9-6 Wisdom for the Sikhs

Sri Satguru Har Rai ji gave wisdom to the Sikhs.  Guru ji said: “do Langar from the Guru.  You will be blessed in a big way.”  The Sikhs would hear Satguru ji say this and make Langar when they would go back to their homes in their lands.  They made Langar in their homes.  The Sikhs would make Langar and call everyone outside to come and eat.  They didn’t leave anyone hungry in their villages.  They made sure the Satsangat was full.  They did Keertan and Katha in their homes, wherever they lived.  The hungry would get food from the homes of the Sikhs, regardless of what religion or caste they were.  The poor, beggars, handicapped, disabled or supportless would go to the homes of the Gursikhs to eat Langar.  Sikhi spread among the lands.  The Sikhs that did not have too much money, they would meet with other families and make the Langar together.  They made Langar on behalf of the Guru, never claiming it as from their own homes.  The hungry filled their stomachs.  The Gursikhs only went to Gursikhs.  They were respected by the owners of the homes when the owners would see a Gursikh come.  The Sikhs would give them food.  No Sikh was left hungry.  A Sikh would serve another Sikh with love by washing their hands and feet before giving them food.  They would meet the Sikhs in the Sangat with respect.  The Sikhs were seen as Guru Nanak Dev ji coming to their homes.  The news of the Sikhs serving Langar would come to Satguru ji.  The Sikhs would come and do their Ardaas: “Guru ji, a particular Sikh makes Langar in their particular village.”  The names of such Sikhs were noted by Guru ji who would serve Langar in their homes.  Guru ji would be really happy with those Sikhs.  He would call his Sikhs “Dhan.”  The Langar of the Guru was distributed in many places: from Bangladesh to south India to beyond Kabul Kandahar.  The Guru’s glory spread.  Satguru ji’s praises were sung everywhere.  High and low, all ate from the Langars.  Whoever came to Satguru ji for his Darshan, the compassionate Satguru would say: “my Sikh will do Seva with humility and Bhagti.  My Sikh will be altruistic.  They shall never slander or talk about anyone in a bad way.  They should never forget the Satnam.  They should do Simran while up or sitting down.  They should earn a truthful living according to Dharma.  They should do the Seva of the Sikhs with that money.” 

One time, during Vaisakhi, many Sikhs came from many lands.  The Sikhs came with eagerness.  They came to do Darshan of Guru Har Rai ji.  They brought gifts as per their abilities for Guru ji.  They did the Darshan of Guru ji.  They would see Guru ji and be filled with joy.  They would look at Guru ji, like Chakors looking at the full moon.  Seeing the sun-like Satguru, the eyes of the Sikhs bloomed like the lotus.  Just as the thirsty Chatrik would be fulfilled with the Swanti drop, that’s how the Sikhs were satiated by seeing the Guru.  Just as a deer running towards a mirage, would get a sea of Amrit instead, and be filled with bliss, that is how the Sikhs were, seeing Guru ji.  Just as many bees were wandering but all gather near the lotus flower, that is how the Sikhs were, who came to Kiratpur.  They would present their gifts to Guru ji and bow to him with their hands folded.  Sri Satguru Har Rai ji had many Sikhs sitting with him.  It was like the stars surrounding the moon.  Many Sikhs then started a conversation: “a particular Sikh makes Langar in a particular place.  They do Seva of a lot of Sangat.  They give Langar with love.  The Guru’s Langar is being praised in many lands.  The Sikhs make Langar everyday.  They are earning your taught wisdom.  They are giving Langar to others with love.”  When Guru ji heard this, he spoke in the Sangat: “tell me the names of the Sikhs that make Langar in their homes.  Show me those Sikhs.  Seva is the best form of Bhagti.  I want to ask them some question.”

Two Sikhs got up and went to the Dheras.  They saw the Sikhs who held Langars and told them to come to Guru ji.  All of the Sikhs came to Guru ji and bowed to Guru ji.  They stood and folded their hands.  Guru ji saw the Sikhs standing with their hands folded.  Guru ji said: “how do you do the Seva?  Do you hold the intentions of the Guru?”  The Sikhs said to Guru ji: “the Sikh that comes to our village, we feel that they are doing a great service to us by giving us the chance to do their Seva.  We give them food and then we eat after.  The many Sikhs that come, they eat first.  We eat what remains.”  Every Sikh described how they did the Seva as they came from different lands with different foods and different traditions.  Guru ji listened to all.  Guru ji forgave them all.  He didn’t criticize anyone for their traditions.  He remained quiet.  The Sikhs then said: “Prabhoo ji, you listened to all of us but you didn’t say anything.  Please tell us your command.  We will do as you say.”  Sri Satguru ji then spoke: “Guru Nanak Dev ji came to preach Bhagti.  Bhagti is priceless in this world.  You are my beloved, my Sikhs.  You wish to understand the love.  The love is most important for Bhagti.  I will tell you this path that will release you from the Jumms in this birth.  I think about this everyday.  I want my Sikhs to reach the highest status of Brahmgyaan.  Listen, if a Sikhs comes after the time of the Langar, do you give them food as well?  Giving food to such a person is the highest rewards.  The highest donation is of food.”  The Sikhs said: “how would we know what is after the time of Langar?  What does that mean Prabhoo?  We will do as you say.  We will know your intention then.”  Guru ji said: “the time after Langar has been distributed or the time which is unusual from the regular eating times.  If a hungry Sikh comes when the Langar is finished, prepare food from the beginning for them.  Use whatever you have to feed them.  Don’t tell them to come back later.  Such a Seva should have love in it, even if it is off-time.  Prepare food with love.  If the time has come and a Sikh comes, give them food with love and Bhagti.  See them as the Guru, not a person.  I will accept this Seva.  I am the one eating at that time.  I am really happy with the Sikh giving food at that time.  I destroy the cycle of birth and death for them.  I protect them in every dimension.  I save them from many troubles.  The ones that do the Simran of Hari’s name, has Sikhs come to their homes as Satsangat, their homes are pure then.  Such a Sikh is dear to me who feeds others at unusual times.  I remember that Sikh with my every breath.  I follow that Sikh.  That Sikh can command me.”  The Sikhs heard this and said: “this tradition is only with you.  Only you can inspire us to do this.  The one whom you bless, you give them the gift of Seva.  You make them do your Seva.  We are limited-minded people.  We are under your shelter.  Your compassion destroys all problems.  Your wisdom saves us.  Just as wood is rubbed to make fire, the fire from the Gurbani destroys the sins.  The Simran of Satnam is a tree, Gurbani is the land on which the tree can grow on.  The translations of Gurbani, the ones who live by them, their attachments and hatred are destroyed.  The Gurbani is within their personalities.  Their vices and desires are destroyed.  Gurbani is the wife of Parmeshwar.  It puts the love of Parmeshwar in our hearts.  It is drenched in golden love.  It gives mukti to its servants.  It eats the she-elephant of desire like a lioness.  It washes away the doe (female deer) of doubt and wandering nature of the mind.  It kills the doe with its strength.”  Guru ji heard the praises of Gurbani.  Guru ji destroys the doubts of his Sikhs.  He blessed the Sikhs with his sight.  Bhagti grew in their hearts.  They let go of their desires and their minds got attached to Simran.  The followed the righteous path and changed their lives.  They saw the praises of the Guru.  Lakhs of Sikhs received Mukti.  Guru Har Rai ji’s greatness could not be said.

In this way, Guru ji blessed the Sikhs everyday.  Guru Har Rai ji was illuminated in the world.  He fulfilled the Sikhs accordingly.  He blessed the Sikhs accordingly.  Thousands of Sikhs came everyday.  They all brought gifts, which piled up in front of Guru ji.  The Vaisakhi Mela was done with love.  The Sikhs had their wishes fulfilled.  Many tents were set up in Kiratpur.  The fortunate ones did Darshan of Guru ji and shouted Jaikaras.  They said: “Dhan Guru Har Rai Sahib ji.”  Whatever words Guru ji said, they would become reality, right away.

9-7 The Rajas Come to ask for the Elephant

Sri Satguru Har Rai ji gave the gift of Bhagti and Mukti everyday.  Many Sikhs came everyday for blessings.  Many Sikhs from around the world came, bringing many gifts.  They would give the gifts and fold their hands.  They would do their Ardaas: “Sri Satguru ji, may task has been completed without any problems.  The power of your compassion was received.  You assisted me with every step.”  Some said: “you gave me a son.  I have brought this gift for you.”  Some said: “you took my poverty away.  This is my Dasvand.”  Some said: “please fulfill my wish.  I have brought money as an offering.”  Thousands came with their requests.  They all came with gifts.  The omniscient Guru ji understood what was in every heart.  The Master Prabhoo fulfilled everyone’s wishes.  Some wanted to go to heaven and brought gifts worth thousands.  They came to do Guru ji’s Darshan to make their hearts pure.  They wanted the pain of their vices to go away.

From a far away land, a Raja sent an elephant for Guru ji.  He had done an Ardaas which was fulfilled and so, he sent an elephant.  It was a beautiful white elephant.  It had a lot of good qualities.  The powerful elephant stayed close to Satguru ji.  Sometimes, Guru ji would ride the elephant and visit the Sangat.  He would sometimes take it on his hunts.  The news of this elephant spread far.  People talked about this elephant.  Many people just came to see the elephant. 

In Kahloor, there was a big Raja, Raja Deep Chand (the son of Raja Tara Chand who was released from Gwalior by Guru Hargobind Sahib ji) who lived with a big army.  Another Raja, the Raja of Handoor, met him.  Both would meet each other with joy.  They said to each other: “Sri Guru ji lives in our land.  He has a nice elephant.  He won’t give it to us by himself.  Let’s go on our horses and ask for the elephant.  Gifts, worth thousands, come to him everyday from the people.  His Mela is always filled.  We haven’t taken anything from the Gurus.  He has lived on our land for many years now.”   The two Rajas made this decision with bad wisdom in their hearts.  They took their armies to show off their power to Guru ji.  They didn’t think this over with wisdom.  They came with the excuse of doing the Darshan of Guru ji but they brought their armies along.  They came to Kiratpur with joy and sent up their camps at night.  Guru ji sent food for the Rajas and their armies.  Guru ji sent feed for the animals

The Rajas woke up in the morning and bathed.  They got ready and came to see Guru ji.  They brought many warriors with them to show their power.  Satguru ji came out of his home and set up a Divaan by laying out many rugs.  The Sikh warriors were all present in attention.  They carried their weapons and had their Kumerkassas tied.  They had their shields and swords with golden hilts.  They wore their jewellery.  Guru ji wore a sword with a gold and diamond hilt.  He hung a bow from one shoulder and a quiver on the other.  The Rababis were singing Shabads in Raags.  Hearing the Shabads gave bliss.  The Naqeebs stood and sang the glories of the Gurus.  The Chobdhaars stood with golden maces, which looked radiant.  The Mevra stood with golden jewellery.  He did the Ardaas for the Sikhs.  Muslin rugs were laid out.  The Divaan Hall was beautiful.  Expensive rugs were laid out.  Sandalwood attar was sprinkled everywhere.  It smelled great.  Guru ji’s throne was of golden Zarri with a round pillow.  Silk ropes fastened the seat.  Guru ji sat under the canopy.  Singing Guru ji’s glories were impossible.  He looked like Inder with the Devatas; Vishnu with the Devatas.  His Chola had 101 pleats and was made of a fine fabric.  He wore golden hoops in his ears with sparkling pearls.  He wore bracelets with work on them.  He wore armlets with 9 gems in them.  It looked like the 9 planets in one line.  He wore a pearl necklace in his neck.  It looked like the white current of the Ganga.  He wore a nice Dastaar with a jigha.  The jigha and Kalgi had diamonds and emeralds.  The emeralds were surrounded by many diamonds.  Golden Chaurs waived over his head.  They looked like white swans flying over the mansarovar.  Guru ji wore a sword in his gatra.  He had a heavy bow on one side. 

The two Rajas came into the court with a plan to take the elephant.  They decided that if they weren’t given the elephant, they would use their armies might to take the elephant.  They wanted to take the elephant with force: “we are Rajas, what equality can the Guru do?”  The unwise Rajas came with the pride of their kingdoms.  The omniscient Guru already knew everything.  He knew of the corruption in their minds and thought to himself: “I will destroy their prides.  They have turned their backs on the Guru.”  Satguru ji had made his own determination.  The Rajas came into the court with their warriors.  They bowed to Guru ji’s lotus feet.  They sat near Guru ji with ego in their hearts.  The warriors and minister of the Pahari Rajas all bowed and sat down.  Sri Guru Har Rai ji asked them how they were and had other conversations.  Guru ji then said: “it is time for wrestling.  Rajas, watch our wrestlers wrestle.  You must have your wrestlers with you.” 

Guru ji called for the wrestlers to come.  The wrestlers heard Guru ji’s command and came to him.  The bodies of the wrestlers were really big and strong.  The Rajas had never seen such big and strong wrestlers before.  The wrestlers called the Rajas’ wrestlers to wrestle them.  The Rajas’ wrestlers didn’t want to fight them.  They thought they would die fighting Guru ji’s wrestler.  Nobody came forward.  The Sikh wrestlers warmed up.  Guru ji signaled them to fight each other.  They came and bowed to Guru ji.  Guru ji said: “fight each other and show the Rajas.  They are here to see you.  Show them your strength.”  The wrestlers obeyed and bowed again.  They wrestled each other with slapping their shoulders and thighs.  The slaps made loud noises.  The Paharis got scared seeing them.  The wrestlers fought with many moves.  The earth had potholes from their heels.  They grappled with each other and rubbed dirt on their bodies.  They moved up and down to wrestle.  They were sweating and dirty with soil.  They were really strong.  They wrestled for an hour.  They showed their skills.  Both were equal in strength.  Guru ji called them and said: “no other wrestler can stand you.  People are afraid to see you.  There is no one stronger than you.  They all saw you fight.  Show your power now.  Let me see how much power you have.”  They folded their hands and said: “we have no strength.  It’s all from your compassion that we get strength.  We can tell the court of the strength you gave us.  These Rajas that sit here, they rule the area; the army that they have, we can pick up their whole army and flip them by your blessing.  The Pahari Kahloor and Handoor, we can pick them both and destroy them.  We can smash the mountains by your blessing.  We can mix them to dust.  We await your command.  We won’t delay it then.  Don’t think we are lying.  If someone doubts us, they can test us.”  The Rajas heard this and got scared.  They were surprised at the wrestlers’ confidence.  The Rajas got scared and began to tremble.  They figured: “the Guru figured out what we wanted to do.  That’s why he asked to have wrestling matches.  The Guru is the master of powers.”  The egos of the Rajas were broken. 

Both Rajas got up and bowed to Guru ji’s feet.  They asked for forgiveness without ego: “we were proud of our kingdoms.  We made a mistake as we are unwise.  Forgive us.  You are compassionate.  See us as your servants.”  Satguru ji laughed and became compassionate.  He said: “don’t show your pride with the Guru’s home.  Stay humble in front of the Guru.”  The Rajas heard Satguru ji and became humble.  They let their ego go.  They went to their homes after a few days. 

9-8 Bhagat Bhagavan

A Sanyasi named “Bhagavan Giri” travelled through many lands.  When his good karma came to fruition, he came to Punjab.  He was looking for bliss, although being highly educated in the Vedas and the Shastras.  He heard of the glories of the Satguru within Punjab.  He heard them from everyone he met.  Slowly, love for the Guru began to flourish in his heart.  The fortunate Sanyasi wished to do the Darshan of the Guru.  He belonged to the Giri faction of the Sanyasi Panth so he had discarded the ego of his money and family.  He wanted to do the Darshan of the Guru.  This wish arose in his heart: “if this is the Avatar of the Parmeshwar, who has come to earth in human form; then I want to see him as the “Chaturbhuj” form of the Parmeshwar, the form of Vishnu with four arms.  I will become his Sikh if he does this for me.  I have heard his praises in the whole world.”  The omniscient Satguru sensed this. 

Guru Har Rai ji took on the form of the Chaturbhuj form when Bhagavan Giri ji came into the Darbar of Satguru ji.  Guru Har Rai ji took on the dark colour of the flax flower.  His eyes were big, like the lotus petals.  He held a conch, mace, Sudharshan Chakra and a lotus flower in each of his 4 hands.  His face was beautiful and his eyebrows were round like a bow.  His clothes were yellow with a Vaijanti Mala around his neck.  The beautiful form could not be described.  His eyes were filled with compassion and blessings.  He was smiling.  This form was the ocean of beauty.  Shaishnaag and Sharda could not quantify this form.  When Bhagavan Giri ji saw this form, he was filled with bliss and lost senses of his body.  It was the most radiant form of Parmeshwar.  After a while, when he returned to his senses.  He bowed down like a staff in front of Guru Har Rai ji.  He said to Guru ji: “I have come to your shelter.  Please keep me in your sanctuary.  I am without support.  Make me your Sikh, oh Master.  You are the master of the 3 Loks, oh omniscient one.  You are compassionate towards the weak.  This is your Dharma.  Save me from the world ocean.”  Guru ji came back into his human form.  Guru Har Rai ji said to him: “you saw the form of Hari.  This is what you wanted.  Baba Sri Chand ji was the son of Guru Nanak Dev ji.  He blessed his grandson, Baba Mehar Chand ji (Baba Laxmi Das ji’s son was Baba Dharam Chand ji.  Baba Mehar Chand ji and Baba Manak Chand ji were Baba Dharam Chand ji’s son).  Baba Mehar Chand ji is blessed as the highest in the Bedi family.  Go and meet him.  He will complete your wishes.  He is my form, trust me.  Don’t see that place and this place as different.  Both forms are the same, known as two.  Do his Seva.”

In Dera Baba Nanak, Baba Mehar Chand ji lived.  The Ravi had overflowed and flowed over the resting place of Guru Nanak Dev ji’s final cloth.  Baba Sri Chand ji came to the well of Ajita Randhawa where Guru Nanak Dev ji used to bathe.  Baba Sri Chand ji made the new Dera there and named it “Dera Baba Nanak.”  It is 3 km away from Kartarpur on the India side of the Border.  Maharaja Ranjit Singh ji constructed the Gurduara during his time.  Sri Bhagavan Giri ji came to Dera Baba Nanak to meet Baba Mehar Chand ji.  He bowed to the feet of Baba Mehar Chand ji.  He took on the Udaasi form of the Udaasi Panth.  He received the Mantra of Satnam from Baba Mehar Chand ji.  He was then known as “Bhagat Bhagavan ji” from Bhagavan Giri.  He became a Brahmgyaani and travelled the world. 

Wherever Bhagat Bhagavan ji went, he preached the path of the Guru.  When Bhagat Bhagavan ji would go to other lands, people did not meet him with interest.  He was surprised to see this.  He travelled many places and got upset.  He came back to Baba Mehar Chand ji and told him his experiences: “nobody listened to my preaching.  They knew about the glory of the Satguru and trusted Gurbani though.”  Baba Mehar Chand ji said: “Bhagat Bhavan, go to the place where the Gurta is illuminating.  The Guru will complete your wish.  Go to the Throne to get permission.  Spread your wisdom after that.  Everyone will trust you then.  People will do as you say.  You have already seen the greatness of the Guru.  Why don’t you have faith in him?”  Bhagat Bhagavan ji wanted to see Guru Har Rai ji.  He came to Kiratpur.  He regretted the fact that he did not follow the Guru: “I became an Udaasi but didn’t think of the Guru again.  I thought I was great.  I should have come back to the Guru to do his Darshan.  I should have come back here for his blessing.  The Guru is omniscient.  Who knows the faults of a sinner like me.  He showed me the form of Hari and washed the sins of my millions of lives.  I didn’t look towards his greatness.  I am at fault.  I didn’t go to do his Seva again.  He made me his own.  My wisdom was faulty.  I thought I was great.  The Guru is complete.”  He had love in his heart.  He shed tears.  His throat swelled with emotion.  He was under love and didn’t know where he was.  He only saw the Guru in every place.  He sometimes ran and yelled out loud: “forgive me!”  He would sometimes stop and cry.  He would walk and stop.  He was upset.  He couldn’t speak nor stay quiet.  He was like a drunk person.  He lost his senses.  His eyes were filled with tears and couldn’t see the path to walk on.  He got tired with love.  After a few days, he finally made it to Kiratpur, where Guru ji was.

Bhagat Bhagavan ji came to Guru ji’s court and put the dirt on his forehead.  As soon as he saw Guru Har Rai ji, Guru ji gave him Mukti and broke all of his bonds.  Guru ji said: “come forward Bhagat Bhavan!  You have been accepted in the highest court.”  Bhagat Bhagavan ji heard this and grabbed Guru ji’s feet.  His senses were exhausted from the Maya of the world.  He was above the world now.  Seeing the love for Hari in his heart, Guru Har Rai ji made the name of Hari illuminate in his heart.  Guru ji put his hand on Bhagat Bhagavan ji’s head and said: “go to the east now.  With my command, go and spread wisdom to the inhabitants of the East.  Everyone will listen to you now and follow what you say.  Whoever meets you will bow to you.”  Receiving the command of Guru ji, Bhagat Bhagvan ji went to the east and spread the wisdom to the people.  He had the radiance of Hari in his heart now.  Whoever saw him, bowed to his feet, seeing his radiance.  Bhagat Bhagavan ji would make a hut for himself, wherever he went.  He would sit there and meditate on Guru Har Rai ji.  In this way, Bhagat Bhagvan ji blessed the lands of the East.  He blessed thousands and gave them the gift of Naam.  His Panth was known as one of the Bakshish of the Udaasi Panth.  The Udaasis had spread Sikhi from Tajikistan to Sri Lanka by travelling and staying in one place for only 40 days.  They taught everyone Japji Sahib and showed them the path of Sikhi.

From some land, Sangat came to do the Darshan of Guru Har Rai ji.  They bowed and placed many gifts in front of Guru ji.  They stayed with Guru ji for many days.  They did an Ardaas to Guru ji: “we are only Sikhs by name but we belong to you, Satguru ji.  Please destroy our doubts.  We recite Gurbani everyday but we do not know the meanings or traditions.  The path that the Guru’s Shabad tells, we cannot follow it nor earn it.  We recite and sing Gurbani everyday.  We do the Paath everyday though.  What will happen to us in the end?  What will become of us?  This doubt is in our hearts all the time.  This question goes deeper in time for us.”  They all said this by standing up and folding their hands. 

Sri Guru Har Rai ji did not say anything.  The doubts remained in the hearts of the Sikhs.  Guru ji mounted his horse and went out to hunt.  He took the Sangat with him.  At this time, it had just finished raining.  The sun came out and shined straight on to the ground.  As Guru ji rode his horse, on the way, there was a broken clay pot on the ground.  There were pieces of the broken clay near it that shined in the sunlight.  This clay pot was a pot that held ghee at one time.  Guru ji stopped his horse and told the Sikhs to get the broken pieces of the clay pot.  The Sevadaars brought the pieces.  Guru Har Rai ji picked up a piece and said: “you asked about reading Bani and not knowing its meanings.  Listen to the answer now.  The one who earns the Guru’s Shabad with love, they receive the joys of Mukti and the joys of the world.  The one who follows the meaning of the Shabad, the one who recites Gurbani everyday, they read it with discipline everyday, the radiance of the Paath, what it does, listen to my words: just as the broken pieces of the clay pot carried ghee many years ago, the fat is still shining in the sun till today.  The ones who read Gurbani everyday, the moisture of Gurbani remains inside of them till the end.  The oiliness of the ghee remained in the pieces of clay.  The oiliness of the Bani remains within the mind of the Sikh.  It will sprout its fruit in the end time.  Just as sesame seed oil is pressed and mixed with flowers, it becomes “Fulaail” which is fragrant and more expensive; Gurbani makes a person fragrant and takes away the pain during the end-time.”  The Sikhs heard this from the Guru and did his Parkarma with their hands folded.  They all had deeper faith in the Guru.  Their desire to recite Gurbani got deeper.  They read Gurbani with love.  The Sikhs bowed to Guru ji’s feet.  They saw themselves as fortunate.  They saw Gurbani as the giver of peace and joy.  The Gurbani washes the sins away of the sinner.  Reciting Gurbani gives one the highest status.  The Sikhs wanted to recite Gurbani in any which way they could.  Some understood the meanings and some didn’t; some read with love and some read without love.  They all still recited Gurbani everyday.  Some read for a half hour and some read for 3 hours.  Some read it all day and all night.  They all read it with discipline.

Guru ji came back home after hunting.  He brought back many deer and raised them.  He gave wisdom to bless the Sikhs.  Guru ji was benevolent and wanted everyone to attain Mukti. 

9-9 Shah Jahan Falls Ill/ The Shahzada Rebels

Now listen to the story of the Turks, oh wise listeners.  How they tried to deceive the Satguru, I will state it now.  Without stating this story, one may fall into doubt.  Listen to as it happened.  Listen to how the conflict with the Satguru began.  Shah Jahan, the Badshah of the Turks, had 4 sons.  Shah Jahan ruled the whole land.  His kingdom had grown to 22 Soobas.  He was a Chakravarti Raja who ruled in all 4 directions.  The lands were all under him.  His command went far.  Everyone was afraid of him.  All of the Rajas of the Hindus were under him.  They stood in his court with their hands folded.  They sold their honor to the Badshah.  The beautiful daughters of the Hindu Kings were taken by the Mughals.  This was a dishonorable time for the Hindu Kings.  The reputation of the Hindu Dharma was stained.  Just as the moon was stained, that’s how the warrior Rajputs were stained.  There was no solution to this.  The Rajputs had to discard their honor, warriorism and patience.  They were under the command of the Turks.  When the Mughals called the Rajput Rajas, they came running to their call.  Wherever the Mughals would send them, that’s where they had to go.  They were without power.  They were the slaves of the Mughals.  If the Badshah got angry, he would send his army and have the Rajput Rajas killed.  Whoever didn’t obey the slightest command of the Badshah, the Badshah would punish them with his army.  If a Rajput king disobeyed, he was called to the Mughal court and told to wear a Chola with poison laced on the inside.  The Rajput couldn’t say no to wearing the Chola.  The Mughals killed all of their opponents.  They would leave the Hindu Rajas with nothing. 

The Mughals had a lot of wealth.  Their army was numbered at 2.2 million.  There was no counting their assets.  They had all of the wealth of the world in Delhi.  Everyone came to Delhi with their taxes.  Many warrior kings, Rajputs, had their prides destroyed.  They had to give their daughters to the Mughals to stay alive.  The regular Hindus were worse off.  They begged the Turks for relief.  Their religion was being taken away.  No one could stand in front of the tyrants.  Shah Jahan ruled for a long time.  He had some Tapasya from his previous births that gave him this kingdom.  His eldest son was Dara Shikoh, whom he loved a lot.  He saw him as the wisest and kept him close.  He wanted Dara Shikoh to be the Emperor because he was altruistic and religious.  He had the Upanishads translated to Farsi.  He was declared as the “Vali Ahed,” the crowned Prince.  The second son was Mohammed Suja.  He was given the Soobadaari of Bengal.  Many Rajas were under him.  The third son was Nauranga (Aurangzeb).  He was corrupt-minded.  He was the Soobadaar of the South.  He was the ruler of that area.  The youngest was Muraad Baksh, looking over Gujarat.  The sons ruled their respective areas.  They took pleasures in their own ways and enjoyed their rules.  For many years, they gathered wealth and soldiers.  They all wanted to be the Emperor.  They all made plans to some how be the Emperor.  This worried them deeply.  They gathered money to make an attempt to be the Emperor. 

All of the princes lived in their own palaces.  They did what they wanted to in their areas.  Shah Jahan lived in Delhi.  Dara Shikoh lived with him.  After a long time, Shah Jahan fell ill as he got older.  His illness got worse by the day.  He tried to get treatment but there was no getting better.  The Soobas and Umraavs of the highest status were not able to meet the Badshah when he was bedridden.  The ones that lived in Delhi, they were told not to come to see the Badshah either.  The Badshah was anxious with his sickness.  He didn’t like anything anymore.  Dara Shikoh was the only one that could meet the Badshah.  He took care of his father.  The Hakeems would direct Dara Shikoh on what to do.

A lot of rumours spread in the lands: “the Shah is sick and may have already died.  We haven’t seen him for a long time.  It seems like he has died but they have covered up the truth.  The elder son is hiding the truth.  He is making all of the preparations.”  People made up a lot of controversies.  They all presented their arguments and spread the rumours.  These rumours spread throughout the other lands.  They all thought that Shah Jahan had died but this was kept as a secret.  When the thieves found out, they started to loot the people of the land.  The weak were looted by the strong.  The thieves began to kill people and steal from them.  The land went into chaos.  The land began to lose order. 

When Dara Shikoh heard of the rumours, he thought to himself: “I will have to take over the Throne of Delhi.”  He read all of the letters of the Royal Mail.  He gave the orders for all of the Soobas.  He understood the problems and gave out his command on behalf of the Badshah.  He ordered people to be jailed or let go.  He did it all.  He gave rewards to some, as his father usually did.  The ambassadors bowed to Dara Shikoh now.  The administrative work was taken over by Dara Shikoh.  Everyone bowed to him.  Nobody was allowed to see Shah Jahan.  They were all stopped.  People lost trust regarding the state of the Emperor.  Nobody knew if he was alive or not.  They thought he was dead, although he was still alive.  Many other controversies were made.  The whole country argued.  The Soobas thought the Emperor had died as well.  They made preparations to gain independence or to become the Emperor.  They stopped paying their full taxes.  They took money and kept it with them.  They were all ready to fight battles for the Throne.

The regular citizens didn’t want to travel, fearing the thieves.  There were many instances of people being looted in their travels by robbers.  Darkness spread throughout the land.  Nobody listened to the pleas of the poor.  The police had no direction.  They were bribed by the robbers.  This spread throughout the land.  The princes all heard this and decided to attack Delhi.  Muraad Baksh, the youngest, who was in Gujarat; he claimed his independence.  He arrested the Queen of Gujarat and took her wealth.  He had the Queen and her staff beaten up or killed.  He had all of the royal treasury taken under his command.  He killed his own Divaan, seeing him as a loyal of Dara Shikoh.  He took everything under his own command.  He took over the lands close to his area.  He looted everything and killed any opposition.  He prepared his army for war.  He made his army grow.  He collected canons and ammunitions.  He gave horses and guns to his soldiers.  He gave gifts to his generals.  He bought their loyalty.  He gave some generals golden jighas and Kalgis.  Some were given money and precious gems.  When he was prepared, the news of his readiness reached Bengal. 

Suja Mohammed began to do the same thing in Bengal as his brother did in Gujarat.  Suja Mohammed took over the kings and took their wealth under his possession.  He surrounded the royal treasuries and armies and took them under his command.  He made plans and took all of the wealth from Bengal to Kanshi.  He started from Patna and won the other areas.  He was taking his father’s posts and putting them under his command.  He won Kanshi.  Whoever joined him, they were rewarded by Suja Mohammed.  He gave weapons and horses to his soldiers.  He gave them money and wealth.  He showed his power to all.  His rule was all the way to Kanshi.  Suja Mohammed was very happy.  He gathered a bigger army.  The whole land was in chaos.  He looted the weak. 

9-10 Attacking Suja Mohammed

There was chaos in the country.  The roads were blocked.  War was threatening the country.  The men and women, old and young, were scared.  They were like the passengers on a sinking ship.  Dara Shikoh got news of the conflicts.  He said to Shah Jahan: “there is chaos in the country.  Bengal, Bihar and other areas are in chaos.  The people are afraid and in pain.  The Shahzadas have caused chaos.  They are mobilized and getting ready for rebellions.  You will have to come out of your period of absence and crush these rebellions.  By moving around, you can crush this.  Otherwise they will send their armies to Delhi.  Send your army and arrest the rebels.  You need to come out like the sun.  You need to be radiant so the country can be in peace again.  When it’s dark, thieves, owls and vultures become strong.  During the day, they all hide.”  Shah Jahan heard his son and stayed quiet.  He was helpless.  He regretted his state.  His own sons were going to rebel against him.  The Badshah was sick and the country was deteriorating.  He was stuck, like a person being chained and strangled at the same time.  His mind was drowning in worry.  He had no support.  He didn’t know how to be at peace.  Joy and sorry are with every human; whether they are king or pauper.  The Badshah thought hard at night.  He agreed to move and had preparations made. 

A ship was prepared for the Badshah’s bed to be travelled in the Jamuna.  The ship had rooms and beds.  It was solid and well-built for about 200 people.  Many people were on board.  The ship was covered.  The Badshah boarded the ship.  It travelled slowly.  The soldiers travelled along the shore.  Where Akbarabad is, the army was camped.  They ate and slept there.  The Rajput kings all came there.  Lakhs of armies were gathered there.  Canons, swivel guns and rifles were gathered.  The canons could destroy the mountains.  The Badshah reached there in his ship.  Everyone saw the Badshah but still didn’t believe that he was alive.  The Badshah was on his bed still, and wasn’t able to meet anyone.  People said that the ship was a farce and that the Badshah had died.  People didn’t believe that he was alive.  The Rajas and the Umraavs stayed at the camp.  They didn’t think the Badshah was alive either.  The spies brought news to the Emperor of Suja Mohammed reaching Kanshi after taking over the East: “he has taken Bangla and other lands.  He has taken over all of the royal posts.  He has taken Patna and is now in Kanshi.  He has a big army.  He seems to be getting ready for a war with you.  He has looted the areas and collected a lot of wealth.”  Dara Shikoh heard this and became very angry.  He had discussions with his advisors. 

Jai Singh Kachvaha, the Raja of Jaipur, was called with respect.  Dara Shikoh said to him: “take the royal army along with the canons and swivel guns; take elephants, horses; take my sons with you; go and fight my brother Suja Mohammed.  Tell him to stop his attack.  You are wise.  Try to get him to understand.  Your name is Jai Singh.  You have been victorious in every battle.  That’s why I am sending you.”

Raja Jai Singh had his Nagaras sounded and took his big army to attack.  He had many canons and a lot of gunpowder.  He travelled to Kanshi and met Suja Mohammed.  Suja Mohammed was not ready as he was filled with pride.  Near Kanshi, was a place named Bahadhurpur.  Suja Mohammed was there with his army.  Jai Singh had sent his spies out to get news.  They came and told him: “Suja Mohammed is asleep.  He is not ready.”  Jai Singh attacked on Suja Mohammed’s camp.  He attacked with canons, rifles, arrows and swords.  It was a fierce battle.  Many warriors were cut and taken down.  Many elephants and horses fell and suffered to death.  Many were cut and killed.  It was a chaotic battle.  The son of the Badshah got scared.  He boarded a ship and ran away.  He didn’t take care of his army.  He ran away to a city named Mungher.  His camp was looted by the royal forces.  Suja Mohammed got scared that his father and brother will kill him for treason.  He didn’t stay in Mungher and ran to Bengal.  He went to his old place and continued collecting his wealth again.  He gathered another army.

Patna and Mungher were big cities, which Jai Singh took under the Royal flag again.  He gave hope to the people of that area and calmed them down.  He was victorious and completed the needed tasks.  Suja Mohammed’s Umraavs were caught.  They couldn’t run away.  They were considered rebels and arrested.  Jai Singh sent a letter of victory to the Badshah along with the arrested Umraavs.  They were sent on camels that travelled non-stop.  They all came to Akbarabad.

Dara Shikoh heard the news of the victory and was very happy.  He saw the arrested Umraavs and called them to him.  He laughed at them in mockery.  He said: “where is your Mohammed Suja, your king?  He ran away shamelessly.  You were the Umraavs of such a coward, who left you in trouble.  Go back to Bengal and congratulate him for being alive, still.  Tell him not to do such a thing again.  Tell him not to hit your own foot with an axe.”  Dara Shikoh released all of the prisoners, as he had a compassionate heart. 

The Umraavs went back to Bengal and said to Suja Mohammed: “this is what your brother said: you did a very bad thing attacking your father and brother.  Don’t do such a thing again.  Continue your rule.”  Dara Shikoh wrote a Parwana to Jai Singh: “Jai Singh, stay where you are.  Run the area of the East.  Stay there for a while.”  In this way, the rebellion was crushed.  This is how the East rebellion was done.  The Badshah was in Akbarabad for many months.  Listen to the Katha of the other rebellions in short.