1-6 The Sangat Visits

The Masands were in bliss.  They brought many gifts and placed them in front of Guru Sahib.  They all bowed and stood in front of Guru ji, with their hands folded.  The Dastaar that was brought from the house of Baba Buddha ji, was the first to be presented to Guru ji.  It was made of a very fine and expensive muslin.  The four corners of the dastaar had golden thread and diamonds embedded into them.  A jigha (band that is tied on top of the Dastaar) was tied on Guru ji’s Dastaar, which had emeralds, rubies and pearls embedded into it.  The gems would reflect light everywhere.  A Kalgi was also presented by Ram Koer ji and tied on to his Dastaar.  A horse and a hawk were presented.  Guru ji had the hawk sit on his hand.  The Bedis, Trehans and Bhallas presented their gifts. They brought expensive clothes and Dastaars.  They brought jewellery as well.  The gifts piled up into mounds in the court.  The Masands from other regions presented their gifts.  Everyone was here to get the blessings of Guru ji.  A jaikara (hail of glory) was shouted out and everyone was filled with joy.  The Mevra did the Ardaas and called everyone’s name who presented gifts.  Karah Prashaad was distributed after doing Ardaas to all the Gurus.

Wherever the Sangat was resting, Karah Prashaad was sent to their camps.  The Rababis sang Gurbani Shabads in Raag.  The Divan was in progress.  The Rababis were given clothes and money.  The Taadis sang Paurees and Vaars.  The Taadis were given money and clothes as well.  The Bhatts and poets came to show their arts, and were given a lot of money.  Donations were made to the Brahmins.  Everyone gave their well wishes.  The poor were given a lot of money and they sang the glories of the Guru: “who else takes care of us like you?  You are the master of all the hearts and the universe.  Everyone consumes what you provide for them.”  The Sadhoos and Fakirs came for the celebrations playing conches, ransinghas (S-shaped copper trumpet), turreeyas, Shehnais (clarinet-type instrument) and napheeryas.  They visited the Guru and were filled with joy.  Attending the great celebration, everyone: man, woman and child were extremely happy. 

Guru ji’s Kalgi was very high on his Dastaar.  The Kalgi had diamonds and pearls on it which reflected the sun’s light brightly.  Chaurs were being fanned atop Guru ji’s head which looked like white swans flying around.  Some people were standing and some were sitting but all were mesmerized at the sight of the Guru and his grandeur.  Their eyes wouldn’t leave Guru ji’s view.  It was as though Chakors were looking at the full moon.  Their hearts were stolen by the Guru.  It was as though the lotus flowers were blooming upon seeing the sun.  Three hours had passed since Guru ji sat in the Divan and completed everyone’s wishes. 

The Bedis that came, they were given Siropas along with the Trehans and Bhallas.  Saints, Mahants and Fakirs, Sodhi cousins and Masands were all given Siropas and gifts.  Guru ji blessed everyone and fulfilled their heart’s wishes.  Guru ji looked at everyone and then got up.  He grabbed bags of money and gave them to everyone.  He left the court along with Mammaji.  He had his bow and quiver on his shoulder and a sword and shield on his side.  He met with the Sikhs, wherever they were standing.  They were standing on the streets and the markets.  They all folded their hands and bowed as he slowly travelled by on his horse.  Guru ji reached his home and got off his horse.  He entered the home and visited the mothers.  He bowed to Mata Nanaki ji.  Mata Nanaki ji saw her grandson’s radiance and grandeur.  She was reminded of her husband Guru Hargobind Sahib ji and his words.  She remembered what prophecy he made about their grandson.  She was filled with bliss and her worries were all gone.  Her sorrows were gone.  She grabbed the Guru’s arm and made him sit next to her.  She grabbed his head and kissed his forehead.  She took bags of money and circumvented them around his head and gave them for donations to the poor (the circumventing around the head was a tradition to remove evil eyes).  She told the servants to give the money to the poor and get them to pray for the Guru’s well wishes.  She remembered her husband’s words, about 35 years ago: “your grandson will be a great warrior that will kill all the sinners and spread Guru Nanak’s name all around the world.  He will be skilled with the sword and will be a great donor.  Sikhi will spread far and wide because of your grandson.”  Mata ji kept thinking about those words and was watching it all unfold in front of her eyes.  She would touch Guru ji’s arms and shoulders out of love.  Guru ji then bowed to Mata Gujri ji.  Mata ji said: “today is a glorious day.”  Mata ji circumvented money around his head as well.  She was happy today and her mind was calm and cool. 

Upon visiting the mothers, Guru ji went to go eat food.  The food was delicious.  Gourmet foods were made with many types of dishes.  A Great big plate was placed in front of him.  Sweet, salty and sour foods were covered (with a cloth) and brought for Guru ji.  The plate was on top of a stool.  Guru ji was happy with the food.  Guru ji gave money to the Langris (cooks).  The Langris were happy to receive the money and praised the Guru.  The Langris talked to others in the Sangat and said: “there is no donor more generous than the Guru.”  The rest of the Sangat were then given Langar.  Everyone ate the food and were satiated.  There was a lot of Langar which would never finish.  The Langar started in the afternoon and ran until 10 pm at night.  People went to sleep after eating.  This happened everyday.  The Langar was distributed without any discrimination to class or caste.  Nobody left hungry or sad.  The Sangat kept growing everyday and the Langar just kept going.  The news spread far and wide about Guru ji’s ascension to the Guru Throne.  They would all come forming travelling parties.  The Masands that came, bringing the Sangat, would be given Siropas and gifts.  The Sangat would be given gifts as well.  Everyday, Sangat came and left.  All of Hindustan heard of the 10^th incarnation of Guru Nanak Dev ji.  “The father gave his head and pulled the roots of the Mughals.  Soon enough, the Mughals rule will finish,” said the people.  Sikhs in far away lands and islands found out.  They were all inspired to go visit the Guru.  Some would come, meet, greet and leave.  They would all converse with Guru ji and leave feeling like they had a personal relationship with Guru ji, and rightfully so.  The Guru has a personal relationship with everyone.  The Sangat came and meditated on the Guru’s feet.  They were given spiritual awakening as they came.  “The Guru is extremely patient and calm.  The Guru has immense power but does not show it.  Guru ji could have done anything he wanted to but still gave his head.  The Sodhi gems are icons of dharma.  Guru Gobind Singh ji is the wealth of power.  In such a young age, he is very radiant.  Nobody can measure the Guru’s greatness or power.”  People continued to come to Anandpur and set up their camps to visit Guru ji.  The Sikhs would come to request Guru ji: “the crowd is getting big.”  Guru ji would then dress in the more expensive clothes with his weapons and have Divan in the open grounds.  The Mevra would do the Ardaas of people coming.  The Mevra would inform everyone when the Divan would start.  “Visiting Guru ji will wash your sins away.  Take advantage of this rare opportunity.  If you have any wishes in your heart, present them to the Guru,” would say the Mevra.  Receiving the special invitation, people would be motivated to visit Guru ji, taking their gifts they had brought.  Upon seeing the beautiful face of Guru ji, their hearts would be filled with joy.  The Sangat would be mesmerized when they would see Guru ji.  Some would stay standing and some would sit down after bowing. 

1-7 Conversations with the Sikhs from Delhi

Sikhs from all around came to see Guru ji.  The Vanjara Sikh, Lakhi Shah, from Delhi came as well.  The Vanjara offered his money.  He bowed, stood back up and folded his hands.  He saw Guru ji and was in bliss looking at him.  Guru ji saw the Vanjara, Lakhi Shah, and spoke: “how are you, beloved Vanjara Sikh of the Guru?  How did you perform the cremation of the Guru’s body?  Where was the place of the cremation?”  Bhai Lakhi Shah was surprised to hear the words from the Guru.  The Guru was all-knowing and asked everything himself before Lakhi Shah introduced himself.  “The Guru knows what we have done,” thought Lakhi Shah, to himself.  He folded his hands and spoke, “Maharaj, you are all-knowing, what more can I say to you?  I will still tell you and everyone else what happened, since you have commanded me to.  You are asking me for the purpose of everyone else’s listening to the history of the Guru’s sacrifice in Delhi.  Aurangzeb has committed a great sin by ordering the execution of Guru Tegh Bahadhur Sahib ji.  After Guru ji’s martyrdom, announcements were made around the city that: a Sikh may take the body of the Guru and cremate it.  Everyone heard but they were too scared.  Nobody said or did anything at that time.  They wouldn’t even call themselves Sikhs.  They stayed hidden in their homes.  They were scared of getting snitched on by anyone else.  They were afraid of getting killed by the Emperor.  They were hiding in their homes and nobody confirmed their Sikhi.”  Guru Gobind Singh ji heard his words and spoke in a very stern voice, sounding like thundering clouds: “I will create a Panth that will be evidently seen in the world.  A Sikh will be seen from far away, standing amongst millions.  When my Sikh will stand amongst them, the Sikh will look different.  The Sikh will not mingle or hide.  Just as a swan cannot hide amongst storks; a peacock that shines amongst vultures; just as a horse can be seen separately amongst donkeys; as a lion is noticeable amongst deer; the Sikh will look different from Sadhoos and Fakirs.”  The Sangat heard and were surprised to hear such a strong statement from Guru ji.  Guru Sahib then asked the Vanjara Lakhi Shah: “tell me what happened next and what happened of Guru ji’s body?”  Lakhi Shah said: “I brought a lot of bulls and carts to Chandni Chownk.  I opened them up near the body of Guru ji.  We came with a lot of speed.  The wind was blowing hard so there was a lot of dust flying.  On top of that, because of the bulls running so hard, it added to the dust storm.  One could not see which way was north or south, or any of the 10 directions for that matter.  I lifted Guru Sahib’s body in a flash and covered it with cotton.  We went quick and started off.  The Mughals checked everyone to see where the body went, but they couldn’t find it.  I went to my home and cremated the body by burning my home.  I then took the ashes and filled them in 2 copper pots.  I dug a whole where the cremation took place and buried the pots there.  You are the master of all destinies Guru ji.  Everything is in your hands.”  Guru ji was pleased with Lakhi Shah’s account.  Guru ji spoke: “your bondages of birth and death have now been broken.  You are now free from this cycle.  You will prosper and grow in the world.  You have done a great seva by cremating Guru ji’s body.  Your family will grow and you will live peacefully.  Leave the pots in the ground as they are.  When the Panth will grow, they will make a Gurduara there upon recognizing the spot.  (After Guru ji helped Bahadhur Shah claim the throne, Guru ji came to Delhi and got Lakhi Shah’s family to show him the place.  Guru ji built a shrine there) there will be another Gurduara at the place of the market.  The rods of the Nishans will be stuck in to the heads of the Mughals.  The Sikh Sangat will make the Gurduaras of Guru Tegh Bahadhur Sahib ji.  Everyone will see these Gurduaras.  There will be more people there than the Lal Qila.”

The Sikh spoke: “Since the Emperor had Guru ji martyred, this event has begun to over-power the people and the Emperor.  The Emperor only spent one night in Delhi and left that day.  Some one has scared him to his core.  (Bhai Mati Das ji’s spirit had threatened the Emperor).  He lives outside the city in the garden.  He does not sleep in the palace.  He goes to the garden to sleep.  He finds a new place to sleep.  He is bothered by something or someone.  He comes to his court and completes his duties and leaves.  He goes far to sleep because of his fear.  It looks as though he will move to another region.  He’s always getting ready for something.”  When Mamma Kirpal Chand ji heard this, he became curious and said: “tell me the whole story.  What is the Emperor trying to do?  Where would he go?  He can only leave Delhi if there is a war or conflict brewing.  Is there something going on that he is looking to go away from Delhi?  It is now obvious that the elder Guru ji will destroy everything of his.”  Lakhi Shah folded his hands and then spoke: “let me tell you the story of this sinner: his father Shah Jahan was still better than him.  He figured out the glory of the Guru after fighting and losing 4 battles with Guru Hargobind Sahib ji.  Shah Jahan still understood politics.  He later realised the glory of the Guru’s house and was respectable with the Guru’s house.  Aurangzeb arrested his father, Shah Jahan and imprisoned him.  Shah Jahan told his son 3 things: “don’t reduce the salary of your soldiers and do not discriminate with the Hindus or start a conflict with them.  The Emperor must be equal with all.  Also, do not quarrel with the Nizam of Hyderabad Tanay Shah.  Tanay Shah is really strong.  You won’t be able to win him.  Leave him as he is.”  Other things were told to Aurangzeb by his father.  Aurangzeb heard his father’s words and got angry.  He did the exact opposite.  He told his father he wasn’t going to listen to him and was going to do what he wanted to.  Shah Jahan advised his son: “rule with politics.  You will destroy everything.  If you don’t pay your soldiers well, they will quit.  Their kids won’t be able to afford education.  If the kids aren’t educated, they won’t be able to earn to eat food.  They will begin to work at a young age.  Without money, there is no education.  This will be bad for the country.  They will be illiterate and this sin will fall onto the head of the king.  For this reason, don’t reduce their incomes.  The rule belongs to the Mughals. If we discriminate with the Hindus, they are the majority and will eventually rebel and win the kingdom.  Then, they will harass the Muslims in the country and discriminate with them, if they rule the country.  In regards to Tanay Shah, if he stays the Shah, we will remain Shahenshas.  You need lower ranking kings to prop your kingdom in place.  It is wise to rule with politics.  That is one reason, another reason is that the southern regions are united.  If you take your army there, your resources will be depleted and then you will face an all-out war with the south.  There is no point to fight long wars.  I have advised you based on my experience.”  Shah Jahan died shortly after.  Aurangzeb was a fool and did the exact opposite to what his father advised.  He lowered the salary of his soldiers from 100 Rajitpuns to 60 Rajitpuns a month.  He began to discriminate with Hindus as well.  He did not think what he was doing.  After Guru ji’s sacrifice, he couldn’t sleep in Delhi anymore.  One day, a Peer came to him.  Aurangzeb went to meet the Peer.  He brought a plate filled with gold coins and another plate with diamonds and gems.  He placed them at the Peer’s feet and greeted him with the Islamic salutation.  He sat at his feet and told him the fear of his heart.  He told him that: when he sleeps, someone comes to scare him and does not let him sleep.  He said that he can’t tell anyone except the Muslim Peer.  He asked him to find a cure for him so he can remain in Delhi.  The Peer had powers and then started to think after hearing Aurangzeb.  He closed his eyes and saw everything.  He saw Bhai Mati Das ji standing in the way.  It was Mati Das ji who flipped the Emperor’s bed.  The Peer then analysed his own powers and compared them to Bhai Mati Das ji’s.  He then told Nauranga: “I cannot do anything.  The powerful being you are dealing with, I am not able to control him.  I would have been able to control any other person, but Mati Das is the Sikh of Guru Tegh Bahadhur Sahib ji.  I can’t over-power him.  I thought of many ways, but I can’t help you.  You have committed a grave sin by giving the orders to execute such a powerful Guru.  The Sikhs of the Guru will not let you stay in Delhi now.  The Guru won’t say anything but the Sikhs won’t let you stay.  Staying in Delhi is not advisable for you.  Everyone in Delhi knows that you cannot sleep in the city.  This is going to be a reason for your embarrassment.  There is no cure for you.  People will make fun of you.  You should move from Delhi.  You should start a war in another part of Hindustan taking your forces there.  Your kingdom will grow and time will pass as well, as the war goes on.”  Aurangzeb heard the Peer and got depressed.  He had no hope to stay in Delhi.  Aurangzeb then decided to fight Tanay Shah and began to prepare for battle.  He summoned his generals and told them to mobilize the army.  He then took his army and began a conflict with the Nizam of Hyderabad.”

1-8 The Conflict with Tanay Shah

Guru ji and Mamma Kirpal Chand ji listened to Lakhi Shah’s account of the aftermath with Aurangzeb and what his future plans were.  They further inquired about the situation with Tanay Shah: “how did the conflict with Tanay Shah, the Badshah of the south, begin?  We want to know why Nauranga mobilized his army against him.”  Lakhi Shah folded his hands and spoke: “my Lord, the Emperor has lost his logic.  Tanay Shah has a gem that is so rare and expensive that it cannot be priced.  Tanay Shah has it embedded in his ring.  Aurangzeb found out about it and wanted it.  Aurangzeb found a jeweller that was an expert in appraisals.  There is no other better appraiser besides this one.  He has appraised many rare and highly valuable gems before.  He knows the price of all the best gems.  Aurangzeb called for the Jeweller and told him: “disguise yourself as a businessman and get ready to travel to the south.  You must go to the Nizam of Hyderabad, Tanay Shah.  You must converse with him and appraise the gem in his ring.  You must do this without letting the Shah know of your true intentions about appraising the gem.  You need to find out the price of that gem using your experience.”  The jeweller left to the south, taking thousands of Rupees, disguised as a businessman.  He reached Hyderabad and stayed there for a few days.  He tried to get a meeting with the Nizam but it wasn’t easy.  He spent money to bribe the Nizam’s officers/Umraavs to get a chance to meet the Nizam.  He was eventually successful in securing a meeting with the Nizam in his court.  He gathered many valuable gifts to offer the Nizam for his meeting.  He was allowed to stand 50 feet away from the Nizam, not any closer than that.  He entered the court and stood 50 feet away.  He offered his salutations and began to converse with the Nizam.  While speaking, the Nizam lifted his hand that had the ring on one of its fingers.  The Nizam waived his hand on his turban and then ran it through his beard and moustaches, while he spoke.  The jeweller saw the gem and began to analyse it.  The jeweller was wearing a very long chola.  The reflection from the gem shone on to the jeweller’s clothes.  He began to analyse the reflections and calculated the weight and price of the gem.  His work was down.  The gem was worth more than three times the value of the entire Delhi treasury.  The gem had a very high clarity and determined to be 12 Rattis (approx. 11 carats).  The jeweller had never seen such a gem before.  It was so bright; unlike anything he had seen before.  The jeweller calculated its value, 50 feet away.  He then bid farewell to the Nizam and left the court.  He left Hyderabad and came back to Delhi.  The jeweller told his findings to Aurangzeb.  He told him that he was standing 50 feet away and the rays were falling onto his clothes.  Aurangzeb heard his analysis and wanted the gem more than ever now.  Aurangzeb began to think how to gain the gem.  He wanted to get it without fighting but there was no way that would have happened.  Aurangzeb had to leave Delhi due to Bhai Mati Das’s sprit’s warnings.  He wanted to leave Delhi as people were now talking about him negatively and mockingly.  The fool has now gone to Hyderabad to fight a battle.  We don’t know what is going on now.  Whether he will die there or come back, only you, Satguru, know what will happen.”

Guru Gobind Singh ji heard Lakhi Shah’s words and made a comment: “he won’t come back now.  The war will carry on for many years.  He will spend the rest of his days there, without rest, and then head to the abode of the Jumms (messengers of death).  Bhai Mati Das ji was the Satguru’s Deevan.  He is enraged with anger and has decided to stay in Delhi.  He won’t let Nauranga sleep in his palace.  He threw the fool out of his house and his city out of anger.  Bhai Mati Das will keep stirring the roots of Delhi till they are gone.”  Everyone heard the words of Guru ji and bowed to his feet.  “You are immeasurable Guru ji.  Our minds are very small to understand your ways.”  Thus, Guru ji had many conversations with the Sikhs.  Guru ji got up and went to his home later on.

Guru ji would practice Shaster vidya (martial arts) everyday.  His daily practise consisted of many hours of exercise and practicing the skills of sword fighting and archery.  He would have bows and arrows made from Lavpur (Lahore).  He would practice by pulling the arrows back to his ears and letting them go to hit his targets.  He would have sand bags hang in a distance and strike arrows through them.  He would pull so hard that the arrows would go right through them.  He would practice over and over again to build his stamina.  His arrows would go far.  He perfected his aim.  His body was getting stronger and bigger, day-by-day.  As he grew older, his strength grew manyfold as the years passed. 

His relatives who loved him, began to come and live with him in Anandpur.  Guru Hargobind Sahib ji’s daughter, Bibi Veero, had five sons.  Her husband was Bhai Sadhu (son of Dharam Khosla).  Bibi Veero’s sons were great warriors and very strong.  When Guru Gobind Singh ji’s Dastaar Bandhi took place, these five brothers came to attend the ceremony.  They had become very close to Guru ji.  They came to Anandpur later on and began to live with Guru ji.  Guru ji began to train Shaster Vidya with them.  The sons of Bibi Veero became expert archers and swordsmen.  The grandsons of Baba Sooraj Mal also came, and began to live with Guru ji in Anandpur.  They would go back to Kiratpur once in a while but they would come back to Anandpur.  They really enjoyed staying with Guru ji.  Many other Sikhs, who have been faithful to the Guru’s house for many generations, also took up residence in Anandpur, with Guru ji.  They were making their lives successful by reading and reciting Gurbani, listening to Kirtan, and performing seva.  Guru ji called for high quality guns and rifles and taught everyone how to fire them.  Guru ji would see everyone’s progress and rejoice.  He would supervise everyone’s training and teach them everything.  Mamma Kirpal Chand ji would teach all the young men, Shaster Vidya.  They would go on horse riding campaigns and carry heavy spears.  They would throw the spears while riding the horse.  They would practice fighting with swords, shields, maces, and spears.  They would rest in the jungle wherever there was shade.  They would go for hunts often, in hunting parties.  Baba Jaati Malak ji, who was a warrior in Guru Hargobind Sahib ji’s army, had a son named Pandit Daya Ram.  He was a Brahmin by caste.  He came to Guru ji and entered his army.  Sangha Purohit was his great grandfather.  Guru ji was very happy to receive Daya Ram ji.  He came to Guru ji and bowed to him.  Guru Gobind Singh ji was very happy to receive Daya Ram who was from the family of the Purohits of the Sodhi family.  Guru ji respected him greatly and kept him at Anandpur.  Guru ji had invited all of the descendants of the great warrior Sikhs, that stayed with his grandfather.  Baba Bidhi Chand ji’s son, Baba Laal Chand ji was invited as well as Bhai Bhalloo and Bhai Moola’s children.  Bhai Mani Singh ji was from this family.  They happily accepted Guru ji’s invitation to relocate to Anandpur and practiced the warrior skills and battle strategy training with great enthusiasm.  The young men came and entered Guru ji’s army.  The army of Guru ji began to grew and others entered the army, inspired by the radiance of these fine young warriors.  Bhai Laal Chand ji would tell everyone about his father, Baba Bidhi Chand ji and Bhai Mani Singh ji would tell the history of his elders, Bhai Bhalloo ji.  When the others heard the stories, they would be inspired by the great warriors.  Guru ji would encourage everyone to push their limits further.  He set salaries for everyone and provided everything they needed to stay in Anandpur.  The population grew in Anandpur on a daily basis.  Some came for the work and money.  Some Sikhs came to live for free and to serve the Guru.  They came to dedicate their life to the seva of the Guru, cooking, cleaning, caring for the animals and other various tasks.  The Sikhs that had been attached to the Guru’s house for many generations, they came as well.  Just as Guru Hargobind Sahib had his army, Guru Gobind Singh ji modelled his army in the same manner.  The environment at Anandpur was the same as his grandfather’s.  Anandpur was full of joy and happiness.  The practice of Shaster Vidya was growing, daily.  Guru ji would practice it himself and monitor everyone else’s progress.  They would go far on horse riding parties.  They would practice different walks, trots and gallops with the horses.  Archery practice was wide spread.  Different types of swords were used to practice combat.

1-9 Satguru ji’s Engagement

As Guru ji’s glory spread throughout the land and other countries, the Sangat came from near and far to visit Guru ji. 

As Baba Ram Koer ji (Baba Buddha ji’s 6^th generation) had stated the glorious history of Guru Gobind Singh ji, listen, oh listeners, as it was.  Baba Ram Koer ji tells the history of Guru ji: Guru ji had kept me along with him.  The Guru loved me and kept me with him.  Sometimes I would go back to my village, Ramdas, as the Sangat would come to my home and I would need to attend to them.  After staying for about 2 weeks, I would go back to Anandpur.  Anandpur was a glorious and happy place.  Guru ji’s glory was growing day-by-day.  The people, wealth, horses, elephants, weapons all would accumulate day-by-day.  Guru ji would be very happy with Sikhs who would bring the best quality Shasters.  Guru ji would fulfill those Sikhs’ wishes.  Sikhs would come from far and wide.   Guru ji would announce this in the Divan everyday: “whoever brings the best horse or weapon, I will be really happy with them.”  That person would undoubtedly receive all that he or she wishes, that would bring these gifts.  This announcement was known far and wide.  Sikhs now knew that if they wanted to impress Guru ji, they needed to bring the best breeds of horses and find the best Shasters.  Sikhs would then bring these things and offer it at the Guru’s feet.  There was so much joy at Anandpur.  People would not want to go back to their home.  Guru ji would practice Shaster Vidya everyday.  People would see Guru ji practising with great determination.  They would practice along with him, motivated and inspired by his dedication. 

The Sangat from Lavpur (Lahore) came, bringing many gifts.  Food for the Langar, horses, money and weapons.  They crossed the Bipasha (Beas) and then reached Dvaaba.  They crossed the Sutlej on boats and then reached Anandpur.  They stayed in the Dharamsala (place of rest in the Gurduara).  They rested and had Langar.  When Guru ji came out of his home, he headed towards the Divan and then Kirtan began.  The Sangat from Lahore and other places, all came to see Guru ji.  When Guru ji came and sat into the Divan, the Sangat was very happy and brought their gifts.  They all offered their gifts at the Guru’s feet and bowed.  Within that crowed from Lahore, there was a Kshatriya from the Subhikhi clan named Bhai Harjas.  He saw Guru ji and was mesmerized by Guru Sahib’s radiant personality.  He was taken by his handsomeness.  He thought to himself: “it would be great if I offer my daughter’s hand to the Guru.  I should go to Mata Gujri ji.”  Bhai Harjas went to the mothers to state his heart’s wishes.  He bowed to the mothers and folded his hands.  He spoke to them: “Mata ji, I have a daughter, whom I wish to make the Guru’s servant.  Mata ji, please don’t look at my social class or lack of wealth.  I know that this is the house where everyone’s wishes are fulfilled.  You are the provider of all.  Only you look after the poor.  I am not rich, so please do not mock my offer.  I am nothing compared to you, in class, wealth or status.  I am determined to give my daughter for the Guru’s seva.”  Both of the mothers respected Bhai Harjas’s offer.  They were happy that the marriage proposal arrived at their door without any effort.  They thought this was a very good offer.  After speaking to the mothers, Bhai Harjas returned to the Dharmsala where he was staying.  Afterwards, he went to go see Guru ji again. 

He stood in front of Guru ji and folded his hands.  He spoke to Guru ji: “Guru ji, I wish to make my daughter Jeeto, your servant.  Please accept my daughter.  You are the support of the poor and the weak.  Please honor my request, oh Lord of the downtrodden.”  Mama Kirpal Chand ji heard the request as well and spoke: “this is a great time.  We accept your offer.  We will do as you say.”  Mata Gujri ji had already spoke to Mammaji and she also asked Guru ji to accept the offer.  The Sangat of Lahore brought gifts, meant for engagements, as a ceremonial offer of a marriage proposal.  The chhuhara (dry date) is given to the groom as an official engagement confirmation.  The chhuhara was presented to Guru ji at the Divan.  Guru ji accepted the chhuhara to which the Khatris of the Subhikhi clan rejoiced.  Bhai Harjas could not contain his happiness.  His feet would not stay on the ground.

Mata Gujri ji started to receive the congratulations from the Sangat.  Sikhs began to gather at Mata ji’s place as if a marriage was already taking place.  The Naubats (wooden percussion instrument), Shehnais and dhundhabs began to sound.  The Sikhs were so happy that they began to sing and dance.  Music began to play everywhere in Anandpur.  Mata ji ordered the cooks to start making sweets, ladoos and other delicacies, and distribute all around.  The beautiful young maidens of Anandpur began to dance and sing the songs of marriage.  The married young ladies, all dressed in rich clothes and jewellery began to gather at Mata ji’s place and began to sing songs.  Their eyes were like lotuses and their voices were like cuckoos and nightingales.  Their clothes were made of golden zarri.  The poor people began to gather to receive donations.  Both of the mothers were extremely happy and gave the poor money and clothes, with the greatest respect.  The beggars and poor came inside the house to receive their alms.  Dhols and other vaajays (horns and tune instruments) began to sound.  Marashees (folk singers) and other clans gathered to sing folk songs.  Ladies sang songs of happiness. 

Bhai Harjas Khatri went back to Lahore and gathered his family and clan members.  He told them that his daughter’s engagement has been confirmed with Guru Gobind Singh ji.  Everyone rejoiced and offered their congratulations.  They decided to set a date for the marriage.  All of the men and women of the clan said: “we should go back to Guru ji and request him to come to Lahore and bless the Sangat of Lahore.  We will ask him to bring the Bharat and marry our Jeeto.  This is where the marriage will take place.”  They had then set a date for the marriage and went back to Guru ji.

They reached Anandpur along with other Sikhs from Lahore.  Everyone in Anandpur found out that Bhai Harjas ji had arrived.  The news was given to the mothers to which they rejoiced.  The 23^rd day of Harr (June), was set for the day of marriage.  Bhai Harjas went to Guru Gobind Singh ji and presented his plea: “Guru ji, the Sangat of Lahore wish to have you bring the Bharat to Lahore.  We would like to have the marriage there.  Please take the Dholi (palanquin with bride) from there and come back to Anandpur.  I have advised my clan that I want to have the marriage of my Jeeto in Lahore.  If you would like to accept this offer, that is up to you Guru ji.  I will do as you say.”  Guru Kalgidhar ji listened to his future father-in-law and responded: “Baba ji, we will fulfil your wish in Anandpur.  The marriage will happen in Lahore but not your Lahore.  A new Lahore will be established.  You can bring your clan and family members and come to “Guru ka Lahore.”  The place will be set up, just like Lahore.  There will be markets, mandis (farmer markets) and shops set up just as Lahore.  You will get everything you need in our Lahore.  Bring your family and friends to that Lahore.  Lahore, which you consider great, you will see that here that day.  Your wishes will be fulfilled to have the marriage in Lahore.  It will be in the Guru’s Lahore though.”  Bhai Harjas ji spoke: “Maharaj, we only have 2 months to prepare.  How will a new city establish in that less amount of time?  The date is for Harr 23^rd, how will your Lahore be set up in 2 months?  I hope I don’t become the laughing stock of my clan.”  Guru ji responded: “I can set up Lahore in one day.  2 months is too long of a time.  As soon as Lahore is ready, bring your family and clan members.  You will get everything you need including homes.  Just worry about coming.  If you have a doubt, just wait 2 days and then see.  I want to you to see the new Lahore, ready to go, before you go.”  Guru ji thus kept Bhai Harjas there for a couple of days.

Guru ji sent out many hukamnamas (command letters).  He sent them to all around 50 km radius and told the businessmen Sikhs to come to the Guru’s court, bringing their stock.  He said: “If you need money to buy stock, they can take money from us.  If you have stock, bring that.  If you are poor, take money from the Guru’s treasuries.  My marriage is on the 23^rd Harr and you can sell all your stock here.  Bring clothes, pashminas, jewellery of pearls and gold, sweets, food, goldsmiths, all other trades.”  These hukamnamas were sent with the Masands to go all around. 

When the hukamnamas reached all around, the businessmen Sikhs started to prepare as soon as they could.  People who needed money, they were helped with money.  The Masands of the areas all told the Sangat to go to Anandpur for Guru ji’s marriage ceremony.  “This will be a great celebration to be a part of.”  The businessmen were told to attend the marriage and sell their stock; “you will receive the peace of both the worlds.” 

1-10 Guru ka Lahore is Founded

Hearing the announcement of Guru ji’s wedding, everyone, rich and poor, came with great excitement.  Businessmen from Ropar and Hoshiarpur came, bringing their merchandise to sell.  Many Gursikhs came, gathering and bringing along others.  They would say: “we will make a lot of profit selling our stock.  There will be thousands of people there.”  People of the villages heard and they began to get ready to go.  Sirhind was a great city at that time with a lot of merchants.  The merchants gathered and made their way to Guru ka Lahore.  They brought a lot of stock to sell and organized a big travelling party.  Some of the sellers were without money.  They heard Guru ji’s command to come and were excited to go.  They heard that they would be able to get money from the Guru’s treasury.  On top of that, they would get to see Guru ji, for the time they will be there.  Going to Anandpur had many advantages.  They rented carts and buggies and loaded all their stock.  Many merchants near and around Anandpur, made their way to Guru ka Lahore.  Guru ji was notified about the arrivals of the merchants.  Guru ji observed and marked the northern area of Anandpur, to be his desired location for the new “Lavpur.”  He said to his Mammaji: “tell the Masands that this is the place I wish to establish the new Lahore.  Tell them to organize it in an orderly manner with all the markets in rows and all of the chuppers (grass roof huts) set up beside each other.  Take thousands of labourers to set up the new village.  Whichever merchant/businessmen come, receive them and help them settle with great respect and courtesy.  I would like you to supervise the entire operation and keep guard.  Make sure there is a protective barrier setup around the village.”  Mammaji heard the Guru’s command and was extremely happy to set up the new village.  He took responsibility of everything and got to work right away.  Mammaji called all the Masands and delivered Guru ji’s wishes to them.  The Masands called many labourers to gather.  The labourers began to set up the chuppers and markets, through various means.  The merchants also began to arrive and initiate their setups.  They setup their shops and businesses with the help provided.

The daughter of Guru Hargobind Sahib ji, Bibi Veero ji, had five warrior sons.  They were very intelligent and wise individuals.  The eldest of the five was Sangho Shah.  Guru ji called him to stay close by him.  He told his cousin Sangho Shah to call of the leaders of all the merchants from the different villages.  “Give money to all of the merchants, as much as they need.  When they make their profits, they can give us back the original amount they borrowed.  Make sure all of the merchants are settled in with respect.  If they are poor, give them money.  Supervise and guard all of the merchants.  Make sure everyone has everything they need,” said Guru ji.  The gem of the Sodhis made sure all of the tasks were being completed.  Everyone was getting what they required.  Many merchants had left their homes to come to this new place, to conduct their businesses.  They were all given money, and settled with the greatest respect. 

Baba Harjas ji saw the way the new city was being established and was really impressed.  He wrote a hukamnama and took it back to Lavpur.  He gathered the Sangat of Lahore and read it out: “a new Lahore as been established.  My wish will be fulfilled to have my daughter Jeeto, married in Lahore.  Guru ji has made great efforts in assisting with my determination.  All of us should go to the new Lahore and prepare for the wedding.  We are very fortunate to have confirmed the relationship with Guru ji.  Guru ji himself has spent a lot of money in establishing this new village for us.”  Everyone heard of what Guru ji had done and were amazed at Guru ji’s nature and personality.  The Sangat of Lahore began to gather their things and load them on to the carts.  Thousands of people got ready and packed a lot of stuff for the wedding.  The women mounted chariots and carts.  They packed expensive clothes and wore their jeweller.  They eventually made their way across the Sutlej and reached Anandpur.

The Lahore Sangat reached Guru ka Lahore and settled in.  They bought ghee, sugar and other foods.  They bought dry fruit, long grain rice and great big pots and pans.  They paid money for all of the stuff they bought.  They went to the merchants who came from out of town and bought pashmina clothing, silks, cotton silks, khaddar cotton, and whatever high quality, unique material they saw.  They lit the fires under the big pots and began to prepare the various delicacies for the wedding.  They prepared ladoos with lots of sugar, dry fruits, almonds, coconut and stored them.  The women began to sing songs of happiness.  They played dholkis, and danced to the folk songs.  They were happy and their bodies would dance like the flames of a fire.  The halvaees prepared jaleebis and other sweets with great care.  Nughdis were made with rose water and stored for the wedding.  Waddas and pakoras were prepared and put in yoghurt, topped off with jeera (cumin seeds), dhania (coriander) and chilli.  There were raisons mixed into the yoghurt as well for a sweet raita.  All of the food being prepared, looked great and smelled even greater.  The marketplace was all ready for business.  Many people were buying many different things.  People bought ghee and flour for food.  Many bought unique types of clothes, not seen before.  Guru ji’s words were unfolding, the businesses were running great.

Guru ji had the Bharaat (wedding procession) prepared for departure.  Tents and huts were prepared for the stay.  Many pergolas were made for shade during the hot times of the day.  The Lahore of the Guru was set to go.  The markets were filled with crowds of people.  Everyone was awaiting the wedding.  Men and women were eagerly awaiting the Bharaat.  They prepared everything with the greatest enthusiasm.  There was a great joy in everyone’s hearts.