4-31 Sri Guru Arjan Dev ji Comes to Lahore

After completing the ceremony of the Gurta Ghaddi, Guru ji went home and had dinner.  He sat on his bed to eat.  Mata Ganga ji, the serene, came and sat close to her husband.  Guru Arjan Dev ji said to Mata ji: “listen, oh blessed one, I am going to go to Lahore in the morning.  Your son is responsible.  He will take care of the Gurta Ghaddi and the house of Sikhi.  He is patient like the earth.  He understands the Dharma.  The body is not permanent.  Everyone has to leave it here.  The wise ones are not attached to the body.  They do not love it.  Whatever is born is also destructible.  Whatever goes up, comes down sooner or later.  This is the ancient tradition of the world.  To love this body is false.  That person is in doubt, who love their body.  The body is constantly changing.  The body is never the same.  No body is forever young.  The baby becomes a youth.  The youth becomes an adult.  The adult then faces old age and becomes a senior.  It then falls into a permanent slumber from that age.  I am going now.  Don’t be sad when I’m gone.  Don’t think about leaving your body.  You have that power but I don’t want you to use it.  I want you to enjoy the pleasure of seeing your son grow up along with your grandchildren.  You are to see many celebrations and weddings in your family.  When it will be your time, come to me in Sach Khand.  The doors will remain open for you.  You will meet me there.”  Mata Ganga ji listened to her husband and began to shed tears.  She said: “why are you saying all this?  Your words felt like scorching hot arrows hitting my heart.  Your words came through my ears and hit my heart.  You are fine and well right now.  Why are you saying all this?  How can I be patient with this?  The joy of my heart has forever diminished.  Who will support the Sangat and the family?  You are the one that blesses us.  Sri Hargobind ji is a child still.  What responsibilities are you putting on him?  The enemies have always tried their worst.  Our son has gone through so much to be safe.  You protected him in many ways.  You are omnipotent in every way.  Who will be our support after you?”  Guru Arjan Dev ji responded: “why are you worrying?  Sri Guru Nanak Dev ji is the supreme master of the world.  His hand will always be on the head of Sri Hargobind ji.  He will always be with him and destroy his troubles.  He is the supreme Prabhoo who will kill all the enemies.  The Satguru’s radiance will make Sri Hargobind ji’s radiance grow by the day.  Don’t have any doubts in your heart.  The Tilak of the Bedis will protect you.”  Guru Arjan Dev ji then looked at Mata Ganga ji and destroyed her attachment.  His sight destroyed all the doubts and duality in her mind.  Mata Ganga ji received the Aatam Gyaan bliss.  When the Gyaan sprouted inside her, she had become one with the universe.  She folded her hands and accepted her husband’s words.  She said: “Satguru ji, whatever you do, is always good.  There is no one wiser than you.  You always say what is right and good.”  After conversing with Mata Ganga ji, Guru ji went to sleep.

Guru Arjan Dev ji woke up at Amritvela and took a bath.  He did his morning routines and bathed in the Amritsar Sarovar.  He sat in Samadhi after that to connect with his formless form.  When the sun came up, his palanquin was called.  Guru ji took 5 Sikhs with him.  The master Guru Arjan Dev ji sat in the palanquin and set off.  Bhai Bidhi Chand ji, Bhai Jetha ji, Bhai Langha ji (ancestor of Mai Bhaago ji), Bhai Pirana ji and Bhai Paira ji went with Guru ji.  The other Sikhs wanted to go but Guru ji said to them: “stay in Amritsar and do Seva.  Stay with Sri Hargobind ji.  Meet him and be happy.”  Guru ji came out of his home and went to bow to Harmandhir Sahib.  Seeing this place as his father’s place, Guru ji had a lot of love in his heart as he bowed to it.  This was the last “Namaskaar” to Harmandhir Sahib from his body.  This place was the embodiment of Guru Ramdas ji.  Keertan was always sounding here.  Amrit was always showered in the beautiful Harmandhir.  Guru ji did the Parkarma of Harmandhir Sahib as it was the form of Guru Ramdas ji.  He bowed again and came outside.  He got into his palanquin and headed off to Lahore.  Everyone came to see Guru ji off with Sri Hargobind ji.  After some distance, Guru ji stopped his palanquin and gave wisdom to the Sikhs: “do the Simran of the Satguru.  Your troubles will be gone.”  Baba Bhudda ji and Bhai Gurdas ji were standing with Guru Hargobind Sahib ji.  Guru ji said to all of them: “always adhere to the values of Gurmat.  Stay in high spirits after I am gone.  Keep everyone happy.  Everyone is to obey these senior Sikhs.  Follow their wisdom.”  Guru ji then said to his son: “respect Baba Bhudda ji.  Obey his commands.  Do what he says.  Don’t ever respond back to his command.”  When Guru ji said these words, Baba Bhudda ji and the other Sikhs bowed their heads to the feet of Guru Arjan Dev ji.  They made their pleas to Guru ji over and over again.  Nobody wanted to go back.  Guru Arjan Dev ji told them to go back repeatedly.  He had placed his Jot inside of his son and headed to Lahore.  He sent a Sikh to Goindwal and said to him: “go to Goindwal today and meet Baba Arthmal ji.  Tell him that I am going to Lahore.  Tell him to come to Lahore tomorrow morning. Tell him to come happily.”  The Sikh went to Goindwal right away.

By evening, the Sikh reached Goindwal.  He met Baba Arthmal ji and bowed to his with his hands folded.  He sat at his feet and said: “Guru ji has thought about you especially.  He wishes for you to come to Lahore as he is going there now.  He sent me to give you this message.  He wants you to come to Lahore in the morning.  I will come with you.  I came as soon as I received his command.”  Baba Arthmal ji was surprised to hear that Guru ji was going to Lahore.  He thought to himself: “I wonder why he is going to Lahore.”  The whole family of Guru Amardas ji came together to figure out what was going on.  They asked the Sikh why Guru ji was going.  The Sikh said: “the Emperor sent a letter to Guru ji.  We are all worried what will happen now.  The fool Chandoo is in Lahore as well.  He is making false allegations towards Guru ji.”  They all discussed the situation the whole night.

In the morning, Baba Arthmal ji headed towards Lahore before the sun was up.  Guru Arjan Dev ji had left the city of Amritsar, bowing his head to Guru Ramdas ji.  They had set up camp along the way for the night and left in the morning.  They reached Lahore.  There was a great Sikh named Bhai Sudhoo ji.  He had been waiting for Guru ji to come to his home one day.  He would do Ardaas everyday: “I am poor, oh master and saviour of the weak and poor.  Please see the love in my heart.  Please stay one night in my home.  I will do your Seva with my hands.  I will make food for you and feed you.  Will there ever be such a day?  Please complete my wish.  I think of you constantly.”  This Sikh would think of Guru ji, day and night.  “When will I be fortunate to have you in my home?”  He would listen to Keertan in Sangat.  He waited for Guru ji to come to his home.  To fulfill his wishes, Guru ji went to Bhai Sadhoo’s home.  Guru ji did not test high or low; he only looked at the love in the hearts of the Sikhs.

4-32 Staying at Bhai Sudhoo’s home in Lahore

Bhai Sudhoo ji and his wife had a deep love for Guru ji.  The omniscient Guru Arjan Dev ji came to their home.  Bhai Sudhoo ji saw the blissful form of Guru Arjan Dev ji and dropped to Guru ji’s feet.  He bowed his head onto Guru ji’s feet and said: “you know what is in every heart.  You are omniscient.  You came to fulfill this poor Sikh’s wishes.  You didn’t go to the rich Sikhs’ homes who have great big homes.  You came to my small home to fulfil my wish.  For this reason, you are called the saviour of the poor, “Deena Bhandu.”  You go the Sikhs who love you.  You are bounded by love.”  Bhai Sudhoo ji folded his hands and praised Guru ji.  He was shedding tears continuously.  He led Guru ji off his palanquin and took him inside his home.  Bhai Sudhoo ji had a bed ready for Guru ji.  There were beautiful sheets on the bed.  He asked Guru ji to be seated there.  He laid tarps and rugs on the floor for the other Sikhs to sit on.  He gave everyone water to drink and served them.  He washed the hands and feet of Guru ji.  He massaged Guru ji’s feet as he washed them.  He drank the water that dripped form Guru ji’s feet.  He gave that Charanamrit to his family to drink as well.  He sprinkled it all over his home as well.  He was blessed this day.  He received the reward for his long Tapasya.  He cleaned the kitchen and prepared it for everyone to eat in.  Everyone who was to cook and serve, took a bath.  New pots were brought with water from the well.  The dishes were cleansed as per tradition.  They grinded the wheat to prepare flour for the rotis.  Rice was boiled in water.  Daals were cooked with spices.  Kheer was made with ghee.  Karah Prashaad was made.  A great feast was prepared.  The sun had set and so Bhai Sudhoo ji lit ghee lamps around his home in celebration of Guru ji’s arrival to his home.  A new stool was placed for Guru ji.  He stood up with his hands folded and said: “Guru ji, the Langar is ready.”  Guru ji saw the love and sat down on the new stool.  Plates were placed in front of everyone.  The four types of foods were placed.  The crunchy, edible, sucking and drinking foods were there.  Salty, sweet, bitter, spicy and sour foods were placed.  He stood in front of Guru ji with his hands folded.  He wanted Guru ji to ask for things so he could serve him.  Guru ji and the Sikhs ate and washed their hands.  Guru ji said: “the food was delicious!”  Bhai Sudhoo ji folded his hands and said: “I am not worthy.  You are the saviour and always protecting us.  You bless us with your skills.  Just as Krishan ji didn’t go to Duryodhana’s home and went to Vidhur’s home to eat the Saag without salt instead; in the same way you came to my home.  You rejected all the rich Sikhs of Lahore and came to my home.  You are pure, unique and great.  Nobody can praise your ways.”  Guru ji got up and sat on his bed.  Bhai Sudhoo ji and his family then ate after Guru ji and the Sikhs ate. 

After eating, Bhai Sudhoo ji and his wife took fans and fanned Guru ji and the Sikhs.  It was a hot day.  Bhai Sudhoo ji massaged Guru ji’s feet as he laid down.  As Sikhs found out about Guru ji’s arrival in Lahore, they came to Bhai Sudhoo’s home.  They bowed to Guru ji and brought gifts.  They did their Ardaas and Guru ji fulfilled their wishes.  Guru ji then went to sleep at night.  The Sikhs slept near Guru ji that came with him.  Bhai Bidhi Chand ji and the other Sikhs slept.  Guru ji woke up at Amritvela and did his morning cleansing routines.  He bathed and got ready.  He sat in a Samadhi and connected with his real form.  The master was connected to his formless form.  When the sun came up, the Sangat began to come to Bhai Sudhoo ji’s home.  The Sangat bowed to Guru ji’s feet and placed their offerings.

As the Sangat came, Guru ji’s cousin, Baba Arthmal ji (one of the sons of Baba Mohri ji) had arrived in Lahore.  He met Guru ji with love and bowed to his feet.  Guru ji hugged his brother.  He was the elder son of Baba Mohri ji.  Guru ji respected him and had him sit close to him.  Guru ji told the other Sikhs to go outside the home.  Guru ji wanted to speak to his brother in privacy.  Guru ji wanted to tell him why he was in Lahore: “the end time of my body is near.  I only have a few days.  I am only telling you this.  The enemies of the Guru’s home need to be proven guilty.  I need to give my life and make them guilty to remove their hold on the land.  When they will be guilty, they can be punished.  Sri Hargobind ji, my son, your nephew, is on the Guru’s throne now.  He will be a radiant warrior and will kill these sinners like dogs.”  Baba Arthmal ji was surprised and shocked to hear this.  He said: “why are you saying this?  How will you leave your body?”  Sri Guru ji said: “Chandoo is falsely accusing me of wrongdoing.  He is filling the Emperor’s head with lies.  He first said that I keep thieves with me and loot the people of the land.  He had the Emperor’s items stolen.  The Prince, who was banished from the land came to eat Langar.  Seeing him helpless, I kept him with me.  Our tradition is to offer support and food to all but Chandoo took this news and used it to his advantage.  He had fined me 2 Lakh Rajitpuns as the Prince is considered a traitor.  The Ahadis brought the notice to me.  For this reason, I will give my life to pay the fine and make Chandoo guilty.  Plus, Kana Bhagat’s curse needs to be respected as well.  He said that I will let go of my body in the home of my enemy.  Also, when Nannaji, Guru Amardas ji, blessed my mother’s wishes of the Gurta Ghaddi staying in the home, he also said that: “you have stopped a flowing river.  This will cause a lot of troubles.”  It is time for his words to become reality.  It is time for this body to go.  The time has come, I will let go of this body.”  Baba Arthmal ji’s throat swelled up and he began to shed tears.  Baba Arthmal ji and Guru Arjan Dev ji played together as children in Goindwal.  He couldn’t stop crying.  He said to Guru ji: “Prabhoo, you are detached in every state of time.  You cannot be cut, burnt, drenched or blown away.  I am going to be at a loss when you are gone.  You are unaffected by this.  I won’t be able to see your bodily form anymore.  The Sikh Sangat will be hurt.  They will feel a deep pain.  They have a deep love for your form.  You bless many.  You are benevolent.  Chandoo and the Turks will be punished with great pain.  They are happily putting poison in their mouths.  This poison tastes good to them for now but it will destroy their bodies.  It will dry up their bodies and take their lives.  They have no idea what they are drinking.  The ones that hate the one without hatred, the hatred itself will place troubles on them.  Their roots will be pulled.  They will be punished for their actions.  You are the creator and therefor, whatever you have decided, will happen.  Guru Nanak Dev ji’s foundation is permanent and solid.  The slanderers will be destroyed in an instance.”  Baba Arthmal ji then folded his hands and continued: “listen to my plea, oh Master Sri Arjan Nath: my body that you see, this is not mine.  Give pain to this body instead.  I will give the Shaheedi and pull the Turks’ roots.  I won’t be able to live in this world without you.  Please give me permission to give my Shaheedi.  Please let me go.  You should stay in this world for a longer time.  (Guru ji was 43 years old) I am older.  I should go.  The Sangat wants to see your beautiful form still.”  Guru Arjan Dev ji heard his brother’s sweet words and said: “it is the command of Akaal Purakh.  You will have to stay in your body for 40 more days.  You will come to me in Sach Khand after 40 days.  You will leave your body with ease.  We won’t be separated for too many days.  We will be in Sach Khand together.”  In this way, Guru ji gave his cousin hope and kept him with him. 

Guru ji did Katha for the Sangat as the Sikhs came back in.  Langar was distributed to the Sikhs.  When the Sikhs heard in Lahore, they eventually found Guru ji and came to meet him.  They would come and do his Pooja before going back to their homes.  People brought food and ghee.  Every home in Lahore found out about Guru ji coming to Lahore.  Sikhs came to see Guru ji with love and devotion.  The Sangat came and received bliss.  Every home praised Guru ji.  Guru ji said to all: “do the Simran: Har, Har!”

4-33 Meeting Jahangir

The Sikhs of Luvpuri (Lahore) came to meet Guru Arjan Dev ji.  Sikhs from far and near came in groups to see Guru ji.  They came and met with Guru ji with love.  They placed their offerings in front of Guru ji.  The fortunate ones would hear Guru ji’s Katha and be connected to the Satnam.  Their troubles from many births were washed away.  They were in bliss.  Their minds stopped wandering.  “Great is the Satguru, Guru Arjan Dev.” is what all the Sikhs said.  “He is the Avatar of Parmeshwar but lives like a Bhagat.”  There was a big gathering of Sikhs.  They did the Satsangat and experienced bliss.  Many came and many went.  Some stayed close to Guru ji and washed their minds.  The Rababis would sing, starting at Amritvela.  The Sikhs would listen with love and devotion.  They would sing and recite Gurbani.  They would get together and memorize Gurbani.  The Satnam was praised which was illuminating like the moon.  Guru ji stayed like this for many days.

One day, Guru ji travelled the shores of the Ravi River on his palanquin.  The slanderer Chandoo crossed paths with Satguru ji.  Chandoo had never seen Guru ji before.  He saw the palanquin with the great crowd.  He asked his servant: “who is this?  Is it an officer or a rich Umarov?  There are many people with him who are bowing to him.  There are many people in front and behind.  Is he close to the Emperor?  Is a big officer of the Emperor?  If he worked for the Badshah, he would know who I am and bow to me.  He didn’t look at me.  He looks quite great.”  Chandoo’s servant went to inquire: “who is this, with the great crowd?”  A Sikh stood and told him: “it is Sri Satguru Arjan Dev ji, the master of the world.  He is the saviour of the weak and poor.”  The servant came back to Chandoo and told him who it was.  When Chandoo heard that Guru ji was in Lahore, his chest began to burn.  He said: “my enemy is showing his power in my city.  Look how many people he has with him.  I have become weak with worry.  He is worry-free.  Damned is my life and wisdom if I can’t capture him.  I tried many things but I was not successful.”  Chandoo told his people to hurry home.  He thought to himself: “I will tell the Emperor today.” 

Chandoo went to Jahangir right away.  He made small talk with him first.  The Emperor didn’t have many people with him.  Chandoo folded his hands and spoke his corrupt words: “the Peer of the Sikhs is here in Lahore now.  He sill hasn’t come to see you.  He is making the Hindus worship him.  He has a lot of revenue coming to him everyday.  He is becoming rich, which makes him egotistical.  He doesn’t consider 2 Lakh Rajitpuns as anything big.  Call him here and I will get him to pay the money.  Don’t listen to anyone else and let him go.  Otherwise, he will continue keeping thieves and won’t be afraid of you.  If you punish him, then the country will live in peace.  Summon him to your court.  Otherwise, he will collect the money from his Sikhs and go back to his home.  He is not afraid of you.  He helped your son, the Prince, whom you banished.  You need to be hard on him.  He will then know not to disobey you.  He needs to feel pain.”  There were a few other Umraavs, who sided with Chandoo, sitting with the Emperor.  They spoke: “Divaan Chandoo is wise.  He is upset when the country is in pain.  He has asked you repeatedly because he sees the people in pain.  They are being looted by thieves.  You should call Guru Arjan Dev ji to him.  You don’t need to say anything to him.  Just can just call him and ask him about “the Path to Khuddah.”  The Divaan will figure out how to take the fine from him.  If you are afraid of being guilty, just call the Guru to you.  The Divaan will do what needs to be done.  You can have a discussion with him and let him go.  You won’t be blamed for anything.”  Jahangir noticed his people and understood what they were saying.  He wanted to see Guru ji and didn’t want to be blamed for any punishments.  He got his way out and agreed to summoning Guru ji to him.  He wanted to meet him and listen to his words.  He wanted to see what his personality was like.  People talked good and bad things about him.  The Badshah had a Vizier named Vizier Khan, who had faith in the Guru.  Jahangir said to him: “call Guru Arjan Dev ji and request him to come to me.”  Vizier Khan went to Guru ji right away.

Where the master of the world was sitting, Vizier Khan came there.  He placed offerings and bowed to Guru ji with his hands folded.  He said to Guru ji: “Guru ji, you are great.  Your Bani is great as well.  Listening to your Bani made my pain go away.  I had an illness where water stayed in my stomach.  I tried many cures but nothing worked.  No doctor was able to cure me.  I would scream in agony.  One day, I heard the Sukhmani Sahib Bani and felt better.  I was soon better and fully cured.  I recite Sukhmani Sahib everyday.  I came to you because Chandoo speaks ill words of you to the Emperor.  He has been trying to harm you for many days.  The Emperor has heard so much bad about you that he now has agreed to summoning you.  There are other Umraavs who side with Chandoo and speak badly about you.  They have casted doubts in the mind of the Badshah.  The Badshah still knows of your greatness though.  He knows that you are on the throne of Guru Nanak Dev ji.  He wishes to hear your words.  He wants to meet you.  I have come to invite you to come to meet the Emperor.”  Sri Guru Arjan Dev ji responded: “I have come here for this purpose.  I came to meet the Emperor.  I was waiting for this time.”  Guru ji got ready to go with Vizier Khan.

Guru ji sat in his palanquin and headed to the Emperor’s court with the 5 Sikhs that came with him from Amritsar.  Thousands of people bowed to Guru ji along the way.  People stood up when Guru ji travelled by.  They sang the praises of Guru ji as he went by.  They said: “Dhan Dhan Guru.”  Guru ji blessed everyone on the way.  Vizier Khan noticed the praises on the way.  He sent a messenger to Emperor: “the Bhagavan is coming your way.  Have a high seat ready for him to sit on.”  Chandoo was jealous to see the respect that the Emperor had organized for Guru ji.

Guru ji reached the court of the Emperor.  Jahangir folded his hands and bowed to Guru ji.  Everyone in the court bowed their hands seeing the radiance of Guru ji.  Jahangir had Guru ji respectively sit on the high seat that was prepared.  Jahangir said to Guru ji: “this fight that Hindus and Muslims have; they each call themselves as superior over the other; the Hindus say they will go to heaven, and so do the Muslims.  Guru ji, tell me who is the superior one?  Who does Khuddah love more?  Who is speaking the truth?  Who is false?  This is a question I have.  You are a great Peer.  Please tell me the correct thing by which I may be calm.”  Guru ji heard the Emperor and responded with a Shabad:

Sri Mukhvaak.  Ramkali Mahala 5..

Some say Ram, some say Khuddah..  Some call him Gosaiyan and serve him; some call him Allah..

He is the cause of all causes..  He showers his grace and mercy on all..1.. Rahao..

Some bathe at the Teeraths and some go to the Hajj..  Some do Pooja and some bow their heads..2..

Some read the Vedas and some read the Quran.. Some wear blue and some wear white..3..

Some call themselves Muslim and some call themselves Hindu..  Some yearn for paradise and others long for heaven..4..

Says Nanak, the one who realizes the will of Akaal Purakh..  That person knows the secrets of his Lord and Master..5..9..

(SGGS 885)

“Sri Parameshver is only One, but people have fought and made him into two.  Listen Badshah, you need to understand this: Ram and Khuddah is the same.  “Kirpal” and “Raheem” means the same thing.  It means the “merciful one.”  The biased ones made the other ones false.  Our wisdom says that both Hindus and Muslims have reached Akaal Purakh.  Akaal Purakh is in both and separate from all.  Knowing: that joy and sorrow is in the command of Akaal Purakh, one cannot blame Akaal Purakh for anything.  One should always be happy in the will of Akaal Purakh.  Do the Simran of Satnam and let go of the pride of the body.  One will become a Brahmgyaani in this way.  If a Hindu or Muslim does these three things: accepts the will of Akaal Purakh; does the Simran of Satnam and lets go of their pride of the body; one will cross this world and come out of the cycle of birth and death.  If I explain this in detail, it will take a long time.  Even if I go into details, it will be the same thing.  The wise people don’t need to be told in details.  Whoever is connected to Khuddah, they are truly wise.”  As Satguru ji spoke, it was evening and the sun had set.  The Emperor gave leave to Guru ji. 

When Guru ji got up and exited the court, Chandoo saw his opportunity and got permission from Emperor to collect the fine from Guru ji.  He said: “I will take Guru ji to my home and serve him.  I will explain everything on your behalf.  I will make him pay the fine of 2 Lakhs, easily.  I will warn him not to keep thieves with him.  He won’t stop if he is not punished.  The people of the country won’t be relieved otherwise.  You are the Emperor and you need to give justice to all.  You will be praised for this.  The Guru kept the Prince with him.  He should be fined for this.  He won’t do such a mistake again in the future.  You won’t be blamed for anything.  I will collect the fine from the Guru.  I will keep the Guru with me for 3 or 4 days.  I will send the money to your treasuries.  You shouldn’t go to Kashmir now because we have been in Lahore for a long time.  You should go back to Delhi, but it is up to you.  If you go now, I will come right after.  I will collect the fine first.  If someone tries to convince you otherwise about Guru ji, don’t listen to them.”  Chandoo eventually got the Badshah to say “yes.”  Chandoo quickly came out and took his soldiers with him.  He had Guru ji come with him to his home.

Guru ji was brought inside the home of Chandoo.  The 5 Sikhs were arrested outside Chandoo’s home and placed in a room.  They were tied up and kept in a room in the main gate of the haveli.  Guru ji was kept inside the home and the Servants carrying Guru ji’s palanquin were told to leave.  It was quite dark when they all came to Chandoo’s home.  Chandoo told his soldiers: “make sure the Sikhs don’t come to rescue the Guru.  Stay awake all night.  Keep your swords and shields ready.  Make sure the Guru doesn’t leave.  Don’t let anyone come near the home.  Close the big door of the Haveli.  No Sikh is to come close.  I have finally got my wish.”  The fool was happy to capture Guru ji.  After making all the arrangements and setting his guards, Chandoo went to his room to sleep in peace.

4-34 Chandoo brings Guru ji to his him to torture him

It was soon morning and the Emperor left for Delhi at the sound of the Nagaras.  Everyone with him found out that the Emperor was leaving.  Chandoo came to meet the Emperor and said: “I need your permission to take leave for 4 days.  I will come to you then.  I haven’t received all of the tax of the Majha region yet.  I will collect it and come back to you.  It has been pending for a whole year.  The clerks are working to calculate the taxes.  I am supervising their work.  I will explain the ledgers to them and then come to you.”  Chandoo lied and left the Emperor.  The Emperor didn’t pay attention to the situation with Guru Arjan Dev ji.  Kings and Emperors are not very concerned with Sadhoos and saints.  They are only concerned with politics and pleasures.  The Emperor left, not knowing what sin was about to take place in his kingdom.  In the past, nobody would talk about Guru ji in his court.  If any talk did happen, it was to portray their hatred of jealousy towards other saints and Gurus.  Sulhi, Sulbi and Chandoo only slandered Guru ji.  Guru ji had nothing to do with these corrupt people.  People like Chandoo and Sulhi were proud of their money.  They didn’t know about Bhagti and saints.  The Turks didn’t care about saints at all.  They were stuck in pleasures and vices.  They didn’t know about the greatness of saints.  Just as a monkey wearing a diamond necklace doesn’t know its value, that is how they were.  Chandoo made sure everyone was on his side in the court.  Chandoo met the other people in the court and told them: “If anyone sides with the Guru, make sure you squash their discussion.  I will figure out what to do.  Change the subject and tell the Emperor to forget about saints.  I am about to do a big thing.  I need your help.   I will stay in Lahore but you should stay with the Badshah.”  He turned all the officers against Guru ji.  He paid some of them off and some he just spoke to nicely or praised them.  Chandoo came back home after Jahangir left.

Chandoo came back home with corrupt plans in his mind.  Where the “Laal Khooee” is today, that is where Guru ji was kept.  He was filled with anger and sat in front of Guru Arjan Dev ji.  Bhai Bidhi Chand ji, Bhai Jetha ji, Bhai Langha ji, Bhai Pirana ji and Bhai Paira ji were locked up in the Deodi of the home.  Guru ji was in bliss.  He was calm and serene.  Chandoo spoke with anger: “so, tell me: how are you?  You rejected the marriage proposal of my daughter.  You didn’t do a good thing.  I requested you to accept it but you didn’t accept it.  I sent my Laagis to you twice.  I have been worried ever since.  Forget about accepting the proposal, I was called a dog (this was not true.  It was a Sikh in the Sangat who would hear the letter from Chandoo with his egotistical words.  The Sikh called Chandoo a dog).  Nothing has spoiled yet.  Accept my daughter’s hand for your son and go to your home.  If you don’t accept this, just as you called me a dog, I will attack you like a dog.  What is your answer?  I will either prepare for a marriage or for your death.”  Satguru ji heard Chandoo and responded in fearless words: “why are you offering your daughter’s marriage proposal now?  You are a from a high caste.  You are a brick of the “Chabarra” and called us a brick from the “Mori.”  The mori brick met the mori now.  We got a relation with the poor Sikhs.  You should find another Chabarra.  I have said this before as well.  It is good to have relations with equals.  There is a big difference between you and I.  You are a chabarra and I am a mori.  I did not call you a dog, but if you think I did, so be it.  If one of my Sikhs called you a dog, it is the same as me saying it.  The Sikhs and I are the same form.”  Chandoo could not tolerate what Guru ji said.  Chandoo’s eyes were red.  He called his soldiers and said: “don’t give the Guru any food or water.  When he will be thirsty, we will take 1 Lakh Rajitpuns and give him water.  When he is hungry, we will take another Lakh Rajitpuns and give him food.  If he wants to sleep, take 1 Lakh Rajitpuns and let him sleep.  He is egotistical.  He doesn’t bow to me.  I will kill him.”  He said to Guru ji: “you need to make a decision, either the marriage should be accepted or give your life.”  Satguru ji heard him and said: “if that is the case, I will not sleep, eat or drink water from now on.  I will continue sitting in this place.  You can do as you please.”  Chandoo got angry and said: “keep a strict watch.  Stay here and stand on guard. He is not to eat, drink or sleep.  The 5 Sikhs in the Deodi are to be tied up with chains.  Make sure they don’t come to the Guru.  Don’t let them talk to each other.  Leave the Guru here alone.  Stay on guard, close to him.  Don’t let him stand up or lay down.  Don’t let him speak or look at anyone.”  After giving his orders, Chandoo went to his room.

The day had passed and so did the night.  It had been 36 hours Guru ji had not eaten or drank water.  He hadn’t slept either.  Guru ji was in Samadhi.  The Sikhs outside began to shout out: “where did Guru ji go?”  The Sikhs began to look for Guru ji and tried finding out what had happened.  They all met with other Sikhs in the Dharamsalas of Lahore.  They went to other Sikhs’ homes to inquire.  Nobody could find Guru ji: “where did Guru ji go?  He didn’t return from the Emperor’s home.  Did he go to Amritsar overnight?”  The royal officers were approached by the Sikhs.  They asked them: “did you see Guru ji?”  One of the officers said: “he is with Chandoo.  Guru ji was taken to Chandoo’s home.  We saw him go to his home that same night.  It was too dark though.  We don’t know where he is now.” 

The beloved Sikhs ran to Chandoo’s home.  They saw the front door closed.  One of the Sikhs inside was reciting Bani.  The Sikhs figured out that Guru ji was there, as they heard Gurbani.  The Sikhs tried to listen in but they were pushed away by the guards.  One of the guards told the Sikh reading Bani to be quiet.  They didn’t want the Sikhs to know that Guru ji was there.  The Sikhs began to come by Chandoo’s home and bowing.  They were pushed away to go back by the guards: “don’t stand here!  Go to your homes.”  They got scared of the tyrants and went back.  They told all the other Sikhs that Guru ji was at Chandoo’s home.  The Sikhs of Lahore were helpless.  They couldn’t rebel or protest out of fear.

Chandoo came to Guru ji the third day.  He came to scare Guru ji.  He said: “there’s still time.  Otherwise you will lose your life.  I won’t let you leave alive.  If you want to stay alive, then accept the marriage.  I have been upset for a long time.  I will torture you for humiliating me.  You are fearless now, but won’t be for too long.”  He said to his guards: “light a fire and boil a cauldron of water.  We will place him into the water.  I have been boiling for a long time.  I want him to boil in there.  Make him suffer.  Tell him to accept the marriage otherwise.”  When the guards heard the command, they brought a cauldron of water and lit a fire under it.  The water began to boil after a while.  Chandoo kept yelling at Guru ji.  Guru ji did not pay attention to Chandoo.  Guru ji was honoring the curse of Kana Bhagat, who was a Brahmgyaani as well.  Guru ji was sitting in his Brahmgyaan, connected to the blissful form inside of him.  Guru ji then said to Chandoo: “you are trying to scare me.  What has been written is what will happen.  I will not accept your daughter’s marriage proposal as my Sikhs did not want it.  You can take my life if you wish.  Whatever sins you will do, that is how painful your death will be.  An angry person commits sins.  That anger sends the person to Hell then.”  Chandoo said: “now you are giving me wisdom?  Why didn’t you fear me when you called me a dog?  Now you will pay for it.  I will punish you and kill you.”  Guru ji said: “if I didn’t call you a dog before, I do say it now.  You can do as you please.”  Chandoo’s guards had boiled the water.  Chandoo said to his guards: “grab him by his arms and put him in the boiling water!”  When the guards approached Guru ji, Guru ji got up himself.  Guru ji sat inside the cauldron with the boiling water.  The Sikhs began to yell out loud.  Bhai Pirana ji couldn’t take it and ran towards Guru ji.  He wanted to kill Chandoo and take Guru ji out but the guards attacked him with their staffs.  Guru ji spoke out: “don’t come towards me.  Stay where you are.  I am going to throw the roots of these sinners into the salted ocean.  I am going to let go of my Puranas.  Why are you coming here and trying to take the punishment?”  Bhai Pirana ji stopped where he was and folded his hands.  Bhai Pirana ji told Guru ji about his power: “Prabhoo ji!  I can’t watch this.  They are giving you so much pain.  I will pick up Delhi in one hand and Lahore in the other, and smash them together.  I can destroy both cities with one clap.  It will only take a second for these cities to be destroyed.  I just need your permission.  Just give me the signal with your eyes.  Why are taking so much pain?”  Satguru ji said: “where did you get this power that you are wanting to show me?”  Bhai Pirana ji said: “I got this power from doing your Seva.  I became powerful over the course of doing Seva.  This fool, Chandoo, is nothing; I can make all the Turks run away.  I can destroy their names and generations.  Their kingdoms are sinful.  They are giving a saint like you, so much pain.  This is injustice.”  Guru ji said: “from whom you received this power by doing his Seva, now you are proud of it?  Don’t you think I have that power as well?  Didn’t you think of this?  If you know this, then stay quiet.  Sit down and watch what is happening.  Accept the will of Akaal Purakh.  Otherwise, you will lose your powers and be empty.  This is how I’m going to do this.  You won’t understand it.”  Bhai Pirana ji bowed his head and went quiet.  He didn’t look up towards Guru ji again.  Guru ji was being boiled in the boiling water.  The sinners were lighting more fire under the cauldron.  Agni Dev got scared and changed its nature.  It lowered its temperature.  Guru ji did not feel the heat.  Guru ji stayed in the cauldron for a long time.  The fool Chandoo had to tell the guards to take Guru ji out.  He was foolish and did not understand the greatness of Guru ji.  He went to his home afterwards.

4-35 Chandoo’s Daughter-in-law/ the Hot Sand

The people in Chandoo’s home found out that Chandoo was torturing Guru Arjan Dev ji.  A Gursikh’s daughter was married to Chandoo’s son.  Chandoo’s daughter-in-law heard about the torturing of Guru Arjan Dev ji.  Her heart trembled.  She thought to herself: “my parents worship Guru ji and have their wishes fulfilled by Guru ji.  They do Simran of “Guru Guru” all the time.  My father-in-law is committing deep sins.  He is torturing the Guru, who is worshipped by my parents.  My Karma is bad that I am married in this house.  Guru ji has not drank water, ate food or slept for some days.  My life is damned to be living in this house.”  The girl could not tolerate this.  She took cold water and added sugar to it.  She prepared some food and secretly went to the place where Guru ji was.  She was afraid to be caught by her father-in-law.  She didn’t go close to the guards.  Instead, she called one of the guards over and bribed him with a golden necklace.  She said to him: “keep this a secret.  Let me go see Guru ji once.”  The greedy guard took the necklace and told her: “be quick!  If Chandoo finds out, I will lose my job.”  The girl went inside and began to cry when she saw Guru ji.  She bowed to Guru ji’s feet and said: “Sri Satguru ji, please drink this water.  I have brought some food fore you.  I am married to the son of a sinner.  I don’t know why I am married to this sinner’s son.  I must have done some sin in my past life that I came into this house.  I am the daughter of your Sikhs.  I am your servant.”  Satguru ji said to the girl: “very good!  You have love for the Guru in your heart.  If you want to be blessed, let go of your body when I let go of mine.  I am going to pull Chandoo’s roots.  He will go to Hell when he dies.  My son will take revenge and give Chandoo a horrible death.  Chandoo’s whole house will be destroyed.  Everyone in the house will suffer great pain.  The family will have no support.  They will die crying and helpless.  Keep this a secret.  You are not to see that pain so let go of your body the same day I let go of mine.  I can’t eat the food of Chandoo’s home.  I will not drink the water from his home either.”  The girl heard Guru ji’s words and was happy.  She was happy to know that she was going to receive Mukti very soon.  She said to Guru ji: “please make me one with your spirit.  When you go to Sach Khand, take me along with you.  I can’t live here any longer.”  Guru ji did not take the water or food from Chandoo’s home.  The girl went back home and was happy to know that she was going to be free soon.  She would be upset at home knowing what was happening with Guru ji.

Guru ji spent the third night sitting in one place.  Guru ji did not lay down.  He was in Samadhi.  He was still and serene.  He was calm and in bliss.  He was showing the world what a Brahmgyaani is like.  Chandoo thought to himself: “the fire was hot and the water was boiling.  It did not cause the Guru to change his mind.  (During Guru Amardas ji’s time, Guru Amardas ji came home once and heard Mata Mansa Devi ji yelling at Bibi Bhani ji.  Guru ji asked about the yelling.  Mata Mansa Devi ji said: “your daughter was boiling water and your grandson, Sri Arjan Dev, was crawling towards it and almost burnt himself.  I saved him.  Today, the plate to make rotis was hot and he was going towards it.  I saved him again.  Your grandson always runs towards fire.”  Guru Amardas ji said: “you said you have saved him today; will you save him when he will sit on hot plates and placed in boiling water?  It was not you who saved him today.  Whoever saved him today, will also save him when he sits in boiling water and on a hot plate.”) He was not scared and didn’t agree to my terms.  He doesn’t know that he will die if I continue with this torturing.  He didn’t feel the hot water.  I will pour hot sand on his body now.  He has blisters on his body.  The hot sand will hurt him even more.”  Thinking about his plan, the sinner ate his food.  He was a murderer who was thinking of grave sins.

Chandoo came into the Haveli.  He looked towards the 5 Sikhs and said to his guards: “look what this poor Sikh was saying yesterday.  He wanted to destroy me.  Beat them!  He was trying to scare me yesterday.  Make sure he is beaten.  They will not be able to leave alive.  It’s because of these Sikhs that the Guru is fearless.”  The 5 Sikhs were beaten.  They stayed seated and did not use their powers out of Guru ji’s command.  All five were very powerful but had to stay quiet.  Chandoo did not know that it will be these Sikhs that will beat him. 

Chandoo went to Guru ji and spoke harsh words: “this is your punishment for calling me a dog.  Was it or was it not?  I haven’t done anything yet.  Watch what I do to you today.  I don’t lie.  I will punish you severely today.  If you listen to me, I can make you happy.  If you don’t listen to me, I will punish you.  The money that you are so proud of, I will take it all from you.  I will take your property as well.  I will kill you first.  Then I will capture your son.  If your son accepts the marriage, I will let him go.  If he is stubborn, then I will kill him too.  I will be happy then.  I will think that my daughter is a widow then.”  Chandoo said this and ordered for hot sand.

The hot sand came from the kiln.  Chandoo said: “make this sand even hotter.”  Fire was lit and the sand was made hotter.  The sand began to smoke.  It was the month of Jeth (April/May) so it was quite hot.  On top of that, a fire was lit close to Guru ji.  The sand was practically fire.  Guru ji had still not eaten, drank or slept in this severely hot weather.  Guru ji’s body was boiled in hot water.  The sand was too hot to touch.  Chandoo looked at the sand, securing his entry to Hell; he said: “bring the Guru and show him the sand.  If he doesn’t feel scared, make him sit on the hot sand.  Make him feel scared.”  Guru ji heard and got up by himself.  With great calmness and patience, Guru ji taught the earth to be patient.  Guru ji did not have ego or sorrow.  He had no joy or sorrow in his mind.  He was showing the world of what the state of a Brahmgyaani was like.  Hunger or thirst did not affect Guru ji.  His face was radiant as it was before.  His state of mind was in the oneness.  His state was the same as if he was sitting inside Harmandhir Sahib.  Guru ji waked to the hot sand.  Chandoo said to Guru ji: “grab him!  He has made my chest burn.  Burn him in the same way.  He is guilty.  He is my biggest enemy.  He is quiet now.  He is quiet like a Brahmgyaani.  He called me a dog and insulted me.  He will now burn like I was burning.”  Guru ji walked towards the sand and said: “you unfortunate being, you don’t think about what you are saying.  You have been calling yourself a dog, over and over again.  You bark like a dog and are pulling the roots of your own family and your generations.  You aren’t hurting me.  You are hurting yourself.  You are preparing for the fierce fires of Hell.  You will die a horrible death and fall into the fires of Hell.  I am going to let go of my body.  The time is very close for me to leave my body.”  Guru ji stood on top of the hot sand.  The feet that Devatas worship, was on top of the hot sand.  Bhai Langha ji and Bhai Pirana ji yelled out in agony.  They tried to run towards Guru ji.  They yelled out: “Guru ji! We can’t see this!  We want to lay down on the hot sand.  We want you to stand on top of our bodies.  If we lose our life like this, we will be blessed.  We won’t have to watch you suffer.  We will be free from our bodies.  That would be best.”  Chandoo’s guards stopped the Sikhs at Chandoo’s command.  The guards whipped the Sikhs’ hands and feet with their sticks.  They took the Sikhs back.  Guru ji stopped the Sikhs and said: “why are you running towards me in this way with anger?  Remain sitting.  Don’t take the beating.  This is happening according to my command.”  Bhai Pirana ji said: “we can’t see this suffering.  The Devatas are not able to tolerate this either.  We are ready to let go of our bodies.  This is what we want.  You can keep your body.”  Guru ji said: “you can let go of your bodies when I give you the orders to.  This is my play; so sit down quietly and watch.”  The guards made the Sikhs sit down.  Chandoo noticed Guru ji standing on the hot sand and having no pain.  He said to Guru ji: “sit down on the sand.”  Guru ji sat down and sat in the Padamasana position.  The one who had created the 14 Loks, how could the fire burn Guru ji?  Agni Dev was standing in front of Guru ji with its hands folded.  Guru ji was sitting on the hot sand like he was sitting on a soft pillow.  Guru ji did not move.  He sat there in a still state.  He remained quiet.  If he would have said anything, the universe would have been destroyed.  Chandoo said: “take a big ladle and pour the hot sand on his body.  When he feels the pain, then he will speak and agree to what I want.”  A big ladle was brought and hot sand was poured on Guru ji’s body.  Guru ji continued to remain calm.  There was hot sand poured from the front and back.  Guru ji was being tortured severely.  Guru ji used his power to make his blisters worse on his body.  It was his own play.  Guru ji did not want to reveal his power to Chandoo.  He didn’t want Chandoo to know that he was not in pain.  Guru ji sat on the hot sand for 6 hours.  Hot sand was poured on Guru ji’s body for that long.  The sinner Chandoo was not feeling any fear.  Guru ji sat quietly and calmly.  The glory of the Satguru is priceless.  Guru ji showed the most extreme tolerance.  Nobody has ever tolerated so much pain.  Inder and the other Devatas saw Guru ji’s character and were amazed.  The Devatas folded their hands and cried, standing in the sky; descending from heaven.  They were waiting for Guru ji’s command.  They yelled out: “Dhan!  Dhan!  There is no one else who could do this.”  The Devatas bowed their heads as they came close to Guru ji.  They went back to their dimensions and said: “Guru ji’s glory is great!” 

Guru ji was taken back to his seat.  His whole body was burnt and had blisters on it.  Chandoo went back to his home.  Guru ji’s body was swollen from the hot sand.  Guru ji honored the curse of Kana Bhagat.