8-1 Manglacharan/ The Katha of Baba Bidhi Chand ji

I bow to the Paarbrahm Parmatma with my two hands folded.  Without knowing Parmatma, there is pain; knowing, gives a lot of bliss. 

Oh Bhavani, your face is beautiful like the moon.  Your teeth are like pearls.  You destroy the obstacles.  You give peace to those who come to your shelter.  You are white like the jasmine.  You give power to poetry.  You make skills illuminate in the heart.  You give wisdom.  You hold a lotus in your hand.  You walk like the elephant, carefree.  Your eyes are like the doe.  You kill the enemy.  Your feet destroy the shortcomings of the poet.  You are the power of Akaal Purakh from where the Bani comes from.

Oh sword of the Guru, you destroy fear.  You are radiant.  You are the giver.  Your arms are strong like the lion.  I bow to you with my hands folded.  You make the warriors into lions. 

Sri Guru Nanak Dev ji, you are the supreme.  You give all of the gifts to your servants.  Your praise is the highest.  I bow my head onto the ground in front of you.

Sri Guru Angad Dev ji is the sun of wisdom.  You remove the darkness of the vices.  I bow to your feet.  Please make wisdom illuminate in my heart. 

Sri Satguru Amar ji, you give Bhagti and Gyaan.  You illuminated your servants in the world.  I bow to your feet.

Guru Ramdas ji, you are the sun of the Sodhi family.  You are the king.  You are illuminated in the world.  I bow to your feet everyday. 

The one who tolerated the intolerable, Guru Arjan Dev ji, you are the saviour of the world.  You are patient.  You took the ship of your Sikhs across this world.  I bow to you.  You are the giver of joy. 

Sri Guru Hargobind Maharaj ji, you are the best wielder of weapons.  You are the best warrior who killed the Turk kingdom.  I bow to you with my hands folded.  You are the king of kings. 

Guru Har Rai ji, you are the giver of pleasure and Mukti to your servants.  You support your servants.  I bow to your lotus feet Satguru ji.

Guru Har Krishan ji you are in the form of a child.  You are the form of Gyan.  You destroyed the obstacles.  I bow to your lotus feet.  You are compassionate.

Guru Tegh Bahadhur Satguru ji, where I remember you, you are always present.  I bow to your lotus feet, saying your name.  You are the form of Bhagwant Parmatma.

Guru Gobind Singh ji, you are the saviour of the Hindu Dharma.  You destroyed the radiance of the Turks.  I bow to your feet.

Bhai Ram Koer ji was saying the Katha.  The Singhs listened with eagerness.  The Katha made them extremely happy.  They were not satiated, hearing the Katha.  They wanted to hear more.  They asked Bhai Ram Koer ji to tell them more.  The Katha of Sri Guru Hargobind Sahib ji is the Katha of the supreme warrior. 

When Satguru ji sat on his bed, after finishing his food, Mata Marwahi ji and Mata Nanaki ji was doing his Seva, sitting by his feet.  They asked: “how did the conflict develop?  Why was such a big army sent for this battle?”  Guru ji heard this and told them the whole story: “Bidhi Chand, the wise Sikh, he brought the horses from the Badshah’s fort.  These horses were the Emperor’s favourite.  Bidhi Chand ji became a Ghaee and lived there for some days.  He made the horse jump the wall of the fort and land into the Ravi.  He brought the horse to me.  He then went back to get the second horse.  He became a detective Jyotishi to get it.  He brought the horse as everyone looked on.  When the Badshah figured out what happened, he got angry and sent 35,000 men to fight a war.  The Turks fought a fierce battle.  They all died.”  Mata Nanaki ji was amazed with this.  She said: “that was amazing.  I have never heard about such a task before.  There is no precedent for this.  He brought the Emperor’s favourite horses that were under his sight.  He deceived everyone to bring the horses from under the noses of thousands of people.  He took the horses from their home and wasn’t scared, even the second time.”  Satguru ji said: “he has been given wisdom and strength by Guru Nanak Dev ji.  There is no other like him in the world.  I haven’t seen another like him.  He is strategic while doing theft.  He makes everyone amazed by his work.  He has done tasks like this before for altruistic purposes.  Since he became the Sikh of the elder Guru, Guru Arjan Dev ji, he became a great warrior.”  Mata Nanaki ji said: “Prabhoo, please call him.  How does he do such difficult tasks?  I want him to tell me.”  Satguru ji sent a servant and called for Baba Bidhi Chand ji.

Baba Bidhi Chand ji came to where Guru ji and the Matas were sitting.  He bowed his head to Guru ji and the Matas.  When he received permission to sit down, Guru ji said to him: “tell us your ways.  You have done big thefts before; your Matas wish to hear how you do it.”  Baba Bidhi Chand ji folded his hands and said: “I have done many thefts and robberies before.  I have done difficult tasks before.  I once stole buffaloes from my mother’s ancestral village.  The villagers found out and came after me.  They shouted and chased me.  I ran to the village Chola.  The people came close.  The buffaloes went into the pond.  There was a Brahmgyaani Sikh there, doing Bhagti, named Baba Adali ji.  I made a request to him: “protect me!  Save me from the people who want to kill me.  Make me your Sikh by giving me wisdom.  You are benevolent.  You protect everyone.”  Baba Adali ji heard this and became compassionate.  He said to me: “do the Simran of Guru Arjan Dev ji and pray to him.  He will protect you.  Let go of your ways and become his Sikh.”  I heard his word and accepted them.  I thought of Satguru Arjan Dev ji and became humbled to his shelter.  I said: “protect me.  You are omniscient.  I am your servant.  I will stay with you for the rest of my life.  You are my master now.”  In this way I closed my eyes and sat at the feet of Baba Adali ji.  The villagers came to look for their buffaloes.  They looked around and asked Baba Adali ji.  Baba Adali ji asked: “what are you looking for?”  The villagers said: “a thief has taken our buffaloes.  We see the tracks to here.  Please tell us, Sant ji, if the buffaloes came here.”  Baba Adali ji said: “are your buffaloes in the pond?  I only see the buffaloes in front of me.”  The villagers said: “these buffaloes are not ours.  We have checked them carefully.  Ours were dark, these are brown.”  The villagers couldn’t figure out that their buffaloes and the thief were right in front of them.  They got tired and went back home.  When the villagers went back, Baba Adali ji said to me: “look at the power of the Guru.  His glory is great.  He was your protector when you did his Simran.  He protects you in both worlds.  If a person lets go of such a Satguru and goes somewhere else, there is no bigger fool than him/her.  Guru Arjan Dev ji protects his servants in various ways.  He destroys the obstacles.  Guru ji’s glory is pleasant to the Sikhs.  The dark buffaloes looked brown to them.  Guru ji saved you.  Let go of stealing and go to the Guru’s shelter.  You have been blessed.  You are fortunate.”  I listened to Baba Adali ji and took the buffaloes.  I gave the buffaloes to the Dharamsala so they can be used for the Sikh saints.  I humbly asked Baba Adali ji to come with me to Amritsar.  The both of us went to Amritsar.”

8-2 The Katha of Baba Bidhi Chand ji

“Alongside Baba Adali ji, we arrived in Amritsar, with the glories of the Satguru in our hearts.  My good fortunate awoke.  Sri Guru Arjan Dev ji was sitting in the Sangat.  It was like Brahma speaking to the Devatas.  I placed some money at Guru ji’s feet and grabbed his feet.  I did his Darshan and sat down with my hands folded.  Baba Adali ji told Guru ji about me: “this person has come to become your Sikh.  You are the protector in every dimension.  He has come to you and wishes to stay here to receive Mukti.”  The compassionate Guru Arjan Dev ji was really happy and gave me Charanamrit.  He made me his Sikh.  He told me to do Simran of Satnam, day and night.  He made me his own and said: “let go of stealing and walk on the righteous path.  Recite and listen to Gurbani.  Keep Prabhoo in your heart.”  I heard this and said: “this is my nature now.  I can’t let go of stealing.  I want to stop but I can’t.  This is the truth.”  Guru ji laughed and said: “if you can’t stop stealing, then do good things for the poor and hungry.  Only steal for the poor.  Rob the rich.  Only take what you need for the poor.  Don’t be greedy and don’t steal for yourself.  Do good for others if you can’t let go of stealing.”  I heard this and obeyed.  I stayed close to Guru ji and did Seva with faith.  I didn’t want to steal anymore. 

After a few days, Baba Adali ji got ready to go back home.  I left with him to my mother’s ancestral village, Sarhaali.  Whenever I felt like stealing, I thought of the Guru’s feet and gave things to the poor.  , I had given my heart to the Satguru.  One day, a Panditani (Brahmin woman) came to me and told me her pain: “listen Guru’s Sikh, I have heard of your great praises.  You help the poor.  I come to you for help.  We are very poor.  We don’t have food to eat.  We don’t have clothes to wear.  Our daughter is ready for marriage but we don’t have money for the marriage.  We can’t eat everyday.  We eat every two days.  Day and night, we worry.  We don’t have money for food.  Please help us.”  I heard the Panditani and asked her how much money she needed for the marriage: “how much will you need for the marriage and for your daily living?  How much money do you need?”  The Panditani said: “500 Rajitpuns would be good.  I can do a great wedding with that much.”  I heard her and said: “I will give you that much.  Come again to me in 5 days.”  She was happy and went to her home.  I began to think of ways to get her money.  Jahangir’s Begums were passing by and I found about that.  They had set up camp at the Doon of Chamba on the Pattan.  I confirmed where the camp was and headed to the camp.

I reached the camp and saw many soldiers and guards.  I made a plan to rob them.  At night I went inside the camp.  The guards were standing.  I disguised myself as a guard.  I pretended to keep guard and went to where the Begums were laying down on their beds.  The maids were all sleeping.  There was a chest by the beds of one of the Begums.  There was jewellery and money there.  I sat in the middle and broke the lock.  The chest was filled with money.  There were sacks filled with money there.  I picked up the sack with 500 Rajitpuns.  I didn’t take anymore than that.  There were boxes of gold there but I didn’t take any of them.  I checked the boxes though.  I opened them up.  I thought of the Guru and left them all there.  I got up and left.  I hid from everyone’s sight and came back home.

I gave the 500 Rajitpuns to the Panditani.  The Brahmani was happy and did her daughter’s marriage.  I did other tasks like this.  When the Begums woke up in the morning, they were surprised to see the chests and the gold boxes opened.  They began to scream and woke up the maids.  They collected everything that was scattered.  They took an account of everything and said: “everything is here.  We are only missing 500 Rajitpuns.  How can this be?”  They went to Jahangir and told him everything: “some thief left the gold, worth millions, and only took 500 Rajitpuns.  This was surprising.  We are all amazed.”  The Badshah was very mad to hear this.  He ordered thieves to be caught in the nearby villages.  He had them all punished and said: “tell us who did the robbery or else you will hang for it.  Search the villages.”  The people of Sarhaali went too.  The people of Sarhaali said: “there is Bidhi Chand who is the grandson of our village.  He is very smart.  He does good for others.  Call him and ask him.”  The servants came to me and said: “please tell us who the thief us.  Many have been arrested.  They are being beaten.”  I thought of their helplessness and thought to myself: “only I can do good and have them released.”  I went with the servants to the Badshah.  I wasn’t scared, as I had the faith of the Guru in my heart.  I knew I wasn’t going to be in trouble. 

I went to where Jahangir was.  The Badshah looked at me and said: “are you the thief?”  I said to him: “what you say is the truth.  You are surprised.”  The Badshah said: “why did you only take 500 Rajitpuns and leave the gold?  There were diamonds, gold and pearls there.  You opened everything and saw it.  You didn’t take anything else.  Tell me the truth or I will have you hung for this.”  I spoke without any fear: “Sri Guru Arjan Dev ji is my master and Satguru.  His hand is on my head.  He told me I can steal for the good of others.  I took his teachings and do as he says.  There was an unmarried poor Brahmin girl.  Her mother asked me for 500 Rajitpuns for the marriage of her daughter.  I stole money for her.  I am not greedy for other things.  I took what I needed for the girl’s marriage.”  When the Shah heard Guru Arjan Dev ji’s name, he bowed his head.  The Badshah released me and the other thieves.  I did these kinds of things, many times.  I stole money for the poor.  I didn’t steal for myself.”  Mata Nanaki ji was amazed to hear this.  She wanted to test him and thought to herself: “will he steal for?”  Satguru ji was laughing, hearing Baba Bidhi Chand ji.  Mata Nanaki ji said: “Bidhi Chand ji, you are a very wise and clever Sikh.  You have done many good things.  You did many tasks for the Guru.  You brought the 2 horses with skill.  You made Guru ji happy.  Will you do something for me too?  Do it and be in joy.”  Baba Bidhi Chand ji folded his hands and said: “I would be blessed if I can do a task that makes you happy.  This body is a myth.  If it is useful for your Seva, that would be great.  What can I do for you?  I will do anything for you, no matter how hard it may be.”  Mata ji heard his devotion-filled words and said: “wherever Jahangir’s Begums (widows by this point) may be right now, bring me their jewellery.  The ones with diamonds and pearls, bring them.”  Baba Bidhi Chand ji said: “I will go right now.”  He bowed and got Guru ji’s blessing.  He was happy.  Mata Nanaki ji blessed him as he left: “may your body be well.  You are a great warrior Sikh of the Guru, may you never by in trouble.” 

8-3 Baba Bidhi Chand ji brings the Jewellery of the Begums

Taking the blessing of the Matas and Guru ji, Baba Bidhi Chand ji set off to Lahore.  He did the Simran of Guru Nanak Dev ji.  He set out for Mata ji’s task.  He soon reached the shores of the Bipasha (Beas).  There were many people at the shores.  He asked them: “what is this Dhera near Goindwal Sahib?  There are many tents here?  Whose soldiers are these?  These tents are very beautiful.  It seems like someone special has camped here.”  The people that were there, said to Baba Bidhi Chand ji: “the Badshah’s most senior Begum, the “Khaas Begum,” is coming here.  She has other maids and Begums with her.  The Begums will arrive very soon.  Their luggage and stuff came early.  The guards and servants set up the place for them ahead of time.”  Baba Bidhi Chand ji heard this and became happy.  He thought to himself: “my task just got easier.  Satguru ji has blessed me.  I won’t have to go to Lahore.  I will meet the Begums right here.”  He stayed there and set up his camp.  The Begums soon arrived.  Baba Bidhi Chand ji looked for an opportunity all day long. 

The day soon came to an end.  It was evening.  The moon came up.  Baba Bidhi Chand ji was looking for a chance to go into the Dhera.  There were guards in every direction, keeping guard with attention.  It was a strict watch.  Baba Bidhi Chand ji was trying to figure out how he could get it.  The guards kept talking to each other, so they would stay awake and alert.  They had swords and shields in their hands, to scare any oncoming thief.  They kept standing.  They weren’t lazy.  Baba Bidhi Chand ji couldn’t find a way in.  He couldn’t get to the Begums. 

After 9 hours, it was morning.  Everyone woke up.  The Begums got ready and wanted to leave.  A female elephant, that was really tall, had a golden canopy and seat set on it.  It was brought for the queen to travel on.  The canopy and seat had many precious gems in it.  There were zarri cloths on it.  The Begam had called for the elephant.  The jewellery she was wearing, she took it off and put it in a golden box.  She didn’t want to be bothered by the jewellery while travelling.  Travelling by the elephant makes one move a lot.  The jewellery had diamonds, pearls, sapphires, rubies and emeralds in them.  The box was also made of gold in which the jewellery was placed.  The box was given to a maid.  The queen got on top of the elephant.  Once she got on top, she took the golden box and placed it by her knees. 

Baba Bidhi Chand ji mixed within the crowd and observed where the jewellery was.  He figured out what was in the golden box.  The wise Sikh was happy that the jewellery was in a box and not on her body.  He wanted to take the golden box on the way.  Everyone set off.  People followed the queen in a line.  Baba Bidhi Chand ji was fearless and worry-free.  He walked behind the elephant.  He kept an eye on the queen.  He wanted to take the jewellery on the way. 

The servants stopped the elephant after a while to urinate and take a break.  Baba Bidhi Chand ji saw his chance.  The Begum was alone on the elephant.  He disguised himself as a servant and began to speak to the Begum.  He spoke like the other servant, impersonating him.  Baba Bidhi Chand ji grabbed the ropes around the elephant.  He used his strength and pulled himself on top of the elephant seat.  His hand went straight to the golden box.  He grabbed and pulled the box away.  The Begum got startled and said: “hey!  Who are you?!”  Baba Bidhi Chand ji didn’t say anything.  He took the golden box and jumped off the elephant.  The Begum yelled: “thief!”  The soldiers got together and walked around the elephant.  They didn’t see any thief.  Baba Bidhi Chand ji had already run a far distance by then.  The golden box with the jewellery was with him.  He was too far for the soldiers to catch him.

Baba Bidhi Chand ji was really far by the time the sun was fully up.  He had crossed the Beas and stopped worrying about the soldiers.  The soldiers didn’t think the thief was far.  They kept checking the area around them.  The didn’t come towards the Beas to check.  They checked the fields and jungles.  They couldn’t find anyone and were surprised.  The Begum was surprised.  She said to her servants: “I have never seen such a thief before.  He took the box right under your noses.  He was really skilled.  You are all not keeping watch, well.” 

Baba Bidhi Chand ji was singing Shabads in Guru ji’s praises.  He was in bliss.  He was headed to Kartarpur.  He soon entered Kartarpur with joy.  He went straight to Mata Nanaki ji.  She was sitting in her home with bliss.  Baba Bidhi Chand ji placed the beautiful golden box in front of Mata ji.  He folded his hands, bowed his head and said: “Mata ji, you helped me in this task.  I brought the jewellery of the Khaas Begum.  Her camp was close to Goindwal.  I didn’t need to go to Lahore.  You complete the tasks of your Sikhs, Mata ji.  You protected my honour.  This was a small task.”  Mata Nanaki ji was amazed and happy to see such Sikhs.  She thought to herself: “he is a skilled thief.  He brought the jewellery right away.”   She said to the maid: “open the box.”  When the box was opened, the jewellery shined.  There were pearls and diamonds there.  There were earrings and necklaces with diamonds.  A head-flower was there along with nose rings and hand jewellery.  There were bracelets and rings.  It was a beautiful sight to see.  Mata Nanaki ji was very happy.  She gave Baba Bidhi Chand ji a boon: “along with the Guru’s praises, your praise will remain in this world.  You will get the joy of the world.  Satnam will remain in your heart.  You will achieve the highest level of Sikhi.  You will be free from the cycle of birth and death.  The Guru will take you to Sach Khand.  The Sikhs will say your name and go to battle.  Your name will give them victory.  Your obstacles will be destroyed.  You will be known in the world.  Your body will be without pain.  Everyone will praise you.”  Mata ji gave Baba Bidhi Chand ji many boons.  Baba Bidhi Chand ji took permission and bowed.  He got up and left.

Baba Bidhi Chand ji went to do Darshan of Guru Hargobind Sahib ji.  He bowed his head to Guru ji’s feet and told Guru ji the whole story.  Guru ji smiled and had him sit with respect.  He said: “nobody has the ability that you do.  No one is equal to you.”  Baba Bidhi Chand ji’s tasks were amazing.  He would be able to reach where no one else could. 

When Satguru ji came to his home, he sat on his bed.  Mata Nanak ji came and showed Satguru ji the jewellery.  She said: “look at what Bhai Bidhi Chand ji brought.  He is wise and strong.”  Satguru ji said: “his ways are unique.  Look how he brought this box.  The way in which he brought the horses was amazing.  His praises cannot be said.”  In this way, Guru ji praised his Sikh servant.  When Mata Nanaki ji saw the jewellery, she did not wish to wear any of it.  She didn’t want to wear the jewellery of the queen that had been stolen.  She only wanted to see the work of Baba Bidhi Chand ji.  She expressed her intentions to Guru ji and called Painday Khan ji’s wife.  Mata ji gave the jewellery to Painday Khan ji’s wife, which made her really happy.  Some of the jewellery was also given to Bhai Babak ji’s wife.  The precious gems were shining.  The women were happy and said the praises of Mata Nanaki ji.  The jewellery was worth thousands.  Many days were spent in Kartarpur like this.  The Sangat came from every direction.  They brought gifts and had their wishes fulfilled.  Many Sikhs from many lands came.  Many new people came and became Sikhs.  The Masands from every direction came, bringing the Dasvands.  They brought thousands of Rajitpuns.  The costs were just as much.  Soldiers were paid and given expensive Siropas.  In this way, the costs of the Guru’s home were covered.  A lot of delicious Langar was made.  There was always more than enough that came.  The benevolent Guru spent all of the money on the Sangat. 

8-4 Baba Bidhi Chand ji/ Baba Balloo Hasana ji

Satguru ji was casually sitting in his home.  Baba Bidhi Chand ji was sitting with him.  Both were radiant.  Mata Nanaki ji and Mata Mahadevi Marwahi ji came and bowed to Guru ji.  They sat with Guru ji.  Mata Nanaki ji smiled and said: “Bidhi Chand ji is your great Sikh.  You are a powerful Avatar in Kaliyuga who came to destroy the sinners.  Bidhi Chand ji has become your Sikh.  Why did his nature of stealing not change?  He steals for altruistic means and for the tasks of the Guru.”  Mata Mahadevi ji said: “Bidhi Chand Bhai, the tasks you did for the good of others, tell us.  We want to hear the amazing things you have done.  You are amazing!  We have never heard of such a person as yourself.  Seeing and knowing such a person was a far-fetched thing.  Only you are like you.  Tell us other things you have done.”  Baba Bidhi Chand ji folded his hands and said: “listen Mata ji, I’ll tell you of a time of when Guru Arjan Dev ji said to me: “stealing has been written in your destiny.  If you steal for the good for others, don’t take anything for yourself.”  I heard this and then went to go steal something for a poor family.  I’ll tell you the whole story.  The people were very poor and had nothing to eat.  They had nothing to wear.  The couple were very depressed.  They couldn’t eat a full meal, even once a day.  They had a young daughter who was supposed to get married.  They couldn’t do her marriage as they had no money.  She received no proposals, as the family was very poor.  The couple was always worried.  They sat all day long like rock idols.  I saw them and felt sorry for them.  I said to them: “don’t worry.  I will do what it takes to get your daughter married off.  You will be able to eat too.” 

I went to a home in that same village.  They had a celebration in that home.  I mixed into the crowd and started to work.  It was a wedding.  I saw the whole wedding.  The Bharaat was then called for food.  They were seated in lines.  I became a server to serve the food.  I filled baskets of food and served it.  I then saw a chance and filled a basket with Pakvaans and sweets.  I ran away, quickly.  I took the food to the poor people.  They were very happy to see the food.  They ate the food.  I couldn’t bring anything else from that house with the wedding celebration.  I only brought food from there.  I then went to another home and made a hole behind the house.  The house was of a rich person’s.  I went to the Chabarra.  It was night.  There was a Baaniya there who was awake.  He was doing his calculations in his log.  He was balancing his accounts, but they were off.  He wasted 9 hours to balance a very small amount.  It was 3 am but he didn’t stop doing his balancing.  The fool did not stop.  His wife was awake and anxious.  She filled a glass of milk and brought it for her husband.  She tried to talk to him to stop what he was doing: “you haven’t eaten or drank anything.  You are tired now.  You can’t figure this out now.  Let it go and do it in the morning.”  The Baaniya heard this and got angry.  He slapped his wife.  His wife got angry and threw the cup of milk.  The milk spilled on the Baaniya’s clothes and his journals.  She went to her bed and cried.  She said out loud: “you are cheap.  You are the son of money.  You don’t follow any Devata or Pittars.  You spent a whole night for a Dumri (small monetary denomination).  I tried to talk sense into you but you got angry and slapped me.”  She was upset and cried.  She then went to sleep.  There was conflict in the home.  The Baaniya was upset.  He stopped his balancing and went to sleep.  When both of them went into a deep sleep, I came out from where I was hiding and watching this.  I went to the Chabarra and opened his safe.  He kept all his money there.  I opened the lock with my strength and put my hand in.  I grabbed a sack of money and left from there, quickly.  I then went back to the home of the poor people.  There was poverty in their home.  I saw the couple sleeping.  I woke up the poor couple and gave them the money.  I then came and told Guru Arjan Dev ji what I did.  Guru ji was happy with me.  He put his hand on mind and said: “the theft that was in your destiny has now been washed away.  You will do many tasks for the Guru.  You will be saved yourself and save others as well.”  Satguru ji blessed me in this way.  I was fortunate to receive such a boon.  He washed away my sins and connected me to his feet.  He was compassionate with me.”  The wives of Guru Hargobind Sahib ji were amazed, hearing this.  They said: “you are great!”  They all sat like this for a while.

Baba Bidhi Chand ji and everyone else went to their own places after.  They ate and slept the night.  Satguru ji got up at Amritvela and took a bath.  He then sat in the Divaan with the other warriors.  A Sikh named Bhai Balloo ji did Seva with love.  He was connected to the feet of the Guru.  When Guru Hargobind Sahib ji rode his horse, Bhai Balloo ji would run ahead and laugh in joy.  He was never tired.  He went wherever Guru ji went for miles.  He kept looking at Guru Hargobind Sahib ji’s face, as he ran backwards.  He meditated on Guru ji’s form.  He would smile and laugh in joy, seeing Guru ji’s face.  Whether Guru ji was sitting or moving, when he was in front of Guru ji, he would laugh in great joy.  This was his Bhagti.  He was a Kashmiri Brahmin.  Guru ji renamed him, saying: “you shall be known as Balloo “Hasana,” (laugher) from now on.”  Guru ji also said to him: “stay with Sri Gurditta ji from now on.”  He obeyed the command, drenched in love.  He started to stay with Guru ji’s elder son, Baba Gurditta ji.

When Baba Gurditta ji would go hunting on his horse, Bhai Balloo Hasana ji would run in front.  He went everywhere Baba Gurditta ji went.  One day, Baba Gurditta ji went hunting.  A wild bore came out.  Baba Gurditta ji rode his horse after the wild bore.  They went very far.  He rode many miles.  The others with Baba ji stayed back as they got tired.  Bhai Balloo Hasana ji went with Baba ji though.  Baba Gurditta ji saw Bhai Balloo Hasani ji.  He noticed his devotion and gave Bhai Balloo Hasana ji his Saili Toppi he received from Baba Sri Chand ji.  As soon as Bhai Balloo Hasana ji’s head touched the powerful Toppi, he received all of the Sidhi powers.  He had Gyan in his heart and became blissful.  The wild bore that was killed with an arrow, he picked up the bore and came back to Kartarpur. 

Bhai Balloo Hasana ji and Baba Gurditta ji told Guru Hargobind Sahib ji the whole story of what had happened: “blessings that I received from Baba Sri Chand ji, I have given them to your Sikh, Balloo Hasana.”  Guru Hargobind Sahib ji was very happy.  He spoke out loud for everyone to hear: “your Seva is now complete, Balloo Hasana.  You have made your Guru Deva happy.  Do the Simran of the Prabhoo, sitting down somewhere.  Your births and deaths have been cut.”  Bhai Balloo Hasana ji stood near the Deodi of the Guru’s Dhera from that day onwards.  He did Simran there, day and night.  In this way, Sri Guru Hargobind Sahib ji blessed him.  Baba Balloo Hasana ji was the brother of Baba Almast ji.  Both brothers were considered the successors of the Udaasi Samprada.  Baba Balloo Hasana ji was given one of four Dhoonas of the Udaasi Samprada: Baba Almast ji, Baba Balloo Hasana ji and Baba Goinda ji.  Many Saroops of Guru Granth Sahib ji were written by Baba Balloo Hasana ji’s disciples.  Many other Sikhs were given Brahmgyaan by Guru ji like this.

Guru Hargobind Sahib ji was sitting in Divaan one day when the powerful Bhai Painday Khan ji came to do his Darshan.  He folded his hands and spoke with joy: “by your compassion, a son has been born.  Please name him with your pure mouth.  May he live long and be your servant.”  Guru ji was compassionate and said: “Painday Khan, your son will be Saiday Khan.  The son that will be born to your son will take revenge on me.”  (Saiday Khan’s sons were Gul Khan and Tulla Khan, also known as Jamshed Khan, who stabbed Guru Gobind Sahib ji in Nanded) Painday Khan was surprised with this.  He said: “what have you just said?”  Guru ji said: “what is destined to happen, will happen.  It cannot be erased by anyone.  When it will happen, it will be known.  It’s no use to worry.”  The whole Divaan was shocked to hear this.

8-5 Preparations of the Wedding of Sri Tegh Bahadhur ji

When Bhai Painday Khan ji’s daughter was of a good age, she was engaged to another Pathaan from Chhotay Mir.  His name was Usmaan Khan.  He was 16 years old.  Painday Khan’s daughter was about 12.  Usmaan Khan lived with his father.  His father was a soldier in the Badshah’s army.  The Shah gave a lot of respect and money to the Pathaans.  Painday Khan saw that the family was an equal match.  The boy was handsome, equal in wealth and from a good family.  The engagement was done.  The Niqaah was done after calling the Qazi.  Painday Khan had Usmaan Khan live with him.  Painday Khan’s son was still a baby.  He wanted to keep his son-in-law and daughter with him.  He treated his son-in-law like his own son.  He saw the couple and was happy.  He had received many gifts from Guru ji.  Satguru ji gave him money and a lot of gifts.  Painday Khan ji would give the gifts to his son-in-law.  Painday Khan ji’s wife took care of her daughter and son-in-law.  She loved her kids a lot.  She made delicious foods and fed the 3 children with her own hands.  Time passed like this with joy. 

Guru ji would go hunting and enjoyed himself.  The soldiers would go with him.  He would kill many animals and give them Mukti.  Hunting was an excuse.  The animals that were killed, had some previous Karma to be killed and saved by Guru ji.  Guru ji would practice Shastervidya and give wisdom to the Sikhs.  He cut the troubles of reincarnation of everyone.  He had killed many sinners in 3 battles.  His praises spread in all 10 directions.  People said: “the Guru is a great warrior.  He killed many Mughals.  He fulfills the wishes of his servants.  He lives in Parvirti (the way of Ghristis) just as he lives in Nirvirti (the way of Sanyasis).  He illuminated like Sri Guru Nanak Dev ji and Sri Guru Angad Dev ji.  Sri Guru Amardas ji was the same, detached from the world.  Sri Gur Ramdas ji was the treasure of virtues.  They were all Ghristi but detached from the world; unaffected by attachment and pleasure.  Sri Guru Arjan Dev ji, the Brahmgyaani, was the same.  Sri Guru Hargobind Sahib ji was the same way.  He was the warrior.  He had a deep determination.  Just as the 5 previous Gurus were calm, he was the same beautiful form.  He was Parvirti: keeping an army, gathering strength and warriors.  He lived like kings.  He fought with the Badshah of the Turks.  He was in conflict with him.  He killed many sinners on the battlefield.  He was ready to fight, everyday.  He made a great effort to destroy great armies.  Doing all this, he was always connected to the Gyan: Nirvirti.  He was always connected to the Brahm, Akaal Purakh.  He saw Akaal Purakh in everyone and everything.  He did not see differences between rich and poor; Hindu and Muslim: high and low, saint and sinner.  He spent time in Kartarpur. 

The month of Maagh (January/February) came.  Baba Lal Chand ji and Mata Bishan Kaur ji (the maternal grandparents of Sri Guru Gobind Singh ji) had a discussion regarding their daughter, Mata Gujri ji: “we should ask Guru ji to bring the Bharaat and take our daughter.  This time is good for weddings.  We should have the marriage next month.  Our daughter should go to her real home.”  Mata Bishan Kaur ji said: “this is a great wish you have!  Guru Hargobind Sahib ji is nearby now.  I wish for the wedding now too.  Let’s not delay this.  Let’s write the invitation to Guru ji.”  They called the Brahmin and asked him to write the Saha Letter (invitation for the Bharaat): “when the 9^th of Falgun (February/March) comes, we will hold the wedding.”  The Purohit wrote the letter, requesting the Bharaat of Guru Tegh Bahadhur Sahib ji to come. 

The Purohit was in the same village and came to meet Guru Hargobind Sahib ji.  He sat at Guru ji’s feet and said: “I have brought the Saha Letter for your son.  Baba Lal Chand ji has sent the proposal as was set in the past.”  Guru Hargobind Sahib ji read the letter and sent the good news to Mata Nanaki ji.  The family traditions were carried out and the celebrations began.  The women got together to sing the songs of joy.  The Purohit was served well.  It had become a joyous environment.  The Purohit stayed one night.  He was given a lot of money in the morning when he left.

As the day of the wedding came close, the relatives and Sikhs were all invited.  Pakvaans were made and sent with the invitations.  Everyone was happy to receive the invitations.  Baba Datu ji and his family; Guru Amardas ji’s family, (Baba Sansram ji (the scribe of the Mohan Pothi), Baba Arjani Mal ji, Baba Arth Mal ji, Baba Anand ji, Baba Sundar ji, Baba Parmanand ji); the family of Mao Sahib and Dhalla; Baba Hari Chand ji (maternal grandfather of Guru Tegh Bahadhur ji) and his family, were all invited.  They were all happy to attend the wedding.  They brought a lot of gifts and money.  Everyone came to Kartarpur.  The Sikhs of Amritsar came with Baba Hari Chand ji.  They all came to do the Darshan of Guru ji.  Baba Bhudda ji’s family came.  They wanted to attend the wedding of the son of Guru ji.  Baba Dwarka Das ji and Bibi Bhaagan ji (the parents of Mata Mahadevi ji) came.  Bhai Rama ji and his wife came.  Bhai Jodh Rai ji came with his soldiers.  He brought clothes and gifts.  Bhai Jodh Rai ji’s wife brought the women of her family.  She was the queen of Kangar.  She came with great joy.  Bhai Sadhoo ji and Bhai Roopa ji came with their family.  Whoever found out about the wedding, they all came, leaving their work behind.  They came before the wedding, without delay.  Bhai Dharma Khosla ji and Baba Sadhoo ji (the husband of Bibi Veero ji) came.  Bibi Veero ji came to her brother’s wedding, on a chariot.  They all came to do Darshan of Guru ji.  They came and bowed to Guru ji.  They set up their Dhera at Kartarpur.  The Bhallas and the Trehans came.  They were all respected by Guru ji.  They were all given delicious food and nice rooms to stay.  The Sevadaars served them well.  The relatives and the whole family were very happy.  Mata Nanaki ji and Mata Marwahi ji met all of the women of the family.  They respected all of the elder women.  They all congratulated the mothers.  They all sang songs of joy.  They were in joy and bliss.  They all saw the happiness and wealth of the Guru and were amazed.  They said: “it is like a royal wedding.”  The family praised them: “the radiance of the Guru has grown.  He fought the Badshah and defeated him.  He did not move one foot backwards.  There is no one like him in this world.  Nobody wants to fight him.  There was Peeree (saintliness) here already, he brought Meeree (royalty) as well.  The saintliness was met with royalty.  The glory and praise have spread in the world of Guru Hargobind Sahib ji.  He has wealth and radiance like the Emperor.”  Everyone praised Guru ji like this.  They wanted to hear about the battles. 

A Divaan would occur everyday with Guru ji in the court.  Everyone sat and listened to Keertan with joy.  Delicious foods were made everyday.  The 6 types of tastes were all made.  Celebrations happened in many ways.  Everyone felt fortunate to be there.  The beggars came to collect alms and donations.  They received money and clothes.  They sang the praises of Guru ji in many ways: “victory to Satguru ji!”  Many days passed like this.  Everyone prepared for the wedding.  The traditions were carried out.  The instruments sounded loud.  Shehnais and Dhundhabs; Mridangs and dhols; dholaks, Daphs, Napheeryas, flutes, Jhanjhras sounded.  The Naubats sounded at the door, everyday.  Everyone celebrated.  Many performers came to perform their art and skills.  Actors came to put on plays.  It was like joy in Heaven.  the actors held many performing rings.  The men and women watched them.  The day would go very fast.  The time was beautiful.  Keertan and Katha happened all day.  The saints and Sikhs were in bliss, listening to various Raags and Kathas. 

Sri Guru Tegh Bahadhur ji was very radiant.  He was very charming and attractive to all.  He was already taller than 6 feet at this time.  His body was just like his fathers.  He was wide and strong, just like Guru Hargobind Sahib ji.  His face was calm and cool like the moon.  His arms were very long.  His chest was very wide.  His eyes were big and wide like the lotus petals.  His eyes were carefree.  His shoulders were high, like a lion’s.  He walked carefree and made the walk of an elephant, shy.  It was time for his Vatna.  The 7 married ladies got together: Mata Natti ji, Mata Khem Kaur ji along with others and prepared the Vatna.  They sang songs of joy and rubbed Vatna on Guru Tegh Bahadhur ji’s body.  They rubbed the Vatna vigorously.  They put rose water in the water and bathed Guru Tegh Bahadhur ji.  His body was beautiful.  He wore a yellow chola, made of a fine fabric.  He looked more radiant than ever.  It was like radiance got together and the moonlight was in the centre.  His face was like the moon.  The Ghana was tied to his wrist.  Golden bracelets were put in Guru Tegh Bahadhur ji’s wrists.  Mata ji gave donations to Sadhoos and Brahmins.  The women, whose voices were like cuckoos, they sang songs of joy.  Their eyes were like the lotus petals.  Their walk was carefree like an elephant’s.  Their sight was sharp.  They wore beautiful clothes and jewellery.  They walked with Sri Tegh Bahadhur ji and sang songs of joy.  They met the Bharaat, that was ready to leave.  Everyone wore beautiful clothes and jewellery.  The wedding was in the same village.  The Bharaat was not going far.  It was going to the next block.  Horses and chariots were not needed.  They walked to the wedding home. 

Guru Hargobind Sahib ji, the handsome, was going to the wedding of his son.  He held Bhai Jodh Rai ji’s hand and walked to Baba Lal Chand ji’s home.  The Bhallas, Trehans and other Sikhs were all going as the Bharaat.  The warriors were all walking behind Guru ji.  They were radiant with their swords and shields fastened to their bodies.  These were the bravest of warriors in the Bharaat.  The whole family walked.  The women went too, as it was close by.  There was a big crowd.  The roads and markets of Kartarpur were filled with happiness.  Everyone showered Guru ji and the Bharaat with flowers.  They all bowed as Guru ji passed.  The men and women wore new clothes and jewellery.  Many instruments played.  The groom walked ahead with a Sera tied.  His Sera was beautiful.  People saw it and were attracted to it.  They all came to do the Dhukka.  Money was showered on top.  The poor collected the money.

Baba Lal Chand ji came foreword to welcome the Bharaat and do the Milni with love.  He presented many gifts and then folded his hands.  The family of Baba Lal Chand ji sang Gurbani Shabads to welcome Guru ji and the Bharaat.  Baba Lal Chand ji grabbed Guru ji’s feet and bowed his head.  Guru ji grabbed him by the shoulders and lifted him up.  He then hugged him.  They all went inside Baba Lal Chand ji’s home after.  The wedding preparations were ready.  Sri Tegh Bahadhur ji came to the door of his new in-laws.  He was given the Shagan at the door.  The family did their family traditions.  The women made fun of Guru Tegh Bahadhur ji, as was the tradition, known as “Sithineeya.”  They joked and made everyone laugh.  After the traditions, the Bharaat set up their Dhera.  There was a lot of noise in the village.  The Bharaat was in bliss.  Everyone was happy.