1-31 Bheem Chand’s Ambassador Comes to ask for the Elephant

Satguru ji would have the elephant adorned in many ways and ride it.  It had golden chains and golden bangles on its tusks.  Guru ji would go hunting in the jungles and then return to the city along with his hunt.  The animals with good karma were hunted by Guru ji and their souls would be saved by him.  He would ride his horse, occasionally, really fast and make it jump like a deer.  Guru ji would practice Shaster Vidya a lot and teach the closest Sikhs as well.  Guru ji would give the warriors the highest quality spears, arrows, rifles, tulwars, axes, pistols and tegha swords.  He would show the warriors how to use the weapons as well.  Guru ji would tell the warriors: “the kingdom of heaven and earth hang from the arms of warriors.  If the warrior wins the battle, then they are rewarded with the kingdom of earth.  If they die on the battlefield, they are rewarded with the kingdom of Heaven.  There are many types of bliss there.  The glories of the warriors are sung everywhere.”  Sangat from many lands came to see Guru ji and received what they wished for.  Guru ji would give all the Sikhs wisdom about Bhagti and Vairagya (love and devotion).  This is how he would spend his time.  Over time, he was growing and becoming more handsome. 

It had been a while since Bheem Chand had visited Guru ji.  The fool was still thinking about the Parshaadi Haathi and how he could acquire it.  He thought of many schemes to take the Haathi from Guru ji.  He didn’t want to fight for it but wanted to cheat his way to getting the elephant.  One day, Bheem Chand was sitting in his court with his intelligent officers and ministers.  He told everyone in his court of what his wish was.  He told them of the sin that was flourishing inside of him: “I want the Guru’s Hathi.  It is an amazing animal by which I was fascinated by.  I have never heard about or seen such an elephant before.  Seeing the elephant made me happy.  That Haathi should belong to a king, not a saint.  Such things should be with kings.  I need that Haathi.  I will cheat if I have to.  I need to find a way to get that Haathi.  The Guru loves the Haathi and won’t give it up easily.  We will need to trick the Guru into getting the Haathi to come to our place some how.  Once we get it, we wouldn’t give it back.”  Listening to Bheem Chand, Pamma Purohit spoke: “this is not a difficult task.  We have a great plan.  Your eldest son is about to be engaged to Raja Fateh Shah’s daughter.  Fateh Shah is eager to send the engagement gifts.  If we ask the Guru that we want to take the Haathi to the Bharaat (wedding procession) then the Guru may say no.  He may not want to part with it for so long, as it will be a few months till we return.  The Guru may make a counter excuse for not giving the elephant.  What we can do is: send an ambassador to the Guru and tell him that: “we want to use the elephant to impress the relatives of Fateh Shah coming from Srinagar.  We have seen an amazing elephant in your court and would like to impress the engagement party by showing the elephant off.  Consider the Raja’s home as your own.  Please let us borrow the Haathi.  We will show our new relatives the Haathi and then bring it back to you.”  In this way we will get the Haathi.”  Bheem Chand liked the ideas and was happy with it.  He praised the purohit’s wisdom and said: “that’s what I was thinking.  Once the Haathi comes here, we wouldn’t give it back.”  Everyone in the court agreed to the plan on how to get the Haathi.  The Raja called one of his ambassadors and told him the whole plan: “go to the Guru’s home and get the Parshaadi Haathi by using your wisdom and cleverness.  Ask the Guru with respect and humility for the Haathi.  Use all the lying and cheating tactics you can to bring the Haathi here.  If you succeed, you will be rewarded greatly.  We will then know that you truly are a smart person and I will be happy with you.  Tell me what Guru ji’s mood and intentions will be.  Read his body language and emotion and come tell me exactly what he says and how he says it.”  In this way, they made many schemes.  They made plans to lie and cheat.  They prepared the ambassador on what to say to Guru ji.  The foolish King did not know the glory of the Master of the Universe.  Guru ji was omniscient and knew the wishes of every heart in this universe.  Guru ji is the complete Ratnakar (ocean) of wisdom, whose personality is second to none.  The king is nothing but a drop and is trying to cheat the Guru, the ocean.  The sun which illuminates the whole world, Guru ji is such a sun who is worshipped by the Devatas and the Demons.  They all see Guru ji as the “true Guru.”  The weak-mined Raja wishes to cheat the Guru.  The ambassador was prepared by the Raja.  Just like a firefly who flies in the ego of its own light, that is how the ambassador was.  He thought he could cheat the sun with his little light.  The ambassador gave the Raja hope and said: “I will use all the politics and tactics I can to get the Haathi.  Consider the word done.  Your wish will be fulfilled.  You are the greatest amongst all the kings of the mountain ranges, the Pahari Rajas; just like a lion amongst deer.  All your wishes will be fulfilled.”  The Ambassador bowed to Bheem Chand, mounted his horse and set out for Anandpur.

The Ambassador soon reached Anandpur, thinking about his cheating plan along his whole journey.  He was kept in one of the guest houses in Anandpur for royal ambassadors and ministers.  The ambassador changed and wore royal clothes.  He went to Guru ji’s home and told the guard: “I have been sent by the Pahari Raja to give Guru ji a message.  Please bow to Guru ji, with both hands folded, and notify him of my arrival.”  The guard told the ambassador to stay there while he goes and tells Guru ji.  Guru ji was sitting in his seat, looking as impressive as ever.  The Guard approached Guru ji and said: “Prabhoo ji, you are the support and provider of sustenance for your servants.  Bheem Chand, the Pahari Raja, has sent an ambassador, who sends his obeisance with both hands folded.  He wishes to visit your lotus feet and has come for a specific purpose.  He is eager to see you and is still standing in the doorway.  Please command me as to what your wishes are.”  The True Satguru, Sri Kalgidhar ji, listened to the guard and said: “tell him that he will be called upon in the court tomorrow.  Send him food and other things he may need.”  The guard gave the ambassador Guru ji’s message.  The ambassador agreed and went to his guest quarters.  Langar was sent to the ambassador, which he ate to his heart’s content.  He slept the night and awoke the next morning.

Guru ji woke up at 2 am and bathed.  He then sat down and went into his Samadhi.  Guru ji then got ready and wore is royal clothes.  He set his Dastaar and tied a beautiful jigha on top with a high Kalgi.  The sun came up and Guru ji came out of his home.  The Kalgi was very majestic looking.  Devan Nand Chand and the Masands came and bowed to the feet of Guru ji.  Mamma Kirpal Chand ji then came and bowed to his sister’s son.  He was in bliss, bowing to the master of the universe.  The five nephews of Guru Teg Bahadhur Sahib ji, the sons of Bibi Veero ji: Sangho Shah, Jeet Mal, Mari Chand, Ganga Ram, Gulab Rai, all came.  The warrior cousins came wearing royal clothes, donned with weapons.  The Sangat was eager to see Guru ji and brought many gifts.  As the Sangat presented their gifts, the Mevra did their Ardaas.  The Sangat was in bliss seeing Guru ji.  Guru ji was sitting on his Singhasan and Chaurs were being waived atop Guru ji’s head.  The jewel of the Sodhis was illuminating the whole world.  Guru ji was fulfilling the wishes of his servants.  The court was now full.  There was grace in the eyes of Guru ji, as he casted his divine sight on the Sangat.

1-32 The Ambassador Returns

Devan Nand Chand folded his hands and said: “we should call the ambassador of Bheem Chand, the Pahari Raja, so he may visit your lotus feet, Guru ji.”  A summons was sent to the ambassador to which the ambassador came right away.  He entered the court and came to bow to Guru ji, presenting his gifts.  The Mevra directed the ambassador to where he should sit.  The ambassador scrunched himself him and sat down, intimidated by the glory of Guru ji.  He had cheat in his heart and that was making him anxious.  He was going to ask for the elephant and obviously, wasn’t going to give it back.  Guru ji was like Inder, sitting on his throne in heaven.  The ambassador folded his hands and made his request: “Guru ji, Raja Bheem Chand bows to your feet.  He places his head on your lotus feet and considers himself as the servant of your servants.”  Guru ji spoke to the ambassador: “Bheem Chand is the head king of the Paharis, how is he?  How is his family and his kingdom?  Where is he nowadays?  For what reason have you come?  Looks like Bheem Chand has sent you for something.”  The ambassador said: “Guru ji, Raja ji is well due to your blessings.  Since he has met you, he talks about you a lot.  He constantly praises you to his ministers.  He says you are very patient, wise and a great saint.  He thinks you are very handsome and that he has seen many saints but none are like you.  He says he is fortunate that you live close to him and says that his kingdom has been blessed.  People who come to see you, they sing Bani and make their lives priceless.  Visiting you, washes all your sins away.  My Raja say that the Guru is a lion and is our protector.  We need not fear elephants, where the lion lives.  We have had the rare opportunity to visit Akaal Purakh.  Our land is pure because of you, Guru ji.  He can’t stop talking about you.  Our Raja has been home since he left Anandpur.  I will tell you why I am here today.  The Raja folds has hands and sends a request to your feet: “Guru ji, you are my beloved.  My whole kingdom is yours.  You may hunt in our areas anytime.  If you command me, I will do what you say.  I have many elephants and horses.  You can ask them from me and I will send them to you.  I wish for you to come to my home.  Whatever is mines, is yours Guru ji.  Please see me as your servant.  My home is your home.”  I was really happy when Raja ji send this message for you.”  The ambassador spoke sweetly but his heart was full of cheat.  The fool thought he was smart and that Guru ji was just like Bheem Chand, easily manipulated.  He saw Guru ji as a child, seeing his young age.  Little did he understand that Guru ji was the master of the universe.  The ambassador’s words were sweet, like a peacock; but the peacock’s fault is that it eats insects.  That was the same case with the ambassador.  He wanted to befriend Guru ji but he wanted to cheat him.  He was like a snake who befriends a traveller on horseback during a jungle fire; and later bites him after the snake reaches safety.  Just like a golden glass is filled with poison, mixed with juice; it is sweet but deadly, that is how the ambassador spoke.  Fraud is the worst thing to do.  A fraud can never meet Akaal Purakh.  Just like actors wear a saint’s clothes and speak to Akaal Purakh; all this to get the Parshaadi Haathi; he wanted to cheat Guru ji.  Devan Nand Chand then spoke: “if your Raja has so much faith in Guru ji, then may he be blessed.  Our love will grow if we meet with love like this.  Whoever has good faith in the Guru, they receive great rewards immediately.  The Raja is our neighbour; if he loves us, he will be met with love; if he has jealously or fraud in his heart, he will be dealt with accordingly.  Happiness and sorrow are what the mind lives in, but is dependent on the type of karma you do.  Some are kings and some are beggars; if they wish to be blessed, they should have faith in the Guru.  If they don’t want to be happy, then they can cause a conflict with the Guru.”  The ambassador spoke: “my Raja has asked you: “I would like to be glorious in this world and protected in the after life.”  Guru ji, the Raja’s son, Ajmer Chand, is engaged to be married to the daughter or Fateh Shah of Srinagar.  Fateh Shah is a great and wealthy king of Garhwal.  Many kings will be at the engagement.  The time is near.  First the relatives will come with the gifts.  This is where we need your help.  The Palace is being decorated.  We want to show our glory with unique gifts.  If one doesn’t have fancy things, one borrows from family and friends.  Poor people borrow from poor people; the kings borrow from other kings.  We need to ask as well.  We saw that no other Pahari King is as great as us.  Nobody has more unique things than you, Guru ji.  We thought hard and saw that everyone is less powerful than you, Guru ji.  The son of the Raja is your son, Guru ji.  Bheem Chand would like you to be part of the ceremony.  He wished to have the Parshaadi Haathi present at the celebration.  He said that their glory would grow.  The house of the Guru has everything.  Seeing the Haathi’s unique traits made the Raja happy.  He will show our new relatives what unique things we have.  We will return the elephant after the people are gone.  We will show Fateh Shah and we will be praised as powerful people.  This is the reason for my visit today.  I wish to take the elephant with me.  This is why my Raja sent me.”  The ambassador did not let his fraud come out but the Guru was omniscient.  Guru ji figured out what was in the ambassador’s heart.  He knew what he was thinking and thought to himself: “he was speaking sweetly but the hidden agenda was fraudulent.  The Paharis were indeed weak-minded and ill-willed.  If the Haathi would be given to them, they will still cause a conflict when we ask for it back.  They don’t wish to give it back; because they are greedy.  They think they are smart.  There will be a big battle.  Bheem Chand is egotistical.  It is good not to give them the elephant.  It is better to fight a battle with Bheem Chand now.”  In this way, the master of the universe figured out the cleverness of Bheem Chand and responded: “one of my most beloved Sikhs, Raja Rattan Rai, had brought this elephant to me with great love and devotion.  This elephant will remain in the house of the Guru.  He cannot be given to anyone.  The Raja made a request, but he can have any other elephant.  Rattan Rai requested me to not give this elephant forward.  Only I ride this elephant.  Nobody else.  This elephant was brought from Assam with great care and difficulty.  The tradition of the Guru’s house has been as such: the Guru only does what the Sikhs asks for.  I fulfill the Sikhs’ desires and don’t leave them unfulfilled.  Tell Raja Bheem Chand that we have another elephant which we can send.  We cannot send the Parshaadi Haathi.  Ask your Raja if he wants the other elephant to show your relatives.  We cannot give you the Parshaadi Haathi as it is not purchased by us.  It was a gift from a Sikh.  We cannot misuse the gifts form the Sikhs.”  The ambassador didn’t say anything.  He realised that his word arrows went amiss.  He bowed with a long face and returned to his city. 

The ambassador was depressed going back, as he thought his sweet words went without fruit.  He also figured out that Guru Gobind Singh ji read his mind.  He figured out that Guru ji knew the whole story.  Before going to the Raja, he thought of many scenarios in which he would tell the Raja that he was not successful in getting the Haathi. 

1-33 Bheem Chand’s Discussion

The Pahari Raja was presiding in his court.  His ambassador arrived and bowed to Bheem Chand.  The ambassador folded his hands and stood there after paying his respects.  Bheem Chand noticed that the ambassador had a long face.  Bheem Chand said: “looks like you didn’t get the elephant.  What did the Guru say?  Did he honor my request?  Did the Guru think of the consequences for not honoring my request?  He came and began to live on my land.  I am his king.  Maybe because he is young and proud of himself.  He doesn’t know politics and may be proud of his weapons and horses.”  The ambassador then spoke: “The Guru has no fear.  He is like Inder.  People in his court always talk about battles and war.  I have heard from people there that Guru Gobind Singh practices archery for many hours everyday.  Just as we have heard in the Puranas that Ram Chander Ji used to be able to shoot a target just by listening to it move; Arjan used to be able to create many magical occurrences with his arrows; Bheesham Pitamah used to stop rivers with his arrows; Guru Gobind Singh ji can do all these things and more in the young age of 13-14.  I have seen with my eyes what I have heard in the Purana kathas.  Courage overflows from his face.  The word fear, is foreign to him.  What can I tell you, Raja ji, you have seen him as well.  His walk, talk, and radiance shows that he is a great and fearless warrior.  I tried many tactics.  I praised him to soften him up, thinking he is young and may love being praised, but the truth his, he was able to read my mind.  He knew exactly what I was thinking.  If it was someone else, I could have easily manipulated them.  Guru Gobind Singh knew that I was going to cheat him.  He knew that we would not have given the elephant back.  He read my mind and knew exactly what my intention was.  He heard my request and said “a faithful Sikh gave me that gift so it does not belong to me.  It was given to the Guru’s throne.  Rattan Rai did not want me to give the elephant to anyone else besides the throne of Guru Nanak and to keep it with me.  I cannot give you the elephant.  I can give you any other elephant.  Take the other elephant and fulfill your purpose with it.  Don’t think I am making an excuse.  The elephant stays with the Guru Ghuddi.”  He then praised his Sikh.  Just as Prabhoo treats the devotees, so does the Guru treat his Sikhs in this way.  Guru ji said he cannot go against his Sikh’s wishes.  For this reason, he did not give me the elephant.  I figured out that there was no use trying as he was not going to let us borrow the elephant.  So, I returned.” 

Bheem Chand, the strongest of the Pahari Rajas, was so as Inder’s powerful weapon, the Vajra, had fallen upon a mountain and smashed it to pieces.  His heart felt like it was pierced with arrows.  He was angry and his ego was bruised.  He called the Vizier Devi Das and his Kotwal (Police Chief).  He called other close officers as well.  His pride was hurt.  He went in another room for a top-secret meeting.  Bheem Chand was furious.  He spoke in the meeting: “look, the Guru lives on our land and is refusing my request.  If I wanted to, I could have taken the elephant with force.  I could have kicked him out of my kingdom.  I could have taxed him too.  I won’t let him live here anymore.  I will let him live here if he pays tax.  He didn’t give me the elephant when I asked for it nor does he pay taxes.  He is a young boy now, when he grows up, he will be a problem for us.  We will have a battle for sure.  He is not like Gurus.  He will make conflicts with kings.  He did not consider me as his king and it doesn’t look like we will get along.  If he gives the elephant, that’s fine; otherwise, I will kick him out.  Right now, I will forgive him since he is a child.  He doesn’t even have a beard yet.  He plays nagaras in my area and hunts openly in my jungle.  He may want to take over my kingdom one day.  Right now, he hunts animals, next he will gather an army and show his strength.  We need to get the elephant now as it is now a matter of pride.  I need the elephant in any way now.  I want to figure out how we can do this.  I don’t want people to say that we asked for the elephant and didn’t get it.  I’m open to suggestions.  One of you should bring me the elephant.  If the Guru refuses again, we will then show our army’s might.  We have soldiers, canons and weapons.  If we can’t handle a young Guru, what else can we do?  We won’t let the Guru stay.  He must bow to my will or else he will be exiled.” 

Raja Bheem Chand’s word were heard by his ministers.  They noticed that he was angry.  The Vizier Devi Das was wise and knew of the glory of the Guru.  He spoke: “Raja ji, you shouldn’t speak like this.  It is not good to be in conflict with saints.  You are educated and wise.  This is the throne of Guru Nanak, Akaal Purakh.  It is not good to speak ill words about the Guru.  It will be no less than suicide.  This is not a small saint.  This is the master of the universe we are dealing with.   The Guru is the Avatar of Akaal Purakh.  Powers and the Devatas bow to the Guru’s feet.  You need to be the servant of the Guru’s feet, then you will get what you want.  If you start a conflict with the Guru, then whatever possessions you have now, will be destroyed as well.  Why are you getting upset over an elephant?  The elephant isn’t even ours.  What’s the problem if we don’t have the Parshaadi Haathi?  You are a king; you should keep your subjects happy.  If you feel that the Guru is a part of your citizens, then you should be protecting his assets and well-being.  Instead, you are looking to loot a saint who is a part of your public.  You should be more patient.  Don’t make any hasty decisions.  You want to fight a war over an elephant.  You know politics, and all the Shastras.  You should know: who to be friends with and who to be enemies with.  You should ponder good and bad.  Then make your decisions.  If you become Guru Gobind Singh’s enemy, what will you achieve?  People won’t like you.  Everyone will call you a fool for fighting a saint for no reason.  You don’t know if you will win a war or not.  You should fight other kings, not saints.  I will give you another suggestion: become friends with the Guru.  The advantage of having a friendly neighbour is better than brothers living afar.  The neighbour is close by and may assist you if you need him right away.  If Kalgidhar is with you, the other Pahari Rajas will fear you.  They will know that the Guru is on your side.  Other kings won’t think of setting foot on your land.  Think about this wisely.  This is good politics: make good with neighbours.  Think of your Bilaspur, Kahloor as fortunate, that the Guru has made it his home and his holy feet have blessed your land.  Millions of people come to bow here and are saved from the Jumms, the messengers of death.  People come from miles away.  The Guru is right next to you.  Take the dust from his feet and put it on your forehead so your sins are washed away.  The one that fulfills many people’s wishes, what’s a small elephant in front of him?  He knows the thoughts of every heart.  He figured out your little scheme to ask for the elephant and not giving it back.  If you would have been truthful, he would have given it to you.  If you would have asked for the Haathi with a clean heart, he would have given it to you.  If he figured out that you were going to cheat him, how is this his fault?  Listen to my suggestion: take the cleverness out of your heart, you will be happy and all your wishes will be fulfilled.  Go to Anandpur and visit the Guru with faith and devotion.  He will give you the pleasures of the world.  If you want to be his enemy, this will prove difficult for you.  You will be ruined and your possessions will be destroyed.  Serve the Guru and you will have Dharam (duty), Arth (subsistence), Kaam (desire) and Moksha (salvation).  Guru Gobind Singh ji is the master of all powers.  He is Akaal Purakh.  You won’t be able to deal with him.  You are not his equal.  You cannot have your way with him.  He is too powerful.”  The Vizier advised him with great suggestions.  He was wise.  He gave the Raja many examples.  He told him that people who bowed to the Guru, they have been in bliss.  Bheem Chand did not listen to the Vizier.  He was blinded by his own ego.  Just as water does not stay on an oil laced pot, the wise words of the Vizier did not stick in Bheem Chand’s mind.  He was a fool.  He was being advised well, but ignored the well-intentioned suggestions.  But this was the Guru’s play.  The Guru instilled the foolishness in Bheem Chand’s mind to start a war.  Guru ji needed to clean out the foolish kings who were weak-minded first.  Bheem Chand refused to listen to Devi Das.  Devi Das noticed that Bheem Chand was not fortunate and did not see the Guru’s glory.  He saw that Bheem Chand was a fool and weak-minded.  He had no faith.  The ones that the Guru did not wish to bless, they did not understand the way of love.

1-34 The Kotwal (Police Chief) Comes

The Raja said to the Vizier: “listen Vizier!  Look what are you saying.  You are making me look small in front of the Guru.  I am now in conflict with the Guru.  How can I go back to him and fold my hands to him?  I am the king.  I worship the Thakurs, the idols of Bhagavan.  The Pahari Kings worship the Thakurs.  We all worship Salagrama (the Stone manifestation of Vishnu).  We are the Rajputs.  We are mighty and of higher castes.  My ancestors all worshipped the idol of Bhagwan.  The Guru is a human being like us.  I will not stop worshiping the Salagrama and worship a human being.  You want me to do Ardaas to the Guru?  This is not a worthy task for me.  Let me tell you another thing: none of the Pahari Rajas became a Sikh.  No person in my family and relatives became a Sikh.  We all worship idols as per our family traditions.  We go to the mandir and worship Bhagavan’s idol.  We can’t bow to a human Guru.  How can I go against my relatives and traditions and become a Sikh?  The Pahari kings will make fun of me if I became a Sikh.  They will say that I became greedy and became a Sikh to get the elephant.  The Pahari Kings are all steadfast in their religion.  If I became a Sikh, they will question me and talk about me.  They will condemn me for letting go of the idol worshiping.  I will be known as a greedy person who renounced his religion for an elephant.  I will be slandered and they will say that I am a disgrace towards the Rajputs.  Devi Das, I don’t want listen to your advice and become a fool.  You say that the Guru has many powers, I haven’t seen them.  I don’t believe that the 14-year-old Guru has any powers.  His father was jailed in Delhi.  Aurangzeb did not let him go.  He tortured him and disrespected him.  He decapitated him.  I have heard everything.  His Sikhs were killed too.  One was sawed in half; one was burnt alive and one was boiled alive.  If the Guru had powers, he would have showed it.  This means he didn’t have powers.  He took all the pain on his own body.  What was the point?  He has no powers.  He was just like us.  Nothing happened to Aurangzeb.  If anything, the Guru could of broken his arm or leg.  Aurangzeb is still stable but the Guru lost his life.  Aurangzeb is still the Emperor.  These poor people who are of low castes, they are uneducated and they come in the thousands to come and bow to the Guru.  That is how the Guru is getting big.  The lower castes say that the Guru is an Avatar of the Avinashi (the indestructible one) and praise him with their hands folded.  People like you believe that he is an Avatar as well.  The lower castes bring pennies for him and that his how he is getting rich.  They all lie when they say that their wishes were fulfilled.  They are a bunch of Jatts, Gavaar, Lubanas, Baniyas and Jheevars.  What do they know?  They all meet and recite “Guru Guru,” and bow to him.  These low castes don’t know the value of the idol of the Thakurs.  We are the great Rajputs.  We are educated and intelligent.  We can’t stop the Thakur’s worship.  We listen to the Puranas, Mahabharat, Ramayana and Manu Smriti.  We know the true way.  We don’t bow to Gurus.  We follow the Bairagis and Sanyasi Sadhoos.  We follow the saints that wear the Bhagwa (pink) clothes along with tilaks.  We can’t follow a child who wears Kalgis and keeps horses and weapons.  I follow Jogis who wear earrings and renounce the way of the householder’s life.  The Gurus were householders like us.  We are Rajputs, the highest caste.  The lower caste Sikhs of the Guru, we cannot be on the same level as them.  How can we take the same Pahul as those lower castes?  I do not have faith for the Guru in my heart.  There are many problems in becoming a Sikh.  I have thought about it.  The Pahari Kings will go against me.  I can get the elephant with the might of my army.  If the Guru doesn’t give me the elephant, I will not let him live in Anandpur.  I will destroy his city.  Aurangzeb doesn’t like Guru Gobind Singh either.  He sees what the Guru does.  There will be a big war if the Guru argues.  Where will he run to?  Then he will know how powerful I really am, when he will be in trouble.  Devi Das, you are intelligent.  Think about what you are saying.  If I kick the Guru from my kingdom, where will he go.  He is young and he is proud about being the Guru.  He sits amongst thousands and has them bow to him.  He is young and that’s why he doesn’t give me the elephant.  He is not fully matured yet.  He will find out who I am when my forces will attack him.  If the Guru gives me the Haathi, he will sit in Anandpur with peace.  If he says no, I will let him know what it means to say no to Bheem Chand.  Kotwal, go to Anandpur to the Sri Satguru.  Tell him what I said today in your own words.  Fold your hands and say: “give us the Haathi for the wedding,” but also show your might.  Tell him that: “it is the King’s wish.  We will remain friends then.  We are neighbours and will need each other.”  Otherwise, tell the Guru that: “it’s not good to oppose the Kings.  You can’t live in peace by not listening to Kings.”  If he gives the Haathi, fold your hands and take it.  Once the Haathi comes, we won’t have to give it back.  My power and my army’s might will be shown if the Guru is not obedient.  Tell the Guru about my might and that the Pahari Kings all obey my command.  From Kashmir to Garhwal, all the kings are in my command.  I am the king of the kings.  They follow my wishes.  They are ready to fight upon my command.  They will all come to fight the Guru.”  Listening to Bheem Chand, Devi Das lowered his eyes and shook his head in disbelief.  He knew that Bheem Chand’s logic and wisdom had gone corrupt.  He knew that Bheem Chand will lose his kingdom and will be punished in the afterlife.  The other ministers were yes-men, and praised Bheem Chand.  Only Devi Das knew the truth about the light of Akaal Purakh, Guru Gobind Singh ji.  Bheem Chand had forgotten that the Guru’s grandfather released Bheem Chand’s grandfather, Raja Tara Chand, from Gwalior.  Bheem Chand’s greed had blinded his wisdom.  Guru Tegh Bahadhur Sahib ji purchased the land of Anandpur for 500 Rupees from Rani Champa (Bheem Chand’s grandmother).  Rani Champa knew that the Guru was the Avatar of Akaal Purakh.  Anandpur was originally called “Chuk Mata Nanaki” but later named Anandpur.  Bheem Chand’s foolish ministers said: “the Guru had come to live in our kingdom and hunts in our jungles as he pleases.  Money and gifts come from every direction.  So what if he gives you the elephant.?  He should give it to you if he is wise.  He is causing a fight over something so small.  Wise people will say that the Guru should have given the Raja what he asked for.”  The Kotwal folded his hands and said: “I will go to Anandpur and get the elephant.” 

The Kotwal bowed to Bheem Chand and left the palace.  He mounted his horse and reached Anandpur.  He saw the happiness of Anandpur, where every Sikh was doing the Simran of Akaal Purakh; where the Kirtan was constantly happening.  He saw the open Langars and the peace and prosperity flowing with generosity.  It was truly a city of Bliss.  He stayed in the guest houses and took a bath.  He changed his clothes and headed towards Guru ji’s court.  He heard that the court was in session and met the guards at the door.  He said to the guard: “I am the Kotwal of Raja Bheem Chand.  I would like to see Guru ji today.”  The guard went inside and told Guru ji.  He said to Guru ji: “Satguru Prabhoo ji, the Kotwal of Bheem Chand wishes to see you.”  Guru ji said: “yes, let him come in.”  The Kotwal came into Guru ji’s court and presented gifts at Guru ji’s feet.  He folded his hands and bowed to Guru ji.  He got permission to sit in the court and said: “Guru ji, my Raja sends his respects.”  Sri Kalgidhar ji, the Master of the Universe, the omniscient one, the omnipotent one, spoke: “yes, why has the Raja sent you here?  Why is the Raja being arrogant?  His heart has become corrupt and wishes to cheat me.”  The Kotwal heard the Guru’s fearless words.  He was in shock and said: “no Guru ji, it’s nothing like that.  The Raja has sent a request.  Your way is true and good.  You are a saint and your traditions are great.  We worship and serve you.  My Raja praises you day and night.  He says there is no other saint like the Guru.  Recognizing the greatness of your holy feet, the Raja wishes to be your friend.  He is your faithful and wants to be close to you.  But we have a special task that I have come for.  The ambassador that came before me, I have come with the same request.  We need the elephant to show off to our family and relatives at the engagement.  For this reason, we have come repeatedly.  The Raja wishes to show off unique items to the new relatives.  They will see our King’s glory and praise him.  The House of the Guru only has this unique elephant.  We will only take the elephant for a week.  We will return it to you.  Guru ji, you should think about your neighbours and be friends with Bheem Chand.  It is best to be friends with such powerful kings.  The 22 Pahari Kings all listen to Bheem Chand.  Bheem Chand is the more powerful.  He is the most powerful and you should be his friend.  You fulfill everyone’s wishes.  You should fulfil Bheem Chand’s as well.  You will remain friends then.  Other enemies will be afraid of you too if Bheem Chand is on your side.  We will help each other out because we are neighbours.  Whatever we do will be a success.  It is all up to you if you want to keep the peace or start a conflict.  It is not a big thing he is asking from you; we just want to borrow the elephant.  If you ask for something from us, we will give it too.  Bheem Chand is a powerful king.  He will help you out too.  He has a great army.  All the Pahari King’s armies follow Bheem Chand too.  He has many soldiers, canons and horses.  He has a lot of wealth and his glory is unmatched.  Everyone listens to him.  Guru ji, you are both neighbours.  It is in the best interest for everyone that you fulfil the Raja’s request.  This is why I am here.  This was the Raja’s message.”

1-35 The Kotwal (Police Chief) Praises Guru ji

Sri Kalgidhar ji, the omniscient and patient master, heard the lies and fake praises of the Kotwal and said: “when you were in the company of the Pahari Raja, how did the Raja actually speak?  The Raja was speaking with arrogance, did you not hear him?  How can I meet with such an arrogant, egotistical king?  Here, you are speaking sweet words and praising me to be the light of Akaal Purakh.  In the presence of the Raja, what did you really hear?  Bheem Chand is a cheat and filled with negativity.  Didn’t your Raja say that if Guru Gobind Singh opposes me, where will he go and live?  He said: “he is in conflict with the Delhi Emperor as the Elder Guru went to Sach Khand from Delhi.”  Your egotistical Raja didn’t understand the great work of the elder Guru.  Guru Tegh Bahadhur Sahib ji saved the rights and existence of the Hindus.  He gave his head and saved the tilak and Janeu (sacred thread) of the Hindus.  He gave his head on his own accord.  He left his body and gave the ultimate sacrifice; the wise ones know about this.  Everyone dies.  Whoever that is born, must die.  The ones who have empathy for the world and have an altruistic nature, they sacrifice their body for others.  His death is not like others; it was to save a whole culture.  He gave a whole religion, new life.  Bheem Chand is a fool, he does not know that such martyrs are not dead, they are immortal.  They are one with Akaal Purakh.  Their praises are spread throughout the world.  Why did he not think about this?  Ask Bheem Chand where his father is?  Ask him where his grandfather is?  Who is immortal in this world?  If his father is not here, he won’t be here for long either?  Where is Aurangzeb’s father?  Tell your Raja that: whoever comes into this world is food for the “great death.”  Great are those saints, who will be praised in this world forever; who sang the praises of Akaal Purakh.  Kotwal, ring this in your Raja’s ear: miracles are a catastrophe.  Saints don’t show miracles.  The dogs of such saints have powers but saints don’t show their power for praises.  Tell your Raja, that if a servant of the Guru shows a little of his power, Bheem Chand will not be able to tolerate it.  Don’t wish for something you will regret.  Don’t challenge the powers of the Guru.  Purify your mind and do the Simran of Akaal Purakh.  Guru Nanak’s treasuries are always full.  The faithful receive everything, immediately.  If a sinner does something bad, the reward will be bad.  If someone takes a conflict with the Guru’s house, they become dust.  Milk, progeny, wealth and kingdom are all given by the Guru.  If someone has hatred for the Guru, it doesn’t matter if they are the king of the world; they will not survive.  A beggar, coming to the Guru with love, will become a king.  Don’t oppose saints.  They only give.  If one becomes a servant of the Guru, they receive whatever they ask for.  If one is arrogant and have hatred towards the Guru; they try to use their power to possess something the Guru has; they will then need to face the edge of the sword.” 

The words that Bheem Chand said in his secret meeting towards Guru ji, Guru ji said them to the Kotwal.  The decisions that Bheem Chand took in his closed quarters about Guru Tegh Bahadhur Sahib ji, the Kotwal was surprised to hear them from Guru Gobind Singh ji.  His mouth was hanging open.  Nobody came from Bilaspur and could have told Guru ji.  It was only a few people who were faithful to Bheem Chand, that were in that meeting, in that room.  There was no way that the Guru would have known what was said.  The Kotwal realised that Guru Gobind Singh ji is omniscient and hears the hearts of all.  He is the master and knew what was said about him.  The Kotwal understood that Guru Gobind Singh ji was the light of Akaal Purakh.  He is the master of all.  He is “Bhagwan.”  He stood up and folded his hands.  Standing up, his ego was now broken.  He made his mind into a bee and went to grab the flower-like feet of the Guru.  He bowed to the Guru with faith, for the fist time.  He placed his forehead on to the Guru’s feet.  He said: “please forgive me Guru ji.  I was lying to you.  I was trying to cheat you.  I was ignorant, for I did not know your glory.  I thought you were a regular human, but you opened my eyes.  Please make me your servant and bless me.  Those people are fools that attempt to cheat you.  Those people are unfortunate who do not know the praises and glory of the Guru.  How can one cheat you?  You are the master of the Trilok (the 3 worlds) and are the form of Akaal Purakh.  I am bounded to the Raja because I work for him and the salary pays for the food my family eats.  People like me are compelled to do sinful acts for foolish kings like Bheem Chand.  For this reason, I lied to you.  I have sinned and wish to repent at your feet.  If you do not forgive me, my soul will wander and suffer.  Bheem Chand made statements and decisions in a top-secret meeting with his closest senior officials.  Guru ji, you uttered Bheem Chand’s conversation, word-for-word, in front of me.  No one else could have known what he had said.  You said everything as if you were there.  You are truly omniscient and omnipresent.  What I heard from Bheem Chand, I heard from you again.  It was in his closed quarters.  I have full faith in you, Guru ji.  You are the Avatar of Akaal Purakh.  I wish to reside at your feet.  Please save me from this world.  Bheem Chand is a fool.  He is arrogant.  His past karma has awakened.  He is brewing a conflict with you.  Guru ji, our Vizier, Devi Das, advised him well.  He told him to not oppose you for an elephant.  He told him to bow his head to the throne of Guru Nanak.  He told him that if he became your servant, he would get everything, without asking for it.  He repeatedly said not to let this enmity grow but it fell on deaf ears.  Bheem Chand scolded Devi Das for praising you.  He told me to falsely praise you and to threaten you.  I was speaking his words.  You know the truth.  My fraud did not work in front of you.  I have told you everything, honestly.” 

Guru ji saw that the Kotwal’s mind was now pure.  Guru ji said to him: “you don’t know, but I will tell you: In your last birth, you had a home in the Bachouly village.  You were my servant in your last birth.  In this birth you got a job with the Raja.  You had some karma leftover and so, that lead you to the Raja.  You were my servant and working there.  Go back to the Raja, I am happy with you.  Tell him: “I will not oppose my Sikh’s words.  I can’t go against Raja Rattan Rai’s wishes.  He wanted me to keep the Haathi close to the Guru Ghaddi.  He told me to let no one else ride the elephant.  It was his wish that: I not give it to anyone else.  I told him that his wishes will be respected.  I told him I won’t give Parshaadi to anyone else.  If I do something, my Sikh can reverse it.  I am bound by my Sikhs.  I can’t go against the words that I give to my Sikhs.  The Raja is nothing, I would not give the Haathi to any powerful being that comes, because my Sikh wished it this way.  Guru Arjan Dev ji listened to the Sikhs and did not join relations with Chandoo.  He then sat on a hot plate and sacrificed his life.  I cannot give the elephant for this one and only reason.  I see gold and dust as the same, but the words of my Sikhs are priceless.  Tell Bheem Chand all this.  If he still is angered by this and tries to scare me with his might, then give him my invitation to the battlefield and take the Haathi with strength.  We will decide on the battlefield.  We are all true men in Anandpur and do not fear war.  I am the grandson of Guru Hargobind Sahib ji, the son of Guru Tegh Bahadhur Sahib ji and the Sikh of Guru Nanak Dev ji; I have no fear.  All these warriors you see standing in this court are eager to show their skills in war.  They are highly trained in weaponry and warfare.  We all live with swords and riffles.  They are all warriors.  These guns, bows and arrows are not for show.  They are practiced with for hours on end.  Horses are run throw this land.  We listen to the ballads of the warriors all day long.  We want to test these weapons in war.  We are waiting to fight a battle.  Tell Bheem Chand we are ready for war.  We are good both ways.  If he wants to come with love, we will give him food.  If he wants to be enemies, we will take his eyes out.  He can do as he wishes.”  As the Kotwal heard the fearless words of the Guru, he folded his hands and said: “who dare look towards you?  Only the unfortunate ones will become your enemies and suffer.”  The kotwal bowed and went back to Bheem Chand.  He bowed with love and devotion.

The Kotwal thought about the Guru’s praises on the way.  He reached Bilaspur and went inside the palace.  He met Bheem Chand, where he was seated at the time.  The Kotwal bowed and sat down.  Bheem Chand noticed that the Kotwal had a long face and asked him: “tell me Kotwal, what happened?  Tell me everything.  Did he agree to give the elephant?  Does he want to be friends?”  The Kotwal then responded with his hands folded: “Raja ji, the Guru is omniscient and knows the deepest secrets of every heart.  He cannot be cheated.  I was shocked to hear his words.  He knows everything.  The secret meeting that we had, the Guru stated the whole conversion in his court.  The Guru said other things too.  The Guru is an ocean of wisdom of knowledge.  We see him as a child but the truth is: he can make the whole world into a child in front of him.  He can’t be cheated.  I stated what you asked me to, but then he told me that whatever we wish for, we will get with love and devotion.  The Guru said in plain words that: if someone comes with arrogance, they will get nothing.  They will become acquainted with the sharp edge of the sword.  He said he is ready for both, peace or war.  He said he will destroy the terrorizer.  He said he doesn’t want to fight but if you want to fight, he won’t forgive you.  Anandpur is always in happiness.  There are many warriors with great weapons and horses there.  Different coloured strong steeds are everywhere.  They are from Persia, Marwar, Sindh and other places.  They are of the best breeds.   The warriors there are as if they are from a strong army.  They walk around with weapons all day long.  They are always ready for war.  They do not know fear.  You have seen it was well.  What else should I tell you about the Guru?  There is no way you can get the elephant from him.  I have figured this out.  You should let go of hatred and enmity.  Don’t spoil it with neighbours.  Sri Kalgidhar is a great and powerful warrior.  He is courageous and fearless.  Every one of his soldiers are ready to die.  Why should we fight over an elephant?  This is not good politics.  If anyone hears about this, they will not find this logical.  They will find you at fault in this matter.  It is not too late to become friends.  You will get what you wish for.”  The Raja then began to think.  He thought to himself: “the kotwal is singing the Guru’s praises, like a Bhatt sings ballads of glory.  I will send a spy to see what is happening in Anandpur.  I will wait till the wedding is done to make any decisions now.”  He then said: “ok Kotwal, I will listen to you and the Vizier.  Other people sing the Guru’s praises too.  I will see how the Guru behaves with me.  I will ask for the elephant during the wedding.  Now it is only the engagement but during the wedding, I will ask for the Parshaadi Haathi and the Kabuli tent.  That is fair.  We will need that during the wedding.  Neighbours help out neighbours during weddings.  The love grows then.  It takes two hands to clap so the Guru will have to be willing on his end as well.  I will listen to you and not do anything now.  When Ajmer Chand, my son, will be married, you will have to ask for theses two items from the Guru.”  The Vizier heard the Raja and praised the Raja: “this is good what you have decided.”