4-46 Chandoo sends a Marriage Proposal out of Fear

Sri Guru Hargobind Sahib ji spent his time in this way.  His body got stronger and bigger.  He was filled with power.  He was tall, wide and strong. 

Listen to Chandoo’s history now.  Chandoo was a sinner.  He was blind with ego.  He had done a grave sin.  Guru Arjan Dev ji was martyred in his home.  The fool Chandoo was guilty of Guru ji’s murder.  Guru ji put the blame of his Shaheedi on Chandoo’s head.  Chandoo was afraid now.  He didn’t want people to know that he tortured Guru Arjan Dev ji, but many had already found out.  Guru Arjan Dev ji sang a Shabad “Sevak ki Odhak nibhi preet,” recited Japji Sahib and left his body near the river.  Many Sikhs had gathered during that time and found out what happened to Guru ji.  Chandoo didn’t want the Emperor to find out.  He wanted to hide this truth.  He was afraid of his sin.  His daughter-in-law had died the same day Guru ji left his body.  Chandoo left Lahore and went to Delhi after her cremation.

Chandoo told his allies: “make sure the Emperor doesn’t find out what I did to the Guru.”  He bribed many to hide the truth.  He would think about this all day and night.  He spent a great deal of effort to hide this from the Emperor.  He didn’t want the Emperor to blame him for Guru ji’s Shaheedi.  Jahangir did have a hand in this though.  History had shown that Jahangir knew what was planned but denied and ignored it.  Chandoo would look at his daughter, who was the form of trouble, and think: “I had to commit sins for her but she is still not married.  She is still not happy.”  The rich Viziers of Jahangir, Chandoo met with them.  He stayed humble with them and gave them gifts to keep them happy.  He praised the Navaabs and Umraavs.  He gave money to most of them and would eventually speak to them: “Guru Arjan Dev ji came to my home and died.  He was at my home.  It was really hot and he became ill.  He died from that.  If someone speaks about this in the court, please try to change the subject.  If the discussion starts, tell them that he was ill.  Some people suspect me of killing him.  Why would I kill him?  I wanted to serve him but he became sick.  If someone says this in front of you, scold them to stay quiet.  You are my friend, watch out for me.  Make sure the Badshah doesn’t get angry with me.”  He made all the officers of the court his allies.  He tried new tricks everyday.  Everyone was on his side. 

When Chandoo reached the court of the Emperor, he praised the Badshah.  Nobody spoke about Guru Arjan Dev ji.  They talked about other things.  He was humble in front of Jahangir.  His fear went away after a few years.  The Sikhs knew about Chandoo’s wrongdoing.  They were afraid to say anything though.  They met each other and cursed Chandoo when they spoke about him.  They would say to each other quietly: “Chandoo has done a grave sin.  His sin will kill him.  He won’t survive.  Sri Guru Hargobind ji is the Guru’s son.  He is strong.  He has taken an oath to take revenge while wearing the Meeree and Peeree at Akaal Takhat.  He said: “I will take revenge.  I will kill Chandoo like a dog.  People will see the result.  He will have a black face here.  He will be beaten by the Jumms.”  Everyone has heard this.  This is known throughout the land and other lands.”  The Sikhs that were trying to use logic thought that Guru ji was hasty in making the oath.  They said: “it is not easy to kill Chandoo.  He is the Divaan of the Emperor.  The Divaan is able to command the whole land.  His orders go far and wide.  How will Guru ji capture him?  Thousands follow Chandoo and the Emperor.  Lakhs look towards the Emperor.  The son of the Satguru is young.  He didn’t think before making the oath.  How will he ruin his relationship with the Emperor?  The Emperor’s kingdom is of thousands of miles.  He has countless soldiers in his army: 22 Lakhs mounted soldiers and 50, 000 canons.  His radiance is illuminated everywhere.  How can his Divaan be captured.  We think about this.  The Guru’s son shouldn’t have announced this.”  Many other Sikhs would respond to them: “the Satguru is omnipotent.  He is all-powerful.  He can make a king out of a pauper in an instant.  He can make a king into a beggar.  He can do the impossible.  He can destroy permanent things.  He has hidden his power now.  He can do as he wishes.  He hasn’t shown his power yet.  He lives like regular humans.  He can fulfill his oath when he wishes.  He will do it in an instant.  He will do as he wishes.  He is the 6^th form of Guru Nanak Dev ji.  His ways are unique.  He is omnipotent.  Guru Arjan Dev ji’s servants have unlimited powers.  Guru ji sat on the hot plate and left his body; this is his son.  He is all-powerful.  The Jot is the same.  The body is different.  He will do everything in front of us.  He will give Chandoo pain and kill him.  We have faith.  We believe Chandoo will be killed near the Emperor.”  The Sikhs had discussions like this.  They said: “have faith on Guru ji.” 

Chandoo heard the news of Guru Hargobind Sahib ji’s oath.  He was upset and worried.  He heard of the Guru’s son being strong.  He knew that he was preparing to kill him.  When he heard this, he wasn’t able to sleep anymore.  He heard about Guru ji saying that he was going to kill Chandoo like a dog.  A few years had passed and Chandoo’s paranoia grew.  He thought to himself: “I should arrest Guru Hargobind Sahib ji and throw him in jail.  I should kill him like I killed his father.  I can do that or send him my daughter’s marriage proposal.  He will get scared and marry my daughter, thinking what happened to his father.  I can tell him that if he marries my daughter, he has nothing to fear.”  He sat next to his wife one day and told her everything: “I tortured the Guru to get him to agree to the marriage proposal but he didn’t agree.  Now his son has become my enemy.  He wants to kill me.  Our daughter is unfortunate.  I have lost my honor in my clan.  I have tried hard to marry her off but I have failed.  Nobody wants to take her proposal because she was engaged to the Guru’s son.  They call her the “Mata.”  Chandoo’s wife said to him: “first of all, you made a mistake.  You called the Guru a “Mori” and yourself a “Chabarra.”  You should have been humble.  This caused the conflict.  Our daughter-in-law was a daughter of a Sikh.  She died the same day as Guru ji because she had faith in the Guru.  The Guru was the Guru of the world.  Everyone respects him.  He couldn’t tolerate your prideful words.  His son his strong.  I have heard that his son’s name is Sri Guru Hargobind Sahib ji.  Go and repair your relationship with him.  Convince him to marry our daughter.  Send a message to him with your hands folded.  Let go of the pride of being a Divaan.  Do whatever it takes so he accepts the marriage proposal.  Send wise men to him.  Make sure they make him happy so he lets go of his revengeful thoughts.  You think the Badshah will help?  Forget about that.  He won’t save you from Guru Hargobind Sahib ji.  Go and present the proposal to the Guru’s son.”  Chandoo understood what his wife was saying and agreed to it: “she is right.  If the Guru agrees to marry my daughter, my daughter will get the Guru as a husband.  I will be free of my charge of being an unmarried girl’s father.  He will stop thinking about killing me.  I won’t be afraid anymore.”  Chandoo came to his office.  He was still worried about being killed.  He prepared two wise people and wrote a letter.  He wrote: “your father started a conflict with me for no reason.  Somebody instigated him against me.  He listened to someone and became my enemy.  Such pauper Sikhs come to your home.  They made something else of my words.  Let’s let bygones be bygones.  Nobody can change fate.  A person does a lot of things in anger.  A greedy person doesn’t see good or bad.  Take my daughter and make her your servant.  Marry her with glory.  Let’s end this enmity.  Our relationship will be blissful for us both.  It is good if you accept this proposal.  Let’s do this marriage.  If you talk about revenge and announce your intention of killing me; then listen what I have understood: your father called me a dog.  So then I became a dog and went after your father.  I stopped after killing him.  You didn’t know my power.  You must know what I am now.  It is best to leave enmity and become my friend.”  He called the wise people and said to them: “speak with humility first.  After, threaten him.  Tell him about my glory and power.  He should be scared and accept the marriage proposal.  I don’t want to hear about any rejections.  Do the task and I will give you rewards.  Make the Guru afraid of the Badshah and ask him: “why are you causing problems for no reason?”  Speak to him with strategy.  Make sure my daughter gets an engagement.”  He spoke to his people for a while.  He sent 10 servants with the 2 people. 

The messengers got on top of a cart and headed to Amritsar with about 10 servants.  They rested the nights and travelled during the day.  They crossed the villages and reached the Sutlej.  After, they crossed the Beas and finally reached Amritsar after a while.  

4-47 The Messengers came back to Delhi

The messengers that Chandoo had sent to Amritsar, entered the city.  They camped at a nice place and set up their things.  They washed up with water and wore expensive clothes.  They found out that Guru Hargobind Sahib ji was at the Akaal Takhat and holding a Divaan.  The messengers came to the Divaan and saw Guru ji.  They saw Guru ji and the Sikhs wearing rifles, swords, bows and arrows.  They had Saifs, Sahithis and Sailays.  They saw Sippars, Sirohis, Saangs, weapons and royal clothes.  Sri Guru Hargobind Sahib ji was sitting on a Takhat.  His eyes were the protectors of the poor; the destroyers of evil.  He was wearing two swords.  He was scary like the lion for the cowards.  There was as a big bow in front of him.  He was holding an arrow in his hand and rolling it around.  He was blessing his Sikhs by looking at them.  He would roll the arrow in his hands, alternating from left to right and right to left.  The messengers of Chandoo were impressed by Guru ji’s royalty and radiance.  Guru ji’s radiance was too much for them to tolerate.  The messengers were scared but went up to Guru ji and bowed to him.  They presented Chandoo’s letter to Guru ji and said: “Divan Chandoo has sent this letter for you.”  Sri Satguru ji looked at the letter and called the court announcer to read the letter out.  Guru ji said: “read the letter out loud.  Tell me what it says.  His name pumps my chest.  I get filled with anger when I hear his name.  Tell me what he says.”  The announcer read the letter to Guru ji.  Guru ji heard the letter and then spoke in anger: “he first writes humbly and then he speaks egotistically.  Everybody has heard the letter.  His sweet words had bitterness in them.  He wants to marry his daughter to me.  I have heard about my father in his letter.  He’s telling me straight, that he tortured my father by attacking him like a dog.”  Guru ji came into the Bir Ras.  He said to the messenger: “I want you to tell Chandoo my words as I speak them.  Don’t say more or less.  Tell him: “what are you so proud of?  Your time is close.  Start counting your days.  You puranas will fly from my hands.  My father, Guru Arjan Dev ji, was the form of peace.  He didn’t get angry and didn’t curse you.  His words would have blown you away.  A dog can only bark till someone doesn’t strike its face with a stick.  The son, who doesn’t avenge his father’s death, is not a man but a dead animal.  Use all your might and strength to save yourself.  I will kill you like a dog.  You will be in pain in both worlds.  I know you know about my oath.  That’s why you sent these messengers.  I will fulfill my oath.  You are guilty of Guru Arjan Dev ji’s murder.  You are the biggest illness for all the saints.  The Saints and Sikhs are looking towards me to punish you.  The saints that can turn you to dust with their words, I have stopped them because I want to give you a painful death.  Nobody will forgive a sinner like you.  Your property, wealth and family will be destroyed.  The saints and Sidhs came to Guru Arjan Dev ji for permission to destroy you but he stopped them.  He kept forgiving you and stayed calm.  You are a fool who is proud to be a Divaan.  This is your misconception.  You will receive your punishment in a little while.  Inder cannot protect you, the Badshah is nothing.  You are in the forest of the saints and trying to ruin their gardens.  You have messed with the wrong people.  You are proud of causing pain to saints.  You can only be happy as an elephant in the garden of the saints till the lion doesn’t come.  The lion will kill you.”  The messenger got scared.  He folded his hands and said: “this is Guru Nanak Dev ji’s home.  Please forgive us and make us your relatives.  When you marry his daughter, his head will bow in front of you.  He will fold his hands and become your humble servant.  For what this conflict started, please take the relation and stop this conflict.  Both sides are angry.  When you marry his daughter, the fight will stop.”  Guru ji got angry and said: “what are you saying?  Do you not think before you speak?  The family of Chandoo is like the Kamodini that wilts when the sun comes up.  His whole family will die.  If you try to make him into a lotus, then I will become frost and kill him.  Till Chandoo is alive, I will not be at peace.  I don’t like to eat, sleep or rest.  I cannot forget that he killed my father.  If the sun rises from the west; fire spews from the moon; the mountains gain wings and fly away; the ocean dries up; if everything opposite happens, I will not marry Chandoo’s daughter.  The one who tortured by father, I want to kill him a dog’s death.  He is my enemy.  I will chase him down and kill him.  Chandoo is a fool.  How can I be his relative?  Don’t say such a thing again.  Leave here with respect.  Give Chandoo my message.  Tell him death is coming to him soon.  The trouble is coming to his home for sure.  He won’t be able to stop it.  You are a messenger and therefore I will not hurt you.  You should be beaten too, though.  Did you not think what was done to my father?  I am following the right tradition.  The fool Chandoo will die soon.”  Guru ji angrily told the messenger to leave.”  The messengers were upset and embarrassed.  They had been insulted.  They came back to their camps, swaying in pain.  They didn’t say anything else to Guru ji. 

The messengers rested the night in fear: “we hope nobody kills us.”  They couldn’t sleep the night.  They got up the morning and went back to Delhi.  They travelled the long way back and came to Delhi.  They met Chandoo, the sinner, and told him what happened.  The sinner fool heard the message and was upset.  He said: “tell me the whole story.  What did you hear and what did you see?”  The messengers spoke: “Divan ji, listen: we first set up our camp and found out where the Guru was.  We found out that he had just come back from hunting.  He was sitting at the Akaal Takhat and holding a Divaan.  We were surprised to hear about the Guru going hunting and sitting on a Takhat.  This was the Gaddi of Fakirs.  We were surprised to hear that he keeps weapons and hunts.  He also sits on Takhats; this was another surprising thing for us to hear.  He had taken on royal traditions of kings.  We saw that he had an army with strong soldiers and horses.  We found out that he started these traditions after finding out what you did to his father.  A Sikhs said: “Chandoo committed a grave sin.  Sri Guru Arjan Dev ji left his body.  Guru Hargobind Sahib ji has been angry ever since.  He wore two Kharags, a bow and kept an army after hearing about his father.  He gathered an army and made an oath to kill Chandoo.  His wealth and army are increasing by the day.  He built a Takhat to sit on.”  We went to meet the Guru.  We saw that he had many strong warriors with him.  The Guru was wearing weapons and sitting on a Takhat.  We went up to him and bowed our heads.  When we said your name and presented your letter to him, he got really angry.  His chest got pumped thinking about his father.  He had your letter read out and spoke harsh words.  He hasn’t let go of his wish to take revenge for his father’s death.  He is fearless.  He told us to tell you this: “tell Chandoo that great trouble is coming to the fool.”  He is young and has fastened weapons.  He stays with warriors all day long.  He wants a fight.  If you can do something to save yourself, that would be good for you.  He is eager to kill you.  He does not fear anyone.” 

4-48 Chandoo Squeals to Jahangir

Chandoo got worried with the way Sri Guru Hargobind Chand ji sent his reply.  He started to think many strategies: “the Guru is not going to marry my daughter.  The death of his father has not scared him.  This situation has gotten out of hand.  He does not fear my anger.  Either I will be destroyed or he will have to die.  I will have Guru Hargobind ji captured and thrown into jail.  I will have him killed in jail.  I will be in danger till then.  I will spend as much money as needed to do this.  I will make sure he cannot escape my plan.”  In this way Chandoo thought many schemes.  He was worried all day and night.  He bribed the close officers of the Badshah to befriend them.  He didn’t get a chance to speak to the Emperor yet.  When he would go to court, he would think about squealing on the Guru.

One day he caught the Emperor’s attention.  He gave him many salaams and said: “the taxes have not been received of the Majha area.  You called Sri Guru Arjan Dev ji to Lahore and met him.  He has left this earth ever since.  His son has ascended his throne.  He is the 6^th Guru now.”  The Badshah said: “how and when did Guru Arjan Dev ji leave his body?  After how many days of meeting me did he die?  Where did he die?  He was very calm and peaceful.  He was the form of Vairagya.  His words were very sweet.  Hindus and Muslims listened to him.  Listening to him would connect one to Allah.” (History has shown that Jahangir pretended not to know as records show that he did).  When Chandoo heard the praises of Guru Arjan Dev ji, he got extremely jealous.  Chandoo made up falsified accounts of what happened: “listen Badshah ji, he died in Lahore.  After he met you, he only lived for a few days after that.  He got ill and let his body go near the shores of Ravi.  The Sikhs performed his funeral there.  His son, Sri Hargobind ji was then seated on his throne.  He is young and strong but his ways are very harsh.  I have heard news from Lahore that Guru Hargobind ji has started problems in the Majha area.  I was surprised to hear that he has made new traditions up.  He started calling his Ghaddi a “Takhat.”  He seeks to learn Shastervidya.  He has let go of the ways of Fakirs and changed his appearance.  He wants to be equal to the Badshah.  He has started to keep an army and enlists new soldiers everyday.  He wishes to fight wars.  He calls himself a “Paatshaah.”  He hunts in the jungles with his Sikhs.  The wars that have happened in the past, he listens to their history from the Taadis.  They sing the Vaars of the warriors and instigate the Sikhs to fight wars.  He makes his powers evident and says that he will fight wars as well.  He has not been given any authority to raise flags, play Nagaras or keep and army.  He is claiming authority in his area.  His army is getting bigger.  I hope he doesn’t start a rebellion against the crown.  We should ask him about his army.  How will soldiers stay with him?  He has no Jagir to collect taxes.  You should send some soldiers and arrest him.  Let’s catch him before a fight happens.  Either send soldiers or wise people to make him understand.  Call Guru Hargobind ji to Delhi and see what his intentions are.  Let’s keep him close so he stays under your pressure.  It is up to you as you wish to do.”  The Umraavs that were close to Jahangir, they agreed with Chandoo.  They had already been bribed by Chandoo.  People who are used to taking bribes, they do not think of right and wrong.  They only think about the person who pays them.  They don’t analyse truth or false.  Jahangir thought to himself: “it is possible the son may have started a rebellion after his father’s death; but the Ghaddi of Guru Nanak Dev ji is really big.  I have doubts about what these people are saying.  They first used to accuse Guru Arjan Dev ji of giving shelter to thieves.  Chandoo and his allies would say this but were not able to prove this.  Guru Arjan Dev ji has left and his son is now the Guru.  I need to find the truth so a conflict doesn’t begin.”  The Badshah didn’t say anything and went to his palace.

The next day, the Badshah was in his court.  His minister, Vizier Khan came to him.  Vizier Khan was a Sikh whose stomach illness was cured by Baba Bhudda ji.  He recited 2 Sukhmani Sahibs a day.  The Badshah spoke to Bhai Vizier Khan ji: “Sri Guru Arjan Dev ji was a saint.  I heard he left his body.  I met him in Lahore.  Chandoo has been slandering him ever since.  I didn’t pay attention to his words then.  Now I have heard that Guru Arjan Dev ji’s son has become the Guru.  I have heard that he keeps weapons and is raising an army.  Chandoo says that Guru Hargobind Sahib ji wishes to start a rebellion in the country.  Tell me what the real story is.  Should we send an army to control him or should I send a wise person to him?  I want him to come to me in Delhi.  If he doesn’t wish to start a fight, he should come to Delhi quickly.  If he wishes to start a rebellion, we won’t come to Delhi.  If he has some other intentions, I will listen to Chandoo and send an army.”  Another Sikh named, Kinch Beg was with Bhai Vizier Khan.  They heard the Badshah and responded to him by folding their hands: “Sri Guru Arjan Dev ji was benevolent.  He spent a lot of money to make many Sarovars.  He gave peace and joy to Hindus and Muslims.  When he was going to make another Sarovar in Tarn Taaran, our Umraavs caused problems for him.  Guru ji would feed Langar to all, everyday.  Guru Arjan Dev ji thought of Allah all the time.  Chandoo’s accusations were all false.  To say Guru ji was a thief, which wise man would believe that?  Chandoo is your close Divaan but he is jealous.  He is a Khatri as well as the Guru.  He is jealous to see Guru ji more successful than him.  He doesn’t know the greatness of the Guru.  Guru Arjan Dev ji left his body at Chandoo’s home.  What has happened, what can we say?  To tell you the truth, we can’t present any proof.  Everyone knows what Chandoo did to Guru ji but Chandoo will demy it.  Guru ji’s son is Guru Hargobind ji; who is young.  He is really strong.  He is on the Gurta Ghaddi.  He is being praised everywhere.  He is giving joy to all the Sikhs.  The world worships him.  People bring him many gifts and get their wishes fulfilled.  He gives them what they ask for.  Chandoo is jealous of Guru Hargobind ji.  Chandoo speaks bad words towards him.  You are the master of the land; you must carry out justice.  We have faith that you won’t do injustice.  You wish that your subjects live in peace no matter how they are.  Your praises are spread in the world and people give you blessings.  They all like you.  You should consider if a person is speaking the truth or lying about the Guru.  Meet the Guru’s son with love.  He will be good to the good.  Send a wise Umarov to him and see what Guru ji is doing.  He will meet Guru ji and see how he is.  He can request the Guru to come and meet you in Delhi.  Guru Hargobind ji is like his father.  He will be happy and come to you.  His father came to you as well at your invitation.  He left his body in Lahore.  He was a Sadhoo and tolerated everything.  If he would have cursed us, we would have been destroyed.  Whatever comes out of his mouth becomes reality.”  The Badshah listened to Vizier Khan and said: “you are wise.  The other people in the court speak Chandoo’s language.  For this reason, I want you to go to Amritsar.  I have thought about this long and hard.  You are wise and speak logically.  Make Guru ji happy and bring him here.  I want him to give me his pure darshan.  This is the best thing.  I don’t want him to curse us.  I don’t want him to raise a rebellion.  I want my doubts cleared.  I wish to meet the Peer.  It is a pure thing when a Peer meets you.  You think of Allah meeting them.  This is the best thing.  What you have thought is a good thing.  Go in the morning and take gifts with you for Guru ji.  Head towards Satguru ji, make him happy and bring him here.  Take Kinch Beg with you as well.”  Bhai Vizier Khan heard this and got happy that he will be able to see Guru ji.  He bowed to the Emperor and did a Salaam 7 times.

Bhai Vizier Khan ji made preparations at night.  He took an expensive Kalgi, Jigha, pearl necklace and Kheenkhaab shawls with zarri work on them for Guru ji.  He took other expensive gifts as well.  He took a few soldiers with him for security.  As he left Delhi, he saw good omens.  He soon travelled the whole way and reached Sri Amritsar Sahib.

4-49 Jahangir’s Invitation/ The Discussion in the Guru’s Home

Bhai Vizier Khan, the wise, reached Amritsar and set up camp.  He sent a messenger to Guru ji’s home, informing him of their arrival.  He said to the messenger: “go and bow to Guru ji and give him this message: “I have come at the direction of the Badshah Jahangir.  When it is your wish, I will come to visit you at Akaal Takhat.  I wish to have your darshan.”  The messenger went to Guru ji’s guards and told them his reason for coming.  The guard Sikhs went to Guru ji and gave him the message.  Guru ji said: “tell Bhai Vizier Khan to rest and come to Akaal Takhat tomorrow.  I will meet him tomorrow.  It is evening now, have food and rest the night.”  Guru ji said to the Sikhs: “send Langar for Bhai Vizier Khan and the people who have come with him.  Go and see how many people have come.  Give the horses feed and food to the people.  Whatever items they need, provide for them.”  The Masands heard this and made preparations for the visitors.

Bhai Vizier Khan and the soldiers were very happy with the hospitality.  They all ate and slept the night.  They praised Guru ji as they slept.  In the morning, they all woke up and bathed in the Amritsar Sarovar.  They did an Ardaas at Harmandhir Sahib with faith and devotion.  The other soldiers bowed with faith and devotion as well.  They were all impressed with the peace and tranquility of Harmandhir Sahib.  It was then afternoon and Bhai Vizier Khan prepared all the gifts he brought for Guru ji. 

Guru ji held a Divaan at Akaal Takhat and had rugs and floorings laid out.  It was a beautiful place.  Guru ji came at 4 pm to Akaal Takhat.  He wore his weapons, Kalgi and Jigha with precious gems.  As Guru ji came, the Naqeebs (announcers/heralders) announced Guru ji’s arrival.  The Chobdhaars (mace carrying guards) had golden maces in their hands and walked in front of Guru ji.  Guru ji rode his horse to Akaal Takhat.  The horse was decorated with gold and precious gems.  Guru ji was surrounded by the warrior Sikhs.  They all had rifles and swords in their hands.  They wore Dumaalaas and Kumerkassas.  The Naubats and Shehnais were playing as Guru ji came.  The leader of the Sodhis had arrived.  He dismounted his horse and bowed at the Darshani Deodi.  He removed his shoes and crossed the bridge to go to Harmandhir Sahib.  Guru ji bowed in the Harmandhir Sahib and did Parkarmas of the Harmandhir Sahib.  He went to the back side of Harmandhir Sahib, where Har ki Pauri is, and took the Amrit from the Sarovar.  Guru ji then came to Akaal Takhat and sat there.  It was like the court of Inder and the Devatas.  The Rababis did Keertan in various Raags.  The Sangat came to listen to the Keertan.  They all bowed to Guru ji and presented their offerings to him.  Bhai Vizier Khan was called to the Darbar.  Bhai Vizier Khan brought all his gifts and met Guru ji.  He saw Guru ji who was about 16 years old.  Guru ji’s moustache was coming in.  His face was like the moon being approached by the darkness around him.  It was like black bees around a white lotus flower.  Vizier Khan saw Guru ji and was filled with a deep calmness and joy he had witnessed only when he met Guru Arjan Dev ji.  It was unlike any other experience he had ever had.  He bowed to Guru ji and was filled with bliss.  He folded his hands and said: “Guru ji, I bow a second time on behalf of the Badshah Salaamat of Hindustan.  He has sent these gifts for you.”  As he sat down.  Guru ji said to him: “how are you?”  Bhai Vizier Khan said: “I am good by your blessings.”  Guru ji said: “what was the nature of your visit?  Why has the Badshah sent you?”  Bhai Vizier Khan folded his hands and said to Guru ji: “I have come to take you to Delhi.  The Badshah requests your presence in Delhi.  He wishes to have your Darshan.  He has been thinking about this for a few days.  He has sent a Kalgi and expensive gifts for you.  He is requesting you to come just as a Mureed requests his Peer.”  Guru Hargobind Sahib ji said: “he had once called elder Guru ji, but he did not return.  He sent Guru ji to the sinner Chandoo’s home.  Divaan Chandoo tortured him and Guru ji left his body.  These are the kinds of Darshans these Emperors ask for.  He didn’t inquire about what happened to the elder Guru.”  Vizier Khan understood what Guru ji was referring to.  He said to Guru ji: “that sinner continues to slander you.  The enemy speaks false things.  They make false things out of the truth.  I ask that you should meet the Badshah now.  You are omniscient.  Whatever is the truth, I know you will uncover it.  Come to Delhi and take the revenge of Guru Arjan Dev ji’s martyrdom.  Squish the sinner’s head under your foot.  You won’t be able to do that without meeting the Badshah.  The fool needs to be punished.  He continues to fill the Badshah’s ear with poison.  For this reason, the Badshah sent me to you to understand the truth.  He told me to take you to Delhi and then he can hear what you have to say.  He wants to know what happened to Guru Arjan Dev ji.  He can make the correct decision then.  It is best that you come to Delhi.  Other than that, it is your wish as to what you wish to do.  Going to Delhi will remove the Badshah’s doubts of a rebellion.  He will know the truth of Chandoo.  You can take your father’s revenge.  You are omnipotent and know more.  We are weak mortals.”  Guru ji saw Bhai Vizier Khan as a friend.  Guru ji knew it was the time to go to Delhi.  He already knew the future and understood that it was his time to go to Delhi to fulfill his revenge.  Guru ji said: “stay the night.  I will give you my response in the morning.”  It was evening and everyone went to rest.  Bhai Vizier Khan was in bliss to meet and hear Guru ji.  He rested the night in his camp after eating dinner.  Delicious food was sent to him and his army.

Guru ji spoke to his mother, Mata Ganga ji: “Mata ji, the Badshah has called me to Delhi.”  Mata Ganga ji got worried.  She spoke to him as well as with the wise Masands.  They were all called to Mata Ganga ji’s home for an emergency meeting.  At night, there was a meeting at Mata ji’s home.  As everyone came, the invitation of the Badshah was mentioned.  Bhai Salo ji, Bhai Behlo ji, Bhai Gurdas ji, Baba Bhudda ji and others came.  Mata ji said to them: “you have all done Sangat of the elder Gurus.  You are all wise.  State your thoughts.  Is it good to go to the Badshah?  Is it bad?  What are your thoughts?”  The wise Masands thought and spoke wisely: “Guru Arjan Dev ji had gone before and Chandoo, the sinner, kept him.  He tortured him and caused his martyrdom.  These Emperors have darkness in their homes.  Once they call someone, they don’t speak to them again.  There was no justice.  Nobody else gave him the news either.  The sin that occurred, nobody spoke about it in the court.  They kept the sin hidden.  Why should we go to a place of such darkness?  Everyone should protect themselves.  The Divaan is a big enemy of the Guru’s home.  He cheats and speaks false things.  The Emperor’s officers are jealous of the Guru’s greatness.  They are fundamentalists and have no faith in the Guru.  We don’t have the strength to fight the Badshah’s army.  We don’t have a Desh or place where we can raise a rebellion.  We can’t go to a place and fight the Mughals.  We can’t trust anyone.  We can’t have an alliance or enmity with the Turks.  There is no water in the Malva area.  The army cannot reach that area.  If you ask us for our opinion, we should go and reside in Malva.  The Brars live there.  They are Sikhs and are devoted to you.  They recite Gurbani.  They will fight for you too.  The other Sangat will follow you there.  The Badshah will forget about calling you.”  Bhai Bidhi Chand ji, Bhai Jetha ji and Bhai Pirana ji spoke: “why should we go ahead?  We should stay in Sri Amritsar.  If we have a conflict with the Badshah, we will fight his army.  We will see his might.  We will fight.  Once they attack us, we won’t stop.  A bridge made of sand and grass cannot stop a flood.  We will not be stopped.  We will see if we need to go to Malva then.  We will collect more soldiers in Malva and then attack.  It is not right to take a decision to leave before anything happens.  We don’t want to leave Amritsar.  We will fight the first war here.”  Sri Mata Ganga ji heard this and thought of her husband.  Her heart raced.  She did not like the idea of war.  There is never joy in war.  She thought to herself: “it is not good to fight the emperor.  I only have one son whom I have a reason to live for.”  She spoke: “why do you speak of war?  My son is still young.  He is not strong yet.  What will be achieved by fighting?  You will die an untimely death.  This suggestion should never be given to my son.  Don’t start a conflict.  Everything will be destroyed.  Why do you wish to leave Amritsar?  Wars cause a lot of damage.  Where your fathers and grandfathers have lived, why should you leave this land?  A lot of money was spent to live here.  This is a beautiful place.  The Sarovars, wells and buildings were made here by the elder Gurus.  The people were settled here with great effort.  This is our land.  We will stay here.  Firstly, we need to decide about the Badshah’s invitation.  Why is he calling us?  Keep calm and don’t speak of conflict.  Speak to the Badshah in this way.  Talk about this first.” 

4-50 Preparing to go to Delhi

Sri Mata Ganga ji’s words were heard by Baba Bhudda ji and Bhai Gurdas ji.  They already knew the future.  Baba Bhudda ji said to Mata ji: “Mata ji, Guru Hargobind Sahib ji is omnipotent and omniscient.  He is complete.  Nothing is hidden from him.  He knows what to do.  He took an oath to kill Chandoo.  The events that took place with Guru Arjan Dev ji’s Shaheedi, that needs to come out now.  It is time to take revenge.  My opinion is that: we should go to Delhi.  Without going to Delhi, the case cannot be tried for Guru Arjan Dev ji.  Guru ji has to complete his oath.  We will stay in Amritsar.  Jahangir won’t spoil it with Guru ji.  He won’t do anything to Amritsar or cause any conflicts.  When Shah Jahan becomes the Emperor, we will see what happens then.  Whatever Guru Sahib wishes to do, that will happen.  It is time to mix Chandoo into the mud.  The whole world will praise this act.  Without doing this, the minds of the Sikhs won’t be calm.  The revenge must be taken.  Vizier Khan is close to the Emperor.  He is a servant of the Satguru.  He wants peace.  He has also advised of the best course of action.  He suggests that we should go to Delhi for the same reasons as I am saying.  He wants Guru ji to take revenge on Chandoo.  Jahangir wants to complete his duty as the justice-giver.  He wants revenge for Guru Arjan Dev ji as well.  There is no conflict or war brewing here.  There is no use right now for war.  If we don’t go to Delhi now, then there will be a war.  That will be damaging.  There is no benefit in fighting right now.  We should do what is the best thing to do.  Guru Arjan Dev ji was omniscient.  He was the master of the universe and could do what he wanted to.  He knew that he had to let go of his body, that his time was near.  He honored the curse of Kana and let go of his body at Chandoo’s home.  He put the blame of his death on top of Chandoo’s head, to punish him of his current and past sins.  Guru ji accepted martyrdom and went to Sach Khand by his own will.  He was the giver of Mukti.  He was not dependant on anyone.  The form of the 5 Satgurus is Sri Guru Hargobind Sahib ji.  He is the same Jot.  He can do as he wishes.  He is the most powerful.  He is never worried.  We are not worried.  He is a radiant warrior.  Nobody has the same strength as him.”  When Baba Bhudda ji said this, Mata Ganga ji felt calm and liked what he said.  Sri Satguru ji began to smile, slightly.  He said: “Babaji looks like you are more eager to kill Chandoo.  Who can disobey your wish?  Whatever you say, that becomes reality.  You only speak what is about to happen.  That happens as you speak.  Your words are like a line on the rock.  Your words don’t go back; just like an elephant’s broken tusks do not reattach.”  Bhai Gurdas ji spoke: “yes!  He has been the leader during the 6 Gurus.  Nobody has the wisdom that he has.  His mind is in his control.  He has won his Gyaan and Karm Indriyas.  His words give joy.  His advice is the best.  I also agree with his advice to go to Delhi.  You should go to Delhi.  Amritsar will be in peace as well.  Chandoo will be destroyed.  Your oath will be fulfilled.  Meeting the Emperor will be a good thing.  You will have a blissful discussion there and then come back here to live.”  Mata Ganga ji was now convinced that it was best to go to Delhi, to clear up all the doubts.  She spoke to everyone: “Baba Bhudda ji and Bhai Gurdas ji are our elders.  It is right to follow their advice.  They only speak wise words.  They are well-wishers.  Vizier Khan is a good Sikh as well.  He suggested that going to Delhi is the best thing as the Emperor is calling him.  We should listen to Vizier Khan as he is close to the Badshah.  He is our best well-wisher out of all the Turks.  It is good to keep him close.  He will tell the Emperor the truth, which will be good for us.  Don’t say “no” to Vizier Khan.  He will take you there with respect.”  In this way, the decision was taken to go.  It was night so everyone got up and went home.  They slept the night.

The next day, everyone bathed and got ready.  Guru ji came to Akaal Takhat and called Vizier Khan to the Darbar.  Vizier Khan was called to Akaal Takhat.  The Sikh said: “Guru ji is calling you in the Divaan at Akaal Takhat.”  Vizier Khan was happy to receive the news.  He got ready with expensive clothes and headed towards the Divaan with his officers.  Kinch Beg was on his right side.  They all came to Akaal Takhat and bowed to Guru ji with their hands folded.  Guru ji had them seated in the court.  Kinch Beg spoke: “the Badshah wishes to see you Guru ji.  He wanted to see Sri Guru Arjan Dev ji and now he wishes to meet you.  The Badshah has come to understand Chandoo’s corruption.  The Badshah is worried that a grave sin happened under his command.  When you go to Delhi, you can tell him the truth.  He wants to fulfill his duty as a justice-provider.  He wishes to wash the stain from his head.  Please come to Delhi and meet the Badshah.  He wishes to see you.”  Bhai Vizier Khan then spoke: “the Emperor is calling you with love.  He has heard your praises.  He has heard about the martyrdom of Guru Arjan Dev ji.  He is regretting his actions.  He understands that Guru Nanak Dev ji is the supreme and so is his throne.  He speaks with respect now.  He does not speak as he did before.  He was under the influence of Chandoo’s bad words.  Now the Badshah knows.  That event that took place at Chandoo’s place, the Badshah wants Chandoo to be punished.  Chandoo still says bad things.  He is the enemy of saints and the Guru’s home.  He will be punished for his sins.  He is a fool, who is an enemy of the Guru’s home, for no reason.  It is good to go now.  We would be happy when you kill Chandoo and avenge your father’s death.”  Guru ji heard this and smiled.  He said: “you are the Sikhs of the Satguru.  The others in Delhi are Chandoo’s allies.  Only you two are well-wishers of the Guru’s home.  The family of the Turks, other than you, are corrupt.  You two are rare.  You are blessed by Allah.  Seeing the love and devotion in your hearts, I accept your request.  I will go to Delhi.  Your coming here will not be fruitless.”  The two Sikhs bowed.  Bhai Vizier Khan ji folded his hands and said: “you are great for giving us so much respect.  I had the illness of “Jalodhar” once.  I was in pain all the time.  My stomach would be filled with water all the time.  I was suffering in my home in Lahore.  Only I knew how painful it was.  One day a Sikhs walked by that was reciting the Sukhmani Sahib Paath.  When I heard the Bani, my pain went away.  The Bani gave my peace.  The Sikh went to bathe and then the pain came back.  When the Sikh walked back, I heard Sukhmani Sahib again and my pain went away.  I figured out that the Bani was relieving my pain.  The Sikh walked away again and I was in pain again.  I figured out the greatness of the Bani.  I then called a servant to call the Sikh.  When the Sikh came close to me, I found out what he was reciting.  I told him to recite the Bani.  I was without pain while the Bani was being recited.  When he would finish the pain came back.  I then got other Sikhs to come and recite Sukhmani Sahib.  I was brought to Sri Amritsar on a palanquin while the Seva of Sarovar was happening.  I came to meet Guru Arjan Dev ji and bowed to him.  He sent me to Baba Bhudda ji who hit my stomach with a bowl full of sand.  When the bowl hit my stomach, the dirty water in my stomach came out and I was cured.  I then did an Ardaas of Karah Prashaad and came to Guru ji again.  He made me his Sikh and gave me Charanpahul.  I took the Amrit and received the Gurmantra.  In this way I was without illness and sorrow.  Since then, I have been a Sikh.  I don’t love anything more than you.  I couldn’t do any Seva for you.  Guru ji was martyred all of a sudden.  I was with the Badshah at that time.  We received no news of what had happened.  Your father was the greatest.  He made me his Sikh.  You have blessed me by making my trip a success.  You listen to your servants.  You are looking for love.  You bless us for our humility.  You are truly the “Gareeb Nivaaj,” the uplifter of the poor.  You adhere to your promise to protect us.  Please come with us.”  Satguru ji was happy with them.  He said: “it is a good day to leave tomorrow.  We will camp at the 6 km mark first and then continue further the next day.”  The warrior Sikhs got ready.  Everyone was eager to go to Delhi.  They all fastened their weapons and got ready to go.