1-11 The Wedding Story

The mothers were extremely happy.  They were busy with the planning.  They would order whatever they needed from the markets.  The Subhikhi clan sent the Shagun (engagement gifts).  A Brahman and a Naaee came from the Subhikhi family, bringing the gifts of engagement.  (It was customary in those times to have the kulprohit- family priest, and the family hygienist to take such gifts for the groom).  They were kept in a beautiful home and provided with gourmet foods.  Mata Gujri ji heard about the Shagun coming and became very excited.  She called the kulprohit of the Sodhi family and asked him to find a good date for the wedding and to mark her son with a tilak.  The purohit spoke: “tomorrow is the Panchami (fifth day after new moon).  Tomorrow is a great day to do the engagement tilak.  Your son is the source of all happiness.  All of the Devatas, planets and stars are under his control.  The name of Guru Gobind Singh ji dispels and destroys all hurdles and problems.  When one recites his name, all wishes are fulfilled.”  Mataji heard this and was overly excited.  She sent news, all around, about Guru ji’s engagement day being the next day.  She called all of the women from Kiratpur.  Mata Khem Kaur (wife of Baba Sooraj Mal) was sent the invitation.  Mata Khem Kaur ji gathered all of the women in Kiratpur and began to sing songs of happiness.  They came to the front door of the Anandpur home, singing songs and dancing.  Dhols and vaajays played in their group as they came.  They were received with honor and respect.  Naubats, Shehnais and Dhundhabs played everyday in front of Guru Ji’s house.  All of the women would gather at Mataji’s house, everyday.  Mataji would welcome everyone and say: “today, I am extremely happy.  I am balihaar (to emit oneself due to devotion and affection) to this day.  It is my son’s wedding and everyone is happy.”  Mata ji had sweets prepared and distributed to everyone present. 

It was soon morning and everyone got up.  They bathed and wore brand new clothes.  Everyone was happy, as it was Guru ji’s engagement day.  All of the married women came to Mata ji, wearing new clothes and jewellery.  A dhol was brought to be played, being the instrument of happiness.  The sound of the dhol sounded in everyone’s hearts and instantly it made everyone dance to its happy sounds/beats.  The Napheeryas sounded and small nagaras were being played.  The women had voices like cuckoos and nightingales and sang songs of weddings.  They gathered in small groups to sing and dance.  Everyone would congratulate Mata ji, to which she would congratulate the Sangat as well.  There was so much music everywhere.  Wearing fine red clothes and jewellery, the celebrations carried on.  Women, whose skin tone was like the champac (magnolia colour -yellow), were singing the sweetest songs.  They sang the Ghoriya (folk songs in Raga Vadhans, singing about the groom mounting the horse for the wedding procession).  Other women would shout the Sithineeya (comical statements to roast/make fun of the wedding party).

Mata ji wanted to call her son, so she asked Daya Ram ji to bring him.  Pandit Daya Ram ji, the kulprohit of the Sodhis, requested Guru ji to come with his cousins (Sango Shah, Jeet Mal, Gulab Rai, Mari Chand, and Ganga Ram) and go to Mata Gujri ji.  Guru Sahib always kept Sango Shah ji along with him as he was the eldest son of Bibi Veero ji.  Mata Gujri ji placed a sandalwood stool and had it decorated with fine fabrics.  Guru ji was asked to sit on top of the stool.  The purohits from Lahore came and put the Shagun in to the lap of Guru ji.  They placed a mark of sandalwood and saffron on to the forehead of Guru ji.  Some rice was also placed on Guru ji’s forehead as a sign of royal prosperity.  It looked great on his forehead.  His hair looked like Rahu and Keto (malefic characters in Vedic text) on top their black horses trying to engulf the moon (the tilak).  It looked like the moon ran and took sanctuary in Brihaspati’s (the Guru of the Devatas) home.  (The hair was black like Rahu’s horses; the sandalwood paste was yellow like Brihaspati’s horses; the rice was white like the moon) When the Purohit from Lahore put a ladoo in to Guru ji’s mouth, everyone rejoiced.  They saw Guru ji’s face and wished to sacrifice them unto the Guru.  The Apsaras (celestial dancers from Heaven) came from heaven and danced in the sky.  They showered flowers on to Guru ji.  The Bhatts began to sing the ballads.  The Pakhavaj and tambours played with compositions in Dhrupad.  The greatest Keertanis, who were knowledgeable in Gurbani and Sangeet, were singing intricate and mind captivating compositions.  Big shuthri nagaras (made of the hide of camels on to a wooden drum) played.  It seemed as though happiness was chained and kept from escaping from this period in time and place.  Chaurs were fanned on both sides of Guru ji.  It looked as though Guru ji was the mansarovar (large freshwater lake situated in the Kailash Mountain) and the chaurs were two swans, flying to each side of the mansarovar. 

Bhai Daya Ram Purohit then got up and performed the traditions of the Guru’s house along with the Sodhi family traditions.  He read Gurbani and performed Ardaas as per Gurmat traditions.  There were ladoos and sweets in great baskets that came from Lahore.  Daya Ram ji asked for permission from Mata ji and distributed the sweets among the Sangat.  The Sangat and servants were all seated.  The women began to sing wedding folk songs.  The singers and artists were all given the ladoos.  Everyone had ladoos, mevay, almonds and cashews.  Mammaji was very happy this day and running around all over the place supervising and conducting various tasks.  He had great responsibilities to take care of today.  He brought money from the treasuries and donated to the poor people.  Brahmins and beggars were given donations.  They prayed for Guru ji’s long life and health: “may the gem of the Sodhis by immortal.  May the glory of the son of Guru Tegh Bahadhur, grow and spread.  Guru Tegh Bahadhur, who had everything, and did not indulge in anything, his son Guru Gobind Singh ji is the dawn of a new sun that will protect the Hindu religion.”  Mata Gujri ji witnessed this and was extremely happy.  She gave the beggars money as well.  She circumvented the money on to Guru ji’s head before giving it.  She kept glancing at her son, drenched in his love.  Guru ji then went back home.

Preparations were made.  Ghee and sugar were used to make sweets.  The Brahmin from Lahore was given money and gifts as he left.  She sent Shagun for her future daughter-in-law.  Invitations and sweets were sent to the Bedi elders, Baba Kaladhari ji, the 9^th generation of Sri Guru Nanak Dev ji.  The Bedi family came with the women and children.  The Trehans were sent invitations by sending the Masands, who brought them back to Anandpur with them.  The Bhallas were then invited.  They gathered their family and came to Anandpur.  Houses were set for their stays in Anandpur.  The Masands from near and far also arrived before the wedding.  The family from Kiratpur, the Sodhis, also came to attend the wedding.  Anandpur was full of people.  Everyone was surprised to see the amount of people in Anandpur. 

The markets in Guru ka Lahore were in full function.  Many types of businesses were set and selling their goods and foods.  The halvaees made many types of foods.  There were markets and then there was Langar.

Women in Lahore were singing and preparing for the wedding.  They were singing and dancing to the beats of the Dhols.  Whatever were the traditions of their household, they fulfilled them and then came to Guru ka Lahore.

 In Guru ka Lahore, the people of Sirhind called their markets the “Sirhindi Bazaar.”  There was a Hoshiarpur Bazaar, Ropar Bazaar and then a Lahori Bazaar.  There were beautiful markets set up in Guru ka Lahore, and the merchants were motivated to do business.  Some merchants came to do business at their own expense while some borrowed money from Guru ji.  Everyone made profits and sang the glories of Guru ji: “Guru ji is the master of all.”  People made clothes for the wedding in different colours.  They bought the most expensive clothes.  Mamma Kirpal Chand ji was supervising the markets.  He worked on all the maintenances that were required.  There were a lot of people from different regions and doing their duties.  The launderers were cleaning clothes, the cloth dyers were busy doing their word.  Saddles were being made for horses.  Muslin zarri cushions were made for the horses.  There was a lot of business with the jewellers for both gold and silver.  Tents were being set up with chandeliers and golden posts with pearl strands.  At night time, fireworks would take place.  They would make horses and elephant fireworks using gunpower as the fireworks popped in the sky.  They would make fireworks that would go up and become devatas and devis.  They would make sparklers that would spin with fiery lights in the air and on the ground.  There were so many people here.  This celebration went non-stop for a whole month.  There was music and songs everywhere.

The wedding day had finally come.  There were dholaks, kungroos and clapping playing.  Singing and dancing took place all day and all night.  Kirtan would occur as well as poems.  Everyone was celebrating in their own way. 

1-12 The Bharaat Gets Ready

When the day of the marriage came, all of the preparations were made.  Siropas and clothes were given to the people in the Bharaat.  Everyone was ready.  Mata Gujri ji was in bliss.  She had a sandalwood stool placed in the middle of the courtyard and called her son, the Satguru, to her.  She had Guru ji sit on top of the stool.  It was in an open courtyard.  The married women were singing wedding folk songs.  The women surrounded Guru ji.  They rubbed the vatna (paste made of turmeric, sandalwood and other herbs.  This is a tradition for the groom’s cleansing) on Guru ji.  The vatna smelled great.  It had saffron, turmeric and other essences.  The vatna made Guru ji’s body smell great.  They rubbed the vatna all over his arms.  Guru ji had big biceps at such a young age, as he practised weaponry everyday.  After they rubbed the vatna, they washed it away with fresh water from the well.  Guru ji then took a bath after and wore yellow clothes.  He was tied the kangna (traditional band to signify the wedding party) on his wrist.  He was adorned with jewellery.  He tied a beautiful dastaar with a cheera (golden thread at the corners).  On top of the dastaar was tied a jigha.  The jigha had emeralds and rubies embedded into it.  There were diamonds and pearls hanging from tassels on the jigha.  He had a very high Kalgi on his dastaar.  His face looked like the moon.  It looked as though nectar was dripping from the moon (in Vedic belief, the moon’s light, after the full moon, is believed to provide the sweetness in all fruits and other vegetables.  The light is believed to contain a nectar or Amrit).  He was wearing golden hoops in his ears, that reflected the golden light on his cheeks.  There was no comparison to the Guru’s handsomeness.  He wore a pearl necklace around his neck and tied golden armlets on to his biceps.  He wore thick golden bracelets on his wrists and rings on his fingers.  Wearing yellow clothes, the groom was ready. 

The jewellery had diamonds, emeralds and rubies.  The reflection was really bright.  There was a chutter (royal canopy, royal umbrella) held atop his head and two people were waiving Chaurs on his left and right.  It was though Inder was going to marry Sachi on their wedding day.  There was no personality that could ever match the Guru’s.  Mata Gujri ji saw her son and was extremely happy.  The beautiful young maidens that were wearing beautiful clothes and jewellery would sing the Ghoriya and other folk songs.  Their voices sounded like cuckoos and nightingales singing.  They would see Guru ji and be mesmerized by him.  Guru ji came and performed the Sodhi family traditions and then headed towards the front door of the house.  He came and stood at the door of his home.  As he came out of his home, the Nagaras were sounded.  The folk instruments, puttay, napheeryas and turrarees sounded.  Flutes and dhols were played.  Many shehnais and other instruments were playing.  The musicians and artists walked ahead of the Bharaat.  There was so much music that no one could hear their voice.  The women came to send off the Bharaat (women did not go with the Bharaat in that time period).  They were singing Ghoriya.  Their eyes were pretty and when they danced, their jewellery made clanking noises.  The dupattas on their heads were different coloured with zarri ghottas (borders on dupattas) at the ends.  They were smiling and laughing.  Their pearl teeth would flash through their ruby red lips.  (Kavi ji uses an artistic style to show the beauty of the time and occasion).  Their teeth looked like electricity.

Guru ji sat on a mare (female horse), as was the tradition for a groom.  He was wearing a diamond and pearl sehra (traditional face covering for the groom).  The vaajays were playing and there was a crowd everywhere.  The people showered Guru ji with flowers, standing on top of their balconies, in the city.  There was a great happiness in everyone’s heart.  The Bharaat was ready.  Young men mounted on to their horses that were decorated with beautiful saddles of red.  They all had red saddles.  Others mounted chariots.  There were zarri cloth that laced the chariots.  Some chariots had bulls and some were being pulled by horses.  The animals were strong and had bells around their becks.  The bells would ring as they moved.  The chariot drivers were signalling the animals to move.  This Bharaat was the most decorated anyone had ever seen.  Everyone was wearing beautiful clothes.  The young men were wearing beautiful dastaars with zarri cheeras. 

The five sons of Bibi Veero mounted their horses.  They made their horses jump and trot in various ways.  Their saddles were fastened with gold and silver.  Sango Shah was the eldest.  He was followed by Maari Chand and Ganga Ram, along with Jeet Mal and Gulab Rai.  They all came close to Guru Gobind Singh ji.  They stood to the right of Guru ji.  Pandit Daya Ram Ji was ready to go and was mounted on top of his horse.  Pandit ji was the son of Jaati Mal ji who was a soldier in Guru Hargobind Sahib ji’s army.  Both father and son were well educated Brahmins, both in Vedic scriptures and weaponry.  Pandit Daya Ram ji had a sword and shield fastened to his side with fastenings that ran down his shoulders.  Baba Sooraj Mal ji’s grandsons were on top of their horses.  Gulab Rai and Shyam Das were their names.  They joined Guru ji along.  The Bedis were on their chariots and joined the Bharat.  The Trehans joined the Bharat along with the Bhallas on their chariots, hailing from Khadoor Sahib and Goindwal Sahib.  Some were on chariots and some were on horses.  The Masands that came from near and far, dressed in fine clothes and jeweller, joined the Bharat.  Bhai Ram Koer Sahib ji (Baba Buddha Ji’s descendant) was the head of all the Masands.  The family of Baba Buddha ji was known by everyone and had a distinct grandeur.  This Bharaat had many Saints and Brahmgyaanis.  The bells in the bulls’ necks, the galloping of the horses and the playing of the folk and martial instruments, was all you could hear.  The Farlas (blue plumes) of the Nishans (battle standards/ flags) were opened and mobilized to proceed.  The Nishans could be seen from far away.  The Nishans were at the front followed by the musical instruments.  The groom was on the mare with a chutter on top.  Chaurs were fanned around him on both sides.  People on the streets would see the Bharaat and be mesmerized by this view.  The Devatas descended from the Heavens to see the Bharaat.  Mata Gujri ji, Mata Nanaki ji and the other women sent the Bharaat off, singing songs of happiness.  They came back home after sending them off.  Mata Gujri ji would go into deep thought thinking about Guru ji being the Avatar of Akaal Purakh.  She was herself mesmerized by her son too.  She saw her mother-in-law’s description that Guru Hargobind Sahib ji described, come to life in front of her.  She thanked Guru Nanak Dev ji for this day and her son’s ever-growing glory.  This was the most beautiful Bharaat ever.

Dhundhabs, Nagaras and Narsinghas started to play and the Bharaat started off.  Some ran the chariots fast and some made the horses jump as they galloped.  The kungroos (bells) were sounding and all of the instruments were playing at the same pitch.  The Bharaat went with a great bang.  It was 3 pm and the Bharaat was to travel about 25 km to Guru ka Lahore.

The women in Guru ka Lahore, from the family of Mata Jeeto ji, were singing songs, awaiting the Bharaat.  On one side, there were folk instruments playing and on the other side, folk songs were being sung.  The Bharaat was travelling with great speed.  The turning of the wheels on the chariots were moving in sync to the music being played.  The noise from the wheels sounded like waves of the ocean crashing on to the shore.  The dust blown by the wheels of the chariots, flew to the sky.  People were talking and the horses were neighing.  The Shuthri Nagaras (large drums made of camel hide) were being played on top of camels.  They could be heard miles away.  Nobody could hear anyone talking.  The happiness was bigger than the city.  The happiness couldn’t be contained.  The beggars who came, were getting donations along the way.  Mammaji would throw money from his horse, after circumventing around Guru ji’s head.  The beggars were extremely happy, as they now got so much money, that they didn’t need anything for the rest of their lives.  The beggars said: “there has never been a more gracious donor than Guru ji.”  Baba Harjas Subhikhi ji was very intelligent.  He made all the preparation with his brothers and family to receive the Bharaat.  He had all of the gifts ready for the Milni (the meeting of the two wedding parties).  The whole clan was gathered.  The seniors were brought to the front to guide the traditions.  The seniors told them to take the new clothes and have them read on large plates for the Milni.  The gifts were loaded on top of horses with golden saddles.  Bags of gold coins and silver coins were put along with the gifts.  The women and men of Guru ka Lahore were happy and eagerly awaiting to see the groom.  The Sangat arrived in Guru ka Lahore and got off their horses and chariots.  Everyone came out of the Chupper houses that were built for them and gathered with the receiving party.  There was a great crowd, awaiting the Bharaat.  As the Bharaat arrived, the receiving party was singing Gurbani Shabads.

1-13 The Wedding Ceremony

The Bharaat arrived in Guru ka Lahore and was spread over the distance of about a kilometre.  Baba Harjas ji had been ready to receive them.  The elder Masands were asked to take the bags full of money and shower the coins over Guru ji’s head as Guru ji would pass, seated on his horse.  (The money was picked up by the poor) As the clouds would shower rain, so did the silver coins shower over top of Guru ji’s head.  Baba Harjas ji came to receive the Bharaat with all of the vaajays and shehnais playing.  Baba Harjas ji came forward to perform the Milni of the Bride and Grooms father.  From Guru ji’s side, Mamma Kirpal ji came forward.  The Nishans were blowing proudly and the crowd was looking onwards.  The bride’s side were standing, holding baskets of sweets and gifts.  The Bharaat and receiving party sang the Shabad : “Hum Ghar Saajan Aaye, Saache mel Milaay (The Lord Akaal Purakh has come to my home, the true meeting has occurred).”  As both parties met, it was as though great big clouds were thundering into each other.  As the Bharat came in, the horses were jumping on the spot in excitement and the people on the chariots and horses lifted their arms up in excitement to signal their greeting.  As the others came to meet each other they lifted their arms up, approaching each other, as two rivers were meeting with great eagerness.  This was the meeting of their happiness.  The gifts from the bride’s side were placed in front of Guru ji.  They received Guru ji just as Akaal Purakh would be received.  They all bowed to Guru ji’s feet.  The Sikhs of Lahore folded their hands and said: “oh Guru ji, you are great and ever so powerful.  We are like mustard seeds and you are a mountain.  Please protect us, as we are your servants.  You have blessed us by accepting this relationship with our daughter.”  Pandit Daya Ram ji, the Purohit of the Sodhi family, and a high-ranking officer of the Guru ‘s army, signalled Mamma Kirpal Chand ji to meet Baba Harjas ji and perform the Milni of the fathers.  Baba Harjas ji gave Mammaji clothes and a beautiful horse.  Both men met by hugging each other.  Guru ji received the sweets from the bride’s side and distributed them amongst the Bharaat.  The Milni occurred with all the other meetings.  Guru ji then came forward to complete the ceremony.  As Guru ji proceeded forward, mounted on the mare, thousands of people came to meet him and bowed.  The silver coins began to shower over top of Guru ji’s head.  It looked as though the clouds came down really low to shower the rain.  The shehnais and other vaajays were playing.  The dust was flying due to the horses, bulls and people walking.  People were standing on top of high hills to see Guru ji.  Guru ji’s sehra was reflecting brightly because of the diamonds and pearls.  The people said: “today, a great Emperor’s Bharat has come.  The greatest of them all.  The rain of money has fulfilled all of the poor people’s wishes.  They are no longer poor.  They are now rich.  So much money has been showered.”  Guru ji reached the gate of the city.  There was a special area know as the Junj ghar (house of the Bharaat) that was set up for the Bharaat to rest.  After the Milni, the Bharaat went inside the Junj ghar.  Guru ji was stopped in front of the Junj ghar.  The women had surrounded him and brought a plate full of divas, saffron and sandalwood.  They placed fragrant flowers in the plate.  The women were wearing beautiful clothes and sang Shabads from Gurbani.  They welcomed Guru ji by worshipping him and singing Gurbani.  The ladies placed a stool in front of Guru ji and Guru ji got off his horse.  As he set foot on to the stool, the women all bowed their heads.  They then did his Aarti with the plate full of divas and showered Guru ji with the bright and fragrant flowers.  Not only was he the groom, but he was their Guru as well.  Guru ji then mounted the horse again and headed towards the Junj ghar.  The Junj ghar had many tents with great big poles and coloured canopies.  There were beds laid everywhere with silk sheets and colourful tassels.  Guru ji’s tent was the biggest of them all. 

Satguru ji entered his tent.  There was a Chanani (royal canopy) set up on the ceiling of the tent.  It was fastened with muslin laces.  All of the Bharaat got off their carts and horses and came to the Junj ghar and rested on top of the beds.  It was as though all the Devatas had gathered and the king of the Devatas, Inder, was sitting in the centre.  The Guru is the one that makes everyone into a Devata. 

It was now the time for the Laavan, the marriage ceremony.  It was called the Dhenu dhool time (traditional time of the actual wedding ceremony as per Vedic traditions).  The Brahmins (Purohits of the Subhikhi family) came to visit the Bharaat and made their request to Mamma Kirpal Chand ji: “it is now the time for the Laavan ceremony.  We are ready for the groom to approach the mandip (place of wedding).  We have been waiting for this time.”  As the news spread amongst the Bharaat, the Shehnais, Nagaras and vaajays began to play.  Dhundhabs, Dhonsas, and Nagaras played.  Napheeryas, flutes, puttay, tambours, dhols and turrarees sounded.  Everyone who heard the sounds were then excited.  The Shehnais had the ultimate flavour of the wedding.  The son of Guru Tegh Bahadhur Sahib ji, the grandson of Guru Hargobind Sahib ji was off to get married.  Everyone did the jaikaras (hails of glory) of Guru ji’s name: “jai ho Guru ji, Guru Gobind Singh ji ki jai ho.”  Guru ji’s face was like the full moon of the winter months.  Mama Kirpal ji and the five sons of Bibi Veero ji brought Guru ji to the mandip.  The Bhatts and Naqeebs were ahead, singing kabits (poems) and the glories of the Guru.  The instruments were ahead of everyone.  There was a chutter held over Guru ji’s head with chaurs waiving on both sides of Guru ji.  There was a lot of chatter from the excitement all around, amongst the people.  There were fire torches lit everywhere as it was now night time.  There were fireworks lit that went up to the sky and came back down again.  The fireworks seem to be going up to the heavens to alert the Devatas to come see the Guru’s wedding.  Guru ji passed the markets and then reached the house of Baba Harjas ji.  The bride’s family and the Sangat of Lahore welcomed Guru ji and took him inside.  There was a beautiful bedi mandip (square area with ceremonial fire burning) setup for the wedding.  Men and women were eager to see the wedding.  Everyone was seated with respect.  The Brahmins began to recite the wedding mantras (scriptures) and performed the poojas of the nine planets by worshiping Ganesh ji first.  (This was the tradition of the Hindu/Vedic religion.  Once the Khalsa was fully established, Guru ji changed the traditions of worshiping Ganesh ji or Vishnu ji.  The Khalsa only worships the Akaal Purakh Guru and no longer offers worships to Devatas or Devis.  They are however regarded and respected as the powers of Akaal Purakh) Ghee was added to the bedi and the fire was lit.  Guru ji sat inside the mandip and the ceremony began.  Mata Jeeto ji was brought to the mandip and seated on to the left side of Guru ji.  The tradition of the wedding was then carried out.  The great groom had the Laavan with Mata Jeeto ji as Baba Harjas ji took the pulla (long cloth around the groom’s neck) of Guru ji and handed it to Mata Jeeto ji. 

The Devatas and their wives came down to attend the wedding, taking on human form.  The wives of the Devatas were beautiful and wore beautiful human clothes.  Apsaras came to witness the wedding also taking on human form along with the singers and celestial dancers of Sach Khand and heaven.  They sat in the Sangat to watch the event.  The celestial women sat in the Sangat and sang Gurbani and songs of happiness.  They came to get the whiff of the dust of the Guru’s feet.  They sang his glories for their prosperity.  The women in the Sangat did not recognize the celestial ladies as they were in human form, sitting amongst them.  The Devatas took on human form and performed the seva of others.  They did seva in the Langar and fanned the Sangat with great big fans.

Donations were given to the Brahmins and the beggars.  Guru ji handed them out himself.  Pandit Daya Ram ji, the scholar warrior, marked the completion of the wedding by introducing everyone.  He announced the names of the ancestors of Guru ji and the glories of the Sodhi clan.  Upon the completion of the ceremony, the instruments sounded and the Bharaat went back to the Junj ghar, with lit torches.  Fireworks were done as they went back to rest.

It was now the time of Langar and the Bharaat was called to the Langar hall.  The Bharaat got up and went to the Langar Hall.  Fireworks occurred as they went.  Special fireworks that looked like horses galloping in the sky were done.  There were fireworks that looked like a web casting above and producing great light.  One was a spinning wheel, spouting fire all around.  Some went up in to the air that formed Devatas and Demons, out of the fire, and looked like they were laughing.  “Bang, bang,” heard everyone.  Everyone was delighted to see these fireworks as it lit the night sky, turning night into day.  There was so much light that the torches were not needed.  But it wasn’t the light from the fireworks that dominated the atmosphere, it was the radiance of Guru Gobind Singh ji that lit everyone’s eyes.  Men and women were surprised to see this wedding.  Everyone walked slowly to the Langar hall.  The sevadaars of the Langar hall greeted everyone.  Everyone was seated in organized rows.  A sandalwood stool was brought for Guru ji to sit on.  The sevadaars brought plates to be placed in front of everyone.  They then brought ladoos and other sweets with ghee and sugar.  Amritees (jaleebis made of lentil flour) were distributed in the Langar.  Foods prepared with dry nuts were distributed.  The sevadaars organised the food to be distributed in an efficient manner.  Everyone ate the food and complimented the great tasting food.  The women of the bride’s side sat on top and sang songs of comic insults, making fun of the Bharaat.   This was known as “Sithinees.”  The Bharaat heard their comical insults and would laugh as they ate.  The wives of the Devatas came and sat amongst those women and accompanied them.  Their voices were like cuckoos and nightingales.  It was a very blissful event.  There was happiness raining freely today.  Everyone finished their Langar and placed money in the plates (this was for the servants that were going to wash the plates). 

Everyone then drank water, cleaned their mouths and hands.  The Bharaat got up and came back to the Junj ghar and went to sleep.  When it was morning, everyone awoke and took a bath.  They sang Gurbani and did their Nitnem.  They did the Simran of Satnam.  There were jaikaras of Guru Sahib everywhere.  This was all happening with the glory of Guru ji.  The treasures were all at the feet of Guru ji.  Guru ji can do anything he wants.  All of the powers of the universe were standing in front of Guru ji, with their hands folded, awaiting orders.  There is no shortage of anything while in the sanctuary of the Guru.  Gifts were exchanged between the wedding parties. 

1-14 The Bharaat in Guru ka Lahore

It was 3 am in the morning and the Sikhs listened to the Asa Di Vaar Kirtan.  The Rababis played many Raags, that were blissful to the heart and ears.  They did Kirtan with sur and taal.  The Sikhs listened with love and devotion.  They were fulfilling the purpose of their lives by listening to Gurbani.  The Sangat woke up at 2 am to beat of the lagoo dhudhab nagaras.  They were played in the morning as a wake up.  The beats of the nagaras are pleasing to the heart, and give bliss to all men and women.  Then, the vaajays played again, which echoed blissful sounds throughout the mountains of Anandpur.  Guru ji woke up at 2 am to take a bath.  He wore rich and fine clothes with a beautiful Dastaar.  A gem-filled jigha was tied on top of the Dastaar.  A high Kalgi adorned his Dastaar with pearls and diamonds.  He wore pearl necklaces around his neck with diamonds embedded in to them.  On his arms, he wore angads (armlets) with nine different types of gems in them, (emerald, sapphire, ruby, pearl, diamond, yellow sapphire, etc.).  He tied one on each bicep, which looked like nine planets, serving the Guru.  Guru ji donned his sword.  There were chaurs fanning on either side of his head by sevadaars.  A golden zarri Chanani was hung over his head and his takhat (seat) was ready.  A floor was laid out for everyone to sit on.  Sevadaars holding golden maces were standing.  The maces were on either side of the court.  Mammaji came dressed in beautiful royal clothes with his shield, sword and pechkavaj (straight single edged knife), all donned nicely.  The five cousins of Guru ji, came into the court.  It was as though the five Pandavs had come.  The Brahmin warrior, Pandit Daya Ram ji came with Baba Ram Koer ji, the treasurer of virtues.    Everyone came and bowed to Guru Sahib.  They sat near Satguru ji and admired the radiance of Guru ji.  The Masands came one-by-one and bowed at the Guru’s feet.  Guru ji’s Divan was in progress. 

The merchants who came from far off places to sell their merchandise, would all come and bow to Guru Sahib and attend the Divan.  They touched Guru ji’s lotus feet and spoke: “Guru ji, you have blessed us with more than we could handle.  You recognized us as one or your own, and commanded us to come and set up our shops.  You removed our hurdles and washed our sins.  Everything was smooth for us.”  Guru ji lifted his hand and blessed the Sangat.  Everyone was happy to be blessed by Guru ji’s hand.  Everyone was respected by Guru ji and were asked to sit beside him.  Everyone then requested Guru ji: “Guru ji, being from different places, we have gathered and brought Dasvand from the Sikhs of our regions.  We wish to do the seva of the Bharaat with that money.  We would like to host a Langar meal for the Bharaat.  We wish to take the responsibility of a full day’s meals for all the Bharaat.”  The Sikhs made this request with the utmost love and devotion.  Kalgidhar Paatshaah ji was very happy. 

The Sirhind merchants and Sangat did the seva for the first day.  Then it was the Ropar Sangat followed by the Hoshiarpur Sangat.  The Sangat had stayed for many days.  This celebration was carried out on a grand level.  The Lahore Sangat was wearing fine clothes and they served many types of delicacies.  The Sangat enjoyed the Langar and gourmet foods.  The artists and performers would entertain everyone, daily, with their performances.  The artists were impressed seeing the Bharaat.  The artists made a lot of money performing at the wedding.  The circus performers showed their acts, jumping through fire hoops and other various skills.  The crowd would grow on a daily basis.  Whoever attended this wedding would be in bliss.  The Langar would be ready and the Bharaat would be asked to come eat.  The instruments would play every time.  The place was very beautiful, between the mountains of Anandpur with so much natural scenery that would captivate everyone’s hearts.  The plates would be placed and the Bharaat’s hands would be cleansed.  They would place the plates in front of them.  Various delicacies would be placed in their plates.  Seven types of gourmets would be prepared with dry fruits and spices.  Pakoras, made with the best spices were prepared.  Everyone would compliment the tasty food.  Fine grain basmati rice was prepared in two ways, one were salty and the other were sweet with coconut and raisons.  The chefs were very experienced.  All six tastes were satisfied with the food.  Everyone would sing the glories of Guru ji.  Many women came wearing fine clothes and jewellery, singing folk songs of weddings.  Their eyes would dance with the songs.  The women would sing comical songs to make fun of the Bharaat, singing the Sithinees.  Mata Jeeto ji’s cousins would come and sing, saying the name of the people present and mocking them.  (This was a fun tradition of the time that occurred during weddings.  Nobody minded these comical songs as it was considered a way to ward off evil.  It would be comical) Everyone had a lot of fun and met each other with love.  Guru ji was smiling and his teeth would shine like bright white pearls.  Satguru ji’s smile would mesmerize everyone.  Nobody wanted to get up from this great time.  Nobody had ever witnessed so much happiness.  Everyone forgot the month, day and time.  

Water was brought out to wash everyone’s hands.  They then handed out seeds and herbs for mouth freshening.  The seeds coloured the mouths of some people with different colours.  People placed money on to their empty dishes for the dish washing people knows as jheevars.  Guru ji then got up and left the Langar place. 

The Brahmins of Lahore came to request Guru ji, the groom, to come and complete the traditions of the Subhikhi family.  They wanted to give Guru ji Shagun.  Guru ji then went along with the Brahmins to the place where all the women of Mata Jeeto ji’s family were sitting.  Guru ji’s eyes sparkling.  All the women saw the handsome face of Guru ji and began to talk amongst themselves.  They would not speak as Guru ji was Akaal Purakh’s Avatar, but would make small comments for tradition.  Guru ji’s arms were long that reached his knees.  His eyes were like the petals of the lotus flower and always in high spirits.  The women knew that he was the incarnation of Guru Nanak Dev ji and so they all bowed to Guru ji first as he entered.  They would converse with Guru ji and laugh but ask for his forgiveness as they did it.  He was the groom but he was their Guru as well.   The women would say: “as Jeet Kaur is beautiful, the groom is the complete Guru.  This couple is so beautiful.  May they live for millions of years.  Our Jeeto is fortunate to be the Guru’s servant.  She has done tapp for many lives to achieve this status as the Guru’s wife.  The beauty of these two was made by Akaal Purakh.  They are like Chandra (the Moon Devata) and Chitra; Ghanshyam (Krishna) and Satyabhama; and now Guru ji and Jeeto are part of that list.  As Ramchandra and Sita had true love, so shall these two.”  Guru ji’s eyes were beautiful and intelligent.  The women were happy to meet Guru ji.  They bowed to his feet and enjoyed his presence.  They completed their traditions of giving the Shagun gifts while appreciating the Guru.

Guru ji’s mother-in-law, the fortunate one, had Guru ji sit in her lap (as he was only 11 or 12 years old) she waived her hand on his head and admired her new “son.”  She wished in her heart that her son may never face anyone’s evil eye.  Guru ji’s sisters-in-law (the cousins of Mata Jeeto ji) saw the scene of Mata Jeeto Ji’s mother admiring her son-in-law and were drenched in the love.  They would joke and make comical statements.  Guru ji would respond to their jokes in a sophisticated way, regarding his formal ways but also appreciating the joy of the occasion.  Guru ji met with everyone and conversed with everyone.  He then got up and came back to the Junj ghar.  He sat on his seat and then everyone came to bow to him.  All around Guru ji were strong, brave, young men who were the best warriors.  Guru Sahib was like the moon amongst the stars.  The Sangat presented their requests to Guru ji with their hands folded.  They had set up their stay in the Junj ghar for a few days now.  Seeing the love of the Sangat, Guru ji fulfilled their wishes.  The celebrations continued and the merchants made their profits.  They also got to make money and be in the presence of the true Guru. 

1-15 Stabbing the Spear to Sprout the Spring

New clothes, made of very fine materials were washed everyday.  Guru ji would wear different clothes at different times of the day.  Wearing yellow clothes and a yellow parna (a long cloth placed on the shoulder), Guru ji mounted his horse and went through the markets along with other Sikhs.  All of the people and merchants in the markets bowed towards Guru ji as he went by.  Guru ji would make his horse jump and dance as he rode.  The horse danced as the peacock would dance seeing clouds in the evening.   As Guru ji was riding the horse, there came a dhobi (launderer) who stood in front of Guru ji with his hands folded.  He said: “Guru ji, I wash your clothes everyday.  I do this seva with love and devotion.  The people that have come as part of the Bharat, I was their clothes as well.  Guru ji, there is no fresh water here to clean the clothes with.  I still need to some of your clothes but cannot find clean water.  I am worried, as to how am I to clean your clothes.  As you wear new clothes everyday, and the old clothes need to cleaned, I have many clothes of yours to clean.  Please advise me as to how I may obtain clean water.  Please solve my problem.”  Guru ji heard the dhobi’s plea and went towards a great rock at the foot of a mountain nearby.  Mamma Kirpal ji and other Sikhs were with Guru ji as well.  Bhai Sango Shah always carried a spear with a very sharp head.  It was like a lethal cobra.  Sri Kalgidhar ji (the one who styles a Kalgi) took the spear from his hand and turned it upside down.  Everyone was watching.  He steadied the spear and stabbed it hard into the rock.  Guru ji then spoke: “some one come forward.  I want a warrior to take this spear out of this rock.  Once you pull the spear out, fresh water will spring from the hole.”  Bhai Sango Shah got off his horse and attempted to pull the spear out with all his might.  He tried hard but wasn’t able to pull it out.  He moved back and looked towards Guru ji.  He then figured out how powerful his younger cousin actually was.  He thought too himself: “I’m older and taller but Guru ji is still young.  He is young but his strength exceeds any normal person.”  Guru ji, still mounted on his horse grabbed the spear and pulled it out, with one pull.  The spear’s head did not break and was still as it was.  A fountain sprung from the rock.  The water came spurring out.  Bhai Sango Shah’s younger brother thought to himself: “I may have been able to pull the spear out if I would have used two hands instead of one, like my brother.”  Guru ji, who knows the speech of everyone’s heart, sensed what his other cousin was thinking.  Guru ji then stabbed the spear at another point in the rock and said to his cousin Bhai Jeet Mal: “here you go! Pull the spear out.”  Bhai Jeet Mal grabbed it with both his hands and planted his feet into the ground.  He tried thrusting and turning the spear but was unsuccessful.  Bhai Jeet mal moved back and looked towards the ground.  He also figured out how limitless the Guru’s power was.  Mammaji then explained to everyone by highlighting the Guru’s power: “Guru ji, you were on the horse and still pulled the spear out.  You pulled the spear again and another spring sprung from the rock.  Both springs have fresh water.”  Everyone was surprised to see the fresh water coming from the mountain.  The springs sprung like a river.  They tried to make sense of where the water came from, but couldn’t figure it out.  Mamma ji said: “Guru ji, two springs have sprung with your blessing.  Please accept my request and make this into a Tribaini (a holy site which is the conjunction of the Ganga, Jamuna and Sarasvati) and make a third spring.  When Sikhs come to Guru ka Lahore, they will visit your Tribaini and be blessed.  For thousands of years, this Tribaini will remind everyone of your wedding.  All this is your power.  The whole world will remember that you established this Lahore and your glory will spread.”  Guru ji then took the spear again and struck the rock a third time and took it out again.  There were now three springs springing from the rock.  Everyone saw the miracle and were singing the glories of Guru ji.  The glory of the Guru spread like a garden of Malti flowers (Rangoon Creeper).  Guru ji then said: “here you go Dhobi ji, wash all the clothes here.  As long as I am here, you will be able to use it for cleaning, and then later on, the Sangat will be able to use it.”  The dhobi then used the water to wash all of Guru ji’s clothes.  The dhobi washed Guru ji’s cholas and Dastaars.  Guru ji then turned away making his horse dance and jump.

Guru ji headed towards the mountain ranges to tour the area.  The miracle that Guru ji had just performed, everyone spread the news further.  Everyone heard and were surprised.  Their faith increased.  Many castes and types of people were at the wedding and were singing Guru ji’s glories.  The Sikhs began to bath in the springs and some used for drinking.  They knew that Guru ji was both physically and spiritually strong.  “Guru ji protects the poor.  He is the light of Akaal Purakh.  He is the same Lord that fought with Raavan and killed him.  It was him that protected Prahalad and became Narsingh.  He killed Haranakash and protected Prahalad.  He can do anything we wants and is the Master of the three worlds,” said the Sangat.

New people would come to visit the Tribaini and the Sangat would visit Guru ji with enthusiasm.  Guru ji stayed there for a few more days and made sure the Sangat was happy.  The markets were full and the merchants made a lot of money.  Many types of delicacies were made and everyone had a great time.  The Masands would preach the glories of Guru ji and bring the Sikhs to Guru ji.  The Sikhs would present their gifts to Guru ji.  Guru ji washed their sins away.  People fulfilled the purpose of their lives at this wedding.  The glory of this event cannot be stated.  The Tribaini is still flowing till this day and blessing many who visit it. 

Guru ji then said to his in-laws: “I would like to take leave now.”  The Masands then relayed Guru ji’s wishes and began to collect all of the gifts from Baba Harjas ji’s side presented to Guru ji.  The horses were saddled and dressed in beautiful ornaments.  The saddles were colourful, made of different silks.  All of the preparations were made to leave.

The Brahmins from the bride’s side laid out a bed, and asked Guru ji to come to the Baba Harjas ji’s house.  The Masands were given the message and asked Guru ji to come.  The Bharaat got up and the vaajays sounded again.  Guru ji made his way into Bhai Harjas ji’s house.  Everyone bowed as Guru ji entered.  Guru ji then sat on top of the bed that was laid out.  Everyone surrounded him and admired him.  The Dastaar, jigha, Kalgi and the hoops in his ears looked so beautiful.  Everyone was mesmerized by Guru ji and could not take their eyes off of him.  Plates of jewellery were brought and placed in Guru ji’s presence.  The Bhatts counted all of the gifts from the bride’s side along with the new and expensive clothes.  Mata Jeeto ji was brought and seated nearby.  The Brahmins performed their traditions.  Mata Jeeto ji and her father Baba Harjas ji are very fortunate and cannot be compared to anyone else. 

Guru ji completed all of the wedding traditions and then got up from his in-law’s home.  Everyone saw Guru ji’s glory and enjoyed the wedding.  The Bharaat was ready to leave and the vaajays played.  Guru ji got ready in his tent.  He fitted weapons into his kumerkassa and donned a sword with a golden hilt.  Guru ji donned other weapons as well.  He strapped his quiver and mounted his horse.  He hung a bow from his shoulder.  His jeweller and the weapons reflected brightly in the sun.  The women of Mata Ji ‘s family placed Mata Jeeto ji in the Dholi (palanquin for brides).  The Masands took money and showered it over the Dholi and Guru ji.  The Dholi was at the front, and Guru ji on his horse, followed.  The Bharaat headed towards Anandpur.  A lot of dust was flying and Guru ji stopped his horse.  He would move slowly and made sure the Bharaat was able to keep up.  The money continued to sprinkle on top.  The beggars came and their poorness was gone.  They were given so much money that they were now rich.

Mata Gujri ji and Mata Nanaki ji were eager to see Guru ji and their new daughter-in-law.  The women in Anandpur were sitting with the mothers and singing songs.  The women came dressed in beautiful clothes and jeweller.  The mothers waited for Guru ji.  Many women were on top of high balconies looking to see how far the Bharaat was.  One woman then said; “look, I can see the Chaur.”  They then heard the vaajays and saw the blue and yellow Nishans.  They could see the Farlas flying in the wind on top of the Nishans.  They saw the dust flying from the horses.  They saw the happy Bharaat full of warriors making their horses dance as they came.

As the Bharaat entered Anandpur, the people showered them with flowers.  So much flowers were thrown that it looked like rain in the month of Saavan.  Guru ji blessed the streets of Anandpur.  It was raining flowers wherever Guru ji went.  Thus, the horses, chariots and the personal items entered along with the Bharaat.  The Dholi and Guru ji entered as well.  The horses of the rest of the Bharaat followed.