9-11 Battle with Muraad Baksh

In the south and Gujarat, to fix their issues, Dara Shikoh and Shah Jahan had discussions.  They called the Raja of Jodhpur to them.  When Raja Jaswant Singh of Jodhpur came, they had him sit with respect and said to him: “Jaswant Singh, listen: take the army to Gujarat and crush the rebellion of Muraad Baksh.  Whoever doesn’t come under Delhi, kill them.  You are a great warrior and famous among the Rajputs.  Tighten the grip in the south as well.  Aurangzeb’s army is coming from the south.  Stop him.  If Aurangzeb stays in his place and doesn’t cause any issues, leave him.  Go to Gujarat, as we know that Muraad Baksh is mobilizing a rebellion.  Defeat Muraad Baksh and bring him here.”  He was given many gifts of clothes, weapons, jewellery and horses.  Shah Jahan gave him a lot of elephants and horses.  He gave him jewellery, jewels and a lot of money.  He gave him the title of Maharaja as well.  Jaswant Singh accepted the gifts.  Umraav Kassim Khan was sent with Jaswant Singh.  Canons, swivel canons and elephants were given.  It was a huge army going to Gujarat.  It was like a storm of metal going. 

Jaswant Singh first went to Malva (Ujjain, Indore, Oankareshwar).  He took over the fort of Ujjain and analyzed the situation ahead.  He then went towards the Narbada River.  He prepared to cross the river after taking the posts of the area.  He took over the bridges of the river to block any other army from going to Delhi.  The whole army camped across the river.  They faced Gujarat.  Kassim Khan was told to stay there.  Jaswant Singh went on ahead and came to Bijapur, where Adil Khan ruled.  When Jaswant Singh came, Adil Khan let go of any desire to take the Takhat.  He came and met Jaswant Singh as a friend.  He gave him gifts and money as a pledge of his allegiance.  The Raja of Jodhpur was really happy with this victory.  Bijapur was under him now.  He wrote a letter to Shah Jahan about securing the area till Bijapur.  Shah Jahan was happy to hear the good news.  He had come to Agra during the meantime.  He thought to himself: “I will go back to Delhi.  I don’t need to be in Agra now.”  He said to his servants: “the air of Agra is not good for me.  Take me to Delhi.  My illness is getting worse.  Dara Shikoh used deception to come to Agra.  He didn’t want to go back to Delhi.  He kept him for a few more days and didn’t let Shah Jahan go. 

One day, Shah Jahan got anxious and commanded to go to his beloved capitol.  He sailed on his ship, sailing on the Jamuna.  The Royal Ship was beautiful.  He was on that ship.  The ship sailed for 3 days and camped on the shore.  They were near Mathura (almost half way to Delhi) when a messenger came with news: “Muraad Baksh attacked Jaswant Singh.  Jaswant Singh ran away from the battle.  His camp was looted by Muraad Baksh.”  When Dara Shikoh heard this, he felt as if an arrow pierced his heart.  He said to the messenger: “how did Jaswant Singh fight?  Where did he run to?  Where are the other 2 princes?”  The messenger told him how the battle happened: “both sides fought hard.  Metal clashed on metal.  Both had lines of canons.  They fired many canons.  Swords, arrows and riffles were used.  The warriors killed each other.  They charged each other.  They took shots and gave them too.  It was a fierce battle.  Jaswant Singh fought hard.  He took his Sirohi and killed many enemies.  Wherever he fought, he pushed many of them back.  Many died.  Mughals and Khans laid on the floor like broken minarets.  The swords swung.  The blood spilled and made mud.  At one time, Muraad Baksh and his army ran back.  They lost their patience.  Muraad Baksh analyzed his dead soldiers and came to his canons.  The Rajputs were advancing hard, cutting anyone in their way.  Muraad Baksh gathered his patience and took command of the army.  He loaded the canons under his supervision and had them fired.  When this happened, Jaswant Singh’s army began to lost.  Horses and elephants were blasted.  Muraad Baksh had his canons fire, systematically.  Thousands died.  Both sides fired their canons.  The earth shook.  The noise was really loud.  It sounded as if the sky had ripped and the Judgement Day had arrived.  The Rajputs that were fighting, they died by the canon balls.  Their horses were blown to bits.  They were fearless who fought, but died.  Their bodies couldn’t be found as they were blown to bits.  The cowards got scared seeing this.  The cowards ran away in fear.  Jaswant Singh tried to keep the army there but he lost.  He had to retreat as the whole army was running.  He had his sword out and told his army to fight, but they did not listen.  When Jaswant Singh’s whole army ran away, he got scared as well.  He ran away, letting go of his patience.  Jaswant Singh couldn’t stay.  Muraad Baksh then charged hard by yelling: “kill them!”  Jaswant Singh didn’t go back to his camp.  He had to leave everything.  The ones that were left, were killed.  When the Rajputs left their camp, Muraad Baksh looted it.  Jaswant Singh had to go on ahead.  Muraad Baksh set up his camp and had his Nagaras sound the beat of victory.  He had his canons and rifles fired in celebration.  He gave his warriors respect and gifts.  He prayed his Nimaaz in gratitude to Khuddah.  He gave many donations as well.  Aurangzeb heard of this news and mobilized his army to come to Delhi.  He has a big army with many canons.  He is coming this way quickly.  He enlisted many in his army and gave them a lot of money.  He will come here in a few days.  You can do as you wish.” 

Dara Shikoh heard this and got worried.  He told his father of the situation.  Both father and son were already afraid of Aurangzeb.  Shah Jahan was extremely worried of Aurangzeb as he was corrupt.  He said: “I can see him coming here now.  How can we stop his rebellion?  I don’t see a solution.”  Dara Shikoh told his father to go back to Agra but Shah Jahan didn’t want to go.  He wanted to go to Delhi.  Shah Jahan reluctantly agreed though, to go back to Agra.  He couldn’t disagree with his son.  They went to Akbarabad.  The army went back to Agra. 

Shah Jahan and the whole army came back to Agra in3 days.  He stayed in the Agra fort.  The attendance of the soldiers and the officers was taken.  All of the generals were there.  They were given gifts and money.  Jewellery was given to them.  The army was given weapons and anything they required to fight.  The whole army was ready to fight.  All of the Umraavs had come and met Shah Jahan.   

9-12 Dara Shikoh and Aurangzeb

Dara Shikoh said to Shah Jahan: “I feel like Aurangzeb is coming.  We should stop him.  We should lead the charge.”  Shah Jahan said: “Nauranga is corrupt.  He is ruthless.  He is very stubborn.  He uses fraudulent ways to get his things done.  He is a fool.  You are very compassionate.  You are simple.  You are sweet.  I think it’s good to ignore him.  If he comes, let him come.  We will talk to him.”  Dara Shikoh didn’t agree with his father.  He said to his father again: “if he comes here, he won’t be compassionate.  What if he fights?  What will we be able to do then?  I will go on ahead and stop him.  These are the right policies.  I will stop him at the Chambal River.”  Shah Jahan heard this and tried to stop him but Dara Shikoh didn’t listen. 

Dara Shikoh had the Nagaras sounded.  He was the crowned prince.  He took all of the generals and the Umraavs.  The horses and elephants were ready.  The army on foot was ready.  A big army started from Agra.  It was like tsunamis in the ocean on the Judgement Day.  The canons looked like alligators with their mouths open, ready to eat.  The spears were like the snakes in the ocean.  How can I describe this?  It was the army of the Badshah of Hindustan.  It was huge.  The army moved slowly.  The shores of the Chambal were huge.  The army came there and set up camp.  The river was really deep.  They set up their canons, in anticipation of destroying Aurangzeb’s army as it would cross.  The ships and ferries were taken under control and the ferrymen were instructed not to let Nauranga’s army across.  The whole army was stationed on the north shore.  The river was the post.  They were going to stop Aurangzeb there, as was their plan.  They made a tight line.  It was a really hot summer.  Dara Shikoh sat there.  The Umraavs of Delhi were really hot.  They were suffering in their tents.  They would normally spend the summers on hilly areas, which were cooler.  They were in pain but they had to obey Dara Shikoh as he was in place of the Badshah as the “Vali Ahed.”  The Umraavs were a little jealous but they couldn’t say anything.  They didn’t like where they were.

Shah Jahan was still in Agra, bedridden.  Listen to the Katha ahead.  Muraad Baksh was met with Aurangzeb, his brother.  They made an alliance and combined their armies.  Aurangzeb told his brother that he had no intensions of being the Badshah.  He said that he wanted to go to Mecca and do Bandagi for the rest of his life, which was a lie.  He wanted to use his brother to get what he wanted.  He convinced Muraad Baksh to go with him; as Aurangzeb said he was going to make Muraad Baksh the Badshah.  The two armies had a lot of canons, swivel guns and guns.  Their canons could destroy mountains.  They reached the area of Gwalior.  Their horses were really strong.  Their elephants were really strong.  Their soldiers were really strong.  They slowly came from Gujarat to Gwalior.  The spies told Aurangzeb that Dara Shikoh was posted at the Chambal River.  Muraad Baksh and Aurangzeb got worried.  They didn’t know how to cross the great river.  They had no way of crossing.  They thought of many plans but they couldn’t see a way across.  They set of camp about 30 miles from the Chambal.  They called all of the wise people of the area that knew the river and the terrain.  Aurangzeb asked them: “how can we cross the Chambal?”  He gave them a lot of money.  The wise ones said: “about 50 km down the river, the water is shallow.  You can cross it there without ferries.  You will be able to cross it quickly.”  Nauranga was happy when he heard this.  (His fortune was good.  He did a lot of Bhagti with Rishi Dusht Daman ji at Hemkunt.  He had asked for kingdom when he did Bhagti.) 

Nauranga took the army where the water was shallow.  The whole army crossed quickly.  They came to the north side and set up camp.  They stayed on alert, day and night.

Dara Shikoh got news that his brothers had crossed the river.  He was surprised.  He called the Umraavs and told them: “we need to prepare for war.  Aurangzeb did not come this way.  He crossed the river from another place.”  The Nagaras were sounded in the early morning.  The army set forth towards Aurangzeb and Muraad Baksh.  They prepared their canons and guns.  The armies were ready to fight from both sides.  They met each other and posted their lines.  The swivel guns were set in lines.  Thousands of guns and canons were aimed towards the rebels.  The allied Rajas from both armies sat on elephants.  The Umraavs charged ahead.  The horses ran fast.  They were given spices and so they danced as they ran.  The foot soldiers charged.  The warriors eagerly charged ahead.  The generational soldiers and ministers were going to fight for their masters.  The regiments were gathered.  They charged and shouted with their weapons in hand.  Nagaras and instruments sounded, making a lot of noise.  Dhols, Pattas and Narsinghas were played.  Conches were blown.  The sounds echoed in the sky.  In this way, the egotistical Nauranga planned his army.  He was an expert general.  He had his Umraavs devoted towards him.  He promised them a country where there would only be Muslims.  They were devoted to him based on the promise of a religious supremacy establishment.  The soldiers and swivel guns were ready.  They looked like dark clouds in the monsoons.  The canons fired and the canon balls showered like hail.  Fire and gunpowder met.  The canons ripped through the sky, making screeching noises.  Just as the dark storms approach during the rains, that is how the smoke from the canons flew up.  The sky and ground became one.  There was a lot of dust.  The canons and guns fired like lightening, flashing continuously.  The Nagaras and Daunsas rumbled like clouds.  The warriors fell, being injured.  They suffered.  Blood was flowing.  The canons blasted the warriors along with the horses.  The warriors fought from both sides.  The bullets blew the limbs.  The bullets broke the bones.  The canons and riffles were fired. The sound was scary.  The horses ran and neighed.  The elephants trumpeted.  Flesh and blood made mud on the ground.  The shores of the Chambal were filled with blood.  Thousands of warriors died.  They fought with strength.  The guns fired.  Fire spewed from their mouths.  They hit the heads and bodies of the soldiers.  Heads blew like Haandis breaking from slingshot pellets.  Thousands of canons fired.  The area echoed loud.  The sound was loud.  One could not hear another talking.  There was a lot of gunpowder firing.  There was smoke everywhere.  It seemed as though the 960,000,000 clouds (Megh mala) came all at once.  The sun was totally covered. 

The handsome strong warriors fought a fierce battle.  The cannons fired.  The canon balls flew.  The rifles fired.  The horses ran.  Some ran with fear and did not stop.  The noise was loud.  The elephants got scared from the noise and lost their patience.  They killed their own in fear.  Many warriors died.  It was loud.  The earth was red.  The clothes were red.  The limbs were blown.  Many swayed before falling.  The warriors cut each other.  Many warriors jumped and swung their swords.  Hand-to-hand combat began.  The canons killed many like it was Armageddon.  It was as though bamboo was on fire and the moths were falling to their burning death.  The howdahs of the elephants broke.  The elephants ran empty.  They were empty like merchants emptied after selling their merchandise.  The noise of the canons was loud.  The dust from the horses running made the sky dark.  Lakhs were fighting.  Thousands died.  The armies fought a fierce battle. The weapons were radiant.  The warriors came in their regiments.  The rifles killed the enemy.  The swords were out and looked like black snakes.  The shields clashed.  The swords were swung really hard.  The arms and heads were cut.  Some were sliced in half.  Who can talk about this fierce battle?  Such a battle has never been seen.  It was loud.  There were countless dead warriors.  The blood flowed, making popping noises, from the wounds. 

9-13 Shah Jahan Arrested/ Dara Runs Away

A great battle was fought.  The Rajput Rajas; Handas and the Rathores, fought bravely against the army of Nauranga.  Ram Singh Handa stood like a pillar.  He fought bravely.  Him and his army killed a lot of soldiers of Aurangzeb.  The sharp Sirohis swung.  The warriors fought fearlessly like they were playing Holi with eagerness.  The guns fired like the squirters on Holi.  The blood on the clothes looked like colour from Holi.  The canons fired.  They looked like wet balls thrown on Holi.  Their shouting of “kill them,” was like the singing of songs.  The instruments of war played, giving motivation to the warriors.  Aurangzeb’s army moved back like cowards.  The Rathores chased them.  The Mughals with Nauranga couldn’t tolerate the swords of the Rajputs.  The Mughals left their honor and ran back to Aurangzeb.  Aurangzeb took command of his canons.  He had gunpowder filled and prepared the canon balls.  To kill the Rajputs, he had the canons fired.  He stopped his army that was running away.  Many canons fired at once.  The Handas and Rathores were blasted.  Ram Singh and the other Rajas were blown away.  They died the death of warriors.  Many were blown along with their horses.  Dara only had the Umraavs of Delhi remaining.  They were used to living in pleasure.  They liked to stay in cold places.  They liked to dress up and sit in the Badshah’s court.  They couldn’t tolerate the slightest of pain.  Some of the Umraavs were aligned with Aurangzeb’s views.  They couldn’t stay in the battle.  They switched sides and joined Aurangzeb’s army.  When the army saw this, they lost their patience.  Nauranga’s army came back.  He noticed that Dara’s army was now weak.  He made a final charge that was fierce.  He had rifles and canons fired.  The soldiers charged ahead.  Dara Shikoh’s army ran away.  They couldn’t hold their lines.  Many of Dara’s people joined Nauranga.  The ones that joined Nauranga, stopped fight.  Dara Shikoh didn’t like what he saw.  He saw his army defecting.  He thought to himself: “I hope they don’t arrest my and hand me over to Aurangzeb.  He is ruthless.”  He thought of all this and got scared.  He was a simple and naïve person.  He didn’t realize his people were ready to cross lines.  He ran towards his camp out of fear.  He gathered some of his things and ran away.

Dara Shikoh didn’t stop at Agra.  He ran towards Delhi.  He left everything behind.  He had 1,200 soldiers with him.  They came from a long way and got tired.  This was Sri Parmeshwar’s way; the one that was wealthier, in one day, everyone left him and he was alone.  He came to the fort in Delhi.  He was worried.  Out of fear, he didn’t stay in Delhi.

Aurangzeb had won the battle.  He had his Nagaras sounded.  He came to Dara Shikoh’s camp and became happy.  He looted the whole camp and spent the night there.  He gave rewards to the Umraavs.  He gave them diamonds and pearls.  In the morning, they left and came to Agra.  All of the Umraavs were with him.  The other Umraavs all joined him.  Where Shah Jahan was laying down, ill, Aurangzeb had him arrested.  He didn’t care that he was his father.  He put him in his jail.  He kept him there for 7 years.  Aurangzeb was ruthless.  He was foolish.  He deceived his brother Muraad Baksh as well.  He thought to himself: “my brother Muraad Baksh has a big army.  If he joins Dara Shikoh, they can both attack me.”  Aurangzeb had his brother drunk and then arrested.  Muraad Baksh helped him but Aurangzeb deceived him.  He threw him in jail as well.  The jails were guarded with armed soldiers.  The 3 armies were now under Aurangzeb.  He then left towards Delhi.

Aurangzeb went to the Delhi Palaces.  Dara Shikoh gathered a small army as he was scared.  Aurangzeb attacked Delhi.  Dara Shikoh got scared and realized he couldn’t trust his own Umraavs: “I hope they don’t arrest me.”  Dara Shikoh left Delhi, instead of fighting.  He took the Royal treasure with him.  The diamonds were very bright that he had.  He loaded the wealth on mules and set out.  He left with 5,000 soldiers from Delhi.  He headed towards the Ganga and rested there.  He was in Srinagar near Garhwal.  He wanted to stay there for a while with his army.  There was a great fort there, surrounded by mountains.  He stayed there for a while.  He wasn’t scared there.  The Raja of Sri Nagar thought to himself after some time of Dara Shikoh: “5,000 soldiers will ruin my country.  My fields will be ruined.  There are 5,000 horses and many elephants.  My citizens are upset.  Many villages have been ruined.”  The Raja spoke to Dara Shikoh: “you can’t stay here any longer.  My place will be ruined.”  Dara Shikoh agreed as his army needed more food.  He then decided to leave.  He left Sri Nagar and travelled through the mountains. 

After a few days, Dara Shikoh reached Sri Kiratpur Sahib.  Sri Guru Har Rai ji was there.  Many Sangats came here to meet Guru ji.  There wishes were fulfilled here.  Many came to do his Darshan.  A great crowd was gathered.  Many came and many left on a daily basis.  Many types of gifts were brought.  Money and jewels were brought.  Weapons and expensive clothes were brought.  They all offered the gifts and bowed to Guru ji’s feet.  Dara Shikoh came and set up camp in a nice place.  Tents were pitched.  He hoisted his flag.  The soldiers set up camp.  There was a river near by, as well as shade.  They were in peace.  When Dara Shikoh looked ahead, he saw Kiratpur and asked his Umraav: “who lives in this place?  What place is this?”  The Umraavs heard the Crowned Prince.  There was a Sikh that overheard this conversation nearby.  He said: “there was first Sri Guru Nanak Rai ji.  He had Peers, Meers, Sidhs and Saadhaks under his control.  They all bowed to him.  There had never been anyone like him in the world.  Everyone bowed to him with humility.  The 14 worlds bowed to him.  He gave the wisdom of the Satnam to all.  Many received powers who met him.  How many, they can’t be counted.  In his place, sits his 7^th incarnation, Sri Guru Har Rai ji.  Sri Guru Hargobind Sahib ji was his grandfather.  He was powerful.  Your father fought the 6^th Guru, 4 times.  Lalla, Kumber and others were killed by the Guru.  They died in the Malva area.  His grandson sits on the Throne who is the Master of Brahmgyaan and powers.  Meeting him has many rewards.  Wishes are fulfilled by meeting him.  Those who do his Darshan are fortunate.  He fulfills the wishes of those who come to him with love.  Sikhs come to him from many lands and islands.  Kings and paupers from many lands come to him.  They bring many gifts for him.  This place is the city of the Satguru.”  Dara Shikoh heard Guru ji’s praises and became happy.  He liked to meet saints.

9-14 Dara’s Shonk Nama – the Letter of Desire

The history of Dara Shikoh will be stated now on how he wrote a letter to Guru Har Rai Sahib ji, in the past.  Dara Shikoh was a Satsangi.  He had the love for meeting Parmeshwar.  Meeya Mir ji, the Peer, the Aatamgyaani Brahmgyaani, he was complete.  Dara Shikoh was his servant at one time as he wanted Brahmgyaan.  The Peer blessed him with the Gyaan of the Aatma.  He showed Dara Shikoh the path to enlightenment.  Dara Shikoh kept a Fakiri lifestyle will being a Royal.  By the Peer’s blessings, he was able to experience Meeree and Peeree.  He thought of his Aatma, day and right.  He met with saints to find the Parmatma.  Dara Shikoh had the Upanishads translated to Farsi.  Wherever Dara Shikoh found out about saints, he would run to them with eagerness.  He would have discussions with them.  He didn’t see religion.  His father said to him many times: “you are the eldest son and will have to be the Emperor.  The people want you too.  I will make sure you become the emperor.”  Dara Shikoh did not want the crown.  He would still meet the saints as the crowned prince.  He was determined for the Brahmgyaan.  He did the Sangat of Sarmad as well. 

One day, while Dara Shikoh was sitting with Sai Meeya Mir ji with love, he was listening to him.  Other saints sat there as well and had discussions of Brahmgyaan.  One saint spoke about Guru Nanak Dev ji: “Sri Guru Nanak Dev ji is the Bhagwant.  He has saved thousands and made them into Brahmgyaanis.  The number of people can’t be counted of how many have become Brahmgyaanis.  He blessed the people and showed them his real form.  Their pain of birth and death went away.  The ones who sat on his throne later, they were the same as him.  Their qualities cannot be counted.  Sri Guru Har Rai ji is on his throne now.  He is the friend of the weak.  He cuts the bonds of his Sikhs.  He is the donor of Brahmgyaan.  He sees loss and profit as the same.”  Meeya Mir ji heard this and said: “he is the Khuddah in human form.  He blesses the people.  That’s why he came.  He blessed all.  Khuddah came in a human body.  Sri Guru Hargobind Sahib ji was Sri Guru Har Rai ji’s grandfather.  He fought many battles with weapons.  He was a very strong warrior.  I have met him many times.  Meeting him was a very joyous event.  I felt deeper in Brahmgyaan when I met him.  The ones who follow the Shriya law are foolish.  They would doubt the Guru and made noise when I met him.  He was the form of Allah Paak.  His virtues could not be quantified.  His Darshan was great.  Doing his Simran gave bliss.”  Dara Shikoh heard the praises of Guru ji and wanted to do his Darshan.  He thought to himself: “how can I meet him?  I have so many royal duties.  There are many enemies trying to kill me.”  He didn’t get a chance to see Guru ji.  The love increased in his heart.

Dara Shikoh wrote a letter to Guru Har Rai ji.  It was the “Shonk Nama,” the letter of Desire.  The letter came to Guru ji.  The messenger went to Guru ji and bowed.  He gave the letter to Guru Har Rai Sahib ji.  Guru ji had the letter read out:

Baint – Master of Lands, the Aaraf of the Aatma, the complete Brahmgyaan; by whom we can meet Rabh; the Tattveta is the form of Parmatma; you bless the Mukti upon the seeker.

My mind wishes to meet the Khuddah.  Whoever you bless, they meet Allah.  If am blessed by Allah, I will come and meet you.  My wishes will be fulfilled then.  My doubts will be cleared then.

I wish to meet you.  When the auspicious time comes, I will kiss your feet with joy.  The trap of the royal duties does not allow us time to come to you.  We are like fish caught in the net. 

My Murshid, Sai Meeya Mir ji, told me the truth about your greatness.  I heard your praises and wished to see you.  My desire to see you is getting deeper by the day.  Only the one who has been in the company of saints knows of this desire. 

Please look at me with compassion.  I wish to see you.  I’ve been blessed by this desire.  My father forced me to take the throne but I have no desire for it. 

I was helpless and had to accept it.  I couldn’t disobey my father.  Please bless me and protect me from the fires of Hell.”

Sri Satguru Har Rai ji listened to the letter and became compassionate.  He understood his deepest desire.  He knew that Dara Shikoh loved the saints.  He wanted to be One with the Parmeshwar.  He had this deep desire in his heart.  Guru ji had a response written for Dara Shikoh in Farsi:

Baint- You have been blessed by Khuddah.  The Murshid has blessed you.  You don’t wish to take the huge Empire.  This is a blessing.  You have tasted the bliss of knowing your real self.

You will never feel the fear for Hell; as you desire the company of Peers and Fakirs.  The ones who are asleep in the desires of this world, they run after the kingdoms.  They will go to Hell which has no wind. 

Don’t see the danger of Hell or Heaven; be patient.  Where you have reached, there is no Heaven or Hell; you are above both.  You are the form of the infinite.  I give you the infinite kingdom of faith.  Thousands of Yugas you will rule.  You will be infinite. 

Your Karma has come to fruition where your soul is drenched in the love of Prabhoo.  The glimpse of Allah, you have received.  There is no comparison.  Great work for your effort!  You have seen your self in the company of your Murshid.

Stay in bliss.  You have nothing to fear.  Your life is a success.  You won!  This world is slippery but you didn’t fall in love with it.  This world will not last forever.

Sri Satguru ji had this letter written and sent to Dara Shikoh.  The messenger came back and gave Dara Shikoh the letter.  Dara Shikoh was very happy to read the letter.  It was as though a pauper received the Kalapbrish.  He thought to himself: “The one, whose words are always true, he had blessed my elders.  Those words could not be returned.  Many tried but failed.  The Guru gave me the Empire of Faith.  I am more fortunate.  I have received the unending status.  I have faith now.  The Satguru has gifted me and I don’t need to worry now.  When I was sick, the Satguru sent the Harde of 14 Sirsais.  He also sent a clove of 1 Massa.  These things couldn’t be found anywhere else in the world.  His glory is spread in all 4 directions.  He is the greatest of all saints.  The great Brahmgyaanis praise the Guru.  When Allah blesses one, a person gets to meet the Satguru.”

A long time passed.  The exchange of letters happened but he could not meet Guru ji.  His battle with Nauranga happened.  He lost the battle in Sri Nagar and came to Kiratpur Sahib, where he set up his Dera.  When he remembered his previous exchanges with the Guru, he decided to finally go and see Guru ji.  There was a Sikh of Guru Har Rai ji with him.  He called him and asked: “where is Satguru ji now?  Since when has he gone with his servants?  Can I meet him or not?  Tell me what you know.”  The Sikh said: “Guru ji has been gone for a few days now.  He went to Goindwal near the Beas.  He went to the Majha Desh.  If you have the wish to see him, send your men to him, who can tell him your wish.  When Guru ji knows about your wish, he won’t be able to stay there.  He will test your love.”  Dara Shikoh heard the Sikh and agreed.  He sent a messenger.  He sent his top person and told him to say: “please give me your Darshan.  I wish to see you.”  The messenger went to Goindwal and gave Guru Har Rai ji the message. 

9-15 Guru ji goes to Goindwal and Khadoor Sahib

Sri Satguru Har Rai ji went from Kiratpur to the places of the elder Gurus in Majha.  There was a conflict concerning the leadership of the Delhi throne.  The sons of Shah Jahan were fighting.  Sri Satguru ji was crossing the Sutlej.  He had his army of 2,200 men.  He crossed Doaba.  The Nagaras sounded as they travelled.  The Nishans made of Zarri and expensive cloths were waiving in the wind.  They were in front of Guru ji’s horse.  Sometimes Guru ji would travel on a palanquin, sometimes a horse and sometimes an elephant.  There were many soldiers and Sikhs with him.  Thousands of Sikhs were there.  The soldiers rode on their horses and made them dance.  The soldiers showed their skills to Guru ji.  They soon reached the Beas, which flowed into the ocean with joy.  Guru ji had all the ferrymen bring the ferries.  The whole army and the Sangat crossed the river on ferries.  Sri Goindwal was right on the shores of the Beas.  Guru ji had arrived at the place of Guru Amar Das ji.  Guru Har Rai Sahib ji bowed to the city from afar.

Guru Har Rai ji first went to Baoli Sahib and did Pooja there.  He then took a bath in the Baoli Sahib.  He drank the water of Baoli Sahib and told the soldiers of its greatness: “Guru ji has called this place as a way to Mukti.”  The descendants of Guru Amar Das ji, they were called to meet him.  They were known as the Bhalla Bawas.  The Sikhs of Goindwal came to meet Guru ji.  Everyone met Guru ji with love.  Keertan was done in front of Baoli Sahib, where Guru Har Rai ji sat.  After singing 5 Shabads, Guru ji came to the city, slowly.  Everyone read Gurbani with love.  The Bhallas had all their homes in the city.  They had many homes as the family was quite large by now.  Guru ji then went to Chabarra Sahib where Guru Amar Das ji stayed for 22 years.  Satguru Har Rai ji bowed at the stairs first and put the dust to his forehead.  Guru ji told everyone of the greatness of the place: “Sri Satguru Amar ji lived here.  The dust is pure in this place.”  Guru Har Rai ji sat in front of the Chabarra.  He lit a Diva and incense.  He laid down many flowers there.  A great crowd of Sangat gathered.  The Sikhs of the nearby villages came as well.  There was a big crowd.  Satguru ji sat down and had Keertan done continuously.  Many types of sweets were brought.  Karah Prashaad was made and distributed to the Sangat.  Everyone listened to the Shabads while being quiet.  The descendants of Guru Amar Das ji came all together.  They were many in numbers.  Guru Har Rai ji got up and hugged all of the Bhalla Bawas.  He had them sit near him with great respect.  He spoke to them with respect and asked how they were.  Guru ji had the expensive clothes brought out and given to the Bawas.  Money was given to them as well.  Everyone was happy with the gifts and respect.  They were given Siropas as well.  Guru ji then bowed at Chabarra Sahib and came to the Dhera of the soldiers.  Everyone ate and went to sleep.

Guru ji woke up at Amritvela to take a bath.  He had 101 pots of water brought from the Baoli Sahib and took a bath with them.  Guru ji then sat in solitude.  He sat in Samadhi and connected with his Aatma form.  He was in bliss within himself.  As the sun’s rays hit the earth, Guru ji opened his eyes.  The Sikhs came to bow to him.  Guru Har Rai ji wore a Chola of 101 pleats.  The Chola was made of a fine cloth.  It was white.  He fastened his sword and shield along with his bow and quiver full of arrows.  Guru ji bowed towards the Chabarra and did the Simran of Guru Amar Das ji.  He mounted his horse and went on ahead.

The Nagara sounded along with canon salutes to mark the departure of Guru ji.  The Naqeebs and Bhatts sang Guru ji’s glories.  The soldiers travelled.  The horse steps made pleasant noises.  Guru ji then arrived at Khadoor Sahib, the place of Guru Angad Dev ji.  They set up camp along with the army.  Sri Gur Har Rai ji got off his horse and went to the place of Guru Angad Dev ji.  It was the home of the Julahas which was Guru Angad Dev ji’s final resting place.  Guru ji was above joy and sorrow.  He was the form of Mukti, the Guru Bhagawan.  He did the Parkarma of the Angheeta Sahib (the place of Guru Angad Dev ji’s body’s cremation).  He put the dust of the place on his forehead.  He had ghee Divas lit and did the Aarti.  Incense was lit.  The place was fragrant.  Guru ji put many flowers on the Angheeta Sahib and did its Pooja.  Guru ji respected the descendants of Guru Angad Dev ji.  He said their praises and hugged them all.  These were the Trehan Bawas.  Guru ji gave a lot of money to the Bawas.  Guru ji gave them a lot of love with devotion.  He gave them clothes as well.  He asked them how they were and had Pakvaans brought for them.  Guru ji had them seated to eat the Pakvaans.  The Trehan Bawas enjoyed the food.  Guru ji asked about their work and businesses.  The Sangat came and ate Langar.  Everyone sat till about 10 pm.  Guru ji gave everyone money and food.  Guru Har Rai ji sat on the ground and ate.  In front of Guru Angad Dev ji’s place, Guru Har Rai ji listened to Keertan all night long.  He did not sleep that night.  Keertan and Bhajan went on continuously.  Many Sangat had come.  They did Simran with Guru ji at the holy place.  They also got the Darshan of Guru Har Rai ji.  They were all happy.  When it was Amritvela, Guru ji got up from his seat and bathed with 101 pots of water.  As the sun came up, the army was commanded to get ready to leave.  The horses were saddled.  Everyone was ready to leave.  Guru ji got ready and mounted his horse.  Nobody understood Guru ji’s deep heart. 

Guru ji thought about Dara Shikoh’s letter full of love.  As Guru ji got ready to leave, the messenger of Dara Shikoh came and bowed to Guru ji.  He gave Guru ji the Shonk Nama which was written with love and devotion: “I wish to see you.  I did not get a chance to see you.  I am coming to your Desh now.  Bless me with your Darshan.  I am near the Beas now.  I won’t be longer than a day to see you.  If you are far, bless me and give me your Darshan.  Aurangzeb’s army is chasing me.  He is coming towards me like a tsunami.  If he wasn’t after me, I would have come to you.  Please come to me.  I would be in bliss after seeing you.”  Guru ji listened to the Shonk Nama, Guru ji turned around and went towards Goindwal.  The messenger that Dara Shikoh sent, went with Guru ji.  Guru ji asked him: “tell me where the Vali Ahed is.  He is coming this way.  Show me where he is.”  The messenger folded his hands and said: “we first went to Sri Nagar in Garhwal but we couldn’t stay there.  We then came to near Kiratpur and rested there for 1 night.  When we left, the Vali Ahed sent me ahead with this letter.  I came here with speed.  He is coming behind me.  He must be on the other side of the Beas.  Please be compassionate and meet him.  He will come form the other side.”  Guru ji spoke to the messenger and went to Goindwal.  He was really happy. 

Guru ji arrived in Goindwal, playing the Nagaras.  Guru ji stopped near the shore of the Beas with the army.  The people of Goindwal found out that Guru ji came back.  They all came to serve him.  The people of the area all came to Guru ji.  Guru ji called them all to come.  The weapon-carrying warriors and Sikhs gathered in great numbers.