2-6 The End of Ram Rai ji

Out of the three other wives of Baba Ram Rai, Punjab Kaur was the head.  All three wives lived with Baba ji in Dehradun.  Baba Ram Rai ji needed to help one of his Sikhs but needed to leave his body to help him.  He called Punjab Kaur to him and had her sit next to him with great respect.  He said to her: “I will need to leave my body for a few days.  My body will stay in this room.  Make sure nobody comes to see my body.  I have a very important task to do.  It is very far from here and can’t take my body.  I will help my Sikh and come back into my body.  Don’t let anyone came near my body and protect it well.”  In this way, Punjab Kaur was instructed.  Baba Ram Rai was in the top room of his house and locked the door from inside.  He laid down on a bed and used his spiritual power to leave his body.  He went to the Sikh that needed help.  As 3 hours passed, the Masands began to talk.  They said: “we haven’t seen Guru ji come outside today?  He hasn’t visited us today.  What is wrong?”  They talked amongst themselves for another hour and a half.  All of the Masands gathered in one place.  The leader Masands all met and went to Mata Punjab Kaur.  Mata Punjab Kaur calmed them down and told them that Baba ji had left his body: “he commanded me not to touch his body as he is gone to help a Sikh.  Don’t worry about anything.  Baba ji is alright.  Stay calm and recite Gurbani.  Keep to your duties as you did, and don’t worry.”  The Masands all listened to Mata ji and went back to their duties.  They weren’t convinced though.  They began to think that maybe Babaji had died and Mata ji was in denial. 

The whole day and night then passed.  It had been about 24 hours since Baba ji had left.  The Masands gathered again and said: “our Guru has left us.  He has left his body.  If Baba ji was alive, he would have come outside.  If he has gone to help a Sikh, he would have met us in the morning.  It seems as though Mata Punjab Kaur doesn’t know.  Baba ji used to do unique things.  She is a woman and not very wise.  We shouldn’t listen to her.  Baba ji must have died and didn’t tell his wife so she doesn’t mourn and feel bad.  He must have said all those things to her to console her.  He didn’t want her to cry or mourn.  He may have lied to her and said that he will return.  Mata may not have heard right.  We should cremate Baba ji’s body.  We should break the door open and go inside.  Let’s see his body for ourselves.”  The Masands were arrogant and greedy.  They were not afraid of Saints.  They had a lot of money and wanted to take over the whole institution.  They were foolish and did not fear Akaal Purakh.  They cooked up a plan and tried to break down the door.  Mata Punjab Kaur sent her servants to tell the Masands not to open the door.  She sent a command.  The servants said to the Masands: “what are you doing?  Be afraid of your Guru’s command and follow it.  Guru ji told Mata ji that he has to go far without his body and didn’t want anyone to touch his body while he is gone.  Why are you disobeying the orders?  Baba ji will come back and visit the Sangat.”  The Masands went back to Mata ji and said: “Mata ji, you are naive.  He didn’t want you to cry and mourn.  That is why he didn’t tell you that he was going to die.  He consoled you by telling you that he will be back.  You are disrespecting his body.  It should be cremated as soon as possible.  You still believe he will be back?  He is gone.  It was been 24 hours now and his body would be giving a foul smell by now.  There will be diseases otherwise.  Why are you not letting us cremate his body?  Don’t stick to his words.  He lied to you.  You didn’t understand what Baba ji said to you: he meant he will be with you but without his body.  Why are you being stubborn?”  Mata Punjab Kaur responded: “he had no reason to leave his body.  He was healthy.  He was in great spirits and well when he left.  He talked to me in a very healthy way and strictly told me not to open his door.  You should follow his command.  If you don’t listen to his command, you will be cursed.  If he comes, your roots will be pulled.”  Mata Punjab Kaur tried to stop them but the Masands were determined to cremate the body.  They wanted to divide the property worth millions amongst themselves.  They fought the whole day. 

It was the second night and the Masands decided to forcefully cremate the body of Baba Ram Rai the next morning.  They wanted to perform his last rites.  They all slept the night and got up before sunrise.  They broke open the door of the room where Baba Ram Rai ji was laying and saw his body.  Mata Punjab Kaur was shouting at the Masands but they did not listen.  They all took Baba ji’s body and got the pyre ready for cremation.  Mata Punjab Kaur shouted and cried out loud but it was no use.  The Masands prepared the body for its last rites and made an expensive palanquin to take his body in.  All the Masands and the people of Dehradun gathered for the cremation.  Whoever found out, came, bringing flower garlands and sandalwood.  They all sang Gurbani as they took the body.  The Sangat cried as the body was carried.  (Baba ji was a great leader.  Other than the mistake of changing the line of Gurbani, and wishing bad for his younger brother, he was a great preacher of Sikhi and his followers loved him dearly.  He asked Guru Gobind Singh ji for forgiveness as well) His Sikhs were sad.  Many rich people came to Guru ji.  The Masands talked amongst themselves: “look at what Mata Punjab Kaur did.  She kept us away from Baba ji’s body for two days.  She didn’t let us do his body’s Seva.  She didn’t understand Babaji’s doings.  She still wasn’t letting us cremate the body, but we did it forcefully.  We went inside and saw that his body had no breaths.  We figured out that he died.”  They brought sandalwood and washed the body of Baba Ram Rai.  The leader Masands: Gurdas, Pamma, Taaroo Bhaatra and others, bathed the body.  They lifted the body and said: “his face looks as though he is alive.”  Mata Punjab Kaur yelled at them saying: “you are making a big mistake.   His face shows that he is alive.  Look at his body.  He is healthy.”  She remembered her husband and prayed to him: “what is this that you are doing?  You said you would return.  Look at what these Masands are doing to your body.  Come back now into your body.  These corrupt Masands, look at them.  These fools did not obey my command and do not know your powers.”  As Mataji did Ardaas to Baba ji, the Masands bathed Baba ji’s body.  They poured water on his body.  Baba Ram Rai found out what was happening to his body as Mata ji prayed to him.  Baba Ram Rai ji travelled quickly back to his body.  He saw many people crying in his complex and saw his body being bathed.  He saw the pyre.  He was upset that they wanted to kill him and they were plotting his death.  Baba ji decided not to go back into his body.  He didn’t want anyone to know of his secret of leaving his body to help someone.  If he was alive again, people would find out.  He then looked towards his wife, Punjab Kaur.  She was focused on her husband.  He spoke out loud in a very angry voice: “Punjab Kaur, these fools have caused a great problem.  These fools will face big troubles.  Their problems will grow.”  He then said to the Masands: “you have become killers of your Guru.  Oh Masands, you will be destroyed for committing this sin.”  The highly awakened ones heard this voice in the sky.  The Masands did not hear the words and continued.  Mata Punjab Kaur was furthered instructed by Baba Ram Rai’s soul: “Punjab Kaur, I want you to avenge my death.  These fools should be punished.  They will burn alive as well.  They will get what they deserve.  They will lose their lives.  What was to happen, has happened.  Let it be.  Keep calm and recite Gurbani and Simran.  If you apply yourself than you can avenge my death.  These Masands will bother you.  The radiant and all-powerful, Kalgidhar Satguru Gobind Singh ji is my Chachaji.  He lives close by in Paonta.  Go to him and tell him what happened.  Tell him to kill all the Masands.”  Punjab Kaur was thus instructed in this way.  After hearing those words, the voice coming from the sky, stopped.  Baba Ram Rai ji left towards Sach Khand to Guru Nanak Dev ji.   

2-7 Punjab Kaur writes a Letter to Satguru ji

The preparation of the cremation was done.  Baba ji’s body was bathed with water.  Baba Ram Rai ji saw his body and did not want to go into his body.  He didn’t go into his body and was upset with the world.  He headed towards the heavens as he remembered his brother, Guru Harkrishan Sahib ji’s curse about being burnt alive.  He thought it was best to go since he had done wrong.  Punjab Kaur and many others heard the Akaash Bani that Baba Ram Rai had done, cursing the Masands.  The Masands, filled with ego, although, did not hear it.  Mata Punjab Kaur was heart broken as nobody listened to her.  Her husband had just died.  She tried stopping the Masands but they did not stop.  She cried and took deep breaths.  The other wives, Malooki Bai and Laal Kaur were crying as well.  All of the servants were crying.  The property was big and with a lot of wealth, but no heir.  The senior Masands prepared the pyre and placed the body on top of it.  They started the fire and recited Kirtan Sohila.  The Masands went back home. 

The Masands then came back and began to loot the complex.  They picked up the golden items and stole from the treasury.  The whole complex was in chaos as Baba ji left towards the heavens.  The Masands were not afraid of anyone.  The wives of Babaji were powerless in front of the Masands.  Wherever the Masands were carrying on with their duties, they began looting there.  They took money from Sikhs.  They were rich already and didn’t care for anyone.  They would say: “we decide who the next Guru is.  We can make anyone into the Guru.”  When the other Masands found out that Baba Ram Rai was no more, they became fearless and began to loot everything.  Wherever they found money or gold, they took it.  They all helped each other to loot everything.  Mata Punjab Kaur tried to stop them from looting but they didn’t stop or listen to her.  They were corrupt.  Mata Punjab Kaur was helpless.  She thought to herself: “these Masands need force.”  She then wrote a letter to Sri Guru Gobind Singh ji: “Guru ji, this is your house too.  Please listen to my request.  My husband, your nephew has died.  You are the owner of this place.  Please come and take over the Dhera (complex or home of a Saint/Guru).  The corrupt Masands have caused a lot of trouble.  They are not afraid of anyone.  Babaji left his body to help a Sikh but the Masands forcefully burnt his body.  They are now fearless and looting the whole Dhera.  The treasury is all looted by them.  They scold me and tell me: I am a woman and so I need to stay away.   They say that because I am a woman, I cannot run this Dhera.  They are backwards and do not have your wisdom and radiance.  They say that I don’t know how to handle the Sangat.  Satguru ji, please come here and punish them for their doings.  They burned my husband alive.  Guru ji, if the deserving person does not get punished, that person becomes more arrogant and do what they feel like doing.  All of the Masands will do what they please everywhere.  They steal all the gifts of the Guru’s house.  There is no other support for us other than you.  Please help us cross this ocean of pain.  The three of us are drowning.  We trust no one, except you.”  The son of Bhai Behlo, Bhai Gurdas, came to Mata Punjab Kaur.  He took the letter from her and sneaked away from the other Masands and went with Taaroo Bhaatra Masand to go to Guru Gobind Singh ji.  Pamma Masand went along with Taaroo Bhaatra and headed to Paonta Sahib.

Taaroo Bhaatra and Pamma Masand met Divaan Nand Chand and told him that they want to see Satguru ji.   They told him what happened in Dehradun.  They went to Guru ji and told him everything: “Mata Punjab Kaur tried to stop the Masands but they burnt Baba Ram Rai ji’s body alive.  The Masands are doing what they please and fearlessly looting the whole Dhera.  Bhai Behlo’s son listens to Mata ji and so do the two of us.  The other Masands are corrupt.  The Masands are arrogant.  We need your help Guru ji.  Only you can help us.”  Sri Kalgidhar ji heard the words and already knew what had happened.  He thought to himself: “the Masands have been corrupt for a long time.  They were not afraid of Ram Rai.  They weren’t afraid of him when he was alive.  This is Guru Nanak Dev ji’s house still, but the Masands are corrupt.  They are rich and egotistical.  They have no respect for the Guru or the Sangat.  They have no faith on Gurbani and always look towards the money.  They think the Guru is a normal man.  They give pain to the Sikhs.  They loot the Sangat and drink alcohol and visit prostitutes.  They are arrogant and have spoiled the traditions of Sikhi instead of preaching it.  They disrespect Sikhs.  Their roots need to be pulled.  Only then can there be a reform and the Sangat can be peaceful again.”  In this way Guru ji thought.  He told Devan ji to write a letter to Punjab Kaur: “wherever there are Masands of your group, call them all to Dehradun.  Tell them all to come before the final prayers of Baba Ram Rai.  Write a command to all the Masands that you want to give them all Siropas and golden jewellery.  Send it to all the places.  Do not speak harsh words to anyone, otherwise they will know it’s a trick.  When they all come, send a message to me.  I will come immediately and fix everything.  Do exactly as I instruct.”  Guru ji had the letter sent back to Punjab Kaur.

Pamma and Taaroo came back and gave Bhai Gurdas the letter.  They read the letter in confidence and told Mata Punjab Kaur: “Guru ji will come a day before the bhog and fix everything.  Call all the corrupt Masands.”  Mata Punjab Kaur wrote the invitations and sent them all.  Bhai Gurdas ji said: “all of the Masands of Baba Ram Rai are to come and be given Siropas and be set off to their homes.  This is an old tradition that took place in the early Guru’s time as well.  You are all wise, you will now need to run the Dhera.  Come this month.  Everyone is to come.”  Everyone got the message and they read that they will receive golden gifts as per the traditions, they were really happy.  They were thinking that a new Guru was to be appointed and that they were going to get gold.  They were greedy.  Mata sent the commands in every direction.  She wrote: “come to Dehradun and get your Siropas.  Collect money from the Sangat and bring it with you.  You will receive a new letter for the Sangat to collect money.”  The commands were sent everywhere.  The Masands came with the greed of receiving money.  They thought to themselves: “we are the ones who make the next Guru.  Mata Punjab Kaur is giving us gifts because she knows we are the ones that will appoint the next Guru.  Let’s go quickly.” 

All the Masands from far away regions came to Dehradun.  A great crowd gathered.  1100 Masands were present.  They all met with joy.  They were happy that they were going to receive gifts and that they would be able to collect the Dasvands of the Sangat.  They weren’t sad about Baba Ram Rai’s passing but they were happy that they will be able to keep a bigger cut from the Dasvand of the Sangat.  They figured that because Mata Punjab Kaur was a woman, she wouldn’t have any power.  Little did they know what fate awaited them.  As they all reached, Mata Punjab Kaur sent a message to Guru Gobind Singh ji via Taaroo Masand.  She wrote: “I called the Masands as you asked.  They have a lot of money and are all really happy.  They are not mourning the passing of my husband.  Please come as soon as you can.  Please use your strength to fix everything.  I only trust you.  I have no one else to depend on.”  Mata Punjab Kaur had the message sent to Paonta Sahib. 

Taro came to Paonta and gave the message to Guru ji.  Guru ji called Taaroo inside the fort and asked him about the situation.  Taaroo told Guru ji everything: “Guru ji, all of the Masands are here in Dehradun.  Mata Punjab Kaur is waiting for you.  The Sikh Sangat wants you to come too.  Please come.  Everyone is looking toward you in this time of need.  I am looking towards you too.”  Guru ji heard the whole situation and told Nand Chand ji: “the time I was waiting for, is now here.  I am here to punish the sinners.  We need to clean our own house first.  Let’s prepare for the next morning.  We will take a regiment of the army as well.  We will take about 200 men only.  Advise them tonight that we will leave in the morning.” 

2-8 Guru ji Comes to the Dehra and Prepares to Punish the Masands

Guru ji rested the night and got ready the next day, early in the morning.  The Ranjit Nagara was played and preparations to go were made.  The horses were saddled up, quickly.  Guru ji got ready and donned his weapons.  An elephant was prepared for Guru ji to travel on.  A golden mat was placed on the elephant.  Guru ji looked very radiant on the elephant.  It looked like Inder was riding Ahravat.  Mammaji was called and asked to ride with Guru ji on top of the elephant.  Devan Nand Chand, the warrior Masand, was ready with his weapons.  He mounted a strong steed.  Sango Shah and the other brothers were riding as well on their horses.  500 soldiers were with Guru ji, the leader of the Sodhis.  Guru ji was off to Dehradun.  Nobody in the family went along.  The Nagaras were sounded.  Guru ji was going to the Bhog (final service) of Ram Rai.  People bowed along the way.  The Dhoon (mountainous area) was beautiful in this area.  There was greenery everywhere with fruits and perennials.  There were mountains on both sides of the Jamuna.  There were lions, cheetahs and elephants along the way.  Guru ji hunted along the way.  The soldiers were delighted with the scenery.  Guru ji was in the front on top of his elephant.  Guru ji’s cousins were on their horses and conversing with Guru ji along the way.  The soldiers were travelling as well.  Weapons and royal clothes; the army looked majestic.  Guru ji hunted when he wished to, with guns and arrows.  In this way, they travelled during the day and reached the Dehra of Baba Ram Rai. 

Punjab Kaur had made all the preparations as she was advised by Guru ji.  She prepared feed for the horses and received Guru ji.  She had her servants on alert to serve Guru ji and his army with food and places to stay.  The Masands of Ram Rai were not very excited about Guru ji’s arrival.  They talked with each other: “the Guru from Paonta, we shouldn’t be meeting him.  We are not on good terms with him.”  They met each other and discussed about the coming of Guru ji: “he is coming to mourn Baba Ram Rai.  He shouldn’t stay here for a long time.  If he stays long, because he has a lot of soldiers, it will cost a lot of money to attend to them.”  The Masands were worried about money being spent.  They were worried if they were asked about the finances.  The Masands saw bad omens and became depressed.  It was their own sins that weighed down on them. 

Guru ji came and was received by the Masands.  Guru ji set up camp in a shady place with the 500 soldiers and horses.  Guru ji got off his elephant and stood on the ground.  He called his servants and had his army’s camp set up first.  After the area was scoped and the tents were set, Guru ji went inside the Dehra of Ram Rai and met with Punjab Kaur.  Punjab Kaur was sitting in a covered area, as was the tradition of the time.  Guru ji was like her father-in-law as Baba Ram Rai was his nephew.  Everyone gave their condolences to Mata Punjab Kaur.  The other two wives of Ram Rai were with her.  The Masands were healthy and fat wearing expensive clothes and jewellery.  They were sitting in the Dehra as well.  They looked very privileged and rich, as they had been using the money of the Sangat to feed their families.  When Guru ji entered the room, the Masands saw his radiance and got up.  Their heads lowered without their wishes.  They didn’t realise when they bowed their heads.  Guru ji sat down.  Some of his soldiers were with him.  Guru ji had the Masands sit next to him and Mata Punjab Kaur.  Guru ji asked the Masands: “what was the reason that Baba ji went to Sach Khand?  How did he die?”  Mata Punjab Kaur began to cry, as she had been holding in her emotions for a long time.  She couldn’t hold herself no longer.  She began to speak her heart out.  She spoke with her hands folded: “Guru ji, Baba ji gave me specific instructions to take care of his body.  He said he was going to leave his body to help one of his Sikhs in another country.  These Masands sitting here, did not listen to me.  I told them to stop, Baba ji will return.  They broke down the doors and went inside his room.  They saw Baba ji’s body and they declared him dead.  They took his body out.  I tried to stop them but they didn’t listen.  I did an ardaas to Baba Ram Rai and he came back via the sky path.  He saw that the Masands had prepared his body and decided not to go into his body.  He decided to go to the dimension of the Devatas.”  Guru ji looked towards the Masands and said: “why did you lot listen to your Guru Mata?  The ways of saints are unique.  Baba ji helped his Sikhs in many ways.  He has done this before.  You stayed with Baba Ram Rai ji your whole life; did you not know how to follow your Guru’s instructions?  The Guru’s wife is the same as your Guru.  You didn’t listen to her.  This is the house of Guru Nanak Dev ji.  The children of the Gurus have these powers.  You foolish people have sinned.  You murdered him.  You burned him alive.  Is there any sin greater than burning a saint alive?  You did not have well wishes for your own Guru and burned him alive on the pyre.”  The Masands could not say anything in front of Guru ji.  His radiance was intimidating.  They did not respond.  Guru ji then tried to calm them so their fear dies down.  He didn’t want them to run away yet.  He said: “what is done, is done.  Be careful in the future.  It is up to you to take care of the Dehra now.  Do your duties with faith and devotion.” 

The Masands saw that the crowd was big at the Bhog of Bab Ram Rai.  Thousands were present.  Kalgidhar ji returned to his camp.  He rested on his bed.  Punjab Kaur sent her servants to Guru ji with food and feed.  She had other Sevas done for the soldiers as well for their bathing and eating needs.  Everyone slept the night and woke up the next morning.  When the sun was up, everyone got ready.  Mamma Kirpal Chand ji and all the senior Sikhs.  (In other historical texts, such as the Bhatt Vayees, the presence of Bhai Mani Singh ji is also noted here) They all went inside the Dehra and went to the court where the Masands had set up Divan.  Many Udaasis such as Bhaaloo Hasana and others were there.  They had high topees (hats) on.  Mata Punjab Kaur was sitting in the “purdah” (veils and covers).  Guru ji along with his soldiers and Mamma ji had reached the court.  Everyone in the whole court, including the Sangat of Ram Rai, stood up in Guru ji’s honor.  Guru ji was seated respectfully.  The Masands were scared to see Guru ji and his armed soldiers.  Guru ji gave expensive clothes and money to Pandit Daya Ram ji, the Purohit of the Sodhis, to give to Mata Punjab Kaur ji.  Pandit ji gave it to Mata Punjab Kaur.  Mata Punjab Kaur took the expensive white clothes and put it to her head.  She bowed to Guru ji’s feet with faith and devotion.  Mata Punjab Kaur spoke to Devan Nand Chand ji: “Devan ji, please request Guru ji to find a solution for the Masands.  Please don’t delay as now is a good time.”  Pandit ji said: “Mata ji, don’t worry, Guru ji is thinking the same thing as you.  You will need to help us.  Put a barrier up and don’t tell anyone what is going on.  Have an armed guard stand at the door.  We will call one Masand at a time and tell them to come and receive their Siropas.  They will come inside in greed to get their money and Siropa.  We will give them a Siropa according to their doing.  We will tie them up and throw them in to the room.  Then we will punish them as Guru ji says.  These arrogant and stiff fools will get what they deserve.  Guru ji had planned all this last night.  It will be easier to catch one at a time.  We will do this tomorrow morning.  It’s not good to delay.”  Punjab Kaur heard this and said: “whatever Guru ji has planned is good.  Soldiers can come in the morning and prepare as they like.  Only a few people are on my side.  Pamma, Gurdas and Taaroo Bhaatra, other than these few, they do not listen to me.  I don’t want others to know about our plan.  We won’t be able to catch them otherwise.  I don’t want the Masands to know.”  In this way they all made their plans for the good of the Sangat.  The Sangat was led astray by these Masands. 

Guru ji was sitting with the Masands and conversing with them to ease the tension.  After about an hour and a half, Guru ji was about to get up when Daya Ram and Devan Nand Chand came to Guru ji.  Guru then spoke out loud to everyone: “tell the Masands that they will get Siropas in the morning. They can go back home after receiving their Siropas.”  Some of the clever Masands thought to themselves of why the Siropas are being given out in the morning instead of the same day.  They didn’t say anything to anyone.  Their death was near.  If the Guru was about to kill them, who would be able to save them?  Everyone was taken care of by Punjab Kaur and her trusted people.  The Bhog day ended in this way.  The preparations for the plans were carried out.

2-9 Punishing the Masands

Guru ji told the Fraashans (tarp layers): “make a boundary with a wide spread and make sure nobody comes in.”  Guru ji had big pots and cauldrons placed inside and filled with oil.  All of the preparations were made at night.  Nobody was allowed to go in.  Firewood and rope were kept inside. 

The Masands were very happy that they were going to get Siropas: “we will get our Siropas in the morning and go back home.  We will go back to our Sangats.”  They slept the night and woke up in the morning.  The bathed and got ready.  They wore expensive new clothes.  Guru ji got ready as well, donned his weapons and came with Mammaji and his brothers.  Daya Ram ji and Nand Chand ji were with Guru ji as well.  They reached the place where they were going to punish the Masands.  The soldiers were told to keep a watch and make sure nobody escapes.  They guarded the doors and the boundaries.  Guru ji sat near Mata Punjab Kaur, who is in the Purdah.  Bhai Behlo’s grandson Bhai Gurdas was asked to sit close by.  Other obedient Masands were asked to sit there as well.  To catch the other Masands, the soldiers stood nearby.  They had a strict plan.  The elder Masands were called in first to get their Siropas.  One of the elder Masands went inside first to where Guru Gobind Singh ji was sitting.  He was happy to be getting his Siropa.  I walked in, rocking from side to side, expecting a great reward.  As he came close to Guru ji, Guru ji signaled the soldiers to grab him.  They slapped him and tied him up.  They knocked his pugri off.  The second Masand was then called in and he was tied up and thrown with the first one.  They were told not to make any noise, showing them an unsheathed sword.  The third one was then called in.  He suffered the same fate.  Outside, they were all happy and waiting for their turns.  They thought they were going to get clothes and jewellery.  They would happily go inside and then get tied up.  Many came in, but none came out.  The Masands sitting outside began to wonder.  The Masands inside were being tied up and thrown into a room.  The outside ones would look at each other but not say anything.  The ones that were tied up inside, as their initial shock would wear off, reality would hit them and they would begin thinking that things were not going to go well for them.  When about 500 Masands were tied up, the ones outside began to suspect that something was wrong.  They wondered why nobody came out.  The soldiers told everyone to go inside quickly.  They would surround them and take them in.  The Masands were tied up quickly.  1,100 Masands were eventually tied up and thrown in the room.  The doors were locked.  It was now afternoon.  It had taken about 4 hours.  Guru ji got up and went to his tent.  He left the soldiers there.  Mata Punjab Kaur went to her room as well.  Guru ji ate food and rested on his bed for about an hour.  When it was around 3 pm, Guru ji gave the orders to interrogate and punish the Masands according to their doings.  Punjab Kaur was told by Guru ji: “look Punjab Kaur, these were the people that killed your husband.  It is time for you to avenge his death.”  Oil was poured into the great big pots and fire was lit under them.  They soon began to boil.  The Masands were brought close to the boiling pots.  The ones that were the bigger sinners and looted the Sikhs, had boiling oil poured in their heads.  They were now regretting all the sins they had ever done.  Some were beaten up and would die.  The senior Masands were bigger sinners.  They suffered their fate with great pain.  They were beaten up day and night.  When they would die, they were thrown outside.  Guru ji stayed there for a few days as all the Masands were killed.  Punjab Kaur served Guru ji and the Sikhs.  She said to Guru ji repeatedly: “please don’t go back home yet.  We are you children.  This is your home.”  She wanted to do his Seva more. 

The Masands were killed and got what they deserved.  The good Masands were actually given Siropas with respect.  The bad ones were beaten up and boiled in oil.  Some were hung from a rope and beaten with whips.  They had done bad with Sikhs to loot them.  As the arrogant ones burnt Baba Ram Rai ji alive, they were punished and also boiled alive.  They had sinned gravely.  They took the money of the Sangat and consumed it themselves.  They took the money and indulged in alcohol and prostitutes.  They bothered the poor Sikhs and took their money by emotionally blackmailing them.  They would disrespect the Sikhs and swear at them.  They would think they were equal to the Guru.  They made people worship them.  They were arrogant and thought that it was because of them that the Guru had money and power.  They were egotistical and filled with pride.  Their sins had come forward and made them do more sins.  None of the Masands escaped.  The few people that were obedient to Mata Punjab Kaur, they were given the tasks to lead the Dhera and were given letters to show the Sangat to preach Sikhi and collect the Dasvands of the Sikhs.  Guru ji wrote the letters himself.  

In this way, Guru ji cleaned up the Dhera and made Punjab Kaur fearless.  Guru ji made sure that she was well empowered to run the Dhera herself.  Mata Punjab Kaur was very happy to avenge her husband’s death.  The few Masands began their tasks.  Guru ji made sure everything was in good order and got ready to leave.  The corrupt Masands were punished and killed.  Guru ji sat inside the Dhera and said to Mata Punjab Kaur: “Punjab Kaur, your wishes are fulfilled.  Run the Dhera yourself and preach Sikhi with Keertan, Gurbani and Katha.”  Mata Punjab Kaur said to Guru ji: “Guru ji, nobody else would have been able to do what you did.  The Masands were not even tamed by Baba Ram Rai ji.  You are the greatest and the Guru.  The whole world worships you.  You destroyed all my worries.  You are my father-in-law and I am under your protection.  Please protect me in the future as well.  Please keep an eye on this Dhera.  I am a widow and childless.”  Guru ji consoled Punjab Kaur and said: “all of the Masands will be under your command.  If someone tries to rebel, they will be scared, knowing I am nearby.  They will obey you.  They will be afraid of you.”  Guru ji then got up.  Guru Gobind Singh, the greatest warrior, the wielder of the sword and holder of the Degh.  Punjab Kaur bowed to Guru ji’s lotus feet. 

Guru ji came outside and had the Nagaras played.  Everyone saddled their horses and mounted them.  Guru ji faced west and set off to Paonta Sahib.  It was about 50 km to Paonta Sahib.  Guru ji hunted along the way.  He admired the trees along the shores of the Jamuna.  There were hills and valleys everywhere.  Guru ji reached Paonta Sahib soon.  Thousands of people came to receive Guru ji.

2-10 Messengers of Fateh Shah/ Preparing the Tambol

In this way, Sri Satguru ji punished the Masands and gave his Sikhs peace.  He brought peace within the Panth.  The Masands bothered the Sikhs a lot and so Guru ji punished them.  Guru ji was now in Paonta, where the Jamuna flows.  There was a great big boulder along the shores of the Jamuna, where Guru ji used to sit on, after bathing in the morning.  Guru ji would utter his Bani on top of that boulder.  Much of his Bani was written there.  He wrote Bani in Chands and beautiful Svaiyas.  He stayed there for most of the morning everyday and did not let any other task interfere in his time.  He was uttering and writing Bani during that time.  He had one scribe with him at one time.  He was in a very calm state during that time.  As he would utter Bani, the Jamuna would pass by vigorously and make a lot of noise.  Guru ji looked at the Jamuna and said: “Jamuna, calm down.”  From that day onward, the Jamuna is calm and peaceful in that area, although it is still loud and aggressive 1 km away in both directions.  Where Guru ji would recite Bani, the Jamuna is completely calm and quiet there.  Guru ji would get up from uttering Bani at around 10 am everyday and eat food. 

The Langar would be open for all and distributed freely.  Thousands of Sikhs would eat Langer all day long.  There was no discrimination as to who may come and eat.  All human were considered Akaal Purakh’s form.  New Sikhs would come everyday.  They would meet Guru ji’s peaceful feet and rejoice.  Kalgidhar ji would then sit in his court where the Sangat would come and meet him.  Devan Nand Chand ji, Bhai Sango Shah and the other brothers would come and bow to Guru ji to listen to Kirtan in bliss.  Kirtan would occur in various Raags and Taals.  Guru ji would compose new compositions and sing them as well.  Guru ji would talk about politics, and other types of knowledge as well.  He was giving the Sikhs wisdom and knowledge about spirituality and politics.  Other funny and entertaining discussions would occur and Guru ji would have fun and be merry with his Sikhs.  Guru ji was complete in every way and discussed everything under the Sun. 

In the afternoon, Guru ji would rest on his big bed for about an hour.  After resting, Guru ji would get up at around 3 pm.  The Shaheedi Degh with Sukha would be prepared for everyone.  Chatterdhaara would be prepared as well.  Guru ji would then mount his horse and head towards the west with his soldiers and hunting party.  Guru ji had a garden planted in the west direction with many fruit trees: peach, pomegranate, guava, mango and bananas.  There were perennials like jasmine and other red and yellow followers planted in the garden.  There were moats dug around the plants to store the water.  Apples and oranges were blooming.  There were many plants seen by Kavi Santokh Singh ji that were planted from Guru ji’s time.  Guru ji would have Shaheedi Degh and come to the gardens with the soldiers.  Guru ji would have a bath there in the Jamuna and take a walk.  Everyone would do Simran and hold Divan there to do Kirtan.  The ambassadors of the kings would come to meet Guru ji there.  Whoever would come to see Guru ji, they would be in awe of Guru ji’s personality.  Shaster vidya would be practised in the gardens.  Guru ji would do target practice and celebrate when the target would be hit.  The soldiers would practice with enthusiasm as well. They would practice spears, archery and guns.  Mukat Shasters (ones that are thrown), Amukat Shasters (ones that are not thrown) and Mukat-amukat Shasters (ones that can be thrown or used straight) were all practised.  Guru ji would keep an eye on the soldiers in regards to their health, food and clothes.  They would ride the horses and train them to jump and ride long distances.  The different trots and gallops of the horses were trained.  In this way, Guru ji would spend his day in uttering Bani, doing Kirtan and practicing Shaster vidya.  Guru ji’s attention was always focused on Akaal Purakh.  He saw Akaal Purakh in everything.  He was preparing the Khalsa for the Dharam Yudh (the righteous war).  The Sikhs praised Guru ji as the Masands were tamed.  The Sikhs now had hope that Guru ji had scared all the Masands.

In the evening, Guru ji would return to Paonta Sahib with his army from the gardens.  The Rababis would do Kirtan of Gurbani (Bhai Sudhoo and Bhai Mudhoo from Baba Mardana ji’s family were there).  They would sing various Raags.  Guru ji sang in more than 600 Raags and engaged with the Rababis.

One day Guru ji was sitting with the Sikhs in the gardens.  It looked as though Inder was sitting with the Devatas.  Fateh Shah of Garhwal sent his messengers for an invitation.  It was the invitation for his daughter’s wedding.  He wanted to invite Guru ji.  The messengers bowed to Guru ji and sat down.  They placed the letter in front of Guru ji.  They messengers said: “Guru ji, Raja Fateh Shah bows to you.”  They brought baskets of sweets for Guru ji.  They were placed in front of Guru ji.  The senior officials of Fateh Shah said: “Guru ji, Raja Fateh Shah invites you to his daughter’s wedding.  He wishes to have your holy feet placed in his home.  If you come, he will be pleased and people will praise our king for inviting you.  When you come to the wedding, we will be praised within our community.  It will be known that you had come to Fateh Shah’s daughter’s wedding.”  Guru ji responded: “welcome to Paonta.  Rest and have Langar.”  The messengers rested the night and visited Guru ji the next day.  They were given a Siropa along with baskets of fruits and dry fruits.  Guru ji then said: “tell the Raja: coming to the wedding would be a difficult task for me.  There is a great amount of people with me: soldiers, Sikhs and relatives.  There are other reasons as well which make things complicated for me to come.  Many other Rajas will be at your wedding as well.  I don’t want any conflict to happen there.  There is already some conflict with some Rajas.  My Devan will attend the wedding with some soldiers.”  The messengers heard Guru ji’s words.  They bowed and returned to their town. 

The messengers delivered Guru ji’s message to Raja Fateh Shah.  They told him what Guru ji said.  Fateh Shah was busy in the wedding and was really happy to receive other Rajas.  There were Rajas on his side and in the Bharat.  All of the 22 Pahari Kings were attending as well as other Subhas and Navaabs.  A great amount of food was being cooked.  Sweets were made.   Feed for the horses was collected.  A lot of money was spent.

Guru ji thought about all the types of Politics: It is the tradition of society that a gift should be given if an invitation is received.  The house of the Guru is well-reputed.  Guru Nanak Dev ji’s glory is great.  The Rajas will be attending.  Guru ji was very gracious in giving.  (Whenever Guru ji gave gifts, he was gracious to give.  Out of the 52 poets of his court, 18 of them translated the Mahabharat.  Each poet was given 60,000 Rajitpuns.  They were set for life) Guru ji wanted to give a lot of gifts.  He had expensive jewellery taken from the treasury which had diamonds and gems embedded into them.  He had expensive clothes taken out.  Kundan jewellery, that was expensive, along with Pashmina clothes with Zari and borders; gold and silver dishware: totalling 125,000 Rajitpuns, was prepared as a gift.  Craftsmen made dishes and glasses out of gold.  Guru ji prepared the Tambol (gifts for the wedding) along with horses and weapons.  Unique and expensive items were added.  Devan Nand Chand got everything ready and showed Guru ji what was collected.  Guru ji inspected everything and said: “our wise Purohit, Daya Ram and 500 soldiers should go with you.  You should reach 2 days before the wedding.  When all the Rajas give the Kanya Dhaan (donation of the daughter to the groom) present these gifts as from Guru Nanak Dev ji’s house.  The Tambol of 125,000 Rajitpuns.  Show it when the other Rajas give their Tambol.”  Nand Chand and Daya Ram ji asked Guru ji after thinking about everything: “the Pahari Rajas that will be there, some are against us.  Bheem Chand and Kirpal Chand along with others are full of anger towards you.  If they meet us and a conflict arises, it will be difficult to come back.  The path on the mountains is very difficult and dangerous.  Who will help us?  We are going into the mouth of death.”  Kalgidhar ji listened to them and responded: “what is this you are thinking?  Why are you doubting?  Have faith.  Be determined with this thought that: as the Satguru is sending you, so will the Satguru bring you back.  The Satguru will protect you, regarding you as his servants.  Guru Nanak Dev ji will protect you.  Whichever Sikh trusts me, I remove all of his/her obstacles.  If you have faith on me, you will not be in trouble.  The Guru is around you and will protect you.  Hot air does not touch that Sikh.  Those who do not trust the Guru, and are proud of their abilities, I never help them.  The ones who are devoted to the Guru are protected.  For this reason, have faith in the Guru.  Prabhoo is with the servant.”  Both of them then had hope and bowed to Guru ji with devotion.  They prepared everything.  They got permission from Guru ji to leave Paonta Sahib