7-36 Taking the Second Horse

Baba Bidhi Chand ji came to the stables with the Emperor and the other men.  They came to where Dilbagh used to be tied.  The Badshah said: “the horse was tied here.  This is where the thief came.  Use your knowledge to see where the horse went.  Tell me where it went and the name of the thief.”  Baba Bidhi Chand ji looked around.  He smelled the walls and the corners.  He smelled the place where the first horse was tied.  He flared his nostrils and acted like he was thinking hard.  He touched the walls and smelled them.  He threw his metal pouch on the ground and counted on his fingers.  He counted on the bends of his fingers with his thumb.  After a while he said: “I have figured it out, but I still have a doubt.  When the thief took the horse, the thief saddled it up.  If the thief would have sat on the bare back, I would have been able to tell you.  Tell me, did he take the saddle?  What time did he go?  This other horse will tell me everything.  I will stay with the second horse.”  The Badshah said: “the thief left at midnight.  He took a very expensive saddle with it.  When we checked, we noticed the horse was walked around in the courtyard but we couldn’t see where it went out from.”  Baba Bidhi Chand ji said: “listen Shah, that’s why I can’t figure out the whole thing.  If the horse was without the saddle, I would have figured everything out.  I can’t tell the name of the thief.  This is what we need to do: saddle the other horse now.  The same type as the first type of saddle.  Put it reins on in the same way.  Keep the second horse ready in the same way.  I will be able to do this.  I will need to wait till midnight.  This is not an easy task.  I will sit here and recite the mantras.  I will tell you the name of the thief at midnight.  I am going to do my calculations.  You are wise.  You know how to respect skilled people.  I will tell you everything.” 

The Emperor had Gulbagh saddled.  Its reins were put on as well.  He said to the Ramli: “Khoji, why will you wait till midnight?  Why the wait?  Tell me now!  I will give you more rewards.  I will add 125,000 on top of the 400,000.  Just tell me the name of the thief.  Tell me where the place is where the horse is.  It doesn’t matter where the horse is, I will get it back.  I won’t wait to sent the army.  The soldiers are ready for their orders.  The horse will be brought back.”  Baba Bidhi Chand ji said: “I am trying to do this quick.  If you want to do this quick, just have everyone sleep as they were sleeping that night.  Do everything in the same way: the doors were closed; the people were away.  I can do the work quickly.  Close all the windows and doors.  Send the soldiers inside.”  The Badshah believed Baba ji and got happy.  He quickly ordered everyone to go away.  He said: “go and close the doors and the windows.  No one should move.  No one should come out.  Nobody should leave the city.  Everyone is to say in their homes in the city.  Tell everyone to go home.  The horse must be found.”  The guards sent the orders out: “the Badshah is looking for the horse.  Everyone is to go inside their homes.”  The doors and gates of the fort were closed.  The guards went inside.  The employees of the stable were asked where they were.  The employees said: “we were inside the room and looked up.”  Baba ji said: “then go inside and I’ll lock you in.”  Baba ji locked all of the stable groomsmen into the room and kept the keys.  The Emperor received the logs that everything was closed.  Baba ji said to the Emperor: “give me the keys.  I will recite Mantras on them to see where the horse is.  Badshah, when the theft happened, where were you?”  The Badshah responded: “I was sleeping on my bed in the Saman Burj.”  Baba ji said: “well then, what are you doing here?  Go and peacefully lay down on your bed.  I will give you the good news at midnight.  I am going to do my calculations.  The horse is saddled well.  Go and sleep in your room.  I will call you when I figure everything out.  The thief was a stubborn one.  He was a wise one.  It’s taking me a while to figure it out because the thief was skilled.  The thief had a really strong Guru, who was helping him.  If the Guru wasn’t so great, you would have figured it out.  The Guru is really strong.  The Guru is causing this delay on this task.  At night, I will figure it all out.”  The Badshah agreed and went to the Suman Burj.  He stood near his window and looked outside.  The Guru’s Maya made everyone’s wisdom fail.  Everyone did what Baba Bidhi Chand ji said.  Saundha Khan gave Baba Bidhi Chand ji the keys.  Saundha Khan was locked in a room as well.  All of the gates and doors were locked.  It was like a curfew was on.  Nobody made any noise.  Everyone in the fort was quiet.  People in their homes were quiet, fearing the Badshah.  Baba Bidhi Chand ji had all of the keys of the fort.  He put them in his pocket.

Baba Bidhi Chand ji said: “I’ll find the horse now.”  The employees were all waiting.  The Badshah was asked not to make noise either.  It was now dark.  The Badshah was eager.  He said angrily: “why hasn’t he found the horse yet?  He has been calculating for 3 hours.”  Baba Bidhi Chand ji responded: “it’s not too long now.  Wait a few more minutes.  I have received all the information.  I just can’t find the name of the thief yet.  When I get the name, then you will see my skill.  My skill will be complete if I tell you the name of the thief and where he took the horse.  I have figured out where the horse is.  I just can’t find his name.  This is a difficult task in Jyotish.  You should rest.  Don’t worry about anything.  I will tell you in about 2-3 hours.  I will tell you the name and place.” 

It was soon dark.  The Badshah thought the investigator was a good one.  He thought to himself: “when he tells me the place, I will get the horse back.  I will take my anger out on the thief.  I will kill him.”  The Badshah continued to wait.  He was anxious.  He was waiting for the news.  He kept looking out the window.  Baba ji kept telling him to wait. 

Everything was quiet.  It became really dark.  Baba Bidhi Chand ji looked around and saw his chance.  He patted Gulbagh, who was tied with silk ropes.  Baba ji opened the ropes.  He said the names of all 6 Gurus and did an Ardaas with his hands folded: “this is your task.  Please make it successful.  I am your servant.  Protect my honor.  You give all of the respect and glory.”  Baba ji bowed his head to the ground.  He then bowed to Gulbagh, as per the tradition within the Nihang Dals, before mounting a horse.  He said: “Satnam,” and put his foot into the stirrup.  He jumped and mounted the horse on its expensive saddle.  He walked around the horse to warm it up.  Everyone heard the horse’s footsteps at midnight.  The Badshah heard this and said: “looks like some horse has come loose.  Some horse is free.”  Baba Bidhi Chand ji said: “it has not come free by itself.  I have opened the horse by the glory of my mighty Guru.  I will fulfil my end of the bargain.  I will tell you the name of the thief and the place where the horse is.  This was my duty.  I will tell you where it is and fulfill my duty.  I won’t lie.  I won’t bring you the horse.  What you want to hear, listen.”  The Badshah got really happy.  He was going to get his answers.  The Badshah said to Saundha Khan: “Saundha Khan, what the Khoji is going to say, write it down.  Listen carefully of who the thief is and who his master is.  If you can write it done, write it.  Otherwise memorize it and tell me in the court tomorrow morning.”  Baba Bidhi Chand ji came into attention and roared out loud: “listen everyone!  Don’t write it down.  It’s a famous name.  Everyone knows the great and worship-worthy “Guru Hargobind Sahib ji.”  His glory is spread in the world from east to west.  Oh Badshah, you used the might of your army to snatch my Guru’s strong horse.  The Satguru has taken his revenge now.  The first horse was taken by my wisdom.  I am the servant of the Guru.  My name is “Bidhi Chand!”  I took the first horse from your fort.  Dilbagh began to cry when I brought him back.  He didn’t eat or drink.  He missed Gulbagh.  To make the two horses meet, I am taking Gulbagh to him.  I came disguised as a Khoji.  I am not an astrologer.  I am the one who took Dilbagh.  Guru Hargobind Sahib ji is my master.  Don’t forget my name either.  Gulbagh was saddled by you.  This was a wise thing you did.  All of your officers of the court are wise.  I heard you were wise but I’ve seen your great wisdom today.  I’ve tested you all today.  I will tell you where the first horse is.  I don’t want to breach our contract.  In the new village of “Bhai Roopa,” the strong Satguru has set up his Dhera there.  Your first horse is there.  Gulbagh will go there too now.”  Shah Jahan heard this and became very angry.  He said: “Daroga, stop him!  Make sure this thief doesn’t take the second horse!  Call your men and surround him!”  Saundha Khan yelled back: “I don’t have the keys!  All of the doors are locked.  The men are locked in the rooms.  This person tricked us and locked us up like prisoners.  Its like he tied us up.  Nothing can happen now.  I am inside, locked up.”  The Badshah got angry and started swearing: “somebody!  After him!”  Baba Bidhi Chand ji heard this and yelled: “Shah!  Why are you getting so angry?  The horses were the Guru’s.  I took them.  Think about your end of the bargain.  You need to give me 525,000 Rajitpuns plus my pay from 6 months.  I was Kasera.  You also gave me 1,000 Rajitpuns as a bonus.  I haven’t taken anything yet.  I am leaving my money here.  You still owe me all that money.  I have not been paid a single coin.  Let’s call it even; that you keep my 525,000 Rajitpuns and I take the two horses.  The horses are about 125,000 Rajitpuns each and so are the saddles.  That’s a total of 500,000 Rajitpuns.  The money you owe me for my pay, you can have that sent to Roopa Village.  If you don’t give me the money, you will be under debt in the court of Allah towards me.  I will take it there.  If you want to stop me now and don’t want to pay me; then I call you a liar.  You don’t live up to your end of the contract.  The omnipotent Guru is always with me.  I have all of the keys; which I will throw into the Ravi.  Find them in the river in the morning and open the fort up.  Now, hurry up and surround me!  Firstly, take the keys out of the river.  Then you can surround me.”  Baba ji spoke with confidence.  The fearless warrior thought of Guru Hargobind Sahib ji.  He promised Guru ji in his heart: 5 Rajitpuns of Panchamrit once he would successfully complete his mission.  He thought of Guru ji and bowed his head.  He said: “I am going now.  Listen again: do what you can do so you don’t regret this.  Don’t say I never told you.”  Baba Bidhi Chand ji had the keys in his hands.  He threw the keys over the wall and into the Ravi.  He yelled out: “find the keys in the morning.  Then you can do everything else.”  Baba Bidhi Chand ji whipped Gulbagh with the whip to make him angry.  The horse was already warmed up.  Gulbagh got angry and came into attention.  He ran with all his strength.  Baba ji kicked his heels and made the horse jump.  Gulbagh jumped and flew right over the fort wall.  They both flew over the wall.  Baba ji was a great rider.  He handled himself and the horse.  They both went under the water and then up again.  The horse began to swim and came to the shore.  Baba ji came to the shore and patted the horse down.  He gave him hope.  The horse was calm from the anger, as it was whipped.  Baba ji rode Gulbagh towards Malva, following the stars.  He noticed all the signs as he rode back. 

7-37 In the Presence of Guru ji

Baba Bidhi Chand ji was in bliss as he rode off.  He sang the Shabads of the Satguru with high spirits.  Love grew in his heart:

Asa Mahalla 5..

He protects his servants himself; he makes one recite the Name..

The tasks of the servants, he comes himself to fulfill them..1..

He stays by the servant and makes it evident to the servant..

Whatever request is made to the master, that is fulfilled right away..1..Rahao..

I am a sacrifice unto the servant that is loved by the Guru..

Hearing the glory of such a servant, my heart is flourishing.  Nanak wishes to touch the feet of such a servant..2..7..129..

(SGGS 403)

He sang other Shabads out loud.  He sang in love.  The villages that came in the way, he travelled on the outskirts.  He travelled without fear.  He gave the horse hope and made him run slow.  He didn’t want the horse getting too tired.  It was the first long journey of the horse.  It had been tied up for a long time.  The horses were show-pieces for the Emperor.  They were not taken on rides.  Baba Bidhi Chand ji was a wise rider.  He took the horse properly.  Where “Hari-ka-Pattan” is, is where 2 rivers come together.  Baba ji reached there, where the Beas and Sutlej meet.  He had the horse swim across.  The horse swam well.  Baba ji took the same route with Dilbagh as well.  He was well acquainted with the area.  The wise warrior travelled without fear.  The horse rode like a vessel flying through the air.  Baba ji was on the horse’s back.  It was a pleasant ride for him.  It was like the pleasures of heaven.  The horse rode fast but the rider didn’t move.  In a little time, it travelled a long distance.  Baba ji stopped often so the horse wouldn’t get tired. 

It was evening, Baba ji saw the Roopa Village ahead.  He rode all night and all day.  As he came close, he noticed that Guru ji’s Dhera was gone.  He wondered: “where did Guru ji go?  I brought Dilbagh here.  Where could he have gone?  What was the reason that Guru ji left this place?”  Baba ji asked the villagers: “where did Guru ji go?”  The villagers said: “Guru ji was here but at the request of Sri Jodh Rai ji, Guru ji went to his home.  His home is in Kangarpur.  This is the reason why Guru ji left.”  Baba Bidhi Chand ji was glad to hear this.  He turned the horse towards Kangar.  He said: “Dhan Guru Hargobind Sahib ji,” and turned.  He wanted to show Guru ji the horse, right away.

Baba Bidhi Chand ji came within 5 km of Kangar and got off the horse.  He held the silk ropes and walked the horse.  He wanted the horse to cool down as well.  The saddle was shining with all the gem stones.  They walked slowly to Guru ji’s Dhera.  As the Dhera came close, Baba Bidhi Chand ji bowed his head.  There was a Divaan in session.  There was Keertan being sung in Raags.  The king of Kangar, Bhai Jodh Rai ji was sitting with Guru ji.  Guru ji was waiting for Baba Bidhi Chand ji.  Guru ji looked into the distance and saw Baba Bidhi Chand ji and the strong horse with him.  Guru ji got up from the Divaan to receive Baba Bidhi Chand ji.  He wanted to see the horse.  Baba Bidhi Chand ji ran to Guru ji and placed his head on Guru ji’s feet.  Guru ji quickly picked up Baba Bidhi Chand ji by the arms and hugged him.  Guru ji said: “you have done an amazing and generous task!  You did the impossible!  There is a great debt on my head to you.  Ask for whatever boon you wish for.”  Baba Bidhi Chand ji heard this and folded his hands.  He said: “Prabhoo ji, you are the one that does everything, everywhere.  You are the debt; you are the one to take it off and you are the one that gives it.  You want to take if off your head now.  You want to give me something.  This is all your drama.  You start the task and you are the one that completes.  You have blessed me a lot.  You showered me with your compassion.  You have destroyed my desires.  Guru ji, give me the colour of the Name.  I wish to stay at your feet all the time.  I wish to be connected to your feet all the time.  I wish to stay with the saints all my life.”  Satguru ji heard this and was happy.  He said to everyone out loud: “Bidhi Chand Cheena, Guru ka Seena (the Guru’s chest)!  He is drenched in the love of the Guru all the time.  His mind is without any vices.  He has no desires.  He gave my heart joy.  He did the impossible task in a snap of a finger.  He is a wise Sikh in the Guru’s service.  I have not seen a Sikh like him.  He has amazed everyone, including the Mughal Badshah.  I can’t praise him enough.”  Guru ji looked at Baba Bidhi Chand ji and continued: “you are wise beyond wisdom.  You amazed the world.  You deceived the Shah and his officers.  Your ways are amazing.” 

Bhai Jodh Rai ji and Bhai Jetha ji ran to hug Baba ji.  They all hugged him with joy and praised him.  They picked him up on their shoulders.  Everyone said: “amazing!  Only he could have done this courageous task.  Who else could have?  He deceived the Mughal Badshah.  He stained their faces.  They will sit and cry.”  Guru ji looked at Gulbagh and blessed him.  Guru ji said: “take him to Dilbagh.”

When the two horses saw each other, they both snorted in joy.  The two horses met with touching their nostrils with each other.  The neighed softly to each other.  It was like two separated brothers meeting after a long time.  Guru ji said to the servants: “serve both of the horses well.  Massage them well.  Feed them well.”  Bhai Jetha ji was in charge of their service.  He kept a strict watch. 

Guru ji held Baba Bidhi Chand ji by the arm and took him to the Divaan.  They talked to each other with great joy.  Guru ji said: “tell everyone how you completed this task.  How did you bring both of the horses?  What discussion did you have with the Badshah?  How did you get the second horse?  How did you fool them all?  The horses were tied in a tough place.  It was hard to take the horses where thousands of guards stood guard.  The watch is strict there.  How did you cross all that?  Whoever has seen your task, are amazed with you.  This Katha of yours will spread far and wide.  You will be talked about for centuries to come.  People will be amazed with your task.  Everyone will know about this.  It was an unprecedented thing you did.  Who else can do this?”  Bhai Jodh Rai ji and the Masands said: “tell us the whole story.”  Baba Bidhi Chand ji said: “oh master, you are omniscient.  You know the whole story.  You fooled everyone.  You turned their wisdoms around.  You want me to tell the story.  I will obey.  You are the compassionate one.  I will tell the story.  I first went as a Ghaee.  I was Kasera.  I served the horses with great effort.  Everyone was impressed by my work.  I found out where the saddles were kept.  I figured out how to take them.  I gathered all of the workers and made them drink the strongest distillation of alcohol.  They all drank it and went unconscious.  I took the saddle and placed it on Dilbagh.  I jumped the wall towards the river.  I whipped the horse.  Listen Prabhoo ji, by your blessing, Dilbagh jumped so high that it was like a bird flying over the wall.  We came under water and crossed the river.  I crossed without any worry.  The Emperor regretted this and banged his head.  His favourite horse was gone.  He set a reward of 400,000 Rajitpuns for whoever finds the horse.  When I went to get the second horse, I stayed at the Dharamsala.  I heard the announcers say the announcements about the lost horse.  I figured that I should become an investigator.  I disguised myself as a “Khoji” and made it known to everyone that I was from another land.  The news reached the Badshah that a Khoji had arrived.  The Badshah called me to his court.  I was dressed like a Hindustani.  Nobody recognized me.  I pretended to know Ramal and Jyotish.  I told them that I knew all these skills.  The Badshah was convinced with my words.  He wanted me to find his horse.  He told him to take me to the stables.  They took me to Gulbagh.  Everyone listened to what I said.  They saddled the second horse and brought him to me.  The Badshah went to the Suman Burj.  I was left alone with the horse.  I had all the doors locked.  I put everyone in a room, like prisoners.  They couldn’t do anything.  I kept talking to the Badshah.  He asked me if I found the name.  I told him that I did.  As he asked me about the name, I told the Badshah, by your strength, everything.  I told him the truth.  When I told the Badshah about me, he yelled and said: “catch him!”  I said: “you took Guru ji’s horse.  This is revenge.  My name is Bidhi Chand Cheena!  I was the servant here before.  You still owe me money for that.  I am buying these horses with the reward that you owe me.  Don’t be angry.  If you want to catch me, I have all the keys.  I am going to throw them into the river.  Take them out and then you can come and catch me.”  I then made the second horse jump the wall again.  I came and they were all yelling in the back.  They were all helpless.  All of the gates of the fort were closed.  I sang Satguru’s Shabad and came back to you.  Oh Prabhoo, this difficult task was only completed because of you.  Who else has so much power?  You are omnipotent.  You are the master of the 3 worlds.  You can do as you wish.  You were with me all the way.  That’s why I succeeded.  I promised you in my heart that I would pay 5 Rajitpuns for Karah Prashaad.  I wish to distribute the Karah Prashaad now.

7-38 Getting Ready for Battle

The whole Katha of Baba Bidhi Chand ji bringing the horses has been stated in the previous chapters.  Baba Bidhi Chand ji told everyone the whole story.  This Katha gives peace and joy.  Listen to the Katha ahead.  Baba Bidhi Chand ji said: “Guru ji, you set this whole drama in place.  You saw me as your own servant and wanted to give me the praise.”  Baba Bidhi Chand ji folded his hands and bowed to Guru Hargobind Sahib ji’s feet.  Everyone in the Divaan heard the Katha of the horses.  Everyone was amazed at Baba Bidhi Chand ji’s wisdom.  They all said: “great work!  That was amazing.  Only you could have done this task.  No one else in the world could have done this.”  Baba Bidhi Chand ji sent Sikhs to prepare Karah Prashaad, as he had promised.  Guru ji said: “I had also thought to distribute 1,000 Rajitpuns of Karah.  Prepare it now and distribute it.”  Many Sikhs heard this and went to prepare the Prashaad right away.  The people from nearby villages heard about the Prashaad being distributed.  They all gathered and came right away. 

The Nagaras were played and a great celebration occurred.  Thousands of people gathered and came to visit the brave Sodhi warrior-Guru.  Guru ji was the one that set this drama in motion.  The artists came and showed their art.  Many artists played their musical instruments.  The Daphs and the dhols were played.  The men and women were really happy with the celebration.  Everyone heard the Katha of Baba Bidhi Chand ji and were amazed.  They did the Darshan of Satguru ji and were in joy.  Panchamrit came in the court.  People were sat in lines.  The lines were really long.  They all sat in peace in quiet by the radiance of the Guru.  Many Sikhs were given the duty to distribute the Karah.  They gave a lot of Prashaad to everyone.  Everyone was satiated.  It took an hour and a half to distribute the Degh.  There were thousands who had come.  No one left hungry.  Only Degh was made that day.  The people went home praising the Guru. 

Bhai Jodh Rai ji and his soldiers were sitting with Guru ji.  Bhai Bidhi Chand ji said to Guru ji: “Maharaj, it won’t be long now.  Shah Jahan is really angry.  He will bring his army soon.  He may come himself or sent his senior Umraavs.  His big army will come to fight.  Consider that they are almost here.  They will be in really big numbers.  We should be in attention.  We can’t be lazy.  The horses should be ready for battle.  The riffles should be ready.”  Guru ji heard about the Turks coming.  The Bir Ras awoke inside Guru ji.  He wanted this battle.  His biceps were pumped.  Guru ji said to Bhai Jodh Rai ji: “how do you fight wars in this area?  There are less warriors here.  The enemy will come with the thousands.  A fort would be good to fight in.  If there isn’t a fort, then see if there is a dense jungle.  If there isn’t a jungle, then a desert with no water would be good.  We need a place where the enemy becomes helpless.”  Bhai Jodh Rai ji folded his hands and said: “Maharaj, there will be a great battle.  The Delhi Emperor has an army of 2.2 million.  He is the king of the world.  He has unlimited soldiers.  How will you fight him?  He has many canons.  It’s good to go deep into the Jungle area where there would be a pool of water.  Set up the Dhera there.  When the Badshah sends the army there, they will get tired, trying to find you.  They will get fed up and go back.  They won’t go deep into the Jungle area.  They won’t know where water is.  They will go to Delhi or back to Lahore.  When they leave, you can come back here.  You can enjoy yourself and give joy to the Sikh Sangat.  This is what I think: you won’t need to fight.” 

The wise Guru heard him and said: “I don’t like this idea of yours.  If there is no battle, how will the enemy die?  If I hide, the army will tell the Shah that I was hiding.  They will say that I was scared and didn’t fight them.  To take revenge for the horses, I will need to fight.  I wish to fight.  I kept weapons and soldiers for this reason.  Only war will justify this army I have.  Otherwise, what use will the weapons be?  There are many rewards in fighting the Turks.  If we die, we will go to Sach Khand.  Many types of joys will be received and the pains of many births will be washed away.  If we win, the world will praise us.  Joy will be with us.  There will be no problems.  The joy of the world and heaven hangs from the biceps of the warriors.  We are Kshatriyas.  How can we back down from the battlefield?  When this battle starts, I will send the Turks to the Jumms.  I have fought 2 wars.  It will be done again.  Many Umraavs will come with their weapons.  I will bury them on the field they fight on and sit on top, cross-legged.  I will sit and speak to you on their graves.  Just show me the best place to fight the Turks.  I don’t wish to run away from the battlefield.  Only fighting will give glory.”  Bhai Jodh Rai ji understood Guru ji’s word.  He was happy and said: “you are great Guru ji!  Everything is in your hands.  You can do as you wish.  You can kill them with your words.  If you fight, they will die for sure.  If you look at someone with anger, they are as good as dead.  I will show you the best place to fight.  There should be only one pool of water.  There should be jungle all around.  There shouldn’t be any other place with water.  Surround the water.  You can have the water.  The enemy will die of thirst.  This should be our strategy.  Don’t move away from the pool.  After a while of fighting, the enemy will get thirsty.  Many will die by the weapons.  The survivors will try to look for water but they won’t get it.  They will run away because of fear and thirst.  We won’t let them run away with ease.  They will be cut like crops.  We will take their weapons and horses.  We will take their clothes.  They will be killed on the battlefield.”  He spoke with enthusiasm.  The compassionate one was happy to hear this.  He said: “listen Jodh Rai, where can we find such a place?  You know this place.  Tell me.  You know this Jungle Desh.  You know the hard and easy places.”  Bhai Jodh Rai ji thought hard about the best place.  He then said: “listen Prabhoo ji, I know the best place.  You can fight this big battle there.  We will kill them easily.  They will have to run away.  Form here, there is a Sarovar about 12 km away.  Let’s go there and set up a Dhera.  It is south from here.  There is a village near there called “Nithana.”  We won’t leave the water there.  The enemy will get thirsty and run away.”  Satguru ji agreed with this and said: “this is a good thing you said.  It is evening now.  We will leave in the morning.  The Badshah can come or his army can come.  We will take their weapons and kill them.”  Guru ji planned this and called for gunpowder.  He called for 1,000 Maunds of metal for bullets.  Goldsmiths were told to make the bullets.  The bullets were distributed.  They were tested.  The archers practiced archery with targets.  Guru ji gave others arrows.  They were very sharp.  Spears were given to the warriors.  The spears were made of iron.  Saifs and Sirohis were given.  Teghas, Khandas were given.  Horses were given to all.  Pistols and guns were given.  The enemy would not survive.  They were called from the armoury and given to the warriors. 

Bhai Jodh Rai ji went to his home and prepared his army.  He mobilized his servants and brothers.  He gathered 1,000 soldiers and gave them weapons and horses.  He made everyone ready to fight.  He gave them bullets and gunpowder.  He made preparations all night.  The army was ready to fight by morning. 

7-39 Leaving Kangar

The goldsmiths, blacksmiths and other tradesmen worked all night to get the ammunition and weapons ready.  Satguru ji ate and rested the night. 

Satguru ji woke up at Amritvela and did his daily cleansing routine.  He bathed and got ready.  He ordered the Nagaras to be played.  The sound of the Nagaras was loud.  They sounded like thundering clouds.  Bhai Jodh Rai ji heard the Nagaras from his home.  He got up with their sound.  He bathed and got ready.  Both of the armies, Guru ji’s and Bhai Jodh Rai ji’s, got ready as well.  Both armies had strong soldiers.  They had bathed after waking up.  They got dressed and fastened their armour and weapons.  Their horses were saddled.  3,000 soldiers were with Guru ji.  Bhai Jodh Rai ji had 1,000 soldiers.  They were all filled with enthusiasm.  They wanted victory on the battlefield.  Sri Guru Hargobind Sahib ji was in bliss.  He was looking forward to the battle.  This was the way of warriors: to look forward to war.  He wore new clothes.  He wore a long Jamma.  He tied a big white Dastaar.  Both ends of the Dastaar had golden Zarri work on it.  He tied the rounds of the Dastaar with his thumb.  He tied a Jigha on top with many precious gems.  The gems shined in the light.  They looked like Divas on his head, reflecting the light of the torches.  He tied a Kalgi on top that was worth 125,000 Rajitpuns, with diamonds.  He wore a sharp two-edged Khanda in his Gatra.  His quiver was filled with sharp and thick arrows.  The quiver had strands of diamonds hanging from it.  He tied the quiver over his shoulder and tied its belt around his waist.  He tied a Kumerkassa that was made of a fine fabric.  He put a Kataar in his Kumerkassa.  He took his strong bow and hung it on his shoulder.  He was ready to mount his horse. 

Bhai Jodh Rai ji sent a servant to Guru ji.  The message was: “Prabhoo ji, please take me with you to battle.  You should mount a fast horse and take me too.”  Guru ji was ready.  He sat down and then waited for Bhai Jodh Rai ji.  When Bhai Jodh Rai ji’s wife, the daughter of a great Sikh, heard that Guru ji was going to fight the Turks, she said to her husband: “you are doing the right thing!  I love what you are doing.  The Guru is omnipotent.  He is all-powerful.  He is Parmeshwar but acts like a human.  Please never go against Guru Hargobind Sahib ji.  Do what he says.  Keep your hands folded in front of him and obey his every command.  You don’t need to be afraid of anything on the battlefield.  Even if the Turks are 10 times more than you, they won’t be able to do anything to you.  If Inder comes with 330 million Devatas, he will lose to Guru ji.  Guru ji can make them run away.  He will kill the enemy and win.  Don’t be afraid of the Badshah.  The Guru will be with you.  You will be in joy if he is with you.  Fight alongside the Guru and face the Turks, head on.  Guru ji will be happy with you.  Look at your family.  You and your family will be praised for doing this.”  Bhai Jodh Rai ji heard his wife and said: “I have great faith in Guru ji.  It has awakened in my heart, deeply.  I will never leave the Guru.  I will sacrifice my life at his feet.  He will bless me in both worlds.  The fools only would leave his sanctuary.  I will do what Guru ji says in battle.  I will go where he sends me.  I will fight who he tells me to.  I will fight the Shah if he tells me to.  I will fight a fierce battle.  The Turks will bite their fingers.  You will hear of my stories, sitting here.  You will be proud of me.”  The couple spoke to each other like this.  Bhai Jodh Rai ji got ready with his weapons.  He mounted his horse and headed towards Guru ji.

Bhai jodh Rai ji met Guru ji and bowed to his feet.  Bhai Salaim Shah ji, Bhai Jodh Rai ji’s brother, came with him.  Both were great warriors.  Guru ji had them sit with him with respect.  1,000 soldiers came with them.  Bhai Jodh Rai ji said: “listen oh omnipotent Guru ji, we should leave now.  We should scope the area we want to fight.”  Sri Guru Hargobind Sahib ji said: “I am ready to go.  I was just waiting for you.  We should reach the pond by 9 am and surround it.” 

Guru ji had re-named Dilbagh and Gulbagh to “Jaan Bhai” and “Suhaila.”  Jaan Bhai was saddled and readied.  Suhaila was saddled as well.  The saddles were embedded with gems.  Both were radiant.  Guru ji called for Jaan Bhai.  Guru ji figured that Suhaila was probably tired from the journey from Lahore.  Guru ji said: “bring Suhaila as well.”  The groomsman brought Jaan Bhai to Guru ji.  Guru ji was holding Bhai Jodh Rai ji’s hand.  He got up and looked at Jaan Bhai.  He said: “he is very beautiful.”  Guru ji mounted Jaan Bhai like Vishnu was mounting Garud.  The horse wanted to fly like Garud.  Bhai Jodh Rai ji mounted his horse.  Everyone was inspired to see this as the Nagaras sounded and the Ransinghas were played.  The conches played along with other instruments.  The soldiers mounted their horses at the calls of Jaikaras.  3,000 soldiers were with Guru ji.  1,000 were with Bhai Jodh Rai ji.  4,000 soldiers followed Guru ji.  They were all ready to fight.  Guru ji led the way with Bhai Jodh Rai ji.  Guru ji called Bhai Jodh Rai ji to the front and rode side-by-side with him.

Guru ji praised Jaan Bhai as it rode.  Guru ji spoke to Bhai Jodh Rai ji on the way.  He discussed the story of how the horse was brought: “the horses were kept under strict watch.  Thousands stood guard.  Look how brave and wise Bidhi Chand ji was.  He served them as Kasera.  The Badshah loved these horses.  The best workers served these horses.  Bidhi Chand ji made the first horse jump the wall and stained the faces of the Turks.  Look Bhai Jodh Rai ji, just as the first horse was brought, Bidhi Chand ji brought the second horse.  The second mission was harder.  There guards were stricter but he was still able to get the horse.  He disguised himself as a Hindustani.  The Turks couldn’t tell that it was Kasera.  He went as a Khoji and spoke to them.  He spoke to the Badshah and his men.  They were going to give him Lakhs of Rajitpuns but he rejected all that for my love.  He brought the second horse for me.  He saw money as garbage as well as the material things of the world.  He valued Sikhi as the highest.  He was so smart that he made the Turks ready the second horse.  He locked them all in a room and made them prisoners.  He fooled them all in front of their own eyes.  Only Bidhi Chand ji is that smart.  No one else could do that.”  Bhai Jodh Rai ji said: “this is your power.  You are compassionate.  You blessed him with wisdom.  Nobody has ever done what Bhai Bidhi Chand ji had done.  No king or warrior had every done such a daring thing.  He locked the king in his room and brought the horse.  It’s amazing what he did.”  Guru ji conversed with Bhai Jodh Rai ji. 

As they rode, the sun came up.  Guru ji tested the horse and made him run.  The horse flew as it rode.  Guru ji did not move.  The horse was jumping like a great dancer, counting each step.  The forelegs touched its chest as it ran.  The legs were spinning roundly in a circular motion as they moved.  The hind legs didn’t touch the ground too long.  He was very fast.  He was very strong.  It was jumping like a fawn.  When it ran, it left the wind behind.  Guru ji made the horse jump a few times.  The horse was wishing to fly off.  Guru ji calmed it down.  The eyes of the horse were very alert.  It looked all around.  The warriors saw the horse and were amazed.  They said: “looks like Brahma made this horse himself and took his time.  What else can we say to praise it?  The horse has all the virtues of a great horse. 

Guru ji headed south from Kangar.  It was all jungle.  They soon reached the pond of water.  As they came close, Bhai Jodh Rai ji said: “Maharaj, this is the place I talked about.  We can fight the enemy here.  There is only jungle for miles around it.  There is no other source of water nearby.  I have seen this place many times.  I have hunted this area.  I know this place well.  I thought about this place a lot.  I knew that if the enemy ever attacked, I would come here to fight.  You made my wish complete.  Let’s kill the enemy here.”  Guru ji looked around and was happy.  He said: “great work!  This is a good place to fight.”  Guru ji came off his horse and looked at the pond.  He gave the order to set up camp.  The pond was surrounded.  The soldiers were in attention.  There were a lot of weapons.  Guru ji set up camp near the edge of the pond.  His tent had two main poles in it.  A beautiful bed was laid for Guru ji.  Another tent was set up near Guru ji’s for Bhai Jodh Rai ji.  The soldiers all set up their tents.  They all rested. 

7-40 The Badshah gets ready for War

Around the pond, where Gurduara Gurusar ji stands today, there are now two villages there: Lehira and Maraaj.  When Sri Guru Har Rai ji came here, he established the villages.  During Guru Hargobind Sahib ji’s time, there was nothing there.  The villages were about 4 km away from the pond.  Guru Har Rai ji established these villages.  This Katha will be stated when Guru Har Rai ji’s Katha is being said.  During Guru Hargobind Sahib ji’s time, there were no villages nor any places for water, other than the pond.  Guru ji set up camp near the pond.  He said to all of the warriors: “stay alert and be ready.  Keep a strict guard.  Consider the enemy as arriving soon.  Keep your rifles ready to fire.  Keep two bullets ready.  The Guru’s radiance will destroy the wisdom of the enemy.  When they all come, they will be easily killed.  Just as they were insulted for losing the horses under their noses, they will lose this battle as well.”  The warriors heard this and their enthusiasm grew many folds.  Bir Ras grew in their hearts.  Their horses were saddled and ready to go.  They were ready to fight and waiting for the enemy.  Satguru ji set up the Dhera.

Listen to what happened with the Turks after Baba Bidhi Chand ji jumped with Gulbagh (Suhaila) over the wall and into the river.  The Badshah saw this deception with his own eyes.  He kept yelling: “where are you all?  Did Khuddah kill you?  Look!  He is taking my favourite horse!  Why aren’t you doing anything about it?  He cheated you.  Are you all mad?  Did you not recognise this thief?  He lived among you as a worker.”  The guards and soldiers heard the pain-filled yelling of the Badshah.  They tried to jump out of the room but they failed.  They were locked in.  The doors and gates were all locked.  They walked around the room and couldn’t figure out how to get it.  They were like birds trapped in a cage.  They were suffering like a bird flapping its wings in a cage.  They were upset.  They climbed the walls and shouted out the windows: “someone catch the thief!”  They were shouting like a farmer trying to scare the crows away; like a person yelling from the peak of a mountain, asking for help to come down.  Shah Jahan was angry.  His eyes were red.  He was grinding his teeth.  He couldn’t do anything.  He rubbed his hands in anger.  He said the names of his guards and yelled out to them.  Everyone yelled back: “Sire, we are trapped.  We are going to have to break the doors down.  There’s no other way.  Gulbagh has gone far now.  He runs fast.  He is faster than the wind.” 

The Daroga pushed the doors and broke them down after a while, with the help from his workers.  They came out and went to the Badshah’s room.  They went to the Suman Burj and broke the lock with an axe.  They went inside where the Badshah was sitting, upset.  The Badshah was mad and said to the Daroga, looking at him: “you fool!  Look what happened!  This is surprising.  None of you couldn’t figure out this deception?  He cheated all of you.  Break all of the locks now because we won’t be able to get the keys from the river.  Light the torches.”  Saundha Khan called his men.  They all lit their torches and broke the locks quickly.  Some doors had to be burnt down.  Some doors were chopped with axes.  They were al afraid of the Badshah.  Some walls had to be torn down to take the men out, that were trapped inside.  It was like prisoners were released from jail.  Many ran to the Badshah.  The whole city was surprised.  Nobody had ever seen or heard of such a deception.  They were all locked up and deceived.  Everyone woke up at night and yelled: “what happened?”  They were asking what happened as they didn’t know what took place.  The others told them. 

The officers and close people of the Badshah came to him and said: “what should we do now?  We can’t catch the thief now.  He’s too far now.  He did say the name of the village.  He said the name of his powerful Guru.  It’s night time now.  We won’t be able to find anything in the dark.”  The Badshah was angry.  He said to everyone in anger: “no one used their brains to figure out who the thief was.  He stayed here for many days.  Now he took the second horse.  My chest is burning even more now.  He made fools out of everyone and took my strong horse.  If we don’t do anything now, the horse is gone.  We need to do something.  I will go to battle myself in the morning.  I will arrest the Guru or kill him.  He is not afraid of me.  He is ready to fight at all times.  I will take a big army.  I will kill him or arrest him.”  The Badshah spoke foolishly in anger.  He was burning in his own anger.  He said to all: “go and prepare for war.”  Everyone heard this and made preparations.  Some rested the night.

In the morning, the Badshah awoke.  He didn’t sleep the night.  Not one blink.  He put on new clothes as he did everyday.  His chola was made of a fine thread.  His chola was so fine that it would rip by evening.  He wore another new one the next day.  The Badshah got dressed and went to his court.  Everyone came to his court.  The Umraavs all came with the ministers.  They wore long Jammas.  The Divaans and the warriors, including the advisors, all came.  They all bowed and saluted The Badshah.  They wore expensive clothes with jewellery.  The gems shined on their bodies, reflecting the light.  The wise minister, Bhai Wazir Khan ji, came.  He was the Sikh of the Satguru and was very wise.  The court was in session.  The Emperor sat on his throne with anger.  Fragrance was sprayed everywhere.  Bouquets of flowers were kept everywhere.  There was gold work done everywhere in the court.  It was very pleasant to see.  The Badshah spoke: “all of you are wise, but nobody figured out the deception.  The thief came as a grass cutter first.  He gave you alcohol and took the horse.  I can understand that you couldn’t have known what he was up to.  Why was he able to take the second horse?  We saddled the horse ourselves and gave it to him.  I couldn’t have known.  Why didn’t any of you figure this out?  Look at the thief’s courage.  He came twice and took my favourite horses.  I’ve seen this with my own eyes.  He deceived everyone in front of their own eyes.  He talked as he took the horse.  He locked all of us up like prisoners.  He got on top of the horse and said: “these two horses are being taken by Guru Hargobind Sahib ji’s command.”  He said the name of a village called “Roopa,” in the Jungle Desh.  He has taken the horses there.  I don’t want to wait.  I don’t like everyone waiting.  Get ready and go.  Saddle the horses with the expensive saddles.  Once I get my horses back, that is when I will protect my honor.  Till I don’t arrest or kill the Guru, I won’t sleep in peace.  Tell the whole army to go.  Take the canons and the big guns.  Give everyone bullets and gunpowder.  Fire all of the canons towards the Guru at once.”  The officers all prepared.  They distributed the gunpowder and bullets.

The Badshah was ready to mount his horse.  The groomsmen heard the orders and prepared the Emperor’s horse.  The soldiers were ready.  Everyone was running around to get ready.  Everyone in Lahore was anxious.  Everyone was surprised at what had happened.  They all said: “it was a shock.  The Badshah is going to war himself.  No one knows what will happen.  It will be a great battle.  On the other side is the great house of Guru Nanak Dev ji, which is really powerful.  On this side is the master of all the lands.  He has hundreds of thousands of soldiers.  Jahangir was in good terms of love with the Guru.  This Emperor has become the Satguru’s enemy.  He didn’t get along with the Guru from the start.  He didn’t respect the greatness of the Guru.  The Badshah first took the Guru’s horse.  He has been an enemy ever since.  Sri Guru Hargobind Sahib ji is a handsome and strong warrior.  He is the Meer of Meers and the Peer of Peers.  He is a courageous and undefeated warrior.  He took the Shah’s Baaz and his horses.  He has taken his revenge.”  All of the men and women of the city said: “it will be a big battle.”  The Badshah made preparations to go to war himself.  He was really angry.