7-11 Baasarke Bir Darshan

In this way Guru Hargobind Sahib ji did many tasks of enjoyment.  He would take away the fear from his servants and give them his own faith.  He made their faith strong.  One day in Sri Amritsar, Guru ji bathed in the Sarovar and sat by the edge.  The warriors and Masands bathed near the Dukhbhanjani Beri.  They all sat around Guru ji after.  It was like stars around the moon.  The Katha of the Dukhbhanjani Beri started.  Baba Bhanna ji asked by Guru ji: “what is the history of this place?”  Guru ji said: “this Teerath was found because of the Beri.  The fourth Guru did some digging.  The fifth Guru found this place by the Beri.  The daughter of the Raja of Patti, was married to a lepper.  Her name was Rajni.  Her father married her off to a lepper as he was upset at her for saying that Akaal Purakh provides for all.  She had left her husband here and gone to beg from the villages.  The husband saw crows bathe here and become white.  The husband crawled to the water and fell in.  He was totally cured when the water touched him.  The wife didn’t believe that it was her husband.  She thought it was someone else.  She then came to Guru Arjan Dev ji at Santokhsar and told him the whole story.  Guru ji was happy and said: “this is your husband.  He is better now.  Show me the place where he bathed.  You will get what you wish for.”  They all came here to the Beri.  Guru ji saw the Teerath.  He named the Beri: “Dukhbhanjani Sahib.”  He named it himself.  He had the permanent steps made here first.  The Harmandir was made in the centre.  The wife of the lepper asked for a boon: “Prabhoo ji, please give me a home.”  Guru ji called the Raja of Patti.  Guru Arjan Dev ji had the Raja sit with him and told him the whole Katha.  Guru ji said: “your daughter is a Patibrat (chaste and pious) woman.  She lived with her lepper husband.  He is now without the illness.  You don’t have a son.  See your son-in-law as your son now.  Give him the kingdom.  You are going to die soon.  You have gone old.  Your days have been spent.  Take your daughter and son-in-law with you.”  The Raja obeyed Guru ji’s words.  He saw the end of his days and dropped his ego.  He took Bibi Rajni and her husband home.  He made the son-in-law the king.  Baba Bhanna ji, the glory of Harmandhir Sahib is great.  Ganga, Yamuna, Sarasvati, Kurukshetra, Kanshi, Prayaag, Naeemkhaar, Vrindavan, Mathura, Dvaravati, Rampur, Thanashwer, Gaya, Gomati, Godavari, Narmadha, Mansarovar, Ayodhya, Kedar, Pushkar- the place of Devatas, Gandika, Neel Pahaar, the place of Sidhs, Rishikesh, Avanta, Kataakh and other Teeraths; in Kaliyuga these Teeraths are considered great.  Coming here, sins are washed away.  None of the other Teeraths are equal to or greater than Amritsar.  The glory of Prabhoo is continuously sung here.  The wishes are all fulfilled here for those who bathe here.”  Guru Hargobind Sahib ji spoke about the glories of Harmandhir Sahib.  He then got up and did Parkarmas of the Sarovar.  He came to Akaal Takhat to sit there.  After sitting there, he went to his home. 

One day, in the season of Paavas (monsoon rains), many clouds had come.  Guru ji went hunting in the morning with the army.  They headed towards Baasarke (the birthplace of Guru Amardas ji and Gurduara Sun Sahib).  Everyone did Darshan of the place and bowed.  The warriors, Baba Bhanna ji and Bhai Sadhoo ji were with Guru ji.  They bowed and asked Guru ji: “Prabhoo ji, what is the history of this place?  You bowed your head here with faith and devotion.”  Guru ji heard this and said: “Guru Amardas ji came here to be alone.  Baba Bhudda ji found him.”  Everyone was happy to hear the whole Katha from Guru ji.  They all sat there for a while.  They all mounted their horses and headed off afterwards.

Guru ji and the Sikhs travelled slowly.  Baba Bhanna ji was on his horse, riding near Guru ji, the warrior of warriors.  They soon reached the Bir of Baba Bhudda ji.  Guru ji said to Bhai Gurdas ji: “Baba Bhudda ji used to live somewhere here.”  Guru ji asked Bhai Gurdas ji: “where was Baba Bhudda ji’s home?  You have come here many times and stayed with Baba Bhudda ji for a long time.  Show me.  You are the senior Sikh of the Guru.”  Bhai Gurdas ji went on ahead.  He recognized the place where Baba Bhudda ji lived in a straw hut.  He turned around and said to Guru ji: “come forward.  This is the place.  Do the Darshan of this place.”  Guru ji heard this and came forward.  The place was pure and holy.  Guru ji bowed, feeling Baba Bhudda ji near to him.  He thought of Baba Bhudda ji.  Baba Bhanna ji came to bow as well.  He put his forehead on the ground.  Everyone else bowed to the place as well.  Satguru ji then said: “make a beautiful Manjhi here.  Clean this place in the morning.”  It was time to eat and so everyone prepared to eat.  Rugs were laid out and everyone sat on them.  Baba Bhanna ji said: “how did this Guru-ki-Bir come to be?”  Satguru ji then said the Kahta: “Akbar fought a battle with Jaimal Fatha.  Akbar came to Guru Amardas ji, hearing about his glory, to bow his head and ask for his blessings.  Akbar won the war and gave these villages to Guru ji.  He had to plead Guru ji to accept them.  It has been known as the Bir of the Guru since then.  Baba Bhudda ji was the caretaker and lived here.”  Guru Hargobind Sahib ji, from his lotus mouth, spoke to the Sikhs. 

It was cloudy and so the wind got cooler.  It was pleasant to everyone sitting there.  The wind was flowing slowly.  Guru ji was in joy and looking radiant.  There was greenery everywhere.  Cheech Votiya were seen on the ground.  They looked like diamonds moving on the ground.  It was like the ground had a blue blanket on, by the greenery.  Guru ji saw the blooms.  The destroyer of sinners, the lover of his servants; walked around the Bir.  The cooks plated the food for Guru ji.  The ground was cleaned.  A sandalwood stool was set for Guru ji.  Guru ji washed his hands and face.  He ate as much as he wanted to.  Everyone else ate as well.  The Servants then set up tents and beds.  A nice bed was set for Guru ji.  Guru ji laid down. 

In the evening, Guru ji washed up and bathed.  He wore fine white clothes, as it was hot and humid.  Guru ji fastened his weapons.  He then went to the place where the Manjhi was to be built.  Guru ji spoke of the place: “visiting this place will give many rewards.  Their wishes will be fulfilled, who come here.  There will be a Mela here one day.  People from around 18 km (from Amritsar) will come here.”  Guru ji mounted his horse and started to go back home.  He stopped along the way to hunt.  They all came back to Amritsar.  The warriors were with him.  There was already a Divaan at Akaal Takhat in session when Guru ji arrived.  Everyone got up when they saw Guru ji come to Akaal Takhat.  They bowed and sat down again.  The So Dar was recited.  Guru ji then got up and went to Harmandhir Sahib.  He did Parkarmas and bowed his head.  He then went to his home and slept the night.  At Amritvela he awoke and bathed.  He then did his Nitnem and sat in Sangat, with the Sikhs all around him.

7-12 Darshan of Sri Taran Taaran Sahib

In this way, Satguru ji spent many days in Amritsar.  It was Bhadron in Paavas.  It was a pleasant time.  The compassionate one was sitting with Masands one day and said: “write a Hukamnama to every place that Sikhs live.  Tell everyone to come to the Taran Taaran Teerath.  Tell them to come on the Masya of Bhadron.  Bathe in the Sarovar and take the 4 rewards.”  The Masands heard this and wrote the Hukamnamas.

On the Dasmi of Bhadron Vaddi (10 days after full moon), Satguru ji had all the preparations made.  He got ready with the whole family.  The Teerath of Taran Taaran was great.  They all got ready to visit the Teerath and bathe in the Sarovar.  Mata Damodri ji got on her chariot.  Mata Nanaki ji and Mata Marwahi ji went along.  Mata Khem Kaur ji got into her palanquin.  Many Sikhs in the Sangat welt along.  Bibi Veero ji, the fortunate daughter of Guru ji, came along.  She was with her mother Mata Damodri ji on her chariot.  Satguru ji did Parkarmas of Harmandir Sahib first, with the family.  Guru ji bowed and came outside.  He got on top of a palanquin.  Baba Ani Rai ji, Baba Sooraj Mal ji and Guru Tegh Bahadhur ji got on their horses.  Bhai Gurdas ji was on a chariot.  Others mounted their horses.  They all gathered in a big group and started off to Taran Taaran Sahib at the sound of the Nagaras.  The warriors and Masands went. 

It was a 4 hours trip.  They all arrived in Taran Taaran soon.  They set up camp on the east side.  The whole family camped there.  Everyone ate food and spent the day in joy.  Guru Hargobind Sahib ji talked about how Guru Arjan Dev ji had the Teerath built.  Baba Bhanna ji and the others listened in joy.  Guru Arjan Dev ji bought the land for 175,000 Rajitpuns.  Qazi Noor Deen’s son took the bricks and so the work stopped.  Guru Arjan Dev ji said: “the Khalsa will bring the bricks back one day.”  Guru Arjan Dev ji left the area then. 

People arrived on the 13^th and 14^th Vaddi of Bhadron.  The people came and bowed with their gifts.  They bathed in the Sarovar and set up camp along the edges.  People would go to the place of Guru Arjan Dev ji to bathe in the Sarovar on the day of Masya.  Satguru ji had a big Divaan in session.  Many Sikhs came in big groups.  A lot of Karah Prashaad was distributed.  People brought clothes and weapons.  Some brought money.  They did their Ardaas to Satguru ji and had their wishes fulfilled. 

Sri Guru Hargobind Sahib ji spoke: “the glory of this Teerath is great.  Whoever bathes here on Masya, they will get a son or other rewards.  There are rewards for coming here in the month of Bhadron (July/ August).  If one bathes on the Bhadron Masya, their sins will be washed away.  They will be purified, by mind and body, and their wishes will be fulfilled.  Today is the big Mela.  Men and women will come here in the future.  The three types of illnesses will not come near if one bathes and recites Japji Sahib.”  Everyone heard this and felt joy.  They heard the glory of the Teerath.  The Sangat stayed for 3 days.  People bowed to Guru ji and went back to their homes.  Guru ji stayed that night. 

Bhai Gurdas ji said: “36 km from here, there’s another Teerath of Guru Arjan Dev ji called “Chola Sahib.”  Let’s go there as well.  Bless the Sikhs of that area as well.”  Guru ji accepted the request.  In the morning, the army and Sikhs got ready to go to Chola Sahib and Sarhaali Sahib.  The whole family got ready and went with the compassionate master.  They all went to the place of Guru Arjan Dev ji and set up the Dhera.  They did Darshan of the place and bowed their heads.  The people of the area found out of Guru ji’s arrival and began to come for his Darshan.  They brought milk and yoghurt for the Langar.  They came from every direction.  It was the place of Guru Hargobind Sahib ji’s father.  Guru ji did Parkarma of the Teerath and bowed his head.  Guru ji then sat and had a Divaan.  Many Sikhs came. They folded their hands and bowed.  They brought a lot of food for the Langar.  Many brought ghee as much as they could.  They wanted to be blessed and make Guru ji happy.  Keertan happened by which the heart was purified and Gyaan entered.  A big Mela gathered at Chola Sahib.  Everyone did Darshan of Guru ji with love.  The mine of virtues sat for a while in the Divaan.  Baba Bhanna ji spoke: “why did Guru Arjan Dev ji come here?  What task did he do here?”  Satguru ji looked towards Bhai Gurdas ji and said: “ask Bhai Gurdas ji.  He came here with my father.  He knows the whole history as Guru ji came here.”  Bhai Gurdas ji understood the command and started to say the Katha: “listen Bhanna Sahib ji, I was with Guru Arjan Dev ji when he came here.  I will tell you what I saw and heard.  When Prithi Chand caused a lot of problems, he swore at Guru ji.  Guru Arjan Dev ji was the form of serenity and calmness.  He noticed that his brother wouldn’t stop fighting, so he came to Sarhaali Sahib with about 10 Sikhs.  The people of this area came and met Guru ji.  They brought money and bowed to him.  Guru ji said: “give us a place to stay.  I will stay here for a few days and move on.”  The people of Sarhaali gave him this place.  They loved him a lot.  After about 4 days, the Sikhs that went to Amritsar started to come here instead.  They did his Pooja and brought gifts.  A great crowd gathered.  Some came and some went.  There was a Jogi Guru that lived here as well.  He saw Guru ji and became jealous of Guru ji’s glory and attention.  The Jogi thought: “my praises have decreased.  People will do this Guru’s Pooja, seeing others.  This Guru is a fraud.  He has made a big thing for himself.  Many come to him.  Nobody comes to me.”  The Jogi got worried like this.  He called his servants.  He lied to them to make them scared: “this Guru is a thief of the Badshah.  He ran and came here.  He has set up his shop here and wants to loot others.  He shows them miracles to fool them.  The Badshah will surround him.  This will be bad.  If Jahangir hears this, he will be mad.  He will loot you and destroy your villages.  The best thing to do is to kick the Guru out of here.  Why keep him here if it will give you pain?”  He made the villagers worried.  The villagers went to Guru Arjan Dev ji.  They spoke to Guru ji in anger: “don’t stay here.  Get up and leave.  Go from where you came from.  Go where you wish to.”  Guru ji said: “I stayed, only after I asked you.  You are speaking harshly now.  What happened to you?  I haven’t ruined any task of yours.  Why are you mad for no reason?”  The villagers spoke harshly: “you are a fake.  You lie wherever you go.  We don’t like so much noise.  Get up and go wherever you want to.”  Guru ji was upset.  There was a brick there.  Guru Arjan Dev ji picked up the brick and smashed it.  It broke into 4 pieces.  Guru ji threw one piece in each direction.  Baba Bhudda ji understood that something was wrong.  He picked up 3 pieces and couldn’t find the fourth.  Guru ji said: “what are you doing?”  Baba Bhudda ji said: “I collected the 3 pieces of the brick but can’t find the fourth.  I know your play.”  Guru ji laughed and said: “you are compassionate Baba ji.  Your personality is altruistic.  There will be fields in only 3 directions.  The fourth direction will grow only Kullar; nothing else will grow there.”  Kavi Santokh Singh ji said: “till today, the fields of the 3 sides only grow crops.”  Guru ji got up and left along with the Sikh Sangat. 

7-13 Darshan of Chola Sahib

Bhai Gurdas ji spoke: “when Guru Arjan Dev ji came to this place, the Sarpanch (leader) of the village was a Sikh of the Guru.  He was happy to see Guru ji come.  He brought Prashaad for Guru ji and bowed to his feet.  The villagers all bowed and said: “we are your servants.  Please stay here and bless us with your Darshan.”  The Villagers kept Guru ji there and served him in many ways.  Mata Ganga ji was taken to the home of the Sarpanch.  The wife of the Sarpanch bowed to Mata ji and kept her like her own mother.  A beautiful bed was laid out for her.  She thought to herself: “we are fortunate to have Guru ji and Mata ji here.  I should cook something for them quickly.  Dhaal and vegetables will take a long time to make.  Guru ji must be hungry.”  She mixed sugar and ghee while grinding up some Pranthas (fried Rotis).  She made a “choori” or a “chola.”  She made it with devotion and love.  She filled a bowl and brought it for Guru ji. 

She same to Guru ji.  The fortunate woman bowed and sat down.  Guru ji saw her love and said: “what have you brought?  What wish is in your heart?”  The woman said: “I thought that you were hungry as you have been travelling since morning.  I brought a little for you to eat now.  The Dhaal is being cooked and will take some time.”  She placed the bowl in front of Guru ji.  Guru ji was hungry and began to eat.  Some other people of the village arrived.  A crowd gathered.  Guru ji was really happy to eat the chola.  He said: “you made a great chola.”  He then washed his hands.  He recited a Shabad in Raag Dhanasri about the Chola.  He kept that line at the end.  He talked about the glory of the Naam within the Shabad.  He blessed the woman.  The woman was happy and went home.  The people of the village came and sat.  Guru ji started a Divaan.  Guru Arjan Dev ji said: “what is the name of your village?”  The villagers folded their hands and said: “it is called Bhaini.”  Guru ji said: “it shall be known as “Chola” from now on.  The previous name is not a good one.”  One foolish man got up and said: “everyone calls this place Bhaini.  How can it be called Chola?  Good or bad, it should stay Bhaini.”  Guru ji said: “I said it will be Chola, so it will be Chola.  Don’t say anything otherwise now.”  The foolish farmer said: “we don’t know Chola.  I don’t care.”  Guru ji said: “it will be Chola for sure now.  The name Bhaini will be lost.  People will forget that name.”  The foolish man didn’t accept this.  Guru ji said: “this man is foolish.”  The man became crazy as soon as Guru ji said that.  He started ripping his clothes and yelling out loud.  He spoke gibberish.  The people were surprised to see this.  The Sarpanch got scared and said a request to Guru ji: “please forgive him Guru ji.  This man is foolish.  He doesn’t know about your glory.  He kept disagreeing with you.  Please, for me, have compassion and cure his madness.”  Guru ji heard this and said: “all of his madness will not go away.  There will be one mad person in his family from now on.  He was full of ego and didn’t listen.”   The tusks of an elephant and the words of a Guru, they can never go back into the mouth once they come out.  The Sarpanch folded his hands and said: “one thing I am in doubt of: when we go to pay our taxes to the Badshah, how do we explain to them about the name of the village being called Chola?  They will have Bhaini written in their accounts.  How do we tell them about the new name?  How do we tell them the truth?”  Guru Arjan Dev ji heard this and said: “say Chola there.  It will be written there.  Don’t doubt this.  The name Bhaini will be erased from their accounts.  Everyone will know it as Chola.”  Everyone heard this and accepted it.  They had faith.  They all pleaded for the foolish man.  Guru ji said: “sometimes he will be crazy and sometimes he will be wise.  He will have someone like him in his generations.”  Kavi Santokh Singh ji says: “till now, he has one person like him in his family.  Sometimes they are crazy and sometimes they are wise.  This is known in the village.” 

The farmers all requested Guru ji: “the farmers of the Booh caste, they don’t let us graze are cows in the grazing field.  If the cows go to their direction, they beat them and start shouting.”  Guru ji heard this and said casually: “the Boohs will all be Jooh-ed (go away/destroyed).  Graze your cattle in peace.  Chola will have the “Ola,” support, of the Guru.”  Thus spoke Guru ji about the Boohs.  The Boohs eventually disappeared and the villagers grazed their cows in peace.  Guru ji stayed there for some time.  Langar was ready and everyone ate.  Guru ji rested there for some time. 

After some time, the leaders went to Delhi to pay their taxes.  They requested Guru ji: “we are going to Delhi to pay taxes.  What shall we say?”  Guru ji said: “say Chola.  Go in peace.”  The leaders bowed and went to Delhi.  When they reached the office of Delhi, they met the administrators and said: “we have the tax for Chola.”  The administrators said: “we have never heard of the village Chola.  Is it a new village?  Tell us.  We can write it down now.  I recognize you.  You come from Bhaini.”  The leaders of Chola said: “it is called Chola.  Don’t call it Bhaini.  Have a look in your accounts.”  The administrator was surprised.  He opened up his books and checked.  He noticed that the name of the village was Chola.  He checked as far back as he could from previous years.  He only saw Chola.  He was surprised to see Chola instead of Bhaini. 

The head administrator Divaan went to Jahangir and told him of the surprising thing: “I saw the people of Bhaini come to pay their taxes.  They said: “our village is called Chola.”  I checked my files and I saw only Chola.”  The Badshah said: “I’ve never heard of Chola either.  Find it.”  The Divan said: “I’ve checked all my books.  I went back decades.  I only see Chola everywhere.  There is no Bhaini.”  Jahangir heard this and was surprised.  He called the leaders of Chola to him.  When the leaders came, the Emperor said: “tell me the truth.”  The Sarpanch told him the whole Katha: “the truth is that Guru Arjan Dev ji came to our village and called it Chola this year.”  The Shah heard this and bowed his head.  He understood the whole miracle and knew if was Guru ji who had changed the name.  The Shah had a waiver written for the leaders of Chola so they didn’t have to pay taxes anymore.  Everyone praised Guru Arjan Dev ji.  They said: “he can do whatever he wishes.  There is no doubt in this.”  The village stayed with that Sarpanch.  When Shah Jahan ruled, the village was taken away from the Sarpanch.  Guru ji stayed in Chola for many days.  He then went back to Amritsar.  Listen Baba Bhanna ji, I have spoken the Katha of Guru Arjan Dev ji.” 

Everyone bowed their heads and said: “Dhan, great is the Satguru.”  Guru Hargobind Sahib ji bowed to the place and came back to his tent with a lot of people.  The son of the Sarpanch came to see Guru ji.  He brought food made in the 6 types of tastes.  He bowed to Guru ji’s feet and sat down.  Guru ji asked how he was.  The son spoke of his wellness and sat down with joy.  His whole family came, along with other Sikhs from the village.  They all brought food.  After eating, everyone went to sleep. 

Guru ji woke up at Amritvela and did his daily cleansing routines.  He did his Nitnem.  Keertan had started and so many Sikhs came to listen with joy.  The Sikhs were reciting Gurbani.  Guru ji stayed in this place for 3 days with great joy.  Guru ji then bowed to his father’s place and mounted his horse.  The people of the village came and bowed to Guru ji.  Guru ji gave them hope and set off.  The wife of the Sarpanch came and did Guru ji’s Pooja.  She presented clothes for the 3 wives of Guru ji.  She also gave gifts to Baba Sooraj Mal ji’s wife.  The other women of the village came and presented their gifts as well.  The mothers blessed them and got on top of their chariots.  The mothers praised the village a lot. 

As Satguru ji travelled around 9 km, he saw a place.  He got off his horse and bowed.  The mine of virtues sat down there for a long time. 

7-14 Bhai Hema ji/ Bhai Gurdas ji goes to Sach Khand

As Guru ji sat down at the place, everyone wondered why Guru ji was sitting there.  They folded their hands and asked: “what place is this?  You have bowed and sat down here.  Who came here and how did this place come to be?”  The compassionate one heard this and said: “this is the place of Guru Nanak Dev ji.  There is a village nearby called Pathayvind, where Bedi Kshatriyas live.  Sri Guru Nanak Dev ji came here with Bhai Bala ji and Bhai Mardana ji.  When the Bedis saw Guru ji come here, they spoke harshly to him out of family jealousy: “why have you stained the family name of the Bedis?  You have taken on the ways of the Fakirs and led yourself astray.  You came here to take your brothers’ place?  You are spreading your fraudulent ways.  We won’t let you live here.  Leave from here or else we will pick you up and kick you out of here.”  Guru ji said to them: “I won’t live here.  I will stay here for a few days and then go somewhere else.  I have no enmity with any family member.  I have destroyed all my desires.”  The Bedis heard this and got angry.  They said: “we understand your play very well.  You will meet your people and flip them to your side.  They will then help you get what you want.  For this reason, we are going to make you get up now.  We don’t trust you.  Get up and go from here.  Otherwise, we will grab you by the arm and kick you out.”  Sri Guru Nanak Dev ji said: “you think your houses are going to remain forever.  Your homes will become ash.  The village will be destroyed and won’t be found again.”  The mine of virtues got up and left.  He was the giver of joy to the Sikhs.  After a while, the people of the village became jealous of each other and fought.  They all left the village.  Since then, there are only ruins here.  Where I bowed, this is where Guru Nanak Dev ji sat.”  Guru Hargobind Sahib ji spoke the Katha and the Sikhs bowed to the place.  Guru ji and the Sikhs sat there for an hour.  After, they all mounted their horses and travelled 6 km.

Everyone reached a place of Guru Arjan Dev ji.  Guru ji got off his horse and bowed to the place.  It was around 5 pm.  Guru ji had the camp set up there.  The Langar was ordered to be made.  Guru ji destroyed many bad wisdoms.  Guru ji sat and had a Divaan.  Baba Bhanna ji said to Guru ji: “this place is in ruins at a distance.  How did Guru Arjan Dev ji come here?”  Guru ji looked towards Baba Bidhi Chand ji and said: “you speak of the history of this place.  You were with Guru Arjan Dev ji then.”  Baba Bidhi Chand ji obeyed and said: “Guru Arjan Dev ji came here.  There were 5 of us Sikhs with Guru ji.  When we came, it was winter (Him Rut).  It was really cold and was raining.  The wind was cold as well.  The 5 of us said to Guru ji: “let’s go to the village ahead.”  The village you see now in ruins, was quite established then.  Guru Arjan Dev ji said: “the people of the village are not filled with love.  It is known that they are foolish people.”  We said to Guru ji: “let’s find a Junj Ghar or an inn to stay in.  We can go and find out.”  Satguru ji said: “you go ahead first and find a place.  Come back to me and I will go then.”  We got his permission and headed towards the village.  We saw beautiful Chabarras on the houses.  There was no place to rest though.  Nobody agreed to let us stay in the cold.  Nobody welcomed us or respected us.  We came back and told Guru Arjan Dev ji.  It started to rain hard then.  Guru Arjan Dev ji said: “we won’t get a place in this village.  There is a beloved Sikh that lives in a hut here.  Let’s go to his home.  This is what I wish to do.  His love has called me here.  That’s why I came here.”  We all went to the hut.  The Sikh was a great saint named Bhai Hema ji.  He would do Simran of Satnam all the time.  He had a ripped blanket on his body.  He was grinding wheat when we came.  Guru ji was happy with the Sikh and said: “the saints of Hari are great.”  Guru ji went into the hut.  Bhai Hema ji saw Guru ji and became overjoyed.  He got up and grabbed Guru ji’s feet.  He had a blanket on his body which he took off and laid on the ground.  He had Guru ji sit on the blanket.  He washed Guru ji’s feet and drank the Amrit.  He was in bliss to see Guru ji.  He was filled with bliss.  The wheat that he was grinding, he made rotis with that for Guru ji.  He requested Guru ji to eat and gave us food as well.  Bhai Hema ji ate the leftover roti of Guru ji with love.  He massaged Guru ji’s feet and sang Guru ji’s praises: “you have blessed me and made my happy.”  Guru Arjan Dev ji saw his state and uttered a Shabad:

Raag Soohi Mahalla 5 Ghar 4

Ik Oankaar Satguru Prasaad..

That hut is good, where the glories of Hari are sung..

Those homes are useless which have forgotten Hari..1..Rahao..

That poorness is blissful, where the name of Hari is remembered in the company of a saint..

That status/greatness/richness should burn which is caught in Maya..1..

Grinding the wheat, taking on a blanket, is joyful, with contentment in the heart..

Such a kingdom is of no use, which does not give satiation..2..

Walking around naked, they are glorious who have the colour of the Parmeshwar..

Silk clothes are useless if there is greed in the heart..3..

Everything is in your hands, oh Prabhoo, you are the cause and the effect..

I do your Simran with every breath, Nanak has received this gift..4..1..41..

(SGGS 745)

The name of the village was Khanpura which belonged to an Umarov of Jahangir.  The village was eventually ruined.  That is the village you all see over there.  There was no respect for Gurus or saints.  Such places are ruins.  Guru Arjan Dev ji stayed there for some time.  Bhai Hema ji’s end time was near.  He left his body and went to Sach Khand with joy.  Guru Arjan Dev ji cremated his body and then went back home.”  Baba Bidhi Chand ji said to Baba Bhanna ji: “this is the history of this place.  I have seen it with my eyes.  Since then, this place has been here.”  Everyone bowed their heads.  Guru Hargobind Sahib ji had food made and everyone ate.

The next day, in the afternoon, Guru ji knew it was time for Bhai Gurdas ji to go to Sach Khand.  Guru ji called for a horse.  Everyone headed towards Goindwal Sahib.  The whole family was there too.  They all reached there in the evening.  They set up camp near Baoli Sahib.  Everyone bathed and went to Chabarra Sahib.  Everyone bowed at the different places.  Guru Hargobind ji came back to his Dhera then.  Baba Sundar ji and Baba Parmanand ji came to see Guru ji.  They bowed and sat down with Guru ji.  They all asked how each other were.  Everyone ate and then rested. 

Guru ji woke up at 2:30 am.  Bhai Gurdas ji folded his hands and said: “it is time for my Puranas to end.”  Guru ji heard this and went with Bhai Gurdas ji.  Baba Sundar ji and Baba Parmanand ji got up.  Everyone bathed and sat in the Asa Vaar Divaan.  Bhai Gurdas ji said: “there is no time left for me now.  I wish to have my ashes put into the Beas.  Don’t make a resting place for me.”  Guru ji heard this and said: “as you wish.”  Bhai Gurdas ji’s mind was still and peaceful.  He recited Japji Sahib and Sukhmani Sahib.  He bowed his head, thinking of the Satguru.  Sri Guru Hargobind Sahib ji said: “blessed and great is your life, your coming to this world is great.  Your glory is spread in the world.  You have reached the highest status.  Your name will remain for a long time.  You will be known in the Panth of the Guru.”  Bhai Gurdas ji bowed to Guru ji.  He covered his face.  Without any delay, Bhai Gurdas ji went to the dimension of the Guru.  The great Sikh, Bhai Gurdas ji, reached Sach Khand.  Guru Hargobind Sahib ji was watching.  Such a person is blessed, who left his body in front of the Guru.  When the Asa Vaar finished, everyone folded their hands and bowed. 

Guru ji had the preparations for the cremation made.  Whatever was needed, was called.  Baba Bhanna ji and other Sikhs bathed Bhai Gurdas ji’s body and set it on a platform.  Expensive sheets were put on his body.  Baba Sooraj Mal ji did Chaur on Bhai Gurdas ji’s body.  The conches were blown out loud.  Many conches were blowing.  The Rababis sang Shabads on the way to the pyre.  They came to the shores of the Beas.  Everyone showered flowers on top of Bhai Gurdas ji’s body.  The body was put on top of the pyre.  Guru ji completed the traditions of the cremation.  Guru ji lit the pyre with his hands.  Everyone bathed in the Beas and gave the Tilanjal.  The Keertan Chownki was completed.  The Ardaas was done: “may Bhai Gurdas ji go to the Guru’s home.”  Panchamrit was distributed to all.  Everyone sang Bhai Gurdas ji’s glories.

The Sangat of Goindwal sat with Guru ji and talked about Bhai Gurdas ji.  On the fourth day, the ashes of Bhai Gurdas ji were picked up and set into the Beas.  Everyone bathed at Baoli Sahib and bowed.  Guru ji mounted his horse and then went to Amritsar right away.

7-15 The Guru Maryada of Death/ Bhai Jallan

Baba Sudar ji, Baba Parmanand ji and the whole family mounted their horses and carts.  They all went to Khadoor Sahib.  They did the Darshan of Guru Angad Dev ji’s place.  They bowed and did Parkarma there.  Guru ji, the family and the warriors all bowed.  The family of Baba Dhatu ji and Baba Dasu ji all came.  They bowed to Guru ji and said: “please rest here the night.  We wish to serve you.”  Guru Hargobind Sahib ji said: “we are going to Amritsar today.  We just came to visit.  We need to start the Sahij Paath of Guru Granth Sahib ji in regards to Bhai Gurdas ji’s departure from this world.”  The family kept insisting but Guru ji mounted his horse and set off. 

Guru ji and everyone else arrived at Amritsar in the evening.  The warriors were with him.  They bowed at Akaal Takhat and then went to the Darshani Deodi.  Guru ji then went inside Harmandhir Sahib and bowed there.  He did the Parkarmas and came outside.  He sat at Akaal Takhat and had a Divaan.  The people of Amritsar came to meet Guru ji at Akaal Takhat.  They all came and bowed.  They presented gifts and Prashaad.  Men and women were happy to see Guru ji.  They were in bliss.  A great crowd gathered.  Guru ji asked how everyone was.  The So Dar occurred.  Many people came to the Divaan.  Guru ji then went home after.

The whole family came home and rested the night.  The warriors all rested in their places.  They all ate and slept.  In the morning, Guru ji did his morning routine and came to do the Parkash of Guru Granth Sahib ji.  Baba Bidhi Chand ji was instructed to do the Sahij Paath for Bhai Gurdas ji.  The Paath was completed on the 14th day.  Clothes were given to Baba Bidhi Chand ji for the Paath.  Panchamrit was distributed to all.  Guru ji remembered Bhai Gurdas ji for a long time. 

After a few days, Baba Bhanna ji said: “Guru ji, please give me permission to go home.”  Guru ji said: “when I call for you, come without delay.”  Baba Bhanna ji bowed and went to his home.  He did the Simran of the Guru, day and night.  After a few days, Bhai Sadhoo ji (Bibi Veero ji’s husband) asked for permission to leave.  Guru ji gave him clothes and jewellery.  A horse with a golden saddle was given.  Bibi Veero ji, the fortunate one, got ready.  She met Mata Damodri ji and the other mothers.  They all shed tears upon bidding farewell.  All of the mothers gave love to Bibi Veero ji.  Bibi Veero ji met her father, Guru Hargobind Sahib ji, as well and got on top of her chariot.  Bhai Sadhoo ji met his 3 mothers-in-law and father-in-law.  He took their blessings and set off with a deep love for all.  The couple reached Mullay village, to their home. 

Sri Guru Hargobind Sahib ji was a great warrior, praised in the whole world.  He would go hunting often.  He would take Panday Khan ji with him.  The warriors would practice Shastervidya with Guru ji.  Guru ji would watch them and test their strengths.  Bhai Panday Khan would exercise and show Guru ji.  He was the strongest.  He was 7 feet in height and really wide.  Guru ji would watch his fight.  Guru ji would make two bulls fight and make Panday Khan separate them.  Panday Khan would stand in the middle and grab both bulls by the horns.  Big shields from foreign lands that would come, Panday Khan would rip them like paper.  He would squeeze coconuts in his arms.  He would take a coin, squish it with his finger and erase the stamps on them.  He would make Guru ji happy.  Panday Khan would ride strong steeds.  He would stop horses that were running.  His clubs would weigh as much as a human would.  He would exercise with them, taking two at a time.  He would hang two wrestles from his arms.  He would stand like this for a long time.  Other than Guru ji’s bow, other bows he would be able to break.  He could break 2 or 3 of them at the same time.  He couldn’t pull Guru ji’s bowstring.  He would show his strength in this way.  He would work out and make people happy as they watched him.

One day, Guru ji went hunting in a far away distance.  Guru ji reached the place where a Sadhoo named Bhai Jallan ji lived.  Bhai Jallan ji saw Guru ji from a distance and bowed.  He set up a tent and asked Guru ji to rest there: “please bless me.  Stay the night and let me serve you.”  Guru agreed and rested on the bed.  Bhai Jallan ji served him in many ways.  His wife, Bibi Ramki ji, was really happy to do the Darshan of Guru ji.  She said: “we have good Karma that we have had the Darshan of Prabhoo ji.”  She was filled with bliss.  The couple bowed and sat by Guru ji.  Guru ji said: “Jallan, you are a great Sadhoo.  Tell me, why are the Turks in conflict with me?  I didn’t do anything to them.  They send an army without thinking.  I fight them.  Thousands come and I kill them.”  Bhai Jallan ji said: “Guru ji, you are omnipotent.  The Mughals have the Maya dog in their homes, which likes to stay with them, day and night.  You have taken their dog and tied it to your bed leg.  This Maya has bitten the entire world.  When she barks, the Turks become crazy over her.  They run in anger and say: “what happened?”  They go crazy.  They kill and get killed.  They are in pain.  They want the dog from you.  They can’t do anything to you.  You should let the dog go from your bedside.  If you let go of the Maya, the Mughals will stop.  They won’t think about you then.  They won’t come close to you then.”  Guru Hargobind Sahib ji heard this and laughed, quietly.  He said: “she is tied, so she will remain tied.  She can’t be released, even if she wanted to.  You are an innocent saint.  Do the Simran of Sri Bhagwant with a still mind.”  The Maya is represented as the kingdom.  Bhai Jallan ji bowed and served Guru ji.  They had discussions of Bhagti and Gyaan.  Bhai Jallan ji was happy to hear the truth from Guru ji.  Whatever Bhai Jallan ji asked, Guru ji gave him his answers.  Guru ji stayed there one night.  He slept there in peace.

In the morning, Guru ji bathed and got ready.  He went hunting and then came to Amritsar.  He was the Guru who protected his servants.  He sat at Akaal Takhat two times a day and gave the Sikhs his Darshan.  New people came and became Sikhs.  Doing the Darshan of Guru ji would wash their sins away.  Their hatred was all gone.  Hundreds of thousands of Rajitpuns came everyday.  It was all spent on the Sangat.  Many warriors enlisted.  Many clothes and weapons were kept.  Horses were bought, who were strong and clever.  Many warriors were trained.  Guns and weapons were bought.  Sikhs from far away lands would bring weapons.  Guru ji would bless them.  Guru ji would talk about Bhagti, Gyaan or war.  Many would listen.  The Rababis would do Kirtan all the time.  The Sikhs would be blessed, listening with love.