8-56 A Boon for Sri Guru Har Rai ji

In this way, Sri Satguru Hargobind Sahib ji gave the boons to his family, who were now in bliss.  The talk of Guru Hargobind Sahib ji leaving his body was quite frequent and loudly spoken of.  The Sikhs all spoke about this.  Guru ji told the Sangat of what was to happen to him.  Guru ji gave the statuses to the deserving.  Everyone received their boons and were now calm.  Sikhs still came to Guru ji in worry.  The whole family was stressed.  They kept thinking about Guru ji leaving and were in pain.  They didn’t know what was going to happen when he was to depart.  They would say: “Guru ji was omnipotent and was able to handle everything.  He made Sri Har Rai ji the next Guru, but he is too young.  Guru ji did not give the Ghaddi to any of his sons.  There is no meeting with the Badshah.  There is still tension.  The Badshah may attack again.”  The Sikhs spoke and worried about all this.  They were all worried of who would support them now.

One day, all of the Devatas came to do the Darshan of Guru Hargobind Sahib ji.  They came disguised in human form.  Guru ji is the Devata of all Devatas.  Brahma, Vishnu, Shiva, Agni Dev, Inder Dev, Vayu Dev and other Devatas; all came and bowed to Guru ji’s feet.  Guru ji was alone.  The Devatas said: “Prabhoo ji, you have completed all of the tasks in the world.  You have saved the saints and destroyed the sinners.  You fought wars with great radiance.  The Manmukhs were given pain and the Sikhs are in joy.  Now, please give bliss to the Devatas.  Oh giver of Mukti, please come to your dimension.  Come to our dimension first to bless us.”  Sri Guru Hargobind Sahib ji said: “I have already made arrangements to leave.  I will now go to the Guru Puri.  Sri Har Rai ji has been seated on the Throne.  I sat on the Throne for 38 years.  The other responsibilities have been completed.  You came to me.  Welcome!  Your coming was pleasant.  Your blessings and curses are true.  Whoever you meet, they are blessed.  You sustain the world and provide everyone support.  Whoever serves you with a wish, you complete it.”  The Devatas heard their own praises and spoke to Guru ji with their hands folded: “you are the keeper of traditions.  All of these praises you speak about for us, it is you who gave us these powers.  Whenever we have been in trouble, you came to our aid.  You came to cut our bonds.  You killed the strongest demons and sinners.  You saved us and gave us back our kingdoms.”  The Devatas did Guru ji’s praise:

Surovaach (The Devatas Speak)..

“You support the Devatas and complete their wishes.  You kill the sinners.  You are the king of kings.  You are the most radiant.  You complete the tasks of the Saints.  You are the master of the universe, the master of Maya.  You are beautiful.  You repeatedly come to the earth in human form to save it.  You do a beautiful drama.  You made a new Sikhi Panth in Kaliyuga.  You are the giver of Mukti.  You are without vices.  You took the people out of the vices.  You cut the bad bonds.  The wisdom of the people of Kaliyuga became bad.  You composed the beautiful Bani which has the cream of all the Vedas in it.  One reads and listens to your Bani, which destroys the sins and troubles.  The Sikhs receive Mukti and are no longer afraid of the Jumms.  You were born in the peaceful family of the Bedis, who had the wisdom of saints.  You gave everyone the Satnam Mantra, the Mantra of Matras.  You were praised in the 9 Khands.  You destroyed the egotistical people as the Guru Avatar.  Nobody could stand in front of you.  You were filled with all of the powers.  Your praises have spread everywhere.  Everyone does Simran.  The elephant of attachment was killed by the lion of your Bani.  You saved millions of your servants.  You came in 6 forms in the most beautiful form.  The Jumms don’t go near the Guru’s Sikhs.  The Sikhs meditate on the Guru and make their wisdoms pure.  You destroyed the enemy on the battlefield.  You cut them to pieces.  You took the amazing victory and completed many tasks.  We bow to your feet, oh giver of Mukti; independent one; giver of bliss; beautiful beyond words; may you always be victorious: Sada Jai, Sada Jai, Sada Jai tumaari.  Oh form of the Guru, we bow to you.  You are the Guru of the world.  You complete the wishes of the servants.  We pray that you complete our wishes.  Protect the Devatas.”  In this way the Devatas praised Guru ji and became filled with bliss.  They did Guru ji’s Darshan and went to Heaven.

Guru Hargobind Sahib ji made a building and named it “Pataalpuri.”  Guru ji went inside the building and called all of the Sikhs.  He was ready to leave his body.  The whole family was called.  Guru Har Rai ji came and sat close to Guru Hargobind Sahib ji.  Bhai Jodh Rai ji sat with Guru ji as well.  The 2 Matas came with pain in their hearts.  They shed tears from their eyes.  The senior Masands and Sikhs all came.  The Sikhs gathered.  Guru ji said to all: “whatever someone wishes to say to me, say it now.  I am ready to leave for Sach Khand.  Stay in bliss.  Don’t be sad.”  Everyone heard this and became sad.  Their minds were depressed.  They all began to cry.  Guru ji’s face was blossoming like a lotus.  He loved his Sikhs.  He looked at everyone with love.  He noticed that nobody was able to speak due to emotion.  Everyone stared at Guru ji’s face, without blinking.  Thousands of people stood around Guru ji.  Nobody spoke.  They were all in pain.  They were in disbelief.  Guru ji then spoke: “why are you so surprised?  The flow of the world is like a river.  Nobody has ever stayed.  Everyone leaves.  If this was something unusual, then you can worry.  Think about this.  This has been happening forever.  Think about this: who has stayed forever?  The smartest and strongest had to leave.  Kings left.  Paupers left.  It’s my time to go.  I have told you my time.”  Guru ji then spoke to Guru Har Rai ji: “just as have you seen the traditions, carry them on.  Give wisdom of the Guru’s home to all.  Give the wisdom of Simran, Seva, Keertan, Brahmgyaan and warriorism to all.  Give the wisdom according to the Sikh’s level.  Cut the pain and troubles of the Sikhs.  Wake up in the last watch of the night as I did.  Do your cleansing routines and bathe.  Keep the Aatam Gyaan in your heart which is your real form.  Do not speak of the “Aham Brahm Asmi.”  Only keep it in the heart.  From your mouth, only speak of Bhagti and Upasana.  This will keep the tradition going in Kaliyuga.  Bhagti is the highest.  Do the actions which are good for all.  If you wish to ask something, ask what’s in your heart.  Keep patience.  Don’t be sad.  You will need to support the Sangat and the Masands.  You are the King of the Throne of Guru Nanak Dev ji now.  You must support the universe.  Meet with everyone, accordingly.  You are the same as me.”  Sri Guru Har Rai ji heard his Pitamah’s words and said: “the Badshah is the Turk who is our enemy.  His army is really big.  His wealth is a lot.  How should I deal with him?  Where is the place that we should make a fort to kill the enemy?  Should we make forts in Kiratpur or should we go somewhere else?  We shall destroy the Turks.  We will cut them to pieces on the battlefield.  We will mix them into the dust.”  The Sangat heard this and were amazed: “look how wise he is.  He is young but he speaks like elders.  He is omnipotent.  He is definitely the holder of Guru Nanak Dev ji’s Jot.  He is all-powerful.”   Guru Hargobind Sahib ji looked at his grandson and was happy to see his courage.  He said to him: “you won’t be fighting any wars.  The enemy won’t attack you.  There will be peace with the enemy during your time.  Don’t start any conflicts.  Don’t initiate any battles.  If the enemy comes to you, don’t see them as the enemy.  You should help them if they request it.  Keep an army of 2,200 armed soldiers with you at all times.  Practice Shastervidya, everyday.  Don’t go to battle though.  Stay in your home and be in bliss.”  Guru Har Rai ji heard this and said: “what if the enemy comes with a big army with force?  If they come with pride, what is your command?  Then it will be necessary to fight them.”  Guru Hargobind Sahib ji heard this and said: “if some fools come to attack you, they will never be able to reach you.  They will be unsuccessful.  They will be like fog, which never has rain.  They will melt on the way like hail melts after hitting the ground.  They won’t be able to reach you.  This is a boon for you.  It won’t be erased.  Stay in bliss with the Sikhs.”  Guru Har Rai ji was in bliss hearing this.  He bowed to the feet of his Pitamah with devotion.

8-57 Guru Hargobind Sahib ji Goes to Sach Khand

Guru ji said to Sahib Baba Bhanna ji (the son of Baba Bhudda ji): “bring your son.  He will stay with Sri Har Rai ji and be in joy.  Go to the village Jhanday-Ramdas and let go of your body.  Your age is done.  You will go with ease.”  Guru ji said to Bhai Rai Jodh ji: “stay in Kiratpur for a few days.  Stay for all of the traditions after I leave my body.  Be here for the Bhog and then go back to your place of Kangar.  Live in joy.  Spend the rest of your life there in joy.  I will be with you in your end time.  I will protect you.  Do the Simran of Satnam with focus and emotion.  Bhai Roopa ji, stay in your village after.  You will receive the highest status.  Keep the Langar continuously running.  Distribute the Langar of the Guru and earn Sikhi.  This will give you joy.  Both of your sons (speaking to Bhai Jodh Rai ji and Bhai Roopa ji) will be with the Gurus.  I will come back to your places many times.  I will meet you in different forms.  Your descendants will serve me and earn Sikhi and joy.”  Bibi Veero ji came to Guru ji.  She cried thinking of her father.  Guru ji saw his daughter and gave her hope: “why are you upset like this?  You will always be in joy.  Yous sons will be great warriors.  They will be the generals of the Guru’s army.  They will be praised as they will be with Guru.  Don’t be upset.  Be in joy and bliss.  I will be by your side.”  Guru ji called Baba Lal Chand ji and said to him: “you should go to the village of Sur Singh.  Baba Bhaag Mal ji has made a beautiful home for you.  It was made during Guru Arjan Dev ji’s time, which he gave to your father, Baba Bidhi Chand ji.  Take the Sainchees of Guru Granth Sahib ji and the picture of me with you.  Live there with your mother in joy.”  Guru ji said to Baba Sundar ji Bhalla and Baba Parmanand ji Bhalla: “go back to your home in joy.  The descendants of Guru Amardas ji are very fortunate.  Others will receive Mukti who stay in your company.”  Guru ji said to Mata Nanaki ji: “where the place of my mother, Mata Ganga ji, is, that place is called Bakala.  She went to Bhai Mehar Chand ji’s place and left her body.  Live there in joy.  Wait for the time which I have told you about there.  Do the Seva of the place of my mother.  You will see the great radiance of our grandson.  You will live a long life.  After seeing the many colours of life, you will leave your body and come to me.”  Baba Sooraj Mal ji shed tears from his eyes and said to his father with his hands folded: “please command me.  Where should I live?  How should I live?  Should I live with Sri Guru Har Rai ji or some where else?”  Guru ji said to Baba Sooraj Mal ji: “you can live where you please.  Your family will grow.  Your descendants will move around but will be worshiped like the Guru.  Your family will be worshiped by the Sikh Sangat.”  Baba Ani Rai ji was carefree.  He didn’t say anything.  His focus was fixed into the Brahmgyaan.  Baba Tegh Bahadhur ji was the same.  They kept their hands folded and their heads lowered.  The Sangat and the Masands were told by Guru ji: “my form is now Sri Guru Har Rai ji.  See him as the same as me.  He will be just like me.  Do his Darshan and receive bliss.  He will take care of everyone.  He will take you across to Sach Khand.  Have faith in him.  Your wishes will be fulfilled.  Whoever doubts him, will lose everything and be in pain on earth and in the life hereafter.  They will not have even a little joy.”  Everyone bowed to Guru ji and said: “what you command, we will all obey.  We will obey with devotion.  Just as we worshiped you after Guru Arjan Dev ji, we will see Guru Har Rai ji as your form.  We will see him as the 7^th Guru’s form.  Since you gave him the Gurta Ghaddi, we have seen him as such.  Wherever your Jot is, your radiance will be shining.”  The many Masands and Sikhs said: “the traditions of the Sikhs, please tell us.  Tell us how we can attain the highest Paramgatti.  How can we erase the pain of being born again and dying?  Give us wisdom so we may kill our vices and be in bliss.”  Hearing the Sikhs, who had folded their hands and asked for wisdom, Sri Guru Hargboind Sahib ji, the patient one, said a Shabad from Gurbani:

Sri Mukhvaak.. Maaroo Mahalla 5..

Ik Oankaar Satgur Prasaad..

(There is One Vahiguru who creates, sustains and destroys; the one is the witness in the states of awake, dream and deep sleep; lives in every heart without any difference.  The blissful form of Akaal Purakh can be obtained by the grace of the Satguru).

The radiance of all radiances; of the courtyard in the middle of the home (the metaphor of the centre of the heart); in the courtyard of the heart, let the illumination of Akaal Purakh shine in it..1..

The meditation of all meditations; the best meditation is of the name  of Hari Hari..2..

To renunciate; the best renunciation is to renunciate desire, anger and greed..3..

To beg; the best thing to beg for is to beg for the praise of Hari from the Guru..4..

To be awake; the best awakening is the one within the Keertan of Hari with your full attention..5..

To be attached, the best thing to be attached to is the attachment of the Guru’s feet..6..

That person will be blessed with this way of life, upon whose forehead such a destiny has been written..7..

Says Nanak, everything is good for who has come to the sanctuary of the Prabhoo..8..1..5..

(SGGS 1018)

“whose fortune has come to fruition, that person will follow this wisdom of the Guru.  That person will achieve my state and become one with me.  Their pains will be all gone.  The Sikh Sangat is my family.  Live in bliss and joy.  I will be with you forever.  Recite Shabads and do the Simran of Satnam.  I am going to my own home now.  Don’t be sad in your homes.  See the Guru by your side.  The one who earns my wisdom, they will be my beloved.  They will be one with me in their end time.  They will get my status.  Love Gurbani forever.  Recite and listen to Gurbani.  It will keep you in bliss.  Do the Simran of Satnam and be drenched in its colour.  It will keep you intoxicated in its love.”  After giving this wisdom, Guru ji gave hope to all.  He said these words at Pataalpuri Sahib.  Guru ji had shot an arrow from Baba Gurditta ji’s final resting place.  Where it had landed, is where Guru ji told the Sikhs to make a building.  The Sikhs had it constructed.  The walls were rubbed with sandalwood paint and other fragrances.  The Sikhs rubbed Kumkum and saffron.  They made the building very pleasant for the Guru.  Garlands of flowers were hung everywhere.  The building was made pure.  A Kusha Asan was set with a soft sheet.  The Sikhs lit a ghee Diva inside that burned for many days. 

Guru ji then looked at the whole Sangat.  He blessed everyone.  He gave hope to the whole family: “don’t be sad.  Be in bliss.”  The Sikhs folded their hands and lowered their hands.  Bhai Jodh Rai ji and Baba Bhanna ji was near Guru ji.  Guru ji said to them: “seven days from now, at Amritvela, Sri Guru Har Rai ji should open the door of this building.  Nobody is to come here for seven days.  The warriors will guard this building day and night.  Keep a strict watch.  Nobody should knock.  Nobody should talk.  Keep doing Keertan and Simran.”  Guru ji then asked for solitude and closed the door.  Everyone was sent out.  He locked the door with a chain and sat in the Padmasana.  He connected within his Aatma.  He sat like Sidh Jogis; as Bhagvan Krishna ji went into the jungle during his end time, alone, that’s how Guru ji was sitting in solitude.  There was no other.  Krishan ji left his body there, by the arrow of a hunter (who was Maharaja Balli of Kishkinda in a previous birth).  The arrow went through Krishan ji’s foot and out of his knee.  The debt of Ram Chander ji shooting Balli in the back was repaid in this way. 

Guru Hargobind Sahib ji stopped his mind from thinking.  He pulled his Indriyas inside, like a turtle.  He was connected into the Aatam bliss.  There was only One in that state.  There was no duality.  He spent 6 days and 6 nights in this supreme Samadhi.  He was one with the supreme state.  On the Amritvela of the 7^th day, Guru Hargobind Sahib ji left his body.  He put his back to the wall and sat in the same way.  The Prabhoo looked like he was still sitting. 

8-58 Entering Sach Khand

The warriors kept guard for the whole time.  They changed shifts, day and night.  There was no noise and no one was allowed to come near the building.  The warriors did Simran and Keertan the whole time.  The Shabads were sung in Raags.  Around the building, thousands came on the Amritvela of the 7^th day.  They were all drenched in the love of the Guru.  They did the Simran of Prabhoo Guru ji, the benevolent one.

The Devatas found out that Guru ji was coming to Sach Khand.  Brahma and the other Devatas were happy.  The Devatas boarded their vessels and headed to the sky over Kiratpur.  They showered flowers over Guru ji’s body.  Brahma rode on his swan.  Shivji came on his bull, Nandi.  Shivji brought his Ganns and Bhoots.  Many powers and Devatas came and shouted out Jaikaras in Guru Hargobind Sahib ji’s name.  Inder came, Agni Dev came, Vayu Dev came, they all came with bliss.  Surya came in his full 12 forms.  Chandra Dev came.  49 Pavans came, 11 Rudras came.  Apsaras came and danced, while they laughed.  The singers and dancers of Svarag came.  Gorakh and the Sidhs came.  They all came and sang the glories of Guru ji.  Guru ji was heading towards Sach Khand.  Everyone was happy to meet Guru ji.  They sang his Jaikaras.  They brought items needed to do his Pooja.

A vessel came from Sach Khand for Guru Hargobind Sahib ji.  It was sparkling with diamonds, rubies and emeralds.  It had strands of pearls and other gems from other dimensions.  It was drenched with the fragrances of Sach Khand.  They were pleasant smells.  There were dolls on the vessels that held Chaurs.  They waived the Chaurs.  Divas of gems burnt on it.  There was a room in the vessel.  There was a throne in the room.  There were benches that were embedded with diamonds.  There was a dome on top with colourful flags.  This vessel was able to go to any dimension as well as Sach Khand.  The vessel was radiant.  Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva showered flowers.  They stood around the vessel.  Satguru ji boarded the vessel.  Guru ji was radiant.  His glory was great.  Guru ji sat on the Singhasan in the vessel.  There were nice sheets laid out with a big round pillow on top.  Brahma showered flowers onto Guru ji.  A garland made of the Kalapbrish flowers was put around Guru ji’s neck with love.  Brahma bowed to Guru ji’s feet.  Sandalwood was sprinkled.  The Devatas came with their hands folded.  The women of the Devatas came to sing and dance.  They showered Guru ji with flowers.  Divas were lit in a plate.  They all did Guru ji’s Aarti.  Incense was lit.  They all sung the glories of Guru ji and did his Pooja.  They said: “you have made great arrival.  The Devatas are in joy.  You have done many tasks in the world.  You assisted the saints and destroyed the radiance of the Turks.  You killed hundreds of thousands of them.  You have been praised.  Oh Prabhoo, your pure glory has spread.  Whoever reads and listens to your Kathas, that person will receive Gursikhi.  The pain of the births and deaths will be gone for them.”  Guru Hargobind Sahib ji saw the devotion of the Devatas and gave them hope in sweet words.  The Devatas were in joy after hearing the words of Guru ji.  Guru ji accepted their Seva.  The Devatas did Guru ji’s Parkarmas and Pooja.

The sky was a deep red.  The Sangat saw this amazing red colour in the sky and were amazed.  They all looked towards the sky.  They felt the amazing Pooja the Devatas had done.  The people realised that Guru ji was on his way to Sach Khand, which caused the celebrations in the sky.  The Devatas welcomed Guru ji.  The sangat saw this.  They realised that the vessel had arrived.  The Devatas shouted Jaikaras.  The Sangat did the Simran of Satnam.  The vessel left to Sach Khand.  The Devatas sang Guru ji’s glories and did the celebrations.  The Devatas waived Chaurs all around the vessel.  There were many fragrances that could be smelled.  The Apsaras danced and sang songs.  The Devatas walked with Guru ji along with their Devata families.  Brahma celebrated.  The other Devatas celebrated.  They bowed and placed many gifts.  The vessel went up slowly.  Everyone rejoiced and became joyful.  They talked as they walked.  The conches were blown.  The Mridangs were played.  The vessel went up very high.  The Devatas all shouted Jaikaras.  Guru ji’s vessel was at the front.  As far as the Devatas could go, as far as their abilities took them, they walked and then returned to their dimensions as they couldn’t go to Sach Khand.  They bowed and went back to their places.  They received Guru ji and left.  At one point, Guru ji was alone, going to Sach Khand.  Guru ji’s radiance was really bright.  The vessel was going to Sach Khand.  The Tapp and Jan dimensions were left behind.  The vessel went really fast.  Brahma went as far as Brahmlok.  The vessel went further on.  Guru ji entered Vaikunt and took his throne in his dimension.  The Devatas were back in their own dimensions.  The Jot form of Bhagwan had arrived to his throne.  His glory was spread in the world.  The path of Sikhi was revealed on a grand scale.  Guru ji blessed and gave mukti to thousands of his servants.  He gave joy to everyone in all of the dimensions.  The Satguru was omnipresent.  His light was obvious everywhere in the universe.  He would come to those who would remember him.  He fulfilled the wishes of his Sikhs, anywhere in the universe.  This tradition was established for the future: whoever loved Guru ji, Guru Hargobind Sahib ji would come and visit them.  He fulfilled the wishes of his Sikhs and helped them when they needed it.  He was omnipresent in all of the worlds.

Now listen to the Katha of what happened after Guru ji went to Sach Khand.  Listen to this Katha with your full attention.  Guru ji had said: “don’t come close for 7 days to my room.  Don’t touch the door of this room.  Don’t speak around it.”  Satguru ji had said this and went into the room.  Nobody was allowed to come near the room.  The family and Sangat were told to stay away.  They all sat far away in lines, doing Keertan and Simran for 6 days.  On the 7^th day, they saw the signs in the sky.  The sky was red on the morning of the 7^th day.  It was a deep red.  They heard sounds of conches and Nagaras in the sky.  Some saw everything.  Some only heard the sounds of celebrations.  It was only an hour and a half till morning.  People knew that Guru ji was gone.  The Sikhs were anxious.  They didn’t go close to the building.  Many warriors were guarding the building.  They stopped anyone from coming close.  The command of Guru ji was to have Guru Har Rai ji come to the building after about 4 hours of the day.  He was to open the door.  Everyone else was allowed to come after.  Their wishes would be fulfilled.  Everyone knew this and talked about it.  When it is was around 11 am on the 7^th day, Sri Guru Har Rai ji saw the time and approached the building of Pataalpuri Sahib. 

8-59 The Sanskaar (Cremation) of the Holy Body of Satguru ji

Sahib Baba Bhanna ji, Bhai Jodh Rai ji, Baba Sooraj Mal ji and Bhai Roopa ji were all standing with Baba Sri Tegh Bahadhur ji.  The Masands came forward with all of them.  Sri Guru Har Rai ji was in the middle of everyone.  With great respect, everyone asked Guru Har Rai ji to open the door of the building, as Guru Hargobind ji had commanded: “it is now 11 am.  Complete the command of Guru ji and open the door.  We have seen all of the signs of Guru ji’s departure at Amritvela.”  Guru Har Rai ji bathed and then got ready to open the door.  He wore new clothes and tied a new Dastaar.  He recited Japji Sahib and bowed his head with his hands folded. 

As soon as Japji Sahib was completed by Guru Har Rai ji, a noise came from inside the building that sounded like a lock opening.  Everyone heard the news.  The lock and chain opened by itself.  Guru Har Rai ji bowed towards the building and opened the door.  Guru Har Rai ji saw Guru Hargobind Sahib ji sitting in the Padamasana and leaning against the wall.  His eyes were closed like a great Yogi.  Guru Har Rai ji entered the room and noticed that Guru Hargobind Sahib ji was not breathing.  The body was not moving.  There was no breath.  Guru Har Rai ji bowed to Guru Hargobind Sahib ji’s body.  The sons of Guru Hargobind Sahib ji then came and bowed.  Guru Har Rai ji said: “bring sandalwood and prepare a pyre quickly.  The Sanskaar will be done here.”  Baba Bhanna ji, Guru Har Rai ji, Baba Sooraj Mal ji, Baba Tegh Bahadhur ji, Bhai Jodh Rai ji along with the Masands, all came into the building.  Bhai Bhagtoo ji and other Sikhs came in as well.  They saw Guru Hargobind Sahib ji’s body, which looked like a Yogi sitting in meditation for a long time.  They all laid Guru ji’s body down on a Kusha Asan.  The Sikhs brought pots of water from the Sutlej to bathe the body of Guru Hargobind Sahib ji.  His face looked like he was alive still.  New clothes were put on Guru Hargobind Sahib ji’s body.  A beautiful platform was made, covered with pashmina and zarri cloths.  There was never a saint-warrior like Guru Hargobind Sahib ji in the world, before him.  Many types of flowers: roses, jasmine, marigold and other flowers were brought.  Garlands of flowers were hung on the platform.  It was a radiant platform, covered with flowers.  It smelled great from the flowers.  Rose essences were sprinkled.  The Rababis sang Keertan in Raag Vadhans and Raag Maaroo.  The two wives of Guru Hargobind Sahib ji came with the women of the city.  Thousands had come.  The all talked about the praises of Guru ji as they shed their tears. 

The women had their hair open and did not care to tie it up, out of mourning.  The women came to Mata Nanaki ji and Mata Marwahi ji to mourn.  Everyone was crying.  Thousands came.  On one side was the army of the Guru to give him a “Royal Salute.”  The warriors were on their horses and elephants.  They shouted Jaikaras of Guru Hargobind Sahib ji.  Everyone said: “Guru Hargobind Sahib ji gave all of us so much joy.”  Everyone talked of their own experiences with Guru ji.  Everyone thought that Guru ji loved them the most.  Everyone praised Guru ji.  They all got together to speak about Guru ji.

Many conches were blown at the same time.  Many instruments sounded: Shainaees, Dhundhabs, Ransinghas and conches.  Flowers were showered on Guru ji from every direction.  Everyone came close and bowed after showering Guru ji’s body with flowers.  Kiratpur was crowded with people.  There were people from miles upon miles.  Some didn’t get a chance to come close.  They bowed from a distance and did their Ardaas.  Baba Sooraj Mal ji and Baba Tegh Bahadhur ji, along with Bhai Jodhi Shah ji and Baba Bhanna ji; picked up the platform on which Guru Hargobind Sahib ji’s body laid.  They picked up the great and powerful Guru’s body.  Money and flowers were showered on top.  He waived a Chaur on top of Guru Hargobind ji’s body.  Rababi Bhai Chatura ji sang Keertan at the front.  When they would finish a Shabad, they would sing a Pauree.  The Sikhs would give them money at that point.  Golden flowers were showered.  The Sangat folded their hands as Guru ji’s body was brought into the city of Kiratpur for the last time.  People watched from their balconies and from the streets.  They showered flowers and blew conches.  After making the round, Guru ji’s body was brought back to Pataalpuri Sahib.  A high pyre was made.  Guru ji’s body was placed on top.  Sesame seeds and ghee was added on to the sandalwood.  Baba Sooraj Mal ji got up and took a torch in his hand.  He remembered his father and lit the pyre.  He became overwhelmed with sadness and cried out loud.  Everyone else began to cry at that time.  The Kapaal Kirya tradition was carried out.  Everyone did the Simran of Guru Hargobind Sahib ji’s joy-giving nature.  They remembered his ways. 

The warriors all stood around and began to cry.  The warriors said: “oh Guru ji!  Who will look after us now?  Who will encourage us?  Who will teach us Shastervidya?  Who will test us and reward us?”  The Masands cried and said: “oh Prabhoo, who will respect us and reward us?  Who will seat us near them?  You were compassionate and completed our tasks.”  The women cried and said: “oh Prabhoo, who will have the power to destroy the Lakhs of Turks now?  Who will give joy and peace to the whole family?  You were the powerful Guru who was really strong.  You handled the Meeree (Royalty) and Peeree (Sainthood).”  The Sangat stood with love. 

The Sikhs cried, seeing the pyre burn.  The servants and maids cried.  The tears flowed.  The mourning had taken over the whole Dhera.  Satguru ji’s separation gave pain to all.  Baba Bhanna ji told everyone: “why are you crying?  The protector and friend of the weak, Sri Guru Hargobind Sahib ji, is always with you.  He is always alive.  He has great powers.  Whoever does his Simran with devotion, he will give them his Darshan.  Whoever wishes for gifts from him, he will surely give them.  Why mourn him?  The Sangat and the family, don’t cry.  Don’t cry over Satguru ji like other people.  He is not like the other people.”  He made everyone stop crying.

Guru Har Rai ji, Baba Sooraj Mal ji and Baba Tegh Bahadhur ji were asked by Baba Bhanna ji to get up and bathe.  Everyone got up and went to bathe in the river.  They gave hope to each other.  After bathing, Sri Guru Har Rai ji had a Divaan.  Satguru Har Rai ji sang Shabads.  Panchamrit was brought and Ardaas was done.  Karah Prashaad was distributed.  Everyone got up and came to the Divaan Hall at Kot Sahib.  They all sat for a while and then went home. 

Samvat Vikram 1700 (1644 CE) Chet Suddhi 5th, Guru ji left his body.  It was noon when the cremation occurred at Gurduara Pataalpuri Sahib.  The elder Sikhs stopped others from crying.  Baba Sooraj Mal ji did all of the traditions of his father.  He had the Sahij Paath done.  The flowers, ashes, were picked up after 13 days.  Many types of foods were made.  Thousands came to eat.  Donations were given.  Clothes and weapons were given to the warriors and Sikhs.  Expensive horses were given, that had expensive saddles.  The other traditions were carried out.  Jewellery was given to Sikhs by Guru Har Rai Sahib ji.  Everyone went to their homes after. 

Bhai Rai Jodh ji went to Kangar, taking Bhai Roopa ji with him.  They stayed together.  Everyone went to their homes after they bowed to Guru Har Rai ji.  People met Baba Sooraj Mal ji and Baba Tegh Bahadhur ji and went home.  Everyone praised Guru ji.

Dheermal did not attend.  He was happy that his brother was the Guru though.  Mata Nanaki ji thought: “I should do what Guru ji said.  My son will be the Guru.  I must wait in Bakala.  The relatives will fight and not love each other anymore.  I should leave from here now, with my son.  We will live in Bakala now.  This was his command.”  Mata Nanaki ji packed up her stuff and loaded it on to the carts in a few days later.  She packed everything and met the family.  She took her son and daughter-in-law and headed to Bakala.  She did Simran of Guru Hargobind Sahib ji.  Guru Har Rai ji and Baba Sooraj Mal ji asked her not to go, but she left as per Guru ji’s command.  The chariot was ready.  Mata Nanaki ji boarded it and left.  The luggage was loaded.  She cried as she left.  Baba Tegh Bahadhur ji was on his horse. 

They all reached Bakala.  Mata Nanaki ji had a house was made for the family, where they began to live.  Sri Guru Tegh Bahadhur ji did Tapasya there in his “Bhora.”  Mata Gujri ji lived their as well, serving her husband as he did his Simran.

Thus ends the Katha of Guru Hargobind Sahib ji