1-1 Manglacharan/ Bhagata Graam
Ik Oankaar Satgur Prasaad.
The treasure of compassion was compassionate with me. He gave me strength for this tremendous task of writing this Granth. I wanted this Granth to be completed and so I am close to completion by the grace of Prabhoo Akaal.
The Jewellery of the Bedis is shining bright like the sun without any faults. Looking at him, the sins of darkness and hypocrisy hide like the stars. Guru Nanak Dev ji took down the Peers, Sidhs, Powerful and wise people from the mountain of ego; bringing them to humility and Prema Bhagti. He travelled lands, near and foreign, lit the light in Jambu Deep and blessed millions of Sikhs from this world. He removed the poison of many vices; pacified the arguers; opened the locks of attachment. His glory spread. He is the support of his servants. He is my protector.
The form of bliss; the pure and high-minded one, Sri Guru Angad Dev ji and Satguru Amar ji, doing their Simran gave me joy. Guru Ram Das ji completed my wishes, seeing me as his servant. Sri Guru Arjan Dev ji destroyed my obstacles. Guru Hargobind ji, the moon, the worship-worthy, I bowed to him and he destroyed my bondages. Guru Har Rai ji and Guru Har Krishan ji completed my needs. Guru Tegh Bahadhur ji and Guru Gobind Singh ji, the destroyer of enemies; they completed my wish completing this Granth. Such the Satguru has been by my side and helped me in every way.
Such the Gurus, killed the enemies; are the form of bliss. I fold my hands to the lotus feet of the Givers of Mukti. I pray to them to grant me the highest form of bliss, the Parmanand.
I first wrote the history of Sri Guru Nanak Dev ji in the Sri Nanak Prakash Granth. I then wrote the history of the next 8 Gurus in 12 Raas. I then wrote 6 Ruts from the birth of Guru Gobind Singh ji. The remaining Katha will be written in 2 Ains (the path of the Sun). I wrote them by meditating on Saraswati in my heart. Dakhanain and Uttarain are the two paths of the Sun in a year. The Dakhanain begins on June 21/22 and the Uttarain begins on December 21/22. I wrote them in poetry, which were bright. The wise ones understand the 2 Ains. I have stated the “Radiance of the Guru” in the form of the Sun. That is why I named it the “Gur Pratap Sooraj Granth.” I request the Sangat to understand why I have named it as such.
Sharda is the giver of wisdom to her servants. She is white like mercury. She gives the poets the other shore. Her face is like the full moon of the winter months. She is the destroyer of poverty. She gives good wisdom to the Kavis. She gives like the cloud gives abundant rain.
The history now continues.
Sri Prabhoo ji travelled from Deena and arrived in a village. Guru ji stood there and said: “what is the name of this village?” One of the farmers said: “the name of this village is Rukhala.” Guru ji said to the farmer in a corrective way: “don’t call it Rukhala. From now on, call it Rukhwala.” Guru ji set up a Dhera there. The Singhs got off their horses and began to gather grass and wood. The Panchs of Jalal village gathered and had discussions. They got ready to meet Guru ji. They brought two big pots of milk and some gurrh Prashaad. They came and bowed to Guru ji’s feet. They gifted a very sharp spear to Guru ji. Sri Prabhoo ji accepted the gifts. He was happy to see them. The Panchs of Jalal saw Guru ji happy and said: “these nearby villages are in conflict with us. We sometimes get into fights. Some people die. Please say by your mouth that we will win. Your words are always true. Say that we will win.” Guru ji said: “stay faithful to the Guru’s home. If you fight, you will win. Whoever will attack, they will lose.” Guru ji gave this boon. The Panchs did other Sevas. After this, whenever they fought, they always won.
Many years passed. When the Singhs spread out there, the army came there; the people of Jalal caused problems. They killed 2 Singhs at night and stole 5 horses. In the morning, the Khalsa found out. They mounted their horses and sounded their Nagaras. They destroyed Jalal and looted their homes. The people of Jalal thought of Guru ji’s words then: “be faithful to the Guru’s home. Only then would you win. If you turn your backs, you will be in pain. You will have to suffer the punishment and be beaten.” The people of Jalal said to themselves: “we made a grave mistake. We should ask for forgiveness.” They took 5 Rupees of Karah and went to the Khalsa. They told them everything and folded their hands. They asked for forgiveness. Their village was destroyed but where Guru ji’s Dhera had been, a new village was established there. It was named “Gurusar.” It still exists in my time. This was the first Dhera from leaving Deena. Prabhoo ji thought it was good place. Guru ji spent the night in peace.
In the morning, everyone woke up and bathed. They all saddled their horses and travelled on. After a few Kos was the Bhagata Village. There was a beautiful Pippal tree there. Guru ji stopped the horse there. He gave his horse to a servant and got off. Rugs were laid out. Guru ji sat there with joy. Guru ji casted his vision all around. There was a well being built there. There was a person there who saw Guru ji and came close. Guru ji asked him: “who is building this well? Whose village and whose homes are these?” The person said: “this is Bhai Behlo ji’s grandson. His name is Bhagata. This is his village. He is having the well built.” Satguru ji heard this and said: “the money of the Badshah is used. The name of the village is Saboon, soap. As it happened before, the same will happen here.” The Sikhs heard this and asked: “what is the story? Tell us Prabhoo ji. We wish to hear what happened.” Sri Satguru ji spoke of the history: “there was a big Divaan of the Turks. His name was Ramoo. He had a daughter. He came to Anandpur. He bowed and stated his story: “my daughter is possessed by a Prayt. If there is a wise Gursikh, they can take the Prayt out so it can’t enter it again. Many tried but nobody could do that. For this reason, I come to the Guru’s court and I say my request.” Everyone heard this and looked towards Bhai Bhagata ji. Bhai Bhagata ji understood what everyone wanted and said: “don’t worry. Everything will be well.” Ramoo was happy to hear this. He did the Seva and took Bhai Bhagta ji to Lahore. Bhai Bhagata ji took the Prayt out. The Divaan then said with his hands folded: “tell me what you wish. See me as your servant. I will do your Seva as you wish.” Bhai Bhagata ji heard this and said: “I need a well in my village. Bricks are hard to find there. They can’t be found around. Give me a brick kiln. I need to make a well there.” Ramoo was surprised to hear this. He said: “you can take as many bricks as you wish but how will they reach there so far away? They can’t be sent on camels or carts. A lot of money will need to be spent. Tell me the solution.” Bhai Bhagata ji said: “still, give me the bricks. It’s not hard for me to take them there. I will take them there in one night. The bricks will reach easily. The well will be built.”
Ramoo gave him a kiln. To keep watch, a man was posted there while the bricks were baked. Bhai Bhagata ji called the Prayts to carry the bricks. The Prayts took the bricks in 3 hours. The man who kept watch couldn’t see what was happening. He went to Ramoo and said: “I heard a lot of noise but I couldn’t see any form or colour. The bricks all travelled very fast.” Ramoo heard this and was surprised. In this way, Bhai Bhagata had this well made. The ghosts still made the well. They bring the brick and mortar. Guru Arjan Dev ji was happy with Bhai Behlo ji and gave him the command of all the ghosts and Prayts. The Bhoots and Prayts of every direction are under his command. They live in his home.” Satguru ji sat and told everyone the story. In this time, someone said to Bhai Bhagata ji: “Guru ji is here, sitting under a Pippal tree. Guru ji told everything to everyone. There are some Singhs with him. Satguru ji, the master, is sitting near the well.” Bhai Bhagata ji had 5 sons. From the elder woman he had a son named Gurdas. From his other wife he had: Tara, Bhara, Mehra and Bakhta. The five of them got ready right away. They decorated a nice horse. They saddled it with a silver saddle. They brought it to Guru ji. They bowed and felt happy to do Guru ji’s Darshan. They sat down, folded their hands and said: “somebody lied to you. This well is very small. We received everything from you. In our family; small, big, men and women; from the beginning they are your servants. Jewellery and maid, whose are they? The fools don’t understand this. Our household and wealth are all yours. Everyone else is a beggar. Only you are the giver.” Guru ji looked towards the 5 brothers and saw that they were sitting without ego and their hands were folded. Guru ji smiled and said: “you are all mine. The whole world knows this.” Guru ji asked them how they were and spoke with joy. Guru ji took the strong horse. The brothers said: “please make our home pure. We wish for your lotus feet to step into our home. The whole family will be happy then. Complete the wish of your servants.” Prabhoo ji heard this and went to their home.
A bed was laid out with great sheets. They asked Satguru ji to sit there. The family stood and said: “our family is Sahijdhaari. Our wish is that whatever we prepare, you command us.” Guru ji blessed them and said: “my blessing is upon your family. I am happy with you. I accept everything of yours.” The ladies of the household all came and bowed with devotion. Guru ji had their food and have them a lot of joy. He casually came back to his tent and laid down. The servants set up the Dhera. The saddles were taken off of the horses and put down.
1-2 Bhai Behlo’s Descendants/ Ghunghania Singh
Sending grass and grains for the horses, they did a lot of Seva of the Singhs and horses; the sons of Bhai Bhagata ji. They prepared delicious foods and brought them with love. Guru ji’s plate was prepared and placed in front of him. Everyone else began to eat then. Guru ji ate till satiation and then drank water. Guru Bhagavan ji then washed his hands. He slept at night with peace.
Guru ji woke up at Amritvela and did his daily cleansing routines. He bathed and got dressed with his clothes and weapons. The 5 brothers came to Guru ji. Bhai Maan Singh ji asked: “how many sons did Bhai Behlo ji have? What was your father’s name? Tell me the history of your family.” Bhai Gurdas ji, the eldest son of Bhai Bhagata ji, spoke: “when Sri Guru Arjan Dev ji blessed Bhai Behlo ji, he came back and was always in a carefree state with his mind always focused in the Guru. His mind never went towards worldly things. He stayed in a single blissful state. He sat in a casual state. If he would stare off into the distance, he would keep staring for hours. If he closed his eyes, he’d keep them closed for hours. One day, a lot of Sangat came. They came and bowed to Bhai Behlo ji. He had one son named Bhai Nanoo ji. Bhai Nanoo ji had 3 sons. Bhai Behlo ji saw the Sangat and commanded the servant: “bring the big pots and pans with water from our home. We will wash the feet of the Sikhs. They travelled far. We will make them rest.” The servant went to the home and began looking for the biggest dish. It was the Greekham Rut (summer). There was a big dish with water in it. Bhai Nanoo ji’s 3 sons were placed in a huge pot. Their mother was bathing the boys. The servants asked for the pot but the mother said: “I am bathing my sons in the cool and pure water. It is not empty that you can take. I am bathing my sons with cold water.” The servant came back to Bhai Behlo ji. He told him everything. Bhai Behlo ji knew that the mother of the boys was egotistical: “my daughter-in-law is becoming a Bemukh towards the Guru. She spoke out of pride of her sons. Her sons will die and the pot will stay here. She saw her sons better than the Satsangat. Their age will finish.” This is what Bhai Behlo ji said. All 3 of his grandsons died. The father of the boys, Bhai Nanoo ji, was upset. He was in sorrow from attachment of his sons. He then began to do a lot of Seva of his father. He gave him baths and washed his feet. He made food and fed his father with love. He did a lot of types of Sevas. He would sit near his father’s bed and do his Seva. He stayed near his father’s bed. When Bhai Behlo ji called for his son, he would fold his hands and do what he said.
One day, Bhai Behlo ji was really happy with his son and said: “what wish do you have in your heart? Ask for it from me.” Bhai Nanoo ji folded his hands and said: “may your family remain in this world. This is my only wish. This would be your greatness.” Bhai Behlo ji heard this and said: “ask for something else.” Bhai Nanoo ji said: “I only need a son. If you are happy with me, then give me this.” Three times he asked but Bhai Nanoo ji only wanted a son. Bhai Behlo ji was happy and said: “you will have a son with great virtues. Name him Bhagata. Your wish will be fulfilled.” He gave his son the boon of having a son and so Bhai Bhagata ji was born by his words. We are Bhai Bhagata ji’s sons. From two mothers, the five of us were born.” Bhai Gurdas ji spoke of his family’s history.
Prabhoo ji got ready for a hunt and had all the preparations made. He mounted his horse along with the other Brar riders. Guru ji went really far into the jungle. He heard a partridge chirping in the distance. Sri Satguru ji, the Omnipotent One, heard this and said: “landowners always fight over land. They leave their bodies but their desires never extinguish out.” The Singhs asked: “what did you say? Paatshaah ji, tell us the whole story.” Sri Guru ji heard this and told them the partridge’s story: “this teetar was the owner of this jungle land. He died but he stays here. He recognizes his old land and stays here. He doesn’t leave it to go anywhere else. One of its eyes are damaged. Go and capture him.” The Sikhs all went to catch the partridge. The teetar tried to hide. The Singhs chased him and tired him out. One of the Singhs grabbed him and brought him to Guru ji. Everyone looked and noticed one of the eyes of the Teetar were damaged. Seeing this, the Singhs all bowed to Guru ji, over and over again in amazement. They folded their hands and said: “what will happen to him? He has met you now due to his good fortune. Because of good Karma, he met you. Whomever you wish to bless, they end up meeting you.” Sri Prabhoo ji said: “he has taken many births. He died and let go of many bodies. He still doesn’t let go of his land. He is stuck in the chain of attachment. He keeps coming back. He has done my Darshan so his sins are all washed now. The bondage of birth and death are broken.” Guru ji blessed the teetar and then went forward hunting.
Satguru ji went deep into the jungle and then came back. He got off and had the camp set up. Many Singhs sat around Guru ji, like Ram Chander ji among the Munis. One Singh lived in Bhai Bhagata village. He had a young child. He was gone out and came back home. He heard of Guru ji’s arrival in the village. He quickly boiled chickpeas and prepared ghunghania. He prepared them with salt, pepper and spices. He got ready with his Kumerkassa. He bathed his son and prepared him to go too. He tied a Kumerkassa to the son as well. He took the ghunghanias as well. Both father and son came to Guru Gobind Singh ji. They did his Darshan and bowed. They said the Vahiguru ji ki Fateh to Guru ji. They stood with their hands folded. Guru ji, the Gareeb Nivaaj, saw the Singh and smiled. He said: “what is this child’s name? He is standing in front of me with full attention.” The Sikh then said: “we haven’t named him yet. We wish for you to name him from your mouth. Name him with love. We are your servants forever. You gave us joy in this world and in the next.” Sri Guru ji smiled and said: “Ghunghania Singh is a good name. Keep this name for him. Don’t call him anything else.” The Singh was happy to hear this from Guru ji. He thought to himself: “I had my son blessed from the court.” The Singh distributed the ghunghania. They were delicious and so everyone ate them.
Langar was made in the evening. Everyone ate. Guru ji ate and went to sleep. As Guru ji slept, many Bhoots and Prayts came to Guru ji with humility. They stood in front of Guru ji and made their request: “Sri Guru Arjan Dev ji had us captured and we have been here for a long time. We stay under the command of their whole family. Whatever they tell us to do, we do that. We are all jailed in one place. We are in pain there. They give us about 5 Maunds of chickpeas but we are in the millions. Nothing else comes into our hands. We ate that everyday. We live in pain with them. Now we wish for you to free us. Save us from the pain of jail. We want to be free and roam the other lands. We will still remain under their command. As the Bhai Behlo ji’s family says, we will do without doubt. With our good fortune, you have come to us. If our troubles are not solved now, who else is omnipotent that can save us? Other than you, nobody else will help us to make our pain go away. You came after fighting a huge war. We come to request you.” Guru ji heard of the pains of the Bhoots. He took his blanket off from his face and gave hope to the Bhoots. He said: “don’t worry. Tomorrow I will solve your problems. You can go now. I heard your requests.” The Jagan Nath heard their requests.
Guru ji slept the night and woke up at Amritvela. He did his daily cleansing routines and bathed. As the day came, the 5 brothers came to Guru ji. Sri Guru ji said to them: “the Bhoots and Prayts you have captured, release them all. The people of Kaliyuga are becoming corrupt by the day. Their wisdom is diminishing. Their bad wisdom is getting strong. They will all become Bhoots. They will still obey your command. Wherever Bhai Behlo ji’s name will be said, they won’t be able to stay there. They will be under your command. They will work hard to pull bricks and mortar. They will do the work of your home. For this reason, let them go.” When Satguru ji said this, the jail area where the Bhoots all stayed; the powerful Bhoots all stayed there; the brothers obeyed Guru ji and released all of the Bhoots. Every one of the Bhoots were really happy to be released. They bowed to Guru ji, doing his Darshan. The Bhoots all bowed to the 5 brothers as well. The Bhoots went their own ways. In this way, Sri Prabhoo ji spent 3 days in Bhagata Village. Guru ji had preparations made in the morning and had the whole Dhera move out.
1-3 Going to Bandar, Bargaari, Behbal and Sioravi
Guru ji casually went hunting with his men during his travels. They all came to a village, some Kos away. Guru ji saw the village and said: “what is the name of this village? You Brars live around this area. You must know the name of the village.” The Brars folded their hands and said: “this village is named Bandar.” The Sikhs of foreign lands heard the name and were surprised. They said: “this is interesting. Did monkeys establish this village? The ones that live in trees?” Satguru ji heard this and smiled. Sri Guru ji then told them what the story was: “there are people of the Bandar clan who live here. They are farmers, whose village this is.” Guru ji saw a nice place and had the Dhera setup. Guru ji got off his horse. The horses of the army were tied up, keeping them apart each at a distance. The Singhs went to get grass for their horses. The Panchs of the Bandar Village came to see Guru ji. They brought ghee, flour, milk and other foods. They brought grass and grains for the horses. The Singhs cooked the food and ate the Langar. They spent the night and set out the next morning.
Guru ji mounted his horse and hunted on the way. They then reached the Bargaari Village. Guru ji set up camp outside of the village. Kapoora’s nephew (brother’s son) lived there who was apposed to Kapoora. As he was going to attack, leaving his home; he heard that Guru ji had arrived. He wanted to do Darshan of Guru ji and do his Seva. He came and bowed to Guru ji’s feet. He took updates of all and sent grass and feed for the horses. He stood and gave everyone what they needed. He had a lot of love in his heart. He did a lot of Seva for all. He came close to Satguru ji and sat down. Guru ji saw the love in Kapoora’s nephew’s heart and said: “bring a nice and strong goat.” The person obeyed and called for a goat. He did the Jhatka of the goat with a Tupak. The meat was cleaned and cooked. It was prepared with a lot of spices. He prepared the food and brought it for Prabhoo ji. He sat close to Guru ji and said: “Prabhoo ji, I was going to leave for battle. As I was leaving, I saw your camp outside of the village. I wanted to do your Darshan.” Guru ji heard this and spoke words for his advantage: “your enemy will attack you tomorrow. They will come and start a battle. You shouldn’t go to fight. Let all of the other men of your village go to fight. They will fight. They won’t lose. They will use their strength to stop the enemy. If you don’t stay in your home as I say, you will die in battle. It is good that you don’t go to battle. You can fight another day. You will win over your enemy then.” Kapoora’s nephew was happy to hear this. He bowed to Guru ji over and over again. He then got up and went home. He ate and went to sleep.
In the morning, everyone woke up and bathed. A group of Kapoora’s relatives came to fight. All of the warriors of the village went to fight. Kapoora’s nephew stayed home. He went to the rooftop and sat down quietly. A fierce battle took place with many rifles firing. The wife of Kapoor’s nephew got scared of her relatives and spoke to her husband with anger: “give me the Pugri on your head and the weapons you wear! Give them to me so I can put them on! You should wear my Kugri and Chunni. You can then sit and hide. It won’t be wrong. Your relatives have come to your door to fight and you’re sitting here, hiding. You are staining the honour of your family. Your body has become like a Khusra’s.” When his wife spoke such harsh words, he couldn’t tolerate them. He fastened his weapons and mounted his horse. He went to fight in the battle with Bir Ras. He fought in the battlefield, making his horse run around. He caused chaos to his enemy. He made the enemy run away. He ran after them. The enemy then stopped with patience. They all fired at once. One of the bullets hit the nephew of Kapoora’s chest. He fell as soon as he was hit. The villagers brought him back to the village. One of the relatives ran to Guru ji, thinking of the Satguru’s words. he folded his hands and said: “the Chaudhary you told not to go to battle, he went and died in the battle. He did not obey your command. He left his home to fight when his wife spoke harshly to him.” Sri Guru ji said: “he hasn’t died.” The relative said: “he has died and left his body.” Guru ji then said: “he hasn’t died.” The relative said: “he has died. I have seen it with my own eyes.” A third time Guru ji said: “the Chaudhary hasn’t left his Pranas.” The relative said: “believe me, he has died.” He returned Guru ji’s words 3 times. Prabhoo ji heard this and opened up his fist, while saying: “I was holding his Jeev Aatma in my hand. You didn’t listen to my words and so I have let him go now. The Jeev Aatma is gone now. I was holding him in my fist. I was going to make him alive again so the family would have been without sorrow. Why did you not say “Sat Bachan” and obeyed my words? I would have made him alive again but you killed him now.” The relative went back home and cried. The family cremated the body of the nephew of Kapoora. The Chaudhary was ashes in no time.
Sri Prabhoo ji then made preparations. The horses were saddled by the warriors with Guru ji. They set forth. Guru ji did Ardaas, bowed to the horse and went on ahead with the travels. They travelled a few Kos. They reached Behbal and Sioravi. When Guru ji saw these villages, Guru ji saw a nice place and set up the Dhera. The rest of the army slowly arrived. It was around 3 pm and so the Shaheedi Degh was prepared and consumed. There was a pond there named Dodayvaal. Its water was pure. Guru ji heard about it. Guru ji came to wash up at the pond. He bathed and washed up with the water. As he was washing up, a Turk Shaheed came to meet Guru ji. His clothes were white. His beard was white as well. There was a Shree tree there. The spirit lived on the tree for a long time. He came to Satguru ji from the tree. He folded his hands and bowed to Guru ji’s feet. Guru ji looked at the spirit and said: “are you well, Ussain Khan Meeya?” The spirit was in bliss to hear the words of Guru ji. He gathered his patience and said: “I will be well today! To see the pure Maula Allah Khuddah form, I am in joy today. I can see the Khuddah inside you. I wanted to see your beautiful form from a long time. I am happy that I will be blessed today. My pain and sins will be destroyed.” As Guru ji came back to his Dhera, Ussain Khan did his Salaam to Guru ji and moved back. The Sikhs asked Guru ji: “who was that? His form was very bright and radiant. When he did a Salaam to you, we could no longer see him.” Satguru ji said: “he did a great effort but had some small Karma left which didn’t let him go towards Mukti. He will be blessed in some days because he did my Darshan. He will go to Heaven and receive the great bliss.”
The people of the village then came. They brought ghee and other foods. They folded their hands and bowed to Guru ji. They sat down, folded their hands and said: “please have some Sikhs prepare the food here and have some of the Sikhs go to the people’s homes in the village. We will take them to our homes and give them food. One Sikh can go to one home each. We will feed them to satiation.” The Sikhs that ate only with Bibek, they stayed. They didn’t go to the homes of the villagers to eat. The Bibek Sikhs stayed with Guru ji. The other Sikhs went to the homes of the villagers. One Sikh went to a home each. They went and ate food.
There was a Sikh who was really poor in the village. He couldn’t feed anyone. The relatives said to him forcefully: “do what it takes and take a Sikh to your home. Feed and satiate him.” The Sikh took another Sikh to his home. He took Bhai Mailaghar Singh ji to his home. He laid out his personal shawl for the Sikh to sit on. He laid it out with love. He seated the Singh with love. He washed the Singh’s feet with love. He brought Peeloos that were dried for the Singh. He soaked them in water to make them soft. The Sikh placed the Peeloos in front of the other Sikh. The Singh ate the Peeloo and did the Ardaas. He then came back to Satguru ji. The poor Sikh wanted to come with him but the Singh stopped him.
The other Singhs came back to Satguru ji. The Omnipotent One asked: “what did you all eat? Tell me what you all ate.” Some said: “I ate Rotis with Lassi.” Some said: “I had Dahi and Kitchree.” Some said: “I had Kheer.” Some said: “I had Roti and Dahi.” Some said: “I had millet Rotis.” Everyone said what they ate. They praised what they ate. Bhai Mailaghar Singh ji was asked by Guru ji: “what did you eat? What did the Sikh give you to eat?” Bhai Mailaghar Singh ji folded his hands and said: “I ate something very special and great today. I ate food with love. I have never had such food in my whole life. The Sikh satiated me today.” The people of the village were surprised to hear this. They said: “he has nothing in his home. What did he feed? He has nothing and nothing in his home. What did he bring to feed you?” Guru ji said: “bring the Sikh here. We will ask him what he fed.” The farmers ran to bring the poor Sikh.
When the poor Sikh came, Guru ji asked: “what did you feed the Singh?” The poor Sikh folded his hands and spoke with humility: “I filled a bowl with water and put dried Peeloo in them. The Sikh drank that and came back. I am poor. I had nothing else to give him.” Guru ji said: “why did you not say the truth? How were you satiated?” The Singh said: “he gave me a bowl of Peeloos with love.” Guru ji was happy and said: “Sikhi is Dhan! I am happy to see your love. You covered the Sikhs faults. I will cover the faults of your sins. Such Sikhs will be in the Panth: the chaste one will give and the content one will eat whatever he gets. If the Sikh has enough and does not give to eat, I find that Sikh guilty. If a person deliberately asks from a poor Sikhs, I find the consuming person as guilty. For this reason, understand that love is the root. Understand what the tradition of giving and feeding is.”
1-4 Kot Kapoora
Sri Satguru ji, the Giver of Joy, set out the next morning. Guru ji went to Kapoora’s Kot with all the Singhs. Guru ji set up camp at a distance, where a nice place was. The Dhera was set and the horses were tied. Grass and feed were collected. Wood for fire was collected. Guru ji sat down and held Divaan. Many people came to do Guru ji’s Darshan in the Divaan. Kapoora was informed of Guru ji’s arrival. He got ready to come see Guru ji. He decorated a horse to gift to Guru ji. He collected many other gifts for Guru ji. He took many men with him as he was the Chaudhary. He came to the Master Guru and bowed to his feet. He folded his hands and sat at Guru ji’s feet. Guru ji asked Bhai Kapoora how he was. He answered: “I am well by your blessings.” Guru ji said: “you have weapons on you. How much courage do you have? Do you have an interest in fighting or not? A warrior can attain the highest status by this.” Bhai Kapoora said: “oh Master of the Universe, this is in your hands. You can make courageous warriors into cowards and cowards into courageous warriors. You can make the cowards fight a fierce battle.” Guru ji said: “good, Kapoora! Good, Kapoora!” The complete Guru spoke to Kapoora. Guru ji continued: “who do you go hunting with? What do you hunt and which way do you go?” Kapoora said: “I have hunting dogs and hawks. I have everything for hunts. I have many types of hawk breeds. I have spent a lot of money on them. They don’t let the biggest birds go free. They take them down with their strength.” He had other conversations with the Shiromani Sodhi. He then bowed and went home. Satguru ji saw Kapoora’s Qila and thought to himself: “if he gives me his Kot (fort) then Lakhs of Turks can be killed from that fort.” Guru ji thought about that and spent the night in deep thought.
At Amritvela, Guru ji did his daily cleansing routines and bathed. Guru ji then held a Divaan after getting ready. Many of the men that were now with Guru ji had taken Amrit and joined the Khalsa. The Khalsa Divaan was in session. Many warriors fastened weapons and wore nice clothes. They were like Devatas sitting in Divaan, ever so radiant. Men and women of the village came to bow to Guru ji. They did Guru ji’s Darshan, running to the Divaan. They brought rice, ghee and flour; among other foods. They brought milk and yoghurt. The Langar was prepared with the food. The people brought the food there with love and devotion. They did Guru ji’s Darshan with love. They bowed to Guru ji’s lotus feet with their hands folded. After Guru ji had been here for one night and one day, Bhai Kapoora came to Guru ji. Kapoora wore a very long Jamma. As he walked fast, his huge Jamma spread out and flapped in the wind. He didn’t handle his Jamma as he walked. When he walked, the Jamma touched the ground and made dust fly everywhere. He came to Satguru ji to show himself. He wanted to make his Chaudhary-ness known. Bhai Mailaghar Singh ji saw Kapoora, as he was making the dust fly. He said: “Chaudhary! Walk with respect! You are making dust fly where the Guru Master is sitting. Handle your clothes. Don’t let it flap out in the open. Why are you walking so openly? Do Guru ji’s Darshan with respect and humility. Let go of the ego of your mind.” Hearing the Singh’s words, the mind-forest of Kapoor began to burn like a fierce forest fire. It was like the wind blowing out the Deeva of his mind. He got really angry, seeing this as his disrespect. He couldn’t say anything. He came to Guru ji and bowed. He sat down with an injured and battered mind.
On one bed, Satguru ji sat. On another bed were the Shasters. His Chandrahaas, bow, quiver full of arrows and the Shasters of his Kumerkassa were respectfully seated higher on the second bed. One Chaur was being waved over Satguru ji’s head and another Chaur was waved over the Shasters. Kapoora saw this and spoke with a doubt: “these Shasters are kept in a great way. There’s a Chaur waving over your head; this is an old tradition but you have another Chaur being waved over the Shasters. This is a new tradition you started. You light incense in front of the Shasters and they are sprinkled with sandalwood. You have done their Pooja with garlands of flower. (We bow to you and worship you because you are our Guru. The Shasters are lifeless though.)” Sri Guru ji said: “the Shasters should be respected and worshiped. The Chaur is being waved so no fly can come sit on the Shasters. The Shasters are higher than all. They are higher than the Devatas. They kill the enemy in the battlefield and give victory. They give the kingdoms of the earth. Svarga can be won with the Shasters. The Shasters are more powerful than the powers of the Devatas and the Daynts. Their power is what the Shasters support. If they wear the Shasters, they receive a lot of powers. They become strong because of them. There is nobody more powerful than the Shasters. Whoever holds them in their hands, they become really powerful, holding the Shakti. The Aad Akaal Purakh Kartar first created the Great Kharag (Death). It is worshiped by both Devatas and the Asuras. Whoever holds the weapons and worships them, they are the most powerful. (They are not lifeless. The are The Chetna of Shakti and are my Peers. They give kingdoms by cutting the enemy when they are in our hands. They give Mukti by cutting us when they are in the hands of the enemy) What can we quantify of humans, the Asdhuj is held by the Great Sri Akaal.” Kapoora heard this and went quiet. He did not have faith on Guru ji’s words. Kapoora was filled with faults. The Omniscient Guru sensed this and spoke: “listen Kapoor Singh with your ear, I wish to extend your kingdom to the Sutlej. Your elephants, horses and army will grow. To fight the Turks, give me your fort and watch me destroy their army. I will destroy Nauranga’s army by fighting them. The cowardly Turks will lose and run away.” Kapoora heard this and spoke by belittling himself: “I don’t have that kind of power. The Turks will see me as their enemy and arrest me. They will kill me by hanging me in anger. Sri Guru ji, you are carefree. You started a conflict with the Shah and fought him. You had Lakhs of his men killed. You came after Anandpur was ruined. This is nice wisdom you are giving me now by which I won’t even be able to save myself by running away. You want me to be at conflict with the Turks? I will be ruined just like you are ruined. I am one of the Emperor’s men. If I ruin my relation with him, I will be hanged.” Satguru ji heard this and spoke with anger in his heart: “if this is your wish then the Turks will definitely kill you by hanging you! They won’t see your virtue or fault. The Shasters that you doubted, you will see their radiance and be scared. I was going to give you a lot of greatness but you are so unfortunate. You couldn’t take the greatness. Anandpur will remain forever! You will be ruined right here though! Whose man you are, they will capture you. They will hang you and destroy you. You are a fool for not knowing right from wrong. I was going to benefit you but you took on a great loss. Like an animal filling its belly and going to sleep, they do not get praise in this world nor Mukti in the afterlife; so was your blind wisdom unknowing that I was going to give you all the joys. Instead, you took all the pain. The Turks that you trust, they will destroy you! They will put the Tobra of dust on your face and kill you slowly while you hang.” Kapoora heard this and was embarrassed. He lowered his head and stayed there quietly. Kapoora then got up and went to his home. He was really upset at the fierce curse. He was going to be blessed but the opposite happened. He went into his fort and fortified it. He closed all of the gates and had them locked. He was afraid that Guru ji would come into the fort and the Emperor’s army would come and destroy his people and the fort. For this reason, he closed and locked all of the doors. He was really worried. The fool did not obey the Guru’s words. He didn’t take a boon, instead, Guru ji gave him a curse.
1-5 The Army from Sirhind/ In Dhillvi with Kaul
The Army of Sirhind gathered and mobilized. They set out to capture Guru ji: “run to the place and capture him!” They found out that Guru ji was in Deena Village, staying in the home of Chaudhary Shameer for a few days. They then found out that Guru ji left Deena and had an army with him. Wajeeda, the foolish egotistical one, sent spies to see where Guru ji was, saying to them: “find out where he is. I will take my army there and do a surprise attack. I will arrest him and take him to the Emperor, alive. He will be happy with me and give me a lot of money. The Shah’s wish will be fulfilled.” He thought about all this. He was also afraid that he had killed Guru ji’s sons and that he was a target for Guru ji. In fear of getting killed, he wanted to catch Guru ji first. He sent an army of many thousands. The Turks saw their opportunity. They wanted to catch Guru ji.
Guru ji left Kot Kapoora with his men. Guru ji was angry at Kapoora. Guru ji casually travelled on his horse, hunting on the way. He was filled with virtues. He came close to Dhillvi Village. In Dhillvi, the Sodhis of Prithi Chand lived there. They had stayed there from a long time. The head was Sodhi Kaul who had a lot of powers. He had 4 sons: Sat Anand, Hari Nand, Amreek Rai and Banvaali. Banvaali had one son: Abhai Ram. He had many powers as well. Abhai Ram had 4 sons: Sri Ram, Prajapati, Ram Koer and Jaspat. They were worshipped by the Sangat of the area. When they all heard of Sri Guru Gobind Singh ji’s arrival, they were doing their Sharaads and left them. They quickly went towards Guru Gobind Singh ji. They came to Guru ji with joy. They had love for their own family. Sri Guru ji hugged them when he met them. They sat and asked each other how they were. Guru ji saw Sodhi Kaul’s hand and asked: “what are you wearing on your finger?” Sodhi Kaul responded with humility: “I was sitting and doing the Sharaads of my elders but I heard of your arrival. I got up from my home quickly and ran to you to meet you. I am wearing a ring of kusha (grass) for the Sharaad tradition. I didn’t have time to take it off. I quickly came to do your Darshan. I wanted to see you so I came quickly.” Sri Guru Gobind Singh ji heard this and said: “why did you want to do such a tradition? Satguru Ramdas ji, in the family he is born in, it is like a swan born in the Mansarovar. Are you in doubt that our ancestors are sitting hungry? They are all living in Baikunth. They have been satiated all at once when Guru Ramdas ji was born. They have no need for any food or water anymore.” When Sodhi Kaul heard Guru ji question his practices, he said: “what you say is true but listen to what I believe: Sri Baba Nanak ji, the Avatar of Akaal Purakh saved many. When he wanted to leave on the 7th of Asu Suddhi, Baba Sri Chand ji’s mother came and made a humble plea: “tomorrow is Asu Suddhi 8th and you need to do your father’s Sharaad. If you go to the Parlok today then the Sharaad cannot happen. It would be good if you stay today and do the Sharaad of your father. On Asu Suddhi 9th or 10th, you can do as you please.” Guru ji liked Mata Chauni ji’s plea and had all of the funeral preparations picked up. He stayed for the 7th and did the Sharaad on the Ashtami. He gave Langar to high and low. Sri Guru Nanak ji did the Maha Yagna. He stayed on the 9th and left on the 10th to Sach Khand. What Sri Baba Nanak ji did, you and I should recognize that. It is good to follow that. We shouldn’t doubt that.” Sri Guru Gobind Singh ji heard the example and understood it. He said: “the Guru’s family is the highest in the world. It should keep the Maryada. Seeing you, others will follow. For this reason, you should keep the Maryada of the elders.” (The true purpose of this tradition was to give Langar to everyone, regardless of high or low caste. Guru ji reminded Sodhi Kaul of its true essence of focus, being Langar and not to feed the ancestors who are already Mukat) In this way Guru ji and Sodhi Kaul had discussions and had the Dhera set up camp. Guru ji told his cousin of the Anandpur Battle.
The Sodhis all did Guru ji’s Seva. Grass and feed were brought for the horses. Everyone ate food. They all sat and then started a discussion. Sodhi Kaul said: “did you meet Kapoora or not? Did he serve you with devotion or not?” Sri Guru ji heard this and responded right away: “I have pulled the roots of Kapoora! He won’t stay long. He will be destroyed. He didn’t listen to my words even after knowing the greatness of the Guru.” Hearing this, Sodhi Kaul got angry as Kapoora was his follower. He spoke right away: “Kapoora’s roots are deep and permanent. I keep his roots in my stomach. Whoever can rip my stomach will only then be able to uproot Kapoora’s roots.” Guru ji understood Kaul’s intention and spoke right away: “when he (Kapoora) rips your stomach, you will be the one that will take his roots out. For whose protection you are making an effort, you will be the one to destroy him.” Sodhi Kaul heard the curse and became surprised. He thought to himself: “I was trying to save him but I got cursed as well.” He didn’t say anything in front of Guru ji after that. He was afraid of the big curse. He went to his home in deep thought. He thought to himself: “his words cannot be erased. What will happen now? How will he rip my stomach?” He kept thinking to himself. He slept the night in peace.
Sodhi Kaul got up in the morning and bathed. He had a Chola made of fine and expensive fabric. It was white. He brought it to Guru ji in the morning. He was worried as he came. He sat down near the Bhagwant. He presented the Chola and said: “don’t keep this blue chola anymore. Wear this white one and be radiant. Leave your previous traditions.” Sri Guru ji said: “what you have said, I won’t appose it.” Guru ji wore the new white Chola on his body. He took off his blue Chola. Guru ji then sat down there. Many Singhs were there and a Divaan was held. The sons and grandsons of Sodhi Kaul sat there too. The people of the village came to bow to Guru ji and do his Darshan. There was a fire burning in front of Guru ji. Guru ji took his blue Chola in hand and ripped it to shreds. As he ripped his blue Chola, he said the phrase: “neel baster lay kapray phaaray turk pathaani amal giaa – the blue clothes are taken and ripped. The influence of the Turk Pathaans is gone!” He said this and threw the ripped chola shreds into the fire. He kept saying the phrase as he burned the shreds of the chola he ripped. He kept ripping the chola and kept putting the shreds into the fire. Everyone was surprised to see what Guru ji was doing. Hearing Guru ji’s prophetic phrase and observing what he was doing, Sodhi Kaul was in doubt: “he is reading the line from Asa Di Vaar in a different way and ripping his chola to burn it in the fire.” Guru ji ripped and burnt the rest of the Chola, leaving one strip behind. He took that one strip of the blue Chola and tied it do his (or Bhai Maan Singh ji’s by other historical sources) Jamdara (Kataar). Guru ji kept that one strand of blue for the uniform of his Panth and didn’t burn the whole Chola. (The Khalsa wears blue to remember the sacrifices that Guru ji had done for the Panth in order for them to be the most radiant in the world. They are to rule the world one day. He gave the Shakti his most beloved Singhs and his own sons. He left the riches and grandeur of Anandpur, to walk barefoot in the jungles; all so the Khalsa can be glorious. The Nihangs wear blue to honour their Guru) Sodhi Kaul said: “I have a doubt. You read the line wrong. Sri Guru Nanak Dev ji’s words cannot be erased. Nobody can change his words. They are too great. You read 4 letters wrong. When Sri Guru Har Rai ji heard that Ram Rai read the Gurbani line wrong, he rejected him. He didn’t let Ram Rai see his face again. Ram Rai was not seated on the Gurta Ghaddi. Guru Har Rai ji became happy with Sri Guru Har Krishan ji. You changed the whole line. How can we tolerate this unorthodox thing?” The Treasure of Compassion heard this and said: “what Ram Rai said, the whole world knows. He said it to please the Turk king. He wanted to impress the Turk Emperor so he would give him more money. He changed the words of the Satguru for this reason. He didn’t get the Gurta Ghaddi and was punished. I have changed the line for the reason of losing everything I had. (Guru Nanak Dev ji mentioned the influence of the Turk Pathaans of how everyone began wearing blue because it was the colour of the high class in Delhi. I have made a new prophecy. I have destroyed their influence. I didn’t change the line. I made a new one. The blue will be worn by my Khalsa, not the royal Turks. I have destroyed their influence and uprooted them) I have given my 4 sons for this line. The wealth and riches I had in my home, who can count it all? I destroyed all my wealth and my whole family; you still don’t let me change the line? (During the time of Guru Nanak Dev ji, the Turks came. I am uprooting them. This is my new line) Sri Baba Nanak ji said the words and the whole world knows. The kingdom of Mughal Pathaans was established by his words. Their radiance is shining brightly in the whole world (because of his words). I have now said this new line to uproot the kingdom of the Turks. I have protected the greatness of the Hindus. The Dharma is now stable. It won’t go now. The Panth Khalsa has been created now. It will destroy the radiance of the Turks. Tell me: is this good or bad?” Sodhi Kaul heard this and went quiet. He thought of everything in his heart and came to an understanding: “what he is saying is true. He did all of this for the good of all. Who else can or would endure such pain and problems? He gave his sons, wealth and assets. Who else would take on so much pain? He is the best warrior with the most courage. He sacrificed his whole family and wealth but did not lose his love (for all). He has indeed uprooted the kingdom of the Turks, who have ruled the whole world. Only he can do what he has done. He his Dhan for coming into this world.”
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