8-41 Sri Har Rai ji’s Dastaar Bandhi

Many new men and women came to Kiratpur.  The relatives, family and Sikhs cried a lot.  Sri Har Rai ji was very young.  He did all of the traditions towards his father’s final rights with respect.  Baba Gurditta ji’s ashes were collected and taken to Sursari (Ganga).  The other traditions were preformed, according to the family’s traditions.  After 13 days, the Sikhs gathered in Kiratpur.  From where it was possible to travel, everyone came to Kiratpur for the Bhog of Baba Gurditta ji.  A lot of Sangat came.  Bhai Jodh Rai ji and Baba Bhanna ji were present.  They said to Guru Hargobind Sahib ji: “Sri Gurditta ji had two sons.  Dheermal is the elder but he hasn’t come to Kiratpur.  He should have come.  He has broken it off with everyone.  He should have come during this time when his father has passed away.  He didn’t come in this time of pain.  Didn’t he feel upset?  He was supposed to have his Dastaar Bandhi of his father.  What is your decision, Guru ji?  Should we go to Kartarpur to give him the Dastaar?  There is no other way.  Sri Har Rai ji is younger than him but in patience and calmness, he is bigger.  He has many virtues.  Guru ji, this is an interesting situation.  Please listen to our plea: we wish to hear your wish.  Hari ji is happy with the humble ones.  It is better to give the Dastaar to Sri Har Rai ji.  He is deserving of the greatness.  He is always happy and radiant.  He is patient and smart.  He speaks to everyone in a sweet way.  His personality is very sweet.  He does not speak with ego or jealousy.  He never criticizes anyone.”  Satguru ji heard the words of Baba Bhanna ji and Bhai Jodh Rai ji.  He said to them: “the greatness always radiates the deserving one.  Out of all the Sodhis, Sri Har Rai ji’s fate will awaken.  His destiny is coming to fruition.  He has the virtues of the Brahmgyaani since birth.  He has truth, contentment, sacrifice, compassion, chastity, abstinence, purity, generosity, detachment, Bhagti, Simran and Dharma.  Pitha ji’s brother, Prithi Chand, fought with my father and I his whole life.  He did not change.  He was always jealous.  Dheermal is jealous, just like my Thaya.  He has no “Dheeraj,” no patience, although his name is “Dheermal.”  He will sow corruption.  He will start his own path, separate from the path of the Guru.  This is what Sri Parmeshwar wishes to do: Sri Har Rai ji will be given the greatness.  Everything is in Parmeshwar’s hands.  Nobody else can do anything.  Sri Jaganath (the Master of the Universe) is the one that does everything.  Everyone will be present in the court today.  Have Sri Har Rai ji sit in the court today.  Tie the Dastaar on him.  Show everyone that he will get the greatness and respect.” 

Baba Sundar ji (the one who wrote Ramkali Sadh Bani) and Baba Parmanand ji arrived.  They were seated by Guru ji with respect.  Guru ji asked them: “did the son of Baba Datu ji not come?  What task did he get stuck in?”  Hearing Guru ji, the Bhalla Bawas said in front of the Divaan: “we understood Dheermal’s scheme.  Dheermal convinced Baba Dattu ji’s son not to come.  He tried convincing us not to come here as well.  He tried hard but we didn’t listen to him.  It seems as though he was successful in convincing the Trehan Bawa at night with cleverness.  He kept him at Kartarpur.  He wanted everyone to stay there and do a program there.  He thinks he should get the greatness as he’s the elder son.  He feels that he is the Guru because he has Guru Granth Sahib ji.  He says that: “Pitamah ji (grandfather) only has a few days left.  I will be the Guru.  People will do my Pooja.  Nobody can stop me from being the Guru.  I have the Guru Granth Sahib ji.  I will be the Guru.”  He spoke these egotistical words.  He thinks he is the Guru.”  Baba Bhanna ji and the other Sikhs heard this.  They understood Dheermal’s corruption.  Baba Bhanna ji said: “look how much hate he has at such a young age.  He thinks he is the Guru.”  Everyone understood that Sri Har Rai ji should get the Dastaar of his household.  Everyone found out about this.  The greatness was going to be given to the younger son.  It was around 10 am as they made these decisions.  Everyone was happy with the decisions that were made.  Although this was going to be the Dastaar Bandi, everyone understood that Guru ji was going to give the Gurta Ghaddi to him as well.  Everyone ate Langar and Prashaad.  The all got up and went to rest.

The Bhog Ardaas was going to be done in the afternoon.  The Masands took all their Sangats and brought them to Kiratpur.  Fragrances were sprayed.  Rugs were laid out.  The big Divaan was prepared.  Beautiful and colourful cloths were laid out.  The Darbar was set.  It was around 4 pm when Guru Hargobind Sahib ji came into the Divaan with his grandson, Sri Har Rai ji.  He held his hand as he entered.  Guru ji sat on a beautiful throne.  The Chaurs were waived on either side.  The Mevras were told to call the Sangat.  500 warriors came with Bhai Jodh Rai ji with joy into the court.  They all bowed.  Baba Bhanna ji came from the home of Baba Bhudda ji.  The other family and relatives came.  Bhai Roop Chand ji came and bowed to Guru ji.  The fortunate Bawas, Baba Sundar ji and Baba Parmanand ji came into the Divaan.  Many Masands arrived.  Many Sikhs came with them.  A big Divaan was in session.  Golden maces were held by the Chobdhaars.  The Bhatts and Naqeebs sang the glories of Guru ji.  Everyone did the Darshan of Guru ji with love.  Baba Bhanna ji was drenched in love.  He received Guru ji’s permission and got up.  He tied a Dastaar on Sri Har Rai ji’s head.  This was the Dastaar of Baba Gurditta ji’s household.  The Dastaar was tied in a beautiful way.  Satguru ji also touched the Dastaar and fixed it as it was being tied.  Everyone shouted out Jaikaras of Guru ji.  The descendants of Sri Guru Amardas ji, the Bhalla Bawas, tied a Dastaar as well.  The Masands presented Dastaars along with Bhai Jodh Rai ji.  The relatives and Sikhs brought Dastaars.  Money was given.  The Dastaars piled up.  Sri Har Rai ji was the head of his household now.  The instruments of celebration: the shehnais, dhundhabs and conches were played again this day.  The Shehnais and Dhundhabs played.  The conches were blown.  The Nagaras were sounded.  The Bhatts sang the Kabits of glory.  The depression was gone.  Happiness came back.  Everyone’s heart was filled with joy. 

Sri Har Rai ji was made to give out donations.  His mother gave a lot of donations as well.  The beggars and others came to get the donations.  The instruments of joy sounded.  Everyone gave their blessings and well wishes after receiving their gifts and donations.  The servants of the Guru’s home: the stable workers and other workers were given gifts as well.  The Keertanis and Taadhis were given money and clothes.  Everyone praised Sri Har Rai ji: “the grandson of Guru ji is fortunate.  Sri Har Rai ji is radiant and is being glorified.  It’s like he has been given the Gurta Ghaddi.”  These thoughts came into everyone’s hearts by itself: “it looks like he will be the next Guru.”  This thought made all of the depression go away.  The joy came back.  Everyone gave their blessings to Sri Har Rai ji.  Everyone talked bad about Dheermal. 

8-42 Diwali at Kiratpur

In this way, time passed and Satguru ji spent his days in Kiratpur.  He would sit in Divaans and do a lot of Keertan.  The Masands continued to come with their Sangats.  The Sangat came and bowed.  The ones who came for the Bhog went back home with Guru ji’s permission.  The Sikhs praised Guru ji, wherever they went.  Many stayed with Satguru ji.  They didn’t go back home.  They wanted to do more Seva and listen to more Keertan.  Diwali was near so the Sikhs decided to stay.  They said: “it’s going to be Diwali soon.  We will go home after that.”  Satguru ji went horse-riding sometimes and went to the Sutlej.  He would look into the water and ride slowly.  He rode on the shore with some of the warriors.  He would sometimes roam the Naina Devi area.  It was a beautiful place.  It had high and low places to roam.  Guru ji would sometimes go into the caves.  Sometimes Baba Bhanna ji would go with him.  He was old at that time.  Bhai Jodh Shah ji would go with his army.  Guru ji would sometimes sit in a place and have a Divaan within the jungle.  Keertan would be done along with Katha. 

Baba Bidhi Chand ji took care of all of the administrative work of the Guru’s home.  A lot of Langar was made everyday.  The Sangat ate with joy.  Many came and went.  Thousands would come everyday.  They all ate Langar till satiation.  Many types of delicacies were made.  The saints and Sikhs would meet and have discussions of Brahm Chintan.  Satguru ji would hold Divaans.  Everyone would come to the Divaans.  They would fold their hands and listen to Guru ji do Katha.  The Bhagats would receive bliss within their souls.  They would receive Gurmat, the Guru’s wisdom.  Their wishes would be fulfilled. 

The day of Diwali was nearby.  Many Sikhs began to come for the Mela.  People came to meet Guru ji and make their life a success.  They brought gifts from their homes.  A lot of Dasvand was brought.  Many arrived in the court of Guru ji.  The Sikhs sang and listened to Gurbani.  They sang on the way as well.  The Bani would destroy the vices of the mind.  Sikhs from every direction came.  They came from Kabul, Kandahar, Khurasan, Balak, Bukhara, Dhanni Ghayp, Peshawar, Multan and Kashmir in groups.  They came from Thattha, Bhukher, Gujarat, south and east.  They all sang Guru ji’s glories.  They came from many lands.

On Diwali, at Takhat Kot Sahib, a big Divaan was in session.  Rugs were laid out.  Chaurs were waived.  Guru ji sat in the court.  Bhai Jodh Shah ji and his brother came and bowed to Guru ji.  He sat with his army in the court.  The Chobdhaars held golden maces.  The Bhatts and Naqeebs sang the praises of Guru ji.  The Sangat from other lands came.  They brought many gifts.  They were unique and expensive.  The Mevra would stand and do the Ardaas as the gifts were presented.  Money, jewellery, clothes, and unique gifts came.  Clothes for Guru ji came.  The gifts piled up in front of Guru ji.  The gifts were very expensive. 

Baba Sundar ji and Baba Parmanand ji were still in Kiratpur.  They thought to themselves: “the Guru’s glory is great.  A lot of wealth is now in the home of the Guru.  The radiance is bright.  Meeree and Peeree is present with the Guru; the saint of saints and the king of kings.  The Guru is now royal and the sinners have become poor.  Guru Arjan Dev ji’s son is a great and powerful warrior.  His glory has spread in the world.”  The Sahibzadas of the 4 houses: Bedis, Trehans, Bhallas and Sodhis; thought of the glory of the Satguru.  Sikhs were standing all around the court.  They all bowed with their hands folded.  Their wishes were being fulfilled.  The omniscient Guru ji knew what every heart was wishing for.  They received their gifts without them asking for it.  Guru ji fulfilled their wishes of sons and milk (symbol of prosperity).  He gave them everything.  The Sikhs bowed to Guru ji.  Hindus and Muslims all came to Guru ji’s court.  In this way, he fulfilled the wishes of the Parvirti (Ghristi) people.  The saints that came, they had no desires.  They were given Bhagti and Sikhi.  They received Aatam Gyaan and became drenched in bliss.  Guru ji made them see their Aatma, their real self.  They would see the Aatma and become one with Akaal Purakh.  Thousands would come to the court.  Many were standing all around.  The warriors were present with their weapons.  Guru Hargobind Sahib ji was radiant on his throne.  He was the most handsome person ever.  He was wide and tall.  His chest and arms were massive.  No king was ever like him.  No king was ever more radiant than him.  The senior Masands came.  Many talked about Baba Gurditta ji as they couldn’t come to the Bhog.  They brought Dastaars and money.  They bowed with their hands folded.

Satguru Hargobind Sahib ji would have his grandson, Sri Har Rai ji, sit next to him.  Sri Har Rai ji was the ship of Aatam Gyaan.  Guru ji would love him a lot and respect him very much.  He knew that this was where the Ghaddi of Guru Nanak Dev ji was going next.  Sri Har Rai ji had the ability to tolerate the intolerable.  He had all of the virtues of Brahm Gyaan.  He had no wish to show off his powers.  His radiance showed that he had the Brahm Gyaan.  He had the qualities of the Guru.  Guru Hargobind Sahib ji had his grandson sit next to him.  He was around 7 years old.  His face was like the moon.  His eyes and features were sharp.  The Gurmukh Sikhs estimated: “the grandson will be the Guru.  He will sit on the Takhat after Guru ji.  He will meet the Sangat.”  A lot of Sikhs came and sang the praises of Guru ji.  Everyone stayed in Kiratpur for as long as they wanted to.  This was the place of Takhat Sri Kot Sahib.  Gurduara Harmandhir Sahib, Kiratpur was where the Keertan happened.  It was like the same map as Amritsar but no Sarovar.  The Sutlej was really close so the Sarovar was not needed.  The Sikhs would go home when they wished to go.  They would take leave from Guru ji and go home.  They went back to their own countries.  Many of the Sikhs soon went home after Diwali. 

Bhai Jodh Shah ji loved Guru ji.  Guru ji didn’t let him go home.  He kept him there.  Bhai Roop Chand ji was kept there too.  They were in bliss, seeing Guru ji everyday.  Guru ji spoke sweetly to Baba Bhanna ji and convinced him to stay there as well.  Guru ji kept them all with him.  Other beloved Sikhs stayed as well who received the highest status of Brahmgyaan.  Staying with the Guru, the delusion was dispelled.  Sikhi came into their hearts.  The vices and desires were washed away, slowly.  The heart became pure like a mirror by doing Seva.  They would see their real form, their Aatma, which was away from Maya.  The Sikhs were able to stop their minds and make it still.  They understood the whole play of the world.  They saw the world as a myth, an illusion.  They destroyed their attachment and jealousy.  When these two things would be destroyed, ego would die.  Truth, contentment and peace would come.  Brahm Gyaan would come and give bliss.  The 9 Niddhis and 18 Siddhis would come by themselves.  They would stand in front of the Sikhs and try to tempt them.  They would show their powers to the Sikhs.  Whatever the Sikhs would desire, that would become reality.  Some would be able to fly high or go deep into the earth.  They would be able to make their bodies heavier than the mountains and smaller than an atom.  They would be able to disappear or reappear at will.  The Gursikhs would not be tempted by the Niddhis and Siddhis.  They would reject them.  They would connect with the Aatma, deep inside.  The powers would still stand in front of the Sikhs with their hands folded.  This is what the Gurmat would teach them.  The fortunate Sikhs would stay with Guru ji who were really powerful.  They would be able to destroy the world with their speech but never used their powers.  They were drenched with the love of the Guru’s feet.  They asked for the Satnam from Guru ji.  They tolerated the intolerable and lived by the Guru’s will.  Such Sikhs lived with Guru ji.  The other relatives went back to their homes.  They received their wishes and went singing the praises of Guru ji.  The glory spread throughout the lands. 

8-43 Sri Tegh Bahadhur ji’s Deepness

Guru ji would sit in his court and listen to Shabad Gurbani in various Raags.  The Keertan would make the hearts of the Sikhs pure and fill it with love.  Bhagti (to do Simran), Gyaan (to know one’s own self), Vairagya (detachment), Vivek (wisdom to know between the infinite and temporary), Nirgun (without form), Sargun (the Ishwar within the Maya) and Aatam Gyaan was in the Gurbani which Guru ji would do Katha of.  Guru ji would speak to Baba Bhanna ji about this knowledge.  Bhai Jodh Shah ji would listen to the discussions between Guru ji and Baba Bhanna ji.  Bhai Roop Chand ji and other Sikhs would listen as well.  They would engrain the wisdom of Guru ji in their hearts.  They would ponder on it.  They would listen (Sunan), accept (Manan) and integrate (Nidh-dhyaasan) it in their lives.  The Sangat and Pangat is where the Sikhs sat.  The Brahmgyaan illuminated into their hearts.  Many received Mukti.  Their hearts became pure, by doing the Sangat of Guru ji.  They received this wisdom by the Guru’s radiance. 

Asu and Kathak passed.  The Sarad Rut was gone.  Him Rut (Maghar and Po) had arrived where it was really cold.  Guru ji was still in Kiratpur.  He was calm and serene.  He gave peace to all.  He had killed thousands of Turk sinners.  Whoever attacked, lost against Guru ji.  Guru ji loved Sri Har Rai ji a lot.  He spoke to him sweetly and kept him with him all day and all night.  He personally gave Sri Har Rai ji Gurmat.  The both of them were inseparable.  At home, Sri Har Rai ji sat with his grandfather.  Guru ji took his grandson hunting as well.  Whenever Guru ji would travel in a palanquin, he would make Sri Har Rai ji sit with him.  They would both roam the shores of the Sutlej and the mountains together.  They would go to the caves together and through the valleys.  They stayed together.  Guru ji dressed Sri Har Rai ji in expensive clothes and jewellery.  He would instruct the jewellers to make the jewellery for Sri Har Rai ji.  He would watch the servants dress Sri Har Rai ji.  He would tie his grandson’s Dastaar himself.  Sri Har Rai ji was very radiant.

Baba Sooraj Mal ji would sit with his father or he would live at home.  His wife, Mata Khem Kaur ji and himself were very wise.  Sri Tegh Bahadhur ji would come sometimes.  He was around 20 years old then.  Sri Tegh Bahadhur ji was very respected by Guru Hargobind Sahib ji.  Sri Tegh Bahadhur ji wouldn’t speak often.  He would only speak when required.  He didn’t care about the worldly ways.  He saw the world as a myth.  He was always connected to his Aatma.  He was carefree.  He was well aware of his surroundings and the ways of the world, but he didn’t care.  People mistook his attitude for him being naïve.  They thought he wasn’t smart or clever.  The truth was that he was the source of all knowledge.  He would either sit with his father, Guru Hargobind Sahib ji, when he’d be alone or sit in Divaan.  He would come to see his father every 20 or 25 days later.  He didn’t come everyday.  He came when he wished to do the Darshan of his father.  He walked slowly around the city and kept his sight downwards.  His lips were always moving, as he was doing Simran all the time.  When he would come to see his father, he would bow his head onto the lotus feet of Guru Hargobind Sahib ji.  He had no wish to look anywhere else.  Guru Hargobind Sahib ji noticed the deep patience in Sri Tegh Bahadhur ji.  Guru ji would speak to him with respect and have him sit next to him.  He respected him the most.  When Sri Tegh Bahadhur ji would come, Guru ji would lift his leg and tell him to sit right next to him.  Sometimes he would grab his arm and pull him to sit close to him.  He gave the most respect to his youngest son.  He spoke to him with the “ji” address.  Mata Nanaki ji noticed the respect that Guru ji had for Sri Tegh Bahadhur ji.  She saw how Guru ji kept him close.  She thought to herself: “my son is naïve.  He doesn’t know the ways of the world.    He doesn’t love anyone nor does he speak to anyone.  He is not clever.  He stays alone all the time.  He sits alone in the home, all day long.  He doesn’t meet any of the Masands.  He doesn’t take any sides.  He doesn’t criticize or praise anyone.  He doesn’t take anything or give anything.  Sri Gurditta ji knew everything.  He knew all of the administrative work of the home but Guru ji didn’t respect him as much as he respects Sri Tegh Bahadhur ji.  He loves him the most.  Sri Gurditta ji has gone to Sach Khand.  Baba Sooraj Mal ji is wise.  He does all of the work that Sri Gurditta ji did.  He makes his father happy.  Sri Ani Rai ji is also carefree.  He’s been like that since birth.  He is not affected by the world at all.  Guru ji is the happiest with his grandson.  He sees him with love.  I wonder why he respects my son the most.  I can’t understand this riddle.”  She thought about this with confusion.  The days passed.  She wanted to ask her Prabhoo Bhagwant husband about this. 

One day, Guru ji was in his home.  He was eating food.  Mata Nanak ji was sitting close by.  Sri Tegh Bahadhur ji came into the home to meet his father.  He bowed.  Guru ji had him sit with him with respect.  When he bowed to his father with love, Satguru ji grabbed his arm and had him sit right next to him.  Sri Tegh Bahadhur ji kept his eyes downwards though.  He didn’t raise his eyes towards his father.  Mata Nanaki ji saw her opportunity and said: “listen Bhagwant ji.  This is my youngest son, as well as yours.  He is very simple and calm-natured.  Your elder sons, Baba Gurditta ji and Baba Sooraj Mal ji, they knew/know the ways of the world as well.  They took care of the tasks of the home.  They knew the give and take of the world.  Baba Sooraj Mal ji knows all the tasks.  He wants the respect and greatness.  The Masands all meet with him.  Nobody meets my son, Sri Tegh Bahadhur ji.  He stays alone and is always quiet.  What I have seen is that you respect him the most.  What is the reason for this?  I am confused about this.  I wanted to ask you for a long time.  I asked you today.  Please tell me the truth.  Why do you respect him the most?  Explain this to me.”  Guru Hargobind Sahib ji heard this and smiled.  He looked towards Sri Tegh Bahadhur ji and smiled some more.  He then spoke to his wife while looking towards his son: “dear simple wife of mine, how did you notice this?  This son of yours is able to tolerate the intolerable.  He can tolerate extreme sorrow and joy.  He is the most patient.  There is no other patient one like him in the world.  He has many virtues.  He is a Brahmgyaani Sadhoo.  He is pure.  Listen to the other reason: he will have a son who will be the most powerful.  His radiance will be the greatest.  There has never been, nor will there ever be a warrior like him.  He will roll the heads of the sinners.  He will pull the roots of the sinners.  The ones in his company will become lions.  He will fight great battles, unprecedented in the history of humankind.  The Guru of the universe, Sri Guru Nanak Dev ji, my grandson will spread his name in the whole world.  It will illuminate in the whole world.  He will be the greatest man with the greatest radiance ever.  He will wield the Degh and the Tegh.  He will make the radiance of the Guru’s home a lot.  In the four realms, he will be known.  Langar will spread.  That grandson, the greatest power, will be born in his home.  That is why Sri Tegh Bahadhur ji is respected.  The Devatas will do his Pooja.  That’s why this son is the greatest.  That’s why I respect him.  He is not an ordinary person.”  Mata Nanaki ji was very happy to hear this.  She bowed to her husband’s feet.  Hearing about her grandson made her happy.  She knew that Guru ji’s words were always true. He was going to be radiant.  She thought to herself: “my grandson will be powerful.  My husband is never wrong.  My grandson will illuminate in the whole world.  My home will be filled with money and wealth.  My grandson will make the Guru’s home grow.”  Since she heard Satguru ji say this, she was filled with joy.  She waited a long time for her grandson with bliss.  She wanted to play with the strong-armed grandson. 

When the Tenth Paatshaah was born, Mata Nanaki ji was filled with bliss.  In Tribaini Guru Tegh Bahadhur Sahib ji recited the full Guru Granth Sahib ji in one sitting.  Mata Nanak ji and Mata Gujri ji listened to the whole recitation.  Guru Gobind Singh ji was born after that.  Mata Nanaki ji remembered her husband’s words when her grandson was born. 

Sri Tegh Bahadhur ji sat with his father for about an hour and then bowed to go back to his place.  He laid down and then rested.

8-44 Baba Bidhi Chand ji and Baba Sundar Shah ji go to Sach Khand

Bhai Rai Jodh ji, Bhai Rama ji, Bhai Dharma ji, the Tattveta Baba Bhanna ji and other Sikhs stayed with Guru Hargobind Sahib ji in Kiratpur.  Baba Sundar ji and Baba Parmanand ji stayed with Guru ji to obtain bliss.  They had many conversations about Brahm Chintan.  Guru ji gave the wisdom of Bhagti Gyaan.  He gave bliss to all by showing them the path to Brahmgyaan.  Many Sikhs presented their questions to Guru ji.  Guru ji gave them the answers.  The Sikhs were in bliss.  Baba Bidhi Chand ji spent his whole life in seva.  He was a Sadhoo and a great warrior.  He was a great horse rider.  The tasks of the Guru’s home were great.  A lot of Langar was made everyday.  Baba Bidhi Chand ji did all of the transactions of food and clothes.  He took Guru ji’s permission to do everything.  He followed Guru ji’s command to the letter.  He made his son, Baba Lal Chand ji, do Guru ji’s Seva.  He had him do Guru ji’s Seva, day and night.  He told him: “the Seva of the Guru, done with faith and devotion, destroys the cycle of life and death.”  Baba Bidhi Chand ji was Mukat.  He had fought the enemy on the battlefield.  He was victorious.  He had the Aatam Gyaan.  Was a “Tattveta.”  He did the Bhagti of Guru ji for a long time.  He earned the Bhagti since the time of Guru Arjan Dev ji.  He was with him during his final time on earth.  He spent his whole life in the Guru’s Seva after meeting Guru Arjan Dev ji.  He listened to the words of the Guru with love.  It gave him joy and peace.  He made his ears and eyes pure by listening to and seeing the Guru.  His head was pure as he bowed to the Guru’s feet.  His hands were pure as he did the Guru’s Seva.  He did many tasks of the Guru.  He went wherever the tasks of the Guru took him.  Because of this, his feet were pure as well.  He spent his life in Seva.  His life was a success.  He reached the highest status.  He was old now.  He came to Guru Arjan Dev ji when he was 24.  He was old now but he still had the same strength.  He practiced Shastervidya for 2-4 hours a day.  He became omniscient.  He had all of the Ridhis and Siddhis.  He received the highest status and wisdom from Guru ji. 

Baba Bidhi Chand ji felt his age coming to an end.  It was time for him to leave his body.  He had promised Baba Sundar Shah ji that we would be with him when they were destined to leave the earth.  He went to Guru ji and folded his hands.  He presented his son, Baba Lal Chand ji.  He said: “oh giver of joy.  You are omniscient but still I wish to tell you that my age is complete.  This body’s end time is near.  I will leave this body, singing your praises.  I have one request: where Baba Sundar Shah lives, I had promised him that we will leave our bodies together.  I seek your permission.  I will leave the earth from where he lives.  He wanted to see me during the end time.  I told him: we will leave our bodies together.  I promised him.  I am to come back to you in Sach Khand anyways.  I wish to fulfill my promise to my friend.  I wish to go to Deo Nagar now.”  Sri Guru Hargobind ji smiled and said: “you’ve already made preparations before coming to me.  Very well.  Go and fulfill your promise.  Meet Sundar Shah and come to the Guru’s realm together.  The meetings of the world are a myth.”  Baba Bidhi Chand ji bowed by folding his hands.  He looked at his son Baba Lal Chand.  He took his arm and made him bow to Guru ji’s feet.  He said: “serve the Guru with every breath.  Don’t be corrupt.  Bhagti and the joys of the world are with the Guru.  Never leave the Guru’s command.  Stay with Guru ji.  Whatever he commands, obey it.  Don’t delay the Guru’s tasks.”  He gave his arm to Guru ji.  Guru ji hugged Baba Lal Chand ji and said: “don’t worry, your son and descendants will be respected in the same way.  There is no difference between you and I.  We are only two in name.  People call me the Guru and you the Sikh but we are the same on the inside.  You are my form.  You’ve done a lot of Seva and tasks for the Guru.  Lal Chand will do the Seva now.  The Gurus after me will be together with your descendants.  “Sada Saanjh teri Pushtaini, Nibh hai Gur Ghar Sang Sukhaini.”  The Guru’s home will be one with your descendants.”  After saying this, Guru ji gave leave to Baba Bidhi Chand ji.  Baba Bidhi Chand ji kept looking at Guru ji’s face and bowed many times.  He bowed to the Guru’s lotus feet and got ready to leave.  Guru Hargobind Sahib ji began to shed tears as Baba Bidhi Chand ji left.  Baba Bhanna ji and other Sikhs were sitting there.  Bhai Jodh Rai ji and Baba Bhanna ji met Baba Bidhi Chand ji.  He took his last leave from all.  He had no illness, no sorrow, no attachment, not even a little bit.  He engrained the Guru’s form in his heart.  He had the love for the Guru in his heart.  He had love and Brahmgyaan. 

Baba Bidhi Chand ji went to the area of Ayodhya.  He went to Deo Nagar and met Baba Sundar Shah ji.  He met his Sikh, who was sitting in a Samadhi.  Baba Sundar Shah ji was doing the Simran of Satnam and remembering Baba Bidhi Chand ji.  He was waiting for his Guru, Baba Bidhi Chand ji.  He was waiting to go to the Guru’s realm with him.  Baba Bidhi Chand ji came and said: “get up, my beloved.  I have come because of your love.  I promised you I would come.  I have fulfilled my promise.  Our time is near.”  When Baba Sundar Shah ji heard this, he opened his eyes.  His mind was calm.  He saw Baba Bidhi Chand ji.  He bowed to his Guru.  His pain was gone.  He took the dirt from Baba ji’s feet and put it on his forehead.  He said: “I am fortunate today.  You travelled a long way to see me.  You came to bless me.  I have been waiting for you.  My attention was focused into your form.  You fulfilled your promise.  You are filled with compassion.  You came to me in our end time.  We will become one now.”  Baba Bidhi Chand ji sat down and said: “your wish is fulfilled.  This body is to end.  We have to leave it.  Our time of leaving this body was the same.  That’s why I have come quickly.  I will take you to Sach Khand.  We will say the name of Guru Nanak Dev ji.  Think of the beautiful Guru in your heart.  Don’t think of anything else.  Leave your body and let’s go.  Let’s go to the home of the Satguru.  I only have 3 hours left.  So do you.  Get up and take a bath.  Sit in the Asan and let’s do Simran.  Let’s think of the Guru without fear.”  Baba Sundar Shah ji was happy to hear this.  He was in bliss.  It was time to leave.  Both of them took a bath.  Both laid out Kusha Asanas and sat on top of them.  They were about 4 feet apart.  They sat and said the glories of Guru Hargobind Sahib ji.  They said: “oh Guru Hargobind Sahib ji, you bless your servants.  Be with us in this world and in the next.  You have saved thousands of your servants.”  Both saints did Ardaas to Guru Hargobind Sahib ji.  They closed their eyes and took their attentions inwards.  They covered their bodies and faces.  They laid down on the Kusha Asanas.  They both left their bodies with ease at the same time. 

The Devatas came to celebrate.  They welcomed the saints to the other realm.  The Devatas came forward and took them on beautiful vessels.  They shouted Jaikaras: “Jai! Jai!”  The both went to the realm of the Satguru.  Their bodies became a golden colour.  They were wearing golden jewellery now.  They went to Sach Khand and bowed to the Satguru. 

The Sikhs of the Satguru easily left their bodies.  The people of Deo Nagar came and noticed that the bodies of the two saints were still and not breathing.  They buried the body of Baba Sundar Shah ji and made a place of worship for his final resting place.  Baba Bidhi Chand ji’s body was cremated.  This place exists till today.  Many come there and worship the places. 

8-45 Sri Har Rai ji’s Jamma breaks a Flower

Sri Guru Hargobind Chand ji felt sad at the departure of Baba Bidhi Chand ji.  He was upset and couldn’t forget Baba Bidhi Chand ji.  He didn’t say anything to anyone about his.  He kept Baba Lal Chand ji close to him and gave him hope.  The Dastaar of Baba Bidhi Chand ji was tied on Baba Lal Chand ji’s head.  Guru ji did the ceremony himself.  Baba Lal Chand ji was given his father’s position.  Baba Lal Chand ji was happy and served Guru ji like his father did.  He did all of the administrative tasks.  He was one of the senior Masands now.  All of the Masands met him.  The Masands were told to work with him.

One day, Guru Hargobind Sahib ji went into a garden that was planted by the Sikhs.  He stood where many types of trees were.  There were many flowers there: Champak, Rai Bhel, and other types of species.  There were peach trees, mangoes, Guavas, lemon trees, pomegranate, banana trees, apple trees, falsa trees and other fruits.  Many flowers were there: katal, batal and Naurangis.  There were many types of trees.  Bhai Rai Jodh ji and Baba Bhanna ji were with Guru ji.  They had all left their horses outside of the garden gates.  They roamed the garden and admired the trees.  Guru ji held Baba Bhanna ji’s arm.  Guru ji looked at each flower.  He raised those flowers like children.  Guru ji praised them as he pointed at the various flowers: “look how well it bloomed.  Look how long the stem is.  This flower has a beautiful colour.  This other flower would be good for a mala.  This one has beautiful petals.  Look how beautiful Akaal Purakh has made these.  They attract the heart.”  As Guru ji was admiring the garden, Sri Har Rai ji was still on his horse, on his way to the garden. 

Sri Har Rai ji arrived a few minutes later and left his horse with the other horses by the gate.  The sevadaars held the horses back so Sri Har Rai ji would be able to go into the garden safely.  He was still young.  The sevadaars didn’t want the horses to rumble with each other and hurt Sri Har Rai ji.  Sri Har Rai ji’s guards came with him.  His horse was strong as well.  His horse was held back as well.  Sri Har Rai ji wore a fine fabric Chola with 101 pleats.  It was beautiful.  A hazooria hung from his shoulders.  He was very sweet and soft.  He wanted to meet his grandfather.  He ran to his grandfather.  As he ran with speed, his chola flew in the wind.  The parts of his chola spread out.  There was a beautiful flower on the way that got stuck with the chola and got plucked off.  The flower fell to the ground.  Sri Har Rai ji ran fast to meet his grandfather.  He didn’t want his grandfather to ask why he took so long.  The guards and servants ran after Sri Har Rai ji.  When Sri Har Rai ji came to his grandfather, Guru ji was with many other Sikhs.  The garden was big and beautiful.  There were many benches and platforms to sit on.  There were walkways built by wise craftsmen.  The plants were arranged in lines.  Guru ji was walking ahead of everyone.  There was a crowd of warriors behind Guru ji.  The trees had great shade.  Guru ji sat in the shade of a tree, on a bench.  Baba Bhanna ji sat with him.  The rugs were laid out.  The Sikhs sat down.  Guru ji and the Sikhs had many discussions.

There was greenery everywhere.  After an hour, Guru ji got up to leave.  Sri Har Rai ji was with Guru ji.  They slowly walked back to the gate.  They looked at all the plants and flowers again.  They all noticed the broken flower on the ground.  The master of the universe saw the flower.  The flower was beautiful and blooming when Guru ji had entered.  He had praised it on the way in.  Now it was broken and on the ground.  Satguru ji said: “this was attached to its branch before.  Who broke this and threw it onto the ground?  It looked like a radiant face before.  It looked like it was smiling before.  Its petals were blooming when it was on the branch.  The ground looked beautiful as well.  Now that its broken, it will begin to shrivel up.  It will look like a depressed person now.  What task was succeeded by breaking this flower?  It’s on the ground now.  It’s dying by the second.”  Guru ji kept talking about the flower.  Guru ji looked towards everyone, waiting for someone to confess.  Nobody said anything.  Sri Har Rai ji’s servants knew though.  They folded their hands and said: “Sri Har Rai ji was running in the garden.  His Chola is really big.  The flower got caught in his Jamma and broke off.”  Guru ji heard this and gave wisdom to his grandson: “if you wear a big chola, why do you not take care of it?  When it spreads out, it may cause problems.”  Sri Har Rai ji heard his Pitamah’s words and bowed to his feet.  He quickly collected the pleats of his chola and rested them on his left arm.  From that day on, he still wore a chola of 100 pleats but collected them and rested them on his left arm.  He did this for the rest of his life.  He walked with care from that day on.  He took his Pitamah’s wisdom and was determined to follow it his whole life. 

Guru Angad Dev ji served Guru Nanak Dev ji and became to next Guru.  Guru Nanak Dev ji bowed to Guru Angad Dev ji while seating him on the throne.  Guru Angad Dev ji said: “may this body be filled with leprosy which Guru Nanak Dev ji bowed to.  As soon as Guru Angad Dev ji said that, the leprosy started to creep in from his toe.  Guru Nanak Dev ji held Guru Angad Dev ji’s toe, preventing it from spreading.  He then said: “do not say this again.”  In the same way, Sri Har Rai ji took the wisdom of his grandfather and held on to it.  Guru Angad Dev ji didn’t fix the pain. 

Guru Amardas ji did a strict Seva of Guru Angad Dev ji.  One day, Guru Angad Dev ji was happy and held Guru Amardas ji’s arm and went for a walk.  They were walking side-by-side as they were one form.  Guru Amardas ji did not want to go ahead of his Guru.  He tried to say a little behind.  His left arm, though, went ahead, as it wagged while he was walking.  It went in front of Guru Angad Dev ji.  Guru Amardas ji got upset and was disappointed for putting his arm ahead of his Guru.  He thought to himself: “this arm should have stayed behind the Guru.  I will cut my left arm off.  It should be cut off with an axe.  If I cut it, Guru ji would know and get mad at me.  I should leave it.  People may praise me for doing such a thing.  Instead, I’ll just stop using my left arm.  I would think that I don’t have it.  I won’t do any tasks with it.  It will dry up on its own.”  He then kept his left arm to his chest for the next 22 years.  As the arm did not move, it became weak.  In this way, the Guru’s home had these kinds of determinations.  Sri Har Rai ji kept his chola on his arm all the time.  He didn’t break his determinations.  He leant this from his grandfather.  He continued wearing a Chola with 100 pleats.  The fine fabrics looked beautiful on him.  When he walked, he didn’t let his chola go.  He would collect the spread of his chola before getting up. 

After saying this to Sri Har Rai ji, Guru Hargobind Sahib ji got up and left.  He came home and rested.  He ate food and laid down.  The Sikhs did his Seva.  Guru ji continued like this for many days, blessing many Sikhs.