1-26 The Ranjit Nagara Sounds

Bhai Nand Chand came to Guru ji and spoke to him with his hands folded: “Guru ji, a really big Nagara has been completed.  Never has such a Nagara been seen like this before.  Sri Satguru ji heard the news and went to sleep that night.  Guru ji woke up at Amrit Vela the next day.  He took a bath and did his Nit Nem.  Guru ji had a lot of Karah Prashaad made.  He had the Nagara fastened on top of a horse.  Guru ji said the name of Sri Guru Nanak Dev ji along with the other eight Gurus and did the Ardaas.  He did the bhog onto the Karah Prashaad and played the Nagara.  The sound of the Nagara was heard miles away.  The deep sound of the Nagara raised the spirits of anyone who heard it.  Their muscles were pumped by the noise and the warrior spirit was fully awakened.  The young warriors such as Sangho Shah, Jeet Mal, Deevan Nand Chand, Mari Chand, Ganga Ram, Gulab Rai, were ready.  The Sangat of Anandpur heard the Nagara and came close to the Nagara to see the awesome drum.  The Karah Prashaad was distributed amongst the Sangat.  Everyone saw Guru Gobind Singh ji and were in awe of his form.  They ate the Karah Prashaad and were in high spirits.  All of the warriors tightened their kumerkassas and were ready to ride.  The horses were saddled and the weapons were donned.  The moustaches were up and they came to Guru ji. 

In that instant, two Masands came after having conversations with Mata Gujri ji.  They folded their hands and made a request: “Guru ji, your mother has sent you a message: what are you doing?  This will cause a conflict.  The king of Kahloor is very powerful.  You are going to play the Nagara in his region.  He will not like it.  You will instigate the king and he will get annoyed.  If you wish to go hunting, go without the Nagara.  Go hunting as much as you went.  Come back during the night.”  Other Masands, that were the senior Masands, came.  When they found out that Mata ji sent a message, they then said to Guru ji: “Guru ji, they are kings and have been in command for many years.  They rule the mountainous regions.  It is better that we stay as friends.  Let’s not do things that will cause conflict.  We are Saints.  They are kings.  We cannot match them.  They are ready to fight and die.  They have weapons.  Mata ji is asking you not to do this repeatedly.  You are the Bhagwant though, so you know better.  Our job is to advise you well.  Battles were fought during your grandfather’s time and there was a lot of conflict from the war.  Many people died.”  Guru Gobind Singh ji heard the Masands, who were conversing with Mata ji, and said: “the ways of the kings and kingdoms; the way of the warriors and battles; Mata ji does not know about these things.   She is not aware of the tyranny, the unjust to the poor and the weak.  These kings of the mountainous areas are nothing.  We don’t need to fear them.  I have been commanded by Akaal Purakh to destroy the tyrants who come with conflict.  I will never initiate a conflict but I will not let any egotistical person live in peace.  If someone is jealous of us and starts a war, then we will see them.”  As Guru ji was speaking, Guru Sahib’s horse came, all saddled up and ready to ride.  The horse was strong and clever.  The horse did not keep its feet on the floor.  Guru ji had a sword with a golden hilt bound to a kumerkassa.  A quiver full of arrows was already fastened to the horse.  Guru ji had his bow resting on his shoulder.  He grabbed the reins and put his foot into the stirrup of the saddle and jumped over to mount the horse.  Guru ji started to ride and the Nagara played behind him.  The double sticks playing on the Nagara sounded like a million clouds thundering all at once.   The soldiers all went to go hunting.  The Sangat was watching with love as they saw Guru ji ride north, towards Naina Devi. 

The atmosphere was positive and in high spirts, showing all the omens of prosperity.  The warriors were holding guns, spears, swords and shields and shouting “Akaal” as the rode away.  The horses were riding fast and looked like they were flying.  They reached the jungles of Kahloor and saw many types of animals.  Some of the animals were hunted with arrows and others with bullets.  The animals that were hunted by Guru ji and the Sikhs reached salvation and went straight to Sach Khand.  They hunted deer with 12 pointed horns, firing guns and casting nets.  Rabbits and other animals were hunted as well.  In this way Guru ji hunted amongst the tall trees in the mountains.  Guru ji reached the place where Bheem Chand’s palace was only about 2 miles away.  Guru ji had the Nagara play loudly near his palace.  Guru ji then decided to name the Nagara.  He spoke out loud so everyone in his hunting party could here: “this is the Ranjit Nagara of the Guru’s house.  Play the Nagara with the double sticks so it rings into the ears of Raja Bheem Chand.  Let the sounds go far and make it known in all regions.”  The Nagarchi (Nagara player) played the Nagara with great force.  The double sticks made such a loud noise just as the sound of the ocean can be heard far off into the distance.  The peaks of the seven mountains of the Kahloor mountain range shook as the Nagara sounded.  The sound of the Nagara rang into everyone’s ears.  The booming sound of the Nagara was heard in all four directions.  The sound echoed loudly through the valleys and plateaus of the area.  The sound was heard in the jungle.  All of the kings and their soldiers heard it and were shocked to hear the Nagara sound.  The power of Satguru ji made the sound of the Nagara sound in all the dimensions.  Inder, Brahma, Shiva and the other Devatas, all heard the Nagara in their dimensions.  Raja Bheem Chand was sitting in his court when he heard the Ranjit Nagara.  He stopped all of a sudden and a deep fear struck his heart.  He forgot what he was saying to his ministers.  He listened carefully.  When Lakha Singh Nagarchi played the Nagara, everyone thought they were being attacked.  The king, Bheem Chand, looked at his ministers and said: “that was a very deep sounding Nagara.  Where is this Nagara sounding?  I know the sound of the Nagaras of every king in our region.  This is a new sound.  It sounds like it’s far away but it sounds like it rang in my ear.  This is a special Nagara.”  When the minister heard the king’s words, he spoke: “Maharaja, this is what I heard a few days ago.  Sri Guru Nanak Dev ji, who was the Guru of the world; his glory is spread far and wide; on his throne, now sits the highest of the Sodhis.  Sri Guru Hargobind ji, the strong and powerful warrior, who rescued your grandfather Raja Tara Chand from the Gwalior fort, who fought the Emperor Shah Jahan and defeated him and the emperor’s soldiers; keeping many weapons; the greatest warrior; his height and weight were like people from the Dwapur Yuga; his grandson Guru Govind Rai now sits on that throne.  He is full of warrior spirit.  He is known as Guru Gobind Rai.  His glory cannot be measured.  It is just like the glory of Sri Ram Chander from the Treta Yuga.  Seeing him, gives one peace and fills them with the warrior spirit.  He is young but one cannot be satiated, looking at him.  It is heard that he is 12 but stronger than a 21-year-old.  He is an expert at weaponry and practices for many hours on end with full determination.  Thousands of people come to see him everyday.  I’ve heard many glories of him from people.  Whoever sees him, cannot stop talking about him.  Everyone says that he is the best archer.  He keeps a 9 tonka bow.  Nobody else can string his bow.  Nobody else can pull an arrow to their ear when firing it.  The young men with him are great warriors like him.  They live in Anandpur with him.  His father was Guru Tegh Bahadhur Sahib ji, who had purchased this land from your grandmother for 500 (or 2200) Rupees.  When your father Raja Deep Chand died, your grandmother, Rani Champa, invited Guru Tegh Bahadhur Sahib ji to your father’s last rites.  Your grandmother wanted to give the land to him as an offering but he wanted to purchase it so he would not be indebted to anyone.  They have established the city by bringing all types of castes and craftsmen there.  There is absolutely no type of shortage there.  The city is right next to the Naina Devi temple.  His son, Gobind Rai lives there and blesses thousands.  He is the light of Akaal Purakh.  He sometimes comes to hunt in our area.  He hunts the deer and then goes back.  Today, a person from Anandpur came and told me that the Guru of Anandpur has prepared a great big Nagara.  The Nagara is being played today.  He is not your enemy.  It is Sri Guru Gobind Singh ji.  There is nobody else that would play a Nagara in your area.  You have nothing to worry about.  Nobody else would dare to play a Nagara.  This throne is the throne of Guru Nanak and is filled with powers, miracles and blessings.  The Emperor is in conflict with the Guru’s house but the emperor was unsuccessful.  Guru Gobind Singh ji was born in Patna in the East.  When he was older, he came to Punjab.  Many kings come to see him.  The king of Assam came to see him.  Rattan Rai was his name.  He brought many expensive gifts for him and has great faith and devotion for Guru Gobind Singh ji.  He brought unique gifts for the Guru: A Panch kala Shaster, a beautiful elephant and five horses with a lot of wealth.  Many kings from far away come to see the Guru.  Kings and poor people, all come to see the Guru and stay with him.  He has a unique aura and power by which, one is deeply attracted to the Guru’s peaceful presence.  He lives right near you.  He has great powers.  You should go and meet him.  He has the powers and blessings of all the worlds.  Take unique gifts for him.  I have heard his glories from many people.  He is Ram and Krishan in one body.  He is very handsome and very strong.  His eyes are very powerful.  He is worshipped in the whole world.  He is a strong warrior and keeps an army and a lot of weapons.  We should be friends with him as he would help us when we would need him.”  In this way the king’s minister, Devi Das, who had faith in the Guru, advised the king Bheem Chand.  Bheem Chand wanted to go and visit Guru Gobind Singh ji. 

1-27 The Vizier of Bheem Chand Comes to see Guru ji

Bheem Chand Kahiloori was the head Raja out of all the mountainous region kings.  He heard the glory of Satguru ji and was happy.  He had a discussion with his ministers and came to the conclusion that it’s good to be friends with Guru ji.  He said to his vizier, “you should go first and find out what their intentions are.  Bow for me as well and find out what’s a good time to meet him.  I am not like other kings.  We are neighbours and we will be living here.  Kings and kingdoms have many tasks to fulfill with armies, public and other administrative work.  If we work together and have an alliance, both of us will benefit.  Other enemies won’t attack us.  It will be best for all and we can help each other out.  If he agrees to meet me, confirm the day and time of our meeting.  Show the Guru our power and glory.  Tell him that we are the greatest out of all the kings.”  In this way, Bheem Chand instructed his vizier. 

Bheem Chand was egotistical and wanted to show his power.  He sent many officers and soldiers with the vizier.  Officers with golden maces were sent in front as it was the high minister in transit.  The minister sat in a palanquin.  Soldiers with guns, swords and shields travelled along with the vizier.  Over in Kahloor, they were headed towards Guru ji.  Meanwhile, in Anandpur, Guru ji had hunted many animals.  The soldiers came back while the Ranjit Nagara being played.  They were filled with twice the warrior spirit.  Guru ji’s radiance grew by the day just like an Emperor.  His subjects were growing as well.  Guru ji would discuss weaponry with his companions as he would ride his horse.  As he rode ahead of everyone, he could see Anandpur.  He had a hawk in his hand.  Dogs and the mirshikars (leaders of the hunting party) followed.  Dust flew everywhere as the horses rode.  The people of Anandpur heard the Ranjit Nagara being played.  They all came to see Guru ji from their balconies.  Some stood in their doors; some on their balconies.  They loved to see the glory of Guru ji.  It was evening.  Guru ji got off his horse and listened to Rehraas.  He had dinner and went to sleep.  Everyone else went to sleep as well.

When it was around 2 am, the Naubats began to sound.  The Rababis, Bhai Sudhoo and Bhai Mudhoo, would hear the Naubats, and come to the Guru’s court.  They sang the Asa Di Vaar with the morning Raags.  The Sikh Sangat would come as they woke up.  They would bathe and read Gurbani.  There was bhajan, Simran and Kirtan in Anandpur.  It was as though Vishnu was sitting with the Devatas.  Guru ji bathed and came to his seat.  He immersed into the light of Akaal Purakh inside himself as he sat in the lotus position.  He would sit in Samadhi till the sun came up.  The Sikhs would listen to Asa Di Vaar.  The Rababis would complete the Vaar with the sun coming up.  The Bhatts would come and sing the glories of the Gurus.  They came and made poems of the glories of all the Gurus and would sing them in a loud voice.  The Naqeeb would come and sing the Birdh (Sri Guru Ram Das ke Naati, Sri Guru Arjan ke pootay, Sri Guru Gobind Singh Maharaj ji ki jai ho.  Maharaj Raajan Paut Rajay) The greatest king, the powerful Avatar of the supreme Guru; who are worshiped by everyone in the Trilok.”  The conches, Narsinghas and Ranjit Nagara was played as Guru Sahib entered the court.  There was happiness everywhere.  The sun came out and Satguru ji could be seen wearing royal clothes and weapons.  He had a Kalgi with a royal jigha.  Everyone would stand in attention.  They were waiting from Guru ji.  The Kalgi would move side to side as Guru ji walked into the court.  The Singhasan had expensive cloths on it.  Guru ji sat on the Singhasan after bowing to it first.  Guru ji’s five cousins, Mama Kirpal Chand, Masands and other warriors including Baba Sooraj Mal ji’s grandsons, all came and bowed to Guru ji and sat around Guru ji.  Some had guns and some had bows and arrows.  Guru ji looked like the moon with the stars.  The chaurs were made of gold and look life sunrays.  The Chobdhaars (mace wielders) stood at the doors.  Guru ji looked towards the Sikhs that were there to see him.  They just wished to see Guru ji.  Guru ji would bless them all.  The court was full.  The Sikhs brought gifts and presented them to Guru ji.  Guru ji sat in the court for 4 hours.  The guard came to Guru ji and folded his hands.  He said to Guru ji: “Guru ji, the chobdhaar has come to inform us that Raja Bheem Chand’s highest vizier wishes to see you.”  Guru ji heard this and said: “make sure the Vizier is received well.  Give him a place to stay and bring food for him.  Welcome him with great respect.  Tell him to come see me at around 4pm after he is well rested.  I will listen to what he has to say and tell him my thoughts.”  Guru ji then got up and went to his home.

Guru ji ate and rested after lunch.  After at about 2 pm, he bathed and got ready.  He had the vizier come meet him at around 4 pm in the court.  Mammaji, Pandit Daya Ram, Deevan Nand Chand and the Masands came as well.  The court was full.  Guru ji sent the Ardaasia to call the Vizier, Devi Das.  Devi Das brought Guru ji many gifts of money and weapons.  The Vizier said: “Guru ji, I bow to you along with my king Bheem Chand.”  Guru ji asked how he was and then asked how Bheem Chand was doing.  The Vizier told Guru ji how his king and the kingdom was.  The Vizier then said: “Prabhoo ji, we heard your Nagara.  My king had some questions in his mind.  I knew about you and told him everything.  I knew it was you and told him very calmy.  The king heard about your glory from me and then he was happy and no longer worried.  He was speaking very nicely after that.  My king would like to meet you and has sent me to find out, when he can come.  He told me that Guru Nanak’s house is big but we are great kings as well.  We are neighbours and we should help each other out.  We will assist the house of the Guru and fulfill each others tasks, all our lives.  My king wishes to have an alliance.  Please receive him with love and have a discussion about a good alliance with him.”  Guru ji looked towards Mamma Kirpal Chand ji and signalled him to respond to the Vizier.  Mamma ji spoke: “welcome vizier ji.  Whoever comes to the Guru with love, the Guru reciprocates their love, many times.  Whatever wish anyone comes with, Satguru ji gives the suitable rewards right away.  Satguru Ji blesses everyone and has no enemies.  He fulfills the wishes of the rich and poor.  Guru ji is the king of the world.  Bheem Chand is the king of Kahloor.  Secondly, he has love for the Guru.  Thirdly he is our neighbour and he wants to meet us with humility.  Why wouldn’t we meet him?  He can come anytime he wishes to.  This is Guru Nanak Dev ji’s court.”  Guru Kalgidhar ji smiled and said: “why was the king worried?  Does he like to hunt?  What type of horses does your king like?  Which weapons does he prefer to practice?  Does he keep guns or arrows?  Where did he hear our Nagara?  He heard our Nagara and wanted to see us.”  Guru ji was a scholar in politics and threw questions back at the Vizier.  The Vizier folded his hands and said: “Raja Bheem Chand is a great warrior and is an expert in weaponry.  The 22 kings of the mountain ranges listen to him.  He takes counsel from the wisest of ministers.  He is well adept in politics.  He has the greatest army out of all the Pahari Rajas.  He loves to hunt as well and goes about twice a month.  He practices weaponry, a lot.  When you went hunting yesterday, our King was in the villages collecting news from the people.  That is when he heard your nagara.  Please give me permission so that I may bring him here.  I will tell him how much of a nice personality you have.”  Guru ji heard the Vizir and had Siropas brought.  Mamma ji was signaled to present the gifts to the Vizier.  The Vizier was very happy and bowed to Guru ji.  He saw Guru ji’s spiritual power and thought to himself: “I have seen many saints but none had the peacefulness, radiance, revolutionary and warrior spirit as Guru ji.”

1-28 Bheem Chand Comes to see Guru ji

The Vizier of Raja Bheem Chand was really impressed with Satguru ji.  He received his Siropa from Guru ji and left at once to go back to Bheem Chand.  As he came back to the palace, the Vizier bowed to his king and sat beside him.  He told him every detail about the conversation he had with Satguru ji: “he has great ambition.  He is really strong and very powerful.  The light of Akaal Purakh is clearly seen within him.  He listened to your message with great patience and gave a suitable response as well.  He met me with great respect.  We can plan our visit now.  There is always a crowd in Anandpur.  There are many warriors there, who have formed an army.  People from far and wide come, bringing the most unique gifts for Guru ji.  He fulfills everyone’s wishes.  Since the time I have met him and seen the light of Akaal Purakh inside of him, I have been happy and impressed.  You should go and see him as quickly as you can.  Meet him with love inside your heart.”  Raja Bheem Chand heard his vizier’s words and was really happy.  The Raja ordered for preparations and mobilized his army to go see Guru ji.  The Raja wore expensive clothes and jewellery.  He fastened his bow and quiver, along with his gun and other weapons.  He got on top of his elephant and took many soldiers with him. 

The Raja had a Nagara playing in the front, which sounded quite loud.  He was eager to get to Anandpur and had everyone move quickly.  A messenger came to Guru ji to tell him of Raja Bheem Chand’s arrival.  Guru ji ordered Deevan Nand Chand to go and receive him.  He instructed him to find a good location to set up his camp.  Guru ji said: “take items of use that they would need including ghee and sugar.  Take feed for the animals.  Make sure they don’t need to ask for anything.  Give them more than they need.  Take Mammaji with you.  Mammaji is at home.  Get someone to call him.”  Nand Chand bowed and followed Guru ji’s orders right away.  Mammaji was called right away too.  Both of them mounted their horses and took a few men along with them.  They rode ahead and met the King.  They told him that Guru ji was pleased to hear of the king’s arrival.  Bheem Chand was very happy to be received and travelled back with them.  They talked all the way back.  The travelling party was shown a great spot to set up camp.  They were all given items of need.  They all bathed and were given food to eat.  All of the animals were given feed.  Everyone was happy.  They all slept the night and woke up in the morning.  Everyone bathed and got ready with their nice clothes and jewellery. 

Mata Gujri ji was very happy when she was told how the Raja was coming.  She was happy to see her son’s radiance and did Ardaas to the nine Gurus.  Guru ji came to his court, where a multi-coloured tarp was laid out.  Guru ji sat on top of his Singhasan and everyone else came to the court as well after finding out that Raja Bheem Chand was coming.  The court was set, the Naqeebs was standing with golden maces, the Sooraj Mukhis were out to show the royal regalia of the Guru’s house.  The Chaurs were being fanned, like swans flying around Guru ji.  Guru ji told one of the Masands to accompany the Raja to the court.  The Masand advised the Raja to come to Guru ji’s court: “Guru ji is expecting you Raja ji.  The Satguru fulfills everyone’s wishes.”  Bheem Chand was waiting when the Masand came.  Bheem Chand was happy to here that he was being called upon.  His officers and armed guards got ready and went along with him.  He had discussions with his vizier as he walked.  He was wearing his royal clothes with the best weapons.  In the court, some of the Sikhs said to Guru ji: “Prabhoo ji, the Pahari Raja’s are weak-minded.  They are treacherous and make a lot of schemes.  Do not trust him and don’t let his army come inside.  The officers that came with him should leave after they bow to you.”  Guru ji heard the Sikhs and understood their intentions.  He then spoke: “if the army comes inside, what harm can they do?  There’s no use to doubt or fear them.  The lion does not fear deer.  Let everyone come.  We do need to hide.  We are much stronger.”  The Raja entered the court with his warriors.  The Raja bowed to Guru ji’s feet and placed the plates full of money in front of Guru ji.  He got permission to sit in Guru ji’s court.  He saw the Guru’s form, which looked more beautiful than a full moon.  The army and other officers came and bowed to Guru ji.  They all saw Guru ji.  Some were seated, some were standing.  Guru ji asked the Raja how he was and the Raja replied back accordingly.  Guru ji asked about the Pahari Rajas from Bheem Chand: “how many regions are there in Kahloor?  How big is the region of Raja Katochan?  Jasovaliay, Ghulair, Bijhadvaliay and Chundail regions along with the other kings, Guru ji asked about all of them.  The Raja told Guru ji everything and then said: “I have heard that you have many unique gifts.  Please show them to me.  I wish to see them now.”  Guru ji then sent out an order: “bring the unique stool.  Bring the Panchkala Shaster and show it to the Raja.  Fulfill his desires now.”  The treasurer went and brought those items to Guru ji.  The stool was activated which showed the dolls playing a game.  Bheem Chand was delighted to see the stool.  He was amazed, seeing all these items.  He then saw the Panchkala Shaster change into a spear, pistol and sword.  The pistol was fired with bullets.  The soldiers of the Raja were amazed to see the pistol fire shots.  Everyone sat for an hour and a half and then the Raja said: “where did these items come from?”  Satguru ji spoke: “there was a king from Assam.  It is really far from here.  He was the servant of the Ninth Guru.  He had faith and devotion in his heart.  He came here and stayed for many days and returned to his country afterwards.”  Raja Bheem Chand heard Guru ji and spoke: “I have heard about a unique elephant and a tent which is really expensive.  I wish to see these items too.”  Guru ji then said: “I will show you these things tomorrow.  There is no time to show you these things today.”  The Raja then realised it was time to go, so he bowed and left for the day.

The Raja told his people: “the Guru ji is just as I heard.  He destroys pain.  His form is mesmerizing and he is very handsome.  The power and ability of the Vidhatta (the creator power of Akaal Purakh) is noticeably prevalent in him.  He is high-cultured and has a great personality.  He dresses well and is very well mannered.  He talks very nicely.  I think we will be close to each other.  That is the best thing.  I have heard that Krishan was very handsome.  He must be like him.”  The Vizier heard him and said: “it is the glory of Guru Nanak.  He is known as the “Jagat Guru.”  That is the throne he sits upon.  Everyone knows of the powers that he has.  He gives peace to all his Sikhs.”  They all praised the Guru in this way.  The Guru has no vices in his mind.  Guru ji is very quick and smart and his glory is spreading quickly throughout the land.

1-29 Bheem Chand is Shown the Parshaadi Haathi and the Tent from Kabul

Raja Bheem Chand was fed well and given gourmet foods.  Guru ji commanded: “send many types of dishes for the Raja.  Grass for the animals, ghee and sugar should be sent to the Raja.  Massage the horses and serve them well too.  Send rice and flour, more than they need.  They shouldn’t have to ask for anything.  There is no shortage in the Guru’s house.  Everyone gets what they ask for.  Make sure the Raja is in Anand (bliss) while in Anandpur.”  People saw new things happening in Anandpur everyday. 

It was the next day and everyone got up.  Guru ji said: “today the court will be out in the open.  Decorate the Parshaadi Haathi well.  Fasten him with golden and silver chains.  Have a seat of muslin and zarri on top of the Haathi.  Put a Gujghaah on its forehead.”  The servants got to work right away.  The Masands were very happy that the Raja and Guru ji were getting along.  They were relieved that the conflict was averted.  They were worried about money being spent on war.  The tent was being set up and other preparations were being made.  The Raja and his army ate well.  Guru ji got ready and came to the court.  His eyes were radiant, just like the lotus flower.  He was wearing royal clothes with his sword and quiver full of arrows.  His Kalgi bounced to his carefree walk.  Just as an elephant’s child walks without a worry in the world, that is how Guru ji walks.  The tent from Kabul and the Royal canopy was set up.  Guru ji’s Singhasan was nice and high, fastened with golden and silk ropes.  Guru ji sat on his throne.  There were gems glimmering and reflecting everywhere.  Mamma Kirpal Chand ji came and bowed.  He sat near Guru ji.  The five warrior cousins: Sango Shah, Jeet Mal, Maari Chand, Ganga Ram, and Gulab Rai; came, wearing their weapons.  They bowed and stood on the right side of Guru ji.  Guru ji’s nephews: Shyam Singh and Gulab Rai came as well.  All of these young men were between the ages of 18 to 22 and were all over 6 feet tall.  Deevan Nand Chand was present, wearing his sword, shield, bow, arrows, pechkavaj, kataar and khanjar.  The Masands were with Devan Nand Chand.  The court was in session.  The Sikhs were all seated.  The Chaurs were being waived.  The grandeur and glory of the Guru’s court could not be written in words.  It was grand beyond belief.  Guru ji asked the Mevra to go and get Raja Bheem Chand.

Raja Bheem Chand was ready to go and got up as soon as he received the message.  He was wearing his royal court clothes and weapons.  He took his clever ministers and his high-ranking army officials and headed towards the Guru’s court.  He came the same way as he did a day before.  He saw Guru ji sitting on his Singhasan from far away.  He saw the beautiful tent with chandeliers and strands of pearls and diamonds.  There were crystals and gems hanging and embedded into the tent everywhere.  It looked like a golden palace with golden domes on top.  As he came closer, the more he was mesmerized by it.  When he came right up to it, he looked all around.  He entered the gate where the guards were standing.  As he entered the tent, it was even more grand and beautiful than from the outside.  It looked like the moon was sitting on the throne and there were bright stars (the young warriors) standing all around it.  It looked like Inder came to earth with the Devatas and holding court here.  It looked like all the pleasures of heaven came to earth.  Raja Bheem Chand folded his hands and bowed to Guru ji.  The clever Raja wasn’t planning on bowing to Guru Sahib, but as he saw the radiance and holiness of Guru ji, his mind did not give him the time to think.  He sat close by to Guru ji after bowing.  The ministers and officers bowed and sat down as well.  Their eyes were focused on Guru ji’s canopy and the beauty of the tent.  They didn’t wish to blink as to lose the site of the beautiful tent.  The pillars, tassels and pictures were beautiful.  Pearl strands with diamonds hung everywhere.  There were crystals and precious gems everywhere.  Golden Zarri tassels were hanging.  The Raja lost sense of time and location being in Guru ji’s awesome court.  The Raja thought: “I’ve heard Inder has many expensive and beautiful things.  This is the way it must be in heaven.”  Everyone kept looking around and thought to themselves that they had seen the most beautiful things to see today.  Their lives were complete today.  They were speechless looking at the canopy and the walls.  They were all quiet for many minutes.  They were delighted.  Guru ji didn’t say anything either.  Guru ji was looking into their hearts.  He understood that they were focused on the tent.  Raja Bheem Chand looked at Devan Nand Chand had said: “how much was the tent?  Who made this tent?  There is nothing like this anywhere else in the world.”  Devan Nand Chand ji responded: “Raja ji, this tent was made in the west, in the city of Kabul.  One of the Masands used the Dasvands to get it made.  He found out that a tent was being made for Aurangzeb and he got one made twice as big, for Guru ji.  He spent 250,000 Rupees on it.  The craftsmen made the tent with great care and detail.  It took them a year to make it.  It was transported by over a hundred carts that came from Kabul when it was completed.  There is no other like it.  Aurangzeb has one, but it is not compared to this one.”  Raja Bheem Chand said: “I believe this should be more that 250,000 Rupees.  It is unique and beautiful.”  Nand Chand ji said: “listen oh king of the mountains, the house of the Guru has no shortages.  Guru ji is the king of kings.  As much land there is, all the way to the sea, there are Sikhs everywhere.  They bring the most unique and rare gifts for Guru ji.  The island of Sangladeep has Sikhs coming, bringing many gifts.”  Nand Chand had these discussions.  In the meantime, the Parshaadi Haathi came, all decorated with golden chains and swaying from side to side.  The elephant came and bowed his head and knees.  The forehead of the elephant was white and the size of a roti.  From its forehead, a white line, 2 inches thick spread all the way down to its tail.  It started from the nostrils of the trunk and went to the tail.  The decoration of the elephant alone was over 100,000 Rupees as there was so much gold and silver.  The Haathi had a Gujghaah on its forehead with a golden hoodha.  The height of the elephant was small, just a little bigger than a bull.  Bheem Chand was amazed at how the elephant bowed to Guru ji.  He was happy to see this and thought: “this elephant must have come from a far away land.”  Guru ji then spoke: “Raja ji, look at its height.  It is small.  The elephant has many virtues as well.  It will do exactly what you tell it to.”  Guru ji told the Raja that the elephant is wise like humans.  Bheem Chand said: “this elephant is priceless.  I have never seen any other like it in far away lands.  Please show me its unique virtues.”  Guru ji signaled the Chaurbardaar (the sevadaar waiving the Chaur) to give the Chaur to the Parshaadi Haathi.  The Haathi took the Chaur and went behind Guru ji.  He began to waive the Chaur over Guru ji’s head.  Then, Guru ji signaled for a hose.  The Haathi washed Guru ji’s feet.  He then grabbed a towel and wiped Guru ji’s feet.  Next, he shook Guru ji’s shoes, wiped them, and placed them in front of Guru ji.  Guru ji lifted his bow and arrow.  He mounted an arrow on to his bow and pulled the arrow to his ear and let it go.  He showed the Haathi the arrow before he let it go.  He pointed to where the arrow went.  The arrow traveled like a flying snake.  This arrow would rip right through a lion.  When he fired all his arrows, he told the elephant to go and get them.  Parshaadi then walked in its own swaying way to get the arrows.  The golden bell in his neck rang as he swayed from side to side.  The golden bangles on its tusks clanked with the silver chains hanging from them.  The elephant reached the target site and pulled the arrows from the ground.  He didn’t let the arrows break.  He collected them all and brought them back to Guru ji.  Guru ji wiped the arrows and put them back in his quiver.  Bheem Chand was amazed seeing the radiance and glory of Guru ji.  He thought in his mind: “I should become his Sikh as well.  The Guru has power and radiance beyond anyone’s imagination.  He has unlimited powers and will protect me in this world and in the next.  Seeing him, my sins will be all washed away.”  He conversed with Guru ji with love and devotion for 2 and a half hours.  As Guru ji got ready to leave, Bheem Chand bowed and came outside of the tent.  Guru ji, the one who knows the deepest thoughts of everyone, thought to himself: “if the Pahari Raja becomes my Sikh, then who will fight a battle with me.  I have come to empower the people for battle and to defend their human rights.  It has to start from here and go to Aurangzeb.  We will have to fight him first.  Another reason is that if he becomes my Sikh, he will not let me empower the power and let them learn weaponry.” 

As the Raja came back to his camp, he thought; “the other kings that are my brothers, what will they say if I become the Guru’s Sikh.  They will laugh at me and will say: “what will achieve by becoming a Sikh?”  They will see me as different from their Rajput traditions and cast me out of their group.  They will think I am not wise.”  It this way, the Raja was filled with doubts.  His wisdom began to diminish and the ego came shining through, now stronger than ever.  His faith was all gone.  For this reason, the Pahari’s are weak-minded.

1-30 Bheem Chand Takes Leave, Practice of Shaster Vidya

Bheem Chand’s bad karma flawed his logic.  He did not find Sikhi to his liking.  This was also Prabhoo’s will.  Prabhoo chooses whom to accept or whom to reject.  Nothing is in the hands of human beings.  Bheem Chand’s mind was weak.  Just as crystal is clear, but shines the colour you put it against, so inherently manipulative was the Raja’s mind.  The Raja was in the Satsang and thinking properly.  He wanted to become a Sikh, but as soon as he was away from the Sangat, he reverted to his old, foolish self again.  Just as the sun’s rays shine on a piece of glass and can be focused into a point, causing a fire and burning wood; in the same way, the radiance of Guru ji’s company focuses the person’s mind and burns the attachment.  If the sun’s rays stop shining onto the piece of glass, there is no flame.  In the same way, the Raja’s faith was gone and there was no spiritual growth.

After a few days, Raja Bheem Chand wanted to leave.  He was egotistical and remained a weak-minded fool.  Guru ji understood his desires and gave him permission to leave with respect.  When it was about 3 pm in the afternoon, Guru ji’s court was in session.  Guru ji sent a person to call the Raja.  The Raja came after receiving the message with a lot of his soldiers.  He wanted to show how powerful he was and brought many of his men.  He wanted Guru Sahib to see that he was a strong king.  He showed all his power with weapons and jewellery.  He bowed to Guru ji and sat down.  He folded his hands and began to speak: “Guru ji, running a kingdom requires a lot of power and strategy.  We go hunting as well.”  He spent about an hour talking.  Guru ji understood that the Raja was hinting to take leave.  Guru ji looked towards Devan Nand Chand and spoke: “go and get a Siropa and give it to Raja Bheem Chand.”  The Devan went right away and brought an expensive Pashmina Siropa that had gold-work done on both ends.  It was a 7 metre Dastaar, known as a “Cheera” or “Chamla Pagri.”  It was touched by Guru ji’s feet and given to Raja Bheem Chand.  Bheem Chand put it to his forehead and gave it to his treasurer.  Guru ji then gave Siropas to the Vizier, Devi Das along with all the officers and soldiers.  Everyone got a Siropa.  Bheem Chand was happy to meet Guru ji respectfully and that he was served well while he was there.  Everyone went back to their camp and went to sleep.  In the morning they all got ready to go.

The dhundhabs were played and the travelling party started their journey towards their capital.  As Bheem Chand travelled, on the way, he was comparing his wealth with Guru ji’s.  He was thinking about the unique gifts that Guru ji had.  He became jealous and couldn’t tolerate Guru ji’s glory.  He was full of doubt when he thought about becoming a Sikh, and that small slippery step caused him to fall in his mental state.  He started the think about nonsensical things: he was jealous that he was a king; and Guru ji was a Saint but had a Parshaadi Haathi, special weapons and a beautiful tent.  He started to think how he could snatch them.  He believed that these material things would bring him praise and glory if he had them.  He believed that the other kings would see him as a stronger king if he had all those things.  Greed began to close in on his wisdom and logic.  He thought to himself: “people would come see those things and will praise me.  If I can’t have all the things, I want the elephant for sure.  I need to use politics and try to get it without conflict.  I will need to ask for it first and then lie and say I don’t have the elephant anymore.  Once I have it, nobody can take it away from me.  The wise political strategists say: if you cannot fulfill your desires, then obtain your wish by using: Shaam (to ask for sanctuary, or humility), Dhaam (money), Bhed (blackmail, or divide and conquer), or Dandh (punishment, war).  I can always use my strength.  I will depend on my army’s strength.  I will get the elephant for sure.  First, I will fold my hands and ask for the elephant.  Humility can overcome many barriers.  We can work together, the Guru and I, for many tasks.  We would become a super-power.  The wise person does this.  If this doesn’t work, I will give the Guru money.  The other person will be greedy and I will get what I want.  This is done by people who are less wise than the person who uses Shaam.  If after these two efforts I am still not successful, then I will need to find a secret or cause a fight, internally in the Guru’s house.  I will need to infiltrate his people.  I can bribe the Guru’s people with money and get my work done.  The wise people use these strategies.  If all three efforts fail, then I will fight.  The wise people would lie and cheat to get their tasks done.  There is no other way.  The enemy should always be dealt with in a cheating manner.”  In this way the Raja was making foolish strategies and reached his palace.

Guru ji in Anandpur was at peace and having conversions about war strategies and battle formations with his Sikhs.  He was planting the seeds of chivalry and bravery, just as his grandfather would do.  Guru ji would practice archery everyday, just as Guru Hargobind Sahib ji would.  He would hear the accounts from his grandmother and other elder Sikhs and do exactly like his grandfather did.  The days passed and Guru ji got stronger and bigger.  His arms got bigger and bulkier.  There was immense strength in his arms.  He would exercise using a pully devise to strengthen his arms.  He would place sand bags and shoot arrows it at from various distances.  He would use his strength and make sure the whole arrow would go through the sandbag.  He would practice from far distances; 1 -3 km.  His arrows would go off into the distance for many miles and they wouldn’t be found again.  Guru ji would use different techniques in his archery.  He would teach his Sikhs as well.  The Sikhs would be in awe at his skills.  They would say: “only Guru ji can do that.”  The glory of him being a master archer spread throughout the land.  In the whole word, no other warrior and archer was equal to Guru ji.  There were no other arrows compared to his.  Wherever there was talk of archery, Guru ji’s name would come up as being a master marksman.  Sometimes Guru ji would mount Parshaadi Haathi and go hunting into the jungles.  Other times he would ride extremely powerful steeds.  The steed would turn with great agility upon tasked to by Guru ji.  Other elephants were brought and mounted.  Guru ji had many elephants and horses.  Just as a king uses politics, Guru ji would increase his kingdom using politics.  He gave specific attention to increasing the number of soldiers.  The number of soldiers, horses, elephants and weapons would grow on a daily basis.  The warriors would wear expensive and royal clothes, stating various rich fashion senses.  Young men would come seeking admittance to Guru ji’s army from lands far away.  People brought many gifts of weapons, horses and rich clothes.  The stables were getting bigger and bigger.  The horses were given ghee and sugar to eat.  The soldiers in the Guru’s army were given well-paid salaries.  They had Langar to eat and a great salary to support their families.  Some didn’t want salaries and only came to serve the Guru.  Some brought their whole family to settle in Anandpur, setting up new businesses or just farming their land.  There was always a crowd in Anandpur.

Guru ji would come to his court and see the Sangat, coming from far away lands.  They brought gifts and the Mevra would do their ardaas: “Guru ji, the Sangat has come to see you.”  As the Mevra would request Guru ji, two or three times, Guru ji would then wear his royal clothes and weapons and visit the arriving Sangat in this court.  The place of the court, Guru ji would sit on his radiant Singhasan and meet thousands of people everyday.  They would come from every direction, bringing swords, spears, shields, riffles and other weapons.  Money and horses; clothes and jewellery would gather in Guru ji’s court.  Whatever wishes they would have in their hearts, all of them would be fulfilled, by meeting Guru ji.  Some would bring their Dasvands (10% of their earnings).  Some would come just to see Guru ji.  Guru ji would give those Sikhs the eternal bliss.  His glory spread everywhere and his kingdom and administration got bigger and bigger.  The treasury got bigger and bigger and the maintenance of the administration became wider and efficient.  His kingdom became stronger and more stable as it grew.