7-6 The Wedding of Baba Sooraj Mal ji

The father-in-law of Baba Sooraj Mal, Baba Prem Chand ji, lived in Kartarpur, Jalandhar.  He went to the home of Baba Gurditta ji to discus the marriage of his daughter, Mata Khem Kaur ji to Baba Sooraj Mal ji.  He said to Baba Gurditta ji: “I wish to hold the marriage ceremony now.  I wanted to ask you first.”  Baba Gurditta ji responded: “that is a great idea.  Your wish is a good one.  Decide all of the logistics and write a letter to my father.  He will be happy to receive your letter.  He will bring the Bharat.  Don’t waste any time.  Do this quickly.”

Baba Prem Chand ji came home and called his Purohit.  He said to him: “please find a good date.  Write a letter to the Satguru.”  The Brahmin heard this and looked at the birth charts.  The month of Vaisakh was good with the date of 27.  The letter was written to Satguru ji.  The Purohit prepared the letter and Baba Prem Chand ji told Baba Gurditta ji: “we are ready to send to the letter.  You can take the Purohit to Amritsar.” 

The next day, the Purohit took the invitation with Baba Gurditta ji.  They reached Amritsar.  Baba Gurditta ji took his family along and met his mothers.  He set up his Dhera and bathed.  He wore nice clothes and took the Purohit along with him to see his father.  They all met Guru Hargobind Sahib ji and bowed.  They sat down.  Guru ji was happy to see his son.  He put his hand on his son’s head and asked how he was.  The Purohit was sitting as well.  He started to speak about the wedding.  Baba Gurditta ji said: “Pithaji, this is the Purohit of Baba Prem Chand ji.  He has brought the invitation for the Bharaat.  They have made all the preparations.  Please give your permission to start the wedding preparations.  It is now Phagun the 20^th.  The wedding is to be in Vaisakh.”  Satguru ji heard this and was very happy.  He said: “this is a good thing.  It will be a good time for a wedding.”  Guru ji had a nice seat set for the Purohit and was given a lot of gifts.

The whole family found out about the wedding.  The celebrations began.  Everyone was happy.  Mata Natti ji met her mothers-in-law.  She bowed to their feet and felt bliss.  The whole family was in bliss.  The instruments of the wedding played.  The Dhundhabs, Shehnais, Napheeryas and dhols played.  The beggars came to ask for donations.  For 3 days, the Purohit was served before leaving for Kartarpur. 

The Purohit came back home and told Baba Prem Chand ji that the wedding date was accepted.  Baba Prem Chand ji was happy to hear this.  He began collecting the stuff for the wedding.  Grass, food, ghee and sugar was collected along with flour.  He spent twice as much as needed.  In this way, some days passed in preparations.

The Mela of Vaisakhi came.  The places of the Guru such as Khadoor and Goindwal were sent invitations.  Everyone was happy to received the invitation.  They said: “good days are coming.  It is not too hot or too cold then.  The wedding will be celebrated.  We will go to Amritsar for Vaisakhi and then go to Kartarpur.  The Sikhs and the Masands will come.  Everyone will leave their household tasks and come.”

The Masands all came, bringing their Sangat for Vaisakhi.  They all came to do the Darshan of Guru ji.  The relatives came as well.  Baba Dattu ji’s sons and family came to meet Guru ji without delay.  The Goindwal family came quickly.  The whole family got together.  They came to Amritsar.  They all met Guru ji and were happy.  The family from Dallay, Daroli, Mandyali, Mao, Mullay, and Vatala all came with the Sikh Sangat.  The son of Baba Bhudda ji, Baba Bhana ji, came with his sons and grandsons.  Baba Hari Chand ji lived in Amritsar.  He joined the wedding home at Guru-ka-Mahal.  The women all came to the home as well.  Many homes were there for the Sangat to stay.  The family stayed at different places.  Some relatives went to stay in the homes of the neighbours.  Everyone was happy to meet each other.  They all bathed at Amritsar.  The Langar was made with a lot of delicious food.  It was made twice a day.  Everyone was satiated eating it.  Many Sikhs were there.  Day and night, the Sangat did Keertan and met Guru ji.  The Langar could not be counted.  It was the wedding time and Vaisakhi.  The Sangat came for both celebrations. 

Satguru ji held Divaan everyday.  Thousands of warriors sat with Guru ji at Akaal Takhat with their weapons.  The relatives would come to see Guru ji.  Unlimited gifts were brought by the Sangat.  There was a big crowd around Guru ji.  The 4 Sahibzadas were with Guru ji (as Baba Atal Rai ji had gone to Sach Khand).  There were new celebrations everyday. 

The day of the wedding was near.  Guru Hargobind Sahib ji gave a command: “start the preparations for the Bharaat.”  Everyone was happy to hear this.  They started to get ready.  Clothes and jewellery were worn.  People got ready.  The horses and carts were decorated.  The vessels were ready to go.  The Bharaatis were ready as well.  Guru Hargobind Sahib ji had Pakvaans and sweets made.  He took them to Akaal Takhat first and did an Ardaas.  He then went towards Harmandir Sahib.  He was wearing royal clothes with weapons fasted.  Baba Gurditta ji was illuminating with his father.  He looked like a younger version of his father.  Baba Sooraj Mal ji was in front.  On the left side of him was Baba Ani Rai ji.  Guru Tegh Bahadhur Sahib ji was on his right.  Guru Tegh Bahadhur ji was sometimes picked up by a servant as he was young still.  Baba Dheermal ji was also with them.  He was picked up as well.  The senior Sikhs were there too.  They all stood in Harmandir Sahib and bowed.  They did Parkarmas of Harmandir Sahib ji.  They entered and folded their hands.  The Mevra did the Ardaas.  The Mevra said: “Guru Ramdas ji, your grandson and the whole family has come to seek your blessings for your great-grandson’s wedding.  Please give them peace.”  They all bowed and came outside.  Guru Hargobind Sahib ji’s praises were spread throughout the world.

Guru ji got into a palanquin this day.  The Nagaras and the instruments rang.  The big Nagaras sounded with a deep thundering, “dhoom, dhoom,” sound.  The Dhols and Pattas matched the beat.  The duffs, Napheeryas and Shehnais sounded.  There was a crowd.  The traditions of mounting the horse were all carried out.  The women all did the traditions to see everyone off.  The women did not go with the Bharaat in that time period.  They sang songs of joy.  The Bharaat was ready to go.  The women went back home.

Baba Sooraj Mal ji was in front, on his horse.  The Bharaatis were happy.  They reached the Beas and crossed it.  As they crossed the Beas, they set up camp as it was night time.  The Langar was prepared.  The Masands did a lot of the preparations.  In the morning, they started off again.  The beggars came to get donations along the way.  They took the money.  No one was refused money.  Guru ji told the Masands to give money to everyone.  When it was afternoon, the Bharaat reached Kartarpur.  There was a well there named “Shakargang.”  They all set up camp there.  The well was dug by Guru Arjan Dev ji.  The whole Bharaat bathed there.  They rested there.  Guru ji had his seat set up under a tree.  A Sikh fanned Guru ji.  The fan shined in the sun, as there were pieces of glass on it.  a Sikh waived Chaurs over Guru ji’s head.  Sikhs came to do Ardaas, bringing gifts.  Guru ji fulfilled everyone’s wishes.  They all rested for 4 and a half hours.  They were all wearing expensive clothes and jewellery. 

A servant was sent by Baba Prem Chand ji.  The servant said to Guru ji after bowing to him: “Maharaj, please enter the city and rest in the home.”  This was the home that was made by Guru Arjan Dev ji.  Everyone heard this and entered Kartarpur.  The Nagaras and instruments sounded.  The warriors made their horses dance.  Some were on their chariots.  The elders were on their chariots.  Some were on elephants.  Bhai Sai Das ji showered money.  The Nishans travelled in front.  The instruments all sounded.  They showered money on to the roads.  The people of the city were happy to see the spectacle.  Guru ji went to the home of Guru Arjan Dev ji.  The people of the city came, bringing their gifts. 

7-7 The Engagement of Sri Tegh Bahadhur ji

There was a loud celebration in the city.  Everyone was happy.  Whoever met Guru ji at that time, they were rewarded with great Karma.  Baba Prem Chand ji sent food for the Bharat, which was before the marriage.  Everyone was happy.  Everyone came to the Milni.  Baba Sooraj Mal ji was on his horse.  Baba Tegh Bahadhur ji was sitting behind his brother, the groom, on the horse.  There were a lot of fireworks.  Many people came to see the fireworks.  The firecrackers spun around and went to the sky.  There was a lot of excitement.  Many people were gathered.  A lot of torches were lit.  Baba Prem Chand ji brought his family for the Milni with expensive gifts.  They all came and touched Guru ji’s feet.  Guru ji lifted Baba Prem Chand ji and hugged him.  Guru ji wanted to meet like brothers.  Baba Prem Chand ji was in bliss to hug Guru ji.  He was filled with love.  He had great Karma from his previous births.  He was rewarded with a hug from the Guru.  The groom was brought to the door.  The traditions were carried out.  He then entered the house after the Milni.  Many instruments played and celebrations carried on.  The Bhatts and musicians showed their arts. 

The Bharaatis were called for food.  They all walked to the place of eating.  There were torches lit.  The instruments played.  The Shehnais and other instruments were playing.  Everyone walked slowly as they watched the artists.  Thousands came to witness the wedding.  They all came to Baba Prem Chand ji’s home.  A sandalwood stool has set with a white cloth.  Guru ji was asked to sit on that stool.  The other Bharaatis sat in lines to eat.  Guru Hargobind Sahib ji sat in the centre.  He was radiant like the moon within the starts.  The cooks all came out and brought the food.  There was another stool brought for Guru ji’s plate.  It was placed in front of Guru ji with the plate on it.  The food consisting of 6 types of tastes were placed.  The cooks were very wise.  They were very quick to serve.  Everyone began eating right away.  The women of Kartarpur all went up onto the top floor, overlooking the Langar area.  They first all did Darshan of Guru ji with their hands folded.  They all bowed to Guru ji.  Their hearts were filled with bliss.  They all began to sing.  They didn’t feel it right to sing the Sithineeya but they were under the influence of the celebration.  They sang the songs by naming all of the Bharaatis.  The Bharaatis were happy to hear the songs.  They smiled and ate their food.  The joy in their hearts grew.  They all ate and then washed their hands.  They left money in their plates for the dishwashers.  The instruments played and the Bharaatis came to their resting place. 

After a little rest, the invitation for the Laavan came.  Baba Sooraj Mal ji was in front and the Bharaatis followed.  They went to the place of the Mandip.  Baba Sooraj Mal ji sat down.  The Poojas of Ganpati and the Grehs occurred.  The bride was then brought out.  The bride was seated next to the groom.  The fire was lit after sprinkling water.  The Pheray were done and the Laagis were given money.  Everyone then came to the resting place after the wedding.  Guru ji laid down on his bed and went to sleep. 

In the morning, the instruments sounded.  Everyone bathed and got ready.  The servants served Baba Sooraj Mal ji and Guru Tegh Bahadhur ji with respect.  The Bhatts and Tadis came to sing.  They were given a lot of money.  They sang the praises of Guru ji.  Among all the children present, Baba Sooraj Mal ji was very handsome.  Sri Tegh Bahadhur ji and all the other children were called with the groom to the home of the bride.  Baba Prem Chand ji’s wife, Mata Sobha Dev ji, was very beautiful.  She was happy to see her new son-in-law.  Baba Sooraj Mal ji was seated on a seat and given delicious food.  The women of the family all came to see Baba Sooraj Mal ji and introduced themselves.

Think of the name of Akaal Purakh and listen to the next part of the Katha, oh listeners, as it is about the parents of Mata Gujri ji.  There was a Sibhikhi Khatri there named Baba Lal Chand ji.  He was attending the wedding.  His wife was Mata Bishan Kaur ji.  She was virtuous, beautiful and wise.  She was sitting with the women.  Mata Bishan Kaur ji saw Sri Tegh Bahadhur ji and asked who he was.  She inquired if he had been engaged.  She found out that he was unattached still.  The wise Mata Bishan Kaur ji went to her husband, Baba Lal Chand ji, and said: “listen, father of Gujri, I have good news for you.  What house would be better than the Guru’s?  The ones who have good Karma, they become the Guru’s relatives.  Our daughter is 5 years old.  The Guru has 2 sons who have not been engaged yet.  There is no better house than this one to have our daughter married into.”  Baba Lal Chand ji heard this and got happy.  He said: “this a great idea you have thought of.  We shouldn’t waste any time in this task.  Send our Purohit there today.”  The couple discussed this amongst themselves.  They called their Purohit and sent him to Guru ji.

Guru Hargobind Sahib ji was holding Divaan with the warriors and Sikhs.  Guru ji’s face was radiant like a lotus flower.  He was very happy.  He gave joy to all.  He was the root of all happiness.  The Brahmin came and gave his blessings.  He spoke to Bhai Gurdas ji first and told him abut the relation: “I am here for the engagement of the Guru’s son.”  Bhai Gurdas ji listened to his proposal and went to Guru ji.  He told him what the Purohit said.  Guru ji had the Purohit come close to him.  He sent Bhai Gurdas ji to Baba Ani Rai ji.  He said: “find out what Baba Ani Rai ji wishes.  If he agrees, we can marry him.  Then we can ask about Sri Tegh Bahadhur ji.  This is the tradition of the world, to marry the elder one first.” 

Bhai Gurdas ji went to Baba Ani Rai.  He sat near him.  Baba Ani Rai ji was in a Brahmgyaan, Param Hans state.  He was never in a state of joy or sorrow.  Profit of loss was the same to him.  Praise or slander, he was unaffected by.  He saw friend and foe as the same.  Poison, Amrit, gold and dirt, he saw no difference in these.  He was always connected to the bliss of the Aatma.  Bhai Gurdas ji sat next to him and told him about the engagement.  Baba Ani Rai ji was always in the state of Brahmgyaan.  He said: “what do you call an engagement?  What advantage or success do you get by doing this?”  Bhai Gurdas ji said: “this is the way of the world.  The world depends on Ghristi.  When you get married, you have a household with kids.  The family will carry on through your kids.”  Baba Ani Rai ji said: “I don’t wish to get married.  I am better like this.  A person gets caught in joy and sorrow.  This is a trap.  I am in a single state.  I am drenched in this now.  I don’t wish to get caught into the worries of the world.  I see the world as one.  It won’t be like this if I get married.”  Bhai Gurdas ji bowed to him and left.

Bhai Gurdas ji told Guru ji what Baba Ani Rai ji’s wishes were.  Guru ji said: “he is always in the single state of mind.  He only likes to do Simran.  Go to Sri Tegh Bahadhur ji, the patient one.  He his young and handsome.  He is radiant.  Put the sign of the engagement to his forehead.  It is a good time today.”  Bhai Gurdas ji went to Sri Tegh Bahadhur ji and said: “your Guru father’s command is for you to be engaged.  A relationship has come for you.”  Guru Tegh Bahadhur Sahib ji said: “if Guru ji has commanded this, nobody can disobey.  It will be good, what he has commanded.  I always put his command to my forehead.  His gifts don’t decrease.”  Bhai Gurdas ji called the Jyotishi and took him to Guru Hargobind Sahib ji.  He found an auspicious date and told the Brahmin.  Guru ji had Sri Tegh Bahadhur ji sit next to him with respect.  The Brahmin was very happy to see Sri Tegh Bahadhur ji.  He put the Chhuhara date into the mouth of Guru Tegh Bahadhur Sahib ji.  There was another celebration within the celebration.  The Bharaat was in great happiness.  The Nagaras sounded, the instruments sounded.  Many celebrations were done.  Satguru ji gave out more donations to the poor.  Many came to ask for money.  Guru ji gave bliss to all.  The praises of Guru ji spread in all 10 directions. 

7-8 Coming Back/ Sooba Jalandhar’s Assets Confiscated

For 3 days, Guru ji stayed in Kartarpur for the wedding ceremonies.  Baba Prem Chand ji was drenched in love.  He did many types of Sevas.  Baba Prem Chand ji called Guru ji for the Dholi to leave.  The Shehnais and other instruments played.  The Bharaat arrived at the door of Baba Prem Chand ji.  He gave as many gifts as he could.  He folded his hands and said: “I couldn’t do much Seva for you.  Please protect my honor, oh Gareeb Nivaaj.  I have given you my daughter as your servant.  I am small, you have given me a lot of honour.”  Sri Guru Hargobind Sahib ji heard this and said: “you gave your daughter.  What else is there that is left?  You have served to the best of your ability.  You have earned the happiness of the Gursikhs.”  Hearing the great words of the Satguru, Baba Prem Chand ji and other people were happy.  Baba Prem Chand ji brought clothes for the Sikhs and presented them.  Baba Bhana ji, Bhai Gurdas ji and other Sikhs were with Guru ji.  They were all happy with Baba Prem Chand ji.  Baba Prem Chand ji’s praises spread like the moon.  His daughter, Mata Khem Kaur ji, was placed in the Dholi.  Baba Prem Chand ji folded his hands and bid farewell to Guru ji and the Bharaat.  Mata Khem Kaur ji said her goodbye to her mother, Mata Sobha Devi ji.  She hugged her and gave her love.  They shed tears from their eyes as they said goodbye.  The Dholi went to the front.  Baba Sooraj Mal ji was on his horse.  Baba Prem Chand ji and Mata Sobha Devi ji looked on as Guru ji and the Bharaat departed.  They all headed to Amritsar.  Money was showered over the newlywed couple.  Guru ji gave money to all the poor people.  Guru ji met the Sangat of Kartarpur and told them to go home.  The Bharaat was then on its way.  The instruments and Nagaras all sounded. 

The Bharaat walked back slowly.  They crossed the Beas and stayed the night.  The next day, they reached Amritsar.  The Nagaras and Dhols were all played.  The Shehnais and Dhundhabs played.  The news spread of Guru ji’s arrival.  The women of Amritsar got together with Mata Mahadevi ji (Mata Marwahi ji).  They all congratulated her.  Mata ji made all of the preparations to receive her son and daughter-in-law.  She was anxious to see them.  The married women got together to sing the songs of joy.  They saw the new couple and gave them love.  Satguru ji had Prashaad made and went to Akaal Takhat first.  He bowed and distributed the Prashaad.  Everyone then went to the Darshani Deodi.  They all stood in front of Harmandir Sahib.  The couple folded their hands, bowed and did the Parkarma.  Guru ji then came out and mounted his horse.  The Bharaat then went to the home of Guru ji.  The young men made their horses dance.  Guru ji was radiant amongst the crowd.  The people of Amritsar showered flowers and folded their hands as the Bharaat walked by.  They all congratulated Guru ji.

The Dholi stopped in front of the house of the Guru.  Mata Marwahi ji and the other mothers, along with the women of the family were there.  The mothers saw the couple and did the traditions of the time.  They brought the couple inside the home.  They had them sit on a beautiful seat.  The women all sat around.  They presented money to the bride for seeing her face for the first time.  Mata Khem Kaur ji was very pretty.  The women all praised her beauty.  Everyone went to rest on their beds.  The Sevadaars served everyone.  Food was made and given to all.  This completes the Katha of the wedding. 

Listen oh Sikhs to the Katha ahead.  The relatives and family all stayed for a few days and then wanted to go to their homes.  Baba Narayan Das ji and went with his wife.  Bhai Duara ji also went home with his family.  Baba Rama ji and his wife went back to Vatala.  The Trehan family went to Khadoor Sahib and the Bhallas went back to Goindwal.  Baba Dharma ji went to his home.  Bhai Sai Das ji and Bibi Ramo ji went to their home.  Guru ji gave them all gifts as they went home.  Guru ji’s son-in-law, Bhai Dharma ji and Baba Bhana ji remained with Guru ji.  Guru ji told them to stay. 

Mata Nanaki ji was very happy to hear of her son’s engagement.  She looked at her son, Sri Tegh Bahadhur ji, with great love and respect.  She was raising him well.  He was growing by the day.  Satguru ji lived in Amritsar.  The servants served him and received Brahmgyaan.  Bhai Bhagtoo ji, Bhai Behlo ji, who knew the Brahmgyaan, they were in bliss.  They would both come every 6 months and stay for a month or two with Guru ji.  Many new people became Sikhs and served Guru ji with faith and devotion.  Many Sikhs sent their children to serve Guru ji.  Many days passed like this.  Many Sikhs received Gyaan like this. 

Shah Jahan came to visit Jalandhar.  He set up camp outside the city.  He had many chariots with him.  A son of Abdul Khan, named Valli Khan, lived there.  His father and brothers were killed at the hands of the Guru.  He wanted to come to the Emperor and tell him about his father being killed by the Guru.  He collected his father’s assets and wanted to be the Sooba.  He thought to himself: “now’s the time to meet the Emperor.  The Emperor will help me.  I will tell him what happened and take revenge for my father and brothers.”  He prepared gifts and horses to give to the Emperor.  They had golden saddles.  He wanted to make the Shah happy with the gems in the saddles.  He took expensive gifts and gave them to Shah Jahan.  He had to get a referral from an Umarov to meet the Badshah. 

The Shah saw him and said: “why hasn’t your father Abdul Khan come to see me?  Is he not in the city?”  Valli Khan heard this and said with his hands folded: “my father and my 2 brothers took an army to fight the Guru of the Hindus.  He was causing trouble in the area.  He was in Rohaila where he took over some land.  Bhagavan Das Gherard saw him and tried to stop him.  The Guru killed him.  Gherard’s son came to my father to ask for justice.  My father heard this and went to fight a battle with the Guru.  My 2 brothers and father died in the battle.  The Guru killed them.  He killed the whole army.  They tried to talk to the Guru but the Guru spoke harshly to our messengers.  Chandoo’s son and Gherard’s son were killed.  The Guru killed the 14,000 soldiers.  He killed thousands.  He is not afraid of anyone.  He established his own city now.”  The Badshah was really upset, hearing this.  He said to his Umraavs: “take 20,000 mounted soldiers and go to arrest the Guru.  Grab him and bring him to me.  I ignored the Baaz but now I won’t let him go.  He killed Mughlas Khan.  The Sooba of Jalandhar was a good warrior.  The Guru killed the whole army.  He will cause more conflicts.  He will revolt.  He does not fear anyone.  We have to make him scared.”

Bhai Wazir Khan ji came as the Shah commanded.  He saw the Emperor upset.  He inquired what happened and then said to him with his hands folded: “I have heard about this before.  If I may have your permission, to speak openly:  The Satguru is the benevolent Peer.  He castes his compassionate vision on all.  He sees Muslim and Hindu as the same.  He gives wisdom to all.  He saw a small village and set up camp there.  The Turks in the area met Guru ji.  They told Guru ji that they didn’t have a place to pray.  The Guru heard the humble requests of the Turks and ordered for a Mosque to be made.  Gherard was on the side of the Hindus.  He went to the Guru and swore at him.  He sent his son here to have the Sooba attack the Guru.  Abdul Khan didn’t think about it and attacked right away.  His 14,000 men were killed in the attack.  That was his fault.  Tell me, what mission was this?  Those people were of no use.  They were going to destroy a Mosque of the Turks.  It was a big mistake.  They were sinners as they were going to attack the Mosque.  If you wish to destroy the Mosque, I can go and do it now.  The Guru made the Mosque.  If you don’t like it, command me and I will go and destroy it.  I will go alone.  You are wise.  You know the truth.  You should punish this person instead.  Tell Valli Khan to get lost.  His father was wrong.  They wanted to destroy the home of Khuddah.  Abdul Khan sent his army and got destroyed instead.”  The Shah heard this and was very happy.  He said: “the Guru had the house of Khuddah made.  Sri Guru Nanak Dev ji and the Gurus don’t discriminate.  They don’t see any difference.”  Valli Khan was kicked out of the court and had his status taken away.  He was fined.  Everyone was shocked to hear this.

The Badshah stayed the night in Jalandhar and went to Lahore the next day.  He accepted the virtues of the Guru and then didn’t listen to any bad things about him. 

7-9 Darshan of Sri Chand ji/ Bhuddanshah

Sri Satguru ji came back from the wedding and took his sons hunting.  They all mounted their horses and went.  A few warriors went with them.  The 4 sons of Guru ji were all on their horses.  They left Amritsar and headed towards the mountains.  Prabhoo ji headed that way to hunt.  They would set up camp and hunt.  They rested the night in their tents.  The sons and warriors all ate and slept.

At Amritvela, Guru ji and the Sikhs woke up and bathed.  The mountain ranges were very beautiful.  Guru ji wished to see that area.  He had heard about the beauty of the area.  He knew that Baba Sri Chand ji, the son of Guru Nanak Dev ji, lived there.  Baba Sri Chand ji was quite old.  He remained in the Jog state of bliss, all the time.  Sri Guru Hargobind Sahib ji wished to see him.  That is why he headed into the area.  Guru ji commanded: “make preparations to go.”  The army heard and got ready.  They all headed towards Guru ji’s desired direction after saddling their horses.  They had eaten and rode off with their horses.  Guru ji and the 4 sons: Baba Gurditta ji, Baba Sooraj Mal ji, Baba Ani Rai ji and Guru Tegh Bahadhur ji went hunting. 

They went along the mountain to hunt.  They all reached the place where Baba Sri Chand ji was.  Guru ji and his sons got off their horses.  They all did the Darshan of Baba Sri Chand ji, the great Tapasvi.  They all bowed to his lotus feet and sat down in front of him, with their hands folded.  The Param Bridh, Jogeshwar, the son of the Baba said: “Purkha (complete one), tell me: how many sons do you have?”  Guru Hargobind Sahib ji spoke: “there were 5.  One went to Sach Khand.  The 4 have come to do your Darshan.”  Baba Sri Chand ji said: “give one to me.  Keep the others.”  Guru ji heard this and gave his eldest son, Baba Gurditta ji, to Baba Sri Chand ji.  He was wearing new clothes and weapons.  Guru ji seated Baba Gurditta ji in front of Baba Sri Chand ji.  Baba Gurditta ji bowed his head to Baba Sri Chand ji’s feet.  Baba Sri Chand ji was very happy and said: “you are great, Purkha!  You are humble.  This is why you got the Gurta Ghaddi.  You already have everything.  I only have the Saili Topi.  I give this to you today.  You now have all of the powers of Guru Nanak Dev ji.  Your son will receive the Topi.  You are so humble after being so powerful.  Only you are deserving of the powers of Guru Nanak Dev ji.”  Baba Sri Chand ji took off the Topi from his head and put it on Baba Gurditta ji’s head.  The 3 other sons of Guru ji saw this.  Baba Gurditta ji belonged to Baba Sri Chand ji now.  This was known.  That is why he was known as “Baba” Gurditta ji.  The Toppi was full of Niddhis and Siddhis.  It had the Tapasya and power of Guru Nanak Dev ji.  Baba Gurditta ji received all of those powers.  Guru ji and the sons stayed with Baba Sri Chand ji for many days.  They had many discussions with each other. 

After a few days, they all mounted their horses and came back.  They reached the shore of the Sutlej.  Guru ji said to his son: “establish a new city of your own now.”  They all came to Amritsar.  Guru ji loved his eldest son dearly.  After a few days, he looked at his son with love.  He thought of the future.  The future could not be changed.  He wanted to have his son establish a new city.  He called Baba Gurditta ji close to him and had him sit next to him.  Baba Gurditta ji sat with great respect and received a lot of bliss.  Guru ji said: “cross the mountainous area of the Sutlej.  There are other mountain ranges from that area.  There is a saint that lives there named Bhuddanshah.  He is always focussed in his Dyana and is waiting for you.  He wishes to meet you there.”  Baba Gurditta ji folded his hands and said: “how is he sitting?  Why does he want to meet me?  What will I say to him when I see him?  What task will be accomplished if I meet him?  Oh ocean of compassion, tell me the whole Katha.”  Guru ji said: “Sri Guru Nanak Dev ji went to that area.  Bhuddanshah ji lived there.  He kept some goats there.  He would drink the milk of the goats.  The Seva of the goats was done by a lion.  Peer Bhuddanshah ji was a great Tapasvi.  He had love for the Guru.  Bhai Bala ji and Bhai Mardana ji went with Guru Nanak Dev ji there.  They did Keertan there.  The Peer heard the Keertan and wanted to give milk to the Guru and the Sikhs.  He brought the milk for Guru Nanak Dev ji.  He said: “I am from here and you are from another area.  I wish to serve you.  Please take this milk and drink it.  Oh Saint, please have it.”  Guru Nanak Dev ji heard this and asked: “you do a lot of Tapp.  Have you been successful?  Are you at peace now for all the effort that you have done?  Have you been rewarded?”  The Peer said: “I am at peace now, after visiting you.  I wish to know your name.”  Bhai Mardana ji spoke: “this is the Guru of the world, Guru Nanak Dev ji.  When he wishes to give wisdom to someone, he goes to them.”  When the Peer heard the name of Guru Nanak Dev ji, he grabbed Guru ji’s feet.  He said: “I am fortunate.  Please bless me.  I have heard your glory.  I wanted to meet you.  You knew I wanted to see you and that’s why you have come.  I received the reward of my Tapp today.  I have been blessed today.  You gave me your Darshan, oh compassionate one.”  Guru Nanak Dev ji heard this and said: “do the Simran of Satnam and focus on to it.  See your body as separate from your real self.  Rid yourself of your body’s pride.  The connection of the senses and the mind is the cause of all the pain.  Make your mind still inside of you.  Don’t connect with your senses.  Gather yourself like a turtle.  Keep your senses gathered.  That person is in Mukti, who live like this.  Do the Dyana in this way.”  After listening to Guru ji, Peer Bhuddanshah ji started to do the Dyana as directed by Guru Nanak Dev ji.  He went into a Samadhi.  He sat like that for 6 hours.  Bhai Balla ji woke him up from the Samadhi.  When the Peer opened his eyes, he grabbed Guru ji’s feet and said: “keep me with you.  Your radiance has made my mind still.  I understood the doubt and received everything.  I heard your words of Amrit and the poison of duality is now gone.  You made the deep pain go away.  I can’t leave you now.”  Satguru ji then said: “all of your tasks are done now.  Keep your mind connected to the Satnam and stay here.  You have a long life.  You will live for many years after I am gone.  When I will be in my 6^th form, that is when your Puranas will finish.”  The Peer was surprised to hear this.  He asked: “how will I recognize your 6^th form?”  Satguru ji said: “wait for the form.  Baba Gurditta ji will be the son of Guru Hargobind Sahib ji.  He will come and meet you and give you the signs.  He will establish a city here, where I have sat for 11 months, 11 days and 11 watches and did Keertan.  He will name it “Keertanpur.”  (Now known as Kiratpur) Stay connected to the Dyana of the Prabhoo till then.  Make the effort to make your mind still.  Break the bonds of duality.”  After saying this, Guru Nanak Dev ji left.  He has been sitting there since then.  He does Simran of the Guru and waits for you.  It has been 100 years since then.  His mind has become pure.  Go and meet him.  Set up your Dhera there.  Establish a new city there.  Call it Keertanpur.  Just as our elders established new cities, you should do the same.  Live there for a long time, I will come there too.  Your son will get the Ghaddi then.  They will stay there for a long time with love.  Go for these tasks.  It is a good time now to establish the city.  Go now.” 

Baba Gurditta ji heard this and got ready with joy.  He got a lot of money from Guru ji.  He bowed to his mothers and then did Parkarma of Harmandir Sahib.  He folded his hands and did the Ardaas.  He fastened his weapons and mounted his horse.  His wife, Mata Natti ji and his son, Baba Dheermal ji, sat on a chariot.  Baba Dheermal ji was in his mother’s lap.  His mother loved him a lot.

Baba Gurditta ji spent 3 nights on the way.  Many Masands and Sikhs were with him.  They camped in the mountains.  A camp was set.  He hunted for 2 days.  He reached the area and started to scope the good land.  He went to the mountain and met Peer Bhuddanshah ji.  The Peer saw Baba Gurditta ji and remembered the words of Guru Nanak Dev ji: “the Guru’s son will come and drink the milk.”  He thought to himself: “I have gone old now.  I will let go of my body now.  I will be happy to see the Guru now.”  Baba Gurditta ji came on his horse.  He come to the top of the mountain.  It was in the middle of the jungle.  He had seen the lion that takes care of the goats.  He saw the Peer sitting at a distance.  The body of the Peer was old and weak.  Baba Gurditta ji said: “wake up Sant ji!  Give me the milk.  I am the son of the Guru.  I am hungry.”  (In another historical source: the Peer saw Baba Gurditta ji; with his expensive clothes and weapons, and fell into a doubt as he was thinking of Guru Nanak Dev ji’s Fakir-like attire.  Baba Gurditta ji understood and told the Peer to close his eyes.  When the Peer closed his eyes, he saw Guru Nanak Dev ji standing there.  The Peer understood and opened his eyes with joy) The Peer heard this and was in bliss.  He got up and folded his hands.  He bowed to Baba Gurditta ji’s feet.  He held the reins and had Baba ji come down from the horse.  He had him seated.  He told his students to get hay for the horse.  Peer ji got the goat milk and gave it to Baba Gurditta ji.  He told Baba ji the whole Katha.  Baba Gurditta ji said: “my father told me that Katha as well.  I am to establish a new city.  You are wise.  You know where the place is, where Guru Nanak Dev ji did Keertan.  Tell me where the place is.  You met Guru Nanak Dev ji and have been doing Bhagti here ever since.”  Peer Bhuddanshah ji folded his hands and said: “the Satguru has told you the Katha, listen to me as well.  The mountain that I am on, establish the new city next to here.  You should live here.  Guru Hargobind Sahib ji can come here too.  There will be a great battle.  They will all come here after the battle.  Your father will kill many Turks.  Guru ji will leave his body here as well.  Your son and grandson will gain praises here.  They will sit on the throne here.  They will live here for a long time.  Sikhi will spread from here.  I remember what Guru Nanak Dev ji said.  He told me everything.  I will see your father as well.  I will go once I see him.  I did Bhagti with Guru Nanak Dev ji’s blessing.  I wish to see him one more time.”  He went quiet after saying this.  Baba Gurditta ji heard this and came down from the mountain.

Baba Gurditta ji scoped the area for the new home.  He called the workers and the craftsmen.  He did an Ardaas by saying Satnam.  He distributed the sweets and did the groundbreaking ceremony.  The craftsmen started to do their work.  They made beautiful homes.  People from different places were called to settle here.  People of 52 castes were called to settle which included: Shudras, merchants, tailors, businessmen, cleaners, carpenters, farmers, warriors, Brahmins and others.  They all came, seeing it as a city of the Guru.  Baba Gurditta ji gave everyone what they needed.  He gave everyone joy.  The new people settled there.  Baba Gurditta ji and his family settled there with joy as well.  Baba Gurditta ji made sure everyone was happy. 

Oh Sikh listeners, listen: recite the Satnam in your heart.  Mata Natti ji soon became pregnant.  She was always connected to the love of her husband.  She was carrying the 7^th Guru in her womb.  The baby in the womb was growing like the moon after the new moon.

7-10 Blessing a Bore in Vadaali

This was going to be the second child of Baba Gurditta ji and Mata Natti ji.  The child in the womb was growing by the day.  The family was happy to be expecting the baby.  Baba Gurditta ji thought to himself with joy: “a great being will come.  This will be an Avatar, in which Guru Nanak Dev ji’s Jyot will live.  This city has been founded for this Avatar and named Gur Keertanpur (Kiratpur).”  This is what Baba Gurditta ji thought of.  This city was established for the next Guru.  The days passed.  Baba ji would go hunting with the warriors.  The city was growing. 

Now listen to Guru Hargobind Sahib ji’s Katha.  Listen Sikh saints with love and devotion.  Guru ji used to gather all of the warriors and practice Shastervidya.  The army got bigger.  He would practice archery and shooting.  He would place the targets farther and farther.  He would hunt deer to bless them.  The Sikhs would come to see him from every direction and have their wishes fulfilled.  His glory spread like the Maalti flower.  The gathered Sikhs looked like flocks of swans.  His glory spread like moonlight.  The Sikhs would compare Guru ji to mercury, pure and valuable.  Every man and women praised him, in every direction in the world.  It was like Jasmine spreading.  The warrior Guru was benevolent.  This is what was praised in every home.  He was a warrior on the outside and a Brahmgyaani from the inside, totally detached from any desire.  Guru ji would help the Sikhs in far away lands, whoever called out to him.  The needs of the Sikhs, Guru ji fulfilled them all, remembering his promise to his servants.  He helped the Sikhs in the afterlife as well.  He saved them from the Jumms as well as in the world.  The Peers of the world saw Guru ji as omnipotent, the ocean of wisdom.  They bowed to Guru ji’s feet.  Sidhs, Tappas, Pandits and Brahamachaaris all came to Guru ji to learn the path to the Prabhoo.  Anyone who wanted to be one with Akaal Purakh, they all came.   Those people were already very powerful but they needed the help of Guru ji to reach the highest status.  They would come to his shelter and Guru ji would give them peace.  Sri Guru Amardas ji gave a lot of blessings to all.  Sri Guru Ramdas ji gave wisdom to all.  Sri Guru Arjan Dev ji gave the Gyaan.  The ones who had served the elder Gurus and were still alive, they would come to meet Guru Hargobind Sahib ji.  They would see Guru ji and feel at peace.  Many lived with Guru ji.  Many would come and then go back home to preach the message of Sikhi.  Wherever they went, they would preach Sikhi and make new Sikhs.  Sikhs like Bhai Behlo ji and Bhai Bhagtoo ji would go to far away lands and make new Sikhs.  The new Sikhs were filled with love and devotion.  In this way, the Sikhs of the Guru had many Sikhs of their own.  They were then able to see past and future. 

Baba Bhanna ji lived with Guru Hargobind Sahib ji.  He did Seva of Guru ji and listened to his words.  The Masands were in bliss.  They would bring money from their lands and present it to Guru ji.  They would bow to Guru ji’s lotus feet.  Money from every direction came to Amritsar.  There was no end to it.  The expense of the Guru’s home would be just as much.  The Masands would take care of all the expenses and collection of offerings.  They would buy a lot of horses.  The Langar was continuous.  Many would come to eat.  There are two things in the world that are the cream: the Degh (food) and the Tegh (sword).  The Guru’s home has given the Sikhs both.  The whole world was amazed to see this. 

One day Guru ji went hunting with 1,000 warriors.  Baba Bidhi Chand ji, Bhai Jetha ji, Baba Bhana ji, Bhai Sadhoo ji (Bibi Veero ji’s husband) and Bhai Painda Khan ji was with Guru ji.  Everyone, along with Guru ji, were on their clever horses.  They went in the morning and spent the whole day hunting.  Until it wasn’t too hot, they hunted.  They hunted rabbits, bore, deer and others.  Guru ji reached Vadaali, his birthplace.  It was afternoon and really hot.  They all ate there.  Guru Hargobind Sahib ji was born there, seeing it has great rewards.  The Sikhs went to do Darshan of Guru ji’s birthplace.  Guru ji went there too.  They all bowed with devotion.  Guru ji visited the home where his father stayed.  He bowed to those places.  Baba Bhanna ji and Bhai Sadhoo ji along with others went to bow.  Many Sikhs gathered in the place.  Guru ji was happy to see everyone.  He said to all: “this is the place where I was born and played as a child.  I used to crawl here and learned how to walk.”  Baba Bhanna ji heard this and folded his hands.  He said: “just as Krishan walked Brij, that is how you walked this area.  This land is pure and holy.  Visiting this place washes away big sins.”  Everyone stayed there and rested.  At around 4pm, Guru ji went to the well of Cheharta Sahib.  They drank water and bathed.  It was really hot and so everyone needed to bathe.  They put the cold water on their bodies.  The water was pure and cold.  They bathed and felt peace.  They got dressed with their clothes and weapons.  They got ready and were radiant, standing with all the warriors.  Guru ji looked radiant with his army. 

A farmer came and bowed with his hands folded.  He said: “Maharaj, a wild bore has come into the fields.  He ruins the vegetation.”  Guru ji was happy to hear this.  He mounted his horse and told the farmer to take him there.  The other warriors followed.  The wild bore was laying down in the bushes.  It got up when it heard the horses.  It ran away seeing the horses.  Guru ji was like Inder when Raho was running away with Chander.  Satguru ji said to Painday Khan: “make sure he doesn’t run away.”  Guru ji slowed down and let Painday Khan go.  Painday Khan ji chased the wild bore quite far.  The horse surrounded it.  The bore stopped.  Painday Khan took out a big spear.  The bore got angry and came towards Painday Khan’s horse.  Painday Khan tried stabbing the bore but he missed.  The bore ran into the horse’s leg.  The horse fell, as its leg broke.  Bhai Painday Khan fell off too.  Painday Khan was afraid that he was next.  He couldn’t stand up.  Guru ji saw all this and rode his horse like lightening, right away.  He rode fast and hard.  He took out his sword.  The bore saw Guru ji and ran towards Guru ji instead.  The soldiers watched on.  They realised that nobody else could kill the bore besides Guru ji.  When the bore came near, it was going to hit Guru ji’s horse.  Guru ji stood up on his stirrup and swung his sword.  The sword went through the bore’s back.  The bore was sliced.  The sword was strong.  Bhai Sadhoo ji and Baba Bhanna ji came close to Guru ji and saw the strong thick wild bore.  From the bore’s mouth, a fire came out.  Bhai Bhanna ji saw it and Guru ji saw it.  It was the bore’s soul.  It touched Guru ji’s feet and was about to go to Sach Khand with joy.  Bhai Bhanna ji asked: “who are you, tell me!”  The soul told Baba Bhanna ji its story: “I will tell you how I became a bore.  I was a devoted Sikh of Guru Arjan Dev ji.  When Mata Ganga ji came to the Bir to meet Baba Bhudda ji on the chariot, I ran to tell Baba Bhudda ji.  When Baba Bhudda ji saw the chariots and carts running, he said: “where are the Guru’s hustling to?”  I got angry hearing Baba ji’s words.  I thought it was not right for him to say that.  I stiffened my nose and said to Baba Bhudda ji: “looks like your nothing but an uncivilized person.  Why did you say that about Mata ji?  The traits of your caste (Jatt) haven’t gone away.  You don’t know right from wrong when you talk.”  Baba Bhudda ji heard my words and cursed me: “why are you grunting like a lowly bore?”  I heard the curse and regretted saying what I said.  I knew that his words are always true.  I became humble and asked: “when will this curse end?”  He listened to my plea and told me: “the son of Guru Arjan Dev ji will be a great warrior.  He will hunt and kill you.  You will be released from the bore’s body.”  Since then, I was a bore and roamed the fields of Vadaali.  Now, the Satguru came and blessed me.  He killed my while hunting.”  After saying this, the soul received the highest status.  Baba Bhanna ji and Bhai Sadhoo ji heard this and were amazed.  A Gurduara named “Damdama Sahib” has been built there.  Guru ji sat in that place and called Painday Khan to him.  He asked how he was and gave him respect.  After some time, they all left. 

Guru ji spoke to Baba Bhanna ji: “the Sikhs that slander or talk bad about Baba Bhudda ji, they are cursed and in pain.  They became deer, birds and other animals.  I hunt and kill them to wash their sins away.  I bless them in this way.”  Guru ji and the Sikhs came back to Amritsar.  Guru ji sat at Akaal Takhat and looked radiant.