6-26 Leaving Kartarpur

The clouds showered, over and over again.  Guru Hargobind Sahib ji would watch the rain as it fell everyday.  Many trees adorned the edge of the Sarovar which was filled with pure water.  Greenery could be seen everywhere.  It looked like nature was in its prime.  The cuckoos would sing in the garden.  The lightening would flash in the clouds.  The clouds rumbled will rolling thundering noises.  The peacocks were making noises everywhere. 

One day, Satguru ji was sitting in his Divaan.  The Sikhs, Masands and the warriors were gathered there.  Guru ji looked like Inder within the gathering of Devatas.  This court made the court of the Devatas look lesser.  Everyone was looking at Guru ji’s face.  They couldn’t help but look towards him.  They didn’t look anywhere else.  Guru ji was smiling and looking back at them.  He was blessing everyone with his sight.  His face was like the moon.  He would recite Bani sometimes.  Guru ji said: “the monsoon season is beautiful.  The shore of the river must be beautiful right now.  The flow of the river must be strong.  The waves must be high.  It is good to hunt in higher elevations right now where there is no mud.  If someone has tested out such a place, go check it now.  We can go hunt there.  There should be such a place near the shores of the Beas where we can all stay.”  A Sikh spoke with his hands folded: “Maharaj, as you find joy.  My home is within the villages that are near the shores of the Beas.  There is a place called “Bhagay,” which will be excellent to hunt as you have described.  The place is at a higher elevation and has no mud.  Hunting can be done there.  The Beas flows close to it.  You can see the waves there.  You can sit there in bliss and enjoy the scenery.  You can see the clouds there with joy.  Please bless that place and the people living there.”  Guru ji heard this and remained quiet. 

Another Sikh then spoke: “I know of a good place Satguru ji.  Just as you wish for, it is perfect for what you want to do.  It is very beautiful.  That place is really high and without mud.  The Beas flows under it with pure water.  Many people live there.  The place is called “Rohaila.”  You can hunt as much as you like there.  You can sit and watch the river there.  There is no place prettier than that area without mud.  It is good for you to go there and enjoy yourself watching the clouds.”  Other Sikhs said: “that place is definitely great.”  Guru Hargobind Sahib ji heard this and understood everything.  He liked the idea of going to Rohaila. 

Guru ji looked at Baba Gurditta ji and spoke in the utmost loving way: “you go to Goindwal and meet the family with great joy.  Enjoy the company of your mothers and your brothers.  They all want to see you.  It is hard to stay out in this rainy season.  You can’t fully enjoy yourself in this season outside.  Also, the conflict with the Turks has grown.  A big battle can break out at any time.  You are young right now so you should enjoy yourself.  Go and live in Goindwal.”  Baba Gurditta ji obeyed.  He folded his hands and bowed to his father.  Baba Gurditta ji mounted a horse that was ready.  He understood what Guru ji was referring to and set off with 11 other warriors.  Baba Gurditta ji entered Goindwal and went to see his family.  He told everyone of what Guru ji’s wishes were.  He played with his brothers and enjoyed himself. 

Guru Hargobind Sahib ji got ready to camp out near the shores of the Beas.  The Nagara was sounded and the warriors got ready.  The bullets were fired all at once.  The sounds of the riffles echoed far into the distance.  Painday Khan came to Guru ji.  He had been to his home and brought their news of being well.  Guru ji saw him and thought to himself: “this fool has ego.  He thinks that he gave me victory with his strong arms.  He thinks he makes me win by killing many enemies on the field.  The next battles will be fiercer.  If he fights, he will become more egotistical and say that he was the cause of victory.  The battles should be fought without him now.  I will need to kill the Turks in great numbers to win.”  Guru ji thought about this and said: “Painday Khan, stay in your home.  You just got married.  Go and be with your wife.  I will go to the shores of the Beas as the rains continue for the Chaumasa (4 months of rain).  I will stay there for many days.  That place is without mud.  If something comes up, I will call for you.  Stay in your home with peace till then.”  Painday Khan folded his hands and said: “how can I live in my home?  We are in conflict with Shah Jahan.  His army has been defeated.  If a battle starts all of a sudden, where the Badshah sends a big army, I won’t be able to come quickly.  How can I leave now?  If I am not useful to you, I will be shamed in the world by everyone.  You are my Murshid, father and Khuddah.  You are the one that gives my all the joy.  It is not right for me to leave you.  This is a time of war, Guru Master.”  Guru ji heard this and said: “I will do as you say but I am happy and telling you this, that this is the time for you to stay in your home.  I will stay near the river during the Chaumasa.  Oh great warrior, I will meet you after.  Why are you thinking so much?  Go and stay in your home.  You always stay with me.  Obey my command and don’t argue with me.  Come when I call for you.”  Painday Khan folded his hands and didn’t speak further.  He didn’t want to leave.  He obeyed.  Guru ji then gave him some wisdom: “don’t fall into the company of other women.  Only love your wife.  Have compassion and give to the poor.  Oh clever one, don’t give pain to anyone.  Don’t bring a woman, who is not yours, in front of you.  Don’t show your back to the enemy.  Do the Simran of Khuddah everyday and achieve joy.  Be happy seeing the will of Prabhoo.”  Painday Khan bowed to Guru ji’s feet and said: “I don’t fear any enemy.  I have received all of the joys of life by your radiance.” 

Painday Khan went to his home and stayed with his wife in joy.  Guru Hargobind Sahib ji got on his horse and sounded the Nagaras really loud.  He was foreshadowing his victory by having the Nagaras play really loudly.  The Nagaras were playing in a melodious and loud way naturally, when struck by the Chobs.  The warriors mounted their horses and prepared their rifles.  Satguru ji inspired his horse to run.  The horse ran like the rapids of the Ganga.  On the 2^nd of Saavan, Thursday, Guru ji left Kartarpur.  He had stayed in Kartarpur for 1 month.  Guru ji left Kartarpur and wanted to kill the Turks on a bigger level.  Guru ji saw great signs which signalled his future victories.  He saw a woman carrying a child.  She was a happy and married woman.  He saw a calf drinking a cow’s milk.  The cow was licking its calk in a loving way.  A pleasant and cool air flowed.  A herd of deer was travelling towards the right.  The birds were singing pleasant songs.  Guru ji saw all of the good signs.  The Nagaras played as they all travelled.  The people of the village came to meet him.  They came and presented many gifts.  The fortunate ones touched Guru ji’s feet.  The people called others to meet Guru ji, seeing this as a great benefit.  Guru ji travelled in joy, the long journey. 

6-27 Bhagavan Das Gherard

Guru ji arrived near the shores of the Beas River.  Guru ji stood there to see the flow of the river.  The shores of the river were lower in the Doaba area.  The shores are higher of the Beas in the Majha Desh.  The Beas divides the two areas here.  The ferryman was called, as the other shore was higher.  The ferryman brought other ferrymen with many canoes to get Guru ji and the Sikhs across.  The ferryman folded his hands and Guru ji and the warriors got on board.  They all went across and stood on the higher shore.  All of the warriors crossed the river as well.  Guru ji was on his horse and observed the area.  Guru ji went to where there was a higher elevation.  He could observe the river there and the clouds.  There were a few people that lived there.  There were no other houses on the other sides.  Guru ji thought to himself: “this is a good place to settle a new city.”  Guru ji thought of settling a new city.  He set up his Dhera at that place.  He observed that the Beas was beautiful there and there would be no shortage of water.  The warriors settled there as well and set up their tents. 

The people of the nearby villages found out that Guru ji had arrived.  They all came to meet Guru ji.  There was a person named Bhagavan Das Gherard that lived there.  He claimed ownership of the area and everyone followed his command that lived there.  He had been given this area as part of a Jageer, referenced by Divaan Chandoo.  Chandoo was a relative of his.  This land originally belonged to Guru Arjan Dev ji and was annexed by Chandoo after Guru ji went to Sach Khand.  When Gherard heard that Guru ji had arrived and set up a Dhera at the higher place, he became concerned in his mind.  He knew that Guru ji was powerful and had defeated the army of Shah Jahan.  He thought to himself: “I hope he doesn’t start a fight here.  Why is he here?  It can’t be known why.”  The fool thought about this and came to meet Guru ji.  He was being inspired by his own death to go there. 

Guru ji was holding a Divaan on his throne on the flat area near the high shore.  The warriors sat in attention there.  Gherard came to see Guru ji, full of ego.  He saw Guru ji’s radiance and burned with jealousy.  The fool was in pain.  He did not bow to Guru ji when he came, as was supposed to be the tradition.  He did not present any money of gift either. He started asking them: “why are you here?  Why did you leave your home in the rainy season now?”  Guru ji said: “this is a higher elevated area with a good flow of the Beas.  To stay here some days and hunt, we have come.  This place is without mud.  The water flows downward here.  This is the reason why we have come.”  Gherard got mad when he heard Guru ji and said harsh words: “you have a pleasant plan on hunting.  He caught the Badshah’s Baaz with the intent of hunting before.  You spoiled your own tasks because of this.  You are in conflict with the Emperor.  How can you be safe?  You destroyed your home in Amritsar and still haven’t let go of your nature.  When a wise person stumbles and trips, that person becomes smarter.  They understand profit and loss.  The Gurus before you, they were all saintly forms and benevolent.  They were generous.  The Emperors would come to them with great gifts.  They all bowed their heads to them.  You started a new tradition of keeping weapons and starting conflicts.  This is not a good thing.  You kill other people.”  Guru ji heard this and said: “I spoiled my own things, not yours.  Why is your mind in a problematic state?  If something went wrong with me, why are you in pain?  What is your problem?  The people who speak bad about me, they are in pain seeing the radiance of the Guru’s home.  The Guru’s home’s tasks are successful.  We will take the kingdom from the Turks.”  Gherard heard Guru ji’s Bir Ras words.  He was shocked to hear Guru ji.  He got up and went back to his home. 

Guru ji had Langar prepared and everyone ate.  Guru ji ate with the warriors.  The food was delicious.  Bhai Bidhi Chand ji was spoken to by Guru ji: “this place is a good place.  A village should be founded here.  It is near the shores of the Beas.  I will come here for the Chaumasa every year.”  Bhai Bidhi Chand ji folded his hands and said: “oh Guru of the world, the whole world is yours.  All of the planets are yours.  Where you are happy with some place, the destiny of the people becomes pure, who live there.”  Guru ji said: “time shouldn’t be wasted.  We will do the groundbreaking tomorrow morning.  Many people will be gathered to do the work here.  Let’s have a fort made here first.”  After deciding the next tasks with the Sikhs, Guru ji went to sleep.

At Amritvela, Satguru ji woke up and did his daily routine.  He recited Gurbani with full attention.  The sun came up and the darkness was gone.  Guru ji called for Karah Prashaad.  Guru ji stood up and did Ardaas: “Sri Guru Nanak ji, Sri Angad Guru ji, Sri Guru Amar ji completes all wishes.  Sri Guru Ramdas ji is the treasure of joy.  Sri Guru Arjan ji completes all the desires.  Sri Guru Hargobind ji wishes to establish a very big city here.  Be by my side for this task and support me.  You are omnipotent and the giver of joy.  You are the most powerful.  Bless me and complete this task.  You complete all of the tasks.  You stay with your servants and protect them.”  Everyone bowed their heard after this.  The Prashaad was distributed to all.  The Nagara was played in a powerful way.  The sound was that of victory.  Sri Guru ji did the groundbreaking ceremony himself and said: “first make a great wall around the perimeter for the city to be established.”  Many laborers were called and put to work.  Guru ji had everything made quickly.  Everyone was happy to see all this.  Money was paid to all the workers and the poor.  The people of the nearby villages were called and given pay to work. 

The fool Gherard Khatri found out about his and got worried.  He thought to himself: “my land has been taken over by stepping on my chest.  What are his plans?  I wonder what he is thinking.  He hasn’t thought about anyone else.”  He gathered men from the village and said to them: “who is he and why is taking over?  He didn’t ask anyone of us about this place.  He didn’t give anything to anyone for this land.”  The people heard him and said: “either the Guru knows or you may know.  A wall will be made all around the city.  We will be living inside.  There will be homes inside.  If it is not built, we are still here.  Guru ji is very strong and does not serve anyone.  Who can fight him?  He killed 7,000 soldiers and came here.  He roams like a lion and does not fear anyone.”  Gherard disrespected everyone and said: “I will fix him right!  How can he take over this land?  Does he not want to live?  Watch me how I will make him scared.  If he doesn’t fear me, I will get the Badshah to send an army.”  The egotistical fool spoke bad words in this way.  He didn’t fear Satguru ji.  He had white hair on his head and his beard.  He was still strong though.  His stomach and lips were both fat.  His mouth was really big with small eyes.  He would tie a loose Dhoti on his stomach.  His neck was very small, which looked like it was stuffed into his body.  His strands to tie his Jama were tied loosely.  He was clever to fight like a smart Baniya merchant.  He tied a loose Pugri and walked with a cane.  He was egotistical and proud of his area.  He didn’t see anyone equal to him.  He saw Guru ji as a Khatri and equal to him.  He tried to see Guru ji as one of his own kind.  He was trying to overpower Guru ji.  He was ruining it for himself.  He couldn’t tolerate Guru ji’s glory.  He was really worried and thought to himself: “I will go and tell Guru ji to leave.  If he doesn’t listen to me, he will have to face a lot of trouble.”  He then went to Guru ji, filled with the fire of jealousy.  He had the fire of jealousy with the oil of anger.  Hearing Guru ji’s praise was like someone hitting the fire with a stick that made the fire flame upwards.

6-28 Gherard causes Conflict

The thick-skulled corrupt person came to Guru ji with ego.  He was like a firefly, angry with the sun for having more light than it.  He wanted to make himself look bigger than Guru ji.  He sat near Guru ji without bowing.  He spoke like an uncivilized fool: “hey you!  Buddy!  Son of Arjan!  Tell me what is this ruckus you are causing?  This land has an owner on which you are sitting on.  Do you know who the owner is?  Who did you ask?  Did you pay for this land?  Who did you pay?”  Sri Guru ji smiled and spoke: “you are speaking about the ruckus?  It’s to kill the sinners.  Karta Purakh is the owner of the land.  I have nothing to do with anyone else.  Who else should I ask?  I’ve asked Parmeshwar already.  I will settle a new city by his command.  My mind is connected to his feet.  This is the price I paid.  I didn’t ask anyone else.  I will not ask anyone else.  He is the king of kings.”  Gherard, the fool, heard this and said sarcastically: “you are the Bhagat of Parmeshwar, eh?  Is this the way of Bhagats?  Wearing weapons?  You carry swords, bows and other weapons.  You kill animals everyday.  The army of many thousands, you mixed into the dust in 9 hours.  You killed the army without any compassion.  You call yourself a Bhagat?  Everyone sees your Bhagti.  You don’t know Shah Jahan.  Didn’t he surround you in Amritsar?  You got away from there.  Now, you have come here and are causing problems in my area.”  He spoke and got up to leave right after.  You spoke many other harsh words as he was leaving: “Hindus call him a Guru.  He loves doing bad things.  He kills, day and night.  He is always ready to fight.  What kind of a Guru is he?  He has no business to do here.”  He turned around and pointed to Guru ji, while continuing to yell: “you don’t have any familial right to this land.  You came all of a sudden and sat down here, building a fort.  If you want to be well, leave here by morning.  Some know, some don’t.  Leave by dawn tomorrow morning.  Nobody can stay here.  I will destroy the homes, that you are building now.”  He kept talking as he walked away. 

Bhagavan Das spoke harsh words and went to his home.  Guru ji forgave him.  There is ghee in milk naturally, coolness in water, and patience in the warrior naturally.  Guru ji was patient.  He was the warrior of warriors.  Bhai Bidhi Chand ji couldn’t tolerate it.  He said: “this enemy of the Guru should be killed.  He has no respect for Gurus.  He spoke so much nonsense.”  Guru ji smiled and laughed as he spoke: “it was a tradition in the olden days to do a sacrifice before settling a new village.  Looks like we will be performing his sacrifice.  Killing him would make our city solid.  His characteristics are of such.  I see his omens.”  Bhai Bidhi Chand ji said: “Maharaj, then give us your permission to grab him from his home.  We will bring him to you and kill him like Chandoo.  His child is married to Chandoo’s child.  He will die by slapping of shoes.  He will be punished for slandering the Guru.”  Sri Guru Hargobind ji spoke: “the slanderers of the Guru, the enemies of past, present and future; you don’t need to say anything to them.  They will be punished on their own.  Their roots get pulled in the world.  They die and go to Hell, suffering a lot of pain.  Nobody helps them.  They don’t have any generations remaining.  They suffer a lot of problems.  He will go to Hell like Chandoo.  I don’t want to kill him, but his words will get him killed.  He will die today or tomorrow.”  The master of the universe went quiet after speaking.  Guru ji said to the Sikhs: “you continue the work of the fort.” 

The Sikhs and the people of the village got to work.  The Masands and Sikhs supervised the workers.  When the people of the other nearby villages found out, they all came to work.  They were paid a lot for their work.  Bhai Bidhi Chand ji supervised the work.  The fort was almost ready.  They worked till evening that day.  At night, everyone slept.  Everyone woke up in the morning and started to work again.  Guru ji came to observe the work of the fort.  Guru ji said to everyone: “you all did amazing!  It is like it’s already been made.  Pay everyone double.  They all worked hard.”  The Seva was being done with love.  Guru ji started a Divaan.  The warriors all sat with Guru ji with their weapons.  When the day was near noon, Bhagavan Das came to see.  He noticed that the work was continuing.  He got really angry seeing this.  He was in pain with jealousy.  He saw the radiant Guru ji like a small Diva, instead of seeing him like the sun.  Gherard was ready to burn in the Diva like a moth.  He was proud of knowing Shah Jahan.  He was proud of his power.  His death was near.  He came to Guru ji’s Divaan with a cane.  He was wearing a Pugri with a Shamala.   He was very angry.  He was a foolish man with no honor.  He wanted to squeal on Guru ji to the Chavgatha.  He thought to himself: “I will scare him today.  If he leaves today, that’s good.  Otherwise, I will get the army to come.  I will show him what it means to take over my land.  He will either be killed or arrested.  The Badshah is already upset with him.”  He walked towards Guru ji’s court, where Guru ji was sitting.  He didn’t bow.  He hit is cane on the ground, egotistical of his caste, he spoke: “you didn’t stop?  You didn’t see what was good for you.  Why do you want to harm yourself?  You are trying to grab snakes and lions.  Why do you want to die?  How can your city be settled while I am alive?  You don’t consider the Badshah as anything.  You will die in jail.”  Guru Hargobind Sahib ji roared: “looks like you want to die.  Why do you want to die?   What is Shah Jahan?  Who is he?  Where does he live?  You will be killed by us.  When will he come to save you?  Go home.  You’ll be safe.  Don’t come back to the court.  Don’t depend on the Badshah to save you.  I am not afraid of that Turk.  I will kill them all.”  Gherard got angrier and said: “you don’t know Shah Jahan?  He kicked you out from Amritsar at Midnight.  You couldn’t do your daughter’s marriage.  All the stuff was destroyed.  You were lucky to be saved.  He took your Amritsar Sarovar from you and killed many of your Sikhs.  You still didn’t figure out the Badshah?  You are still going around fighting with people.  The Shah won’t let you go this time.  Let me go to him once.”  Satguru ji said to him: “I understand everything.  I can see what Akaal Purakh wants to do.  I am in a fight with Shah Jahan.  He is a tyrant.  I challenged him.  He makes the poor suffer.  I know and he knows about our fight.  What are you dreaming about, you fool?  What is your business about this?  You are a frog of the well.   I have been forgiving you for the last few days.  If you don’t stop, you will be killed by someone.  Control your speech.  Don’t speak harshly, or you will be in trouble.  Nobody will help you.  You will die without delay you fool.  If a battle happens after you die, you won’t be alive again.  This land will stay here after you die.  Many claimed ownerships of this land.  They are all dead now.  You won’t last forever.  I will rest here for a few days and leave after the Chaumasa.  You can live here after we are gone.  You can remain the owner.  I will come back when I wish to.  If you want to be well, just tolerate it for a few months.  Stay in your home.  Eat and sleep.  These harsh words you speak, how long will they be tolerated?  Sandalwood is cool but if you rub it, it catches fire as well.  You are trying to wake up a sleeping lion.  The lion kills elephants as well.  You are not even a deer.  When the lion roars, deer run away.  Why are you jumping into a pothole? Nobody will save you.  This land will remain here.  Your body won’t be found.  The one whose power you are acting up over, he is too far away to come in time to save you.  If he comes to save you, I will kill him along with you.  What doubt are you in?  Go home and save yourself.”  The wise Satguru ji was trying talk sense into Gherard.  Guru ji was forgiving him and didn’t want him to be harmed.  Gherard was a fool.  His death was near.  He didn’t listen to Guru ji.  His wisdom was gone. 

6-29 Gherard Dies

Listening to Guru ji’s Bir Ras words, which were radiant, the fool Gherard didn’t understand.  He couldn’t see the greatness of the Prabhoo.  Gherard kept talking harsh words: “I’m not afraid of your threats.  I will have you punished.  You will remember it for the rest of your life of what it means to mess with me.  What had happened to your father, Arjan, why don’t you remember that painful death.  Your father was killed in captivity because he was stubborn.  Looks like the same will happen to you.  The world calls you Gurus.  People follow you.  You loot them.  You get a lot of money from them which you can’t digest.  You go to other places and cause problems.  You start fights.  The Badshah kicked you out but you are not afraid still.  What was Guru Nanak Dev ji?  Guru Angad Dev ji, Guru Amardas ji and Guru Ramdas ji, what were they?  They looted the world by taking their money.  They showed fake miracles and sat as complete Gurus.  If you want to stay safe, leave this place.  You will be punished being a Mahant.”  He started to swear at Guru ji.  Guru Hargobind Sahib ji heard him speaking about the other Gurus.  Guru ji got really angry.  Gherard spoke falsely and with disrespect towards Guru Nanak Dev ji.  He said what never should have been said.  He started to swear as well.  Guru ji had enough.  Guru ji said to the Sikhs: “grab him and beat him with your shoes.  I want to see how his Shah protects him.  Beat him so his wisdom is purified.  From his mouth he disrespected the Gurus, slap shoes on it so he gets punished.”  The Sikhs heard this.  They were already angry.  They grabbed Gherard, who kept swearing.  He was calling out to his death.  The Sikhs started slapping shoes to his head and face.  Some Sikh slapped him and took his Pugri off.  There were many Sikhs who attacked him.  His head was bald.  The slapping made noise when he was hit in the head.  Gherard yelled out in pain but wouldn’t stop swearing at Guru ji.  The Sikhs hit him harder on the face.  He yelled as he got hit.  The people heard in the village and came.  Nobody came to his aid.  The people of Rohaila gathered to watch this.  The warriors didn’t let anyone come close.  At one point, Gherard was hit so hard that he fainted.  He got up again, regaining consciousness and started to swear again.  He said: “stay here!  I will take revenge for this.  Just as you hit me, I will respond to this.”  He started swearing again.  He said: “I will tell the Shah.”  Guru ji said: “this is Mahikhasur.  I see him as the demon.  Kill him and make him a sacrifice for the village.  Throw him into the Beas, as people give the sacrifice to the Devi.  The warriors are the Devatas.  Gherard is Mahikhasur.  Killing him will give a lot of joy to everyone.  He taxes everyone too high.  He is going to squeal otherwise.  Send him to the home of the Jumms.”  The Sikhs heard this and started to kick and punch Gherard.  He was hit hard and died right away.  He was punched in the head which was the fatal blow.  He died taking shoes and punches.  Someone grabbed his leg and dragged him to the Beas.  They threw his body into the river.  His body flowed away and nobody found it again.  The fool lost his life for no reason. 

Rattan Chand was the son of Bhagavan Das Gherard.  He found out about his father being killed.  He got scared and ran away, riding his horse.  He went far and cried for his father’s death: “oh father, why didn’t you run away?  You lost your life for no reason.”  Rattan Chand thought about what he should do.  He called other people from the nearby villages.  He called his friends from other villages and had a meeting with them. 

Gherard was thrown in the river.  The Sikhs yelled out Jaikaras: “the victory is to the Guru.”  They celebrated the death of the slanderer.  The warriors were always in attention.  They yelled Jaikaras for the Guru.  The fort was being built around the city.  Many people worked on the fort.  Everyone found out about Gherard dying.  The corrupt people began to fear Guru ji.  The thieves and government officials who bothered the people were now afraid.  Nobody spoke bad about Guru ji as they were afraid.  Nobody committed crimes.  The Lords and land owners all came and brought food for Guru ji.  They all served Guru ji and asked for Seva.  Many people brought milk and yoghurt while they bowed.  Guru ji wore the Meeree and Peeree.  People now understood why Guru ji wore two swords.  He was the spiritual and worldly master.  The sinners who sin on the people, they were to get punished.  Guru ji’s glory spread.  He had humility and strength.  Just as butter is churned with strength, which produces butter, two big wooden sticks are put in the churner; that is the way of the world.  People see the punishment and then become humble. 

There was always a crowd around Guru ji.  People and warriors all came to Guru ji.  Many workers came to work to do many tasks.  The wall around the city was being made.  Everyone said: “may the Guru’s name grow.”  The wall was made with speed.  The bricks and mud were made quickly.  Guru ji would inspect the wall twice a day.  He would say: “make it quickly.”

Listen to Gherard’s story.  His son Rattan Chand had run away.  His family all cried.  He gave everyone hope and said: “I will avenge my father’s death.  Otherwise, I will jump into the water.  Just as my father was thrown into the river, I will do the same to the Guru.  I will have his feet chained and thrown into the Beas.  He will die in the river.  The Soobadaar of Jalandhar is my friend.  I have another good thing, Chandoo’s son, Karam Chand is in Jalandhar.  His father was killed by the Guru as well.  His father was kept with the dogs.  The both of us will decide something.  We will find a solution.  Everyone should stay away from here.  Don’t go close to the Guru.  Don’t trust anyone.  Don’t go to the Guru.”  He gathered his people in this way.  Rattan Chand headed to Jalandhar, remembering his father.

Rattan Chand came to Jallandhar and met Karam Chand.  He saluted him and sat by him.  He began to cry to him and told him his story: “listen brother.  Whatever happened to you, happened to me as well. The Guru gave me pain.  My father was a good Sadhoo-natured person.  He was innocent.  He was killed a horrible death.  He was dragged and thrown into the Beas.  I got scared and ran away.  I came to your home now.  Both our fathers were killed by the Guru.  You didn’t take revenge.  We both need revenge.  People will call us damned if we don’t do this.  Our food and water will be damned.  The Guru is still loose.  We need to cheat and kill him.  Jahangir respected the Guru.  He folded his hands and called him Guru Sahib.  He died.  Shah Jahan does not meet the Guru.  He is against the Guru.  His great Umraavs were killed by the Guru.  The Guru took the Badshah’s Baaz.  He is now his big enemy.  Let’s do something to kill the Guru.”  Karam Chand said: “how will we do that?  How can we catch him and kill him?  He has strong warriors in his army.  He is very strong as well.  Shah Jahan figured this out and let go of his anger.  We need to think of a strategy.  Let’s think of a plan.  We will need to cheat him.  Tell me how we can catch him.  Otherwise, we will have to use weapons.  I will pray to all the Peers when we win.  I have already promised this.  I will tie a Pugri when I avenge my father’s death.  Either he dies or he is arrested.  That is the day we will be in joy.  Otherwise we are just walking corpses.  Nothing would be better for me, than to kill him.  I pray to the Peers everyday.  I will spend all the money needed.  I will spend as much as I can.  If a task is needed for the Badshah, I have people near him.  You and I have the same goal.  We need to avenge our fathers’ deaths.  I am a fire to burn the Guru.  I couldn’t do anything alone.  You are wind, that will make the fire grow.  We will do what it takes.  I was waiting for you, it looks like.  Let’s make an effort and do this.”  Karam Chand gave hope to Rattan Chand.  He received him in his home with respect.  They both ate and cried for their fathers.

6-30 Rattan Chand and Karam Chand bring the Sooba

The slanderers of the Guru spent the night together, crying over their fathers.  Rattan Chand said with great pain: “I will tell you how my father was killed.  We were all sitting down in our village.  The Guru came out of nowhere, all of a sudden and set up his Dhera.  Our area was beautiful.  The Guru began to build a fort the next day and wanted to establish a new city.  My father went to him and said: “from whom did you receive the deed to this land?  Did you even ask anyone?  Neither the Hakim nor the people are ready for this.  Shah Jahan is the master of the land.  Transferring of deeds and ownerships is in the Badshah’s hands.”  The Guru did not listen to my father.  Instead, the Guru swore to the Badshah, killed my father and threw him into the river.  The Guru does not fear anyone.  He is sitting there and making a fort.  He is making a city on his name.  Let’s find a way to kill the Guru.  I have a plan.  I need your support.  The Sooba of Jalandhar has a big army.  I am his friend.  I have never asked anything from him before.  We will go to him in the morning and tell him what the Guru did to us.  We will ask him to come with us with his army.  We can arrest the Guru alive and throw him in jail.  Both of us should go to Sooba Abdul Khan.  We will go to his court and complain about the Guru.”  Karam Chand was happy to hear this.  He said: “when we both say it, the Sooba will listen.  He will send the army quickly.  He has a big army.  He takes care of the Jalandhar area.  He can control anyone that tries to take over.  What else can we do besides this?  When we tell him our whole story, they will all be angry with the Guru.  Taking someone else’s land and killing the owner is not good.  We will tell him: “how can you tolerate this?  He will take your land as well.  If the Guru makes his fort, he will cause a rebellion.  The nearby villages will pay him taxes and rebel against the crown.”  They both talked and went to sleep.  They woke up in the morning.

Sooba Abdul Khan was sitting in his court.  All of his administrators and officers were sitting with him.  Rattan Chand and Karam Chand came into the court without their Pugris, showing distress.  Rattan Chand said: “I have been looted.  The Guru killed my father and took my land.  He is not afraid of anyone.  He killed my father and threw him into the Beas.  The Guru is making a fort near the river.  He is raising a rebellion with pride.”  Abdul Khan heard this and called Rattan Chand close to him.  He said: “tell me why was your father killed?  Did he have some give or take with the Guru?  Why did he kill him?  Tell me the whole story.”  Karam Chand was standing by.  He said: “the Guru does not fear anyone.  He does as he pleases.  The last month of Jeth, he fought a battle in Amritsar.  He killed thousands of the Badshah’s men.  He had taken the Badshah’s Baaz, which led to the battle.  He left his home in Amritsar and came to Rohaila.  The land of Rohaila belongs to Rattan Chand.  The Guru took over the land and is now building a fort.  Gherard went to stop him but the Guru killed him and threw him into the river.  He is not afraid of Shah Jahan.  He won’t be afraid of you either.  He does as he pleases.  One day the Guru will cause problems for you too.  You won’t be able to do anything then.  You should capture him now or kill him.  He doesn’t have anything to fight with right now because he just fought a war.  If he stays longer, he will gather people and weapons for a battle.  If you don’t go now, and don’t pay attention to what we are saying, this is will cause a lot of damage for the crown.  He will have a bigger army later.  He will get food and ammunition from the people.  The Sikhs killed Mughlas Khan.  You should attack at night and arrest him alive.  If he fights then you should kill him.  The Badshah will be happy to hear this.  Take his Baaz back to the Badshah.  The Badshah will be happy and give you promotions.  He will increase your salary.  The Baaz is priceless.  You have a big army.  Let’s attack and defeat the Guru.  If we arrest Guru Hargobind Sahib ji, the Badshah will give you a lot of rewards.  We will all get promotions.  The Guru is an enemy of the Emperor.  When we kill him, it will solve a lot of problems.”  Abdul Khan heard this and thought about gain and loss.  He then decided to arrest the Guru and impress the Badshah.  He thought to himself: “my friend has come for a task.  His father died.  I will help him.  I will get the Baaz of the Emperor back.  I will surely get a promotion for this.  It seems that victory has come to me.  Why shouldn’t I fight this small fight?  I am being given this great chance.”  He asked his advisors.  They said: “how will the Guru fight now?  He only has a few poor Sikhs with him.  A lot of his Sikhs were killed in battle.  Khuddah has given you this chance for glory.  You will be promoted.  This came all of a sudden.  Let’s attack.  The Guru is the enemy of the Badshah.  Let’s kill him or arrest him.  Why wouldn’t the Badshah be happy with you?  This is an easy task for you.  You don’t need to think too hard about this.  Let’s go right now!  Take your victory and complete the task.”  Abdul Khan heard his advisors and got happy.  He proudly commanded to mobilize the army: “sound the Nagaras for the army to move out.  Distribute bullets and gunpowder.  Give everyone what they need.  Tell the army to get ready.” 

The officers went around gathering the regiments.  They called the reserves and had the Nagaras sounded.  The generals were called into court.  They were given respect, weapons, clothes and given instructions: “mount your horses without delay.  We are attacking today.”  Bows, arrows, bullets, rifles, and pistols were given to all.  Bullets and gunpowder were given out.  The warriors took the weapons and got ready.  They took different type of Kharags which had golden hilts.  Some were made of silver.  Expensive shields were taken by the warriors.  The whole army was in attention.  Abdul Khan was looking forward to battle.  He saw his army and was inspired.  There were 15,000 men in his army.  He thought to himself: “the Guru and his army will not survive my army.  If he doesn’t run away, already, we will capture him.”  The Nagara was played loudly.  A great army set off, like black clouds being dragged by the wind.  The Nagaras and Ransinghas sounded like thunder.  The clouds were going to rain on Sri Hargovindpur.  The weapons flashed in the light like lightening in the clouds.  There were hail-like bullets in these clouds.  The Sikhs were like a ripe field.  The hail was planning on ruining the ripe fields.  They were going to rain on the Sikhs.  They were unaware of the counter wind.  They were going to be faced with the arrows of Guru Hargobind Sahib ji.  The army of Abdul Khan was going to be pushed back.  The big army of the Sooba came with force.  They yelled out: “let’s go and kill the Guru.”  As soon as they left from Jalandhar, they saw the bad omens.  The wise ones saw them and got depressed: they were faced with a headwind as they left; a deer herd came from the wrong side; the horses began to shed tears; crows and hawks circled over their heads along with vultures, shrieking as they flew; the horses stumbled and fell as they walked; the warriors were depressed; they saw someone carrying firewood ahead; the bray of donkeys could be heard, signalling death; the sound of the Nagara was flat; cremations and funerals were seen on the way. 

Rattan Chand was with Abdul Khan along with Chandoo’s son, Karam Chand.  Abdul Khan asked: “how big is the fort that the Guru is constructing?  How many soldiers does he have?”  Rattan Chand said: “it’s nothing compared to your army.  If the Guru sees your army, he will run away.  They are like salt in the flour.  Khuddah is pleased with you.”  They talked and travelled fast.  It looked like the ocean tide came over the shore on a full moon night.  That’s how it was seen.  It was like how Jarasandh had called Kaaljaman to attack Sri Krishan ji.  Abdul Khan was going to fight Guru Hargobind Sahib ji as Jarasandh attacked Hari Gobind (Krishan ji).  15,000 men travelled on top of strong steeds.  It was like Khara (cousin of Ravana) going to fight Ram Chander ji with a force of 14,000 men.  The Malaich had all drunk alcohol.  They said to Abdul Khan: “tell us where the Guru is.  We will capture him.  We will just grab him.  We won’t need to fight.  We fought great battles.  We will kill all of the Sikhs now.  Our army is too strong.  No one can stand in front of us.”  Just as King Sagar had 60,000 sons and disrespected Kappal; they didn’t think anyone was stronger than them; they were destroyed by the curse of Kappal Muni; these fools were the same way.  They were calling their deaths.  They shouted out Jaikaras as they moved.  They drank alcohol and were intoxicated.  They would pull the reins of their horses and make them dance.  Some made the horses run fast.  The Pattahs and Ransinghas sounded.  The army was decked out with weapons and clothes.  The Dhols sounded out loud as the Bhatts sang.  The army moved out in this way, like a flood on a mountain due to rain.  The double-beat was played on the Nagaras.  The sound could be heard from afar. 

The army came close the Rohaila.  The crowd made a lot of noise.  Abdul Khan was proud to see his great army.  In order to cross the river, ferries were called.  The ferrymen were paid and the army crossed the river.