8-31 Kaalay Khan Dies

The amies fought each other with their weapons.  Kaalay Khan went to where Satguru ji was.  He made his horse dance and came in front of Guru ji.  Sri Guru Hargobind Sahib ji was watching him.  Kaalay Khan took his bow and mounted an arrow on it.  He yelled out: “you killed many of my Khans.  He killed the best archers.  You call yourself a great archer and warrior.  I have come to face you.  My name is Kaalay Khan!  I will arrest you and take you to the Shah.  I brought a great army to capture you.  I am here to take revenge for my fallen soldiers.  Otherwise I will die.  Attention!  Here comes my sharp arrow!”  Guru Hargobind Sahib ji smiled and said: “the path the other Khans were sent on, the path has not closed yet.  Everyone fought and were sent to their deaths.  I will kill your Shah’s army.  I stand in front of you now.  Show me your archery skills.  You take the first shot.  Then I will shoot.”  Kaalay Khan heard this and pulled his arrow back.  He released it with great force.  He yelled out: “here!  See my skills!  This will kill you.  You will fall to the ground.”  The arrow skimmed Guru ji’s forehead and went the other way.  Guru ji felt a small scratch on the forehead but nothing was injured.  A small drop of blood came out.  It was like the Tilak of victory on Guru ji’s forehead.  Guru ji’s anger doubled and quadrupled.  Guru ji took out an arrow and released it.  Kaalay Khan got scared, seeing Guru ji’s scary form.  Kaalay Khan moved back, seeing the arrow come his way.  He moved his horse back.  The arrow that Guru ji shot, was like a flying cobra.  The arrow hit the belly of Kaalay Khan’s horse.  The arrow went out the other end.  Kaalay Khan jumped off his horse.  He yelled: “this is not fair!  You should fight by the rules of battle.  You killed my horse.  I am on foot.  You are on your strong horse.  If you want to fight me, come to the ground.  I will fight you with a sword and shield.  We will change stances and fight.  If you don’t agree to this, then kill me with an arrow.  You can do as you wish.  I wish to fight with swords.  We can fight as equals.  You can use your strength and so can I.”  Guru ji heard this and came off his horse.  Guru ji was fearless.  He said: “I don’t want your wishes to go unfulfilled.  We will fight as you wish.”  Guru ji picked up his sword and shield.

Both warriors stood in front of each other.  Guru ji and the Sooba of Peshawar were face-to-face.  Both were great warriors with the eagerness to fight.  Both were filled with Bir Ras.  Both were skilled in battle.  Both had radiant faces.  Both were skilled in Shastervidya.  Both wanted to win.  Both were seen by their armies.  Both moved around and changed stances.  Both moved left, right, ahead and back.  Both were skilled swordsmen.  They would block the other’s strikes and strike themselves.  Both used skilled footwork.  They stood and struck.  The swords flashed.  Both were lions.  They fought like two bulls.  The two elephants fought.  Their arms were like the trunks of an elephant.  The swords were like the tusks of an elephant.  Kaalay Khan jumped to strike.  He raised his sword and yelled: “stay there!  I am going to kill you now!  I won’t let you go home.”  Guru ji quickly put his shield in front to block the strike.  Guru ji swung his sword.  Kaalay Khan used his strength and stopped Guru ji’s sword with his own sword.  Sparks flew like fireflies.  None of the swords broke.  Kaalay Khan moved back, after 2 failed attempts.  Both were great warriors.  Kaalay Khan came forward and started to fight. 

Mata Nanaki ji and Mata Mahadevi ji along with the daughters-in-law were watching.  The women of the city watched and were scared.  They said: “may Guru ji stay safe.”  They were scared, even though they trusted Guru ji.  The Turk kept fighting.  He swung strike after strike.  Baba Bidhi Chand ji killed many Turks.  He was angry.  Guru ji knew what everyone was thinking and feeling.  He decided that it was time to kill Kaalay Khan.  Guru ji came close.  Kaalay Khan swung his sword.  Guru ji blocked it with his shield.  He then took his shield and hit Kaalay Khan in the head.  Kaalay Khan did not expect that and became unstable.  Guru ji then swung his sword, cutting Kaalay Khan in half, from the head down.  One eye and one ear were one side; one arm and one leg were on one side.  It was a clean cut in the middle.  Guru ji’s sword hit the earth and got stuck.  It was a hard strike.  Kaalay Khan’s two pieces fell on the ground and trembled.  Kaalay Khan went to Heaven, dying from the hands of the Guru.  The Sikhs yelled out Jaikaras.  The beats of Victory played on the Nagaras.  The conches and Narsinghas were played loud, signaling the victory and the end of the battle. 

The remaining Turks ran away.  Who would fight without a King?  They ran away and told the Badshah that everyone died.  The Turkanis became widows.  They cried and hit their heads upon hearing the news.  They were in pain.  Kabul and Delhi, many villages, people from those places had come to fight; they all got news of their dead citizens, husbands and sons.  The Turks were in mourning.  Their men had caused mourning in the houses of the poor.  They received the punishment for their deeds.  The sisters cried for their brothers.  Some lost their sons; some lost their nephews.  Many warriors were killed by the Guru.  Guru ji’s bravery was praised in the land.  Nobody could survive after facing Guru ji.  The houses of the Turks were in pain.  Mourning danced like prostitutes in their homes.  The Naians (the professional person who would sing and make others cry in the villages) came to lead the loud mourning sessions.  They would say the names and cry out loud.  They would beat their heads and thighs.  The beatings sounded like claps.

This is what happened to the Turks.  The wise people have said: “such a battle had never happened in Doaba.  Guru ji shook the Turks in 4 battles.  He killed thousands of Turks.  Syeds, Mughals and Khans came to fight Guru ji.  If the Shah sends more, Guru ji will kill them all.  The one who doesn’t work for the Badshah, only he will survive.  If they do work for the Shah, the Guru will kill them.  The Shah will send them to fight again, otherwise.”  Many people spoke like this.  There were talks of trouble in the homes of Turks.  They didn’t want their kids to be soldiers.

It was late evening when Guru ji killed Kaalay Khan.  There was no place in Kartarpur where there weren’t any dead bodies.  There were trembling bodies, everywhere.  The limbs could be seen moving as the scavengers feasted on them.  The vultures were everywhere, eating the flesh.  The crows ate.  There were just under 100,000 dead bodies.  700 Sikhs died.  Guru ji rested along with the Sikhs.  Guru ji did not open his Kumerkassa.  They had fought for 15 hours straight. 

8-32 Victory/ Preparing to go to Kiratpur

In every direction of Kartarpur, there were many bodies of horses and men.  There were thousands of bodies everywhere.  It was a very scary sight to see.  Guru ji said to Baba Bidhi Chand ji: “Bhai Lakhoo ji and other Sikhs that have died, have their bodies collected.  Prepare a pyre and cremate them.”  Baba Bidhi Chand ji collected Sikhs to gather the bodies.  Bhai Ameeya ji and other Sikhs that were Shaheed, their bodies were placed in a big pyre.  Guru ji cremated them with his own hands.  The injured Sikhs were treated.  It was night soon.  The vultures could be heard shrieking.  Jackals barked and ate the flesh.  The injured Turks screamed out in pain.  There was no one to attend to them.  The people of Kartarpur got together and talked about the battle: “never has such a battle taken place.  In 15 hours, the whole army was destroyed.  People from both sides died.  Who else could have done this besides the Satguru?  The flesh will be around for months.  There are many bones all over the place.”  Satguru ji felt disgusted with the land and thought to himself: “this place will smell really bad by morning.  Illnesses will spread.  Kartarpur will be hard to live in.  There is no solution for the dead bodies.”  After considering this, he also knew that Baba Buddan Shah ji’s time was coming to an end.  He was in Kiratpur Sahib.  Guru ji wished to see him and fulfill his wish to have Guru ji drink milk from his hands.  He had been waiting his whole life.  To fulfill his wish, Guru ji wanted to leave for Kiratpur.  Another reason that Guru ji wanted to leave: the nearby villages had Pathaans that had fought in the battle.  Guru ji had killed them all.  The small kings were killed by Guru ji.  The remaining relatives would keep hatred with Guru ji.  They would bother the Sikhs.  There were other reasons why Guru ji wanted to leave Kartarpur. 

The leader of the Sodhis called Baba Bidhi Chand ji and said: “I wish to leave this place.  I want to go to Kiratpur, the place where Guru Nanak Dev ji did Kirtan and blessed Peer Buddan Shah ji.  Go quickly and have the palanquins ready.  Have the luggage and household items packed and loaded onto carts.  Tell them not to be greedy and just take what you need.  Leave everything else behind.  I will wait at the Gangsar Well.  I will stand there and wait for you.  Prepare vehicles and horses for everyone to travel on.  Bring them all with you.”  Baba Bidhi Chand ji quickly went to the home and told the family to get ready.

Mata Marwahi ji and Mata Nanaki ji heard Baba Bidhi Chand ji and began packing.  Baba Bidhi Chand ji began to load the carts.  Mata Khem Kaur ji, the wife of Baba Sooraj Mal ji; Mata Gujri ji, the wife of Gugu Tegh Bahadhur Sahib ji; were seated in a palanquin.  They were sent towards Gangsar.  Mata Marwahi ji and Mata Nanaki ji sat in palanquins.  Baba Gurditta ji took Guru Har Rai ji in his lap and got on his chariot.  Baba Bidhi Chand ji and the other warriors got on their horses.  The women and men of the village sat on carts.  Guru Tegh Bahadhur Sahib ji and Baba Ani Rai ji mounted their horses.  Bhai Babak ji, the Rababi, and his wife got on their carts.  Baba Bidhi Chand ji’s son, Baba Lal Chand ji, was very wise.  They all mounted their horses and set off.  Bhai Jatti Malik ji set off with his whole family.  Everyone left their homes, as is.  The ones that died in battle went to the dimension of the Guru.  The ones that were injured, they were suffering.  Guru ji called them all and blessed them with his holy vision.  As soon as he looked at them, their pain was gone.  They got ready quickly and went along with Guru ji.  Guru ji was with the army at Gangsar.  The whole family was ready and came to Gangsar.

The items of the Guru’s home were like a king’s home.  Only important items were taken.  The rest were left behind.  Baba Bidhi Chand ji came to Guru ji and folded his hands.  He said: “Prabhoo ji, the whole Sangat and the families have come to you.  We took what we could pack.  We only took what we needed.  Your grandson, Baba Dheermal ji, was requested to come but he didn’t come to you.  He refused to come and said: “I don’t want to leave Kartarpur.”  He has taken the remaining homes and items.  He is so young but he wishes to stay away from you.  He looks down to us when he speaks.  He kept his mother with him.  He convinced Mata Natti ji to stay.  He says: “our elders have founded this village.  I will be friends with the Turks.  I won’t be their enemies.  I will do what they say.”  Guru ji, he kept Sri Guru Granth Sahib ji.  He hid them somewhere.  I asked him and tried looking for them, but we couldn’t find them.  He hid them in some room.  He said: “I will keep Guru Granth Sahib ji.  I have the hope to make a living with them.  I will be able to make money for the expenses for the Dhera.”  I was going to try harder but it would have turned into a fight.  What he is doing is wrong.  Would you like me to take Guru Granth Sahib ji from him?”  Guru ji understood Dheermal’s corrupt ways.  He thought to himself: “he wrote a letter to the Turks.  He will commit more sins.  He is the opposite of a Sadhoo just like Prithi Chand.  If we punish him, it’s not good.  Nobody will like this fight.  He will be a corrupt person but he is still one of my own.”  Guru ji saw the future and said: “no Bidhi Chand ji.  We won’t say anything to him.  He won’t meet with the Guru’s home.  He is just like my Thaya, Prithi Chand ji.  He will be just like him.”  Baba Bidhi Chand ji folded his hands and said: “I had taken your permission to write another copy of Guru Granth Sahib ji.  I have not completed the copy.  I have written up to Raag Bilawal.  I have yet to start Raag Gaund.  I am more than half way through.  Dheermal ji has kept the Saroop.  How will I finish the copy?”  Guru Hargobind Sahib ji said: “don’t worry.  Your Seva has been accepted.  Guru Granth Sahib ji will be in the homes of Sikhs.  They will be in many villages and homes.  The Sikhs will read and listen to them.  Sikhi will spread.  The Sikhs will rule the world.  They will spread to many countries.  There will be the chant of “Vahiguru” everywhere.  There will be other enemies but they will come under the Sikhs one day.  There will be a Sikh King who will take the Guru Granth Sahib ji from Dheermal’s family to make more copies.  He will take them from here with respect and bring them back here after the writing.  (Maharaja Ranjit Singh ji borrowed the Saroop and gave them many acres of land as a gift) They will call a truce with the King and make a great living after.” 

Satguru ji got ready to leave.  It was after midnight.  Torches were lit.  To keep an eye on the carts, many torches were lit.  Where Guru ji was, the Sangat had all come.  The dark was dispelled by the light.  It was like the sun was up.  When everyone was ready, they all took care of their families.  The family of Guru ji was prepared to head off along with the warriors and the Sikhs.  Guru ji asked all of his officers to make sure the injured weren’t left behind.  Everyone was ready to go.

8-33 Arriving to Kiratpur/ Buddan Shah

Many torches were lit.  Palanquins, chariots and carts travelled with Guru ji and the army.  Guru Hargobind Sahib ji bowed to his father’s place at Sri Gangsar Sahib.  Guru ji did an Ardaas to his father before setting off with lit torches.  They travelled all night as it was not safe to stay in Kartarpur anyone.  They all travelled slowly, playing the Nagaras.  The whole army came with the Nishans.  Baba Gurditta ji was commanding the army.  Guru ji said to him: “take care of the whole family.  Make sure nobody attacks.  Stay on high alert while you travel with the army.”  Many mounted warriors were with Guru ji.  Guru ji travelled on the right side.  It was just after midnight.  Everyone was happy with the victory but still on high alert.  The army was with the family of Guru ji.  When the horses walked, dust flew from the ground.  Everyone walked straight, passing many villages on the way.  The family was behind.  Guru ji and his regiment were on the right side.  Guru ji and Baba Bidhi Chand ji talked about the battle as they travelled.  The other warriors spoke to Guru ji as well.  They talked: “the battle was huge.” 

As soon as the sun came up, they saw a well and stopped.  Guru ji saw the beautiful place and got off his horse.  He drank the cold water and then rested.  He said to Baba Bidhi Chand ji: “how far is the Sahibzada and the army?  When they catch up to us, we will start travelling again.  We will let the Sikhs, the army and the family go ahead of us for a few miles.”  Baba Bidhi Chand ji got on top of a high place to see the Vaheer.  He saw them and heard the noise.  He went on ahead to see them.  It was around 10 am.  Baba Bidhi Chand ji saw the family.  They had laid out rugs to sit on.  The son of Guru ji started a Divaan.  Bhai Babak ji started to do Keertan.  Hearing the praises of Prabhoo, love came into their hearts.  The Sahibzadas were in bliss.  Baba Bidhi Chand ji came back and told Guru ji that the Vaheer was holding a Divaan. Guru ji mounted his horse and went to where the Divaan was in session.  Guru ji saw everyone sitting in Divaan.  He saw Baba Gurditta ji, Guru Tegh Bahadhur Sahib ji and Baba Ani Rai ji singing Keertan.  Guru ji saw this sight and felt a great bliss in his heart.  His sons were doing Keertan with many instruments, showing their skills in various Raags.  They sang, showing various combinations of “Tukras” and “Alaaps” in the Keertan.  The Raags, the servants of Akaal Purakh, came to hear the sons of Parmeshwar sing the praises of Akaal Purakh.  The Shabads were sung in complicated “Taals” and “Raags.”  Bhai Babak ji was accompanying the Sons of the Guru in Keertan.  Guru ji was very happy with the love of Keertan his sons and the Sikhs had in their hearts.  When everyone saw Guru ji come, they all got up and folded their hands.  They had Guru ji seated with respect.  The other Sikhs that were coming, they all came and joined the Sangat in Divaan.  It was the time for the “Charan Kamal Chownki.”  The Chownki was complete and then everyone ate.  The horses and bulls were fed.  Everyone was rested.

This place is now known as Sukhchainana (Sukhchain) Sahib, near Phagwara.  Satguru ji mounted his horse along with everyone else.  They all set off again and reached the shores of the Sutlej.  Everyone slowly crossed the river on ferries.  The mountains of the Shivalik could be seen.  Satguru ji folded his hands and bowed his head.  Baba Bidhi Chand ji saw this and asked: “Guru ji, who are you bowing to?  Please tell us oh great Prabhoo.”  Guru Hargobind Sahib ji said: “there are many reasons for this.  Rishi Vashist ji did a Tapasya here for a long time.  The Satudruv (the old name of Sutlej, Satudruv- 100 flows) came into 100 lines after Vashisht’s 100 sons came back to life.  His 100 sons had died, killed by Rishi Vishvamittar ji (Rishi Vishvamittar ji wanted the status of Brahm Rishi from Vishisht and would kill a son of Vishisht upon not receiving the status, every day.  He would then recite the Gayatri Mantra to have his sin absolved).  When Vashisht heard about their deaths, he wanted to drown into the water but his Tapasya was great.  The river didn’t let him drown.  The river divided the flow into 100 lines.  When the river divided into 100, Vashisht then tried to put a noose around his neck.  He jumped into the water again but another flow of the river came and cut his noose.  It was then known as “Bipasha” (Bi-without; Phasa- noose).  The name then turned into “Beas” over time.  Another reason for my bowing was: this place is where the Devi Shakti, the Power of the world, killed the Daynts.  Bidhi Chand ji, this will be the place where I will come to in my 10^th incarnation and do many tasks (This was Anandpur).  There will be bigger battles here than the one we just did.  I will kill many sinners here.  I will sit here and create the new Panth.  This Panth’s radiance will grow in the world.  It will kill the Turks and rule the kingdom.”  Guru ji told Baba Bidhi Chand ji the whole Katha.

Guru ji started to travel again.  It was close to evening.  Kiratpur was about 6 km away.  The compassionate Guru got off his horse to take a break.  He had to urinate.  Baba Bidhi Chand ji held Guru ji’s horse in the meantime.  The horse was thirsty.  Baba Bidhi Chand ji took the horse to drink some water from the river.  The water was pure and cold.  The horse was happy to drink the water.  When the horse drank the water, the horse fell to the ground and died.  The horse had been injured in the battle.  He wanted to bring Guru ji to Kiratpur Sahib before dying.  The horse was very fortunate for being Guru ji’s mount.  The horse went to Sach Khand and attained Mukti.  This was the famous “Jaan Bhai” horse, also known as Dilbagh.  The horse had 1.25 Maunds of chainmail on its body.  This brave horse was hit many times in the battle.  Guru ji saw the dead horse when he came back.  After doing the final rites of the horse, Guru ji mounted another horse and set off again.  As Guru ji rode, he said the praises of Jaan Bhai. 

Guru ji soon reached close to Kiratpur.  Guru ji entered the city and said: “this is a great place.”  Guru ji went to Peer Buddan Shah ji’s place, up on the mountain.  Peer Buddan Shah ji was sitting in Samadhi, thinking of Guru ji.  He was doing the Simran of Sri Guru Hargobind Sahib ji and praying: “please give me the Darshan of your beautiful form.”  Guru ji said out loud: “I, Hargobind, have come!  Open your eyes and see me!  Give me your Darshan!  Let me hear your words!”  Baba Buddan Shah ji opened his eyes and was in bliss.  He ran to Guru ji’s feet and grabbed them.  His eyes shed tears.  He said: “Namo, Namo oh master of the universe.  Namo, Namo oh omniscient one!  Namo, Namo oh destroyer of the Turks.  Namo, Namo, you are praised in the world.  You are the Sat, Chit and Anand form that gives Mukti.  You are Much, Kucha and Bhaavan.  You were the Bore (Varah) and Narsingh.  You are Ram Chander and Sri Krishan.  You are Sri Guru Nanak Dev ji, Sri Guru Angad Dev ji and Sri Guru Amardas ji.  Sri Ram Guru ji and Arjan Guru ji; you are them, who have created the world.  You came to me in the 6^th form to give me Darshan.  You blessed me in every way.  You are wounded and bleeding from the battle.  You are like Ram Chander ji coming after killing Raavan.”  He praised Guru ji.  Guru ji picked up Peer Buddan Shah ji by his arms and hugged him.  His wishes were fulfilled and the Gyaan illuminated in his heart.

Baba Gurditta ji arrived and bowed.  Peer ji bowed to him as well.  Satguru ji said: “I will go to my Dhera.  Sri Gurditta ji will sit with you.”  Guru ji got up and left.  Bhai Jatti Malik ji went with Guru ji and met the family at the Dhera.  Guru ji came off the mountain of Buddan Shah ji and went into the home.  Guru ji opened his Kumerkassa after an hour.  The Kumerkassa had been tied for 39 hours straight.  Guru ji took off his weapons.  The weapons were rested.  Guru ji then bathed with a lot of water.  He had deep wounds from many arrows and other weapons.  He had 72 wounds on his body that he had counted.  Guru ji counted the number of wounds and tole his servants.  The servants were surprised to hear this from Guru ji.  At around 8 pm, Guru ji ate and then went to sleep.  Everyone else ate and slept without any worries. 

Baba Gurditta ji was sitting with Peer Buddan Shah ji and discussing Bhagti and Gyaan.  They talked about the glories of Satguru ji.  Hearing these glories, the Sikhs cleansed their wisdoms.  The vices were destroyed in the mind.  Baba Gurditta ji said to Peer Buddan Shah ji: “when you leave your body, please be compassionate and come back to this place.  Your Dhera will be made here which will give peace.  It is your end time and you had the wish to receive the Darshan of Guru ji.”  After this discussion, it was Amritvela.  Peer Buddan Shah ji got ready to do Simran of Guru Hargboind Sahib ji.  The Peer was a great Tapasvi who lived a very long time.

8-34 The Badshah gets news of the Defeat in Battle

Sri Guru Hargobind Sahib ji woke up at Amritvela and bathed.  He went to Peer Buddan Shah ji, seeing him as his own Bhagat.  Peer Buddan Shah ji saw Guru ji and bowed to his feet.  He said: “you are Dhan!  You are the root of joy!  You came to see me in my final time.  You blessed me and took away my troubles.”  Guru ji heard this and said: “if you wish to live more, tell me.  If you wish to see the world’s drama longer, fulfil your wish.”  Peer ji folded his hands and said: “I have spent 500 years on earth.  I won’t be able to see this again where you are standing in front of me.  You are the Parmeshwar that everyone wishes to see.  Many Jogis and Tapasvis denounced the pleasures of the world and became Bairagis to see you.  They did not get your Darshan.  They wanted to see you at their end time.  The Brahm Saroop which the Vedas call “Nayt, Nayt,” I am seeing that form.  The one who Shaishnaag and Sharda sing for, that One, you, are standing in front of me.”  He said this and bowed to Guru ji’s feet.  He laid down on the ground and left his body of 5 elements.  Just as an elephant wears a flower garland in its neck and can take it off it with ease, that’s how Peer Buddan Shah ji left his body.  He immersed into Guru Hargobind Sahib ji’s form. 

Bhai Babak ji reached that place and began to sing the Asa Vaar.  The glories of the Parbrahm were sung.  As the Asa Vaar completed, the Sikhs dug a grave.  Guru ji had Peer Buddha Shah ji’s body bathed and dressed.  Peer Buddan Shah ji was buried in the grave.  Baba Gurditta ji and Baba Bidhi Chand ji completed the Islamic traditions with regards to Peer ji’s burial.  Guru ji and the Sikhs came back to Kiratpur.  Guru ji spoke about Peer Buddan Shah ji to the Sikhs.  Peer ji had met Guru Nanak Dev ji and needed him to give him Mukti.  Guru Nanak Dev ji came here to bless the mountains of the Shivalik range.  He sat with Baba Bala ji and Baba Mardana ji and did Keertan for 11 months, 11 days and 11 watches (22 minutes=1 watch).  The valleys of Shivalik had become calm and joyful.  Peer Buddan Shah ji had come to Guru ji for Mukti and was promised it in Guru ji’s 6^th incarnation.

Guru Hargobind Sahib ji spent almost 10 years here and blessed thousands of Sikhs.  Dheermal had remained in Kartarpur.  He took over the house and property of Guru ji there.  He had Guru Granth Sahib ji.  Dheermal, afraid of the Badshah, wrote a letter to him: “I am by your rule.  I am like your public.”  He sent this letter with a servant to Lahore.  The Badshah had received news of the defeat.  The cowards that ran away, they told the Badshah of Kaalay Khan’s demise: “Kaalay Khan, Kutabh Khan, Painday Khan, Usmaan Khan and Anwar Khoja have been killed.  The whole army has been destroyed.”  The Badshah heard this and became petrified for a second.  He said to Bhai Wazir Khan ji: “I am surprised.  I don’t understand.  I sent such a big army for nothing.  I didn’t succeed.  The army was just less the 100,000.  How did they all die?  The Guru killed them all.  I was proud of my army.  I sent the greatest warriors.  They all lost.”  Bhai Wazir Khan ji folded his hands and said: “I had said it before that you shouldn’t doubt the Guru.  The elder Emperors were the Guru’s servants.  They bowed to the Gurus feet.  They made them happy by doing their Seva.  They received the kingdom and joy from the Gurus.  Babar met Sri Guru Nanak Dev ji and received the boon of the kingdom.  When Humayun was pushed out of Delhi by Sher Shah Suri, he went to Guru Angad Dev ji.  He received a boon from him and eventually got his kingdom back from Adil Shah Suri.  He ruled the land again.  His son, the wise, Akbar Jalal-ud-din, he came to the shelter of Guru Amar Das ji.  He received the boon to win the Fort of Chittorgarh.  Guru Amar Das ji was having the Baoli Sahib dug at that time.  A big rock stopped the work.  Guru Amardas ji said: “the rock and the fort will break at the same time.”  This happened as Guru ji said.  Chittorgarh was won after 12 years of fighting on the same day as the rock of Baoli Sahib broke.  Akbar had assigned the Jagir of many villages for the Guru’s Langar.  It was the land of Chabaal which is where Bir Baba Bhudda ji was.  It was originally assigned to Mata Bhani ji, by Akbar, as he saw her as his sister.  He received a lot of joy from Guru ji.  Guru Arjan Dev ji and Guru Hargobind ji were worshiped by your father.  Your father had the “Sada Satti” upon him.  The Guru took the pain away.  Your father was happy then.  You became the next Badshah of the Mughals.  You are the 5^th.  You have always been in conflict with the Guru.  You have caused a lot of damage for yourself.  Thousands of soldiers have died.  I kept requesting you, over and over again, that the Guru’s home his powerful.  You have not figured this out yet.  You see the Guru as a normal man.  He is Parmeshwar.  He can kill Lakhs with one word.  You should have bowed to them.  Instead, you fought battles with him.  Mughlas Khan, Abdul Khan, Lalla Beg, Kumber Beg and their armies were destroyed.  Painday Khan, the Nimak Harami, took your army and had it destroyed.  He died and nothing was achieved.  If the whole world fights the Guru, they still can’t win.  The whole world would be destroyed.  Your army is nothing in front of him.”  As he spoke to the Badshah, the letter of Dheermal had arrived. 

The messenger of Dheermal presented the letter of Dheermal.  Bhai Wazir Khan ji read the letter and was shocked at what Dheermal had done: “the Guru’s grandson wants to join the Badshah.  I shouldn’t read out the letter to the Badshah.  The Badshah would see the internal conflict and send another army.”  Bhai Wazir Khan ji strategically ignored the letter.  The Badshah said: “what does it say?”  Bhai Wazir Khan ji made up something and said: “the letter says that your other horse has died as well.  Animals can’t be trusted.  They are leather patches with air inside of them.  Don’t be upset about the horse’s death.  Be humble and bow your head.  Be like your elders.  This is the best thing for you.  You have no shortage of anything.  Be simple and don’t worry about Guru ji.  Don’t have hatred towards the Guru.  Live in your home with joy.”  The Badshah heard this and changed his mind about the conflict.  He began to regret the battles: “I had my armies destroyed for no reason.  Nothing was achieved.”  He folded his hands and bowed his head on the ground towards the direction of Guru ji.  He said: “I won’t be your enemy any longer.  I won’t fight you till I am alive now.  Forgive my mistakes of the past.  Please don’t be angry with me.”  Bhai Wazir Khan ji wrote a letter to Dheermal and send it with the messenger: “the Badshah will no longer be in conflict with the Guru.  He has bowed to the Guru and will follow his command now.”

The messenger came to Kartarpur with the letter.  Dheermal read the letter and was happy.  The Badshah was better with the Guru’s home.  Listen to Guru ji’s Katha now.  Kiratpur was further developed.  Many Sikhs were given joy.  Guru ji would hunt often, giving Mukti to birds and animals.  Many Sikhs came to do his Darshan.  The rich Masands brought a lot of money from different lands.  They came from every direction.  They came everyday.  A lot of money came.  A lot of Langar was made, day and night.  Guru ji did not fight battles again.  He was calm and concentrated in Simran and Keertan.  The court was in session often.  There was always a Mela.  Many came to get his Holy Darshan.  They were happy to see him.  Katha and Keertan happened everyday.  Everyone’s hearts became pure because of this.

One day as Guru ji sat in his court, 2 Sikhs from a far away land (Uttar Pradesh/Bihar) had come.  The Sangat of their land had sent their Ardaas in a letter.  The 2 Sikhs bowed and presented Guru ji the letter.  Satguru ji opened the letter and read the reality: “Sri Satguru ji, you are under the spell of love.  Please come to us and bless us.  The people of our land are your servants.  We wish for your Darshan and to make our homes pure by your feet.”  Satguru ji read the letter and smiled.  He said: “your land is too far.  How many places can I visit?”  Guru ji looked towards Baba Bidhi Chand ji and said: “there is no difference between you and I.  Go there and fulfill the wishes of the Sangat.  Give them your Darshan.  Take care of the Guru’s tasks there.”  Baba Bidhi Chand ji obeyed and got ready to go.  He bowed to Guru ji’s feet and set off towards UP, Ayodhya, Banaras, Lucknow and Bihar. 

8-35 Deo Nagar/ Sundar Shah and Bidhi Chand ji

Sri Satguru ji gave great powers to Baba Bidhi Chand ji and sent him off.  Baba Bidhi Chand ji did the Simran of Satnam and reached his destination soon.  Where the south and east meet, also known as Agni Kon, Baba Bidhi Chand ji used his power to reach there sooner.  There was a town there named Deo Nagar.  A Fakir by the name of Sundar Shah resided there.  He was a powerful saint.  Baba Bidhi Chand ji saw a dried tree there and sat under it with bliss.  He recited Gurbani there.  The tree became alive and green again from the radiance of Gurbani.  The people of Deo Nagar saw this miracle and were amazed.  They all came and began to do the Seva of Baba Bidhi Chand ji.  They regarded him as a great and powerful saint, who made the tree green again.  Fakir Sundar Shah lived in the jungle, nearby.  He heard about the miracle: “a great and powerful being has arrived who has made the dead tree green again.”  Sundar Shah was amazed to hear this and wanted to see the new saint.  Baba Sundar Shah was powerful.  He had many disciples.  He had used his powers to control a lion.  He called out for a lion to come.  He mounted the lion and set off to see Baba Bidhi Chand ji.

Baba Sundar Shah ji came to Baba Bidhi Chand ji and wanted to scare him with his lion.  Sundar Shah was established in that area and didn’t want another saint to claim his territory or his disciples.  There was a big crowd of people around Baba Bidhi Chand ji.  Baba Bidhi Chand ji sensed the lion coming.  The people ran away and went to their village.  Baba Bidhi Chand ji sat there with great focus.  As Sundar Shah came close, he wanted to have his lion catch Baba Bidhi Chand ji.  Baba Bidhi Chand ji opened his eyes and stared into the lion’s eyes.  He gave him such a power stare that stopped the lion in its tracks.  The lion became still and hard like a pillar.  The lion couldn’t move its feet or face.  Sundar Shah used all of his power to unfreeze his lion but he failed.  All of his pride and ego was washed away in a second.  He saw that Baba Bidhi Chand ji was stronger than him.  He got off the lion and bowed to Baba Bidhi Chand ji’s feet.  He folded his hands and said: “you are a great Tapasvi.  You are powerful.  I made a mistake.  I didn’t know your greatness.  Please give my lion Mukti.”  Baba Bidhi Chand ji said: “take my pot of water.  Splash the lion with water and say “Satnam.”  Sundar Shah did what he was told.  As soon as the water was splashed onto the lion, the lion died.  A divine soul came out of the lion’s body.  The soul was like a Devata.  The soul bowed to Baba Bidhi Chand ji’s feet.  Sundar Shah was amazed.  He asked the divine soul: “who are you?”  The soul spoke of its Katha: “I am the King of the Kinnars (the celestial dancers).  I was sitting in the court of the Devatas one day when Rishi Durvasha had come.  He passed me and didn’t acknowledge me.  He sat in his enjoyment.  I was angry that he passed me.  I looked at the Rishi with anger.  When Durvasa ji looked at me, he noticed my anger.  He was a Brahmgyaani Tapasvi.  He cursed me in anger: “you look at me like a lion?!  Go to earth and take a birth as a lion.”  I got scared when he said that.  I asked him: “when will this curse end?”  He became compassionate and said: “in Kaliyuga, the powerful Avatar of Sri Guru Nanak ji will come.  You will be saved when he will be in his 6^th incarnation.  One of his Brahmgyaani Sikhs will look towards you and give you Mukti.”  So today, I have received Mukti from this saint’s sight.  I have done his Darshan and I am leaving this world.  Sundar Shah ji, consider yourself fortunate that you are meeting this saint.  Only strict Japps and Tapps give you this reward.”  The Kinnar went back to Heaven.

Sundar Shah heard this and was amazed.  He discarded his pride and thoughts.  He requested Baba Bidhi Chand ji to come with him to his home.  He kept Baba Bidhi Chand ji with him.  He served him in many ways.  He listened to Gurbani and became drenched in love.  His doubts were all gone.  He realised that he was the True Aatma and not the body.  He connected with Parmeshwar.  After 3 days, Baba Bidhi Chand ji wanted to leave.  Sundar Shah ji pleaded: “you are my Guru who gave me Gyaan.  I received the reward of my Tapasya.  I won’t be able to live without you now.  I wish to leave my body at your feet.”  Baba Bidhi Chand ji gave him hope and said: “both of us are destined to leave our bodies together.  We will leave at the same time.”  Sundar Shah ji was happy to hear this.  He said: “please bless me that you will be with me physically as well.  We will leave our bodies together.  I will go with you to Sach Khand.  See me as your servant and fulfill the promise to your disciples.”  Baba Bidhi Chand ji was happy to hear this.  He said: “your wish will be fulfilled.  When the time comes, I will come to your home.  I will leave my body here.  Sit here and do Simran of the Guru.”  Sundar Shah was happy to hear this.  He bowed to Baba ji’s feet.  Baba Bidhi Chand ji said: “I have to go for the Guru’s task.  I will be back.”

Baba Bidhi Chand ji then set off to the place where the Sikhs had written a letter to Guru ji from.  It was an island in the sea.  It was called Mainaak.  He met the Sikhs of the area and gave them Guru ji’s Hukamnama which read: “see this Sikh as my own form.”  The Sikhs read the Hukamnama and were really happy.  They brought gifts for Baba Bidhi Chand ji and bowed to his feet.  They saw Baba Bidhi Chand ji as Sri Guru Hargobind Sahib ji.  They brought clothes and jewellery for him which had diamonds and other jewels embedded into them.  The gifts were unique and radiant.  They made delicacies for Baba Bidhi Chand ji to eat.  They made the foods with love and devotion.  They obeyed Baba ji, day and night.  They had their wishes fulfilled.  They read Gurbani with translations.  Baba Bidhi Chand ji gave them the wisdom of the Gyaan: “sing the glories of the Guru and do the Simran of Satnam.  Discard your pride and put your mind at peace.  Don’t see yourselves as the body.  You are the Aatma.  Compassion, forgiveness, purity, restrain/abstinence, patience, following the Dharam and speaking the truth; these are the seeds.  Gursikhi is pure.  Stay content with what you have.  Have faith on the Guru at all times.”  In this way, Baba ji gave the Sikhs the wisdom.  He removed their vices and the doubt of the mind (the doubt which sees the body as the self instead of the Aatma).  He made the Guru’s wisdom illuminate in the Sikhs’ minds.  He erased the bad wisdom, jealousy and ego from their hearts.  He stayed with them for 1 month.  The people did not let Baba ji go.  They all served Baba ji with love.  Baba ji insisted that he needed to go and the Sangat finally agreed to let him go.  They gave expensive horses to Baba ji to take back to Guru Sahib.  Many Sikhs from that area went with Baba Bidhi Chand ji to take the stuff back.  They boarded a ship to go back to Guru ji.  Many people went with Baba ji. 

Baba ji and the Sikhs from Mainaak reached Kiratpur Sahib soon.  Baba ji placed all of the gifts in front of Guru ji.  He grabbed Guru ji’s feet as he met him.  Guru ji smiled and said: “your life is blessed.  You have done many tasks for the Guru’s home.”  Baba Bidhi Chand ji was in bliss.  He touched Guru ji’s feet and bowed.  He said to Guru ji: “this was because of your compassion.  What can the servant do?  It was all your doing.”  The clothes, jeweller and money were all placed in front of Sri Satguru ji.  Baba ji kept nothing for himself.  The strong horses were shown to Guru ji that were brought.  Guru ji grabbed Baba Bidhi Chand ji’s arm and pulled him in a hug.  Guru ji instilled the Brahmgyaan within Baba Bidhi Chand ji’s heart.  He took him to the highest level of Brahmgyaan.  Guru ji kept Baba Bidhi Chand ji with him with joy.  He would tell Baba ji everything that was in his heart. 

In this way, Guru ji spent his days in Kiratpur.  The path of Gursikhi was shown.  Guru ji would go to the shores of the Sutlej.  He would praise the pure waters that flowed in the river.  It was the rainy season of Paavas.  The clouds would come everyday to rain.  The clouds were different shades of gray and white.  The heat was cooled which gave peace to all the life forms.  There was new water in the river.  The current was strong and would eat away at the banks of the river.  Grass and wood would float away in the river.  The fish jumped out of the water and back in again.  The clouds thundered.  The peacocks sang.  This could be heard all over Kiratpur.  The mountains were without dust.  They could be seen clearly.  The trees were full of fruit.  The area was radiant.  Satguru ji roamed the area with bliss.  There was greenery everywhere.  The birds and ants sang their songs.  It was like the earth took on a green chunni.  Saavan and Bhadron, Guru ji did many tasks.  There was always Keertan going on.  The Sikhs would listen to the Shabad Keertan with bliss.