4-26 Prithi Chand Dies
Chandoo, the corrupt, was worried and upset, constantly. He was a fool who thought about harming Guru Arjan Dev ji, day and night. He thought of many schemes. Whatever he tried to do, failed. He wanted to kill Guru ji and not let the Emperor know: “I want to kill the Guru in his home. I will have to see when the Badshah is happy with me. The accusation that I did before about the thieves, I will use that again. I will prove him a harbourer of thieves. I will surely find some other allegation.” Many days passed of Chandoo thinking and scheming.
The messenger of Prithi Chand had come to meet Chandoo. Chandoo read the letter: “you are wise. I trust you to complete the task. You did good by bringing the Badshah to Lahore. Only you could have done that. It is a good time to kill the enemy now. Amritsar is only 80 km from here. If you need me, call me. Find some allegation to arrest Guru Arjan Dev ji. Once he is dead, we will be in the clear. Let me know if I should come.” When Chandoo read this, he thought: “I should call Prithi Chand. I will speak to the Emperor first.” Chandoo started to think of a new scheme. He went to the Badshah’s court. The soldiers were at the front, moving people back. Chandoo’s security guards were carrying his palanquin as he came to the court. Servants were running around. The Naqeebs sang the glories of the Emperor. Soldiers had their swords in hand. People were speaking with the Emperor. Chandoo wore a long Chola and a big Pagri. People saluted Chandoo while standing up as he came. When he reached the main gate, he got off his palanquin. Chandoo’s guards were not allowed to go into the court. Umraavs and other Divaans were all sitting. Jahangir was sitting on his throne. Chandoo saluted him 7 times. Chandoo spoke to the Emperor and praised him. Jahangir was very happy and said: “Chandoo is my most senior Divaan. He is dear to me.” Chandoo saw an opportunity and said: “Sire, it has been a long time that Prithi Chand has been upset. He sent me a letter. The last time he came, a few years ago, you said that you will solve his problem when you would come to Lahore. Prithi Chand was waiting for you to come to Lahore. He had been waiting for you like a hungry man waiting for food. If it be your permission, shall we call for him? You can solve their problem after you hear his story. It is your duty to make valid judgements and solve the problems of the public. This is your biggest duty. Khuddah gives your tongue power to say the right thing. You are a good judge. There has never been injustice in your kingdom. You are indiscriminate between rich and poor. You can separate milk and water. You will do the right judgement. Your radiance is like the sun. The darkness of injustice is away from you. Just as owls and thieves hide from the sun, the thieves don’t stay in front of you.” The Emperor said: “don’t call for Guru ji. Call Prithi Chand first and listen to what he has to say. After listening to him, we will call the senior Sikhs of Guru Nanak Dev ji and see what they say. We will then call Guru ji when it is necessary. I can’t take sides. I can’t make any hasty decisions.” Chandoo folded his hands and said: “very good Sire.” The Emperor got up and the court adjourned for the day.
Chandoo came to his home and told Prithi Chand’s messenger what happened in the court: “tell Baba Prithi Chand to come here, quickly.”
The messenger went back home as soon as he could. Prithi Chand was waiting for his servant. The messenger reached in 2 days and said: “the Emperor is calling you. Go quickly. Chandoo has sent me to tell you this. You can go to Lahore and speak to the Emperor.” Prithi Chand had hope now. He was happy. He got ready to go. He called his wife and son. Karmo said: “you are wise but speak with care. Don’t speak hastily. Don’t say anything that will backfire. Make sure we don’t lose this Jageer we have now. If we become enemies with the Turks, it will be bad. They won’t respect us. The family will laugh at us. My heart isn’t happy today with you going. I don’t like that you are leaving. I have come to the conclusion that the Guru has given us enough to live with. We shouldn’t start some new scheme.” Prithi Chand gave his wife hope: “why are you saying this today? It’s time to get the Gurta Ghaddi now. If I stay alive, I will kill the enemy and come to you. Otherwise, you go the Badshah and ask for what you need. My son Meharvaan will be Guru. He will be happy. I don’t have long to live. My son will enjoy life.” He gave love and wisdom to his son and set off to Lahore. As Prithi Chand left, someone sneezed and Prithi Chand’s left side twitched. He saw all the bad omens one could see. He saw a person carrying firewood. That was a bad omen as well. Karmo was worried but she couldn’t stop her husband. Her right eye twitched and her mind was restless. Prithi Chand didn’t care about anything else other than getting the Gurta Ghaddi and killing his brother. He took a few of his servants and headed west towards Lahore. Desire had made Prithi Chand weak.
Prithi Chand rested the night with his servants and travelled during the day. In 2 days, he reached Taran Taaran Sahib. He reached the shore of the Sarovar which was in progress. One of his servants said: “Baba ji, Guru Arjan Dev ji has made this Sarovar. We should bathe here and set up camp. We have travelled far.” Prithi Chand hated his brother’s name. He got mad and said: “this is a swamp. It is not a Teerath. Why should we bathe here? This is not made by a Guru. Nobody can achieve anything here. The Turks have taken over the brick kilns of this area and didn’t let this Sarovar complete. Let’s go on ahead. I will show you the Teerath that I made. We will bathe and rest there. We will stay there 2 days and then go.” Prithi Chand didn’t stop at the Teerath and used bad words towards it. He reached his in-laws village of Hayer. He said to his Sikhs: “this is a Teerath that I made. There are great rewards to bathe here. Whoever bathes here with faith, they will get what they want. We will stay here.” At night they ate and slept.
In the morning, Prithi Chand and the Sikhs bathed in the Sarovar. They made Karah Prashaad, recited Anand Sahib and distributed the Prashaad. They stayed there for 3 days. Prithi Chand did Katha everyday. He had his own Raagis to do Keertan. He was very happy there. On the third night he said: “we will go to Lahore tomorrow. Chandoo is waiting for me. One Sikh went and got the message. Chandoo wants to kill Guru Arjan Dev ji. I will be Guru then.” At night, they ate and slept. Chandoo ate rice with Saag. He ate a lot that night. He was really full. He fell asleep that night.
At midnight, he had a severe case of indigestion. His stomach began to ache severely. He saw his death come face-to-face with him. He yelled out: “hai, hai!” All night long, he yelled. His Sikhs gathered and try to cure him. There was no doctor at that time in the village. They tried to cure him with local herbs but it didn’t work. Everyone began to cry. His in-laws were crying. Prithi Chand saw his death come to him. He said to his Sikhs: “my end-time is near. Do my cremation here. If anyone from my family dies, tell them to come here and do their cremations. Those souls will come to me when they die. They will get the highest status in Sach Khand. Tell my son, Meharvaan, not to cry too much. Tell him: “this is the way of the world. Whoever comes, has to go. Do Simran and recite Bani. Do my cremation. Go and meet Chandoo to get the Gurta Ghaddi. Make sure Guru Arjan Dev ji is killed. Live in joy then. Come and fulfill my desires. Everything is ready. We must take revenge.” Prithi Chand laid down. He stopped speaking and his breath began to break. The Sevadaars called out to him, but Prithi Chand died. He died with hatred in his heart. He tried to speak like the Guru before dying but his words were empty and had no merit. Everyone began to cry all night. In the morning, his pyre was prepared. His body was placed on top of the pyre and cremated. After 3 days, the Sikhs collected his ashes and headed towards Kotha Guru. A messenger was sent before with his news. Karmo and Meharvaan began to cry. Karmo began to cry out loud and banged her head. She said: “hai! We couldn’t kill our relatives! You left me! You made your son an orphan. Who will look after him? You didn’t take your revenge. Oh Lord, we couldn’t even see his face. I told him not to go. I saw the bad omens. He didn’t stop.” Karmo thus yelled out in pain.
The Ashes came and the family cried again. Meharvaan got the Keertan done with the Langar. The Bani of the first 4 Gurus was recited and Ardaas was done. The Paath was done with the Bani of the first 4 Gurus. They did all the traditions that were required. The Sangat of Prithi Chand came and tied a Dastaar on Meharvaan’s head. They made him into “Guru Meharvaan.” They told him his father’s last wishes: “you have to take the Gurta Ghaddi from Guru Arjan Dev ji. Chandoo will kill him and then you will be happy. This is what your father said before dying.” Both mother and son heard this and were in pain. Meharvaan stayed quiet. He thought of becoming the Guru but didn’t know what to do.
4-27 Chandoo
In 1605 Vikram, the 7th of Asoo (September/ October) was when Prithi Chand was born. He died on Vaisakh 1663 Vikram. His wishes were not fulfilled as he thought bad about the Guru his whole life. Just as thieves blame the moon for their shortcomings; owls blame the sun for going blind and want it to fall into the Himalaya; the Juvasa hates the rain; dacoits standing on pathways waiting for travellers to loot, hate the police; the over-indulger hates the guards; the heron hates the swans; the widow woman is bothered by the moon’s light; that’s how Prithi Chand hated his brother’s praises. The vulture wishes to be the king of the jungle. Prithi Chand wanted to be the Guru. Just as the vulture who tried to act as the lion by colouring itself orange did not succeed, that is how Prithi Chand was. He wanted to obtain the Gurta Ghaddi. It was like Ravan trying to possess Sita. He died with his desires unfulfilled. Kans died at the hands of Krishan. Kans tried to kill Krishan, many times, but he died himself. Prithi Chand died himself as well. It was like a rabbit pretending to be the lion. When an elephant came in front of the rabbit, the rabbit died. Prithi Chand said he was the Guru. When the Jumms would come for his Sikhs, he couldn’t save himself or his Sikhs. He was a fake Guru.
Meharvaan wanted to avenge his father’s death but his mother didn’t let him go anywhere. She said to him: “you are our only support. You must guide your Sangat. I see you and live in peace. Your grandfather was a powerful Guru of the world. He blessed thousands and gave them wisdom. He gave them the 9 Niddhis and Siddhis. He gave them kingdoms and riches. Guru Ramdas ji was worshipped by all. Everyone praised him. Your father did not obey Guru Ramdas ji. He didn’t live in his will. He tried to compare himself to Guru ji. He spoke harsh words to him. He only saw him as his father. He didn’t see him as the Prabhoo. He got into many fights with him. Your grandmother, my mother-in-law, would teach him wisdom and say: “don’t try to be equal to your father or fight with him. Some other Sikh will do the Seva and take the Gurta Ghaddi. You won’t get anything. Seva is the only way to make the Guru happy. Earn Seva.” Your father didn’t listen to anyone and didn’t know what was good for him. He thought he was wiser than everyone else. He was too proud. Your uncle, Guru Arjan Dev ji, listened to his father and went to Lahore. This made Guru Ramdas ji happy and so he gave the Gurta Ghaddi to your uncle. Your uncle became the Guru and received many powers. Look how Sulhi died in this village. Sulbi went to kill the Guru but he died too. Your father tried to go to Lahore but he died on the way. For this reason, don’t listen to anyone. Don’t fight with anyone. Live with your Sangat. They give you money. Stay here and live in peace. Don’t be your uncle’s enemy. He has powers by which he has killed many people. We shouldn’t be his enemy. We are earning enough here to make a living. It is not good to be an enemy of the Guru. The one who didn’t leave his brother alive, he won’t leave his nephew either. He didn’t love his brother. He won’t love you, his nephew, either. What is done is done. They first kicked us out of the city by accusing us of plotting murder and now they have caused us more harm.” In this way, Karmo spoke to her son. Meharvaan got scared and remained where he was. He didn’t go to Lahore. He didn’t want to go anywhere. He stayed in Kotha Graam with his Sikhs.
Chandoo, the sinner, found out that Prithi Chand died on the way. It was like salt to his wounds. He was hurt to find this out. It was like getting hurt on an old wound. The news felt like an arrow in his ear. He thought to himself: “Prithi Chand was my ally who hated Guru Arjan Dev ji. Whatever we try, fails. Sulhi Khan died. Sulbi died. Prithi Chand died too. What should I do now?” Chandoo didn’t understand the glory of the Guru. He thought to himself: “I should go to the Badshah and find a new allegation.” Chandoo didn’t like to eat. He couldn’t sleep. He would keep thinking. He wouldn’t let anyone speak in front of him. He wouldn’t speak to anyone either. He was full of worry. He schemed many plans. The Emperor would hear him out but not pay any attention. The Emperor knew the greatness of Guru ji. Chandoo would continue to say bad things about Guru ji. Chandoo tried many times but the Emperor changed the subject. The sinner thought many things in this way. He took deep breaths and continued to think of plans. It was like someone getting hit with an arrow that wouldn’t come out. He was stuck in his worries.
One day, Chandoo said to the Emperor while praising the previous emperors: “Sire, I found out that Guru Prithi Chand ji has been killed. He was the 5th Guru of the throne of Guru Nanak Dev ji. He was a great saint. Many Sikhs came to worship him from other lands. They would bring him money and gifts. I have heard that his younger brother was egotistical. He doesn’t care about anyone. He had his brother killed. You are the Emperor and he didn’t come to see you. Prithi Chand came to see you many times. He was calm and cool. Prithi Chand has one son who is on the throne now. He wants to get the Gurta Ghaddi from you. He wants a Siropa from you and then he will sit on the throne. He will like it if you do that. His father died as he was on the way to come to you.” When the Emperor heard this, he had a Siropa and gift brought out. He said: “send a Pugri on my behalf. Have it sent there. Give my condolences.” Chandoo gave the Siropa to his messenger and had it sent to Meharvaan. Chandoo said to the Emperor: “you gave Kotha Graam to Prithi Chand when he first came to Delhi to see you. They have been living there and making a living since then. Prithi Chand’s younger brother cheated Prithi Chand by making accusations. He had him kicked out of Amritsar. Prithi Chand deserved an entitlement but he got nothing. Guru Arjan Dev ji became egotistical ever since he kicked his brother out of Amritsar. He is not afraid of anyone because you didn’t say anything to him for doing such a crime. He keeps thieves with him and gets them to loot others. He has them bring the money back to him. This has made him very rich. He made a Sarovar with a Mandir. He spent a lot of money on it and is fooling people. Nobody asked him where he got the money from. I asked you to call him but you said: “he will come by himself.” He is too proud to come and see you. He never came to see you. Sire, you should do what needs to be done. There are too many thieves in this area. It’s for the good of the public. You should call Guru Arjan Dev ji to you.” The Emperor deflected Chandoo again. He said: “when Guru ji wishes to come, he will come. I want proof of what you are saying. Is it the truth or a myth? I will not let thieves rob anyone, though. If you are correct, then arrest him. If it is false, then we can’t bother him.” Chandoo felt like he got through to the Emperor. He got his agreement that the Guru could be called if the allegation is proven. Just as a wind keeps pushing a tree to break it, Chandoo keeps pressuring the Emperor.
4-28 Baba Sri Chand ji asks for a Bheta
Sri Guru Arjan Dev ji, sitting in Amritsar, was blessing many who came to him. His praises were sung in every home like the moon. The son of Sri Guru Nanak Dev ji, Baba Sri Chand ji, did a strict Tapasya in his life. He was a great practitioner of Yog. Whatever came from his mouth, always came out to be true. Baba ji had a servant named Bhai Kamalia ji who had turned his mind away from desire and other vices. He served Baba Sri Chand ji, day and night. He only liked to do Seva of Baba Sri Chand ji. Baba Sri Chand ji said to Bhai Kamalia ji: “listen Bhai Kamalia, Guru Arjan Dev ji is the Guru and the head of the Sodhis. He has great patience. He is benevolent and only thinks of the best for the world. I have heard that he married his son Sri Hargobind ji with a grand celebration. We get a “Bheta” (offering) of 500 Rajitpuns every year from the Guru’s home. It has been more than a year now and we haven’t received the money this year. This year, the money will be doubled. We will get extra because of his son’s marriage. You are to go to Guru Arjan Dev ji and get our Bheta. Tell him that I asked for 1,000 Rajitpuns this year. I also want a nice and fast horse. I wish to ride a horse. When you go to Guru Arjan Dev ji’s home, stay standing. Don’t sit down. Take everything standing up. Come back here when you get everything. Till he doesn’t give you the money, stay standing. Don’t sleep the night. When he gives you all the gifts, come out of the city of the Guru. You can rest after coming out of the city. You can sleep too then.” Bhai Kamalia ji bowed to Baba Sri Chand ji and headed towards Amritsar.
Bhai Kamalia ji reached Amritsar and entered. He was happy to be there. He went to where Guru Arjan Dev ji was sitting. He entered the Divaan and bowed to Guru Arjan Dev ji’s feet. He gave him the message of Baba Sri Chand ji: “Sri Baba Sri Chand ji has been happy. He sent me to collect his Bheta. I have come for this task. I will be taking double the Bheta today along with a nice horse. This is in happiness of the wedding of your son. Please don’t delay these gifts. I will take them back. Baba ji did not want me to sit down. I must stand up and receive the gifts. I can’t disobey him. Please give me the Bheta as fast as you can. 1,000 Rajitpuns and a horse.” Guru Arjan Dev ji was calm and cool. Guru ji accepted the request of Baba Sri Chand ji. He said: “I will get you the money right now. Have Langar first, since you’ve travelled far. Guru Nanak Dev ji’s son is worship-worthy. He gives joy to all. I can’t disobey any order of his.”
A person was sent with Bhai Kamalia to the Langar. Mata Ganga ji was distributing food in the Langar. Many people were eating. Where the Langar was, many people were doing Seva along with Mata Ganga ji. Mata ji gave the food herself to everyone. Bhai Kamalia ji remained standing in the Langar. He asked for Langar: “Mata ji, please give me food so I can eat it standing up.” Mata ji didn’t notice Bhai Kamalia speaking to her as there were many people that she was giving Langar to. He spoke again: “Mata ji, please give me 2 Parshadas. Please give it to me quickly.” Mata ji was anxious and said: “are you an “Ahadi,” a royal messenger, who keep standing? You are standing and asking for food. Why don’t you sit down calmly and eat?” Mata ji gave him Parshadas. Bhai Kamalia ate his food and water standing up. He washed his hands and went back to Guru Arjan Dev ji’s court. He said to Guru ji: “please bring me the Bheta as I need to go back. I have to stay standing till I get the Bheta.” Satguru ji had the money and the horse come out. Guru ji presented it to the Sikh. Guru ji sent a Sikh with Bhai Kamalia ji, as he had a lot of money with him. Guru ji told him to go to Baba Sri Chand ji’s home with Bhai Kamalia ji.
Baba Sri Chand ji was doing Tapasya at the place of Dhera Guru Nanak Dev ji, as Bhai Kamalia came. Bhai ji said: “the Bheta has come as you instructed.” Baba Sri Chand ji was very happy to see the Bheta. He said to him: “tell me what happened there when you went to the home of Guru Arjan Dev ji. Was he happy to hear my request or was he upset? What did he say to you? How long did you have to stay standing? How did you speak to you?” The Sikh that came with Bhai Kamalia, along with Bhai Kamalia told Baba ji the whole story: “I told Guru ji your request. Guru ji was in one state. There was nothing changed in his mood. Guru ji told me to have Langar first. I went to the place of the Langar. Sri Mata Ganga ji was giving out the food. It was a great crowd and only Mata ji was giving the food. I asked for food as I was standing. She called me an Ahadi for standing up and asking for Langar. She gave me the food though and I quickly ate it. I came back to Guru ji and the Bheta was ready. I was given the Bheta along with this Sikh, who came with me.” Baba Sri Chand ji was not afraid of anyone. He was a little upset for Mata ji calling his servant an Ahadi. He said: “if they are hungry for Ahadis and speak harsh words; then Ahadis will come to their home and falsely accuse them of wrongdoing. Watch what happens when the Turk Emperor’s men come.” One could see this as a curse but the real reason was: Baba Sri Chand ji was creating the situation by which the Guru could give his life. Otherwise, the Brahmgyaani has no Karma. This was the situation which would pave the way by which Guru Arjan Dev ji would become the King of the Martyrs. Baba ji counted the money and then noticed the horse that was sent. He was happy to see the horse. Baba ji then gave a blessing: “the Guru’s home will be filled with horse stables. There will be unlimited horses and soldiers in the Guru’s home.” The Sikh stayed with Baba ji that night.
The next day, the Sikh went back home and told Guru Arjan Dev ji about the curse and the blessing. When everyone heard this, Mata ji was upset to hear what had happened. Guru ji asked Mata Ganga ji: “how did you take this curse? The words of Guru Nanak Dev ji’s son are irreversible. He is a great Tapasvi. He is a Jati and Tapasvi.” Mata Ganga ji told Guru ji what happened: “there was a great crowd. I was anxious. He was asking for food while standing up. He kept asking for it. I got angry and spoke harsh words. I am regretting calling him an Ahadi. This is the only thing that happened. Baba ji did not forgive me.” Guru Arjan Dev ji knew that it wasn’t a curse. It was a prediction of what was going to happen. Guru ji was not worried. He was in a still state. Guru ji’s heart was deep and calm like the ocean. He wasn’t cold or hot. He was the same as he was before.
4-29 Khusro’s Visit
Sri Guru Arjan Dev ji was at the Teerath in Tarn Taaran. Many Masands and Sikhs would come to see him.
For some reason, Jahangir was in conflict with his own son Khusro. Akbar didn’t want Jahangir to be the Emperor because of his excessive drinking habits. He wanted his grandson; Khusro do be the Emperor. As Akbar passed away, Jahangir gained control of the throne. His relationship with his son was a conflicting one, as a result. He exiled his son, Khusro, from Delhi. Jahangir sent a royal proclamation: “nobody is to meet or support Khusro. No Employee of mine is to give respect to him. He is not to be allowed to enter any village or district. He has been exiled out of my country. Let him go and pass through your area. Nobody is to stop him or help him.” He sent this proclamation all around the country. When Khusro was leaving Delhi, a few people went with him, who were his supporters. They travelled slowly and passed through Majha. He was heading west, out of the country.
Guru Arjan Dev ji was staying in Taran Taaran Sahib. When the Prince reached Taran Taaran, he set up camp. Somebody told Khusro of the glory of Guru Nanak Dev ji, who gave his elders the throne of Hindustan: “he is the Guru, Guru Arjan Dev ji. You should go and meet him. He is powerful.” Khusro decided to see Guru ji. He wanted to stay a few days and then be on his way. He rested the night and woke up the next morning.
Keertan started in Guru Arjan Dev ji’s court. Khusro came to meet Guru ji with humility. He folded his hands and bowed to Guru ji. He knew of the glory of Guru ji. Guru ji asked him how he was and what he had been through. Khusro told Guru ji what happened to him regarding his exile: “my father is angry with me. He exiled me from his kingdom. I am heading west now. Sri Guru ji, I will stay there for the rest of my life.” Khusro then made a request to Guru ji as he told him his pain: “my money has all been spent. I don’t have any food left. Nobody gives me any food, fearing my father. I have to stay hungry on some days. I came to have Langar from you. I have to spend my money wisely. I have sold my jewellery to feed my men. I will go to another kingdom and see if I can get a pension from them.” When Khusro said this, Guru Arjan Dev ji felt sorry for him. Guru ji kept Khusro with him and gave him money for his food. When Khusro wanted to leave, he asked for permission after a few days. Guru ji gave him a Siropa and 5,000 Rajitpuns. Khusro bowed to Guru ji and happily left for the west. The day Khusro took leave from Guru Arjan Dev ji, one of Chandoo’s spies was in Taran Taaran. The spy noted all the details and brought the information to Chandoo.
Chandoo saw Guru ji as his enemy. He rubbed his hands and said: “I got my excuse! I will tell the Emperor. When the Emperor hears about this, he will be angry. I was trying many things before but I couldn’t cause the Guru any harm. He is just a Fakir and I am a Divaan. Till now, we were equals but now I have the upper hand. The Prince is the Emperor’s enemy. The Guru made the Prince his friend and kept him with him. He gave him food and money. He wasn’t afraid of the Emperor when he kept him in his home. The Badshah will be angry when he hears all this.” In the morning, Chandoo got dressed and went to the Badshah. The fool went to the Emperor’s court. He saluted the Emperor 7 times. He was a foolish and anxious slanderer. He folded his hands and said: “Sire, Guru Arjan Dev ji, who calls himself the Guru of the world; money comes from every direction to him; he does not fear you. He sees himself being worshiped and the money that comes to him; this gives him pride. He did the crime of giving your son, the Prince, Khusro, a place to stay. No other Navaab or Sooba gave him support. Khusro went to the Guru in Taran Taaran. He was respected in the Guru’s court. The Guru helped your enemy. The Guru gave him hope. The Guru said that he will support Khusro if he were to rebel against the Emperor. The Guru told him: “the Emperor does what I tell him to do. I don’t follow the Emperor.” The Guru kept him for a few days. Khusro did not want to stay though and left. The Guru gave him a lot of money and offered his support. The Prince left, fearing you. Guru Arjan Dev ji did not fear you. The Guru is egotistical. He does not look anyone at eye-level. I have told you about him before. He has many thieves. He calls him the “Sacha Paatshaah,” the true King. He makes them call him this. He thinks he is bigger than you. He does what he wants to do. If you don’t want to punish him, then at least call him to your court. Let’s see if he has powers. If you don’t want to see his miracles, then call him to you so he will fear you. If you don’t punish or scare him, he will do what he wants and remain fearless. He will burn your kingdom. You keep forgiving him, seeing him as a Peer but he is becoming prouder. He is not like the great Guru Nanak Dev ji. Guru Arjan Dev ji has hatred. Sulbi was killed. The Guru became prouder. If the Guru does not fear you, your kingdom will have rebellions.” In this way the sinner spoke false words about Guru ji. He had the Emperor convinced to call Guru ji to Lahore. Chandoo spoke bad words about Guru ji to the Emperor. The Badshah said to Chandoo: “what punishment should I give him for harbouring Khusro? I will give you the authority to write a letter to Guru Arjan Dev ji. Send him an Ahadnama so he comes here.” The corrupt Vizier corrupted the mind of the Badshah. The Emperor was not able to determine the truth from the false. The Badshah used to praise the Guru, seeing him as a Peer. Now he was considering punishing the Guru. The Emperor said: “tell Guru ji that he is being fined 2 Lakh Rajitpuns for giving a place to stay to Prince Khusro. He has to come here as well. I exiled my son. Nobody was allowed to give him support. Guru ji, you did not do good by giving him support. You are being fined for this crime.” Chandoo then wrote a letter and wrote more than what the Emperor said. He wrote in anger, 10 times more than the Emperor. He wrote very harsh words in the letter. An Ahadi was called to take the letter. Chandoo said: “the Emperor is angry. Give the letter with anger. Tell the Guru to keep 2 Lakh Rajitpuns ready. Go to Amritsar and give the Guru this command. Take what you are to get from him. Speak harshly there. Take the 2 Lakhs from him. Bring him with you if he doesn’t pay you. Don’t listen to anyone else.” The Ahadi took the letter and headed to Amritsar. Chandoo was really happy. He thought to himself, “years have passed and now I can finally do something. I will take my anger and hatred out on him. The trouble that I was given to see my unmarried daughter, I will give him pain, many times more. I requested him to take my daughter’s hand but he didn’t listen. He was been calm till now. I tried to harm him but he was safe up until now. I was insulted in my clan. Nobody will take my daughter for a bride. I now have my opportunity.” The sinner was getting happy thinking about this. He didn’t know that he was pulling his own roots by doing this. He was putting himself in danger. This sinner had a lot of pain in his future. He was going to die a dog’s death. He was going to go to Hell after that. He will burn in the fiercest fires of Hell. He didn’t know about this. The Ahadi reached Amritsar and prepared himself to be harsh.
4-30 Speaking to Sri Hargobind ji
Sri Guru Arjan Dev ji was sitting when the Ahadi came. The Ahadi came ready to yell but when he saw Guru ji, he felt a deep calm in every part of his body. Guru ji was well aware why the Ahadi had come. The Ahadi bowed and placed the letter in front of Guru ji. He folded his hands, seeing the radiance of Guru ji. He was shocked and in bliss. He noticed that Guru ji was really calm and serene. He couldn’t speak the harsh words that he was supposed to say. Satguru ji opened the letter and had it read out. It was a notice of a fine in the amount of 2 Lakh Rajitpuns. Guru ji understood of what events this situation was leading up to. It was time to let go of his body. He remembered the curse of Kana Bhagat; of Guru ji being in pain when letting go of his body. Guru ji set these events in play by himself. Otherwise, there was no way for him to give his Shaheedi and create the strong and powerful Khalsa. Sri Hargobind ji was sitting next to Guru Arjan Dev ji. Guru ji looked at him and saw the future of how powerful of a warrior he was going to be. He was going to sit on the Gurta Ghaddi with weapons. He was going to take revenge. A revolution was in the making. Guru ji thought about the past and future. The Ahadi was kept for a day.
In the morning, Guru ji said to the Ahadi: “I will come to Lahore myself. I will talk to the Emperor about the fine. I won’t give the fine today.” In this way, the Ahadi was given leave. The Ahadi had become a Gurmukh in one day. He folded his hands and said: “Chandoo sent me to say harsh words to you. I wasn’t able to say those words after seeing your radiance. My bad wisdom has been destroyed. Please see me as your servant. I will do as you say. You are the “Purshotam,” the complete and highest being. You know everything. You know how the Divaan is. Please be aware of Chandoo. He has cooked up a dangerous plan for you.” Guru ji heard this and blessed the Ahadi. The Ahadi was given a Siropa. Guru ji said to him: “the ones who do bad deeds, they are destroyed as well. The fools will get what they deserve.” The Ahadi went back home.
The Ahadi met Chandoo and said to him: “Guru ji told me that he will come to Lahore himself. He told me to tell the Badshah, that he will speak to him in Lahore.” Chandoo heard this and got upset. Chandoo went to Jahangir and said: “Guru Arjan Dev ji did not pay the fine. He didn’t come with the Ahadi. He does not fear you at all. He does not care about your commands.” The Emperor said: “stay quiet for a few days and don’t send any messengers. If he doesn’t come, then we will do what you say.”
Guru Arjan Dev ji knew exactly of what was going to happen. Guru ji was sitting where Guru Granth Sahib ji’s resting place was during the night, Kotha Sahib. Guru ji was fearless. Baba Bhudda ji was called. Baba Bhudda ji was respectfully seated next to Guru ji. Guru ji called for Sri Hargobind ji and Bhai Gurdas ji. Sri Hargobind ji sat next the Guru ji. Guru Arjan Dev ji said to his son: “you are now all-powerful, omnipotent and omniscient. Baba Bhudda ji, isn’t Sri Hargobind ji bigger now? He is powerful. He is now deserving of sitting on the Gurta Ghaddi. He can tolerate his power now. He will punish the sinners.” Baba Bhudda ji said: “it is your Jyot. He will be a powerful warrior. He is born in the family of Kshatriyas, but the Kshatriyas have not fought for a long time. They had let go of their weapons. They lost their kingdoms. They let go of their Kshatriya Dharam. The sinners wielded the weapons and won the kingdom. When Sri Hargobind ji sits on the throne, the Kshatriya Dharam will be illuminated again. He will make the Dharma of Kshatriyas great again. Whenever tradition and Dharam is spoiled, you come into the world in human form to fix it.” Bhai Gurdas ji folded his hands and said: “Baba Bhudda ji is great. He has served every Guru from the time of Guru Nanak Dev ji. His blessings and curses are always true. His words become reality. His words are like the Brahmastar of Ram Chander ji. Five Gurus have been calm, who illuminated the beautiful Sikhi. They preached peace. Whoever heard this wisdom, their pains and troubles were gone. Your sixth form will be with weapons. He will make the Sikhs carry weapons too. There is no one who can face the Turks in the world right now other than Sri Hargobind ji. Only Sri Hargobind ji can fight the Turks. He has received all of the traditions from you. You are going to be in the 6th form to protect the Hindu Dharam.” Guru Arjan Dev ji was really happy. Guru ji got up and picked up a coconut in his hands. Guru Arjan Dev ji did 3 Parkarmas around Sri Hargobind ji. He placed 5 Paisas and the coconut in front of Sri Hargobind ji. Guru Arjan Dev ji bowed to Sri Hargobind ji and transferred his Jot into his son’s body. His son was now “Guru Hargobind Sahib ji.” Only Baba Bhudda ji and Bhai Gurdas ji was present. The tradition of transferring the Gurta Ghaddi was complete. Guru Arjan Dev ji said to Baba Bhudda ji: “now it is your turn to complete the tradition. You have the authority to place the mark of the Guruship on Guru Hargobind ji’s forehead. With great joy, stand up and place the Tilak on the new Guru’s forehead.” Baba Bhudda ji folded his hands and said: “what is this play that you are doing? The Tilak is done when the Guru is about to let go of one body. You are fine and well still. You aren’t even that old. You are illuminating like a Diva in the world. You taught the way of Bhagti and peace in the world. The Sangat wishes to meet you still. They come from far and wide. You come into the world because of Bhagats. Why are you doing this all of a sudden? Please stay longer and meet the Sangat. You are everyone’s support. Kaliyuga is strong. Only you can help the Sangat. The Sangat looks towards you as their head. They are your family. Chandoo has corrupted the Badshah. You know all this.” Guru Arjan Dev ji said: “the end of my body is near. That is why I am transferring the Gurta Ghaddi. You can’t see a reason to let go of my body yet but the situation will arise once I get to Lahore. Kana Giani was a Bhagat. His curse cannot go empty. My body will die from the hands of the sinners. The revolution will begin now. Guru Hargobind ji will be a powerful Guru who will be benevolent. He will support the Sangat. He will complete many tasks with success. He will be filled with the warrior spirit. I will let my body go upon the heads of the Turks. Only then will their power decrease. Guru Nanak Dev ji gave the Mughals the kingdom. Seven heads will be given to take the kingdom back. There is no other way of taking the kingdom back from them. Their sins need to reach the maximum. The other tasks are set in place. They can’t be spoiled. The kingdom of the world and humility is in the house of Guru Nanak Dev ji. It is the blessing of Akaal Purakh. No Emperor can take that blessing away. Guru Nanak Dev ji gave them kingdom as he was happy with them. The kingdom will be taken back as they have become sinners. They need to become guilty of this deed.” In this way, Satguru ji spoke to Baba Bhudda ji. The Gurta Ghaddi was given to Sri Guru Hargobind Sahib ji.
Baba Bhudda ji grinded the Kumkum and saffron to make the Tilak. Baba Bhudda ji applied the Tilak to the head of the Sodhis, Sri Guru Hargobind Sahib ji. He was about 11 years old. Guru Arjan Dev ji said: “for now, keep this hidden. After I leave, Baba Bhudda ji, tell everyone that Sri Guru Hargobind Sahib ji is my form. He is the Sixth Guru now. Whoever sees us as one, that person will be in bliss. Tie the Dastaar of the Guruship after I am gone. Have a great celebration. Don’t mourn my departure. It is my command to all the Masands and Sikhs that Guru Hargobind ji is the Guru. Send them Hukamnamas when it is time. Tie the Dastaar on his head when everyone comes. After the Sangat comes, make the Guru sit on a Takhat. He doesn’t need anyone else’s help. Akaal Purakh will help him. He will help others in the world.” Guru ji said this and gave love to his son by placing him in his lap. He put his hand on Guru Hargobind Sahib ji’s head and gave him wisdom: “Ahang Brahm (I am Braham). You are now on the seat of Guru Nanak Dev ji. You are to see yourself as the Brahm Saroop. You are not the body. You are the Brahm but never say it from your mouth. From your mouth, you are to always call yourself a servant. Only keep this knowledge in your heart that you are the Brahm. Only speak of Bhagti from your mouth. This is the wisdom of the Guru from the beginning. Guru Nanak Dev ji said this to Guru Angad Dev ji: “Hirday Gyaan (gyaan of Brahm in your heart), Mukh Bhagti (Bhagti from the mouth), Vartan Vairagya (remain detached from the attachment of the world).” Engrain this wisdom with devotion into your heart. You will need to tolerate and contain your power. Keep calm and patient. Be forgiving. Don’t show your unlimited power by doing miracles. Ram Chander ji and Krishan ji were great. They used their strength to fight wars. They didn’t show their powers. They accepted the will of Akaal Purakh. This is the wisdom that you must keep. You have the powers of Akaal Purakh but you are not to show them. Where great being, Purshotams, have shown their power, it was to re-establish and protect the tradition or to save the servants of Akaal Purakh. Where devotion is about to break, great beings illuminate the power of Akaal Purakh. Great beings stay calm otherwise. Wake up at 2 am and bathe. Listen to the Keertan of Gurbani. The world is not permanent. It is not indestructible. The Aatma is true and infinite. Keep your attention focused in the Sat Sangat.” Guru ji was giving the whole world this wisdom. By the excuse of giving the wisdom to his son, the world received the teachings. Guru Hargobind Sahib ji listened to his father with patience. Guru Hargobind Sahib ji’s lotus-like eyes began to shed tears. He folded his hands and said: “father, you are the sustainer of the world. The world moves at your will. It is not right to say anything in front of you. You are omnipotent and omniscient.” Guru Hargobind ji bowed to his father. He kept his head lowered in front of his father. He remained quiet as he knew it was time for his father to leave.
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