4-6 Two Engagements at the Same Time

The discussions carried on for a while but Guru ji made a decision: “we will not accept a proposal from the egotistical person.”  The Pandit and the Nayee from Delhi heard this and got worried.  They were upset and didn’t know how they were going to tell Chandoo.  They tried to convince Guru ji but Guru ji accepted the Ardaas of the Sangat.  The Sangat present also agreed with the Delhi Sangat.  When Guru Arjan Dev ji said: “we will meet a person with no ego,” people from Dalla were present.  A Brahmgyaani Sikh named Bhai Paro ji served Guru Amardas ji.  He was called “Parma Hans.”  This was the same person who was offered the Gurta Ghaddi but wanted to be one with the Guru instead.  Within his generation was born, Bhai Narayan Das ji.  Bhai Narayan Das ji was present and stood up.  He noticed that Guru ji was blessing the Sikhs.  He thought to himself: “my daughter is 7 years old and it would be good if I marry her to the Guru’s son.  Guru ji wanted a poor and humble Sikh’s proposal.  This will be true.  None of his words go without action.  I will stand up in the Sangat and ask Guru ji to take my daughter’s hand for his son.  Guru ji will protect my reputation.  This is a good opportunity.  Guru ji will protect me in the life hereafter.  This is no secret.  I have faith on the Satguru.  He will accept my request.  My ancestor Bhai Paro ji was given a boon by Guru Amardas ji that Bhai Paro ji’s family will be related to the Guru’s family one day.  The whole world will see this.  The time for that boon is here.”  Bhai Narayan Das ji thought about this and made a decision to ask Guru ji.  He stood up and folded his hands.  He said: “Prabhoo ji, I am a helpless and poor; please have mercy on me.  I am born in the family of Bhai Paro ji.  I am from Dallay.  I am a Kshatriya and your servant.  I don’t have much wealth in my home.  My ancestors have been in the sanctuary of the Gurus.  My daughter is 7 years old and I would like you to take her as the servant of Sri Hargobind ji’s feet.  Her name is Damodri.  I have built up the courage and stood up to say this.  Please protect my faith and devotion.”  Sri Guru Arjan Dev ji was happy to hear this.  He said: “you are a great Sikh.  It was the right time for you to speak.  The whole Sangat got together for happiness and you have made this ceremony a success.  The canoe of happiness was stuck in the middle of the current and you stabilized it to reach the other shore.  The glory of the Sikhs is great.  Nobody is equal to Gursikhs.  The meeting of the Sikhs with the Satguru is always great.  The egotistical people can never meet with the Satguru.  If they do meet, some conflict always arises.  It is like Rahu meeting the Sun.  For this reason, Sri Guru Nanak Dev ji, the giver of joy, made sure that our relation happened with Gursikhs.”  Guru ji said to the Jyotishi: “fulfill the wish of my Sikh.  This proposal is accepted.  Put the Tilak on Sri Hargobind ji’s head.” 

Bhai Narayan Das ji went to the market and got the required items for the engagement.  All of the fruits and items were placed in Sri Hargobind ji’s lap.  The celebrations started to happen again.  The Tilak was placed on Sri Hargobind ji’s forehead.  It was made of saffron and rice.  It is like Brihaspati protecting the moon who was running away from Rahu.  Everyone was happy. 

Another Sikh named Bhai Hari Chand ji also stood up.  He was a Kshatriya and wanted to give his daughter for marriage as well.  His caste was Lum.  He saw the opportunity and stood up to speak.  He said: “Guru ji, my daughter is 2 years old (Mata Nanaki ji).  I would like her to become your servant as well.  You are the master of the helpless.  I say this with my hands folded.  Please accept this proposal.  I come to your sanctuary with my mind, words and actions.”  Sri Guru Arjan Dev ji heard this and was filled with love.  He rejected all thought and was under the spell of love.  Guru ji said: “accept this proposal as well.  Fulfill the wishes of my Sikhs.  The give and take will always be with the Gursikhs for me.”  Bhai Hari Chand ji also got items for the engagement and place another Tilak on the forehead of Sri Hargobind ji.  People saw this unique ceremony and were happy.  They said: “one proposal was refused and two happened instead.  There is no shortage in the house of the Guru.  Chandoo may be rich but he is nothing in front of Guru ji.  The Guru’s house is higher.  Thousands come here everyday.  If the relation with Chandoo’s daughter would have happened, he would have started a conflict.  He was proud to be the Divaan of the Emperor.  He would have started a fight.  Satguru ji does not tolerate ego.  Chandoo has no faith.  Whatever happened was good.  2 proposals came right away.  The happiness of the Sikhs was like receiving the Kalapbrish, after being taken away.  The garden was dying and now it’s green again by getting water.”  Everyone was happy again.  They all celebrated.  The women sang and danced.  The Naubats and Napheeryas sounded.  The Bhatts sang their poems.  The Tambooras and the Mridangs played; the Keertan happened.  Jaikaras of Satguru ji’s name were shouted out.  The poor came and asked for donations.  The Masands brought sweets and distributed them to the Sangat.  Almonds, dry fruit, sugar crystals and other sweets were given openly.  Many people had to distribute as there was a great crowd.  Everyone said: “you are great Guru ji!  There is no one else like you.”  Guru ji distributed money and food to all.  It was an ocean of bliss.  The Sikhs were the fish in this ocean.  The moon of bliss was up.  The Sikhs were the Chakors.  The people of Chandoo were in pain.  Guru ji called the Pandit and Nayee.  He said to them: “why are you worried?  It’s a happy time.  Take money and live in bliss.  Tell Chandoo: whatever relations that Vidhatta sets, that is only what happens.  Humans can do nothing.”  The Pandit said: “I have no right to take money from you.  I would have taken it if our proposal would have been accepted.”  Satguru ji said: “whatever you wish.”   Sri Hargobind ji was given permission to get up.  Everyone went to their homes.

4-7 Getting Ready for the Wedding

Sri Hargobind ji’s face was shining like the moon.  He got up after being instructed by Guru Arjan Dev ji.  Mata Ganga ji was sitting with the women.  She was a fortunate woman.  Sri Hargobind ji came to bow to his mother.  He was very happy.  He walked slowly and steadily.  His eyes were like the petals of the lotus.  His eyebrows were like two bows.  He was very handsome.  He entered inside his home.  The women all got up and folded their hands.  They bowed to him as he was to be the future Guru.  He had all the characteristics of a saint and a king.  Mata Ganga ji saw the 2 Tilaks and was very happy.  This was the house of Guru Ramdas ji.  Sri Hargobind ji bowed to his mother.  His mother grabbed him and hugged him.  She was in the highest level of motherly bliss.  She kissed his forehead.  She was very happy to hear about the two engagements.  It was like getting the wealth of Kuber.  She blessed him: “may you live long.”  She blessed him with love and had him sit in her lap.  The other women looked at Sri Hargobind ji and said to Mata Ganga ji: “congratulations Mataji.  May he live long.”  Some women touched his feet.  They would see him and bow their heads.  They sang songs of joy, the “Ghoriya,” and other folk songs.  Their clothes and jewellery were expensive.  They sat around Mataji and celebrated.  Everywhere in Amritsar, men and women, celebrated in joy.  They all received Karah Prashaad and other sweets along with dry fruits.  The poor were given money and food.  Everyone praised the Guru who came.  The instruments were playing.  The artists were given a lot of money as well.  The whole day was spent in celebrations.  Langar was made at night and everyone ate.  Everyone slept the night and got up in the morning.  Guru ji got up during Amritvela and attended the Asa Vaar Divaan.    

The Pandit and Nayee from Delhi, returned to Delhi.  They were upset at the situation.  Their mind was depressed.  It was as though a merchant had endured loss in business.  They were worried.  It was like: If one wanted to plant a garden and someone took their land away.  They were upset, as much as a merchant’s ship full of merchandise sinking.  The Pandit and Nayee had a long face.  They said to each other: “this is not good.  We had a good relation but things went bad.  Both of the 2 houses are not at good terms.  Somebody said something bad and messed up things.  Divaan ji did not say a good thing but somebody said things to Guru ji to cause a fight.”  The Pandit and Nayee went to Chandoo’s home.

In Amritsar, the Divaan was in session and Baba Narayan Das came to see Guru ji.  He folded his hands and said: “Guru ji, my wish is that you call the Purohit and find a good day for the marriage.  Please set the date for the marriage.  Please find a good and auspicious day for both of our houses.  Prabhoo ji, please don’t delay.  Let’s call the items needed for the marriage.  I will make arrangements in my village and invite my relatives.”  Guru ji heard this, as well as the Sangat.  This made everyone happy.  Guru ji called Baba Bhudda ji and the Purohit.  They sat close to him and did the traditions of finding a good date.  A plate full of money was placed in front of them.  Guru ji said: “please find a good day for the Bharat to go.  Both of the families should benefit from this.  There should be love between the families.”  The Purohit checked his calculations and found a good day for the marriage.  The Purohit said: “after 2 months, Maagh Sudhi 10^th is a good day for the marriage.  The season is good, that is the best time to do the marriage.”  Bhai Narayan Das ji heard this and folded his hands.  He said to Guru ji: “please give me permission to go back home and make the preparations.”  He bowed to Guru ji’s feet and went back to his home.  He told his family and relatives about the date.  Everyone was happy to hear that the wedding date had been set.  They felt fortunate that Guru ji was going to come to their home.  The people of Dhulla were happy.  They made all the preparations with great enthusiasm.

Guru ji was making preparations by having many sweets made.  He went to the Harmandhir Sahib to do Seva.  Many Sikhs went with him to do the Seva.  They approached the Parkarma and washed the steps.  Sri Hargobind ji, Mata Ganga ji and other men and women were there too.  All of the women were with Mata ji.  They were saying: “Dhan Guru Nanak Dev ji.”  They all bowed at the Darshani Deodi and went inside to do the Parkarma of Harmandhir Sahib.  They did Ardaas and showered flowers.  They lit incenses and everyone did Seva of Harmandhir Sahib.  Karah Prashaad and other sweets were distributed to the Sangat.  Everyone was happy.  They all bowed inside and did Simran of the Guru.  Mata Ganga ji took her son and bowed to Guru ji.  She brought him back home with all the women.  They did the traditions of the Sodhi family.  Sweets were distributed to all the families.  It was given to all the castes.  Nobody was higher or lower.  All rich or poor got the sweets in Amritsar.  The praises of the Guru spread throughout the land.  Money was given to the poor by Mata ji.  Everyone was praising Mata ji. 

Guru ji ordered for the preparation.  The items of the wedding were bought.  Clothes were bought and sewed.  Food was made.  A lot of ghee was called from the villages.  The people were paid for the ghee.  The Masands were in charge of getting the ghee and paying for it.  Money was sent with the Masands to buy sweets and other foods.  Big pots were filled with ghee and other foods.  Dry fruits were bought along with spices.  Pashmina and other clothes were bought.  Fine silks were bought and collected.  They had golden silk thread in them.  Many other types of clothes were bought with Zarri golden thread.  Sikhs, Masands along with village leaders; clothes for them were made as well.  Siropas were made for their respect.

The wedding day was coming and all the preparations were made.  Food and other things were collected.  Money was paid for all the buying.  Every heart was happy.  Mata Ganga ji and other Sikhs were supervising everything.  It was the first wedding of their home.  Mata Ganga ji took advice from the senior women and did as they said.  Baba Narayan Das ji made preparations as much as he could.  He collected all the clothes and food that was required for the wedding.  He prepared gifts for his daughter and food during the wedding.  Clothes and jewellery were all ready. 

4-8 Chandoo’s Hatred Grows

The Pandit and the Nayee returned empty-handed to Delhi.  Listen to their history, oh listeners.  They were upset about what had happened in Amritsar.  They came slowly to Delhi, depressed.  They looked like they had been looted on the way.  Their Pugris were loose and their faces were long.  They reached Chandoo Khatri’s home.  He was sitting in his place with pillows.  He had expensive rugs on the floor.  He was proud and happy with his setting.  A round pillow was behind his back.  It was round and long.  He had one arm on top of the pillow.  He was wearing white clothes: a white Kurta and a white Dhoti.  There were 5 or 6 clerks sitting in front of him who were doing his accounting.  His servants were serving him.  People were there to please him for their own tasks.  They were standing with their hands folded.  They needed their tasks to be completed.  He was seated in his big hall with expensive material all around him.  He answered and spoke as required.  The Pandit came and gave Chandoo a blessing: “may you live long and be praised in the world.”  The Divaan looked at the Pandit and noticed his long face.  He read him well.  He wondered why the Pandit was upset.  Chandoo said: “I bow to your feet Pandit ji.  Tell me, seeing you, my chest his beating fast.  The left side of my body is twitching.  I’m not seeing good signs.  Did you get looted?  You look worried.  I am worried looking at you.  I am surprised that you left happy and came back sad.  Did you get robbed on the way?  Did some other task fail?  You should be happy coming back from my daughter’s engagement.  I sent you with a marriage proposal.  You should be happy right now.  You are going to benefit from this marriage from both sides.  Something is not right.  Why the long face?  I am surprised to see this.  Did the engagement happen?  Tell me everything Pandit ji.”  The Pandit spoke to Chandoo: “can we speak in private?”  Chandoo was worried.  He got up right away and went to a private room with the Pandit.  The Pandit told him what had happened: “oh Jajmaan (Sir), what ever Prabhoo wanted to do, that’s what happened.  When we went with the proposal, it was a good day.  The groom’s side made all the preparations.  All of the Sikh Sangat was called on the day of the engagement.  Thousands had come to see the ceremony.  The boy was sitting on a stool, ready for the Tilak.  The singers were singing Keertan and instruments were playing.  We were called to offer the Shagun where Guru Arjan Dev ji and the senior Sikhs were sitting.  We did the Pooja and the traditions.  When we got up to put the Tikal on the groom’s forehead, at that time, an enemy of yours sent a letter from Delhi to the Guru.  The conversation that we had here, when you made a comment about being a Chabarra and the Guru a Mori, you spoke about your greatness of being a Divaan, someone heard this and wrote it in a letter to Guru ji.  Guru ji read the letter and noticed your ego.  He did not tolerate this statement of yours.  He did not see your greatness.  He said to us: “the Chabarra will be in pain.  He can bang his forehead against the chabarra.”  One Sikh out of the crowd said: “don’t take the relation of this servant of money.  He has used soured language.”  Guru ji did not tolerate this and rejected the proposal.  What can we say?  The task failed.  We tried convincing everyone but they said they didn’t want to meet with egotistical people.  They said: “we like to meet saints, fakirs and humble people.  Tell the Chabarra to find a Chabarra.  We want to find another poor Mori like us.”  In this way when the proposal was rejected, the Sangat that had come from afar, a Khatri stood up, folded his hands and said: “my daughter is 7 years old.  Her name is Damodri.  Please accept her as a bride for your son.”  The Guru said yes.  The Khatri did the Tilak ceremony.  The celebrations started up again.  Then another Khatri got up and said: “please accept my daughter as well.”  His daughter was named Nanaki.  The second engagement happened.  The celebration doubled.  Everyone congratulated them a second time.  Your daughter’s proposal was rejected.  I tried to convince them but the Guru did not listen.”  Chandoo heard this and became very angry.   His body burned with anger.  He was in pain.  The Pandit’s words were like an arrow hitting his chest.  He was very upset.  He said to the Pandit: “listen!  This relation will happen over there!  Do whatever it takes.  This news should not come out that the proposal was rejected.  Go back right now!  I will write a letter and say: “I am the Divaan of the Emperor.  It would be good if you accept this marriage proposal.”  Give the letter to the Guru and make him scared.  Make sure the Guru’s chest trembles.  Be sweet and harsh with your words.  Threaten him if he rejects it.  Tell the Guru that he has to accept this proposal and that this is the best relation for him.”  In this way the Pandit and Nayee were given instructions.  The letter was written: “from Shah Divaan of the great Emperor.  Sri Arjan!  Why are you upset?  I spoke casually from my mouth.  Somebody twisted my words and told you falsely.  These talks of castes and families always happen.  So what if I talked about our castes being high or low?  It doesn’t mean anything.  You are wise.  This is something very small.  It shouldn’t be made into a big thing.  It is alright that your son has two other proposals.  You can go ahead with them.  Rich people have many wives.  If we become family, it will be beneficial for you.  I will do all your tasks for you.  If you don’t accept our proposal then we won’t be friends.  You will be my enemy.  Your Sikhs have called me a dog.  I was hurt after hearing this.  I will then be a dog and chase you.  When you will have to bear the pain of this, you will then realize the result of what you and your Sikhs have said.  Right now, we are good with each other.  Don’t make this into a bad thing.  If someone becomes my enemy, what hope do they have to keeping their life?  I am a Divaan of the Emperor.  Whatever I say, the senior people of the kingdom listen to me.  Right now, our conflict is just a small spark.  Don’t fan this fire, put it out now with water.”  In this way, he wrote this letter as he was burning inside. 

The Pandit set out with the Nayee the next day.  He was told: “leave in the morning.  Make sure nobody knows you were in Delhi.  Make sure the proposal is accepted.”  The Pandit headed west on his chariot and reached Sri Amritsar Sahib.  It was night and so he camped.  The next day, Guru ji’s Divaan was in session.  The Sikhs and Masands were in the Divaan.  Guru ji began to do Katha.  The Pandit came into the Divaan.  He placed the letter in front of Guru ji and sat down.  A Sikh picked up the letter and gave it to Guru ji.  Guru Arjan Dev ji read the letter and noticed the cleverness of Chandoo.  He heard the corruption in his words.  Observing Chandoo’s foolishness, Guru ji spoke: “Pandit ji.  The Sikhs are praiseworthy and high.  Whatever the Sikhs say, I follow that.  Sri Guru Nanak Dev ji and the other Gurus always placed the Sangat above them.  They listened to the Sikhs’ words.  They respected the Sikhs.  The Sikhs have all the powers.  The Simran in their hearts make them the Kings and Queens of the universe.  I will listen to the Sikhs.  I can’t listen to any Emperor or Divaan over the Sikhs.  The Sikhs told me not to do the relation here.  How can I go against their will?  Why are you being stubborn?  Do the relationship somewhere else who is great and powerful like you.  Son, woman, wealth and body can be let go of without delay but I can’t let go of the words of the Sikhs.  If I have to give my life, I will.  This is the status of the Sikhs.  They are the ones that made me praiseworthy and worthy of worship.  There is no one else dearer to me than the Sikhs.  I think of them with every breath.  The Sikhs are worthy of worship.  The Sikhs are my body, wealth and life.  The Sikhs are the giver of joy.  I can’t disagree with them.  Just as Vishnu loves his devotees that is how I love the Sikhs.  They love the Guru and the Guru loves the Sikhs.  I can’t accept this proposal.  Tell Chandoo to find another groom.”  The Pandit said: “listen Guru ji, the Divaan is stubborn.  Don’t become his enemy.  It will get bad if this happens.  He can do want he wants to do, using his power.  There is nothing more painful than the breaking of an engagement because nobody else will accept the proposal again.  Everyone knows that.  I am telling you this for your own good.  It will be bad.  If you accept the proposal, everything will calm down.  Otherwise, there will be a lot of trouble.  Time passes and only regrets remain.  One says to themself: “it would have been good to do the right thing.”  Regrets and doubts stay in life.  Everyone uses their strength to get what they want.”  Guru ji heard the Pandit and smiled.  He said: “I am nobody’s enemy.  I hate no one.  If someone hates another person who is without hate, what remains of them in any dimension?  Parmeshwar is the master of all.  Parmeshwar thinks about everyone’s joy and sorrow.  The good or bad deeds determine if one is to be happy or sad.  If one thinks bad for another, they receive pain.  This is Prabhoo’s law.  If one digs a well to kill someone else, he himself falls into the well and suffers the pain.”  Guru ji then went quiet after saying this.  The Pandit was upset and got up.  He went back to Delhi and told Chandoo what happened. 

Chandoo heard the Pandit and burned with anger.  He was angry that Guru ji was not afraid of him.  He felt that he was insulted for being of a higher caste.  He started to think of killing Guru ji.  His hatred grew towards the Guru’s home and began to slander Guru ji and the Sikhs whenever he got the opportunity to.  He started to do bad things.  This Katha will move further later on as to how the corrupt Chandoo did bad things.  Listen oh listeners to the Katha of Sri Hargobind ji’s marriage now.

4-9 Preparations for Sri Hargobind Sahib ji’s Wedding

Guru Arjan Dev ji spent time in Amritsar, preparing for the wedding of his son.  He prepared for the wedding with great enthusiasm.  Maghar (November/December) had passed and Poh (December/ January) was upon them.  The wedding day was coming closer.  Guru ji met with Baba Mahadev ji and spoke about the wedding on how to do the preparations.  He said to him: “it’s only one more month till the wedding.  Our elder brother is really far from here and is upset with us.  I tried to convince him with humility but he didn’t listen.  He has anger towards me.  We should invite him to the wedding, this is important.  He should come to the wedding with his whole family.”  Baba Mahadev ji said: “send him an invitation with a letter.  Send a wise person to him with the invitation.  Give him respect as he is the eldest brother.  Call him anyway you can.  He should be here.  For weddings or funerals, the whole family should be called, even if they are upset.  These misunderstandings go away at that point.  This is the way of the world.  The wedding is in your home.  You should convince him.  Make all the brothers come together.  It will be praised by all.  The relatives will see this and our family will be praised.  The one who gets along with everyone, he is considered the biggest within the clan.”  Satguru ji agreed with Baba Mahadev ji and wrote a letter to Baba Prithi Chand.  He praised him in the letter: “just as Meharvaan is your son, Har Govind ji is your son as well.  It is time for his wedding.  This is your home and your family.  Come and do the tasks as you are the eldest.  We will do as you command.  Don’t have anger towards us as we are younger than you.  Any good and bad thing that happens to us is yours as well.  We are younger, you are older and know all the traditions that need to be done.  You are wise with all the tasks.  You took care of all the administrative tasks with Pithaji.”  This letter was written and sent with a wise Sikh to head towards the Jungle Desh.

He was sent to “Kotha Sodian Da,” where Baba Prithi Chand lived.  Guru ji sent carts filled with sweets and other delicacies.  A helper was sent with the Sikh.  They crossed the Beas and then the Sutlej, reaching Kotha Sodian Da.  The Sikhs found out where Baba Prithi Chand was located and went to him.  They placed the carts of food in front and bowed to Baba Prithi Chand ji.  They gave him the wedding letter with great humility.  Baba Prithi Chand opened the letter and read it.  As soon as he read the letter, he felt great pain.  He thought to himself: “he has grown up and now he’s getting married.  His glory is growing by the day and I can’t do anything about it.  How can I get these people killed?”  His chest was burning with jealousy.  He couldn’t hear good news from his brother’s home.  It was like his chest exploded.  He spoke in great anger: “whose letter is this?  He is not my brother!  He is my enemy!  He looted my home and property.  He threw me out of my city.  He took out his anger on me.  He accused me of trying to kill his son.  He is shrewd and full of corruption.  He is sweet to the face but dark on the inside.  He got the assets of our Pithaji and became the owner of everything.  He hasn’t received the reward for his deeds yet.  I don’t want to see his face.  I want to have him arrested by the Emperor.  He is proud of being the Guru.  He doesn’t know my power.  I’ve heard that he is now Divaan Chandoo’s enemy.  Didn’t he see how great and high Chandoo was?  It looks like he doesn’t care about his life, the way he does things.  If I go to the wedding, Chandoo will find out that I went.  He is my friend now.  He will hate me if I go.  How can I go?  He (Guru Arjan Dev ji) doesn’t see me as his brother.  He cheated me.  Take these sweets back.  I am not happy with this news.  Till I am alive, I will not meet him.  There is a stake in my chest because of him.  Get up and go back!  Tell him: “you can try all you want but I am not going to meet him.”  After hearing the anger-filled words, the Sikhs got up and took the carts of food back.

The Sikh came back to Amritsar and bowed to Guru ji.  He told Guru ji of what Prithi Chand said: “he has a lot of anger and hate towards you.  He wants to have you arrested and killed by the Emperor.”  Sri Guru Arjan Dev ji heard this and stayed quiet.  He didn’t say anything good or bad.  He noticed the will of Akaal Purakh and accepted it.  Guru ji called Baba Mahadev ji and told him what the elder brother said: “it looks like we can’t meet up with him.  It has gone worse.  He wants to kill me in anger.  It looks like many generations of ours will not be able to meet.  He still goes to the Emperor for justice.”  Baba Mahadev ji said: “you know how egotistical and full of anger he is.  You did what you were supposed to do.  He didn’t accept your invitation.  You did good but he didn’t.  He sees your greatness and feels jealous.  How can he compare himself to you?  His karma is bad.”  Guru ji said: “let’s call the other relatives of the Gurus.  The family from Goindwal, Khadoor Sahib and others should come.” 

Carts full of sweets were sent to the families of the elder Gurus.  Invites were sent with love: “come with the whole family.  Sri Hargobind Ji is getting married.  Come without delay.”  The invitations were sent to Goindwal first.  The Sikh went to Baba Mohri ji.  He read the letter and felt a great happiness in his chest.  He felt calm.  The whole family was happy.  Another Sikh went to Baba Dhatu ji.  They were all happy and got ready to go to Sudhasur.  The whole family got ready to go.  Guru Arjan Dev ji sent invitations to Mata Ganga ji’s parents and other relatives in Flor.  Baba Krishan Chand ji and Mata Dhanvanti ji (Mata Ganga ji’s parents) read the invitations and were really happy.  They made arrangements to go to their grandson’s wedding right away.  Many Masands were called and commanded by Guru ji: “prepare all the items for the Wedding.  Buy expensive canopies with tassels.  The borders should be made of Zarri.  Buy rugs and ropes made of colourful silks.  The tarps and rugs should be of muslin.  Use all the money you need.  Prepare tents and sent them up.  The Chobdhaars should stand with silver maces.  Chariots and carts should be prepared for the Bharaat.  Fireworks should happen.  Call the firework experts.  Buy new saddles for the horses.  Prepare ornaments for the horses and chariots.  Play the dhundhabs and Shehnais, day and night, to tell everyone there is a wedding here.  Napheeryas should be played with Nagaras, flutes and conches.”  The Dhols and flutes were playing all day long.  There was a great celebration that took place.  Food was being cooked.  Dry fruits were added to the sweets.  Ladoos and Jalabees were prepared.  The Sangat began to gather.  The relatives began to arrive.  They wore expensive clothes and jewellery.

Baba Mohri ji came from Goindwal along with his family.  Baba Sansram ji came with bliss in his heart.  Baba Sunder ji, whose Bani is in Guru Granth Sahib ji, also came.  They came on fancy chariots.  They first visited Baba Dhatu ji and stayed there a night before heading to Amritsar.  Baba Dhatu ji and his family all left together on their chariots with the Bhalla family.  Baba Dhatu ji’s family got ready and came.  They all arrived in Amritsar together.  They first bathed at the well and then bathed in the Amritsar Sarovar.  They bathed at the well first for respect of the Sarovar.  They bowed in the Harmandhir Sahib.  They did the Parkarma of the Sarovar.  They then met with Guru Arjan Dev ji and bowed to him.  They praised and respected Guru ji.  Guru ji received them all with respect and gave them places to stay.  Everyone then went to meet Baba Mahadev ji.  They bowed to each other and rejoiced.  They asked each other how they were and made conversation.  Everyone then met Baba Bhudda ji and Bhai Gurdas ji.  Bhai Salo ji and other Masands came and bowed to Guru ji.  Sangat from far and wide came.  They all placed gifts at the feet of Guru ji.  It was a great crowd and many types of foods were made.  The food was delicious.  There was celebration everywhere.

Sri Hargobind ji came and bowed to everyone.  Baba Mohri ji hugged Sri Hargobind ji right away and kissed his forehead.  He was full of joy to see him.  Baba Sansram ji, Baba Sundar ji, Baba Dhatu ji and the rest of the family all hugged Sri Hargobind ji and showered him with love.  They all praised how handsome Sri Hargobind ji was.

4-10 The Bharaat Gets Ready

The wife of Baba Mohri ji was very wise.  She met Mata Ganga ji with great love.  They had a deep longing to meet each other.  Other women from Goindwal came and met Mata ji.  They were welcomed with great respect.  The wife of Baba Dhatu ji also met Mata ji with great love.  They were all seated on beautiful seats.  Baba Mohri ji’s wife said: “where is Sri Hargobind ji?  I wish to meet him.”  Mata Ganga ji said: “he was just here before you came.  He went outside of the house.  When he found out all of you came, he eagerly went to go see his elders from Goindwal.  They are probably all together right now.”  Mata ji sent a servant and said: “go and get Sri Hargobind ji.  Tell him I’m calling him.  All of his elder aunts want to see him.”  The servant went and saw Sri Hargobind ji sitting in Baba Mohri ji’s lap.  He went up to him and told him that his mother was calling him.  Sri Hargobind ji got up and went with the servant.

All of the women were sitting in the home.  As soon as Sri Hargobind ji came inside, all of the women saw him and were filled with love.  Baba Mohri ji’s wife was quite old.  She hugged Sri Hargobind ji right away and took him in her lap as she sat down.  Sri Hargobind ji was 9 years old at that time.  She put her hand on his head and looked at his face.  She hugged him over and over again.  Sri Hargobind ji bowed to all of the women with his hands folded.  They all bowed to him as well.  All of the women showered him with love and blessed him with a long life.  The whole family met together in the house.  They did everyone’s Seva.  All day, there was joy and bliss in the house.  The Sikhs in Amritsar felt like fish enjoying the ocean.  It was night and everyone slept.

At Amritvela, everyone bathed in the Sarovar and attended the court of Harmandhir Sahib.  The in-laws of Guru Arjan Dev ji arrived the next day from Mao Sahib.  Baba Krishan Chand ji came and Guru Arjan Dev ji got up to welcome him.  Observing the tradition of the world, Guru ji received his father-in-law and bowed to his feet.  He gave him respect and had him sit on a seat.  Sri Hargobind ji found out that his grandfather had arrived and quickly ran to meet him.  He bowed to his Nannaji.  His Nanniji, Mata Dhanvanti ji, first went to see her daughter and the other women of the Guru’s home.  They all met with great bliss.  They were all sitting in the beautiful home of Guru Arjan Dev ji.  Sri Hargobind ji then went to see his Nanniji.  He met his Nanniji and bowed to her.  Nanniji was very happy to see her grandson.  She circumvented money over his head and gave it to the poor.  She hugged and kissed him.  There was happiness everywhere. 

There were street performers, Miraashi, and other artists showing their skills.  The Masands came with the Sikhs of their area.  Many days passed like this.  It took a few days for everyone to arrive.  All the preparations were made.  The items for the wedding were collected and stored.  The tents were set up with expensive canopies.  Chariots and carts were decorated with Zarri cloths and bells.  The bulls had bells in their necks and legs.  The Bharat was prepared to board for the next day.

Sri Hargobind ji was sitting on a stool.  The women got together and sang the Suhaags (folk songs during weddings).  They rubbed vatna (paste made of turmeric, sandalwood and herbs) on his body.  Mata Ganga ji’s joy could not be quantified this day.  She looked towards her son and was filled with bliss.  His handsomeness would grow by the day.  Sri Hargobind ji was wearing yellow clothes.  Their family traditions were carried out by Mataji, as she was told by the elders. 

Sri Guru Arjan Dev ji made sure all the preparations were made.  He said: “make sure everything is ready.”  Beautiful jewellery with precious stones and gems were ready.  Sri Hargobind ji was dressed by the Sikhs with beautiful golden jewellery and expensive clothes.  His Dastaar was beautiful with an expensive Jigha.  The Jigha had diamonds and other stones in it.  He wore a Kalgi on the Jigha which was placed high on the Dastaar.  The Kalgi had red stones in it.  He was extremely handsome.  Round golden hoops were in his ears.  He wore a pearl necklace in his neck.  He wore armlets on his biceps.  They had precious stones on them too.  He wore bracelets and rings with diamonds in them.  The bracelets were beautiful.  He wore yellow clothes.  There was a canopy over his head.  Chaurs were waived over his head.  When he was ready, Mata Ganga ji took him to Harmandhir Sahib to bow.  All of the women went with her.  They sang Gurbani as they went.  The Nagaras sounded along with conches, shehnais, Napheeryas, dhols, flutes and other instruments.  Mataji took many plates of ladoos with her.  They reached the Darshani Deodi and bowed.  They headed towards the court inside on the bridge.  They came inside and did an Ardaas: “your servant is going for his marriage.  Please be with him along the way.  Please destroy all the troubles.  Oh master of the world, protect him and be with him, day and night.  May the wedding be great.  May my daughter-in-law come to her new home with joy.  I will come again and bring Karah Prashaad when the Dholi comes back.”  Mata Ganga ji did the Ardaas as well as the Mevra to Guru Nanak Dev ji and the other Gurus.  Guru ji fulfills the Ardaas of the Sikhs.  Mataji and everyone then did the Parkarma of Sri Harmandhir Sahib, four times.  She bowed at all four doors.  She did pooja of Satguru ji and made sure to get his blessings for the Bharaat. 

Mataji brought Sri Hargobind ji to where the Bharat was getting ready.  As soon as they came, all of the instruments played loud.  The sky echoed with sounds of music.  Many chariots were ready.  They were decorated with beautiful clothes.  The horses and bulls were all decorated.  The bells could be heard as they moved.  The charioteers began to move and the bulls started off as well as the horses.  Some mounted their horses and started on their way.  The horses were strong and rode like the wind.  The saddles on the horses were made of silver and gold.  The people of the Bharaat were wearing expensive clothes.  The Bharaat left Sri Amritsar and travelled to the destination.

Guru Arjan Dev ji came to Sri Harmandhir Sahib and remembered his father and the other Gurus.  He bowed his head.  He took Baba Bhudda ji and Bhai Gurdas ji along with Baba Mahadev ji and had them sit on their chariots.  Baba Dhatu ji and Baba Mohri ji along with Baba Sundar ji and Baba Sansram ji were respectfully asked to board their chariots.  Baba Krishan Chand ji and his sons got on their chariots.  Bhai Jetha Parana ji, Bhai Bidhi Chand ji, Bhai Paira ji, Bhai Chaudhary Langaah ji along with the family members of the Trehans, Bhallas and other Sikhs started on their way.  The Masands got on their carts and left.  Bhai Salo ji came along with Bhai Umar Shah ji, Bhai Kalyaan ji and Bhai Lal ji.  They set off as well.  The horses danced on the way.  They wore expensive clothes and jewellery.  It is hard to say all the names of the wise and great Sikhs that went along.  Sri Guru Arjan Dev ji mounted his chariot last.  It had a beautiful Zarri with mirrors on the tassels.  There were find silks on the horses and chariot.  Sri Hargobind ji wore yellow clothes and mounted his horse.  He made his horse dance and jump. The instruments were playing.  It was like the peacocks dancing in the evening, that is how Sri Hargobind ji rode his horse.  The Taadis sang.  The chariots rode and the wooden wheels could be heard moving.  The horses neighing and the Shuthri Nagaras on the camels could be heard.  The Dhols sounded as the Bharaat left Amritsar.  One could not hear any words.  It was about 3 pm when the left.  They camped about 6 km away and rested.

Mata Ganga ji came back home with all the women.  They celebrated with singing and dancing in the home.  Her son was separated from her for the first time.  She was sad thinking about that but then she would feel better knowing that her daughter-in-law was coming soon.  She would say in her heart: “with the blessings of the Guru, my son will return.”  The women would say: “your son is like the moon.  May he return quick.”