1-16 The Bharaat Returns, Theft Occurs

Mata Gujri ji came out of the house to welcome her new daughter-in-law.  All of the women surrounded her.  Mata ji wanted the new bride to bow to the place of Guru Tegh Bahadhur Sahib ji, where his cremation took place.  She signaled to have the Dholi and Bharaat to go there first.  The Bharaat changed its directions to Guru Tegh Bahadhur Sahib ji’s place.  Guru ji reached the place of his father and bowed his head.  Plates of ladoos were placed in front of that place.  Guru ji got off his horse.  The women came and surrounded the Dholi to take Mata Jeeto Ji out.  Everyone stood for Ardaas there.  The Ardaas was done by saying the name of the Nine Gurus followed by Vahiguru, the giver of peace.  “Guru Gobind Singh ji’s wedding has been completed, oh Guru Tegh Bahadhur ji, we bow to your court firstly.  Please stay with the wedded couple at all times and bless them with peace and prosperity.  Bless the family so that it may grow and flourish.  You are the remover of obstacles, Guru ji,” the Ardaas was offered.  Everyone folded their hands and bowed after the Ardaas was complete.  Everyone in the Bharaat bowed their heads at the place of Guru Tegh Bahadhur Sahib ji. 

Guru ji then went towards his home with all the vaajays.  People were singing folk songs and celebrating.  The traditions of the family were completed by donating to the poor.  The bride was brought into the house and seated in the room with a lot of art and craftmanship.  Mata Gujri ji placed bags of money into the lap of Mata Jeeto ji and touched her arms.  She gave her many blessings, as she was full of joy.  Guru ji went towards his throne and sat on it.  Mammaji, the five sons of Bibi Veero ji and the two grandsons of Baba Sooraj Mal ji followed him and sat down beside him.  The Masands and other Sikhs also came and sat down.  Guru ji then asked how everyone was doing.  Guru ji looked towards Mammaji and said: “Mammaji, take the Masands and look after all of the food preparations for the guests/Bharaat and also make sure the horses and bulls are fed.”  Mammaji happily got up and took the Masands along.  He made sure everyone in the Bharaat was looked after and that everyone rested in their places.  Langar was prepared with flour, ghee and sugar and Mammaji made sure everyone ate.  A Deepmaalaa (rows of ghee lamps) was done in the markets, in Guru ji’s honor, as he had arrived.  Everyone was happy for the occasion of Guru ji’s marriage and were in bliss.  They would talk amongst themselves and mention the glories of Guru ji and how fortunate the Sikhs were that they got to witness this event: “just as Ram Chander ji came back to Ayodhya and the whole city was in bliss, that is how Anandpur is today.  We get to see celebrations along with Guru ji.  Witnessing these celebrations, we are earning good karma.”  People were happy and discussed the recent celebrations.  Night had fallen and everyone went to sleep in a very happy state after eating dinner.

At 2 am, the fortunate ones woke up and sang the glories of Satguru ji.  The Rababis, Bhai Sudhoo and Bhai Mudhoo, performed Kirtan.  The Sikhs heard the Raags and pondered on the Gurbani being sung, which made them turn away from the vices of their minds.  Their minds would turn away from the pleasures of food and sight in life.  They would be filled with love for Akaal Purakh and turn towards the mind for self-reflection.  They realised how far they were from the Guru’s true love.  They would think about the vices that controlled them and would think about ways on how to be better people by keeping their vices (such as jealousy, ego and desire) in check.  They would think of the Guru’s feet, and this would bring stability and calmness into their minds.  Everyone heard the Kirtan with great stability and bliss.  The Sikhs would bathe at the Sutlej and would sit down anywhere where they could hear the Kirtan.  Waking up at the early hours (Amritvela) and listening to Gurbani Kirtan is a bliss, found nowhere else.  (It is believed that waking up at 2 am is equal to donating 1.25 Munns of gold; waking up at 4 am is equal to donating 1.25 Munns of silver; walking up 5:30 am is equal to donating 1.25 Munns of milk; waking up at 6 am is equal to donating 1.25 Munns of water) They were following the Gurmat (Guru’s way) and living by the Guru’s teachings in their daily routines.  This would burn the attachment and desires in their minds for worldly things and praises.  As the sun was just about to rise, everyone woke up.  The Naubats (small nagaras) began to sound in front of the Guru’s court.  The Bhatts began to recite the poems about the glories of the Guru.  The Naqeebs called everyone in a loud voice.  The birds began to sing, sitting in the trees.  It was the time the Chakwa (an orange-brown waterfowl known as the Brahminy duck) and the Chakwi would meet (as one is nocturnal and the other is awake during the day.  They only meet at dusk and dawn) so you could hear them singing as well. 

The Lord Kalgidhar was ready after waking up at 2 am and bathing.  He then sat in deep meditation till the sun arose.  He immersed into the light of Akaal Purakh inside of him and was in bliss.  As Asa Di Vaar was completed, everyone bowed.  The sun was up now.  The servants brought new clothes for Guru ji, as he opened his eyes only when the sun came out.  He then dressed in the new clothes and put his jewellery on. 

Floor tiles were laid out and the Takhat of Guru ji was prepared.  Guru ji came and sat in the court.  The Naqeebs announced Guru ji’s entrance.  Mammaji and Guru ji’s cousins all came to the court followed by the Masands.  Everyone bowed and sat down.  The grandsons of Baba Sooraj Mal entered and bowed.  One was Gulag Rai and the other Shyam Singh.  It looked as though it was the court of the Devatas.  The Sangats were Devatas and Guru ji was like Inder, the king of the Devatas.  Meeting Guru ji would dispel sorrows and wash away sins.  The Bedis and Trehans came to the court along with Guru Amardas ji’s descendants.  There was a beautiful Chaur fanning on Guru ji’s head.  It would look like swans flying across the Mansarovar.  The Kalgi would have diamonds and pearls.  The Chaurs looked like swans trying to eat the pearls from Guru ji’s Kalgi, but when they would come near Guru ji, they would fly away from the Kalgi because of the hot radiance of Guru ji’s power.  Golden maces held by guards adorned the court, along with the royal standards, the Sooraj Mukhis.  The Sikhs would converse with Guru ji and be in bliss.

As the court was in session, there came a merchant Sikh.  The merchant made a request: “Guru ji, as the sun came up today, a bag of money was stolen from me.  I had a bag filled of coins and some how it was stollen.  I had 500 Rupees that I brought from home plus the profit I had made at the wedding.  The total was 700 Rupees.  The thief has taken off with my bag of coins somewhere.  Oh Kalgidhar Guru ji, please help me.  If I don’t get the bag of money, I will be bankrupt.  I will be on the streets begging otherwise.  This is my life’s savings.  What will my family do?  I make money off of this principal investment to buy merchandise and selling it.  I heard your hukamnama and came as soon as I could.  Instead of a profit, I have suffered a great loss.  Guru ji, this is your city, I have suffered a great loss.  There is no one else I can tell, other than you.  I am ruined.  You are all-powerful but I have nothing else left other than that money.  You are the provider of all peace and that is why I came to you.  You are the supporter and the sustainer of all.  Everyone else went home happy, but what profit will I show my family?  My Lord, I will die at your door.   I have nothing without that money.”  Guru ji heard the merchant’s plea and understood that he is in pain.  He said to himself: “all these merchants came for me, gathering their money.  They want the peace of the two worlds and have faith in the house of the Guru.  they came to see me.  If they are in loss and pain, their coming would not be successful.”  The true Guru pondered and said: “don’t cry, Sikh.  I won’t let your money go anywhere.  Have hope.  If a Sikh is not happy in this world, then how can I make him happy in the other world?  My purpose to call everyone to the wedding was to give them happiness, and in turn, you are in pain.  There is no point coming to the Guru’s court if someone did not leave happy.”  Guru ji looked towards the soldiers standing to one side of the court and spoke in front of the full court: “the thief’s house is that one (pointing to it).  Go inside the house.  There is a wall in the south direction which has a small cabinet in it.  The bag of money is there.  Go and get it right now.  Grab the thief and interrogate him.  Bring him here, straight to me.”  The soldiers heard Guru ji and went straight to the thief’s house. 

About 10 soldiers went towards the thief’s house.  They stormed the house and went straight towards the south wall.  They opened the in-wall cabinet and took the bag of money.  The thief was arrested and tied up.  They slapped him up and brought him to Guru ji.  The soldiers slapped him and said: “do you not know the power of Sri Kalgidhar, the knower of all the hearts?  His glory could not be measured.  He is the Master of the universe.  How did you think you were going to get away with this?  You were trying to hide your loot from him?  He can read everyone’s minds.”  They then took the thief and the bag of money to Guru ji.  They came slapping him and everyone was watching, how quickly the thief was caught.  Everyone in the markets, kids and all, were watching.  The people said: “look how powerful the Guru is.  He found the bag of money right away.”  They reached the presence of Guru ji and everyone was shocked.  Everyone realised how powerful Guru ji is.  The Bedis and other seniors Sikhs along with the Masands said: “Dhan Guru Gobind Singh ji.”  Guru Gobind Singh ji then said to the thief: “you fool!  The punishment for this crime is to be hung.  You have sinned on such a joyous occasion.  Since we just finished celebrating such a joyous event, you will be released.  I don’t want your family to suffer because of you.  If you do this again or anyone else, they will be hung.”  Guru ji told the soldiers to count the money and make sure the merchant has all his money.  The thief was thrown out of Anandpur, never to return.  The money was counted and given back to the merchant Sikh.  From that day onwards, no one ever committed a theft in Anandpur again. 

1-17 Meeting, Swimming in the Sutlej, Gulab Rai

After that day, any thief, cheater and adulterer that was living in Anandpur got scared of getting beaten up.  The merchants were now fearless as they conducted their businesses.  They were, however, very surprised at how fast the thief was caught.  Merchandise and personal items would be laying there unguarded, as they knew it wouldn’t be stolen.  For some days in Guru Ka Lahore, some of the merchants that had come, continued to conduct their businesses.  They made a lot of profit by the blessings of Guru ji.  Everyone was happy to visit Guru ji and attend his wedding.  Bhai Harjas Subhikhi ji came to visit Guru ji along with his brothers.  He was extremely happy.  He bowed to Guru Sahib and folded his hands.  He then said: “Maharaj!  The wedding took place in a very smooth and enjoyable way.  All of my wishes were fulfilled.  Everyone wishes to go back to their homes now.  They are all looking to go to their homes to continue their personal duties.  Please give us permission to back to our homes.”  Guru ji heard his father-in-law and said: “yes, do return to your homes and continue with the Simran of Satnam.  This will give you peace.”  The Sangat of Lahore heard Guru ji’s command and got ready to leave.  They came to bow to Guru ji and started their journeys homeward.  The Sangat of Ropar and Sirhind followed.  The Sangat of Hoshiarpur left as well and would talk about how Guru ji made the Tribaini by stabbing the spear; how Guru ji caught the thief.  They would keep talking about the wedding and how much fun it was.  The people who heard their telling of the events at home, would hear them and be happy.  They would say: “there is nothing the Guru can’t do.  He is all-powerful and can do anything he wants to.  Nobody has the strength to compete with Guru ji and win.”  From village to village, region to region and house to house, everyone was happy and speaking about the glories of Guru ji. 

The Bedis were given money and gifts as they began to make their way home.  The descendants of Guru Angad Dev ji received their gifts and money as well as the Descendants of Guru Amar Das ji.  The descendants of the Gurus are wise like swans.  They were respected greatly as they left.  They were praising the wedding as well.  The Sangat of Majha brought Dhunni Chand forward.  Dhunni Chand folded his hands and said: “Prabhoo ji, please bless us with your happiness.  We are ready to leave.”  Guru ji gave them Siropas, which they tied to their heads.  They left singing the glories of Guru ji as well.  The Masands of other regions followed.  The Sangat from Lahinda, Dhunni, Ghayp, Kabul, Peshawar which were in great numbers, also left after receiving Siropas.  People from Shikarpur, Balkh Bukhara would come and go in the thousands.  So did Sangat from Multan and Tulumba; Poorab, Kamroop, Dhaka, Kanshi, Farkabad, Patna, Maksoodabad, Akbarabad and Burhanpur.  In the South, people that lived in Ujainpur and Hyderabad would come for Guru ji’s blessings and leave.  In all four directions, the glories of Guru ji spread.  People came and bowed, bringing money and gifts.  Their prayers and wishes would be fulfilled.  They were saved in both of the worlds. 

The wedding ceremony was great.  The summer months were upon them and it was getting quite hot.  Guru ji was near the shore of the Sutlej.  He took his clothes off to play in the river.  He entered the deep waters of the river.  He would train in the water as sometimes you may be without weapons and one should know how to use water to fight the enemy.  The sons of Bibi Veero ji were with Guru ji as well.  Guru ji would use his hands to push the water.  The grandsons of Sooraj Mal ji were with Guru ji as well and would play with the water.  The children of the Bhalla family that were Guru ji’s age (teenagers) were with Guru ji and would splash each other with water.  Pandit Daya Ram ji, the Purohit, was older than Guru ji.  The children of the Masands were there too that were Guru j’s age.  The kids of the Masands Nand Chand were with Guru ji as well.  While in the river, they made two teams.  Guru ji was the captain of one team and the other was Gulab Rai (grandson of Sooraj Mal ji).  They began to battle with water.  Some would stay and take the splashes and some would run out.  Gulab Rai and Guru ji were the two captains, training warfare, and battling vigorously.  The two teams found their opponents and splashed each other.  They splashed each other in the face and try to push them with the water.  They would splash each other with so much water that the opponent would not be able to see or breath, forcing them to forfeit their match.  They would keep their eyes closed and splash the water.  Some couldn’t take it and just left.  They would try to stop the ones that were leaving.  For about 45 minutes they had a fierce battle.  The two teams battled hard.  Guru Gobind Singh ji faced Gulab Rai and splashed him vigorously with water.  Gulab Rai was overwhelmed.  Guru ji had his nephew overpowered and didn’t give him a chance to retaliate.  So much water was splashed on his face that he could no longer breathe.  He got anxious and couldn’t stand any longer.  He ran back and left the match.  Guru ji wouldn’t let him leave but Gulab Rai found an out and escaped.  Gulab Rai then went to the place where all the young boys left their clothes and Dastaars.  Gulab Rai got out of the water quickly and couldn’t figure out where he actually was.  He didn’t notice, and picked up Guru ji’s Dastaar instead and tied it on his head.  He continued to run away with Guru ji’s Dastaar on his head.  Bhai Sango Shah saw what had happened and chased him.  Gulab Rai was Sango Shah’s nephew as well.  Sango Shah yelled out: “stop Gulab Rai, you have taken Guru ji’s Dastaar on your head.  You didn’t see which was your own.  You lost your senses in the water.”  Gulab Rai got scared and came back to the place where all of the clothes were.  He located his own Dastaar and was going to remove the Dastaar from his head.  As he lifted his hands to remove the Dastaar, Sri Kalgidhar ji saw him and spoke: “don’t take your Dastaar off now.  Leave this Dastaar.  You should not take it off once it’s been tied.  There will be a time that you will sit on the Guruship throne.  This Dastaar you tied today will be give you status one day.”  Gulab Rai heard Guru ji’s words and got scared.  He saw Guru ji’s face and noticed that Guru ji was not angry at him.  Guru ji called for another Dastaar and tied it.  All the young men came back laughing and enjoying themselves.  They talked amongst themselves: “Gulab Rai got quite the run today.  He lost his senses in the water.”

In the future:

When Guru ji will leave Anandpur and head for Abchalnagar, his family will be martyred.  Guru Gobind Singh ji will leave his body from that place near the shores of the Godavari.  There will be a talk amongst the people as to who will be the next Guru.  When news of Guru ji’s departure will reach Anandpur, Gulab Rai will set up a throne and style himself as the next Guru.  Gulab Rai will come to Anandpur, as it would be empty at that point.  Gulab Rai will start the celebrations of Holla Mohalla and Deepmaalaa, which still carries on today.  Anandpur, the home of the Khalsa, Sangat will get together on those days.  Gulab Rai will set up a throne for himself in the same manner as Guru Gobind Singh ji would have done before him.  He will have the Sangat worship him just as they would have worshipped Guru ji.  He will claim the Guruship for himself as he was a Sodhi and was Guru ji’s nephew.  He will continue this for many years as this was the prophecy that Guru ji had made for Gulab Rai; when he accidentally tied Guru ji’s Dastaar.  He will be a self-styled Guru for a few years.  He will not be able to handle the attention and money.  He will become egotistical and will begin to sit on the throne that Guru Gobind Singh ji would once sit on top of.

When Guru ji would leave Anandpur, he will leave a Mahant by the name of Baba Gurbaksh ji in charge of the Gurduara dedicated to Guru Tegh Bahadhur Sahib ji.  Baba Gurbaksh ji, a Brahamgyaani, will be given the charge of the Divas and dhoop of Gurduara Sis Ganj Sahib in Anandpur.  He will be told to never leave that place.  Baba Gurbaksh ji will notice Gulab Rai’s ego growing.  When he will see Gulab Rai sit on Guru ji’s takhat, Baba Gurbaksh ji will not tolerate it any longer.  He will first talk to him nicely and say: “this is not your throne, Sodhi Sahib ji.  You are not at the same level and you should respect Guru ji’s throne.  You cannot become great by sitting on this throne, one becomes great by sitting below this Takhat with humility.  Only humility will make you high.  You will be punished for this.  Your good karma will fade and your sins will flourish into fruits.  Why are you committing such a blasphemous act?  Go and set up a throne somewhere else and have people present you money there.”  Gulab Rai will hear Baba Gurbaksh and get angry.  He will say to him with ego: “what do you know?  You are a Fakir.  I am a Sodhi and I know the traditions of the Guruship.  Your wisdom has deceived you.  Why are you arguing with me?”  Baba Gurbaksh will get really angry after hearing Gulab Rai’s words.  He will curse Gulab Rai Sodhi: “Gulab Rai, your family will finish.  Your generation will cease to exist.”  Baba Gurbaksh will curse him and then come back to the Gurduara of Guru Tegh Bahadhur Sahib ji to continue his duties.  As time will pass, the curse of Baba Gurbaksh will come into play. 

Gulab Rai’s children all died out and his lineage did not grow.  This was the prophecy that came out of Guru ji’s mouth. 

1-18 The Sikh and the Bear

Sri Satguru ji is the most powerful and most complete being.  He is extremely patient and knows the love and devotion of all.  The Sangat in Anandpur visit Guru ji and are in peace after meeting him.  Guru ji was sitting with his Sikhs, looking regal and royal, and aware of the inner voices of all the Sikhs.  The Sikhs, about 15 or 20 of them, were sitting all around him.  The Chaurs were being waived atop his head.  His radiance was bright.  The Guru was an ocean of knowledge.  He looked like the full moon amongst stars.  Guru ji’s big eyes were blessing everyone.  The caruncles (the red part of the corner of the eyes) looked like the redness at the start of the lotus petals.  The stare in his eyes was sharp and well aware of his surroundings.  His eyes looked like they were trying to teach other eyes how to be smart.  Guru ji is the greatest giver as he gives mukti to his Sikhs.  When he looks at his Sikhs, he dispels their sorrows and pains. 

Guru ji spent some time, relaxing with his Sikhs (cousins, Divans and Purohits).  There then, came a kulundhar (entertainer) with his big black bear.  The bear was big and strong.  He looked like Jaamvant (Jaamvant assisted Ram Chander ji in his battle with Raavan; and later had his daughter Jambavati marry Sri Krishan ji).  The bear was hairy and had long sharp nails.  There was a ring in the bear’s nose.  The kulundhar was wearing leather clothes and carried a long stick.  He used the stick to control the bear and made him perform various tricks.  Guru Gobind Singh ji was sitting on a bed and the Sikhs were standing around.  The kulundhar put on a show for Guru ji.  He began to wrestle with the bear.  Sometimes the bear would be on top and sometimes he would be on the bottom.  Everyone surrounded them to watch.  The bear would roar really loud and stand on his two feet, raising his arms.  The kulundhar would then come and hug the bear afterwards, and the bear would hug him back.  Guru ji and the Sikhs were watching.  The Sikhs said: “this is a really big bear.  We have never seen such a big bear before.”  There was a Sikh named Bhai Keertia, who was doing the seva of the Chaur behind Guru ji.  He was waiving the Chaur and watching the show.  He was about 16 years old and Guru ji was about 14 years old at this point.  Bhai Keertia was enjoying himself as he watched the act.  He then pondered and spoke: “this bear is really big.  How did such a dangerous animal get caught?  What sin did he do to deserve this bondage by the kulundhar?  Only Satguru knows.”  Guru ji then smiled and spoke, while everyone listened: “Keertia, I’ll tell you who he is.  He was your father in his last birth.  He did seva in the Guru’s court and committed a sin.  The sin’s punishment was to become a bear, as he is now.  He is now a bear because of that sin.”  Bhai Keertia and the other Sikhs heard Guru ji’s words and were shocked.  Everyone went quiet.  Keertia then folded his hands and said: “what is this that you have said?  My father used to serve you.  He served Guru Tegh Bahadhur Sahib ji as well.  He was connected to the Guru’s house since birth.  He used to perform Ardaas and distribute the Karah Prashaad.  He was always in the presence of Guru Tegh Bahadhur Sahib ji and did seva.  The Guru that blessed thousands, my father served him.  This was his reward, to become a bear from a human?  I am serving you, and you are the son of the same Guru.  I should go and bow to him as he is my father.  Guru ji, if serving you, one can still take birth as an animal, then who will serve the Guru?  People who wish to be saved and be freed from the cycle of birth and death, they come to serve the Guru.  If the reward is the opposite of this, then everyone will fear to do the Guru’s seva.  You are the support of all the Sikhs.  Please tell us how this happened.  My father’s name was Bhai Gurdas (not to be confused with Bhai Gurdas – the scribe of Guru Granth Sahib ji and nephew of Guru Amardas Ji; Bhai Gurdas ji with Baba Ram Rai; Bhai Gurdas Singh the writer of the Vaar: Vaho Vaho Gobind Singh).  If my father erred, please protect my father.  Please show your love and bless him, so he is released from this animal birth.  Please release him from this cycle.”  The rest of the Sikhs also folded their hands and reiterated Bhai Keertia’s plea.  Sri Satguru ji then spoke, once he saw that Bhai Keertia was now void of ego: “Keertia, your father became a bear for this reason: one day, Guru Tegh Bahadhur ji’s court was in session and your father did the Ardaas and began to distribute the Prashaad.  He distributed the Prashaad to everyone slowly.  There then, came a Sikh merchant who had a cart full of gurrh (sugar cane clumps).  He was alone and parked his bulls on the road.  He noticed that Karah Prashaad was being distributed and wanted to get the blessings of the Guru.  The Sikh came because he heard Guru ji was visiting this area.  He took a clump of gurrh to offer to the Guru (one should always take an offering for the Guru when bowing.  At the least, one should offer a single flower or a piece of wood).  He came and bowed to Guru ji by placing the gurrh in front of Guru ji.   He didn’t have too much time as there was nobody else watching his bulls.  He quickly bowed and walked back.  He wanted to get Prashaad quickly too.  He went to your father.  The merchant was dusty and dirty from his travels.  His face and beard were dusty along with his clothes.  The Sikhs asked your father for Prashaad but your father did not give it to him and walked away.  The Sikh went after him again and asked for the Prashaad.  The Sikh was a person who recited Gurbani often and meditated on Satnam.  He wanted Prashaad to be blessed.  He just wanted one grain of it.  Your father got angry at the Sikh chasing him around and said to him: “look at you!  You look like a bear.  You are so dirty and are going on top of the Sangat and dirtying them too.  Go and stand towards the side.  You’re making too much noise.  Calm down.”  The Sikh felt bad after being scolded in front of the Sangat.  He started to stare at the ground and saw a small piece of Prashaad that had fallen while it was being distributed.  The Sikh picked the piece of Karah Prashaad up, ate it and said Vahiguru with great contentment.  He then uttered a curse from his mouth: “oh Sikh, you are a Sikh by clothes only.  There is no Sikhi in your heart.  “You” will become a bear.”  He left after saying that and met up with his fellow merchants.  Some days passed and your father’s age was complete and so he died.  When he died, he was then reborn as a bear on top of a mountain.  When he was a small cub, the kulundhar trapped him and took him.  A Sikh whose heart is pure and thinks of the Guru’s feet, their words do not go without effect.  The merchant Sikh’s words became true for your father.”  Everyone heard the words of Guru ji and were surprised.  Keertia then folded his hands and responded to Guru ji’s explanation: “you have spoken true words, as always Guru ji.  Please bless my father, your Sikh, and release him from this horrible life.  You are the purifier of the sinners.  By saying your name, one’s sins are washed away.  Please release my father from this punishment and grant him the highest state.”  Guru ji smiled and sent one Sikh to the kulundhar to tell him to come see him.  The kulundhar came to Guru ji and Guru ji said to the kulundhar: “what price will you take for the bear?”  The kulundhar responded: “Maharaj, this bear is very intelligent and I make money by him.  I ask for money by showing this bear’s act.  I raise my children with that money.  I will take 200 Rajitpuns for this bear.”  Guru ji agreed.  Guru ji sent the treasurer Sikh to the treasuries to get the money.  He brought bags with 200 Rajitpuns and gave it to the kulundhar.  The kulundhar then changed his mind and asked for more money.  The Sikh came back and told Guru ji that the kulundhar wants more money: “Guru ji, the kulundhar has gone crazy.  The fool is asking for more money.”  Guru ji then said: “go and get the bear. I am not going to let my Sikh go away now.”  The Sikhs went to the kulundhar and snatched the bear away by force.  They brought the bear and presented him to Guru ji.  Guru ji had the bear tied to a chain.  He kept the bear with him over night.

The next day Guru ji said: “prepare Karah Prashaad worth 100 Rajitpuns and distribute it openly.  Prepare it with the correct etiquette and purity.”  Prashaad was prepared and offered to Guru Sahib.  Guru Sahib and the Sikhs stood up.  Sri Kalgidhar ji did the Ardaas.  Guru ji then took Prashaad and ate a little himself and gave the rest from his hand to the bear.  As the bear ate the Prashaad from Guru ji’s hand, the bear died.  The sins of the bear were washed away and the curse was broken.  The soul of the Sikh went straight to Sach Khand, to the feet of Guru Tegh Bahadhur Sahib ji.  He was now freed from the cycle of birth and death and immersed into Guru ji’s feet.  Everyone was astonished and said: “you are the greatest, Dhan Dhan Guru Gobind Singh ji Maharaj.  Only you know your own power.” 

1-19 Guru ji’s Warrior Spirit Routines

Sri Satguru Gobind Singh ji is very wise.  The Guru’s body was getting stronger and bigger.  He was blessing everyone, everyday.  Guru ji would practise Shaster Vidya (martial arts, weaponry and battle training) on a daily basis.  No competitor would be able to over-power him in practicing duels.  He would go away for target practice with his bow and arrows.  He would set the targets farther and farther everyday.  He would practice his archery in the Bir Aasan (warrior pose with one knee to the ground).  Sometimes he would stand and shoot his targets.  He would exercise with a kuwadda bow (an exercising item used to build strength in the arms to pull the bow string harder) which made his arms stronger and built his stamina.  He heard the history of his grandfather from his grandmother and was inspired to practise harder.  Older Sikhs and Mammaji would tell him about his grandfather as well.  He heard of his grandfather’s bow and how it had a pull of many hundred kg.  Guru ji would increase the strength on his bow as well.  He would tighten the strength on the string.  He heard that his grandfather’s arrows would pass 10 people at a time.  He would practice with the same strength.  He added the feathers of a kank bird (stork) to his arrows that had heads, four fingers wide.  Nobody could survive in front of these arrows.  Guru Hargobind Sahib ji won every battle and killed many with his arrows.  Guru ji would hear his grandfather’s history and be motivated to call the best blacksmiths to make his weapons.  He would guide them how to make the weapons to his own liking.  He would have teghas, sirohis, khunjers chakrams, selay, bhallay and sanghas made.  Blacksmiths from different places would come to make his weapons.  Guru ji would look at the weapons made.  Just looking at the weapons would make him happy.  Whoever gave Guru ji the best weapons, Guru ji would give them a lot of money that would make them rich.  People would hear Guru ji’s glories and blacksmiths would come bringing him the best weapons.  The Sangat would bring great weapons too.  Guru ji would give the weapons to the young men around him and they would be happy to receive these high-quality weapons.  The blacksmiths were kept at Anandpur.  Whoever Guru ji was impressed with, he would open a shop for them and would settle them in Anandpur.  Guru ji would make the blacksmiths make various types of Shasters.

Guru ji’s assets, horses, weapons and army grew on a daily basis.  He had canons and guns.  Whoever came to join the army, they were given a salary.  Some came for the money and some came for free.  They would eat from the langar and Guru ji would send money for their families at home.  Guru ji would pay the people so their families were looked after.  The concept of serving the Gurduara and Guru’s armies and traditions, and be given a salary, was prominent during Guru ji’s time.  The Rababis and scholars were also paid by the Guru’s treasuries as well.  All of the men in Guru ji’s army were always in high spirits with the warrior spirit flowing through them.  Guru ji would take the men on hunts, hunting the wild animals with arrows.  They hunted wild boar and deer.  Guru ji would free the souls of the animals.  Guru ji would target practice with guns, while on his horseback.  Guru ji trained all of the men in his army in different ways on these hunting expeditions.  He would also get them to hunt using the sword as well.  They would start with goats to practice the strike of the sword and then deer.  The next level would be wild bore followed by bears and lions.  Some men would use spears to hunt.  Guru ji would also keep hawks and falcons to hunt.  He kept dogs and cheetahs for these hunting parties.  He would practice horse riding and jumping with the men over long distances.  He would train the horses as well by pulling their reins in different ways.  He would ride the horses in circles and then make sudden directional changes.  He would inspire the horses in new ways.  The Sikhs Sangat would see Guru ji’s actions and say to themselves: “the Guru is just like his grandfather.  Looks like he will fight wars as well.  He will kill sinners as he is great at Shaster vidya.  As we have heard Guru Hargobind Sahib ji’s history, so is his grandson turning out to be.  He has a big and strong body.  Guru ji’s blessing effect everyone.  Whether he his happy or angry with someone, that effect is seen on the person’s life right away.”  People came from afar to visit Guru ji and then go home after.

Guru ji’s appearance was very impressive.  Whoever saw him would receive the 4 gifts of the world (duty, subsistence, desire and salvation).  His feet were red and lean, like lotus petals.  The red colour would rub off on the hearts that would picture them (red being the colour of love and devotion).  The nails on his feet were like diamonds on rubies.  He had high arcs in his feet that looked like the shell of a turtle.  His toes were straight and strong.  His calves were thick and strong, like two pillars.  His abs had three lines, denoting a six pack.  His arms were long and stretched to his knees.  His arms were thick like the trunk of an elephant.  His biceps and triceps were like boulders.  His chest was wide and powerful that was like a wall to stop the sinners.  His shoulders were strong and high.  The traps on his shoulders looked like boundaries in the fields to keep the water from flowing freely.  His shoulders were high like bulls.  He wore a pearl necklace in his neck with other expensive gems.  His chin was lean.  His teeth were like diamonds and his lips were red.  His cheeks were lean and looked like Kaam Dev’s (the Devata of Love) mirrors.  His golden hoops in his ears reflected on his cheeks.  His face was like the full moon.  If the moon did not have craters, it may have been almost as beautiful as Guru ji’s face.  His face was always smiling.  His voice was deep like a cloud thundering lightly.  There was Amrit in his voice, like a nagara playing lightly.  He would always speak in the warrior spirit.  His eyes were nice and big.  When we would be angry, his sight would pierce right through the sinners, but when filled with love, they would free people from their bondages.  The pupils of his eyes would move like two fish moving in the pond.  The whites of his eyes were like two daggers that were polished.  Guru Sahib would attract the most stubborn hearts.  It was as though all of the beauty was collected in one point.  Whoever Guru ji would bless with his sight, they would receive the unlimited gifts of the world.  There was Amrit in Guru ji’s eye sight.  Guru ji would protect the respect and reputation of all his Sikhs.  Guru ji’s eyebrows were like two bows.  His forehead was wide.  His hair was black with a beautiful Dastaar, Jigha and Kalgi.  There were gems in the Kalgi.  Guru ji was adorned with jewellery.  Bracelets of gold with diamonds; craftsmen made them with nine gems, as thought nine planets were in Guru ji’s hands.  Guru ji wore different coloured cholas and game to his court like this.  He wore golden rings on his fingers and a sword with a golden hilt.  He would practice archery with thick arrows.  We would practice with targets far away.  The best bows and arrows were used that took a lot of strength to shoot.  He would tell the blacksmith to make the bows stronger every year.  His arrows were so scary to look at.  He would have arrows made of Damascus that were called meen mukha (fish), nooloo (round head), badaamcha (almond) and khappra (four fingers thick).  Guru ji would inspect the arrows so they would do maximum damage.  He was eager to kill the sinners who want to finish humanity and give pain to saints.  He was waiting to fight these culprits on the battlefield.  He would practise rifle shooting with birds.  He would practice with the Sikhs everyday. 

1-20 Tent from Kabul, 2^nd Wedding

There was a Masand in Kabul that collected the Dasvand from the area.  He would come every year and present the collection to Guru Sahib in Anandpur.  He had collected the Dasvand from the Sangat of Balkh Bukhara and Iran and brought it to the Guru’s court.  One day, the Masand was sitting in Guru ji’s court and said to Guru ji: “my Lord Prabhoo ji, the Emperor of Delhi has a tent made of Pashmina.  A craftsman from Kabul has made it with unique craftsmanship.  The tent was priced at 125,000 Rupees.  The craftsmen in Kabul are of the best in the world.  I saw the beautiful tent in Kabul and felt bad.  I wanted to get that tent for you, Guru ji.  That tent has now been sent to the Delhipat (King of Delhi).  I have a wish in my heart to make a tent for you.  One grander than the one made for Aurangzeb, and use the money from the Sangat to get it made.  I didn’t have your permission so I couldn’t order it then.”  Guru ji heard his request and said: “ok, go to Kabul and first describe it to me, what types of work will be done on it.  Then you can get it ordered.  You can use as much money as you like.”  The Masand heard Guru ji’s words and said: “Guru ji, the curtains have pictures of birds and animals embroidered on it.  The tassels are made of pearls.  There are silk ropes to tighten it.  There are is dome on top, made of gold.  The tent is so beautiful that it looks like a palace.  The Chanani has pearl tassels and the pillars are made of gold and silver.  The craftsman has done his best work on it.  Now that I have your permission, everyone will be shocked when they see it.  I will get it made even more beautiful than the first one.  You will give me many blessings for it.  You will love it!” 

The Masand went back to Kabul and met the craftsmen at their factory.  It was a huge factory.  He took money with him and paid the craftsmen as an advance.  He then sent hukamnamas to Iran and Balkh Bukhara to the Sangat, telling them about the opportunity to serve the Guru.  The Masand told the craftsmen to make the tent worth 250,000 Rupees.  The Sikhs of that area were really happy and gave more money than required.  The Masand would go to the factory everyday and supervise the making of the tent.  He spent double the money on this tent than the one that was made for Aurangzeb.  He told them: “don’t worry about money, make this one better than the first one.”  It took about 2 years to make this tent.  The Sangat provided the money and the craftsmen did their best work on the tent.  In one year, he would be able to collect about 125,000 Rupees and so it took two years to make the tent.  He had more than enough money to get it made.  The attention to detail on this tent was great.  After the tent was made, it was sent to Anandpur Sahib on top of more than 100 carts, in pieces. 

Hundreds of people came with the carts along with armed soldiers.  The tent was brought and the Masand bowed to Guru ji and said: “Guru ji, with your blessing, the tent is here.”  Guru ji said: “have the tent set up on one of the plateaus on top of one of the mountains.  Once it is set, I will come see it.”  The tent was being set up on top of the mountain.  The area was cleared and leveled.  The flooring was put in first, with a lot of tarps and rugs.  The craftsmen from Kabul came to set up the tent.  The frame was set.  The frame had pictures of plants and fruit trees drawn on them.  Apple trees, pear trees and grape vines, Lotus flowers and other plants were seen.  There were 2 golden domes on top and it had pashmina of different colours.  There were four smaller domes on the corners.  Where Guru ji would sit, there was a big dome.  There were pictures of flowers everywhere.  There were curtains of golden zarri and tassels of pearls.  Silver and golden pillars to support the tent were seen from place to place.  The Chanani for Satguru ji was very expensive and beautiful.  This tent was priced at 250,000 Rupees.  When the tent was set up, Guru ji mounted his horse and came to see it.  When Guru ji saw the tent and its beauty, he was really happy.  Mammaji saw the tent and was impressed as well.  Mammaji then spoke: “Guru ji, just as you are the supreme in this world, so is this tent the supreme in its class.  I’ve heard Auranga has a tent like this but I’ve been told that its not even halfway close to this tent.  Nobody else has the power and radiance besides you to make this tent grand.” 

When it was afternoon, the floor in the tent was set.  The tarps and mats came along with the tent.  Even the Takhat for the Guru came with it.  Guru ji had his court in session in the tent that day.  He sat on his Takhat and the Sikh Sangat along with the Masands sat in the tent as well.  The Rababis did Kirtan with great joy, singing many Raags.  Whoever saw the tent, was impressed.  The Sikhs were happy to see the grandeur of their Guru.  The Divan carried on till So Dar Rehraas.  So Dar Rehraas was completed and then the Divan adjourned.  Guru ji then got up and left the tent.  Langar was distributed and the Sangat ate.  Everyone went to sleep afterwards.  The news of the tent spread throughout the land.  Whoever saw the tent, would talk about it wherever they went.

One day, Guru ji’s court was in session inside the same tent.  Guru ji sat with his Sikhs just as Inder would sit in his court with the Devatas.  Guru ji was dressed in his royal chola and jewellery.  New Sangat came to visit Guru ji.  The glory of the House of the Guru was spreading far and wide.  The Sangat from Lahore came, bringing expensive gifts. Within that Sangat came a Khatri who brought the marriage proposal of his daughter.  His caste was Kumraav and he set up camp in Anandpur.  He had a message sent to Mata Gujri ji that he wanted to give his daughter’s hand to serve the Guru.  The message sent was “your new daughter-in-law awaits you in her Dholi.”  As Mata ji received the message, everyone began to congratulate her.  Mata ji then began to donate money and clothes to the poor. 

Guru ji came to his court.  A message was sent to the Sangat: “everyone is instructed to come visit the Guru’s court.”  The Mevra would deliver the message once the Darbar was set.  Everyone heard the message about the Divan and came with great enthusiasm.  People brought their gifts of money, weapons and horses.  They presented their gifts and bowed to Guru ji.  They would tell Guru ji their heart’s desires.  (There are 4 types of Sikhs that come to see the Guru: Vishayee- people who come to the Guru and asks for things to go well and for their prosperity; Paamar- these people do not come to see the Guru and criticize everything; Jagyaso- people who do not wish for worldly items.  They wish to be freed from the cycle of birth and death.  They want to be one with Akaal Purakh; Gyani- they have no asks.  They come to be one with the Guru.  They are already free from bondages.  Guru ji blesses all 4 types of Sikhs) The Khatri Sikh from Lahore came to the court.  He stood in front of Guru ji.  He folded his hands and said: “Guru ji, I have brought my daughter to be your servant.  She will be your servant and will make her life a success.  This will complete the true purpose of her life.  This is my faith and devotion to you Guru ji.  Since she was born, I had wished in my heart to make her your servant.  Now that she is older, I have brought her here.  I have already sent her to Mata Gujri ji inside of a Dholi.”  Guru ji heard the request of the Sikh and accepted it.  Guru ji then blessed the Sangat and went to his home after the Divan was complete.  He waited till everyone had a chance to pay their respects.

Mata Gujri ji then sent invitations and started the preparations for the wedding.  Guru Ji’s Laavan were done with Mata Sundri ji with great celebrations.  Vaajays were played and Anandpur was in bliss.  The traditions of the family were completed with great care.  A lot of money was spent on the celebrations.  Mata Sundri ji commanded the Khalsa for 40 years after Guru Gobind Singh ji left the earth.  She raised Baba Jassa Singh Ahluwalia.  It was her, that ordered Bhai Mani Singh ji to write the Saroop of Sri Dasam Guru Granth Sahib ji.  This was Guru Gobind Singh ji’s second wedding.  Mata Sundri ji lived a long life.  She was the mother of Sahibzada Baba Ajit Singh ji.