1-1 Manglacharan/ The Glory of Naam

Now the Granth, Nanak Prakash will begin.

Ekankara Satguru tih Prasaad sach hoe.  Vahiguru ji ki Fatay vighan vinaashan soe.

Vahiguru is the Satguru that blesses one to immerse into the Truth.  Vahiguru ji gives the victory, which destroys all obstacles.

The blessing Shakti of all three worlds, the destroyer of all three illnesses, the one that resides through the Satogun, Rajogun and Tamogun; the one who is followed in all three times, your three powers are supreme (creation, sustenance and destruction).  You gave Inder his capital back; you wear the Kirpan; you are the one that gives peace and joy; you destroy the fools.  I bow to the power of speech which is residing in the whole world.  You live on the tongue of your servants.  Victory be to you oh Chandika. 

 You live in all creation and are always new.  Sat (truth), Chetan (consciousness) and Anand (bliss) is your form.  Live in my heart forever.  The conscious and unconscious forms are all your forms.  Parmatma, you live in Aatambhoo (Brahma), Padma Pat (Vishnu), Panch Khatang Araati (the hater of the one that wields the five arrows of desire= Shiva.  Kamadeva is said to have 5 arrows of desire).  Wind, Ganesh, fire, Varun, vegetation and Inder, all stand in front of you with their hands folded.  Kuber, sun, moon, stars, Jumms, human, demons, and Devatas, you support them all and are with them.  I bow to you with my hands folded.

Sri Nanak is the Purshotam (the complete form), infinite, highest master of all.  I bow to your two feet, placing my head on the ground.

Guru Nanak Dev ji gives the four great gifts (Dharma, sustenance, desire and Moksha); he is the root of Gyaan; he is gracious and gives everyone.  He is the friend that helps all; he gives joy and destroys the darkness of ignorance.  Whom he resides in, they receive everything.  The net of the sins, the trap of the jumms, the effect of Kaliyuga, Guru ji saves one, instantly.  The lotus flower cannot compare to Guru Nanak Dev ji’s feet because it does not have the virtues written above. 

Sri Guru Angad Dev ji destroys the obstacles and his face is the house of joy.  His every word comes out to be true.  His feet are the support.  I bow my head on his feet.

Just as there is sweet smelling pollen on top of a lotus flower, Guru Angad Dev ji has a sweet-smelling dust on it.  Guru Angad Dev ji’s feet has glory.  Lotus and Guru ji’s feet is soft.  The lotus is above the water and never gets wet.  Guru Angad Dev ji is above the Maya of the world and is not affected by it.  Guru ji’s feet is above the water of the world.  They are radiant above the water.  Guru ji’s feet are the grantors of Mukti.

The greatest, Satguru Amar ji, his protection makes all the pain go away.  He is the creator and sustainer of the world.  His mind knows everything.  I bow to his feet.

Guru Amardas ji’s meeting is like the sun, but Guru Amardas ji’s virtue is not burning.  Ignorance is like the night; doubt is the darkness; Guru Amardas ji makes ignorance and doubt go away.  The Sikh servants’ pain is dispelled by Guru Amardas ji as he makes the Sikh meet Akaal Purakh just as the pain of the Chakwi is dispelled when the sun rises.  The sins (stars) are hidden by Guru Amardas ji’s radiance (sun) when meeting him.  He makes the world light up with his Gyaan, every second of the day.  The Kumud flower (which wilts during the day), the ignorant ones are like the Kumud, seeing Guru Amardas ji; the Gurmukhs are like the lotus, they see Guru ji and bloom.  Guru ji moves by the wish of his bhagats.  Guru Amardas ji is like the sun but he does not burn.

Guru Ramdas ji is the treasure of joy and peace.  He makes the fear of the Sikhs go away.  I bow to his feet.  I come to his protection.

Just as water in a pool gives birth to a lotus flower, seeing the moon, the lotus wilts.  If the water dries up in the pool, the sun burns the lotus.  The stem of the lotus is filled with mud and dirt.  The bees come to eat the pollen; cold also kills the lotus.  The lotus flower is thus filled with many faults.  The feet of Guru Ramdas ji give mukti, for this reason, the lotus cannot be compared to Guru Ramdas ji’s feet. 

Sri Arjan Dev ji is the listener of pleas.  He is the creator of greatness.  The jumms are afraid of his name.  I bow to his feet.

Seeing Guru Arjan Dev ji’s lotus feet, the Sikh’s bee-like mind is captivated by them.  Those eyes who see his feet do not wish for anything else.  Vices do not come near them.  His Sikhs do not listen to any other songs other than the Guru’s words.  The listeners forget themselves.  They do not see their body anymore.  They achieve a very high state of mind.  They are immersed in to the sea of bliss.

Sri Guru Hargobind Sahib ji wears weapons.  I think of his form.  I fold my hands and bow to the handsome form that breaks the pride of Kamadeva.

Sri Hargobind ji’s feet give bliss.  He is one of a kind.  I cannot compare a lotus to his feet because the lotus wilts in the night.  Guru ji’s feet are radiant at night as well.  The Kalapbrish cannot be compared to Guru ji.  The Kalapbrish can give anything except for Mukti.  Guru ji’s feet give mukti.  Guru ji’s toe nails are higher than the Chintamani (a philosopher’s stone) they wash away the worries of the Sikh.  Guru ji is the praise and the praised.

The name of Guru Har Rai ji erases sins.  I bow to his feet which give Riddhis and Siddhis.

Sri Har Rai’s feet are higher than the lotus.  The lotus lives in mud.  It lives above water.  Its neck is in water and stands on one foot.  It looks to the sun and tolerates the cold, water and rain on its head.  It does a strict Tapasya but it still cannot give Mukti like Guru Har Rai ji’s feet can.

Seeing the perfect Guru Harkrishan ji, the three types of illnesses are all gone.  I bow to his lovely feet that give joy to the Sikhs.

Guru Harkrishan ji’s feet are like the moon, but the moon cannot be compared to his feet.  His feet are red, pure and beautiful.  His toes are like diamonds. It is like stars came to the earth and rested in his feet; like Vishwakarma to Manis from Shaishnaag and made his nails.  It is like Lakshmi lives there.

Guru Tegh Bahadhur ji is the flag of Dharma, who pulled the roots of the Mughals.  Whoever comes to his feet are blessed.  I bow to his feet.

The moon has a stain on it and so, cannot be compared to Guru Tegh Bahadhur ji.  Just as there is Amrit in the moon, Guru ji’s praises are like the moonlight.  His body is the house of Mukti.  Guru ji makes the mukti bloom.  Guru ji is illuminated within the hearts of the Sikhs.  Guru ji is calm and serene like the moon.  The Chakor loves the moon as the Sikh loves Guru Tegh Bahadhur ji.  Guru ji is like the moon but better than the moon. 

The son of the son of Guru Hargobind ji, I bow to his lotus feet.  They cut the pain and are the root of joy.  They gave Mukti.  He saved the Hindus and made them great.  The Mughal emperor was shining like stars in the night, when Guru Gobind Singh ji came out as the sun, the radiance of Aurangzeb was gone.  The Pahari Rajas were like snakes and Guru ji was like Garuda.  He is the most powerful, the king of Heaven, Inder, is not as strong as him.

Guru Gobind Singh ji’s feet are not within the Karma chakra, just as the lotus is not drenched by water.  Guru ji’s feet are like lotus, spread out in a big way in the pond of the world.  Guru ji’s feet are red and beautiful.  Just as swans stay in the pond, saints stay beside Guru ji.  Just as sweet pollen stays on a lotus flower, that is how grains of sand are on his feet.  Just as bees have joy flying over the flowers, that is how Sikhs are mesmerized in Guru ji’s presence.

–

Guru Gobind Singh ji is the giver of mukti.  I do not have faith in anyone else.  My mind is like the babiha looking for the Swanti drop, waiting to see Guru ji.  My mind is like a kite, tied to your heart with the string of love.  I am unstable, please take me into your protection.  The world is a great big fire, please have mercy on me.

I pray to Guru Gobind Singh ji with both of my hands folded.  Guru ji is the giver of spiritual and worldly joy.  He washes the sins away.  He made lions out of vultures; suns out of fireflies; elephants out of ants.  He made the Panth of Mukti.  He made flies into the Garuda; crows to swans; paupers to kings and made servants free.  If the moon did not have a mark, it would have been compared to Guru Gobind Singh ji’s face.

Guru Gobind Singh ji: there is no one more gracious than you; no one poorer than I; no one fuller of compassion than you; no one more in pain than I; no one more ungrateful than I; no one more giving than you; I am without support.  You are the supporter.  I am a sinner and you are full of virtues.  I have no virtues, japp, tapp or abstinence.  This poet (Kavi Santokh Singh ji) seeks your sanctuary at your feet.  Oh saviour, please save me by putting forth your hands.

Guru Gobind Singh ji saves his Sikhs from the noose of the Jumms.  He has a bow and arrow in his hand and he is mounted on a horse, looking grand.  His gracious eyes are like large petals of a lotus flower.  He blesses the people of Kaliyuga by looking at them.  He takes the pain away of the suffering people.  The bad people, become good.  He created a new Panth.  I am a sacrifice to his form.  I am a sacrifice to his Dastaar which has many gems on it.  His Jigha and Kalgi look great.  I wish to sacrifice my mind unto Guru ji. 

Guru ji’s rings are shiny, which mesmerize the onlooker.  He is wearing a Kachera.  He has bracelets made of gold and diamonds which make the onlooker attracted to them.  His chola is low and beautiful.  It is pleasing to look at.  The cloth is expensive.  He holds a sharp arrow and spins it in his hand.  Akaal Purakh has taken on human form. 

Guru ji wears a kumerkassa around his waist.  A sword is fastened to his waist along with a quiver full of arrows.  His smile is like the lightening flashing.  He wears a pearl necklace around his neck.  His beard on his face looks like darkness beside the moon; like bees on top of a white lotus flower.  His form resides in my mind.  He turns people’s disappointment into joy. 

If I have made a mistake, Guru ji, please forgive me as I am your servant.  I am called a Sikh and therefore I am yours.  Please recognize your greatness and keep me from falling.  My mind does not stop indulging in desire and sin.  Oh giver of joy and peace, you are always forgiving, you can make iron into gold, castor into sandalwood and human into Devata. 

Oh punisher of sinners, you walk slowly like an elephant and have pulled the plant of the Turks with your huge trunk-like arms.  Whoever came for your support, you helped them cross this world.  Please show me yourself and help my boat across as well.  I do not have faith in anything else but your name.  Your servant has tested all the other courts and now know that only your court is supreme.  Oh giver of Mukti, I fold my hands and bow to you.

Giani Sant Singh ji, the Granthi of Harmandhir Sahib ji was the teacher of Kavi Santokh Singh ji.  He loved saints and had Simran in his mind constantly.  He was a great, wise and patient person.  He was generous.  He loved Simran as a child.  I (Kavi Santokh Singh ji) got a drop of his wisdom and became a house of knowledge.  All my obstacles were destroyed.  All my pain was gone.  I served his feet which give mukti.  I bow to his feet.

The true name, Satnam, Vahiguru, I bow to, repeatedly.  It breaks the bonds and houses all joys.  It breaks all the pains and sorrows.

The name of Vahiguru is great and beautiful.  It completes all the tasks.  It is the only support.  In Kaliyuga, there is nothing compared to the name of Akaal Purakh.  It assists one in all the worlds.  All troubles run away by saying the name.  The name kills all the pain in Kaliyuga.  The ones who have made the Name their jewellery around their necks, who recite the name, they are blessed.

The Name gives you prosperity and joy.  It destroys bad karma.  Reciting it, Brahmgyaan is achieved.  Jap, Tapp, fasting and rituals are useless without the Name of Akaal Purakh.  Without the Name, a person wanders through different, high and low life-forms.  Without the Name, the kingdoms are damned.  It is shameful to be without the Name of Akaal Purakh.  The ones who are without fear of Akaal Purakh and engrossed into the pleasures of the world, they will go to the realm of the Jumms. 

Beautiful houses, women, and beds; will be of no use when the jumms take you.  There are four types of armies: on horses, on elephants, on chariots and on foot; them being strong; are useless when the Jumms (messengers of death) come.  Elephants, horses, multi-coloured chariots, gold, silver, wealth, the kings left all these behind and went bare feet.  The palanquins were left behind.  Without the name, they go to the Jumms.

Without the Name, a person is like he/she is without breath, they are just as a rubber pump that leaks air (lungs).  The ones who recite the Name, they are grander than grand.  The jumms do not come close to them. 

The ones who do not recite the Name are ungrateful because they do not recognize what Akaal Purakh gave them in life.  They only want to be great by gaining fame in the world.  They are unwise and foolish.  They fight with others trying to prove themselves right.

The Saints know about the glory of the Name.  Whoever became one with Akaal Purakh, they recited the Name.  The fallen people only trust money and are foolish, they do not know the greatness of the Name.  Those people’s actions and motives are only towards gaining wealth.  They have forgotten Vahiguru from their hearts.  It is like leaving gold and precious gems; and gathering glass rocks instead. 

Shaishnaag knows the greatness of the Name; the one who lifts the earth, full of mountains and jungles on his head, like flowers.  Shivji knows the greatness of the Name; the one who has poison in his throat.  Brahma knows the greatness of the Name very well; he created the world with the Name.

Prahalad, Baalmeek, Trilochan, Naarad, Dhroo, the four sons of Brahms (Sanak, Sanandan, Sanatana and Sanat Kumar), Jaidev, Sadhana, Ambreek, Kabeer, Puroovars, Angara, Namdev, Bibheekhan, and August uttered the Name.  Ravidas, Ajamal, Oodhav, Akroor, Hanuman, Bheelani and Dhunna are great who were born in the four Yugas and earned the Name.

The radiance of the Name gave the white colour to Sharda’s body, Shaishnaag, Ganga, the horse of Surya, the tooth of Ganesh, the bow of Kamadeva, the house of Lakshmi (the lotus), the vessel of Brahma, the swans, the garland of Vishnu, the glow of the moon, the ash of Shivji, the Amrit of the Devatas, the mind of the Muni, the Satogun of the wise.  They are all full of glory.  They are illuminating.

People are stuck into the attachments of their father, sons, mother, friends, brothers, sisters, wife and pleasures.  They are interested in elephants with care-free walks, fast horses and four types of armies.  They want to hold money in their hands.  They don’t know that they are not making use of their human lives.  They are wasting it on things that will not last forever.  Nothing will go along with them when they die.  They are taking pleasures from these things.  They are garbage, garbage you fool!  Connect with the Name that will last forever.

Maya has been formed as an illusion by the great illusionist.  The whole world has been formed in the Maya.  It is all a myth.  People are engrossed into the pleasures of this world; which are nothing more than a dream.  When one awakens, one regrets it.  It is like seeing silver in the seashell; the snake in the rope, water in the mirage; the mythical items are not reality.  They are garbage, garbage you fool!  Connect with the Name that will last forever.

From whose care, the fire of the womb could not harm you; you have forgotten him as soon as you were born.  You got stuck into the ways of the world.

From whose generosity you received your beauty; you have fallen into the well, like a blind person.  You have fallen into the Maya and thought it is real.  You received all the items of pleasure from the Creator but you follow the vices and pleasures of the world. 

Oh foolish mind, you do not understand that by whose love you received greatness from, you don’t remember him.  Instead, you choose to follow the pleasures of the world and experience them.  They will become bitter and painful in the end.

The Name has created everything: the dimensions, the universe and the body.  Why do you forget the Name?  Remember it everyday with patience.

The ideologies of Nirgun, Sargun and Gurmat have all identified the Name as the supreme.  Sri Guru Nanak Dev ji and Sri Guru Gobind Singh ji have said that: the Name is the highest.  The Vedas, the Puranas, Guru Granth Sahib ji along with the saints, Pandits, poets and wise people say this as well.  Oh foolish mind, you are ignoring the glory of the Name and denying this fact. 

The Name is great in the Nirgun form.  Prabhoo resides in all life forms.  Life, animals, men and women are all existing from the one consciousness.  Even though Prabhoo lives in all, everyone is in pain.  When one recites the Name, one is in bliss.  The consciousness pervades in all forms then. 

The ones who connect to the bliss of the Name, they say the Name is bigger than the Sargun form.  When the love of the Name lives in the heart, Akaal Purakh shows the real form.  For this reason, the wise ones have said that: the Name is what the Form depends upon.  They make the Name reside in their heart and do not let it go.  They do Simran with their tongues, day and night, like a Mala around their necks. 

Sri Ram Chander ji has said: the Name is bigger than me.  He wrote the Name of Prabhoo on rocks and made them float in water. 

The giver of Mukti, Sri Guru Arjan Dev ji, wrote the glory of the Name.  He wrote it in the Sri Guru Granth Sahib ji which is the Name.  Sri Guru Granth Sahib ji is the highest. 

The Omnipotent One, Prabhoo, said that the Name is greater.  There is no other argument against it.  Prabhoo said that the glory of Guru Granth Sahib ji is the supreme.  Prabhoo gave the Gurta Ghaddi to Guru Granth Sahib ji. 

Out of all the Names of Prabhoo ji’s Nirgun and Sargun forms, Vahiguru is the Sumer Mountain.  It is the supreme.  Do not delay to do the Simran of it. 

Vahiguru is the supreme Name of the Nirgun form.  “Vahi” is the reaction of the amazement of the infinite.  There is nothing beyond the infinite and nothing else can describe it other than amazement.  “Go” is the name given to ignorance.  The darkness of ignorance and lack of knowledge is what gives rise to worry and pain.  “Ro” is the consciousness that is illuminating, the destroyer of darkness.  For this reason, Guru Nanak Dev ji made this Name.  Hearing this Name gives Bliss. 

Out of the Sargun Names, Vahiguru is the supreme as well.  Doing Simran of it will wash all the sins during the time of Kaliyuga.

“Vava” was taken from Vasudev.  “Haha” was taken from Hari Vishnu.  “Gaga” was taken from Gobind.  “Rara” was taken from Ram Chander.

The four letters were made into one word which has great rewards.  Doing Simran of this Name is the same as doing Simran of all 4 names at once.  One becomes wise like this.

Vahiguru is the supreme Name of all the Sargun Names.  It has other meanings as well.  Bhai Gurdas ji has done its translations. 

It is the supreme Beejmantra, the root Mantra.  It gives Ridhis, Siddhis and Mukti.  It gives bliss; so do the Simran all the time.

The four letters are sweet and beautiful.  It is the cream of the four Vedas.  It will destroy the vices of all 4 castes.  It gives peace and joy to the 4 Ashrams (Brahamachaari, Grihastha, Baanprast and Sanyasi).

They are the four doors to the 4 Muktis (Salok, Saroop, Sameep and Sayujya).  It is the four arms of Vishnu.  It is the wisdom of the four Chaks.  It is the bliss of the 4 states of human.

These 4 letters are the generals of the army of King Vivek (Wisdom).  They can defeat and kill the Mo (Attachment) demon.

They are the 4 jewelleries of Prema Bhagti, the devotion of Love.  They are the 4 eyes of Gyaan, knowledge. They are the givers of the 4 Padarthas (Dharam, Arth, Kaam and Moksha).   It is the result of the 4 Yagnas.

It is the necklace of the Bhagats.  Its beauty illuminates all the worlds.  It is the support of the Dharma of the 4 castes.  One should not forget these 4 letters.

These four letters are the bridge between the Jeev (life form) and Parmatma.  They are the middlemen between the customer looking for Mukti and the merchant selling it. 

It is the medicine for the person sick with ego.  It is the sun that rids the darkness in the heart.

The ones who are afraid of this elephant-like world, the Name is the lion.  The ones who are bit by the snake-like sins, the Name is like the Garuda.

The one who is drowning in the world can be saved by the Name.  It is the saving ship.  There is no cost to doing Simran.  It is easy to do Simran.  It is blissful to do Simran. 

Now I will begin the Katha of the beautiful Satguru, who is the temple of all virtue.  He is the giver of bliss.  I do Ardaas that this is completed without any obstacles.

This is the first part of the Katha of Sri Guru Nanak Dev ji.  This is the conversation between Guru Angad Dev ji and Bhai Bala ji. 

I will write about his birth and childhood.  I write about the Modikhana and then where he left Sultanpur to visit the world.

I will write of how he preached the word of Sikhi and then came to live in Kartarpur.  He tested the Sikhi of the Sikhs and made Sri Angad ji sit on the throne.

This Granth is for the glory and praise of the Guru.  The followers of the Panth will read it and be in bliss.  It will be a river which will give joy and take away the pain.

The shores of this river are atheism and denial.  The bonds of the world are the trees growing on the shores.  This Katha will erode the shores and pull the tree. 

This river is for the bathing of the Gursikhs.  They will be in bliss and feel joy.  The slanderers and jealous people will not like it though.

This river of glory will enter the ears and live in the ocean of the heart.  The Bhuddi, wisdom, will swim in this ocean and yearn for the Love.

The Swanti drop of love will make it still.  It will not waiver anymore or wander around.

The deniers of Ishwar are like donkeys.  They do not wish to bathe in this river.  They are happier in the dirty mud of the vices and pleasures.  If they are fortunate to listen to this in the Satsangat, they still fall asleep sitting there and remain ill. 

Reaching the shore of this River of the Guru’s praises, if one does not hear the Katha, is not drenched in the Guru’s love, the mind is stuck in the vices, such humans are to be pitied. 

1-2 Mangal/ Bringing the Patri/ The Meeting of Guru Angad Dev ji and Bhai Bala ji

The great power that destroyed the great and powerful beings; the fools; the ones with powerful arms; that power which destroyed the enemies of Inder on the battlefield; seeing the bow in the hands of that power, the enemy went yellow.  That power was praised in the universe.  That Sharda, is Siddhi, Nidhi and Bhuddi that assists the servants on the battlefield.  That Shakti of Akaal Purakh, I bow to. 

I bow to the feet of the saints who saved the lives of the humans.  They are without doubt; they are mukat.  They are the light that dispels darkness and fear of the Jumms.  The Bhagti of the saints are the rays which lift the doubt.

My goal is to write the glories of the Guru.  This effort is my ship but there is an ocean full of obstacles ahead.  The captain of my ship is Guru ji.  If the Guru shines his love and blessings on to me, then I can reach the shore of completion. 

Kavi Santokh Singh ji’s request:

Satguru ji!  I am yours and I am about to write your praises.  Please protect my reputation and glorify yourself in this Granth.  Bless this Granth to completion.  Without your grace, I am not able to write even one letter.  You give creation to wisdom by which I can write this Granth.

The love of the feet of the Satguru is like the ocean.  The ocean is Amrit which the Sikh Devatas drink everyday.  This Amrit gives rise to wisdom. 

Jaswinder Singh’s request:

Satguru ji, I echo the sentiment and reason of Kavi Santokh Singh ji for writing this Granth.  I wish to transfer the emotion and knowledge written by Kavi ji to people who understand English.  I ask Akaal Purakh ji for wisdom to correctly state the sentiment of the Sri Gur Partap Sooraj Granth and the Katha of the Satguru.  In addition to the Satguru, saints, powers and Devatas that Kavi Santokh Singh ji has paid obeisance to and praised above, I bow to the lotus feet of my Vidya Guru, Sri Sant Giani Sher Singh ji of Ambala, who imparted the knowledge of Brahm Vidya on to me.  I bow to the feet of my parents Sardar Kanwaldeep Singh ji and Sardarni Harvinder Kaur ji, who have taught me and nourished me to adhere to the path of Sikhi.  I bow to the lotus feet of all my teachers and inspirations:  Giani Pritpal Singh ji, Giani Harsimran Singh ji Ambala, Giani Gurwinder Singh ji Nangli, Giani Kharak Singh ji and Ustaad Jivanpal Singh ji.  These great beings have blessed me with their knowledge.  The mentioning of these great beings has no particular order by which one is more special than the other.  They are all equally great.  I bow to the lotus feet of Brahm Saroop, Vidya Maartandh Sant Giani Baba Inderjeet Singh ji, whose Sangat at Gursikh Sabha Canada- Scarborough Gurduara Sahib, from 1992 to 1997, molded me into the person I am today.  There are other teachers, family members and friends who imparted their wisdom on to me; I humbly bow to them as well.  Aside from this paragraph, the rest of the Granth contains translations in English from the Kathas, teachings and translations from the great beings mentioned above.  Resources are mentioned on other pages of the internet site Gurupurshotam.com.  I have not added any opinion or statement of my own in this Granth unless stated so.  I now begin this Granth by returning to Kavi Santokh Singh ji’s narration. 

The Katha of Sri Satguru Nanak Dev ji begins:

In Kartarpur, the master of the universe, Sri Guru Nanak Dev ji gave the greatness to Sri Guru Angad Dev ji.  Guru Nanak Dev ji went to Sach Khand but placed the Jot inside of Guru Angad Dev ji.  Just as a Chakravarty Raja takes his clothes off and wears another set to sit in his court the next day; that is how Guru Nanak Dev ji left Kartarpur Sahib and came to Khadoor Sahib.  Doing Simran of Guru Angad Dev ji washes all the sins away.  Guru Angad Dev ji sat on the throne of Guru Nanak Dev ji in Khadoor Sahib.  To bless and save the humans, he illuminated the light of Bhagti.

One day, Guru Angad Dev ji was sitting on his seat in Khadoor Sahib and connected to the feet of Guru Nanak Dev ji.  He meditated on Guru Nanak Dev ji and closed his eyes.  After sitting for some time, Guru Angad Dev ji thought of how Guru ji would destroy the doubts of his servants: “there is no difference between Parmeshwar and Guru Nanak Dev ji.  I want to know how Guru Nanak Dev ji came to this earth.  What did he do when he was a child, adult and a senior person?  If there is such a Sikh that stayed with Guru ji his whole life?  That Sikh can tell me his Katha.  How Guru ji travelled to different lands, how he washed people’s sins, how he destroyed the fraud of fake saints, is there such a Sikh who can tell me his Katha?  Whoever thinks of Satguru ji, gets drenched in bliss.  Their worries disappear who sit and meditate upon Guru ji.  Guru Nanak Dev ji is omnipotent and omnipresent.  He is omniscient.  I want people to read the Katha of Guru Nanak Dev ji.  People can read it and receive Mukti.  Whoever reads or listens to it will have their wishes fulfilled.” 

As Guru Angad Dev ji was thinking of writing the Katha of Guru Nanak Dev ji, in Nankana Sahib, Bhai Bala Sandhu ji wanted to meet the one who Guru Nanak Dev ji bowed to.  He spoke out loud: “Sri Guru Nanak Dev ji, the Avatar of Hari, I wish to see who sits on his great throne.”  He said this sitting amongst many Sikhs.  One of the Sikhs that heard Bhai Bala ji responded: “it is a person of the Trehan clan named Sri Angad ji.  He has blessed his family of Trehans.  He was the deserving one.  Guru Angad Dev ji sits on the throne in Khadoor Sahib.”  Bhai Bala ji heard this and became excited.  He got goosebumps.  He could not contain his happiness.  His body became restless and he got up and ran from Nankana Sahib to go to Khadoor Sahib. 

It was the full moon day of the Month of Kathak (October/November) that Bhai Bala ji came to Khadoor Sahib.  He bowed his head to Guru Angad Dev ji.  He looked at his face and became one with his form.  He said to Guru Angad Dev ji: “I am successful today.”  Bhai Bala ji was in bliss.  He sat down in his court.  Guru ji said to Bhai Bala ji: “Satkartar ji.  Tell me where you have come from?”  Guru ji was pretending not to know anything as it was him that inspired Bhai Bala ji to come.  Bhai Bala ji said: “first of all, please accept this offering of money.  It is my Bheta.”  Bhai Bala ji then continued: “listen Satguru Angad Dev ji, oh benevolent one, my name is Bala of the Sandhu clan.  I am from Rai Bhoi Talwandi.  I was born there.  I wished to meet you and that is why I have come.  I have heard your praises.  You are able to tolerate the great power without showing it.”  Guru Angad Dev ji said: “who is your Guru?  Which ideology do you follow?  Your words are very sweet.  Your personality is so soft.  It seems that the vices have never touched you.  You have no desires.”  Bhai Bala ji folded his hands and said: “you are the same Jot that I spent my whole life with.  You already know everything but I will obey your command.  I am your servant.  Sri Guru Nanak Dev ji, the complete, is my Guru.  He is the one who came in Kaliyuga; whose dirt from the feet destroys pain, sorrow and illness.  He was like the lion that destroyed the elephant of fraud.  He was the rain that flourished the farm of Prema Bhagti.”  Guru Angad Dev ji heard this and spoke with great surprise: “you have seen Guru Nanak Dev ji?  Since when have you been his Sikh?  I can see that you are drenched in his love.”  Bhai Bala ji said: “listen oh benevolent one, I spent my whole life with Guru Nanak Dev ji.  I was older than Guru ji by 3 years.  I spent my childhood, adult life and old age with him.  Guru ji took me with him and travelled in the 10 directions.  I stayed in his feet and saw him save the world.”  The home of grace, Guru Angad Dev ji heard this.  The giver of Bhagti got up and hugged Bhai Bala ji.  He was extremely happy to meet a person who spent his life with Guru Nanak Dev ji.  Guru Angad Dev ji began to shed tears.  Bhagti came flowing out of his heart.  The sun set and Bhai Bala ji stayed that night in Khadoor Sahib. 

Bhai Bala ji sat with the Sangat and met with the Sikhs.  The Sikhs wanted Bhai Bala ji to tell them Guru Nanak Dev ji’s Katha.  He told the Sikhs of Guru Nanak Dev ji.  Guru Angad Dev ji sat crossed-legged all night long and spent it in Samadhi.  When the sun came up, Guru Angad Dev ji’s Samadhi opened.  Guru ji then bathed.

Guru ji came to his court quickly and told the Sikhs to call Bhai Bala ji.  When Bhai Bala ji came, Guru ji said to him: “tell me the whole Katha of Guru Nanak Dev ji from the time of his Avatar to the rest of his time on earth.”

Baba Bala ji folded his hands and said: “I need to ask for forgiveness.  I don’t know about the birth of Guru Nanak Dev ji.  I was only 3 years old then.  I have heard from the elders of when he was born.  I will tell you that.  He was born on the Pooranmaashi of Kathak, the 27^th Nachattar (Revati).  There was a Janam Patri (birth chart) that was written by Pandit Hardyal ji from our village.  Guru Nanak Dev ji’s father’s name was Sri Kalyaan Das ji, Mehta Kalloo ji.  The birth chart should be in their ancestral home.  His father has gone to Sach Khand but the birth chart should be somewhere in their home.  His father’s brother, Chacha Laaloo ji is still alive though.  He lives in Rai Bhoi Talwandi.  Chacha Laaloo ji is quite old now and weak.”  When Guru Angad Dev ji heard that Guru Nanak Dev ji’s birth chart existed, he was really happy.  It was like a dry field getting rain.  Guru ji said: “how can we get the birth chart?  Is there a friend Sikh that can get us the birth chart?”  Bhai Bala ji said: “if we search for it, we will surely find it.  We can go to Chacha Laaloo ji and ask him for it.  We should send someone to get it and complete your wish.”  Guru Angad Dev ji said to Bhai Bala ji: “Bhai Bala ji, you are the closest to Chacha Laaloo ji.  You will have to do the task of getting it.”  Bhai Bala ji said: “oh treasure of joy, Guru Angad Dev ji, please give me one Sikh to come along with me.  I can go get the birth chart.  We will go and look in the house.  We will bring the chart back here.”  Guru Angad Dev ji was very happy.  He blessed him and said: “may Kartar never be forgotten by your mind.”  Bhai Lala Pannu ji, a Sikh, was called by Guru ji.  Guru ji said to him: “you have Gursikhi filled inside of you like water filling in the river during the month of Saavan.  Go with Bhai Bala ji to the place where my master, the Prabhoo, was born.  Go and bring the birth chart back.  This Seva will make your like a success.”  Bhai Lala Pannu ji was happy to be given the task.  He got ready to go right away.  He saw himself fortunate to be able to see the birth chart and birth place of Guru Nanak Dev ji.  He bowed and heard “Sat Kartar” from Guru Angad Dev ji.  The two Sikhs set off towards Talwandi of Rai Bhoi.  Both of them praised Guru Nanak Dev ji on the way to Talwandi. 

When the two Sikhs reached Talwandi, they went straight to Chacha Laaloo ji’s house.  They met Chacha ji and bowed to him.  Bhai Bala ji said: “listen Chacha ji, please do us a favour: I have found the next Guru, Guru Angad Dev ji, the master of Niddhis, who sits on the throne of Guru Nanak Dev ji.  There is no difference between the two.  They are two bodies but one Jot.  Guru Nanak Dev ji gave Guru Angad Dev ji the Gurta Ghaddi.  Guru Angad Dev ji sent me to you to get the birth chart of Guru Nanak Dev ji.  He wishes to see it.  He sent one of his Sikhs with me.”  Chacha Laaloo ji spoke in anger: “I don’t know where the birth chart is that you are talking about.  You were Nanak’s beloved, tell me one thing: is the real Guru, Guru Angad Dev ji or Baba Sri Chand ji?  Who has the real throne?  Did the son get it or did the servant get it?  Who got the Gurta Ghaddi?”  Bhai Bala ji responded: “Guru Angad Dev ji is Guru Nanak Dev ji.  He placed 5 Paisas and a coconut in front of Guru Angad Dev ji while bowing his head to him.   Guru Nanak Dev ji did 3 Parkarmas around him and bowed.  Guru Nanak Dev ji made Guru Angad Dev ji the Guru.  Who can live up to him?  I looked hard and found the true Guru.  He has a lot of patience.  I found him, like a jeweller finds a diamond.  Baba Sri Chand ji is Guru Nanak Dev ji’s son and therefore he should be worshipped too.  The Sikhs bow to him too but the Gurta Ghaddi was given to Guru Angad Dev ji.  He is the second Guru Nanak Dev ji.”  When Chacha Laaloo ji heard this, he felt calm.  He believed Bhai Bala ji.  He said: “I can tell you where the papers in the house are but you will have to look for the birth chart.  It should be there.”  Bhai Bala ji said: “you are Pitha Mehta Kalu ji’s younger brother.  Guru Nanak Dev ji’s parents are no more.  You are the only one that can help us to find it.  You will need to help us.”  They all began to look for the birth chart.  They spent 5 days going through the papers and finally found the birth chart in the evening of the fifth day.  Chacha Laaloo ji gave the birth chart to Bhai Bala ji.  He bowed to it and gave it to Bhai Lala Pannu ji.  Bhai Lala ji bowed to it and said: “let’s go and give it to Guru Angad Dev ji.  He will be really happy when he sees it.”

Bhai Bala ji thought to himself: “Guru ji will be happy with me too.”  Bhai Bala ji and Bhai Lala Pannu ji decided to head back to Khadoor Sahib.  As they were leaving, Chacha Laaloo ji gave them 5 Paisas and a coconut.  He said: “please offer this to Guru Angad Dev ji and give him a message from me: I bow to your feet, Guru Angad Dev ji.  You are not in joy or sorrow.  Baba Sri Chand ji is angry right now that you are the Guru.  Please don’t be mad at him.  I ask for forgiveness.  Please bless Baba Sri Chand ji as he is Guru Nanak Dev ji’s son.”  Bhai Bala ji said: “Chachaji, Guru Angad Dev ji is Guru Nanak Dev ji’s Avatar.  He is above anger and the other vices.  Just as darkness never goes close to the sun, Guru Angad Dev ji has no darkness.  He has Sam and Dham, he is able to control his mind and Indriyas.  He has illuminated Bhagti into the whole world.”  The two Sikhs headed back to Khadoor Sahib after giving Chacha Lalu ji hope. 

Guru Angad Dev ji was sitting in Khadoor Sahib on top of the Gurta Ghaddi.  His face was radiant.  He was wearing a white chola.  Bhai Bala ji and Bhai Lala Pannu ji bowed to Guru Angad Dev ji’s feet.  Guru ji said: “may you remember Gobind all the time.”  Guru ji was very happy with Bhai Bala ji.  Guru ji took the birth chart and put it on top of his head.  Guru ji said: “you have showed me Guru Nanak Dev ji.  My doubts are gone.”  Guru ji read the words in Sahiskrit.  Guru ji said: “if someone knows how to read this, come forth and translate it.  This should be translated into Gurmukhi so the Sikhs can read it.”  Bhai Bala ji said: “when Satguru Nanak Dev ji was in his bodily form, he had given this knowledge to the Sikhs.”  A Jatt by the name of Mahima Khera spoke up: “yes!  There is a person by the name of Bhai Paira Mokha ji, a Khatri, who learnt this language from Guru Nanak Dev ji.  He lives in Sultanpur.  He knows Gurmukhi as well as Sahiskrit.  He should be called here.”  Guru Angad Dev ji said: “you go and bring him here with respect.” 

Bhai Mahima ji went to Sultanpur and met Bhai Paira Mokha ji.  Bhai Paira Mokha ji came to Guru Angad Dev ji and bowed to him.  Guru ji told him to read the birth chart.  Bhai Paira Mokha ji spoke the Sanskrit as if Sarasvati was dancing on his tongue.  Guru Angad Dev ji was really happy.  He said to him: “write this in Gurmukhi.”  Paper and quills were brought and given to Bhai Paira Mokha ji.  Guru ji wanted him to write the chart and to write the Katha as Bhai Bala ji was speaking.  Sikhs in great numbers came to listen. 

Baba Bhudda ji knew the Brahm.  He had won his attachment and desires like a great warrior.  He had listened to Guru Nanak Dev ji from a very young age.  His body was like an old man’s.  He stayed in the presence of 6 Gurus.  He served the Gurus and obeyed their commands.  He also sat in the Sangat to listen to the Katha of Guru Nanak Dev ji.  Listening to this Katha makes the worldly pains go away. 

The son of Bhai Tejo ji, Guru Amardas ji, served Guru Angad Dev ji, the pain destroyer.  He received the Gurta Ghaddi after Guru Angad Dev ji.  He listened to the Katha of Guru Nanak Dev ji as well. 

A Gurmukh by the name of Bhai Jeeva ji had done Seva with his mind, words and actions.  He would prepare delicious foods for Guru Angad Dev ji.  Bhai Paro Jhulka ji achieved the status of “Param Hans.”  He was able to see the Brahm by separating the world, just as a swan can separate the milk from the water.  There was a Nayee by the name of Bhai Dhinga ji.  He was just like Bhagat Sain ji.  A good Sikh is like a corpse that emerges into the grave, like the Guru.  He loses his own identity and takes on the Guru’s form.  All these people sat and heard the Katha.  Many others came to hear the Katha of the flag of the Bedis. 

Bhai Bala ji would speak and Bhai Paira Mokha ji would write the Katha.  Guru Angad Dev ji had this Katha written for the good of the world.  By bowing to the Parmatma, Sri Guru Nanak Dev ji, the writer of this Granth begins the Katha.

1-3 The Avatar of Sri Guru Nanak Dev ji

Some poets praise Guru ji’s feet by comparing them to the Kalapbrish; some say they are like lotus flowers.  What those poets don’t know is that both the Kalapbrish and the lotus flower are not conscious nor can they give Mukti.  The lotus does not bloom forever.  It closes itself at night.  Satguru ji’s feet are conscious and givers of Mukti.  They fulfill the wishes of the Bhagats.  They are in one-state, day and night.  I do not consider the Kalapbrish or the lotus flower deserving of comparison to Guru ji’s feet.  His feet are His feet.  They are not the Kalapbrish and they are not the lotus. 

Bhai Bala ji held a toombee in his hand.  He tied a langote and wrapped himself with a blanket.  He wore a white Topi.  His beard was pure white.  He had Guru Nanak Dev ji in his heart and was bowing to his feet.  From his moon-like face, he was speaking the history of Guru Nanak Dev ji.  Although Kavi Santokh Singh ji is writing the Sri Nanak Prakash Granth, his main source of resource was the Janamsakhi of Bhai Bala ji; the narrator of this Granth will be Bhai Bala ji from this point on, unless stated otherwise.

Sri Bala Sandhur Vaach.

Kaliyuga was in its fierce form.  It came on too strong in its early stages.  The sins increased in numbers.  Droughts and tragedies began to occur often.  The kings became corrupt.  The Panth of Mohammed grew quick.  The ones that interpreted the Panth of Mohammed in a fundamental and narrow way, became tyrants to those who didn’t follow their way.  The poor and weak were preyed upon.  Cows and the poor were being killed, despite of being innocent.  The kings acted like the messengers of death and became corrupt.  The kings were unwise and corrupt-minded.  People were stopped from doing the good acts.  The ministers and officials became engrossed in adultery, visiting prostitutes.  Their minds were crocked and committed sins.  Corrupt minds, tyranny, gambling, pain; this became the norm.  They became like the son of the demoness, Rahu.  Dharam was the Pooranmaashi moon that was being covered by Rahu.  The Rajas didn’t listen to anyone’s cries for help.  The Qaazis took bribes to make lies into the truth.  They didn’t think of giving justice to the righteous.  The language of corruption covered the land.  People discarded their Dharma.  Acts of humanity became weak.  Good deeds were scarce.  Sins became strong.  The poor and weak were being looted.  Others’ tasks were being spoiled.  Others’ money, slandering and adultery became the items of interest for all who were trying to possess them, day and night.  Jangams, Sarayvarays and Dighambhers fought with each other.  The 6 Matts were wasting their time without the Name of Akaal Purakh.  The Jogis had 12 Panths: Hetu, Paav, Ayee, Gumya, Paagal, Gopal, Das, Kunthri, Bann, Dhvuj, Choli and Raaval.  Without Prema Bhagti they were separated from the Master.  The Brahmins debated and quarrelled over the Shastras.  Some became Sanyasis by shaving their heads but their minds longed for money and women.  Some became Ateets and called themselves Bairagis; but their minds burned in desires more than the Ghristis.  Pandits and guards did thefts.  Who was going to protect everyone then?  The kings were supposed to be moats for the subjects but the moats were eating up the fields, badly.

The sins had exceeded the tolerance of the world.  Dharma had lost its patience.  Love and empathy were lost in the world.  Prema Bhagti ceased to exist.  Dharti had become scared.  Dharti remembered the “Ikankaar” Akaal Purakh.  She became humble and made a request to Akaal Purakh: “you are omnipotent.  You are ancient and the root of existence.  You are “Sanatan.”  You are the saviour of the weak.  You are compassionate to the weak.  Oh master of the weak, you sustain all life forms.  You are new in all states of time; you are indestructible; you are indescribable; you cannot be quantified; you are homogenous and have no differences.  You are the master of Maya.  The sins of Kaliyuga are too much for me to tolerate.  It is a tough time for me.  The people are too sinful in Kaliyuga.  I can’t stay like this.  There were 4 pillars in Satyuga: Sat – Truth; Soch – Purity; Tapp – Austerity; and Daya – Merci.  Treta had 3 and Dwapur had 2.  Kaliyuga only has one.  I can’t stay standing on one pillar.  The sins of Kaliyuga are too fierce.  The weight is too much for one pillar to keep myself up.  I need support.  Oh Ikankaar, listen to my cries: make me stable.  Give me support.”  The Jot form of Akaal Purakh heard Dharti’s cries.  The giver of joy and peace pondered: “I have sent many Prophets and messengers to stabilize Dharma but they all started their own religions.  The task I sent them for, they didn’t do.  I wanted them to give the people of the world my Name.  Instead, they started their own ideologies and didn’t tell the people of the glory of the Naam.  Naam would have given stabilization to the world.”  In this way, the Master thought.  Akaal Purakh said to Dharti: “you will be stabilized when Naam and Keertan will be prevalent.  To do this task, I will have to come myself.  Nobody else can do this besides me.”  The house of Dharma gave hope to Dharti and decided to come with all of the powers.  Dharti was really happy to hear this.  Akaal Purakh continued: “the house of the Raghus is without stains.  I will come in the family of Ram Chander ji.”  Ikankaar ji was born in the house of Bedis, who were from the generation of Ram Chander ji.  Akaal Purakh ji came as the Satguru.

There was darkness in the world.  The corrupt thieves were like the twinkling stars.  In this darkness, the Kumud (a flower that blooms at night) was blooming.  The path of Mohammed grew during this time which was interpreted in the wrong way.  The path of Mohammed was of love and peace.  The greedy sinners used religion to gain wealth and lands; killing and converting others unwillingly.  The darkness spread.  The radiance of Guru Nanak Dev ji was like the sun.  The saints bloomed seeing the Satguru; just as the lotus blooms seeing the sun.  Guru Nanak Dev ji’s words were like the sunrays.   The sinners were like owls who felt the pain of the morning sun rising.  The rising sun made the servants happy like the Chakwa and the Chakwi.  Bhagti illuminated in the world.  The ignorance diminished like the sleep in the morning.  The Sikhs gained the Gyaan.  The people woke up because of Gyaan, leaving the dream of the darkness of the mind behind.  They adhered to Dharma.  Guru Nanak Dev ji came to give stability to Dharti.  He was born in the house of the Bedis.

Listen oh listeners: I, Bala Sandhur, have told you the reason of Guru ji’s birth.  Guru Angad Dev ji, I will tell you about his birth now.  Guru Angad Dev ji, you are the provider of joy.  The area between Ravi and Chenab was known as Baar Desh.  It is considered the Raja of all the lands.  Just as a wise king doesn’t let the subjects live in pain, the people of Baar Desh were happy.  Ravi flows on the one side, which has beautiful waves.  The waves were like the fan for this Raja Desh (king of countries).  The Baar Desh shows royalty.  The other side, flows the Chenab which also has beautiful waves.  It was the Chaur of the Desh.  It was the symbol of the glory of the Desh.  There was never a drought in this area.  It was always green.  The 7 types of droughts never touched this area due to the rivers.  Thieves had left the area.  Their generations had left.  Fruits and flowers decorated the land.  Travellers would not want to leave the area.  The trees gave shade and fruit to everyone.  The people who lived there were moral, full of compassion and followers of Dharam.  They loved to serve visitors.  They served people in different ways.  Scholars and artists lived there.  Horses of good breeds lived there.  Animal and birds of good species lived there.  Brahma made this Desh a treasure of all good things.  It was the best place in Bharat.  In the Baar Desh, there was a beautiful Nagri called Rai Bhoi di Talwandi.  All four castes lived there.  There were beautiful gardens in this area.  Fragrant flowers adorned the area.  The grading of the Nagri was high.  The other villages were jealous of Talwandi.  The balconies and rooftops spoke to the sky.  Beautiful houses were made in this Desh.  It was never too hot nor too cold.  The markets were always full.  Brahma had made this place into heaven for the birth of Sri Guru Nanak Dev ji.  It was full of joys and happiness.  The milk of the cows was like Amrit.  The people of the village were like Devatas.  They were wise and knowledgeable.  Vishwakarma was amazed to see this place.  This Nagri had the best reciters of the Vedas.  They were full of Dharam.  Wise Brahmins lived there.  The Kshatriyas were ready to fight for Dharma.  The Merchants were rich.  The wise people followed the Vedic traditions.  The Devatas and saints had already taken birth, waiting for Akaal Purakh to be born here.  The Shudras served everyone with devotion.  People were healthy because they had the knowledge of Ayurveda.  The Bedi family lived there.  They were scholars of Shastervidya.  The flags of Mukh Kalika, Agni Kund and Yagna Thumb were flying there.  The ones doing Yagna had discarded cowardness.  The Bedis had lived here for a while.  Baba Shiv Ram ji was born in this family.  He was a Satoguni person.  He had discarded Rajoguni and Tamoguni ideologies.  Baba Shiv Ram ji was married to Mata Banarsi ji.  She was a Pativrata.  They had two sons: Baba Kalu ji and Baba Lalu ji.  They were fortunate and of good karma.  They were Bhagats, Jappis, Tappis, Brathis, and Nemis from many births.  Baba Kalu ji wanted Akaal Purakh to be born into his house.  He wanted the house of Gyaan, Vishnu, to be born in his home.  He did a lot of Bhagti and carried out efforts to fulfill his wish.  He did an ardaas: “Prabhoo, you have taken a birth in the home of bore and fish as Varaah and Much Avatar.  If I am without Virtues, I am still eligible for you to be born in my house as I am human.  You have been praised in the Vedas: you do the impossible for love.  You took a birth in the home of Aditi and Kashyap as Bhaavan because of love.  You destroyed the Daynts and are praised in every form.”  He prayed in every birth and did strict Tapasya for this.  When he took birth as Baba Kalu ji, his wish was fulfilled.  Baba Shivram ji married his son, Baba Kalu ji, in a good home.  Baba Kalu ji was married to a Pativrata woman who was full of countless virtues.  She was Mata Tripta ji.  Her calmness and greatness could not be quantified.  Both wife and husband did Bhagti of Akaal Purakh.  In the Nagri of Rai Bhoi di Talwandi, Rai Bhullaar was the Haakam.  He loved Baba Kalu ji like his own brother.  The Jageer of 20 villages was under Rai Bhullaar’s rule.  He had made Baba Kalu ji the Patvaari (administrator) of these villages.  Baba Kalu ji and Mata Tripta ji lived a joyful life.  They had the wish of having a child.  A great daughter was born to them.  It was Bebe Nanaki ji.  She was wise and pure.  She was the Avatar of Bhagti and Bhuddi.  She was like Parvati, born in the house of Himalaya and Maina.  She was a beautiful girl who did the Bhagti of Prabhoo all the time.

Time passed on.  The master of the universe saw the love in Baba Kalu ji’s heart and made the effort to be born as his son.  It was time to fulfill his wish of having Akaal Purakh as his son.  Mata Tripta ji was pregnant for a second time.  Just as the glow of the moon grows from the second night of the new moon, that is how the radiance of Mata Tripta ji grew.  Mata Tripta ji had taken off her jewellery.  She looked very beautiful.  She was radiant.  Wherever she went, she illuminated wherever she sat.  If the listener is to be skeptical of this, consider this: the illuminator of all the dimensions was in her womb.  Why wouldn’t the mother of Akaal Purakh be glowing?  As the time approached for the Master to be born, the crocked people began to become pure.  Truth, contentment, Dharma, purity, and love came into their hearts.  The winds of Talwandi became cool and fragrant.  The wind was pleasant to all.  Clouds with heavy rains came to water the land as per the wishes of the inhabitants.  Flowers and fruits grew and ripened.  The fruits and flowers wished to show everyone their joy.  Parmeshwar was coming to relieve the pain of all.  The hearts became joyful.  There was bliss everywhere.  It was like they were filled with honey.  The earth was a new green.  People were happy.  The animals and birds were happy.  The plants were happy.  As the nine months passed, the Sarada Rut (winter) moon glowed.  It was the full moon of Kathak.  The stars in the sky glowed like the virtues of the Jagyaso (seeker of truth).  The clouds moved away, empty of rain; just as vices leave a person after doing the Satsangat.  The full moon of Kathak came and the glories of Hari illuminated.  It was 1526 Vikram (1469 CE), when the Master of the Universe took an Avatar during the Amritvela.  Everyone was filled with joy when the Satguru came.  Everyone around the area was happy, without them knowing why.  They couldn’t figure out why they were so happy.  The life on land and in the sky did the Simran of the Indestructible One.  The Devatas and humans; all did Simran of Akaal Purakh.  They played the conches and shouted out: “Jai!  Jai!  Jai!”  The Devatas sprayed essences of sandalwood, saffron and Kapoor in the house of Baba Kalu ji.  They showered his house with the flowers from the Kalapbrish tree.  People were amazed to smell this great fragrance.  They had no idea where the beautiful smell was coming from.  The Devatas came and did the Aarti of Sri Guru Nanak Dev ji.  The nurses and midwives from good homes came to help Mata Tripta ji.  The Divas with 8 lights were lit. That was the tradition of the time during birth.  Guru Nanak Dev ji’s radiance was so bright that the light from the Divas was less.  The radiance from his face amazed the nurses.  They were mesmerized with the divinity of the baby.  Guru Nanak Dev ji did not cry when he was born.  Instead, he was smiling.  The nurses did the darshan of Akaal Purakh coming to earth.  The nurses didn’t know if this was a good or bad omen as they had never seen a baby smiling when born before.  They were used to seeing babies cry after birth.  The unwise nurses didn’t know what mystery this baby brought.  Meeting the Satguru would wash their pains away.  How would he be in pain?  The maid ran to Baba Kalu ji and said: “Patvaari Sahib ji, congratulations!  A son is born to you.  His face is radiant.  It is time for celebration.”  Baba Kalu ji heard the news of his son being born.  He put a fist full of money into the chunni of the nurse.  He had received the joy of the world this day.  The joy was compared to a beggar having the Kalapbrish growing in his home.  It was a tradition of the Vedas to bathe with the clothes on and so that is what Baba Kalu ji did.  He focused his attention unto Parmeshwar and bowed his head with his hands folded. 

In this way, the birth of Guru ji happened.  This is how Guru Nanak Dev ji came into the world.  He came to give joy to the Bhagats and the Dharti.  I will also tell you the way the celebration took place.  I will tell you about the one who destroyed the illnesses of this Earth.

1-4 The Avatar of Sri Guru/ Celebration/ The Name

The writer of this Katha is a mortal and therefore without skill.  These writings do not do justice to the greatness of the Guru.  The one thing that this Katha does have is the love and devotion for the Guru.  The praises of the Guru are in here.  The flow of the Ganga is from side to side at places.  This may not be a good thing but people still see the Ganga as Holy and bathe in it.  There will be mistakes and missing Kathas.  The readers/listeners should not pay attention to the mistakes in this Katha.  One should only see the glory of the Satguru.

Bhai Bala ji speaks:

Listen Guru Angad Dev ji to the Katha which washes the filth from the mind.  As the sun came up, Baba Kalu ji called one of his servants and said to him: “go to the house of Pandit ji.  The Jyotishi Pandit Hardyal ji, call him quickly.  He is our family Pandit.”  The servant quickly went to Pandit Hardyal ji’s home.  The servant called Pandit ji from the outside.  Pandit Hardyal ji heard the plea and opened his door.  He saw the servant.  The server said: “Pandit ji!  Mehta Kalu ji has called for you.  Come with me right now!”  Pandit ji said: “it is my time to do Pooja.  I will come right after I am done.  I won’t be doing anything else.”  The servant heard this and came back home and told Baba Kalu ji.

When it was around 10 am, Pandit Hardyal ji came to Baba Kalu ji’s home.  Baba Kalu ji bowed to the Pandit and had him sit on a beautiful seat.  Pandit ji blessed him.  Baba Kalu ji had the Pandit sit with respect and love.  He sat right next to him.  Baba Kalu ji said: “listen Pandit ji, Gobind has given me a son.  Please bless me with your grace and see what the Lagan and Mahurat was.  Please see the good and bad.  Please prepare the “Janam Patri,” birth chart, of my son.”  Baba Kalu ji brought Kumkum and paper.  He did the Pooja of Ganpati and respected the planets.  Pandit ji said: “the word with which the child was born with, put that in my ear.  What time was the child born.  Call the nurse and midwife who delivered him.”  The name of the nurse of Guru Nanak Dev ji was Daulata Dhai.  She was called by Pitha Kalu ji at once.  A servant was sent to get the Samaghri which was asked for by the Pandit.

The items required for the Greh Pooja were brought by Mehta Kalu ji.  He sat next to Pandit Hardyal ji and said: “3 Paihars (1 Paihar is 3 hours) and 2 Gharries (1 Gharry is 22 minutes) of the night had passed when my son was born.”  Pandit ji asked the nurse: “what word did the baby say when he was born?  When he cried, what sound did he make?”  Dhai Daulata said: “listen Brahmin Raja, I will tell you the amazing birth of this child.  I have delivered many kids before but I have never seen such an amazing baby as this one.  When this baby was born, he was laughing like a wise person.  He was smiling like a scholar.  I heard the word “Sat Kartar” from his mouth.  I saw good omens from his body.  I have never seen such great omens before.  This boy is not a normal boy.”  The Jyotishi Pandit heard everything and thought about everything.  He calculated the Nakshatra, time and day.  He noticed that everything had great omens.  It was a great Lagan when the boy was born.  Any other baby that was born at that time in the world became an Aatam Gyani.  The Pandit thought to himself: “this baby is an Avatar!  Mehta Kalu is very fortunate.  This is either Vishnu or Shivji who has come to save the world.  (He was actually the one who created Vishnu and Shivji) I see the great omens in his chart.  This power is greater than Vishnu and Shiva.  A Chattar (royal canopy) will hang over his head.  It is the Purbi Nisa night when he was born.  He will be Chakravarty.  He will win every direction.  The world will bow to him.  There is no doubt that he will win every place.  I need to see this child right away.  His Darshan will make my life a blessing.”  Pandit ji said to Mehta Kalu ji: “show me the child right now!”  Daulata Dhai was told: “go and get the child and bring him to Pandit ji.”  Daulata Dhai went right away to the place where Mata Tripta ji was with the newborn child.  Daulata said: “Mata ji, Pandit ji wishes to see the child.”  Mata ji refused to give her child as it was cold.  She said: “don’t you know its cold?  How can we take the baby outside?  The child is soft.  Why is Pandit ji asking to see the child?  He can make the chart without seeing the child.”  Daulata mentioned that Mehta Kalu ji commanded to bring the child.  Mata Tripta ji eventually agreed.  She wrapped up the baby and gave him to Daulata Dhai.  Daulata brought the baby to where Pithaji and Pandit ji were sitting.  Daulata was mesmerized with the sight of the baby.  The body was small while inside was a great Jot that illuminated the universe.  Just as a small seed has a great tree in it, that is how the baby was. 

Pandit Hardial ji looked at the baby and inspected the body.  He looked at the lines on his feet and forehead.  He looked at his palms and became filled with bliss.  Pandit ji got up and bowed to the baby.  His calculations were correct.  He confirmed it when he saw the baby.  His heart was filled with bliss and love.  He put the baby’s feet to his forehead.  This was the first head to touch Guru Nanak Dev ji’s feet.  He was like a Bhagat seeing their Isht Devata.  He had a great joy in his heart.  Guru ji’s limbs were beautiful.  They were supreme.  The Yogis think of these limbs and do Bhagti of.  His feet were soft.  His arms were longer than other babies.  His shoulders were high.  His features were precious like gems.  His fingers were of the same length.  His chest was wide.  He had the Chavar Rekha in his right hand.  In his left hand he had the Chattar Rekha.  His cheeks were round and soft.  His nose was sharp.  The forehead was like the half moon.  The eyebrows were like bows.  Pandit ji said: “listen Kalu, your child is beautiful.  He has the 32 characteristics of a supreme human being.  He has mounds on his palms.  He will be wealthy but won’t keep the money for himself.  I have read Samudrika Vidya and am using my wisdom.  I see that he has all the good signs of a Devata.  I have come to the conclusion that he is the Avatar of the Sat, Chit and Anand.”  Dhai Daulata brought the baby back to Mata ji. 

Pitha Mehta Kalu ji did the Sharaads in celebration.  He gave donations to the Brahmins as per the traditions of the Vedas.  He had a great feast for them.  Pandit Hardyal ji guided him.  Mehta Kalu ji said: “Pandit ji, please do the baby’s Naam Karn.  Please analyse your Vidya and tell me a great name.”  Pandit Hardyal ji said: “listen Kalu, this baby’s name should be extraordinary.  I need to think about what to name this Avatar.  You should do the traditions of your Bedi family now.  If a beggar comes to you, don’t send him/her empty-handed.”  In this way, Pandit ji left after giving Baba Kalu ji his blessings.  He went home and tried to find a good name.

Leaves were tied in a string and hung over the door of Baba Kalu ji’s house as a sign of celebration.  Many beggars came to the home to beg.  The Hijras and Kleevs came to dance with their dhols and instruments.  They sang songs in sweet voices.  The bells in their ankles rang to the beat as they clapped and danced.  They twirled and jumped as they sang songs.  They spoke jokes to make fun of the family.  The family and relatives gathered to celebrate.  They all wore expensive clothes with nice jewellery.  The beautiful women of the neighbourhood came.  They were young and beautiful.  They had the walk of the elephant.  Their eyes were beautiful.  They sounded like cuckoos as they sang.  They wore colorful clothes.  They came to Mata ji and gave her their congratulations.  The house was crowded with friends and relatives.  There were sounds of celebration everywhere. 

The wives of the Devatas took on human forms and came to see the form of Parmeshwar.  They came and sang songs.  They were being blessed by Parmeshwar for singing his praises.  They were looting the joys of the world.  There was joy everywhere in Baba Kalu ji’s home.  Dhundhabs and Shehnais were played at the door.  Taadhis and Bhatts came to show their skills.  They asked for money.  Pithaji gave them money.  They sang their songs and gave their congratulations.  Men, women, Devatas and celestial beings were all celebrating.  Nobody left empty-handed.  Mehta Kalu ji gave a lot of donations. 

Mehta Kalu ji did the traditions of the Bedi family.  The men and women continued to celebrate.  Everyone praised the newborn baby.  They all felt pure.  Their minds were pure.  They said: “we have seen children of Shahukaars but we have never seen such a great celebration before.”  They all met and agreed with this.  They said: “this baby is fortunate.  There is so much joy in the home of Mehta Kalu ji.” 

The traditions of the sixth day took place.  Rice was thrown.  The Pooja of 8 Joganis happened.  After 13 days, Pandit Hardyal ji came and said to Baba Kalu ji: “name the baby: “Nanak!”  There is no other name equal to this name.  There is no one else equal to him.”  Baba Kalu ji gave Pandit ji a chola.  Mehta Kalu ji said: “Pandit ji, I am in wonder, hearing this name.  It’s never been heard before.  I haven’t heard this name in Hindus or Muslims.  I don’t wish to keep this name.  Use your Vidya to find another name.  Examine good and bad before naming him.  It should be deserving of a Khatri family.  Tell us a name which sounds good.  Just as names of us Hindus have been kept in the past, think of such a name.  It shouldn’t be a name which seems doubtful.”  Pandit ji said: “your child is a really big Avatar.  The Avatars of Hari: Ram and Krishan; only Hindus worshiped them.  Not Muslims.  Both Hindus and Muslims will worship this child.  Hindus and Muslims will become his Sikhs servants.  Whoever connects with his feet, they will be saved in this world and reach Mukti.  Whoever will do his Sangat, will cross this world ocean.  His name will be illuminated in the whole world.  He will save many people.  He will give Naam and Bhagti to a lot of people.  He will be praised in jungles, plants, earth and the skies.  He is the Avatar of the Param, Puratan, Akaal Purakh.  He has come in human form.  The humans will recite his Name.  Land, earth and water will give him way.  They will be in his command.  Day and night will be in his command.  I thought about the name: “Nanak,” in my heart after considering all this.  This is why I have thought about this beautiful name.  Hindus and Muslims will recite and Japp his name.  This is a root name.  I looked in his Janam Patri to name him.  I haven’t made anything up to make anyone happy.  Kalu ji, don’t think that I am lying.  I am speaking the truth and I am confident of everything that I have said.  I will tell you the meaning of his name.  The letters are supreme.  The Nanna of his name means “Purakh.”  The Kana, A, means “Akaar,” which points to the Akaar of the Purakh, the existence of the Purakh, the complete one.  The second A would stand for Anak.  The second Nanna added to it is An Ak. Ak means “pain”; An means “no” – so it is the Purakh who has no pain.  That is the meaning of “Nanak.”  The ultimate meaning of Nanak is: the Sat (infinite existence), Chit (consciousness) and Anand (bliss) who is in the control of the Bhagats.”  Mehta Kalu ji was really happy to hear the meanings of the name of “Nanak.”  He gave Pandit Hardial ji Bheta and gifts as he took leave.

As Pandit Hardial ji left Pitha Mehta Kalu ji’s home, he was thinking to himself and was upset.  He was upset because he was old and may not be able to see this child grow up and do his amazing things: “I may not be able to see his glory.  I wonder if I will still be alive as he grows up.  If I am fortunate, I will see him speak.  When he will be able to speak, Sangat will come to him and receive Mukti.  I will come to him and request him to give me Mukti as well.  I hope I will be able to do that.  Oh Omniscient One, if you can hear my thoughts, please be gracious and keep me alive till I can hear your wisdom.  When you will speak your wisdom, keep me alive till then.  I wish to see you do your amazing tasks.”  He kept this wish of Mukti in his heart.  He did Simran of the Name.  In this way, time went on and Guru Nanak Dev ji’s body grew like the moon after the 2^nd day of the new moon.  Just as Gyaan increases in the heart of the Mumukshu (seeker of Mukti) and hatred is destroyed, that is how Guru ji grew.

1-5 Sri Guru ji’s Childhood

Satguru ji, for his servants, creates Vairagya in the heart like Brahma; gives Gyaan like Vishnu does; destroys the vices like Shiva; cools the fire of the vices like the Chander; dispels the darkness of attachment like Soorya.  The ones who are pure, Guru ji lights Divas in them of Gyaan and shows them that they are separate from Maya.  I bow to the feet of such a Satguru who destroys the fear of such beggars like myself.  He is the ship that takes the Humans across this world ocean.  He destroys the life and death cycle of the people.

Sri Bala Sandhur Vaach.

Mata ji had a cradle made in which she would place her son in.  She would kiss the forehead of her son and hug him.  She couldn’t stop looking at Guru ji’s face.  Looking at his face would make all the sorrows go away.  His eyes were like the petals of a lotus flower.  His nostrils were more beautiful than the sesame plant.  Mata Tripta ji had golden jewellery made for Guru ji.  A golden chain with small bells was made for Guru ji to put around his waist.  It was very beautiful but it became more radiant by touching Guru ji.  Golden bracelets were put on his wrists.  Whoever saw him, couldn’t stop looking at him. 

As time went on, two small teeth on the top gums could be seen.  They looked like two small pearls, peaking out of a small box.  Guru ji’s body grew and he began to crawl in the middle of the house.  His feet were pulled by his knees.  I am a sacrifice unto those feet.  Mata ji would rejoice seeing his feet.  Guru ji would crawl and look back.  He would smile at others and make them smile too.  He would make sweet noises as he played in the house.  It would sound like the praises of Nirankaar.  The ladies of the Bedis would come to play with Guru Nanak Dev ji.  They would see him and be filled with joy.  He was the plant of Anand.  They would grab him by the arms and take him into their lap.  They would hug him and kiss his forehead.  They would speak to him to play with him and he would respond to their speech with a smile.  Some people came everyday to see his smile at least once a day.  Both parents would play with him.  When Guru ji would crawl, his clothes would get dirty.  His mother would wash his clothes with water.  She would wash Guru ji’s face and body with water.  She would put new clothes on him then.  She would put a fine cotton shirt on Guru ji’s body.  She would give him milk to drink.  He would close his eyes and Mata ji would lay him down.  Guru ji would sleep for an hour and be ready to play again.

As he grew more, he started to pull the beds and stand up.  He slowly began to walk by holding the furniture.  As his legs and feet got stronger, he began to stand.  He started to walk and run without support.  Other kids of his neighbourhood would come to play with him.  These were the saints and sadhoos who wanted to take birth with Parmeshwar; so they could play with him as a child.  Some were strong Jattis and Satis.  Some were Devatas and Gandarvs who took birth.  Guru ji’s small jewellery would clank as he would play.  His eyes were beautiful.  He played in the house and in the street.  He would play till his mother would come to get him.  He would run with the other children.  Mata ji would call him and give him food to eat.  Mata ji was in bliss raising him.  Mata ji would mix rice and yoghurt for Guru ji to eat.  Guru ji would eat about half and then turn his head towards the door, signalling his intent to play.  He would leave his food half-eaten.  His childhood was great.  He was unlimited.  Mehta Kalu ji would play with his son.  He would come home and look at his face.  He would take him in his lap and give him love.  Guru ji would then go back to his friends to play with them.  He was the temple of beauty.  Whoever looked at him, their attention would be focused on him.  People from the street would like to listen to his words.  His words were like honey.  People would say: “Mehta Kalu is fortunate to have such a son.  He makes everyone happy.”

When Guru ji would play in his neighbourhood, people would look at him and fall in love with him.  He was like the ocean, pulling all of the rivers (attention) into him.  Everyone’s eyes were like Chakors and Guru ji’s face was like the moon.  They couldn’t stop staring at him.  He was charming like the sun.  The people were like the lotus flowers that would bloom, looking at Guru ji.  His voice was like the hunter’s bell which would attract the deer towards it.  People would be mesmerized by his voice.  In this way Guru ji behaved like a child.  The Sikhs that think about his childhood, they will be saved in this world ocean.

When Guru ji turned 5 years old, he would take the expensive household items and lose them after taking them outside of the house.  He would take pots, pans, jewellery and clothes outside of the house and give them to the poor.  He would throw them in front of them instead of handing it to them.  He would do this everyday.  He started the tradition of charity in Sikhi.  His personality was full of compassion.  One day, Guru ji took a silver dish from his home and gave it to a beggar.  When he came back to his home, Mata Tripta ji noticed that he had a silver dish in his hand when he left, which was no longer with him.  She got mad at her son and said: “where did that dish go that you had?  You just had it in your hand a little while ago.”  Guru ji remained quiet.  The giver of Mukti did not say anything.  Mata ji took a wooden stick and attempted to scare her son.  She wanted him to speak by showing him the stick.  Guru Nanak Dev ji’s eyes were big and wide.  They were beautiful, like the eyes of a fawn.  He lowered his eyes and pretended to be scared.  His eyes filled with tears.  The tears flowed from his eyes.  In the same time, Guru ji’s Chacha ji, Bhai Lalu ji came and saved his nephew.  Mata ji got mad and said: “you don’t know what he’s been doing.  He’s been taking the household items and giving them to random people off the street. He is fearless and stubborn.  I have never seen such a stubborn child before.  He has lost many things in the house.  I have told him not to do that but he doesn’t listen.  He should be beaten but you saved him.  You should tell him to stop doing what he does.”  In this way, Mata ji scolded him but then eventually melted and picked up her son.  She took him into her lap and hugged him.  She wiped his eyes with her chunni.  She cleaned his face.  She was filled with the mother’s love.  She regretted yelling at her son: “I only have one son.  He is still a child and doesn’t know own from other.  He doesn’t know profit or loss.  When he grows up, he will understand.  I won’t yell at him again.”  Mata ji thought about this and hugged him.  Guru ji left his mother and started to play with his friends.  Seeing Guru ji would wash one’s sins away. 

When Pith Kalu ji heard about his son’s ways, he thought about what Pandit Hardial ji said.  He was thinking that his son would bring prosperity but his son was giving everything away.  He thought about this and wanted to yell at Pandit ji.  He went to Pandit Hardial ji’s home to speak to him.  He said to Pandit ji in an angry way, without greeting him: “what Jyotish Vidya did you read?  Not one thing you said came out to be true.  You mentioned many qualities of my son.  I have figured out that he is going to put us in a loss.  “A great Chatter (canopy) is to flow over my house,” you said.  He is giving away my items.  If he is given something, he loses it.  If we ask him where did the thing go, he doesn’t speak.  The calculations of qualities you spoke about, I don’t see any of them.  I am surprised how a skilled Jyotish such as yourself can be so wrong.  Did you say all those things to make me happy?  Did you say all those things to get a good donation from me?  You have made a mistake in your calculations.  You probably misspoke.”  The Pandit heard Mehta Kalu ji’s faithless words.  He said words to reignite the faith in his heart: “there was another quality that I saw then, but I didn’t talk about it because you were happy.  I can see that characteristic clearly now.  I will tell you what it was: this child’s relatives will never understand his greatness.  Many others will benefit from his greatness but only a few within the family will know his greatness.  When this child grows up, his radiance will grow; just as Bhavan’s size grew to measure the 3 worlds.  Peers and Meers (saints and kings) will follow him; just as the people of Gokul followed the Bhagavan of Mathura (Krishan ji).  They will worship him in the same way.  He has all the qualities of Ram Chand ji.  You can test him as he grows older.  He will be a scholar, greater than Vyaas.  The one who has faith in him, will be blessed.  Have faith in your son.  Reject your love of money.  He is the complete form of Parmatma.  He is the root of consciousness; aware and unaware.”  Mehta Kalu ji had nothing to say.  He was still upset though.  The praise of Guru ji from Pandit Hardial ji’s mouth was like a garland of pearls from the ocean.  Just as a vegetable seller does not know of the value of pearls, Mehta Kalu ji did not understand the value of his son.  Mehta Kalu ji went home and got busy with his work.  He forgot Pandit ji’s description of his son’s qualities. 

The night came and Mata ji would love to look at her son’s face.  She fed her son and gave him milk.  She laid down and put her son to sleep.  Guru ji went to sleep and became one with the bliss.  At about 2 am, Mata Tripta ji saw a beautiful dream.  She saw beautiful Devatas and Devis getting together and having a celebration.  Their faces were radiant.  They had beautiful flowers in their hands with great fragrances.  She saw a Singhasan, throne, with expensive gems embedded into it.  The Devatas cleaned the Singhasan.  On top of the Singhasan, Mata ji saw her son sitting on it with great radiance.  He was more handsome than millions of Kamadevas.  The Devatas and Devis were bowing to Guru Nanak Dev ji and showering him with flowers.  They were expressing their devotion towards Guru ji and doing his Jaikaras.  They said: “you are the pure, ancient and supreme Purakh who cannot be quantified.  You have come into the house of Bedis to give support to the Dharti, world.  You have come to illuminate Bhagti in the world and to destroy the sinners and the sins.  You came to start a new Panth in Kaliyuga.  You came to show the path of Satsangat.  You came to save the world; make everyone do Simran of Akaal Purakh; destroy the pains of the Bhagats; give protection to the ones who come to you; destroy the bad wisdom; show the righteous path.  You came to destroy the ego of the Meers and Peers.  You came to make everyone do Simran of Vahiguru.  May you be victorious!”  After saying these praises, the Devatas and Devis worshipped the feet of Guru Nanak Dev ji.  They then went back to their worlds saying “Jai, Jai!”  Mata ji was surprised to see this dream.  She didn’t understand this.  When she woke up, she started to look at her son to make sure he was fine.  She noticed her son’s body, as if it had been worshipped by the Devatas.  She could smell the sandalwood fragrance sprayed on his body.  She saw flowers by his feet.  He was laying down and asleep but there were flowers all over his body.  Mata ji was confused and couldn’t figure out if she saw a dream or if it was for real.  She rubbed her eyes and then looked again.  Nothing changed.  She thought to herself: “I can’t tell if I saw a dream or not.  My son is an Avatar.  He is the knower of the Sat and Chit.  Devatas came to worship him.  The Devatas bowed to him.”  Mata ji forgot that he was her son.  She began to bow to her son, knowing him as Akaal Purakh.  She thought to herself: “I saw the sandalwood.”  It was soon morning and the sun came up.  Mata ji figured out who Guru Nanak Dev ji was.  Guru Nanak Dev ji opened his eyes and knew that his mother had understood everything.  In order to cast the shadow of attachment over her eyes again, he made a distressed face and said: “Mata ji, I am hungry.  Give me food.”  Mata ji forgot everything she saw in her dream right away.  She could only think that her son was hungry. 

Mata ji brought food for her son and just saw him as her child.  Satguru ji ate and went to play with his friends.  The jewellery on his body would clank.  He loved to play with his friends.  He would run with his friends.  When he would stop, his friends would stop as well.  If he would sit down, his friends would sit down as well.  The other children would listen to Guru Nanak Dev ji’s words.  Guru ji would tell the kids about Bhagti and Vairagya.  He would say the Katha of Hari to them.  They would hear him (Sarvan) and accept his words (Manan).  They would apply his words to their lives (Nidhyasan).  The children were Sadhoos and saints in their past lives who came to see the childhood of Akaal Purakh’s form.  They would want to hear more of his Kathas.  They would ask him to tell them about the Katha of Hari.  Guru ji’s words were sweet; like the fragrance from a lotus flower.  The lessons Guru ji would give were like the essence of the lotus.  The children were like bees around a flower.  They heard Guru ji’s words and attained bliss.  If people passing by heard the Katha of Guru ji, they would stop and listen to Guru Nanak Dev ji’s words.  His words were sweeter than a scholarly Pandit’s.  They would praise Guru ji: “this child speaks valuable words!  What is he saying?  He is a child but speaks like a great scholar-saint.”  His words were like Amrit and his face was like the moon.  The people listening were listening to the Amrit Katha of Hari.  Their ears were like the pot that would hold the Amrit.  The children loved Satguru ji.  They were all best friends.  They wouldn’t leave Guru ji all day long.  They would keep looking at Guru ji’s face.  When Guru ji would go home in the evening, the children would not leave Guru ji.  They would come to his home.  When Guru ji would leave his home, the children would leave with him.  They were in bliss.  Many of those children were given Mukti because their minds had become pure, listening to Guru ji’s Hari Katha.  Some were made deserving and some were given Mukti.  This was the childhood of the Guru.  Kavi Santokh Singh ji says: “I have stated the Katha of Guru ji.  Whoever would listen to or read this Katha, Satguru ji will give them joy.”