor.  He was the King of Delhi.  His name was Jahangir.  His radiance was great and he was wealthy.  His budget was huge and so was his treasury.  He had no fear of any revolt as no other king dared to raise their voice against him.  They would be humble in front of him.  Jahangir could make a king out of a pauper and a pauper out of a king.  He was a very rich emperor.  He had a Divaan named Chandoo who was a great fool.  He did not know the greatness of the Guru or Parmeshwar.  He was drunk off of the intoxication of money.  He would command others with pride.  The officers of the Emperor would bow to Chandoo.  He could do whatever he wanted to in the land.  He had a daughter named Sada Kaur.  Sada Kaur came as an Avatar of conflict.  Chandoo’s world and afterlife was going to become a mess.  When he saw his daughter reach the age of 7, he wanted to find a groom for her.  He called his family Pandit and told him: “you know how much wealth I have.  Find a groom who is as rich.  Go to other places and find a high caste family.  The groom should be the most handsome.  To have all three things is rare but I want you to find all three.  Don’t be lazy when you see this and confirm the relationship.  They should be rich like us and be from a high caste.  Go to other lands.  The groom should be another king or a very wealthy person with a great position.  If not, he should have a great business that is spread out everywhere.  If you find such a groom, don’t doubt it; just fix the relationship.  Keep my reputation in mind when you fix the relationship.”  The Pandit heard Chandoo’s words and agreed.  He said: “Divaan ji, you are great.  You are a Divaan from a high caste.  I along with my fellow Pandits will look hard to find a good groom. We will find a relation that will be equal to your caste.  I am your Purohit.  I will only get paid if I find a good match.  You are praised in the world.  The groom will be praiseworthy as well.  Give me leave me so I may do your great task.  I see good omens now for me to go.”  The Pandit took the Nayees (hygienists) with him and set off on his way.  Other servants were with him too. 

They travelled to different villages to look for a groom.  At night time they would camp where they found a good place.  In some places they found a good family but the family didn’t have money.  If they were wealthy, their family wasn’t of a high caste.  If they found a wealthy and high caste family, the boy would not be handsome.  They travelled from village to village.  They asked the people: “is there a Kshatriya family that is wealthy and of a high caste?  Do they have a handsome son?  We need to find a relation for Divaan Chandoo’s daughter.  They would be very fortunate to have a relationship with Chandoo.  His command is applicable in the whole land.  He has unlimited wealth.  We have travelled far and haven’t found a good match.  We are tired now, physically and mentally.”  The Pandits and the Nayees travelled to Lahore.  They said to the people: “we have come from Delhi and are here to look for a match for his daughter.  The boy should be handsome, rich and from a high family.  We looked hard and can’t find an equal match.”  Some of the Sikhs in the area praised the Guru to the Pandits of Chandoo: “there is unlimited wealth.  A lot of Sangat comes to meet him.  There is no one higher than him.  The whole world follows him.  The glory of the Guru is spread wide and far.  There is no shortage of wealth.  Their family is the highest.  He has a son named Sri Hargobind Sahib ji.  Sri Hargobind Sahib ji’s body has the characteristics of kings.  Consider him as the form of Kamadeva.  His arms are big and long that reach his knees.  His face is like the moon without the craters.  His eyes are big.  Whoever he looks at, they are in bliss.  The Sangat comes from every direction and bow to him.  If Chandoo’s daughter was to marry him, Chandoo would be very fortunate.  Whoever is related to the Satguru, they are very fortunate.”  The Pandit was really happy to hear the glory of the Guru and his son.  He said: “we have travelled far and haven’t found a suitable groom.  But it looks like our search is over.  Chandoo’s daughter is pretty.  It seems the Guru’s son is handsome.” 

The Pandit didn’t want to waste time.  He quickly took his people and headed to Amritsar.  He was happy as he entered the city of Guru Ramdas ji.  He saw the Sudhasur Sarovar and was in joy.  Inside the Harmandhir Sahib, the great and powerful Guru was sitting.  The beautiful form of the Guru was sitting inside.  Thousands of Sikhs were coming and going.  The Sikhs had their sins wash away.  The Rababis were singing Raag Keertan inside the Harmandhir Sahib.  They sang on tune and on beat.  The Mevras did the Ardaas of the Sikhs as they came.  The Pandits were in bliss seeing the glory of the Guru.  They were really happy.  They thought to themselves: “it seems as though the Guru is greater than Chandoo.  Millions of men and women are bowing to him and listening to his command.”  As the Pandits thought, Sri Hargobind Sahib ji came into the court.  The Sangat saw him and stood up in respect.  His feet were like lotus flowers.  His toenails were like diamonds.  It was very blissful to see him.  His legs were straight like the betelnut plant.  His ankles and knees were strong and solid.  His abs were cut and slim.  His chest was really wide.  His shoulders were high.  His arms were strong and big.  They were like the trunks of an elephant.  His hands were beautiful, like a lotus flower.  His fingers were like flower petals with nails that looked like precious gems.  His face was like the moon.  His teeth were like pearls.  His eyes were like the petals of the Lotus flower.  His sight was sharp.  He would bless the Sangat with his sight.  His chin and cheeks were round and red.  The hoops in his ears would rest on his cheeks.  The jewellery on his body was blessed.  His solid body was tall and big.  His Dastaar was beautiful with a Jigha full of precious gems.  There was a pearl necklace in his neck.  The Dastaar had gems in them.  The reflection would destroy darkness and illuminate the Gyaan.  He was wise and blessed his servants.  Sri Hargobind ji was the most handsome man on earth.  The Pandits saw him and were full of bliss.  They thought to themselves: “Chandoo is fortunate to have such a handsome son-in-law.  The family is high and the wealth cannot be counted.  The clothes and jewellery that the Sangat brought were beautiful.  The Sangat folded their hands and bowed.”  Sri Hargobind ji came and sat with his father.  Many Sikhs sat around him.  It was as though Brahma and Vishnu were sitting with the Devatas around them.  The Pandit asked some of the Sikhs: “what is the caste of Guru ji?  We have brought the relation of Chandoo’s daughter.”  The Sikhs responded: “Guru ji is the head of the great Sodhi family.  Only the fortunate ones can have relations with the Guru.  That girl will be fortunate who will come here.  She would become the Mother of the World.  Sikhs would bring many gifts and bow to her.”  The Pandit and Nayee saw the glory of the Guru and said to each other: “there cannot be a match like this in the whole world.  All of Chandoo’s criteria are met here.”  The Pandit and Nayee made a decision to speak to Guru ji.  They came and met Guru Arjan Dev ji.  They said: “Satguru ji, we have come with the marriage proposal from the Emperor’s Divaan.  Divaan Chandoo’s daughter is of age and we wish to have her married to your son.  We will go back to Delhi and tell the Divaan.  We won’t be long.  We will meet Chandoo and get the Shagun from him and come back.”  Guru Arjan Dev ji said: “only what Ram wishes will happen.  Parmeshwar has already set the destinies.  Whatever he wishes will happen.”  Guru ji then proceeded to give them gifts for the proposal but the Pandits spoke up: “when we come back again, we will do as you say.”  They bowed to Guru ji’s feet and headed back to Delhi. 

4-3 Preparing for the Engagement/ The Delhi Sangat writes a Letter

The Pandit, along with other Pandits, went back to Delhi and reached the house of Chandoo.  He congratulated Chandoo and gave him blessings.  He sat down and told him what happened.  He said: “we have worked hard and travelled far to find a groom but we couldn’t find anyone.  We found out from the people of Lahore that the Sodhis are descendants of the Raghu clan.  The Guru is of the Sodhis who is worshipped by the whole world.  They are from a high family and they are really wealthy.  We found a groom as per your likings.  Your daughter is really fortunate as she will be worshiped by all.  She will be called the “mother of the world.”  We saw the house and there is no shortage there.  We found absolutely no faults.  We were really happy to see them.  We have done matchmaking for many but this house was extraordinarily exquisite.  You are a Divaan and they are the Guru of the world.  Your command is heard by all.  The Guru can do whatever he wants.  He was many powers.  I don’t see a better relation that this one.  We travelled far.  On the throne of Sri Guru Nanak Dev ji, sits Sri Guru Arjan Dev ji.  He is extremely radiant and is worshipped by people from every direction.  He is really wealthy.  Thousands of people come to visit him everyday.  They come and bow to his feet.  The groom is really handsome.  It is as though he is the Avatar of Krishan ji.  We have never seen the radiance and beauty that he has in anyone else.  People see him and are smitten by his form.  When we saw the groom, we couldn’t blink or take our eyes off of him.  The Sikhs love him.  He is like the moon among the stars.  He is 9 years old but he is very tall and handsome.  He was wearing golden jewellery.  His name is Sri Hargobind ji and looks like he is 16 years old.  Listen Divaan ji, you are very fortunate.  Your fate is great because you are going to have relations with the Guru.  Your son-in-law is very handsome and is worshipped by the world.  Thousands of people serve them.  Within the Amritsar Sarovar there is the Harmandhir.  A lot of money was spent in building that.  The Guru sits in the Harmandhir and Sangat from every direction come to him.  They bring him a lot of wealth.”  Chandoo heard this.  He was proud of his caste and wealth.  He didn’t see this as a good thing.  He said: “you didn’t understand what I wanted.  We are of the “Dhai Gharay” Kshatriyas.  We are the highest.  We are the highest within that caste.  The Sodhis are lower than us.  We are high like a Chabarra, the highest place of the house.  They are the “Sreen” Kshatriyas.  They are much lower that us.  They are like the “Mori,” the hole in the house from which water comes out.  You didn’t do a good thing.  We are the brick of the Chabarra and you have affixed this brick to the Mori of the house.  You didn’t think about this properly.  Our people will see this as a bad thing.  The brick of the Chabarra is above everyone’s head.  You affixed it to the lowest place in the house.”  He said this 3 times, referring to the brick of the Chabarra.  He then said: “you say they have a lot of money?  They are Fakirs that take money for doing Pooja.  They only make money if the Sangat comes and brings them money, otherwise they sit there with nothing.  They don’t have land, country or Jageers.  They are not Divaans of any king.  They don’t have a business which would make them money.  I am a Divaan of the Emperor and my command is permanent.  I have a lot of wealth.  My income is set.  People are afraid of me.  There is no one like me.  What type of relation have you brought?  Their caste, wealth and status are not equal to me.  You didn’t think of my high status.  You come to me and praise them?  They are Fakirs.  What did you see there?  The poor Sikhs that are like beggars are all gathered there.  You got enchanted by the number of people there.  Anyways, since you have set the relation, I will accept it.  I will accept it because I set you in my place to find a match for my daughter.  I gave you the authority so therefore I will honor your suggestion.  I will accept this relation.  If I don’t, people will call me bad.  Once a groom is found, it is bad to find another.  We will take this relationship.  Whatever you did, even though they are a lower family with less wealth, he is my son-in-law now.  The traditions of the world will be dishonored if I don’t accept this.  You didn’t do good but I gave you the authority and sent you.  I will accept it.”  Chandoo praised himself and spoke bad about the Guru’s home.  He was filled with pride and wanted to only hear his own praises.  He said to the Pandits: “take the Shagun and take it to the Guru’s home.  Do what is needed for the engagement.”  Chandoo’s wife gave the gifts for the engagement to the Pandits.

The Pandit was happy that the relation was accepted.  He started his way back to Amritsar and thought: “when Chandoo sees the Guru he will know about his glory.  He is speaking like this because he hasn’t seen their glory.”  As Chandoo was speaking to the Pandit, there were a few Gursikhs of Delhi who were sitting there and heard him speak bad words about Guru ji.  They all got together in the evening at the Dharmsala and had a discussion.  There was Keertan going on there and the Sikhs spoke to the Sangat of what Chandoo said: “the Divaan of the Emperor is corrupt-minded.  He spoke bad words about Guru ji and also accepted a marriage proposal of his daughter.  He spoke words that we can’t tolerate.  Listen Sangat ji, you should write a letter to Guru ji and tell him that Chandoo is a sinner Kshatriya with no Bhagti and no faith.  He is blinded by the pride of his wealth.  He has no faith and devotion towards Guru ji.  He spoke falsely about the Guru’s caste and called himself as the highest.”  The Sikhs heard this and could not tolerate this.  They said to each other: “write a letter secretly about what happened here.  Chandoo shouldn’t hear about this.”  The Sangat wrote their Ardaas: “Sri, Sri, Sri Satguru Bhagwant!  You are benevolent who saves the world.  You assist the saints.  From the Sangat of Delhi: an Ardaas to Satguru ji.  The relation of the Divaan’s daughter has been sent to you.  He is a corrupt and egotistical person.  He calls himself as the Chabarra and referred to you are the Mori.  He speaks without devotion and spoke bad words about you.  The Sikhs did not like what he said.  We don’t think he is good to be related to you.  We couldn’t say anything to him.  Please don’t accept his proposal.  This is our Ardaas.”  A messenger was sent right away to Guru ji and given instructions: “go and quickly give this to Guru Sahib ji.  Get there before the Pandits do the Tilak ceremony for the engagement.  Satguru ji should know about Chandoo before anything is done.”

As the Pandit and Nayee set off to Amritsar, someone sneezed.  This was seen as a bad omen.  The Pandit felt a twitch and sensed that something bad was about to happen.  He didn’t think it was a good idea to go but set off anyways.  When they came the first time, Mata Ganga ji was really happy about the proposal.  She would dress her son in new clothes with big pearl necklaces and precious stones.  The diamonds, sapphires, pearls, emeralds, and gold would shine brightly on his body.  Rings with diamonds were put on his fingers.  Mata ji would look at her son’s face and be filled with joy.  The celebrations had started and women would come to congratulate Mata ji: “may your son live long for many Yugas.”  Everyone was waiting for the Pandits to come back.  They were waiting for the Tilak.  Celebrations were happening.  Dholaks were played; songs were sung.  Guru ji donated many things to the poor.  Everyone waited for the Pandit to come back.  Mata ji would sit with the ladies and sing songs.  The Pandits reached Amritsar and sent news to Satguru ji about their arrival.  When Guru ji heard about their arrival he said: “go and see to their needs.  Provide them with a place to stay and food they need.  Give them ladoos and other sweets.  Prepare fine basmati rice for them with ghee.  Provide good beds for them.”  The preparations were made and fine clothes and blankets were sent as well.  The servants were sent to stay with the Pandits to serve the Pandits.  Every type of Seva was done for them, organized by Satguru ji. 

4-4 Preparing for the Tilak

Mata Ganga ji got news that the Pandits from Delhi had arrived.  She asked the Guru of the world to give her permission for the celebrations.  The women of the city came wearing expensive clothes.  The dhols were playing and the songs were sung.  The flags were flying and the Napheeryas and Shehnais were being played.  The girls with sweet voices sang songs and said: “Mata ji, may your son live for many Yugas.”  There was happiness everywhere.  The Sikhs came and sang Gurbani Shabads.  There were fine clothes and golden jewellery flashing everywhere.  Red, orange, yellow, green, blue, Indigo and violet; all the colours could be seen dancing everywhere.  Mata Ganga ji respected everyone and told everyone to sit with her.  The women asked Mata ji: “when will it be morning?  We can’t wait for the celebration to continue.  We are fortunate to see the engagement of Sri Hargobind ji.  Seeing the Tilak ceremony, our lives will be a success.”  The poor people came to Mata Ganga ji.  Mata ji was happy.  She gave them money and clothes with great generosity.  She gave then new clothes, jewellery, sweets and said sweet words to them.  It was the first marriage in the Guru’s home.  The instruments were playing.  Singers and artists came and showed their skills.  They sang the praises of the Guru.  They were given money, clothes and sweets.  Divas were lit everywhere in Amritsar.  There were so many Divas, that it looked like day in the night.  The Amritsar Sarovar, Harimandhir and the market; there were celebrations everywhere.  Happiness came as an Avatar.  Baba Bhudda ji and other senior Sikhs organized all the celebrations according to the traditions.  Everyone ate to their hearts’ contents; the songs of marriage were sung.  The women would sit together and tell jokes and speak the “Sitneea,” (teasing the groom and the family by swearing at them in humour).  They sang deep into the night, waiting for morning.  Some slept.  Some couldn’t sleep out of too much happiness.

Sri Guru ji woke up at Amritvela and bathed.  He got ready and then went to Sri Harmandhir Sahib to do the cleaning Seva there.  The Raagis sang Asa Vaar in Raags.  The praises of Sri Parmeshwar ji were sung.  Simran was done which gave everyone joy.  Satguru ji sat in the middle of the Sangat.  The Sangat met Guru ji and were overjoyed.  This was the cream of the human life, to see the Guru.  They were blessed to see the True Guru, Guru Arjan Dev ji.  Keertan continued well into the morning.  Many Sikhs came to listen to Keertan. 

When the sun was up, the Pandit came and said: “lets call a Jyotishi, an astrology, and find an auspicious time for the engagement.” Sri Guru Arjan Dev ji heard this and let his internal bliss shine through, observing the traditions of the world.  A Jyotishi came, who was an expert with the skill of Jyotish.  A plate full of rice and money was presented as an offering to the Jyotishi.  He was told to find a date that had no obstacles for the engagement of Sri Hargobind ji.  The Pandits sat by.  The Jyotishi said to Satguru ji: “oh Satguru ji, you are omniscient and omnipotent but if I may make a recommendation: today is a good day.  It is the light phase of the moon and it is Maagh the 7^th.  The best time is when the day is at the 3-hour mark.”  Satguru ji called for all of the traditional items needed for the engagement.  Baba Mahadev ji was called first and seated respectfully.  Satguru ji smiled and said: “brother, today is a good time.  Please tell us of the family traditions.”  The people of the city were there.  The leaders of the villages were present along with the merchants.  Bhai Salo ji, Baha Bhudda ji, Bhai Umar Shah ji; the wise Sikhs were all seated.  The Masands and other Sikhs were present and bowed to Guru ji as they came.  Sikhs from all the directions had arrived.  There were celebrations everywhere.  Shabads were being sung.  The Naubats and instruments were played.  The Napheeryas were played.  The Bhatts sang Kabits while standing.  Sri Guru Arjan Dev ji was sitting in the Sangat, looking like the moon amongst the stars.  The Chaurs were being waived over his head, looking like white swans flying.  Satguru ji wore white clothes.  It looked like the radiance of the moon was fully present there.  Guru ji was the form of peace and serenity.  Guru ji said: “tell everyone to come quickly.”  The Giani Sikhs were all seated in the Sangat.  Guru ji looked like Brahma sitting with the Devatas in Brahamlok. 

Women with beautiful voices were sitting together in the city and singing songs of joy.  Their eyes were gleaming with joy.  Some were playing the dhol and some were singing songs of joy.  They danced by spinning around like a tornado, clapping their hands.  Their jewellery clanked as they danced, giving life to the joy inside their hearts.  The movement of their bodies, as they danced, showed how happy they were.  In this way, celebrations happened in the city.  Some danced and sang songs.  Some did Keertan in the Harmandhir.  Many came to see Guru ji.  It was a great crowd.  Everyone celebrated in their own way that gave them joy.  Everyone wanted to see the Tilak ceremony of Sri Hargobind ji.  Plates of Ladoos and other sweets were brought.  The Pandit and the Nayee of Chandoo were present and were happy to see the great celebration.  They saw the court and were filled with joy.  The Pandit was full of love and was giving blessings to all the Sikhs.  Sri Satguru Arjan Dev ji had the two sit close to him.  The Jyotishi established the Ganapati Grehs.  A stool made of sandalwood was placed in the centre and Guru ji had the Pandit do the traditional ceremony.  The Pandit said: “call Sri Hargobind Chand ji.”  They sent a servant to get Sri Hargobind ji.  Sri Hargovind ji was sitting down after taking a bath and getting dressed. He was wearing beautiful clothes and jewellery.  The servant came and said: “oh provider of joy, please come with me.”

4-5 The Sangat’s Letter is Received/ The Engagement Cancelled

Mata Ganga ji was extremely happy.  She gave expensive clothes and jewellery to her son, Sri Hargobind ji, to wear.  The chola was made of a very fine fabric that was shiny.  The outer-material of the chola was transparent.  The Cheera-Dastaar was made of a fine fabric with golden linings.  A shawl with a golden border was hanging from his shoulder.  There were diamonds and other precious gems on his Dastaar.  His earrings had pearls in them that hung down to his cheeks.  A pearl necklace was around his neck.  He was wearing diamond rings in his fingers and golden armlets.  Everyone praised the young Sri Hargobind ji when they saw him.  Mata ji put surma in her son’s eyes herself.  She circumvented his head with rye and salt to ward off the evil eye.  There was happiness everywhere.  The servants walked with Sri Hargobind ji as he walked to the court.  Everyone, except Sri Guru Arjan Dev ji, got up when Sri Hargobind ji came into the court.  His radiance was unbearable.  People couldn’t help not getting up and folding their hands, seeing his glory.  They all bowed to him and were happy to see him.  Sri Hargobind ji bowed to his father.  The Pandits had him seated on a stool.  He looked like Inder sitting amongst the Devatas.  Everyone saw him and said: “may the Guru’s son live a long life.  We are blessed to see this wedding.  It will be a glorious wedding.  The Divaan of the Emperor is fortunate and rich.  Satguru ji’s home is wealthy as well.  It is a time of happiness now.”  The Brahmins did their traditions to please Ganpati.  They did the Pooja of the other Grehs as well.  Everyone was looking at Sri Hargobind ji.  Some were sitting and some were standing.  It was a great crowd and there was limited space to sit. 

In this time, the letter from the Delhi Sangat had arrived.  The messenger quickly approached Guru Arjan Dev ji.  He folded his hands and bowed.  He said to Guru ji: “Maharaj, I have brought an Ardaas from Delhi.  The Sangat has sent it.  Please read the letter alone with your trusted Sikhs and discuss it.  Please do it quickly and do the engagement afterwards.”  There was a Sikh there who knew the past, present and future.  He remained calm and serene.  That Brahmgyaani Sikh got up and said: “Guru ji, this will not stay hidden long.  Everyone will get to know anyways.  I know why this letter is here.  Chandoo has no Sharda.  He was egotistical.  I request you not to go ahead with this engagement.  Let him bang into the Chabarra.  He will have to die in a Mori.  This thing will not be hidden.  Everyone will come to know.  Dogs bark and howl.  The elephant is not affected by the dogs’ barking.  Chandoo is a sinner and not deserving of your company.  The relation should not be accepted.”  People heard this and tried to make the Sikh quiet: “it is a time of joy.  Don’t speak poisonous words.”  They did not know what was written in the letter.  The omniscient Sri Guru Arjan Dev ji raised his hands to calm everyone down: “be calm.  Sit down and sing the praises of Govind.  I will do what this Sikhs says.”  Satguru ji got up and went to the senior Brahmgyaani Sikhs.  They all got up and went to a private place.  Guru ji then came back after reading the letter.  The letter mentioned what Chandoo had said.  Guru ji sat on his throne, the master of the universe, the giver of peace.  The Sangat was looking at Guru ji.  People were worried.  Guru ji said to Baba Mahadev ji: “Brother, the Kshatriya Chandoo is a proud fool.  His ego is growing.  He spoke bad words.  It is not right to go ahead with this marriage after receiving the Ardaas from the Sangat.”  Baba Mahadev ji, Bhai Salo ji and Baba Bhudda ji all discussed with Guru ji: “this egotistical person is a fool.  It is not right to go ahead with the engagement.”  The Brahmin from Delhi said: “why are you all wasting time?  It is the time to do the Tilak.  It is an auspicious time.  The Shagun is here.  When the relation happens all of the obstacles will disappear.  Please give us the command to go ahead with the traditions.  This is what everyone wants.”  Guru ji spoke in a serious voice: “there is no comparison between our families.  This marriage cannot happen.  Chandoo is proud of his family and wealth.  He thinks he is a Chabarra.  A Chabarra is in pain from every direction.  It is affected by rain and strong winds.  The one who is high is always afraid of falling.  The one on the ground does not fear falling.  The lightening destroys the Chabarra first.  We will get a proposal from people who are like us.  He can bang his head with his Chabarra.  The Guru’s house gives greatness to all who humbly come.  The egotistical are punished.  We will only meet humble people now.  That will be a loving relationship.”  When Satguru ji said this, it was like lava exploding from a volcano.  Men and women all heard this and the happiness in their hearts was all gone.  They were surprised to see what happened.  They were expecting a garden and now, they thought, they were getting thorns.  The vine of bliss was going to grow but it was destroyed by an elephant.  All the women were sad.  They stopped singing and dancing.  The engagement was off.  They were upset at what Chandoo said about Guru ji.  The instruments stopped playing all of a sudden.  Someone asked: “what happened?”  Another answered: “Chandoo was egotistical and called Guru ji lower than him.  When Guru ji found out, he was upset and broke off the proposal.  Everyone is worried now.”  Everyone was angry at Chandoo.  They couldn’t believe how corrupt he was.  They said: “Guru ji is omnipotent.  He is the reason for creation.  Chandoo cannot compare to Guru ji.  He was proud in front of Guru ji.  It was nothing.  Guru ji’s words can give joy or pain.  He can make a pauper out of a king and a king out of a pauper.  His greatness is so big but He doesn’t show it to anyone.  His powers can do anything.  His servants are so powerful that they can control the universe.  The radiance of Sri Guru Nanak Dev ji is greater than the sun in the world.  Chandoo does not know Guru ji’s greatness; just as the owl, not knowing the radiance of the sun.  Just as a firefly at night, thinks he is greater than the sun; that is how foolish Chandoo is.  He is calling for his destruction.”  In this way, people talked amongst themselves.  The Pandits from Delhi said: “Guru ji, you are wise.  Please let go of your anger and don’t listen to what others have to say.  When the girl comes to your home, what pride will Chandoo have?  He will have to fold his hands and bow his head.  He will ask for forgiveness seeing you as the father of the son.  In our tradition, the girl’s father bows.  Laxmi is coming to your home.  Chandoo is rich.  Don’t close your doors.  He is the Divaan of the Emperor.”  Guru ji said: “I am not going to become rich by Chandoo’s wealth.  If you think Chandoo is so great, go and find a suitable groom for his daughter like him.  A poor Sikh will come and bring his daughter for marriage to my son.  He will be without ego.  He will be joyous.”  The Sangat saw Guru ji and went quiet.  They accepted that this marriage was not going to happen.  They understood that a marriage proposal from a poor Sikh was going to come soon.