1-36 Mataji Comes to Convince on the advice of the Masands

The ministers of Bheem Chand were instructed: “go during the time of the wedding and get the tent and the Parshaadi Haathi from the Guru.”  For some time, Bheem Chand put his quest, to acquire the Haathi, on hold.  He began to wait for the wedding.

Kalgidhar ji would hold court everyday: Kirtan, Simran and Langar was continuous.  He practiced Shaster Vidya and horse riding everyday for many hours.  He would train the solider and admit them to his army.  They came from Majha, Malva, Doaba, Pawaad, Potohaar, Lamba Desh, Kashmir, Naka Desh and were admitted into the Guru’s army.  Some were 16 and some were 20.  Some were good at aiming and some were good swordsmen.  Guru ji’s army grew by the day.  Spears, archery and sword wielding was taught to them by Guru ji.  New horses were brought to Anandpur everyday.  Their names were recorded as they were admitted.  The news spread everywhere that Guru ji was admitting new soldiers.  It was made evident that the Guru was getting ready for battle.  Spears, guns, swords and bows were worn by the warriors.  The Masands of the Guru saw all this and were extremely worried, that there may be a war.  When the Nagara sounded, they were in constant fear.  They would say: “during the battles of Sri Guru Hargobind Sahib ji, many young Sikhs were killed.  There were many problems after that.  Guru ji spent his whole life in war and had to keep travelling.  We had to leave Amritsar.  Now we are peacefully living in Anandpur.  This will all change if there is war.  The Sangat comes from everywhere right now and bring money and gifts.  There is nothing to worry about right now.  We have everything we need.  There is no need to fight a battle right now.  The Rajas are Rajputs and will not leave the battlefield till they are cut down.  They do not show their backs.  This is what they have done for generations.  They give their heads but do not fear war.  The Sikhs of the Guru are from the working classes and do not know the ways of war.  We should go and convince the Guru.  We should tell him that: war is no good.” 

The Masands went to Mata Gujri ji and went to alarm her: “we are in conflict with Aurangzeb and now the Pahari Rajas are angry.  If Guru ji keeps up with his ways, practicing warfare, the Sangat will stop coming out of fear.  If the Sangat doesn’t come, there will be no money.  The Sangat comes and brings lots of money.  If the money decreases, how will we budget for all the expenses?  We can afford all this Langar now.  We cook for thousands everyday.  Sri Satguru ji is young still and hasn’t seen war yet.  He is very radiant and so nobody can say anything to him.  We can’t say anything either.  The ones who are always with him, they encourage the Guru’s warfare training.  Mataji, you should go and convince him.  Our request is that the Guru should not be enemies with Bheem Chand.”  The Masands would come to Mataji everyday to tell Guru ji to stop his ways.  Mata ji would listen to the Masands and get worried.  She was familiar with the warrior spirit of Guru Gobind Singh ji.

One day, Mataji came to Guru ji and wanted to tell him to be friends with Bheem Chand.  Mamma Kirpal Chand, Nand Chand and other servants were with Guru ji at the time.  Mata ji said: “listen son, you are worshipped by many.  You are the Guru of the world.  They bow to you like the second day of the new moon.  Think about the thousands of Sangats that come every day.  You should think of their well-being so they are happy and peaceful.  Right now, the Pahari Rajas are on top of you.  Bheem Chand is the highest of them all.  He is our neighbour.  We should have a give-and-take relationship with him.  Sometimes we take, sometimes we give.  Especially during weddings.  It is advantageous for us if we are friends.  You are making him our enemy.  If we fight our neighbours, it stays for a lifetime.  It gets worse day-by-day.  We can’t harm Bheem Chand, he is a king.  If the Sangat finds out there is war going on here, they will not come to Anandpur anymore.  The Sangat that comes now, doing Kirtan, they will not come.  Money will stop as well.  If there is no money, there will be no Langar.  The army can’t be supported, then, if there is no money.  The Pahari Rajas will not be on your side.  They will get ready to fight you if Bheem Chand fights you.  You should always keep peace.  There is nothing good from war.  Protect and bless your Sikhs with Bhagti, Kirtan and Simran.  This is your job.  Your job is not to start war with Kings and Emperors.  Thousands of people come to you.  It is good to be friends with the Rajas.  They will be useful.  If you fight them, you can’t compare to them.  The whole area of the Mountainous region gives taxes to the kings every year.  They can afford all their traditions and administrative tasks.  We are dependant on the Sangat’s dasvand.  The dasvand will stop if there is war.  The government has money and can afford it.  They are Rajputs and they know how to fight wars.  They have been doing this for many generations.  Look at your army.  They are all low castes who have never fought a war.  They are from the working classes.  War is bad.  The Sikhs would not be able to stop the Kings.  The Masands are worried seeing your ways.  They are afraid of you and don’t say anything to you.  They come and complain to me and I get worried then.  Think about good things and forget about war.”  Listening to Mataji’s words, the ocean of love, the fearless one, spoke: “listen Mataji, I have come to this world, instructed by Akaal Purakh, to kill the sinners.  I am not doing this.  This is what Akaal Purakh wants me to do.  The battlefield is purer than the waters of the Ganga.  It gives you mukti in a second.  My Sikhs will attain the highest moksha, dying on the battlefield.  The arrogant ones, who try to cheat me, I will not listen to them.  Bheem Chand thinks there is none equal to him.  I need to destroy his ego and disrespect them.  They have disrespected many.  Mataji, you say that it is not good to argue with neighbours.  In reality, it is always the neighbours who you fight with.  You can’t fight with people who are far away from you.  The ones who don’t have faith in the Guru, they do not know the glory of the Guru either.  They have ego and must be destroyed.  When I was doing Tapasya on the Hemkunt mountain, the Creator called me.  The Creator called me “son.”  I was commanded to kill the egotistical and the sinners who think they own the world.  I came to kill the oppressors.  Bheem Chand wishes to show me down.  I will destroy them.  The ones who become my Sikhs, I will protect them in both worlds.  I will give them happiness and moksha.  The ones who give my Sikhs pain, I will fight them.  I will protect the poor and weak.  Those sinners will be killed with pain.  They will go to Hell.  If Bheem Chand doesn’t stop, I will wage war on him.  I do not fear anyone.  Bheem Chand is a fool, who is proud of his kingdom, I will break his ego just like an elephant breaks the branches.  Bheem Chand is nothing but a vulture.  He is trying to scare a lion.  The senior Masands have too much money.  They collect money from the Sangat.  They spend half on the Langar and keep the other half.  They are running a good business for themselves.  They are worried about their own income.  They eat money of the Sangat and grow their bellies.  They have made big homes for themselves.  They do not know my mission.  They do not know who I am.  They try to scare you.  They are like deer, cowards.  Their patience is dying down.  They are worried about their own income.  They don’t deserve to be my advisors.  I don’t listen to them because they have no courage or patience.  If I listen to them, I would become a coward.  I can’t live under anyone’s tyranny.  Mataji, they listen to you.  I listen to you too.  I will never start a war.  I won’t be the first one to start a war.  I will never strike first.  If the Paharis come with ego, and try to do bad to us, then I won’t fold my hands.  I will destroy them.  I will kill their egos.  They will taste defeat.”  Mataji heard her son’s words and decided he was fearless.  She said: “still son, this land is Bheem Chand’s.  Don’t start a war.  Stay calm and live in peace.”  Nand Chand was sitting close by and spoke: “Mataji, Bheem Chand is a fool.  He thinks he is greater.  Listening to that arrogant fool, why should we give our elephant?  Tomorrow he will ask for something else.  He will think that he is a Raja and can get anything he wants.  He will then ask us to give tax.  We will become his slaves then.  It is good not to give him anything.  He will get used to getting things.  If this spoils things, then we will see him.  We will obey you and not start the war.  Mataji, when the sun comes up, the firefly’s light is dimmed.  Bheem Chand can’t do anything to Guru ji.  The drop of water is nothing in front of the ocean.  If an ant says it wants to mount the elephant and win it, the elephant is not afraid of the ant.  A ratee is nothing in front of a golden mountain; an insect is nothing in front of a lion.  Mataji, there is no comparison to Guruji.  Bheem Chand is a fool, considered by others.  He does not know the glory of the Guru.  He does foolish things everyday.  He is the one that wants war, not us.  If he doesn’t stop, he will lose on the battlefield when he sees the edge of our sword.  We will chop his and the Pahari Raja’s heads.  Then they will know when their ego is destroyed.  Then he will regret his doings.  Some people have these horrible personalities.  They only know the way of the sword.  Bheem Chand is the leader of the fools.  He doesn’t know Guru ji’s glory.”  Mama Kirpal Chand ji spoke as well: “Nand Chand is a great warrior.  He is a Masand as well but not like the others.  He knows the country is enslaved by the Mughals.  He understands the Guru’s ways.”  Sri Kalgidhar ji heard the conversations and smiled.  He said to both of them: “yes Mammaji you speak the truth.  Nand Chand is a Masand but not like the others.  He keeps weapons on him all the time.  He is a warrior and practises Shaster Vidya everyday.”

1-37 Nand Chand is made the Devan/ Through the Jungles

Guru Sahib ji saw Nand Chand as a wise person and a great warrior.  Satguru ji was very happy with him and wanted to give him the position of Devan.  This position would give him the responsibilities of all internal affairs.  Guru ji called Mammaji and said to him: “Nand Chand is a great warrior.  He is very wise as well.  He is ready to fight in battle as well with great courage.  He keeps weapons on him all the time and practices Shaster Vidya for many hours.  There is no other Masand like him.  His elders, (Umar Shah ji) served Guru Arjan Dev ji and helped in the construction of Sri Amritsar Sahib.  Baba Umar Shah ji never ate Langar.  He always brought food from home and made sure that the Sangat’s money was used for the Sangat.  He was a great Masand, whom Guru ji kept close.  Nand Chand is his grandson.  I wish to give him a high position and make him into a good warrior.”  Mammaji heard Guru ji’s word and said: “you are the master of all and wiser than everyone.  We need a Devan in the Guru’s house who would manage all internal affairs.  He would be in charge of the treasuries, horse stables, Langar groceries and managing all communication.  He is honest and wise.  He will take care of everything and think of future needs.  If we need to send some one as a messenger, Nand Chand will be perfect.  He will be in charge of all the responsibilities.”  Guru ji then asked for a Siropa from the treasury and held a Divaan.

Guru ji summoned all the Masands and senior Sikhs to come to the court, during the Divaan.  The senior Masands and the warriors were all sitting in the court.  Nand Chand was given the Siropa and declared the Devan of the Guru’s house.  Guru ji, the gracious, gave Nand Chand great respect: “come forth Nand Chand.  You have been given the position of Devan.”  Nand Chand got up and presented a golden coin to Guru ji by placing it at Guru ji’s feet.  He then bowed to Guru ji.  Devan Nand Chand was given the responsibility of the army, the stables and the Langar.  He was given the responsibility to allot food and feed on a daily basis to the army and the horses.  Ghee, sugar and flour were part of his responsibilities.  The stables and the feed were under his role as well.  Uniforms and horse saddles were up to him to make and distribute.  This was around 1680 AD, when he was declared as Devan Nand Chand.

The Devan would do his tasks with great care.  He provided for the soldiers and the horses.  He would be in charge of training the soldiers and their medical needs.  Guru ji instructed the Devan to openly give the soldiers food and not hold back anything the young men would need, whether it was food or other items.  The army was growing by the hundreds on a daily basis.  Nand Chand took care of everyone.  Guru ji was the king of kings.  The Emperor of Delhi and the Pahari Rajas all got their blessings from the Guru’s house.  They were the beggars at the Guru’s feet.  Babar was given the kingdom of Hindustan by Guru Nanak Dev ji and Bheem Chand’s elders were rescued from the Gwalior fort by Guru Hargobind Sahib ji.  The whole world asks for blessings from the Guru.  There is no king equal to the Guru.  People from all four directions come to the Guru and have their wishes fulfilled.  The Sangat would come to Guru ji, asking for happiness.  They would receive, peace, happiness, wealth, progeny, milk and good health from the Guru.  All four castes of the Hindus came to Guru ji.  Muslims, Soofis and Fakirs came as well.  They would come and stay in their tents near the Guru and visit for a number of days.  They would visit Guru ji, recite Gurbani, meditate on Simran and perform Seva in the Langar.  The Mevra would do their Ardaas to Guru ji: “Prabhoo, you are the friend of the downtrodden; you are their support.  You know what is in the hearts of all and your radiance is everywhere.  The Sangat comes in big groups and set up camps in Anandpur.  They come visit you to their hearts content.” In this way the Mevra would do the Ardaas and Guru ji would listen to them.  The leader of the Sodhis, Guru ji, would command: “lay out the tarps and set up the court.”  He would wear expensive clothes with a radiant Dastaar.  He would wear jewellery with precious stones and the rarest gems.  He would wear a high Kalgi, adorned with a Jigha.  The Jigha would have diamonds and pearls embedded into it.  He would wear golden hoops in his ears.  As he would exit his doors, the Sangat would be standing outside his home, with their hands folded and bow down as soon as they would see him.  Thousands of people would be standing in attention with their heads bowed on the roads of Anandpur.  Guru ji would go to his court and people would bow to him as he would walk by.  Guru ji’s Singhasan was extremely radiant.  A beautiful canopy would be hung on top of his head and Sevadaars would waive the Chaurs over his head.  The Sangat would bow to Guru ji presenting their gifts from far away lands.  Guru ji would meet everyone in the court and complete their heart’s wishes.  Money and gifts would gather in piles.  Pashmina and Kheenkhaab clothes would gather along with high quality weapons.  Very expensive clothes and weapons would be presented.  They would bring horses of the rarest breeds spending a lot of money.  They would fold their hands, hoping that Guru ji would be happy.  Guru ji would be extremely happy with weapons.  Guru ji would see the devotion in the Sikhs’ hearts and grant them mukti as they would bring their gifts.  They would ask Guru ji to be under his protection in the life hereafter.  Guru ji was about 15 years old now and very handsome.  His beauty was physical and spiritual.  He was so pure and radiant that every eye was attracted to his look and ambiance.  People would stand there looking at him for hours on end.  Guru ji would wear very fine, high-quality clothes, which would outline his strong and muscular body.  His kumerkassa would have golden-wire work on the ends.  Guru ji would give the Sangat bhog (pleasures of the world) and jog (saintliness); and relieve their rog (illness) and sog (sorrows).   The Sangat had great faith in Guru ji.  There was an abundance of everything in the Guru’s house.  Guru ji would provide everything.  Laxmi (the Goddess of wealth) would stand on the right side of Guru ji, with her hands folded, awaiting his orders.  The 9 Niddhis and 18 Siddhis would stand in Guru ji’s court, begging for the chance to serve him.  On his left side, would be the Riddhis and in Guru ji’s heart, was the great ocean of wisdom that knew that the true self is the Brahm.  From his mouth he would say that: “I am the servant of Akaal Purakh.”  In his heart, he knew that the self was Akaal Purakh.  He lived in the state of “Vartan Vairagya,” (regarding the world as an illusion).  He was always in bliss and filled with energy.  His arms were strong and bulky.  He would practice archery everyday.  His bow had a pull of 9 Tankas (225 kg).  His whole body was strong as iron.  Every muscle in his body was worked on and could be seen bulging from his body.  His muscles were big and with deep definition.

The Sangat would come from far away lands.  Some would stay months and some would stay years.  They would stay with great enthusiasm and do Seva and Simran.  Some would come to learn Shaster Vidya and some came to do Simran.  Some stayed for 6 months and do seva.  Some would come and ask Guru ji about Eshwar and human life.  Some become drenched in the Prema Bhagti.  They are awakened by the Guru’s blessings, that were sleeping for many births.  They would serve Guru ji and not wanting to leave him.  They received bliss and peace from the Guru and their pain and wandering was stabilized.  Sikhs would come from miles away and live in bliss.  To some, Guru ji would show his real form, the Akaal Purakh’s form.  They would then focus on that form.  Some would join Guru ji during hunts.  Guru ji would have the Nagaras played and leave with a hunting party.  Guru ji had dogs and hawks that were taken along the hunt.  The hawks would hunt other birds.  The men would locate deer and wild boar and hunt them.  They would do this to practice Shaster Vidya.  This was to build the confidence and courage needed for the war for righteousness.  Guru ji, along with the warriors, would fire guns and arrows.  They would practice with spears on top of horses.  The horses would ride as fast as the wind.  Travelling through the jungles, hunting and blessing many animals, Guru ji practiced hunting and many tricks on the horse.  He would ride the horses and make them dance like peacocks.  He would hunt lions too.  He would let the hawks fly freely and the soldiers would follow them.  They would yell to make other hiding animals come out.  They would chase and hunt those animals.  Firing bullets, they would hunt deer.  Sometimes lions would come and Guru ji would immediately hunt them down.  The wild boar, bears, 12-pointer deer and other animals would be hunted with guns and arrows.  Guru ji would encourage the soldiers and praise their skills.  The Dhonsas and the Nagaras would be playing as Guru ji would return to Anandpur.  Everyone would stand with their heads bowed as Guru ji and the warriors would return.  The nagaras would be paying with deep, loud and thundering sounds.  The conches and Narsinghas would be played.  The Sangat would shower Guru ji with flowers.  They would light incense and the Sikh Saints would be filled with love and devotion.  They would wish to sacrifice their body immediately for the Guru, seeing him.  The true Sikhs would be happy with everything the Guru would do.

Sometimes Guru ji would ride an elephant and sometimes a horse.  He would use guns and arrows, moving through the mountains and the jungles.  Khanjar, guns, double-edged kataars, double-barrel guns that shoot out fire when fired; Chakars and thick Teghas were used in Guru Gobind Singh ji’s play.  The enemy would be scared to see Guru ji playing.  When the horses would stomp their feet, the sky would tremble with fear.  The dust would cover the face of the sun.  The Dhonsas and Nagaras would announce the coming of the Guru, explains Santokh Singh, the poet; the Pahari Rajas would hear the Nagaras and get worried. 

1-38 Kirpal Katochia sends a letter to Bheem Chand in Regards to Guru ji

In this way Guru Gobind Singh ji would spend his time in Anandpur, fulfilling the Sangat’s wishes.  Guru ji’s glory spread everywhere, as he neutralized the poison of the vices of the mind (lust, anger, greed, attachment, and ego).  Guru ji’s glory spread into the regions of the Pahari Raja’s.  The people would say: “Kalgidhar ji is a great warrior who carries the bow and arrow.  Nobody is able to draw from his bow.  His bow has a draw force of 9 tankas (225 kg).  Nobody else is able to string his bow, let alone draw from it.  His arrows are 4 fingers thick.  He is able to draw another arrow before his previous arrow hit its target.  His arrows can travel for 21 km, such a strong archer he is.  We have heard about Arjun in the Puranas; in Treta Yuga, Ram Chander ji was a great archer who shot arrows without seeing and only listening, but with the Guru, we can see it.  His grandfather, Guru Hargobind Sahib ji, was a great archer; we have heard that he killed 7000 in the battle of Amritsar; 14,000 in his second battle; 34,000 in his third and 78,000 in his fourth battle; in the same way is Guru Gobind Singh ji.  He is not afraid of Bheem Chand, the most powerful of the Pahari Kings.”  The news of Guru ji’s and Bheem Chand’s conflict was now known by the Pahari Kings.  They would write letters to both, Guru ji and Bheem Chand, trying to fuel the fire of the conflict further.  They would praise both sides and fuel the fire. 

Kirpal Katochia was one of the Pahari Rajas that loved to gossip and cause conflict.  He wanted to benefit from the conflict.  He was a king of the Kangar region.  He sent a messenger to Bheem Chand.  The messenger went to Bilaspur and bowed to Bheem Chand.  He said to Bheem Chand: “Raja ji, we have heard that the Guru is not on good terms with you.  Our king heard about this and didn’t like it, so he sent me to you.  The Satguru is strong and fearless.  If you don’t fight him, this will be bad for us.  Everyone will stop respecting us if Fakirs and Saints aren’t afraid of us.  We should get together and kick the Guru out of this area.  We will sleep in peace after he is gone. Otherwise, the Guru will cause a rebellion and ruin our subjects.  He rides horses and plays Nagaras everyday.  He hunts in our area and we can’t tolerate this any longer.  There can’t be two kings in one region, otherwise there will be conflict.  If the sun and moon are together, there will be darkness in the world.  Only one lion can be in a pride at a time.  The other lion is killed or defeated and must leave the pride.  One woman cannot have two husbands.  If they get together, there will be conflict.  Right now, he is a child.  We must do something before he grows up and becomes stronger.  We are with you Raja ji.  We will give you soldiers and artillery.  The Guru has an army, but it is not as powerful as you.  The Pahari Rajas have been warriors for many generations.  We are Rajputs and the kings of the Mountains.  We should not let anyone else play the Nagara.”  Bheem Chand heard the messenger form Kangar and got worried.  He said: “yes ambassador, your Raja is right.  I know what’s going on.  I am not lazy.  I keep an eye on the Guru of what’s going on with his army.  If the Guru stays friends, that is fine.  If the Guru wants to have bad relations, then I will use my might, politics and deceit to kick him out.  Tell Kirpal Chand that I appreciate his concern.  I will call you if I need your help.”  The messenger left after hearing Bheem Chand.  The ambassador went back and told his king: “Bheem Chand says he well need our help if there’s a war.” 

In Anandpur, as Guru ji’s court was in session, with all the warriors and Sikhs present, the Katochia King’s messenger came to speak to Guru ji.  He bowed to Guru ji and said: “I’ve been sent by Raja Kirpal Chand and that we have heard that Bheem Chand is not on good terms with you.  You should not worry; we are with you.  You should not fear Bheem Chand and fight him.  You are the most capable as you are the Guru of the world.  The Raja is nothing in front of you.  Bheem Chand is arrogant.  He is without your blessings.  He is ungrateful of the favors done by your grandfather.  His grandfather Tara Chand was rescued by your grandfather from the Gwalior fort.  Deep Chand was his father and he was also good.  But Bheem Chand is arrogant and ungrateful.  Guru ji, you have made our country pure by coming here.  Your glory his great.  Bheem Chand is a fool and can’t fathom your greatness.  He wants to fight you.  Nobody will help him.  What can he do all alone?  We have heard about your praises and that you have a lot of great warriors.”  The anteryami (omniscient) Guru then said: “everyone shall reap what they sow.  If he keeps a fraudulent mind, he will suffer his own fate.” 

The messenger heard Guru ji’s words and went back to his Raja and told him what Guru ji said.  Both messengers came to Kirpal Chand and said: “Guru ji is a skilled warrior and ready to fight anytime.  He is preparing for war.”  Kirpal Chand heard this and was pleased.  He thought to himself: “good, both will fight each other one day.  Bheem Chand and the Satguru will not be friends and will remain enemies.  I will benefit from this.”  Kirpal Chand kept sending messengers to fuel the conflict even more.  Bheem Chand kept cool for the moment because his son was about to get married.  He still wanted the Parshaadi Haathi and the Kabuli tent.  He didn’t want to fight.  He was just greedy.  He wanted to sweet-talk his way.  He wanted to have a great celebration and show off his expensive gifts at the wedding.  For this reason, Bheem Chand wanted to remain friends with Guru ji.  How can one cheat the omniscient Guru?  Bheem Chand would keep sending messengers with words of friendship.  Guru ji would return his messages with vague words.   A few months carried on like this and it was time for the wedding.

The Raja of Srinagar, Garhwal, Fateh Shah, sent a letter to Bheem Chand giving him the date and time for the Bharaat (wedding procession): “make your preparations for the Bharaat.  Bring unique items to show off to my relatives and other kings.  Come with a great procession and show off your might.  When people see you, they should be in awe.  The people of my public should be enchanted by your army and horses.  Many people will be at my palace during the wedding and I want them to praise you.  We are both great kings and we will receive you with glamour and glory.  Kings from far away lands will come.  Bhatts, Naqeebs and artists should come along with you.  We are both praised.  I will spend a lot of money and want you to spend a lot of money as well.  Give the poor a lot of donations when you come.  The 22 kings of the Paharis will come, along with Aurangzeb’s officers.  This is a rare opportunity to show your power and wealth.  People will talk about our celebration for years to come.”  In this way, Fateh Shah sent the letter and Bheem Chand was happy to read it.  Bheem Chand began to prepare ahead of time.  He collected all the items required for the wedding.  Bheem Chand bought new horses, elephants and golden weapons with diamonds embedding into them.  He thought about Guru ji and his expensive items.  “Those items cannot come without the Guru.  If the Guru does not give these items, it won’t be a good.  It would be a sour thing.  The guru is a great warrior.  I should send a relative of high status.  Another Raja.  He will bring the items from the Guru with respect,” Bheem Chand though to himself.  He sat in his court and asked his Vizier: “the Guru has many unique items.  From where can we get these things other than the Guru?  Fateh Shah asked for these things.  I have checked everywhere; they are no where to be find.  There are three or four things that the Guru has that I want: the Panchkala Shaster, the sandalwood stool, the tent and the Parshaadi Haathi.  Even Aurangzeb doesn’t have these unique items.  If we get these things, people will praise us.”  Devi Das, the Vizier, said the Bheem Chand: “Maharaj, you tried to obtain these things in the past.  You asked for the Haathi and now we are not on good terms with the Guru.  You should have kept a friendship with the Guru but instead, you tried to cheat the Guru.  That was bad.  You should have had faith and devotion in your heart.  You would have received what you would have asked for.  Keeping deceit in your heart won’t work.”  Bheem Chand responded: “what you say is true and good.  Let’s be friends with Guru ji.  We have a very wise Purohit named Pamma Purohit.  Let’s send him.  He is educated, wise and intelligent.  He knows how to talk.  Secondly, let’s send Kesri Chand, my brother-in-law (his wife’s brother).  He can speak well and is well versed in politics.  We will send 20 people and a lot of gifts along with them.  In return, we will ask for the four things from the Guru.”  In this way the court was adjourned.  Everyone slept the night and got up the next morning.  They bathed and got ready to go to see Guru ji. 

1-39 Kesri Chand and Pamma Purohit come to Anandpur

Bheem Chand called Kesri Chand and Pamma Purohit to his court.  Bheem Chand gave both of them instructions: “both of you are well-educated and wise.  Go to Satguru ji and bow to him with respect.  Fold your hands and bow to him from me as well.  Praise him and use your cleverness into getting the Guru to give us the four things that I want.  Devise a plan and use your negotiation tactics and get the work done, any which way you can.  Tell him to Consider my son as his own.  Tell him that my reputation is his as well.  Tell him that my home is his home.  Reassure him that we will return all his things once the wedding is done.  Do an Ardaas to him that our reputation grows.  When the people attending the wedding see the Haathi, stool and tent, they will say that I am a great king.  Both of you need to tell this to Guru ji.  If saying all this doesn’t work, then tempt him with greed.  Tell him that if he gives us these things, we will return his items as soon as we come back home, the next day.  We won’t keep it for even one night.  We will send a gift of 4000 Rajitpuns as an offering for him.  Go now to Anandpur.”  He sent 100 mounted officers along with the very well-dressed Kesri Chand and Pamma.  These two were going to attempt to cheat the Guru who is the master of the universe.  They travelled and along the way, they were planning their deceitful conversations.

They reached Anandpur and saw the happiness and bless of Anandpur.   They saw the Langar, the horses and the warriors practicing.  Everyone was happy.  All four gifts, Dharam (spirituality), Arth (subsistence), Kamna (desire), and Moksha (salvation) are received from the steps of the Guru’s court.  The travelling party camped at a flat place they had located.  They rested after they got off their horses.  They sent a messenger to Guru ji to inform him of Kesri Chand’s arrival.  The messenger went to Guru ji and told him of Kesri Chand’s arrival.  Guru ji told Nand Chand: “go and receive Raja Kesri Chand.  Send them Langar and any other items of need they may want.  Tell them to rest.” 

The Devan went to Kesri Chand and received him.  He made sure everyone got food and feed along with items of need.  They all ate and went to sleep at night.  In the morning they got up and got ready.  They bathed and wore their royal clothes.  They worshipped the Thakur’s idols, focusing their attention on them.  They adorned their Dastaars and weapons.  They waited for Guru ji’s message.  Guru ji had completed his Nit Nem and wore a beautiful chola made of fine silk.  He donned a shamshir (type of sword) with a golden hilt.  He the radiance of a lion.  He rested his 9 tanka bow on his shoulder and held an arrow in his hand.  He wore a pearl necklace and fastened a Jigha with diamonds on to his Dastaar, along with a beautiful Kalgi.  Guru ji was handsome with a well-built body, exceeding anyone’s expectations.  If the moon did not have craters, it may have been as beautiful as the Guru’s face.  Guru ji stayed in his home this day and didn’t hold court.  He was sitting on his palang (bed) in the main room.  Mamma Kirpal Chand ji, Devan Nand Chand ji, Bhai Sango Shah ji and Pandit Daya Ram ji were all seated with Guru ji.  There were about 20 other Sikhs seated near Guru ji including Guru ji’s cousins and nephews.  Guru ji was radiant like the morning sun.  Everyone was conversing with Guru ji.  Hundreds of young Sikh warriors, with rifles, spears, swords and guns were standing outside of Guru ji’s home.  Some were on horses some were on foot.  They were adorned with weapons. 

Pamma Purohit and Kesri Chand came with about 20 people.  They came and stood at Guru ji’s door, adorning weapons as well.  They told the guard that they had arrived.  The guard went inside to inform Guru ji.  Guru ji instructed the Devan: “tell them to have a seat outside the door for about an hour and a half.”  Guru ji wanted to break their ego.  He told the guards to tell them that he was having a conversation inside.  The guard came out and told Kesri Chand: “Guru ji is busy at the moment and will call you when he’s ready.”  Guru ji wanted to show them disrespect and stopped them at the door.  Kesri Chand and Pamma Purohit had ego and deceit in their hearts.  This is the same Guru that would get up and travel a great distance to receive a pure-minded Sikh who had ripped clothes and dirty skin.  Guru ji does not tolerate ego and deceit but crosses oceans and lava filled lakes to meet his Sikh filled with love.  Kesri Chand and Pamma sat on a bench outside and waited.  They saw the glory of the Guru at the door.  They saw the Nagaras and the warriors outside Guru ji’s door.  Many Sikhs bowed at the door.  The people of Anandpur would bow to the Guru ji’s door, take the dirt from the door, put it on their forehead and be on their way.  There was a great crowd coming and going.  Everyone did Simran of Satnam as they came and went.  The love and happiness amazed Kesri Chand and Pamma Purohit.  Guru ji had all the powers of Akaal Purakh.  The most complete Avatar of Akaal Purakh was Guru Gobind Singh ji.  After seeing all this, the sinners were still full of deception.  They still held on to Bheem Chand’s instructions.  They sat for about an hour and a half when Guru ji had called them in.  As they entered Guru ji’s home, they saw Guru ji’s radiance with all the armed warriors.  The house was beautiful with soldiers everywhere. 

Kesri Chand and Pamma Purohit walked slowly towards Guru ji.  Sitting on his seat was Kalgidhar ji.  They bowed to Guru ji, lowering their heads without their control.  They said: “Guru ji, Bheem Chand sends his respects.”  They sat down close to Guru ji.  Guru ji asked them: “how is Raja Bheem Chand?”  They responded to Guru ji: “he is good with your blessings.  We have come with a request from Bheem Chand.  With your blessings, Ajmer Chand, the prince, is about to be wed.  Bheem Chand ji is busy with the wedding preparations.  He is getting clothes made from materials of far away lands.  Food and jewellery are being prepared.  The way of the Rajputs is special.  We spend a lot of money on our weddings.  Fateh Shah is a great king who told us to prepare a great Bharaat procession with unique gifts to show off.  Bheem Chand is finding the best horses and elephants.  He is getting expensive clothes made as well.  He has bought unique gifts and items of amusement from far away lands but he is still not satisfied.  All the Pahari Rajas will be coming along with the Delhi Darbar officials and many rich people.  There is a great responsibility on Raja ji’s head.  He can’t find the unique items that will put people in awe, seeing them.  This worries our Raja, constantly.  What he is looking for cannot be bought.  The whole court gets together and discusses on how to find these unique items.  We are looking for rare items.  We then think of you, Guru ji.  He sent both of us to you.  Both of us came to your service.  Our Raja says with great humility that Ajmer Chand is Guru ji’s son.  He would like you to send unique and rare items to show off at the wedding.  We will be praised for these amusing items.  We would like you to protect our reputation.  Only you can make our glory greater.  We wish to borrow your gifts.  For this reason, we have come to you, right away.  We would like the Panchkala Shaster, the Kabuli tent and the Parshaadi Haathi along with the sandalwood stool to show off at the wedding.  We will return these items as soon as we return.  We will show all the other Rajas the rare gifts we have.  People will be amazed to see these unique items.  We have come here to take these items.  This is our promise that we will return the items without you asking for them back.  We will take good care of all these items and return them as we take them.”  Kesri Chand folded his hands and said: “this is Bheem Chand’s request.”  After speaking, Kesri Chand sat there quietly, awaiting Guru ji’s response.  Guru ji didn’t say anything.  Pamma Purohit then noticed that Kesri Chand’s heavily-worded request did not have any effect.  He then thought: “we need to try something else.”  He folded his hands and made eye contact with Guru ji and said: “Guru ji, listen what else Bheem Chand said: he would like to offer 4000 Rajitpuns for the Langar as a gift for borrowing your items.  We will forever be grateful to you for helping us.  We will never forget what you did for us.  We will send the money for sure.  We promise, we are not lying.  We will return the four things.  We will be friends forever.  We won’t stall when giving or taking.  Our friendship and love for one another will grow by the day.”  As soon as Guru ji heard Pamma’s words, Guru ji’s eyes turned red with anger.  He was filled with Bir Ras (the warrior spirit). 

1-40 Kesri Chand and Pamma Purohit are Disrespected

Guru ji then said to Pamma Purohit: “Pamma, you want pay us rent for the items that Sikhs have gifted to their Guru?  Are you a fool?  Do you think that I am some sort of a merchant?  This is Guru Nanak’s house.  We don’t rent things.”  Guru ji was really angry.  His lips quivered and his eyes were red and wide open.  Both Kesri Chand and Pamma Purohit were now really scared.  Guru ji continued: “what are you saying, you fool?  You want to offer us 4000 Rajitpuns?  Is this what you think of me?  You think of me as your Guru?  How are you my Sikhs?  You did not take the Pahul of the Guru’s way nor do you have faith and devotion for the Guru.  You do not consider Guru Nanak Dev ji as the giver of Mukti.  You are Rajas.  You do not know the pain of the subjects.  My Sikhs will become the kings and you, their slaves.  Your kingdom will not last long.  When my Sikhs will become kings, you will not last.  I have not taken over anything yet.  You will find out when my Sikhs come.  (During the coming of Baba Banda Singh ji Bahadhur, the Pahari Rajas were scared and offered their daughters for marriage to Baba Banda Singh ji) What did you want to prove by giving me 4000 Rajitpuns?  How and why should I take money for you?”  When the visitors saw Guru ji’s face, they got really scared.  They could not breathe.  Kesri Chand then said: “Guru ji, you took it offensively.  Bheem Chand has asked Pamma to say that.  It was not his idea.  The Raja will give, and you will take, we don’t know anything.  We are just the messengers.  You should not say “no” to Bheem Chand.  He is your king.  You should give the items, and you will get a lot in return.  Please don’t be mad.  You do not have a kingdom.  You are a Saint and not a King.  You survive on the offerings of the Sangat.”  Guru ji was already angry but after Kesri Chand speaking words of arrogance and ego, it was as though ghee was thrown on the fire.  When Kesri Chand said that: “you survive on the offerings,” that made things worse.  Guru ji said in a loud and thundering voice: “pick these two up and throw them out.  They are disrespecting the throne of Guru Nanak Dev ji.  They think that the Guru’s throne is of a beggar’s and survives on offerings.  They do not deserve to sit here no longer.  Kick them, punch them and throw them out.  Destroy their egos.  This is what they deserve.  They think they can get away with saying anything, being kings.  This is the reason my Avatar happened.  I came to destroy the arrogant kings.  These Pahari Kings are fools and ill-intentioned.  They have never been beaten before.  Show them your strength.”  Devan Nand Chand got up along with Sango Shah.  They grabbed Kesri Chand and Pamma Purohit by the arms and pushed them out.  Their Pugris (turbans) were about to fall and they had to support them by holding on to them.  They couldn’t say a word to the Guru, fearing him.  Kesri Chand said as he was being pushed out: “you live in the country of Bheem Chand and are not afraid of him.  You will be in pain for this.  When we get back, we will come and bring an army to loot your Anandpur.  We will not let you live here.  We will see your courage then.  We will capture you.  You did not give us what we asked for.  Now we will take everything with our might.  You have made things worse by disrespecting us.  We will take our revenge.”  Kesri Chand said all this as he was being punched and kicked for saying arrogant words to Guru ji.  Devan Nand Chand came back to Guru ji and said: “Guru ji, this Kesri Chand is spoiled.  He speaks of his own courage and praises himself.  Please command us and we will take his golden hoops, all his clothes and weapons.  We should make him naked and send him off.  He has disrespected the Guru.  They should be beaten up, properly.  They will be forced to leave their egos.  Let’s send them home crying, so they know what the result is to disrespect the Guru.  They are going to tell on us regardless.  Let’s make it worth their time.  Then they can deliver the message properly.  Kesri Chand says that he is a brave warrior.  He can sing is own ballads to Bheem Chand then.  They will then know that they got beaten up by the Sikhs.”  Guru Gobind Singh ji was the wisest and knew politics.  Guru ji said: “it is not right to loot a messenger.  He got slapped because he disrespected the Guru’s throne by calling the Guru a beggar for offerings.  He will come one day with an army and we will then take his earrings.  (Guru ji was prophesizing when Bhai Uday Singh ji will cut off Kesri Chands head).  He came to my home so we can’t loot him.  Don’t take anything from them.  We aren’t cheats like them.  Let them go.  They got what they deserved.  Push them to their horses.”  They got their horses. 

Sango Shah said to Kesri Chand and Pamma Purohit: “get lost.  If you stay here further you will be looted and beaten up.”  Nand Chand told Sango Shah not to loot him.  Kesri Chand told his men: “let’s leave here now.  We are being kicked out.”  Devan Nand Chand ji spoke: “you are lucky that Guru ji is letting you leave with your clothes.  If you don’t leave now, the Sikhs will loot you.”  Kesri Chand and Pamma got their men ready.  They saddled the horses and headed towards Bilaspur.  They were really upset at the disrespect: “we didn’t think the Guru would do this to us.”  They were bruised by the fists.

Guru ji called all the warriors and said: “open the armory and give all the weapons to the warriors.  If the Rajas come, we will be ready for them.”  Guru ji took out the Khandas, rifles and arrows.  They were waiting for war.  All the warriors were ready for battle.  They were ready for the battlefield.  The Masands all got scared and went to Mata Gujri ji.  They told her what happened: “the Pahari Raja was disrespected.  Kesri Chand, the brother-in-law of Bheem Chand, came with his Purohit and Guru ji kicked him out.  They were disrespected and nobody tried to bring them back.  Everybody was on Guru ji’s side.  Nobody listened to us.  The thing that we were afraid of, has happened.  Bheem Chand will now send an army.  War is upon us.  For no reason, there is war now because of Guru ji.  He doesn’t listen to anyone.  We all advised him wisely.  He always yelled out loud about war.  Guru ji along with his warriors would yell everyday: “we will loot Lahore! Akaal, Akaal!”  They said we will “kill the Mughals” and Guru ji would say everyday: “I will give my poor Sikhs the rule and make them kings.”  Look Mataji, now the reputation of the Guru’s house has been destroyed.  The Langar and everything is finished today.  He would say everyday that “we will win Peshawar, Lahore and Multan and Delhi.”  He encourages all the Sikhs and oversteps his abilities.  He says so many other things.  We hear it everyday.  The Guru’s intentions were always to start a war.  We would advise him but he wouldn’t listen.  He is still young.  He doesn’t know about his grandfather’s battles.  He is following his grandfather’s ways.  Aurungzeb is a tyrant.  He will not let us live in peace.  If he finds out what Guru Gobind Singh ji says, then we will be very mad.  Aurangzeb had a big conflict with the elder Guru, Guru Tegh Bahadhur Sahib ji.  Aurangzeb is the Emperor and king of kings.  He owns Bangladesh to Kabul and has 2,200,000 soldiers, 10,000 canons and 50,000 small canons.  The Pahari Rajas are powerful too.  We live in their area.  If they kick us out, where will we go?  Your son always talks about war.  His Taadis, poets and Raagis always sing about war.  He hasn’t seen what war is.  He talks about it, but he doesn’t know what war is.  He is young and he keeps great weapons.  He hunts and rides horses all day long.  Bheem Chand’s army is big and experienced.  The Guru’s Sikhs aren’t warriors.  The Rajputs will destroy them.  The army will be here at anytime.  War is inevitable now.  Please convince your son.  There is still time.  Send one of us to go to Bheem Chand.  We will sort out the conflict and avoid war.  Let’s use our wisdom and let go of anger.”  Mata ji heard the Masands and got worried.  She lost her patience and went to Guru ji, her son. 

Mata Gujri ji went to Guru ji’s room, sat down next to him and said: “son, listen.  Why do you want to start a conflict?  Why do you want to have a war in which we will have many enemies?  Sikhs from all directions come to us but they will now be bothered by the Pahari Rajas.  The money will stop coming.  The Paharis will make us leave.  Many people will die in battle.  The Paharis have many soldiers.  How will we fight them?  Your father bought this land for us to live, to do Kirtan and preach Sikhi.  What are you doing now?  If we leave Anandpur, where will we go?  The Pahari Rajas are kings, they can keep armies.  They collect taxes and can support it.  We don’t have money, forts, weapons or horses.  We can’t compare to them.  Devan Nand Chand and the other Masands should be gathered right now and sent to diffuse the situation.  Send the wisest Masands to calm things down.  The Masands told me that the army of Bheem Chand is coming.  The whole world and the Pahari Rajas call you Guru and worship you.  Whatever you need, the Sangat brings.  All that you have was given by the Sangat.  You are the Guru and should see everyone equally.  Give everyone peace, leave politics.  Sit on the throne and be the Guru.  Be peaceful like the elder Guru.”  Guru ji heard his mother’s words and said: “I didn’t start this.  I do not wish bad for anyone.  Bheem Chand is blinded by his ignorance and sent his people to scare me.  He wants to show me his power.  He wanted to cheat the throne of Guru Nanak Dev ji.  Bheem Chand acts like a goat but when he gets the items of the Guru’s house, he will then become a lion and say I won’t give anything back.  Why should we come under his treachery?  People will then laugh at us.  People will say “didn’t the Guru know that Bheem Chand was a cheat?”  Bheem Chand wants to make us look bad.  I knew what the whole story was.  He tried to bribe me and scare me with his army.  He wants me to be his slave.  I only follow Akaal Purakh.  Bheem Chand wants to cheat us and take our things.  After, he will start a conflict anyway when he won’t return out things.  Why shouldn’t we just say “no” now?  Eventually, we will have to fight.  I have no material greed.  But I will not be cheated.  I do not fear war.  For how long can we stay hidden?  Akaal Purakh ji called me from Hemkunt for this reason: to punish the arrogant kings.  I will fight great wars and kill many sinners.  These kings and Soobas who are tyrants, will be finished and I will give my poor Sikhs the Kingdom.  Then the flags of Guru Nanak Dev ji will fly high in the world.  Let them come.  We are ready for war.  They will eat dust and be cut to pieces.  I only listen to the command of Akal Purakh and only do what Akaal Purakh wants me to do.  The Masands are scared.  They eat the Sangats money and have become fools.  I will not take their advice.  I will only listen to Akaal Purakh.  I will not start the war, nor will I strike first.  But when war comes to our door, I will not back down.  I will send my brave Sikhs to war who will not show their backs on the battlefield.  Mataji, do not fear anything.  Just watch the ways of Akaal Purakh.  The Kharagket (Akaal Purakh’s power) will do what is best.  Do not worry.”  Mataji didn’t say anything and left.

Guru ji told everyone to open up the armory and called for all the weapons.  The weapons were placed on a high place and incense was lit.  The Shasters were given the essence of sandalwood.  Ghee lamps were lit.  The Shasters were offered different coloured flowers with garlands.  The Shasters were worshiped by Guru Gobind Singh ji.  Everyone was happy, doing the Shaster Pooja.

The preparations were made for battle and the warriors were ready.  Anandpur was ready for battle.