7-16 The Birth of Sri Guru Har Rai Sahib ji/ Going to Malva

Sri Baba Gurditta ji was settled in Kiratpur with great joy.  The city was growing and many people had settled there.  Baba ji helped many people settle there.  For many months and many days, Baba ji lived there and hunted the area.  Many servants served him.  A lot of money was given to the servants.  He fulfilled the wishes of many Sikhs.  He had a sweet speech and he respected everyone.  He had the Ghaddi of Baba Sri Chand ji so many Sikhs came to bow to him.  He gave peace to all and helped the city get established by settling new people.  Mata Natti ji was pregnant for the second time.  The baby grew like the moon in the womb.  The time for labour was near.  Nine months had passed.  It was a joyful time.  The Sun was in Makkar Rashi (Capricorn).  The 13^th day passed and all of a sudden, joy and bliss spread in the city.  Everyone became happy all of a sudden without knowing why.  During Amritvela, a beautiful boy was born who was a radiant soul.  The Devatas appeared in the sky and did his Aarti.  They bowed their heads and showered him with flowers.  People heard conches being blown by the Devatas.  People didn’t know where the sound was coming from.  The Devatas shouted out Jaikaras.  Bells were ringing.  The saints saw this spectacle.  The maids and servants sang songs of joy.  Baba Gurditta ji was very happy to hear about the birth of his son.  Everyone congratulated him.  The beggars received donations and gave their blessings.  Baba ji gave a lot of money to all.  The family traditions were carried out.  The beggars were given money and respect.  Baba Gurditta ji was praised by all.  Baba Gurditta ji wrote a letter to his father and sent it with a person.  He said in the letter: “please name the child.  Your second grandson has been born.” 

The Sikh left Kiratpur and went to Amritsar.  He took a few days to get to Amritsar.  He took Prashaad and bowed to Satguru Hargobind Sahib ji.  Guru ji was very happy to hear news of his grandson being born.  Many people came to congratulate Guru ji.  A great celebration started in the home of Guru ji.  Many instruments played at the front door.  The person who gave Guru ji the news, he was given a lot of money and clothes along with jewellery.  Many beggars came and Guru ji gave them donations.  The 3 mothers were very happy.  They prepared for a lot of celebrations.  Dhundhabs and Shehnais sounded.  Anyone who heard the music, they came and found out about the news.  The praise of Guru ji spread into the world.  Sri Guru Hargobind Sahib ji saw the new child as the heir to the Ghaddi of Guru Nanak Dev ji.  He said: “his name should be Sri Har Rai.”  Guru ji had gold bracelets made with diamonds embedded into them.  Clothes with fine silks were made.  Golden borders were added to the clothes.  Sweets and Pakvaans were made.  The Mothers all got gifts made.  They had the gifts sent to Kiratpur right away.  New types of celebrations were done.  The family and relatives were all happy. 

After 2 months, Bhai Sai Das ji sent a letter.  He wrote humbly to Guru ji: “please come and bless us.  Don’t do any counting or analysis.  Vaisakhi is coming.  Please come here for Vaisakhi.  People from every direction can come to Daroli-Bhai ki.  Please come here master.  Give your servants your Darshan.”  Satguru ji read the letter and thought about fulfilling Bhai Sai Das ji’s request.  He thought to himself: “I have fought 2 battles and killed many.  The Shah is calm now.  There is nothing going on now.  Bhai Wazir Khan is doing a good job to dodge any battles.  He says the praises of the Guru and calms the Shah down.  We should go to the Jungle Desh (Malva) and spend the days there.  I will fight battles there now and destroy the enemy.  It is not good to fight a battle in Amritsar.  If the Turks come here, they won’t respect Harmandhir Sahib.  Secondly, Lahore is close by here.  Many soldiers can attack here.  There is no fort here.  It is better to fight battles in Malva as there is less water there.  That place is rough with many trees.  I will kill the Turks there and take victory.  If the Shah comes there, I will kill him there.  The army will see water there, they will surround it.  The enemy won’t get water to drink there.”  Guru ji thought about this and decided to go to Malva, Jungle Desh. 

Guru ji went to his home at night.  Mata Damodri ji came to meet Guru ji.  Guru ji said: “your sister has written a letter.  They are calling me to come there for Vaisakhi.  Bhai Sai Das ji has written many peas for me to come and bless them.  Tell me what is your opinion?  Do you want to stay here or come there?”  Mata Damodri ji said: “you should do as you wish.  If you go, we will go with you.  If you stay, we will all stay here.”  When Chet was half way through, Guru ji told everyone about going to Daroli for Vaisakhi.  3,000 soldiers were with Guru ji.  They were with weapons and mounted.  Sikhs, Masands, Mevras and other servants got ready.  They couldn’t be counted.  Everyone packed their things.  The things of Satguru ji got packed.  Guru ji knew that he wasn’t going to come back to Amritsar now.  He had the whole family get ready.  The servants and maids were packed up. 

Guru ji went to Harmandir Sahib.  He folded his hands and said: “oh Prabhoo, whether I come back here or not, you should stay here forever.  I am going to the Jungle to fight.  The ego of the Turks will be broken.”  A sound came from Harmandhir Sahib: “you will be victorious.  The enemy won’t survive.”  Guru ji was happy to hear this.  He did 4 Parkarmas and went to Akaal Takhat.  He folded his hands and had an Ardaas done.  Prashaad was distributed.  Guru ji called for a golden palanquin with many precious gems embedded into it.  It was very radiant.  (This is the palanquin that takes Guru Granth Sahib ji to Harmandhir Sahib everyday) Guru ji placed the Saroop of Guru Granth Sahib ji in to the palanquin and had them go with him.  Guru Granth Sahib ji was in the front.  Guru ji was behind them.  Two Chaurs were on either side of Guru Granth Sahib ji.  Conches were being blown.  The 3 mothers were on their chariots.  The daughter-in-law was in a palanquin.  The three sons were on their horses with Guru ji.  The Nagaras played.  The warriors were with Guru ji.  Guru ji did not wear shoes.  He walked behind Guru Granth Sahib ji.  When they came out of the city, Baba Bidhi Chand ji said: “please tell us who will stay back and take care of Harmandhir Sahib.  Who will take care of the Seva in Amritsar?”  Guru ji said: “some poor Sikh should do the Seva.  It will be independent.  The Sikhs will come here all the time.  The Sangat will do all the preparations.  The glory will grow by the day.  Whether I come back or not, the Sikh will stay here.”  Guru ji made the Sikhs in charge. 

The servants made all the preparations.  The luggage was loaded on carts and camels.  The people of Amritsar found out about Guru ji leaving forever.  They were all sad.  They met each other and saw Guru ji leaving.  They began to cry.  They couldn’t say anything.  They met Sri Guru Bhagwant ji.  It was like Sri Ram going to the jungle and the people of Ayodhya feeling the pain.  That is how the people of Amritsar felt.  Some said: “we will go with you.  We will take our stuff and go with you.  We will live where we will get your Darshan.  Sri Guru Arjan Dev ji settled us here.  We have lived here since then.  How will we live here now?  Guru ji is not here.  Who will be our master?  Everyone will be in pain without you.  The ones who respect us, they are leaving.  We can’t take the pain.”  The Sikhs were anxious.  They were speaking gibberish.  They shouted out after Guru ji.  Guru ji looked back, he saw the men and women coming after him.  He stood and didn’t go forward.  He met all the people of the city.  They all bowed to Guru ji and said: “you are leaving like you are never coming back again.  You took everything with you.  Who are you leaving us to?  You are going to the Jungle.  We will all go with you.  We will take our families too.  We won’t be able to live without you.  How will we handle the pain?  We see you and feel blessed in both worlds.  If you leave like this, we won’t be able to stay.”  Everyone was crying.  Satguru ji saw this dilemma and thought: “if they all go with me, this city that my father established, it will be disrespected.  If I cause this city to be abandoned, that is not good.”  Guru ji kept looking at the people.  He gave them hope but the people did not listen.  Guru ji kept thinking about what to do.

7-17 Sai Das’s Home in Daroli

Guru Hargobind Sahib ji’s father-in-law was Baba Hari Chand ji who was the father of Mata Nanaki ji.  Baba Hari Chand ji and his wife came to meet Guru ji.  There was love in their hearts for Guru ji.  They lived in Amritsar.  Baba Hari Chand ji saw the whole family leaving and began to shed tears.  He said: “Guru ji, you are the support of the whole city.  You didn’t delay while leaving everyone.  Just as a wife can’t live without her husband; a night is not good without the moon; a river without water; a public without a king; that is how this city will be without you.  You have left before but we waited for you to come back; and you did.  How will the people live without you?  You aren’t coming back now.  Either the city will be abandoned or the people will go with you.  I am packed up and am going with you.  My daughter, daughter’s son and everyone else, I wish to see you all everyday.”  Guru ji heard this and said while giving him hope: “this is the city of the Guru.  It will only grow.  There will never be a shortage of food and money here.  The poor will become rich here.  They will never have shortages of food or clothes.  Whoever causes obstacles in this city, they will die without being killed.  I have given you the support of Sri Harmandhir Sahib.  This foundation will stay here forever.  The radiance of Sri Harmandhir Sahib will illuminate forever.  Whoever bows to it, will be protected and without pain.”  Guru ji spoke to all and spread his Maya on all.  He changed their minds.  He made everyone’s attachments to their homes come forward.  Everyone thought of their homes and decided to stay.  Satguru ji gave everyone hope.  He made Baba Hari Chand ji in charge, to be everyone’s support.  He bowed to his father-in-law.  Everyone did Darshan of Guru ji and went back to their homes.  Satguru ji sat in his palanquin.  The master of virtues set off.  Baba Hari Chand ji met his daughter.  He put his hand on his grandson’s head and gave him love.  The 3 mothers along with the servants all started off.  They all met Baba Hari Chand ji.  Everyone met Guru ji’s family and went back to their homes.

Guru ji travelled with his 3,000 soldiers.  The Nagaras sounded like thundering clouds.  The whole family was with Guru ji.  They walked slowly towards Daroli.  Taran Taaran Sahib was 27 km away.  Guru ji went to the Teerath, which washed away millions of sins.  They all set up camp on the east side.  Multi-coloured tents were set up with rugs and tarps.  Guru ji and everyone spent the night there. 

At Amritvela, Guru ji woke up and did his daily bathing routines.  He bathed in the Sarovar and gave many donations.  He went to the place of Guru Arjan Dev ji and bowed there with his hands folded.  He did an Ardaas there.  As the sun came up, Guru ji mounted his palanquin and started off on his way along with the warriors and Sikhs.  The Nagaras played as the travelling party moved.  Guru Granth Sahib ji’s palanquin was at the very front.  Beautiful Chaurs were waived on top.  The family and the Sikhs all followed behind.  The noise of the horses and people could be heard.  A lot of dust flew from the walking.  The army walked in a line.  As they all walked, many fields got ruined.  They would take grass and firewood everywhere they went and the locals did not like that.  The people and officials who were not devoted to the Guru, they didn’t know the glory of the Guru.  The jealous ones saw the radiance of the Guru and had hatred in their hearts.  They couldn’t take it.  They burned with jealousy.  These people were pulling their own roots by doing this.  They saw the power of the Guru.  They would say: “he has killed many enemies.  Whoever would try to face the Guru, the Guru would send them to the Jumms, quickly.  He is not afraid of the Badshah.  He killed many soldiers on the field.  He can kill many.  He killed 7,000 first, in one day.  The next battle was doubled.  He killed them in all one day as well.  The Badshah is afraid to fight the Guru now.  The Guru is a warrior who does not stop.  The first 5 Gurus were calm forms.  This Guru wears weapons and lives like a king.  He is a strong warrior and fights battles.  He is ready to fight all the time.  His arms are big and strong.  He can grab an elephant by the trunk and flip it.  There is no one taller and wider than the Guru in the world right now.  His strength and powers are unmatched.  No one can match him.  He is very handsome and filled with strength and patience.  He is the pillar of patience.”  In this way, people talked in their homes.  They didn’t come out to see Guru ji.  They were too scared.  They said: “he will stay here for one night.  He will then leave.  We will weather the damage.  We shouldn’t be his enemy.  It will mean the end of us, otherwise.” 

The army didn’t fight with anyone on the way.  Guru ji stayed a few nights on the way.  Guru ji soon reached close to Daroli.  Bhai Sai Das ji was informed.  He was happy to hear that Guru ji was close by with his whole family: “the blesser is close by!”  Bhai Sai Das ji brought his fellow villagers and came to receive Guru ji.  The whole family was happy.  Guru ji looked like the moon of the winter.  Bhai Sai Das ji made his eyes into the eyes of a Chakor and kept looking at Guru ji.  He saw Guru Granth Sahib ji and bowed to them at the front.  He then saw the lotus-feet One on his horse.  Bhai Sai Das ji bowed to Guru ji’s feet.  His eyes shed tears of bliss.  Gyaan and love were meeting after a long time.  Satguru ji asked Bhai Sai Das ji how he was.  Guru ji had the camp of the warriors set up.  The 3 mothers saw Bhai Sai Das ji.  Bhai Sai Das ji bowed to all 3 mothers with faith.  The servants of the Guru all met Bhai Sai Das ji.  Bhai Sai Das ji’s wishes were fulfilled today.  Bibi Ramo ji came and bowed to Guru ji.  The whole family came to meet everyone.

Bhai Sai Das ji had a beautiful bed laid out for Guru ji with a white sheet on top.  Guru ji sat inside the beautiful home.  The army set up camp outside of the village.  They set up tents.  They mounted the Nishans of the Guru.  The army and the Masands all settled into the tents.  The Masands gave the soldiers what they needed.  Bibi Ramo ji and Bhai Sai Das ji did as much Seva as they could.  They went over and beyond to serve everyone.  They prepared food with love and devotion.  They sat next to Guru ji and had him eat food.  The sons of Guru ji: Baba Sooraj Mal ji, Baba Ani Rai ji and Guru Tegh Bahadhur ji, were there as well.  They were fed food with joy.  Bibi Ramo ji had a lot of love for Guru ji.  She gave food to the 3 mothers: Mata Damodri ji, Mata Nanaki ji and Mata Marwahi ji. 

Guru ji said: “Sai Das, your love brought us here.  You do Simran with your hands folded everyday.  You wanted to see me.  This is the reason why I got ready as soon as I read your letter.”  Bhai Sai Das ji responded with love: “this is your nature from the beginning.  You don’t look at kingdom, money or wealth.  You don’t look at relationships either.  You go where love is.  You leave everything and go there.  You come to love.  The big Pandits and Brahmins who don’t have love, you rejected them.  You walked behind the Shudras with love.  This is not a hidden thing.  You are under the spell of your servants, oh master.  Only you are like this.  Nobody can compare to you.  You follow the poor and do as they wish to do.”  Satguru Maharaj stayed at Bhai Sai Das ji’s home.  He fulfilled the tasks of his Sikhs.

Guru ji would go hunting sometimes and sometimes give his Darshan in Divaan.  The days passed and Vaisakhi came.  Many Sikhs came to Daroli, hearing about Satguru ji being there.  They brought a lot of gifts.  They bowed to his feet and did his Darshan.  They stayed with Guru ji and felt blessed.  They did his Darshan and were blessed.  Many gifts came.  Many men and women gathered.  Their wishes were all fulfilled.  The people would stay for about 3 or 4 nights.  They would sing the praises of Guru ji as they went back to their homes, celebrating the Vaisakhi Mela. 

7-18 Vadde Ghar/ Bhai Sadha Sadhoo

While staying in Daroli, Guru ji did many joyful tasks.  There is one Katha that happened during Guru ji’s previous visit to Daroli.  Listen with focus, oh listeners.  Listen to the joyful Katha of the Guru.  There was a village close to Daroli called “Vadde Ghar.”  A Tarkhaan Sikh lived there who got Sikhi from Guru Ramdas ji.  He would go to Amritsar every 6 months, bringing his Dasvand.  He would listen to Gurbani with love and devotion.  He worked for an honest living.  He donated his earnings.  He had love and respect for the Guru in his heart.  He would praise the Satguru all the time.  He served Guru Arjan Dev ji as well.  He had become quite old.  His name was Bhai Aakal ji.  Gurmat lived in his heart.  He had a daughter who had great Karma from her previous births.  She was born in the house of a Sikh by her great Karma.  When she turned 7, Bhai Aakal ji wanted to do her relation.  He wanted to find a husband for her.  He called his family Brahman and said: “please set a relation for my daughter.”  The Pandit looked for a groom in many villages.  He reached a village named “Tuklaani.”  He looked for a Tarkhan family there.  He was introduced to a Tarkhan family and found a groom.  He noticed that they were the same in caste and class as Bhai Aakal ji.  The head of the family was named Bhai Sadha ji, whose son was named Bhai Sadhoo ji.  He found an auspicious time and did the Tilak on the groom’s forehead.  He presented the Sagan from Bhai Aakal ji. 

The Brahmin came back to Bhai Aakal ji’s home and told him of the engagement.  He said: “there is a good home in Tuklaani Village.  He is the same caste as you.  His name is Bhai Sadha ji.  The son’s name is Bhai Sadhoo ji.  He is a very handsome boy.  I set the relation there.  I looked at many places and finally found this family.”  Bhai Aakal ji said: “is the family Sikhs of the Guru?”  The Pandit said: “I didn’t think about that.  I just noticed a nice family with a good home and groom.”  Bhai Aakal ji regretted this but couldn’t do anything as the relation was confirmed. 

Many years passed since the engagement.  Bhai Aakal ji did Simran of the Guru.  He did Ardaas to Guru ji: “please make the family of my new son-in-law into your Sikhs.”  Bhai Aakal ji was always worried about this as the groom’s family were the worshippers of Sakhi Sarvar.  The children grew up and it was time to get them married.  Bhai Aakal ji set a date for the wedding and sent a letter to Bhai Sadha ji.  Bhai Sadha ji read the letter and rejoiced.  Bhai Sadha ji had a shrine to Sakhi Sarvar in his home.  He made a replica of the grave in his home.  He lit Divas there and made his son bow to it everyday.  He bowed as well, after reading the letter.  He prepared the Rotes and took them to his Peer.  He took the Bharaat after that.  They came to Vadde Ghar and did the Milni.  Bhai Aakal ji and Bhai Sadha ji did the Milni.  Bhai Aakal ji gave gifts as much as he could.  He was praised by all.  The Pheray of the wedding happened.  The traditions were all carried out.  Food was made for the Bharaat.  Everyone was happy.  For 3 days, the Bharaat stayed in the village.  Bhai Aakal ji then analysed that the family was good but they worshiped the Sakhi Sarvar.  He couldn’t say anything at that time as the relatives were all together.  He wanted to say something but he didn’t.  He was regretting it though.  He said to his daughter: “your in-laws are Sultanis.  They worship Sakhi Sarvar.  If they tell you to worship him, don’t do it.  You should only worship the Satguru with your heart.”  The daughter was upset about this.  She didn’t know that before.  She was worried but there was nothing she could do.  She thought to herself: “I am a daughter of a Sikh who worships the Guru.  I am going to a home who worships the Sakhi Sarvar.”  She cried during the Dholi. 

Bhai Sadha ji and the whole family took the Dholi and went back to their home.  As they travelled home to Tuklaani, Guru Hargobind Sahib ji was in Daroli at that time.  The Dhera of Guru ji was set on the way, half way towards Tuklaani.  Keetan was happening at the Dhera.  The Bharaat had left in the morning around 4 am.  They reached the place of Guru ji’s Dhera.  The Asa Vaar was going on during that time.  The Rababs and other instruments were being played.  Bhai Aakal ji’s daughter heard the Keertan, while sitting in her Dholi.  She recognized the Dhera of the Satguru.  She had visited Guru ji with her father many times before.  She had done Guru ji’s Darshan before.  She wanted to go do his Darshan.  She said to the people who were carrying her Dholi: “you know very well that we are the Guru’s Sikhs.  This Dhera is the Guru’s Dhera.  I wish to do the Darshan of Guru ji.”  She gave the carriers money and had the Dholi set down.  She came out and saw Guru Hargobind Sahib ji.  The daughter of Bhai Aakal ji was filled with bliss.  She folded her hands and bowed to Guru ji.  She sat down and listened to the Keertan.  Asa Vaar was finished with bliss after some time.  Satguru ji saw the girl, who was dressed as a bride.  He said: “how did you come here so early in the morning, my child?  Where are you going?”  The girl spoke: “I am from Vadde Ghar.  I am married into the home of people who worship the Sakhi Sarvar.  My Dholi was going and I heard the Keertan and stopped.  I am really worried about going to such a home that worships Sarvar.  I am a daughter of a Sikh.  Now that I have done your Darshan, please fulfill my wish.  I am helpless.  I will be stuck in another home now.  That’s’ the reason why I came.  I listened to Keertan and did your Darshan.”  Satguru ji heard the young girl and became compassionate.  He saw her love and faith.  He said words filled with Amrit: “this is the way your Karma is.  Since you came to the shelter of the Satsangat, your destiny will change now.”  The daughter was given Pakvaans from her father.  She presented them to Guru ji and said: “oh great Guru, you are all-powerful.  Save me.”  Guru ji was happy and said: “I have written a new future for you.  Your father is a Sikh, he is already saved.  You will save your in-laws too.  I give you the gift of Sikhi.  Your son will be a Sikh of the Guru.  You will have many Sikhs in your family.  Your husband will become a Sikh as well.  He will follow the path of Sikhi.”  The girl heard Guru ji’s words and became very happy.  Guru ji saved her with his hand. 

Bhai Sadha ji was travelling and noticed that the Dholi was not in the Bharaat.  He saw his son travelling alone.  He said: “Sadhoo!  Where did you leave the Dholi?”  Bhai Sadhoo ji said: “she has gone to see her Guru.”  Bhai Sadha ji was angry when he heard this.  He said: “why did you let her go?  Sarvar Sultan will be upset with us if he finds out.  Don’t say the name of the Guru ever, even by mistake.  Go and get the Dholi.  Explain to her what she should know.”  Bhai Sadhoo ji heard this and went to the Dhera of Guru ji.  His good Karma came to fruition.  He did the Darshan of Guru ji.  He was angry when he came but became calm after doing the Darshan of the Guru.  He couldn’t help himself and bowed to Guru ji without thinking.  When he sat near Guru ji, Guru ji said to him: “your father-in-law is a Sikh of the Guru.  You have been married to his daughter.  You should stop worshiping and doing the Seva of the Turk.  Follow Sri Guru Nanak Dev ji.  You give the Darood and eat back the eaten food by a Turk.  You eat the food of the Turk and ruin your life.  Parmeshwar gave you the body of a Hindu.  Why are you foolishly wasting your life?”  When Guru ji said all this, Bhai Sadhoo ji became confused.  His mind changed and connected to the feet of the Guru.  He began to think about Guru ji’s words: “we are Hindus.  Why do we follow and worship the Turk?  We make the Rotes and give it to the Peer.  We then eat the food eaten by Turks.”  He thought deeply about this and grabbed the feet of the Guru.  He said: “make me your Sikh.  Take me away from the Seva of the Turk.  Save me!”  His faith got deeper.  He was given Charanpahul and he became a Sikh.  Guru ji gave him the direction to do Simran of the Satnam: “your son will be a great Sikh (Bhai Roopa ji).”  The couple was happy to hear this.  They took the gift of Sikhi and came back to the Bharaat.  They continued their way back to Tuklaani.

When everyone came back home, the ladies all sang songs of joy to welcome the new couple.  They sang in joy.  They took the couple to the shrine of Sakhi Sarvar.  Everyone saw the new couple.  The elder Tarkhaans and Takhaanis came.  They all wanted the new couple to bow to Sakhi Sarvar.  Bhai Sadhoo ji kicked the shrine and said: “I have stopped the worship of the Turk.  I have taken the Pahul of the Guru.  Tear this shrine down!”  The elders said: “you fool!  Stay quiet!  Who taught you all this?  We are the great servants of Sarvar.  You have stained our family’s name by saying this.  The Peer will make you crazy and destroy you.  Say it now: “I am the servant of the Sarvar.”  Everyone tried to convince him but Bhai Sadhoo ji did not listen.  Everyone gave up and said: “Sarvar has made him crazy.” 

Everyone went to sleep at night.  Bhai Sadhoo ji got up at midnight and destroyed the shrine.  When everyone woke up in the morning, they re-built the shrine.  Bhai Sadhoo ji tore it down again.  This kept going on for some time.  They eventually stopped re-building it.  After some time, the Simran of the Guru felt blissful to Bhai Sadhoo ji.  The couple did the Simran of the Guru all the time.  After a while, Bhai Sadhoo ji’s wife became pregnant. 

7-19 Bhai Sadhoo and Bhai Roopa

After 9 months, a fortune-filled son was born to Bhai Sadhoo ji and his wife.  He was a beautiful baby.  The couple was happy and thanked Guru ji.  When the boy was a year old, the couple brought the boy to Guru Hargobind Sahib ji to Amritsar.  Bhai Sadhoo ji bathed in the Sarovar, that washes the sins away.  Bhai Sadhoo ji presented money, to the best of his effort, and bowed to Guru ji with his hands folded.  He said to Guru ji: “you are compassionate.  You destroyed my bad wisdom.  This son is a gift from you.  A handsome boy has been born to us.  We have brought him to you so you may name him.  May he be your Sikh.  Please give us this boon.”  Guru ji took the boy in his lap and noticed how beautiful the boy was.  Guru ji said: “his name shall be Roop Chand.  He will be known as Bhai Roopa ji.  He will be a great Sikh.”  The couple heard this and were very happy.  They stayed in Amritsar for a few days.  They got permission from Guru ji and came back home after.  They did Simran of Guru ji and received peace. 

They would go back to Amritsar after 6 months or a year.  They went with faith and devotion in their hearts.  They would take clothes and money.  They would come back to their home after.  They would take their son with them.  Their son grew up as a Sikh, like his parents.  Both father and son followed Sikhi devotionally.  They were like the daughter of Bhai Aakal ji. 

When Bhai Roopa ji grew up, he started working with his father as a carpenter.  He did what his family’s skill was.  Both father and son worked and earned money.  They were under the shelter of the Guru.  They remained faithful.  The parents were great Sikhs so the son became a great Sikh as well.  The son was filled with love and devotion.  He saw Guru ji as the form of Parmeshwar.  He did Simran of the Guru in his heart. 

When Guru ji came to Daroli the second time, Bhai Roopa ji was about 18 years old then.  Bhai Roopa ji and his parents were very happy.  They were surely going to celebrate Vaisakhi with Guru ji.  They came to Daroli and met Guru ji.  Their love got deeper.  They then came home after getting permission.  They did Simran of the Guru all the time.  The father and son would always talk about the glory of the Guru with each other. 

It was then the month of Jeth (May/June).  It was really hot, especially when the sun was at its highest point.  Hot wind would flow.  One day, both father and son were working.  They went to go cut wood.  Bhai Sadhoo ji said to his son: “it is really hot today.  We have to go far to get dry wood.  Fill a small container of water so we can drink it when we get thirsty.  Bhai Roopa ji filled a container with the water of the well.  They tied their axes on to their backs.  Their Karma was ripened.  They had their water with them and walked far to get wood.  They reached a place that had a lot of wood.  There was a big Jandh tree there.  They hung their container of water on to the tree.  They started to cut the wood they found with their axes.  They had eaten when they left home in the morning.  It had become really hot as they worked.  They both came to the Jandh to drink the water.  Bhai Roopa ji thought of giving the water to his father first.  When he touched the container, he noticed that the water had become cooler as the wind flew and cooled it.  He saw his father really thirsty and said: “Pitha ji, listen, the water has become really cool.  It cooled down more with the wind.  I have never had so much cool water before.  We are labourers.  Such a good thing, we don’t deserve.  This is good for Guru Hargobind Sahib ji.  The master of the world should get this water.  He should get all the best things in the world.  The wise people know this and keep the best things for the Guru.  Guru ji gets happy like this and takes the Sikh across the world ocean.”  Bhai Sadhoo ji heard this and thought of the Guru.  He said: “we won’t drink this water.”  They wanted Guru ji to drink this water.  They continued working again.  They worked for about a half hour.  They came under the tree again.  Bhai Sadhoo ji touched the container and noticed it was even cooler than before.  He wanted his son to have the water but he remembered his wise son’s words about wise people giving the best things to the Guru.  He said to his son: “this water is good for Guru ji.  Guru ji is in Daroli though.  How will he come here?”  He left the water and sat by his son.  Both were really thirsty.  Their throats and lips were very dry.  They couldn’t speak anymore.  They spoke slowly and looked around.  Satguru ji was in Daroli.  It was around 60 km away from where the Tarkhaans were working.  Bhai Sadhoo ji said: “how will Guru ji come here?  Who will tell him to come?”  Bhai Roopa ji said: “don’t doubt him.  He is omnipotent and omniscient.  Wherever you remember him, he will come there.  I trust my love.  He will protect our trust.  He will come and drink this water.”  The father and son continued working after chatting for a bit.  They cut about 2 pieces but they couldn’t work.  They got tired.  Their lips were dry.  They didn’t touch the water.  They wanted Guru ji to drink the water first.  They made a determination.  Their faces were drooping now.  They became weak.  Their desire for Guru ji to come became deeper.  They became anxious.

Guru Hargobind Sahib ji was sitting in a beautiful home.  He was in a cooler room known as a “Shard Khanna.”  He was laying on a soft bed.  Grass was applied to the windows and sprinkled with water.  Rose water was sprinkled on the walls and floor.  The room was cool and fragrant.  Guru ji had a muslin sheet on his body.  Bibi Ramo ji was waiving a fan.  Bhai Sai Das ji was massaging Guru ji’s feet.  Guru ji felt the pull of love.  He left all of the comforts in a second.  He got up and had his horse readied.  He put his shoes on and mounted his horse.  He left alone.  He couldn’t tolerate the pain of his servants.  He travelled 90 km to see Bhai Sadhoo ji and Bhai Roopa ji.  Guru ji had become thirsty and looked around for water.  He set up a drama and acted like he was looking for water in the jungle.  Bhai Sadhoo ji and Bhai Roopa ji were laying down on the ground because of thirst.  They only wanted to see the Guru.  Their faces were drooping.  They had become weak.  They wanted Guru ji to drink the water first and then drink it.  They had gifted the water to Guru ji.  They were determined.  They were ready to give their lives.  Why wouldn’t the Guru come to these faithful Sikhs?  Guru ji saw his 2 servants from afar and yelled: “who are you?  Tell me who you are?  I am thirsty.  I need water.  I couldn’t find any water in this area.  I tried looking and didn’t find any.”  The father and son heard the familiar voice and opened their eyes.  The thirsty Bhai Sadhoo ji got up and said to his son: “who’s voice is that?  Who is here in this hot weather?”  He saw Guru ji on the horse.  Bhai Sadhoo ji recognized Guru Sahib and got excited.  He said to his son: “it’s Guru Sahib!”  The father and son were weak and thirsty.  They were like fish, in a dried-up pond, waiting for Parmeshwar to make it rain.  Guru ji came to them as a cloud.  The Sikhs were like 2 dried up lotus flowers and Guru ji was like the river coming to them.  The men heard Guru ji’s voice.  The happiness brought strength back to their bodies.  Bhai Sadhoo ji said: “son, get up!  It is Guru ji!  He is thirsty.  Give him water.”  They began to shed tears.  Bhai Roopa ji was like a dead man on the ground.  He got up like someone had given him Amrit.  Both father and son stoop up with their hands folded.  Guru ji shouted over and over again: “I am really thirsty.  I tried looking for water and couldn’t find any.  The afternoon Jeth sun made it really hot.”  The two Sikhs grabbed Guru ji’s feet and said: “Prabhoo ji, we have prepared the water.  The container is hanging on the Jandh tree.  The wind has cooled the water.  He saw it fit for you to drink.  It is very cold.  We were thirsty but wanted you to have it first.”  Bhai Sadhoo ji and Bhai Roopa ji held the reins and helped Guru ji down the horse.  Bhai Sadhoo ji took off his parna from his shoulder and laid it out on the floor.  He said: “please sit here.”  They made a cup of leaves.  Bhai Roopa ji filled the cup with water.  He gave it to his father.  Bhai Sadhoo ji gave the cup to Guru ji.  Guru ji drank the water and said: “I’ve never had such great water before.  Nobody has given me water with such love before.  I have drunk this water and quenched my thirst.  You should drink it now.  Give yourselves peace.  The water is really cold.  It’s like it has been kept on ice.  I have never had water like this before.”  Guru ji kept praising the water.  The father and son drank the water and quenched their thirst.  They waived a fan to Guru ji with joy.  Their Karma had come to fruition. 

7-20 Bhai Sadhoo and Bhai Roopa Part 2

Bhai Sadhoo ji was in bliss.  He asked: “Maharaj, where were you travelling to?  Were you close by that you came here so quickly and had this water?  We thought that this water was good for you to drink.  We kept it for you and didn’t drink it ourselves.  You were compassionate and you fulfilled our wish.  You came to us seeing us as your servants.”  Satguru ji said: “I came 60 km to drink your water.  I am coming from Daroli.  Your love pulled me here.  I knew that you were thirsty.  It is a hot Jeth afternoon.  Let go of your carpenter work now.  I want you to make Langar with love all the time now.  I am really happy with your Seva.  Ask me for a boon.  You will get what you wish for.”  The father and son both folded their hands.  They said: “you came and blessed us.  Give us the gift of your Sikhi, by which the pain of dying and birth is destroyed.  We only want the love for your feet.  Oh giver of Mukti, we don’t want the love for your feet to ever die out.  We want to be focussed onto your feet.  We will do whatever Seva you give us.  The Langar will happen only if you help and support us.  We don’t have any other desire.  We will eat whatever you give us.  We will keep making Langar by your blessing.  There aren’t any other Sikhs in our village.  They are all fools.  They are jealous with us when we wake up early and recite Bani.  It is hard to live with them.  You are our only support.  We will live how you keep us.  We are not wise.  We can only do Seva.”  Satguru ji heard this and gave them hope: “the people who give you pain won’t stay.  The ones that give you pain will be destroyed including the village.  Establish a new village.  Your family will grow and live there.  Your village will be known.  It will be praised.”  Bhai Sadhoo ji heard this and went back home with his son.

Bhai Sadhoo ji told his wife what happened.  The daughter of Bhai Aakal ji was really happy to hear the event.  She had met Guru ji many times before.  She came to the Jandh to meet Guru ji.  She saw Guru ji and bowed to his feet.  She said: “you are great.  You blessed our family.  You blessed us poor people.  No one listens to us.  You will be the one that supports us in establishing a new village.”  Guru ji looked at Bhai Roop Chand ji.  Guru ji gave his clothes and weapons to Bhai Roop Chand ji. 

When Guru ji had left Daroli, Bhai Bidhi Chand ji came after him.  His horse was fast.  He went slow and fast in the travel.  Bhai Painday Khan saw Bhai Bidhi Chand ji leave.  He went behind Bhai Bidhi Chand ji.  They all had their weapons.  They didn’t know where Guru ji was going.  They asked along the way about Guru ji and eventually reached.  They didn’t ask anyone else, they all went on their own accord, looking for Guru ji.  Bhai Jetha ji and other Sikhs came from Daroli as well.  They all followed each other’s horse tracks.  They came to Guru ji one after the other.  The whole army eventually reached, 1900 of them. 

It was around 6 pm when Bhai Bidhi Chand ji reached.  He bowed to Guru ji.  Guru ji was speaking to Bhai Sadhoo ji.  Bhai Bidhi Chand ji understood that Guru ji came for these Tarkhaan Sikhs.  He said: “Maharaj, you came alone?  You left all of a sudden.  You didn’t tell anyone where you were going.”  Guru ji said: “if I didn’t come quick, my Sikhs would have died.  I came quick to save their lives.  They were anxious in the afternoon sun of Jeth.”  The ocean of compassion came to see Bhai Sadhoo ji and his family.  Bhai Roopa ji took the clothes and weapons of Guru ji and put them on his head with respect.  He received many things.  He walked ahead.  Guru ji saw him and said while laughing: “son, Roop Chand, why aren’t you wearing the clothes and weapons I gave you?  You are carrying them on your head.  Why don’t you wear them?”  Bhai Roop Chand ji folded his hands and said: “I am the servant of your servants.  I am a low life with bad wisdom.  I have no Bhagti or Gyaan.  You are the master of the universe.  You can do as you wish, oh omniscient one.  Your clothes and weapons are worship-worthy for me.  I can’t disrespect them like that.  I will worship them, seeing your form in them.”  Guru ji noticed that Bhai Roop Chand ji was his Bhagti.  He was happy to hear this.  He said: “the Tegh that you didn’t wear, your tongue will be the Tegh.  Your words will cut anything.  Whatever you say will become true.  You will be able to bless or curse anyone.  You will be able to make dead people alive and kill alive people with your words.” 

They travelled about 12 km and set up camp.  Guru ji said: “establish a new village here.  It’s a nice place.”  It was evening.  Bhai Panday Khan and the other Sikhs came here.  They had all rode their horses.  They all saw Guru ji and were relieved.  Some soldiers camped on the way when it got dark.  Guru ji rested the night in the jungle.  There were tents all over the place.

Everyone woke up in the morning.  Guru ji did the ground-breaking of the village.  He planted a sign for the new village.  Guru ji said to Bhai Sadhoo ji: “there will be a village here.  Name it after you.”  Bhai Sadhoo ji folded his hands and said: “my son is a better Sikh of yours than myself.  His faith in you is solid.  You live in his heart.  He never forgets you.  It should be named after him.”  Guru ji said: “alright.  It will be called “Roopa village.”  Make your home now.  It will be known in the world.  I will come here again (in another incarnation- Guru Gobind Singh ji).  I will stay here for some time.”   Guru ji mounted his horse after saying this.  He travelled back and hunted along the way.

Bhai Sadhoo ji and Bhai Roop Chand ji established the new village.  Many people came to settle with Guru ji’s boon.  They were prosperous.  Many people came and made new homes.  Bhai Sadhoo ji and Bhai Roopa ji made Langar.  They would recite Bani all the time and do Simran of the Guru.  They were always connected to the love of the Guru.  The people of the village did Seva of Langar as well.  Anyone who would come, they were given Langar.  Kavi Santokh Singh ji says: “they still do Seva of anyone who comes.  Langar is their top priority.  They do it with love.  Many rich people and saints were born in their family.  They had servants of their own.  They were radiant.  They did Langar Seva all the time.  The women of their family did a lot of Seva and continue till today.  Everyone in their family is without ego.  They feed anyone who is hungry.  They had become really rich but were humble.” 

Bhai Panday Khan ji folded his hands and said: “oh Prabhoo ji.  You left without us today.  I was resting when I saw Bhai Bidhi Chand ji saddling his horse.  He left without saying anything.  I followed him.”  Bhai Bidhi Chand ji understood the whole secret and said: “he is the lover of his Sikhs.  Just as Vishnu’s form, loving the whole world, this nature of his doesn’t ever go away.  For the assistance of the Bhagats, he leaves everything behind, even Lakshmi.  He helps his servants first and then gets news of everything else, after.  This is his nature.  He doesn’t care for traditions for his servant.  He protects his Bhagat in any which way necessary.  This is what he did today.  It was really hot.  It is the month of Jeth.  He came to drink water.”  Everyone heard the amazing Katha of Guru ji.  They were all amazed of why Guru ji came 60 km.  Their faith and love towards Guru ji became deeper.  Guru ji conversed with the Sikhs and hunted along the way.  Everyone came back to Daroli slowly.  They stayed one night on the way.  They came through the Jungle (Malva) area with joy. 

Bhai Sai Das ji greeted Guru ji upon his return with joy.  The Katha of what Guru ji did, spread far.  One would say to another: “Guru ji left on a 60 km journey, getting ready in a second.  He saved Sikhs who were dying of thirst.  He knew about his Sikhs calling him 60 km away.  He knew that the Sikhs wanted to give him water.  The Sikhs didn’t drink the water.  Guru ji saw their love and became anxious.  He drank the water that the Sikhs kept for him.  He acted like he was really thirsty.”