5-6 Departure to Amritsar

The next day, the Emperor asked Satguru ji to come meet him.  Guru ji mounted his horse and went to the Badshah’s beautiful palace.  A beautiful seat was set up for Guru ji.  An expensive sheet, with stitch-work, was laid.  Guru ji was seated with respect.  The Badshah’s senior staff came to bow to Guru ji.  The Badshah and Guru ji had conversations about the life of saints and Avatars.  They had a very spiritual conversation.  There was a lot of love and interest from both sides in that conversation.  Guru Hargobind Sahib ji spoke after the discussions: “I wish to go back to Sri Amritsar Sahib.  I have been here for many months.  The Sikh Sangat is anxious to see me.”  The Emperor said: “I have a request for you: I want to go to Kashmir.  I will travel with you to Amritsar and I will go on to Kashmir from there.  I will find an auspicious time to go from the astrologers.”  The Badshah called his Nazoomi to find a good day and time.  The Nazoomi said: “in two days, it will be the 13^th.  That is the best day to leave.”  Everyone heard this.  The Badshah commanded his officers to prepare to leave in 2 days.

Satguru ji came back to his camp and told his wishes to Baba Bhudda ji and the other Sikhs.  Everyone heard that Guru ji was going back to Amritsar.  Everyone was happy to know that they were going to Amritsar.  Bhai Haridas ji came to Guru ji and bowed to his lotus feet.  Guru ji showed him a lot of compassion and love.  Guru ji removed the “Agyaanta Dosh” of Bhai Haridas ji.  He removed the doubt that all Jeevas (individual beings) are born with: seeing the Jeev and Brahm as two, when in fact they are one in the same.  Bhai Haridas ji became one with the Brahm.  Guru ji said: “do the Simran of Satnam with your full attention.  Think of my form and concentrate your mind.  Go to Gwalior and live there.  You will be happy in both worlds.  If you are ever in trouble, think of me.  I will come to you at once.  Give Sikhi to others.  Do Sangat together and chant “Guru.”  Just as you are visiting me and receiving rewards for this, you will get the same rewards in the Sangat.”  Bhai Haridas ji began to shed tears at the thought of separating from Guru ji.  Guru ji gave him hope and gave him leave.  Bhai Haridas ji instilled the form of Guru ji in his heart and went back to Gwalior.  He focused on Guru ji’s Simran till he died.  He became one with Guru ji when he left this earth. 

Bhai Jetha ji said to Guru ji: “the sinner Chandoo’s wife and son was here yesterday.  You let them go.  You should have killed them so Chandoo’s root would not exist in this world.  They would go to Hell then and stay there for many Yugas.  He has done an unforgivable act.”  Guru ji said: “this is not how noble and good people act.  To hit a woman is not good.  It is not right to raise a weapon upon women.  I will kill his son on the battlefield.  He will raise arms against me and will die.  It is good to let them go right now.  When I fight the Turks, Chandoo’s son will fight too.  I will kill them.” 

The people of Delhi all came to see Guru ji when they heard he was leaving.  They brought many gifts and had their wishes fulfilled.  Guru ji said to all: “do the Simran of Satnam all the time.  Do the Seva of the Guru and make your life a blessing.  Become a Gurmukh so you don’t lose when your life is over.” 

The day to depart came.  The Nagaras sounded and everyone got ready to leave.  Jahangir set out from his palace, taking thousands of soldiers and men with him.  Bhai Jetha ji thought to himself: “I hope Guru ji doesn’t look at Chandoo.  His state is really bad.  If Guru ji sees him, he is too compassionate and he may release him.  I won’t let him see Chandoo.”  He told the Chandaals, who take care of the dogs: “keep Chandoo with the dogs and stay away from Guru ji’s sight.”  A big chain was tied around Chandoo’s neck.  Many soldiers guarded him.  Bhai Jetha ji went to see Guru ji.  The Nishans were unfurled and the army set out.

On the way, the Badshah would speak with Guru ji.  They had pleasant conversations on the way.  Guru ji instructed the amount to travel during the day.  One day, Guru ji and the Badshah sat in a tent together; the Harem of the Badshah’s Begums was close by.  The tent of the Harem had Chikan sheets made of muslin.  There were mirrors, pearls and diamonds on the tents.  The Begums of the Badshah were walking and looked towards Jahangir.  They saw the servants and looked towards the Emperor.  They also caught sight of Guru ji.  They saw him for the first time.  They say his moon-like face with the small beard.  They saw Guru ji smiling and speaking.  They saw his diamond like teeth.  They heard his words which were fragrant.  His eyes were like the petals of a lotus flower.  He was wearing beautiful jewellery.  His whole body was radiant and adorned.  Kavi Santokh Singh ji says: “there is nothing more beautiful in the universe than Guru ji.  I can go on forever.”  The Begums were happy to see Guru ji.  He was huge and wide.  They kept looking at him without blinking.  It was like they lost their mind in a gamble.  They forget where they were, they only wanted to look towards Guru ji.  They looked like a still picture.  When Guru ji got up and came out of the tent, the Begums got anxious and wanted to see him.  Their minds became restless and wanted to see Guru ji again.  They didn’t know who Guru ji was.  They were happy till they saw him but now they were restless and tried to figure out how they could see him again.  They asked their maids: “who was that person that came to see the Badshah?  He spent a lot of time with him.”  One senior maid knew everything and said: “this is the Guru Peer, Guru Hargobind ji.  He is the one who protected the Badshah.  He did Simran in the Gwalior fort for the Emperor and saved him.  He has been here for many months.  The Badshah listens to his every command.  He brings him many gifts and has devotion and faith in him.”  The Begum said: “we will ask the Badshah to have us meet him.  We want to bow to his feet as well, which will take all our pains away.” 

When the Badshah came to his Runvaas, he ate and engaged in merry-making.  The Begums asked the Badshah: “the Peer that protected you; by whose Dashan the pain and troubles are gone, who protected you, is there any woman or wife with him?”  The Badshah said: “I was thinking the same thing.  He is a young person, how does he spend his nights without a woman.  He is really handsome and attractive to women.  He has a great and sweet personality.  His face blooms like a lotus when he speaks.  Let’s test him.  I want all of you to test him to see if he falls to his desires after seeing all of you.  Decorate your bodies and dress well.  Use fragrances and go to see him.  Look at him in a seductive way and see if he falls prey to your beauty.  I can’t live without a woman even at this age, he is still young.”  The Begums heard this and got their wish.  They were happy.  They said: “in the morning, we will go do his Darshan.”  The Begums spent the night in eagerness.

In the morning, the camp set off and eventually set up camp near the Beas.  The army was camped for miles.  The elephants, horses and carts were all parked.

5-7 The Begums

To test the Peer of Peers, Jahangir sent his Begums to seduce Guru Hargobind Sahib ji.  The Begums were happy to hear this, as they already wanted to see Guru ji again.  Some of them were 16 and some were 20 years old.  Some of them were 25 years old, none older than that.  They bathed and wore colourful clothes.  They adorned their body with expensive jewellery.  Round freshwater Pearls with diamonds embellished the high-quality gold of their jewellery.  They were the Begums of the Badshah, the richest person in the land.  Their wide necklaces shined in their necks.  Some of the Begums were Rajputs.  They were the prettiest of them all.  Their eyes were like lotus petals.  Their waists were thin and their figures were very attractively balanced.  Their legs were strong and thin, like an unpeeled banana; wearing a pajami.  They walked like swans.  Their bodies were beautiful and seductive.  Their eyes were lined with surma.  Their eyes were like the arrows of Kamadeva, breaking the pride of a lotus flower.  They were the most beautiful girls of the land, picked personally by the Emperor.  Their beauty could not be defined.  Instructed by Jahangir, they set off towards Guru ji.  It was like Urvasi and other fairies of Heaven going to Kailash Mountain to break the Tapasya of Shiva; or like Rhumba and other Apsaras going to disturb Naarad’s Tapasya.  The Begums had sent their maid before meeting Guru ji to inform him of the Begums’ wish to meet him.  The maid said to Guru ji: “Guru ji, please sit alone with no other Sikhs or servants.  The Begums of Jahangir will sit in “Purdah,” behind a curtain to meet you.  Please fulfill their wish, oh patient Peer.  Please give them your Darshan.”  Guru ji accepted the request and sat in a tent with a Purdah.  He was alone there.  He was omniscient.  He knew the deepest secrets of every heart.  Guru ji wanted to give the Begums the proper wisdom.

The Begums came in their palanquins.  They got off their palanquins in front of Guru ji’s tent.  As soon they saw Guru ji’s tent, their hearts were hit with an emotion of indescribable joy and anxiousness.  They went inside the tent and placed jewellery and Dinars (golden coins) in front of Guru ji.  They bowed to Guru ji’s feet and sat next to him.  The women were beautiful, young and fair.  They removed their veils from their faces and began to stare at Guru ji’s face.  They were mesmerized by Guru ji’s appearance.  They couldn’t stop looking at him.  They couldn’t control their minds and instantly fell in love with Guru Hargobind Sahib ji.  Guru ji noticed their state and said to the Begums: “the first reward you received because of good Karma and Tapasya of your past births was that you are very beautiful in this life.  You also received the fruits of commodities and fine things in life to enjoy.  Whatever you wish for, you receive right away.  Do the Seva of Peer and Fakirs.  Have love for only the Badshah in your heart.  Don’t try to seduce saints.  This is the self-respect of the woman: she should not wish for any other man besides her husband.”  The Begums heard Guru ji’s beautiful words but they wanted to seduce Guru ji.  They wanted desire to arise in Guru ji’s heart.  They said: “listen Peer ji, why aren’t your women with you?  You are young and handsome.  How do you survive like this?  You are the most handsome man we have ever seen.  There is no one who wouldn’t be attracted to you.  Why don’t you fulfill the desires of your young age.  This youth will not return again.  There is no pleasure equal to the bliss of being with a woman.  The young man and young woman that meet in love, who are both very beautiful, don’t waste your youth by being without this pleasure.  Understand the pleasures of your body.”  Sri Guru ji heard this and said: “to engage in coitus with females, every species that is born has this same pleasure.  Every animal and life form experiences it.  It is the same for dogs and pigs.  They experience the same pleasure as humans do.  The human life is special though.  To indulge in pleasure is not its goal.  It is to do the Simran of Khuddah, all the time.  Animals cannot do that.  By doing Simran, all of the pains of many lives can be washed away.  A person does not feel the trouble of death and birth.  The youth that you are referring to, is only four days long.  Don’t fall in love with your youth.  If you want the unending joy and peace, go and serve the Satguru and do Simran of Allah.  Don’t waste your great life on these small pleasures.  The wise and intelligent ones don’t do this expensive transaction.  Love Akaal Purakh and your husband.  See Akaal Purakh in your husband and do his Simran.  Do Simran of Khuddah and receive Mukti.”  The Begums heard this and began to move their clothes to reveal more of their bodies.  They began to make seductive gestures to Guru ji.  They were attracted to Guru ji’s form.  They tried to use all their seductive moves to entice Guru ji but he was unmoved.  There was not an ounce of desire in his heart or eyes.  The world is nothing in front of the bliss of the Brahm.  The Begums gave Guru ji seductive looks and raised their arms in the air to stretch, attempting to show Guru ji the shape of their bodies.  They eventually got tired and lost.  They failed to seduce Guru ji.  He was without desire and attachment.  The begums sat down and continued to listen to Guru ji.  They all decided that they were not going to be able to win Guru ji.  They asked Guru ji for leave.  They folded their hands and bowed to Guru ji.  They said: “you are the true Peer.  They praised Guru ji and climbed into their palanquins to go back to the Runvaas.

Later on, when Jahangir came to his Runvaas, he asked his Begums: “you went to go see Guru ji, what happened?  How did you test the patient Peer, who has won his mind?  You sat next to him.  What did you think of his speech and his virtues?  Did you succeed in seducing him?  He doesn’t feel the void of being without a woman.”  The Begums folded their hands and said: “we have never seen anyone like him.  We tried to seduce him in many ways.  We showed him our bodies and spoke seductively, but our attempts were nothing but passing blows of wind for him.  He was solid and unmovable like the Sumer Mountain.  He stayed as he was; like nothing was happening.  He then gave his wisdom in a sweet voice.  He told us to love our husbands and do Simran of Khuddah.  We heard his words and got pulled towards his wisdom.  His words hit our hearts like arrows.  We had Vairagya in our hearts and the wish to do Simran of Allah now.  We were surprised to see the height, width, beauty and wisdom that he has, all in one person. After having such a great body, he has his mind in his control.  He does not wish for pleasure.  He is the Peer of the whole world and worthy of worship.  He is without doubt, your protector.  You should respect him forever.  You will be happy in all words.  He is omniscient and omnipotent.  He knows what every heart is thinking.  He is a great being and the master of the universe.  Don’t every disobey him.  Keep him happy.”  The Emperor heard them and said: “I already know all this.  I see him as Guru Nanak Dev ji.  How can I forget his favor of saving me from the lions?  A Hakeem told me to take him out of Gwalior, where the Rajas were sentenced to life.  The Rajas didn’t deserve to be released but I did it on the command of Guru ji.  Chandoo was a big enemy of Guru ji.  He killed the elder Guru and slandered Guru ji.  I gave Chandoo to Guru ji to make him happy.  I wasn’t supposed to do that but I did it to respect Guru ji.  I was in doubt of him being seduced but he proved me wrong.  I know that he is complete.  I am now worried that since I sent you to seduce him, I hope he is not upset at me.  I will go to him in the morning and ask for forgiveness.”  The Emperor praised Guru ji and then ate.  He slept in peace.

The next morning, everyone woke up.  Jahangir got ready and went to Guru ji before the sun came up.  He saw Keertan happening in Guru ji’s court.  The Sangat was listening to Keertan with love.  Within the Divaan, Guru Bhagavan ji was sitting in the centre.  The Emperor bowed to Guru ji and sat down to listen to Keertan.  Asa Vaar ji was completed.  Jahangir sang the praises of Guru Nanak Dev ji.  Guru ji gave respect to the Emperor.  They were sitting near the Beas.  Guru ji pointed to the town over the Beas and said to Jahangir: “this is the city of Guru ji.  Visiting this place, one becomes pure.  There is a lot of reward in coming here.  Sri Guru Amardas ji’s home is here.  He founded this place.  It is called “Goindwal.”  Your father came here to meet Guru ji.  Akbar gave the Jagir of many villages to Guru ji here.”  The Emperor said: “show me this place.  Forgive me for my mistakes.  I came to you today to ask for forgiveness.”  Guru ji heard him and said: “Sri Guru Nanak Dev ji is gracious.  You are in front of the Guru’s home.  You have faith now so that’s why I have love for you.  I will show you this place but you need to go to Lahore from here.  I have to go to Amritsar from here.  You won’t be able to take that route.  I wish to go to Amritsar now.  It has been a long time.”  The Emperor said: “I will go to Lahore but I want to go to Amritsar first with you.  I will go to Lahore from there.”  Seeing the Emperor’s devotion, Guru ji said: “as you wish.”  Guru ji showed the Emperor Goindwal. 

5-8 Arriving in Sri Amritsar

Sri Hargobind Sahib ji took the Emperor and headed towards Goindwal with many servants and officers.  They crossed the Beas on ferries.  They first bathed at Baoli Sahib and praised the glories of Guru Amar Das ji.  The Bhalla Sahibzadas found out that Guru ji had arrived.  They came to see Guru ji with joy.  They met him at Baoli Sahib with the Emperor.  Guru ji and the Emperor bathed and then presented money to the Bhalla Sahibzadas as a sign of respect.  They all went to Chabarra Sahib after bathing at Baoli Sahib.  They did Pooja at Chabarra Sahib as well.  Afterwards, Jahangir mounted his horse and had the Nagaras sounded.  Guru ji’s cousins all came to Guru ji to ask him about Chandoo.  Guru ji told them what had happened; which made the Bhallas happy.  They were happy to hear the sinner was caught.  The family of Guru Amar Das ji gave leave to Guru ji.  Guru ji left with the Emperor and headed towards Taran Taaran.

Guru ji set up camp near the Sarovar of Taran Taaran Sahib.  Jahangir got off his horse to rest as well.  Guru ji bathed in the Sarovar and went to bow at his father’s place.  The Emperor offered money at the place.  At night, everyone rested.  In the morning they bathed and bowed at the place of Guru Arjan Dev ji.  They all set off from Taran Taaran and headed to Amritsar.  The Badshah thought to himself: “the city of the Guru is close by.  The big army is with me, with many horses and elephants.  I shouldn’t camp near the city.  I will camp far from the city.  I don’t want to disturb the people of Amritsar.  I only want blessings.”  Bhai Vizier Khan ji brought the message to Guru ji: “please set up the Badshah’s camp far from Amritsar where he can hunt.  He will have the army rest there as well.  The army is big.  You can then go home.  He will come meet you in the morning.”  Guru ji got the message and said: “that is a good idea.  6 km away near Gumtala, set up the camp.”  

Bhai Vizier Khan ji gave Jahangir the message: “Guru ji liked your idea.”  The Badshah headed towards Gumtala and set up camp in an open space.  The tents were set up.  The elephants and horses were tied up.  Jahangir said to Bhai Vizier Khan ji: “go to Guru ji.  Take some servants and rest.  I will come in the morning.  This is my opinion.  Go with Guru ji and do Darshan of Amritsar.  When you come in the morning, I will take you with me to Harmandhir Sahib.”  Bhai Vizier Khan ji went to Guru ji and told him Jahangir’s message: “Guru ji, please rest in your home.  The Emperor will come in the morning.”  Guru ji took Baba Bhudda ji along with the other Sikhs and headed towards Amritsar.  Bhai Vizier Khan ji was with them.  Bhai Jetha ji was sent ahead of time to prepare for the great quantity of Karah Prashaad for Guru ji to present at Harmandhir Sahib.” 

There was a great celebration in Amritsar.  Mata Ganga ji was very happy.  She got dressed in new clothes and took Karah Prashaad to Harmandhir Sahib.  Garlands of flowers were ready for Guru ji.  Incenses were lit around the city.  Fragrances were sprayed everywhere in the city.  The roads were swept.  The Naubats were playing as the head of the Sodhis was coming back.  Ghee Lights were lit in every home.  Baba Bhudda ji told every one to celebrate Diwali and light Divas as the Guru was returning to Amritsar like Ram Chander ji returned to Ayodhya.  The Sikhs were eagerly waiting for Guru ji: “visiting Guru ji will make our eyes happy.”  Guru ji came close to Sri Amritsar, mounted on his horse.   When Guru ji saw the signs of Amritsar from a distance, Guru ji got off his horse as a sign of respect for the Holy city and the elder Gurus.  Guru ji was about a kilometre away.  When Bhai Vizier Khan ji saw this, he got off his horse and walked on foot as well.  Everyone else did the same and walked their horses home. 

Guru ji first came to Akaal Takhat Sahib.  Karah Prashaad was distributed in large quantities.  Guru ji stood up to do Ardaas.  Bhai Gurdas ji did the Ardaas.  They said the name of the 5 Gurus and money was offered.  Guru ji thought of the elder Gurus and bowed.  Bhai Gurdas ji then bowed and met everyone.  He was very happy to meet everyone.  They greeted each other and told each other how they were.  They all said: “we are happy by your blessings.”  Guru ji then went to the Darshani Deodi and bowed towards the Harmandhir.  Guru ji took the Karah Prashaad and walked across the bridge.  Guru ji bowed at the feet of Guru Ramdas ji inside the Harmandhir Sahib.  Baba Bhudda ji did the Ardaas by remembering the 5 elder Gurus.  The Karah Prashaad was distributed.  Everyone ate the Prashaad with joy.  Guru ji did the Parkarma of Harmandhir Sahib and bowed at the door.  Guru ji then came to his own home.  The men and women of Amritsar were happy to meet Guru ji.  They all came running to see Guru ji.  Some showered flowers on top of Guru ji from their balconies.  Some put garlands of flowers around Guru ji’s neck.  Some presented money and gifts to Guru ji.  Some grabbed Guru ji’s feet with love.  Some bowed.  Guru ji greeted everyone and asked how they were.  Guru ji then headed towards Mata ji’s home.  Mata ji had love for her son.  She was really happy.  She couldn’t contain herself and did Simran of Guru Nanak Dev ji.  She kept bowing her head.  The women came to congratulate Mata ji.  Guru ji met everyone on the way.  Mata ji was happy; like a poor person receiving the Kalapbrish.  The servants and maids were really happy.  They all lit ghee Divas.  Guru ji was like the full moon.  The whole city came to him like a tidal wave.  People ran to Guru ji.  When Guru ji came into his home, Mata Ganga ji came running to her son like the waves in the Ganga River.  She was like a cow visiting her calf.  Guru ji bowed to his mother’s feet.  Mata ji raised her son and hugged him tightly.  She kissed his forehead and circumvented money around his head.  She couldn’t stop looking at her son.  She saw herself as very fortunate that day of Diwali.  Her son was the most capable and complete man in the land.  She gave a lot of love to her son.  She said to Guru ji: “son, how are you?  Was your meeting with the Badshah a good one?  I thought of you day and night.  I sent for your news many times.”  Sri Guru Hargobind Sahib ji said to her: “all the tasks are completed.  The sinner of the Guru is with the Chandaals now.  Everyone has been punishing him.  He has lost his Dharma and is getting beaten by everyone.  He will go to Hell and be punished further.  Sri Guru Nanak Dev ji helped me along the way.  He protected the Dharma and kept his promise of saving his servants.” 

Guru ji spoke with Mata ji and then came outside of his home.  Guru ji said to Bhai Vizier Khan ji: “you just came from the Badshah’s presence.  He will come in the morning and go to the beautiful Harmandhir Sahib with you.”  Bhai Vizier Khan ji took leave.  He had great faith and devotion for Guru ji in his heart.  He went back to the Emperor and told him Guru ji’s message: “Guru ji has reached his home and sent me back to you.  You can come see him in the morning.  Visit the place of the Gurus in the morning and become pure.” 

5-9 Sitting in Sri Amritsar

Sri Guru Hargobind ji ate and then met with the people of Amritsar.  He had sweet conversations with them with love.  He asked how everyone was.  At night he went to his home.  Mata Damodri ji was really happy to meet her husband.  She folded her hands and bowed to his feet.  Her husband was very radiant.  The maids served him as he came.  Guru ji slept the night on his bed.

Guru ji woke up at 2:30 am and bathed.  He sat down in Samadhi and focused his attention within his Aatma.  He experienced the bliss of Akaal Purakh.  The Sangat bathed and came to listen to Keertan in Harmandhir Sahib.  There was Keertan everywhere in Amritsar.  When the sun came up, the Asa Vaar was completed.  Everyone met Satguru ji.  Jahangir’s men came to visit.  They had Panchamrit made to offer at Harmandhir Sahib.  Afterwards, Jahangir came with Guru ji to Harmandhir Sahib.  They first bowed at Akaal Takhat.  Jahangir offered a lot of money there and Guru ji had the Ardaas done.  They then went to Harmandhir Sahib with joy.  They bowed at the Darshani Deodi and then went inside the Harmandhir Sahib.  The bridge has 84 steps to Harmandhir Sahib.  The Rababis were singing Shabads in various Raags.  Bhai Satta ji and Bhai Balwand ji were doing Keertan.  Baba Bhudda ji was sitting behind Guru Granth Sahib ji.  The Sikh saints were sitting inside.  The Badshah offered jewellery and golden coins in front of Guru Granth Sahib ji.  He had an Ardaas done.  Panchamrit was distributed to everyone.  The Badshah was really happy to visit Harmandhir Sahib.  Guru ji and Jahangir sat down to listen to Keertan.  This Bani gave rise to love and the wish to be Mukat in their hearts.  The Raagis did Keertan in Raags, which mesmerized the Badshah.  He felt a deep peace and joy in his heart by the Raag Keertan.  He gave a lot of money to the Rababis.  Guru ji and Jahangir came outside and sat near Akaal Takhat.  Guru ji called for expensive Siropas.  The treasurer brought Siropas and a lot of sweets.  Guru ji took the Siropa and blessed it onto Jahangir.  Jahangir put the Siropa on his head with devotion.  The other Umraavs were given a Siropa as well.  Guru ji gave them Pataasay Prashaad.  Everyone was happy to receive the sweets.  Jahangir was very happy to come here.  His servants were given gifts and money as well.  Everyone bowed to Guru ji’s feet.  They sang the praises of the one who destroys the pain.  The Badshah said to Guru ji: “please let me do some Seva.  I wish to make beautiful homes all around this area.  I will pay for it.  Make the buildings needed for Pooja, Langar and places of stay.  Please give me the permission so I may send the money.  I will make it as you wish.”  Guru ji said: “all this will be made by itself.  Time will come when it will all be made.  The beloved Sikhs of the Satguru will use their wealth, body and mind to do Seva here.  Slowly, a Mandir of gold will be made here.  It will be beautiful in many ways.”  The Badshah understood Guru ji’s wishes and then folded his hands.  He accepted Guru ji’s will.  He took permission and then went to his camp.

He praised the Guru as he came back.  His Begums asked him: “where did you go today?”  Jahangir said: “I went to see Guru ji.”  The Begums said: “we wish to meet the wife of Guru ji.”  The Badshah gave his permission.  The Begums got ready to go.  The Begums went on their Palanquins with covers to Amritsar.  They first went to Amritsar Sahib and bowed inside the Gurduara.  They presented a lot of money as they bowed.  They then went to Guru ji’s home and met Mata Ganga ji.  Mata ji had prepared for their arrival.  She had rugs and tarps laid out.  Many other women were with Mata ji.  Mata Damodri ji was with Mata Ganga ji.  Mata Damodri ji was wearing expensive clothes with a lot of jewellery.  The Begums came inside the home.  They were wearing golden jewellery and clothes of zarri.  Their clothes were made of colorful fine silks and pashmina.  They had brought beautiful clothes and jewellery for Mata ji.  They bowed to Mata ji.  Mata ji gave them respect and had good conversions with them.  Mata ji had the Begums sit close to her and gave them the wisdom of Pativrata Dharam: “you will be happy with sons and grandsons.  Do the Seva of your husband.”  The Begums folded their hands and said: “we wish to meet the wife of Guru Hargobind Sahib ji.  Mata ji, there is no other woman in this world more fortunate than her.  She is the most fortunate.  She has the Guru as her husband.”  Mata ji pointed to Mata Damodri ji and said: “she is my daughter-in-law.”  The Beghums saw the wife of the Guru.  She had big beautiful eyes.  The Begums said: “you are very fortunate.  Your husband is handsome, strong and wise.  You are the mother of the world.”  They all had conversations for a long time.  After a while, they asked for leave.  Mata ji called her maid to get the gifts of Zarri and royal clothes.  Mata Ganga ji gave them the clothes from the house of the Guru.  The Begums saw the clothes as Prashaad of the Guru.  They bowed and then got up to go back to their camp.  At night time, the Begums met the Badshah and praised the Guru. 

The son of Sri Guru Arjan Dev ji went to sleep at night.  The next day, the Badshah wanted to go hunting.  He sent Bhai Vizier Khan ji to Guru ji to ask him about hunting.  Guru ji agreed and went hunting.  They made many animals run and hunted them.  They showed each other their skills and hunted.  The Badshah was happy to hunt.  In the evening, they all came back.  Jahangir came back to Gumtala.  Guru ji came back to his home and ate.  Guru ji went to sleep.  The next day, Jahangir got ready to go to Lahore.  The Nagara sounded.  Kinch Beg and Vizier Khan were called by the Badshah.  He told them: “stay with Peer ji.  After a few days, have him come to me to Lahore.  Guru ji is benevolent and a great warrior.  If he stays alone, he may start a conflict with me under the influence of other Rajas.  He has an army and he is young.  It is better to keep him with me so I can keep an eye on him.  I have already asked him to come but both of you should stay with him.  Make sure you bring him to Lahore.  Stay with him.  Keep an eye on his army.  Don’t be long.”  The 2 bowed to Jahangir.  Jahangir then headed towards Lahore.  The Nagaras and instruments sounded.  There were thousands in his army.  The sky echoed with the noise as the army move out.  They started off to Lahore.  On the way, he spent one night in a camp.

Kinch Beg and Vizier Khan had an army of their own in Amritsar.  Guru ji’s army was camped outside as well while the Badshah was there.  Guru ji ordered the army and Chandoo to come into Amritsar after Jahangir left.  Everyone came into the city and set up camp near Harmandhir Sahib.  They bathed in the Sarovar with joy.  They bowed in Harmandhir Sahib.  Guru ji took care of everyone’s food and sent the servants. 

5-10 Sri Guru ji comes to Lahore

Sri Guru Hargobind Sahib ji was sitting in the Divaan.  The whole army got together, who were wearing their weapons.  The Sikhs and Masands were gathered in great numbers.  Young and old, all had come.  They were in bliss, seeing Guru ji.  Guru ji blessed them all to fulfill their wishes.  Bhai Vizier Khan ji came along with Kinch Beg.  They had a lot of love and devotion in their hearts.  They bowed their heads to Guru ji.  Satguru ji had them sit close by him.  They gave Guru ji the Badshah’s message and Guru ji gave them assurance: “I will go to Lahore without delay.”  Both of the Badshah’s men were happy to hear this.  They had other conversations with Guru ji.  Guru ji sat for a long time and gave the Sikhs joy by giving them his holy Darshan.  After a while, Guru ji went to his home, as did everyone else. 

Bhai Bidhi Chand ji and Bhai Jetha ji were happy.  They had a chain around Chandoo’s neck.  The Chandaals were holding Chandoo in their custody.  The Sikhs brought Chandoo to the market.  He had become weak from all the beating.  His hair was white and his body was weak from being old.  His head was shaved and urine was poured on his head.  They took him to a big hut and continued to punish him for torturing Guru Arjan Dev ji.  They would take him to the next shop and continue with the slaps.  The children of the city would come running to see him.  The children would mock Chandoo.  They made him into a Mahant.  He had blood dripping from his forehead so it looked like a Tilak.  A broom was made into a Chaur for him.  They put a garland of shoes around his neck.  The elder and young people around him were pretending to be his followers.  They would put dirt on his head as a shower of flowers.  They continued to slap his had with shoes as a form of offering to him.  They would all swear at him in a way of praising the fake Mahant.  They made him parade the market.  People would see him and say: “this is the murderer of the Guru.  He is the greatest fool.  Guru Hargobind Sahib ji completed his difficult oath of capturing him.  He had said: “may I suffer the punishment of the greatest sins if I do not succeed in capturing Chandoo.”  At that time, people didn’t think he was going to succeed because he was a child.  It was hard for them to believe that a Divaan of the Emperor could be captured.  The Emperor, who owned the land, who ran the government, who understood politics and treachery, whose command could not be ignored, how could his Divaan be caught?  This sinner is caught now though.  His body is full of sin.  He won’t live long now.  People didn’t have any hope of catching Chandoo.  Guru ji is the warrior with great big arms.  He fulfilled his oath.  Chandoo killed his father with lies.  Guru ji’s oath was great.  He has taken down an elephant.”  In this way, people talked and praised Guru ji.

The women climbed on top of their balconies and stood in their doorways to curse Chandoo: “this is what was supposed to happen to this murderer.  He will die and go to Hell!”  Chandoo would be paraded and punished through the streets.  He ate with the Chandaals.  He had to suffer the pain of being slapped in the head with shoes. 

Guru ji spent about 2 days in his home.  Bhai Vizier Khan ji made his request again.  Guru ji then got ready to go to Lahore.  Guru ji visited all the holy places of the Gurus in Amritsar and went to go see his mother.  He bowed his head.  Mata ji hugged him and her throat swelled with emotion.  She looked at her beloved son’s face and felt sad to be separating from him again.  Sri Guru ji gave her hope and said: “Lahore is nearby.  I will receive news for your well-being everyday.  Consider myself close to you.”  Guru ji bowed and went outside of the house. 

The army of the Guru was ready.  Some of them mounted their horses and went with Guru ji.  Some stayed in Amritsar.  Guru ji called all the Masands and gave them the responsibilities of the Guru’s home and Harmandhir Sahib.  When the Nagara of departure sounded, Guru ji’s heart was pleased.  Bhai Vizier Khan ji rode with Guru ji as they all headed to Lahore.  Bhai Jetha ji tied up Chandoo and took him along with Guru ji.  Chandoo was walking with the Chandaals.  Chandoo was extremely upset and in a very bad state.  He thought to himself: “why did the Emperor do this to me?  He gave his order once and sent me away from him.”

Guru ji set up camp at night.  He ate and slept the night.  The next day, Guru ji and the Sikhs reached Lahore.  They saw the big houses in Lahore.  Guru ji went to the village Mujangi and saw an open space.  The army set up their camps, in their own regiments.  Their horses were very strong.  The warriors all got off their horses at the same time.  Bhai Vizier Khan ji went on ahead to inform the Badshah of their arrival: “Guru ji has reached Mujangi and is close by to you.”  The Badshah heard this and said: “take care of Guru ji in every way.  Do his Seva in every way and keep asking him what he needs.”  Bhai Vizier Khan ji was happy to hear this and did as he was told.  Guru ji stayed there for one night. 

In the morning, there was a grand illumination.  The Sikhs were sent on ahead to make a lot of Karah Prashaad.  Guru ji wanted to see the place of Guru Arjan Dev ji.  The Master Guru ji, entered the city of Lahore with Bhai Jetha ji and the other Sikhs.  Guru ji visited the birthplace of Sri Guru Ramdas ji first.  He had a lot of love in his heart to see that place.  He bowed his head there and sat down with peace and joy.  Panchamrit was distributed there at the place of the head of the Sodhis.  Guru Ramdas ji had a big Dharamsala made there.  Guru Hargobind Sahib ji went there next.  Seeing the place of his elders, Guru ji was really happy.  There was a Baoli in Lahore which Guru Ramdas ji had constructed.  Guru ji went there and bathed.  A lot of Prashaad was distributed there with bliss.  Many Sikhs came to visit Guru ji. 

Guru Hargobind Sahib ji said to everyone: “the place where my father left his body and went to Sach Khand, I wish to see that place.”  Bhai Jetha ji and Bhai Langaah ji lead the way, with Guru ji and many others.  They showed the place to Guru ji and told him the whole Katha: “Guru ji came from the house of the sinner, Chandoo, and bathed in the Ravi here.  He recited Japji Sahib with his full attention and then left his body to go to his real home.  The Sangat of Lahore came to see Guru ji here.  Keertan was performed.  The Sangat showered Guru ji’s body with flowers and rested his body into the Ravi, as per his instructions.”  Guru Hargobind Sahib ji heard this and folded his hands, while bowing his head.  He did Parkarma of the place and distributed Prashaad.  Guru ji cleaned the area with his own hands and said to Bhai Langaah ji: “you were a beloved Sikh of Guru ji.  Stay at this place and light the Diva everyday.  Whoever visits this place on the 4^th Sudhi of Jeth (May/June), their wishes will be fulfilled.  There will be a beautiful building here after some time.  Coming here will wash the sins away.”  Bhai Langaah ji was happy to hear this.  He become the Pujari of the place and remained there.  He lived and did the Seva there till the end of his days and went to Sach Khand when he died.  Guru ji visited the places of the Gurus in Lahore with many Sikhs.  Afterwards, Guru ji had a great Divaan in the evening and sat in the centre.