3-26 Bhai Nand Lal ji Comes to Guru ji’s Presence

Bhai Nand Lal ji and the Officer from Delhi came to Guru ji and bowed to him with their hands folded.  Bhai Nand Lal ji brought a gift for Guru ji.  He was a great poet of Farsi and so he had brought his writings for Guru ji.  They had the praise of the Guru and the description of Brahm Gyaan in it.  He composed this Bani with skill and organic thought.  When Guru ji saw this, he smiled.  He gave him a blessing glance and said to him: “what have you brought for me?  What is written in this book?”  Bhai Nand Lal ji read some of his writings.  The translations of this writings were great.  He said: “I have titled this book as Bandaginama.  Your praises are like a mountain.  I was only able to write only a grain-like portion of it.  I wrote according to my abilities.  To make my pen and writings pure, I have written your praises, but I was not able to describe them properly.  Please accept my writings.  You are great and vast, like the ocean.  Just as the water in the ocean cannot be measured, but the water can fulfill many tasks in the world; your praises cannot be described but it can make many people be blessed by hearing them.  One can bathe in the water and be clean but the ocean can’t be measured.  Oh protector of the weak, inline with your greatness, bless this humble being.”  The treasure of blessings, the Satguru, was happy when he heard this and said: “this is what you call the Bandaginama, but in fact it is the Zindaginama.  It will give Sikhs Zindagi, life, when they read this.”  Guru ji praised the Zindaginama.  It was to benefit the Sikhs when they listened to it or read it. 

The Sayeed Officer was a rich person.  He left his job and money to come to Guru ji.  He was the Sikh of Bhai Nand Lal ji.  He brought 1,500 golden coins and bowed to Guru ji.   He had love in his heart and began to shed tears.  His throat swelled up seeing Guru ji and so he could not say anything.  He was drinking the nectar or Guru ji’s form.  His eyes were fixed on Guru ji’s face.  He was mesmerized as he understood that he had seen the form of Khuddah.  Guru ji noticed the state of the officer and smiled.  He said to him: “come and sit close to me and tell me what’s in your heart.  Who is your Guru?  Who is your Murshid that gave you this Gyaan of love?  You want to succeed in life and in the afterlife.”  The Sayeed spoke: “Nand Lal is my Guru.  I am his Sikh and received wisdom from him.  He blessed me and made my pain and troubles go away.”  Bhai Aalam Singh Nachna (Guru ji’s personal attendant) heard this, as he was standing by.  He was skeptical and spoke: “you shouldn’t speak such empty words.  The master of the three worlds, the Guru of the universe is sitting here.  You are calling a Sikh a Guru.  You shouldn’t say that in Guru ji’s presence.  Think about this.  Guru Gobind Singh ji is the Guru.”  The Sayeed went quiet.  Guru ji understood what was in the Sayeed’s mind.  Guru ji knew that his heart was clean.  Guru ji spoke: “Aalam Singh, don’t stop the Sayeed.  He is right and so are you.  I give Nand Lal the status of Guru (not to be confused with the Guru Ghaddi of Akaal Purakh.  This is meant to be “Guru,” who teaches and praises Akaal Purakh).  I have given this status to him.  He is a teacher, a Guru.  Whoever becomes his Sikh, he will be in peace and receive Aatam Gyaan.  Nand Lal has recognized me.  He has recognized my real form.  For this reason, he is the same as me and therefore, a Guru.  He has the knowledge of Bhagti and receives joy from it.”  Satguru ji can make many Gurus with a blessed glance.  Guru ji continued speaking to Aalam Singh: “this officer is of a very status.  His spiritual level is high.  He is drenched in the love of Khuddah.  He wishes to be one with Akaal Purakh.  He takes wisdom from Bhai Nand Lal.  He is rich but his soul is humble.  He has a good position with Aurangzeb.  Aalam Singh, what you said was a dense thing (implying a narrow-minded point of view).  You are standing here and making fun.”  Guru ji laughed it off and blessed everyone.  He gave them all the seed of Prema Bhagti.  They were all over-joyed to be blessed and were taken out of the cycle of birth and death.

Bhai Nand Lal ji lived in Anandpur to be with Guru ji and was engrossed in Brahm Gyaan.  He had unwavering faith in Guru ji.  He would give his money to saints and serve the Sikhs of the Guru with love.  He gave them clothes and food.  Sometimes he would go back home but kept his attention focused in Guru ji.  He would come back and bring gifts for Guru ji.

Bahadhur Shah would remember Bhai Nand Lal ji all the time.  He considered Bhai Sahib as a great saint.  He knew that Bhai Nand Lal ji left his job and money to be with Guru ji.  Bahadhur Shah would listen to Bhai Nand Lal ji, praising Guru ji.  He knew about Guru ji’s greatness.  He was scared from the Shariya people around him though.  He was afraid of his father so that is why he couldn’t meet Bhai Nand Lal ji out in the open nor could he go to Anandpur.  He thought to himself: “I will meet Guru ji one day and be blessed.”

There was joy in Anandpur.  Many people had come.  A lot of Langar was prepared.  The Sikhs would make Langar in their homes as well.  No one slept hungry.  One day, scholars were sitting with Guru ji and having a discussion.  They said: “there is a lot of Langar in Anandpur and Sikhs make Langar in their homes.  This is part of Prema Bhagti and Sikhs prepare it with love.”  The Sikhs sitting there said: “Langar is great.”  Kalgidhar ji spoke: “the Sikhs that make Langar are great.”  Guru ji wanted to see for himself of who makes the Langar. 

A few days later, Guru ji disguised himself as a fakir sadhoo with his powers.  Nobody could recognize him.  He went to the houses of the Sikhs and asked for Langar: “give me Langar.  I am hungry.”  The response he got was: “the Langar is not ready yet.  Sit down.  The Langar will be ready soon.”  Guru ji went to another house and told them of his hunger.  The second person said: “the Langar is not ready yet.  You will get it when it is ready.”  Guru ji then went to a third person and asked for food: “give me food.”  The response from the third house: “we have to recite Anand Sahib still.  Just wait a little while and you will get food.”  Guru ji went to a fourth house.  The fourth person said: “sit down.  The Sangat hasn’t come yet.  When everyone comes, you will get food.”  Guru ji went to many houses and no one recognized him.  Nobody cared to have him sit and give him food.  Guru ji did not get Langar from any home.  He became angry and thought to himself: “the Sikhs claimed that they make the Guru’s Langar, yet they are stuck in rituals and not worried about feeding people.”  Guru ji then came to Bhai Nand Lal ji’s place, where he was making Langar.  Bhai Nand Lal ji, regarding the Fakir (Guru Gobind Singh ji) as a Sikh, folded his hands and bowed to him.  He said to him: “for what reason have you come?”  Guru ji said: “I am hungry and would like food.”  Bhai Nand Lal ji heard this and went to his kitchen.  He brought some food right away.  The dough was kneaded but not made, the lentils were soaked but not cooked.  He took salt, ghee and wood.  He put all the stuff in front of the Fakir and said: “please accept this for right now.  If you may sit down, I will prepare this for you.  You may need to wait, but if you give me the opportunity, I will cook this right away.”  Guru ji picked up the raw dough, soaked lentils and salt, and came back to his home.  On the way, he reverted back to his real form.  He was back to his beautiful clothes and weapons. 

The next day, while sitting in the court, Guru ji started the discussion from a few days ago.  Guru ji asked about Langar and the Sikhs said: “a lot of Langar is made and thousands of Sikhs eat the Langar of the Guru.”  Guru ji then said: “listen, yesterday I came to all of your houses.  Everyone that was cooking Langar, I visited all of you.  Some of you told me to wait for Langer, some said you have to read Anand Sahib and some said the Sangat has yet to arrive.  Nobody said the Langar was ready.  I then went to other homes but I didn’t get food anywhere.  Nobody had anything to eat.  I then went to Nand Lal’s house and told him I was hungry.  He went to his kitchen and brought me kneaded dough and soaked lentils.”  He showed everyone.  Guru ji said: “I got this food from Nand Lal’s home.  From today, he is my giver, my donor.  He is a saint drenched in Prema Bhagti.  He knows the value of Langar.  He knows what it means to satisfy the hunger.  His aim was to satiate my hunger.  A Sikh should give the person food right away.  Nand Lal did not waste time.  A Sikh should do what needs to be done to get rid of hunger.  I like such a Sikh.  There is no donation bigger than food.  Seeing a hungry person, whoever gives them food, that is a great person.  Don’t look at time; day and night, if a hungry person comes, give them food.  Pooranmaashi, Masya, Shangrand or other days, don’t wait for those days; feed everyone.  Don’t judge a person if the person is deserving or undeserving, feed everyone.  Do not look at the person’s caste or class.  Give food to a hungry person.  This is the best donation.  My beloved Sikh who makes Langar, and feeds the hunger, they are the best donor.  Food is the best donation.  There is no other donation better than this.  This will give you great karma.  Lives are saved with food.”  The Sikhs heard the words of Guru ji and understood the significance of Langar.  They now understood what was supposed to have been done.  The Sikhs were full of Prema Bhagti and wanted to impress Guru ji.  From that day onwards, they did not make any person wait for Langar.  They fed them right away and did it respectfully.  They prepared Langar in hopes of Guru ji’s appreciation.

3-27 Bhai Nand Lal ji and Holla

The winter had passed and the month of Phagun (February/March) was upon them.  Everyone was happy that spring was here.  Men and women were celebrating the coming of the Basant season.  Seeing the awesome season of Phagun, Guru ji called the treasurer to increase the pleasure of the season: “prepare to celebrate Phagun and tell the Sikhs to prepare as well.  Prepare Gulaal, ambeer and saffron with other coloured powders.  We will play the Holla today.”  The colours from other flowers were extracted and mixed with powders with essences of sandalwood and rose.  When the powder would fall on the clothes, a great smell would come.  The Sikhs brought coloured powders as well and said: “Guru ji was going to celebrate Holla himself today.  We shall celebrate with Guru ji!”  Many Sikhs gathered.  There was bliss everywhere.  Langar was made with gourmet foods.  Everyone ate as much as they wanted to.  Thousands of Sikhs came to Anandpur to celebrate.  There was a great crowd.  Lakhs of people were there.  They were fortunate to be in Anandpur on this historic day.  The Rababs, Pakhavaj and Mridangs sounded, playing various raags.  The shehnais, Naubats and napheeryas sounded.  They sang Raags and Raagnis.  The Raags took on human form and stood in front of Guru ji when they were sung.  It looked like Devatas were coming to Anandpur and meeting each other with joy.  The Naubats were playing at the main gate of Anandpur.  The flags were flying high.  Nagaras were playing everywhere.  The forts were standing proudly.  There was Anand everywhere.  There were jaikaras everywhere.  The crowd was huge.  The Sikhs threw colour on each other.  They had bags hanging from their sides and had powder in them to throw on each other.  They put ambeer and Gulaal on each other.  They had squirters filled with coloured liquid and sprayed each other.  Their clothes turned red and yellow with the colours.  They ran fast and threw colour.  They were happy to see their friends and threw coloured powder on each other.  They held each other as they threw colour.  Guru ji noticed that the people of Hindustan were scared and forgot to have fun.  Guru ji encouraged this celebration to rid them of their fear. 

Sri Guru Gobind Singh ji celebrated with joy.  He took a squirter and sprayed everyone as well.  As the senior Bhagat Sikhs came, they bowed to Guru ji’s feet and then red clouds and rain of colour flew everywhere.  Bhai Daya Singh ji, Bhai Dharam Singh ji, Bhai Mani Singh ji, Bhai Aalam Singh ji, Baba Deep Singh and many others were there.  The clothes and sky were all full of colour.  They threw fistful of powder.  Saffron liquid was thrown on Guru ji as well.  Some were scared to throw it on Guru ji, but Guru ji smiled and said: “go ahead.”  Bhai Daya Singh ji first threw colour on Guru ji and then Guru ji threw it on Bhai Daya Singh ji.  “Great is Guru ji who coloured the Sikhs with the colour of love,” said the Sikhs. 

Guru ji organized a military procession and a great cloud of colour flew upwards.  The Sangat was amazed to see this.  The Sikhs threw colour on each other and were full of joy.  There were great smells everywhere.  Guru ji set off from Anandpur with the army, shouting jaikaras towards the Sutlej (where Qila Holgarh is today).  The army was in 2 factions and threw colour on each other.  The powder coloured the hair and faces.  The colour streams were everywhere.  People were not recognizable anymore.  There were sounds of joy everywhere.  They displayed their marital skills with each other as they threw colour.  It was as though they were celebrating a great victory after a battle. 

Guru ji was radiantly riding his horse with the warriors as Inder walks amongst the Devatas; as Krishan ji looked radiant with his army of 56 Crore (1 Crore is 10 million) Yadavs.  Guru ji did amazing things.  He was like Ram Chander ji within the kings.  There was a great celebration.  It looked like Bhagti was with Brahamgyaan.  Guru ji was doing many things of amazement.  The Sikhs who had won their desires and vices of the mind, Guru ji threw red colour on to them.  Bhai Bachittar Singh ji, Bhai Ram Koer ji, Bhai Suthra Shah ji, Bhai Daya Singh ji and others.  He smiled with his teeth being shown, shining like pearls.  His eyes were like petals of a lotus flower.  Whomever he looked towards; he washed their sins.

Bhai Nand Lal ji came to Guru ji to bow.  As he came close by, Guru ji put powder on top of Bhai Nand Lal ji.  The world was coloured.  Bhai Nand Lal ji was coloured along with the sky.  There was colour in Guru ji, earth, sky and all the hearts.  Love had incarnated in the form of this celebration.  Guru ji was with his Sangat and blessing them.  The garden of Sikhi was being fed.  Bhai Nand Lal ji was the wisest, he saw Guru ji in the whole world and all of creation.  When Bhai Nand Lal ji was coloured, he went into a state of bliss and composed Bani in this great joy.  He said the poem out loud among the Sikh Scholars and poets.  He sang his ghazal in Raags and grabbed everyone’s attention.  Bhai Nand Lal ji sang with skill and love.  Guru ji was really happy to hear this and threw another fistful of colour on Bhai Nand Lal ji.  He coloured him again.

Bhai Nand Lal ji: Holi

What a beautiful flower of Holi has blossomed, the lips of the Guru bloom like the jasmine flower bloomed for the first time.  When Guru ji’s lips bloomed, only then did the flowers bloom on earth.   Rose, saffron, ambeer and other smells showered everywhere.  From the celebrated hands of the Guru, flew these powders and coloured the earth and sky.  Oh squirter in the hand of the Guru, you are beautiful; you made the sorrow faces light up in joy today (referring to the poor, low casted and oppressed).  Guru Gobind Singh ji, because of you, the 2 worlds have been coloured.  My king of kings has worn a coloured chola, that is why the world is coloured.  Whoever saw Guru ji today, they have had all their wishes fulfilled today.  The way by which the Sangat came to Anandpur, I wish to be the dirt on the ground on which the Sikhs walked on.  The Heart of Goya wishes to be the dirt on the Sangat’s feet.

Listening to Bhai Nand Lal ji’s Bani, Guru Gobind Singh ji was happy.  He said: “your Granth shall be called “Divaan Goya.”  Guru ji looked towards the Sikhs.  Everyone was red with colour.  It looked like a garden of red flowers.  They were all blossoming in the spring season.  Guru ji was smiling seeing the celebration.  Guru ji came back to Anandpur and sat in his court.  Guru ji looked towards the Sangat and blessed them.  Bhai Suthra ji came and wore black clothes.  He took the soot from the Langar pots and put in on his face and was black top to bottom.  He made a very scary form as he came.  Suthra Shah ji had been with Guru Hargobind Sahib ji and the Gurus thereafter.  Bhai Suthra bowed and circumvented the whole Sangat.  Guru ji saw him and smiled.  Guru ji laughed out loud and showed his teeth.  He called Bhai Suthra ji and asked him: “what is this form that you have made of yourself?”  Bhai Suthra ji said to Guru Gobind Singh ji: “your Sangat looks very beautiful today.  There is no other Panth like yours.  It is the supreme.  It is radiant and shining in the worlds.  The Pahari Rajas have evil eyes.  It is so bad, it’s like a knife.  For this reason, I thought about this and coloured myself black to ward off evil.  Now the Pahari’s evil eyes won’t affect the Khalsa.  The Paharis faces will go black.  Just like a mother dresses her child with nice clothes and jewellery, she puts a small black spot on his face to ward of the evil eye, that is what I did today.  People make nice homes with nice furniture.  In order to ward of the evil eye, they hang a black pot outside.  Whoever looks towards the Sangat with the evil eye, I will take the evil effect on me.”  Guru ji laughed out loud and said: “wow! You take care of my Sangat so well.”  Guru ji was really happy with Bhai Suthra ji.  He said to him: “my beloved Sikh, Suthra, he has understood my teachings well.  The Khalsa will remain the strongest.  You will be respected as well.  The Hindus and Muslims will not be able to compare themselves to the Khalsa.  They will not be able to face them.  The Khalsa will command all.”  Guru ji fulfilled all of Suthra’s wishes.  Siropas were given out to the Sangat.  Satguru ji played the amazing Holi.  The Sangat was in bliss to see Guru ji.  Who else can do such a thing in Kaliyuga.  Satguru ji was the Avatar of Akaal Purakh with unlimited powers.  He gave the Sangat joy and bliss.  He celebrated with the Sangat the day of Holla Mohalla. 

3-28 Bhai Daya Singh ji and the Janyow

A new and amazing Panth was born in the world, that did not take orders from anyone but Guru ji.  The Panth was solid in Degh and Tegh (Langar and sword).  They were young and strong who enlisted and joined.  They did not follow anyone else.  They did not bow to cemeteries or shrines of the Peers.  They did not follow any other Hindu Ashrams.  They only followed the orders of Guru ji and were always ready for war.  They wished for battle at all times.  Their minds and wisdom were of the highest standards.  They did not care for Hindus or Turks.  They stayed above them.  The jealous people saw them and hated them.  The Hindus and Turks (high castes) thought they were of higher castes and so looked down upon them.  The Khalsa’s lifestyle was high and pure.  The Khalsa did Simran, day and night; and so, their radiance grew by the day.  They did Simran of Satnam, the one that gives peace and joy to all.  The Hindus and Turks were jealous.  Their radiance and pure form could not be tolerated by the haters.  Just as dust comes into the eye and bothers it, that is how the Khalsa was to the haters. 

One day, sitting near Kalgidhar ji, the Singhs said to Guru ji: “the people are hating upon us.  The Sikhs in Delhi don’t accept us.  They do not like our warrior ways.  The Hindus and Muslims don’t let us go to their wells.”  Guru ji heard them and came into Bir Rass.  He said: “if someone gets something in their eyes, people are bothered.  Oh well, there is nothing we can do.  The Khalsa is here; and is here to stay.  The haters of the Khalsa will keep crying.  Don’t worry, you were here by the command of Akaal Purakh.  The haters eyes will be in pain.  They will be blinded and their tasks won’t be completed.  The Peers and Devatas will not listen to them for hating the Khalsa.  The Khalsa is here for the protection of the all.  They will try to hurt you but the Panth will continue to grow.  The Khalsa will be the masters of the Hindus and Turks.  They will keep them under their own control by showing their might.  Whoever will oppose the Guru’s house and be jealous, the Khalsa will punish them.  They will have no choice but to live under the Khalsa’s rule.  They will be like deer, fearing the lion.”  Guru ji spoke about the praises of the Khalsa in this way with joy. 

The Singhs were in every country and people feared them, seeing their amazing forms.  They were always with weapons.  They did not have any kingdoms but their walk and talk were like kings.  They were like rich people, but had no money yet.  They only feared Guru ji.  They always had the warrior spirit in them.  They met with each other and were not happy to meet anyone else.  They only wanted to meet Singhs.  Their minds were only happy with Singhs.  They always stayed in their own joy.  They did not have a kingdom but they felt like they already had kingdoms.  They were always ready with weapons after bathing.  Their beards were nice and flowing with their hair in topknots.  Their moustaches were always curled upwards.  They were the most handsome young men to every walk the earth.  They rode their horses like royalty.  The Hindus or Muslins could not compare.  The Singhs came to Guru ji with all their weapons.  Guru ji was always happy to see the Singhs.  The Singh always strived to memorize Gurbani.  They read Gurbani, which made them the supreme.

One day, Guru ji mounted his horse and set off with his army.  The Bhagwant travelled with the armed Singhs.  They had swords, bows, guns and shields.  They hunted in the jungle.   Guru ji got off his horse and rested under a tree for a while.  Guru ji got up and walked along the Sutlej.  The Sikhs brought his horse.  Guru ji mounted his horse.  His sword was fastened to his waist.  His horse was wise and strong.  He jumped upwards and Guru ji’s sword came out of his sheath.  Guru ji saw that his sword was coming out and so he put it back in.  It would come out each time the horse would jump.  Guru ji asked for a thick string.  The Singhs looked at each other and discovered they didn’t have any string.  Bhai Daya Singh ji then thought to himself: “I should take my Janyow and give it to Guru ji.”  Bhai Daya Singh ji took off his Janyow and twirled it.  He gave it to Guru ji.  Guru ji tied it to his sword. (Although the Khalsa had been established, some Singhs still wore their Janyows.  This drama that Guru ji did, was for the purpose of Singhs removing their Janyows who still wore one) Guru ji then came home with all the Singhs. 

After a while, some of the Sikhs noticed that Bhai Daya Singh ji did not put a Janyow around his neck again.  They all came to Bhai Daya Singh ji and said: “why do you not wear a Janyow?”  Bhai Daya Singh ji said: “I gave my Janyow to Guru ji.  My Janyow is now immortal, as it is completing Guru ji’s task.”  The Sikhs said in response: “that is good that you have completed Guru ji’s task, but you should wear another Janyow and follow your Dharma.”  They tried to convince him, but Bhai Daya Singh ji did not agree.  They all went to Guru ji and said: “Guru ji, Bhai Daya Singh ji does not wear a Janyow anymore.  He has started his new path.  He gave you his old Janyow and now he does not want to wear another one.  He doesn’t listen to us.”  Guru ji then said: “well then, go and put one on him them.  Convince him.  Threaten him.”  The Sikhs went to Bhai Daya Singh ji and said: “you are doing what you please.  Listen to what we are saying.  Put the Janyow on.”  Bhai Daya Singh ji replied: “listen Singhs, you are all wise Devatas.  I have given my mind, body and wealth to the Guru, Kalgidhar ji.  I see him as my Lord.”  The Sikhs came back to Guru ji and said: “Guru ji, he does not listen to us.”  Kalgidhar ji smiled and said to them: “bring him to me.  I will ask him why he doesn’t want to wear one.  What gyaan does he have?  I want to hear it.”  The Sikhs went to Bhai Daya Singh ji and told him that Guru ji was calling him: “he wants to talk to you.  You will wear the Janyow now.”  Bhai Daya Singh ji came and bowed to Guru ji.  Guru ji said to him: “why do you not listen to the Singhs?  Why do you not wish to wear the Janyow as before?”  Bhai Daya Singh ji folded his hands and said: “Guru ji, you have said in Asa Di Vaar of what type of Janyow one should wear.  I have worn the one that you have said and given to you the old one:

Sri Mukhvaak:  Salok Mahalla 1..

Make compassion the cotton, contentment the thread, chastity the knot and truth the twist..

This is the Janyow of the real self; if you have this, then, oh Brahman, put if on me..

This does not break nor does it get dirty; it does not burn nor is it ever lost..

Blessed are those beings, Nanak, who wear this around their necks..

(SGGS 471)

In this way, Bhai Daya Singh ji spoke to Guru ji that the real Janyow is what he wore: “I have found the real Janyow with your command and let go of the worldly one.  I will obey your command with what you would like me to do.”  Guru ji was testing the love in Bhai Daya Singh ji’s heart.  Guru ji spoke: “listen Singhs, this Sikh of mine has understood Brahmgyaan.  He follows the Bani of the Guru.  He is drenched in my Bhagti and as made the best decision.  From now on my Sikhs will live by the Rehit.  If someone asks them to wear a Janyow, the person asking will be a fallen Sikh.  That person will have to fold his hands and ask the Panj Payaaray to do their ardaas.  The Panj Payaaray will give them a punishment.  My Khalsa will be different form the Hindus and Turks.  The Khalsa will live by the Rehit.  The Khalsa will not follow any other religion and stay independent.  The Khalsa will live by Gurmat (the Guru’s wisdom).  The sinners with ego and desire in their mind will be destroyed by the Khalsa that lives by the Rehit.  The Khalsa will live in joy in both worlds.  I will forever be with the Khalsa.  The Khalsa is my form and live by the traditions of the Khalsa.  These traditions are good for all Sikhs.  If the Sikh lives by these traditions, I will follow their will.”  Kalgidhar ji spoke to the Sikhs who were in doubt.  Guru ji then changed the topic and started to look towards the Shasters with joy.  He presented flower garlands and incense to the Shasters. 

3-29 Chayay Mayay Masands get Punished/ Impersonating the Masands

In 1755 Vikram (1698 CE), Guru ji had made the Devi appear.  In 1757 Guru ji punished the Masands.  In the west, many Sikhs lived in Kanshi, Patna, Bengal, Ghazipur Dhakka, Mugher, Raj Mahal, Mirzapur, Farookabad, Maksoodabad, and Brahmaputra.  The Sikhs in the west were rich and sent a lot of money to the Guru’s home.  Two Masands from Bihar would collect money from the west and bring it to Anandpur.  Their names were Chayay and Mayay.  They would keep about two thirds of the money and only give a third to Anandpur.  They were egotistical because they had a lot of money.  Diamonds and precious gems, they kept with them.  Expensive clothes and jewellery, they also kept.  They kept the money of the Guru’s home.  Their faith was gone and their ego was inflated.  They had become foolish.  They would say: “we are the ones that bring money to the Guru.  It is because of us that the money comes.  If it wasn’t for us, Guru ji would just be sitting there with no Langar.”  They were arrogant.  They kept Lakhs of Rupees in their home.

A Sikh from Bengal once came.  He brought a muslin cloth from Bengal.  He came to Anandpur and set up camp.  A lot of other Sikhs came with him from in and around his area.  Guru ji held court and met the Sangat.  The Sangat of the West came and brought their gifts for Guru ji.  They presented their gifts and met Guru ji.  They bowed at his feet with love.  The Sikh that brought the cloth, placed the muslin in front of Guru ji.  It was quite shiny.  It was a unique cloth which caught everyone’s attention.  The Sangat said: “this is amazing!  We have never seen such a cloth.  This must be expensive.”  Guru ji looked at the cloth.  The Sikh said: “Guru ji, I had sent a roll of this cloth before as well.  That was very expensive as well.  I had sent that one.  That cloth was a feminine cloth.  This cloth I have brought now is masculine.  I had sent the roll for the mothers but now I brought this for your chola.  Did the mothers like the roll I had sent before?  Please accept this roll.  This is my wish that you wear a chola made from this cloth.”  Guru Gobind Singh ji said: “I haven’t seen the roll you had sent before.”  Guru ji asked the treasurer if there was a cloth from Bengal.  

The Sikhs went to the treasury to search for such a cloth.  They came back and said: “we haven’t seen such a cloth.”  Guru ji asked the Sikh: “who did you give the cloth to?  We haven’t seen it.”  The Bengali Sikh folded his hands and said: “Guru ji, there used to be a Masand named Bulaaki Das who would collect the Dasvand and bring it all to Guru Tegh Bahadhur Sahib ji.  Now there are 2 Masands named Chayay and Mayay.  They are responsible for the whole west area for the Dasvands.  I gave them the cloth and told them that it is for the Mothers.  I asked them to bring it here.  Please ask them where the expensive cloth is.”  Guru ji heard this and got angry.  He commanded Chayay and Mayay to come forward.  The warrior Sikhs found the Masands and brought them to the court.  Guru ji asked them: “where is the muslin roll that this Sikh gave you?”  One Sikh from the Sangat got up and said: “Maharaj, I saw this Masand’s wife wear clothes made of that cloth.  She wore it to a wedding, decked out with a lot of jewellery.  It was a very expensive cloth that she wore.”  Chayay lowered his heads and remained quiet.  Guru ji sent warriors to Chayay’s home.  They found the cloth and brought it to the court.  It was put next to the new roll and it was quite similar.  Guru ji ordered the Sikhs: “hang these two upside-down and punish them.  These Masands commit sins.  They will be purified by being punished.  Their sins will be washed away when they will be in pain.”  Chayay was hung upside down and punished.  Everyone saw him as an unfaithful person.  He didn’t understand the power of the Guru.  They only paid attention to money.  Guru ji was about to kick the Masands out.  They gave pain to the Sikhs.

One day, Guru ji was sitting in his court and drama artists had arrived.  They asked Guru ji if they could put a show on for Guru ji.  Guru ji said: “show me a play about the Masands.  Show me how they are.”  The actors heard this and dressed up like a Masand.  The actor dressed up as a fat person with a long chola.  He mounted a horse and had a prostitute with him along with 2 servants.  He showed that the Masand went to a faithful and honest Sikh’s home, who saw the Masand coming.  The Masand went to the Sikh’s home to collect money.  The Sikh borrowed a Rupee and presented it to the Masand.  The Masand got mad and said: “what is this?  You fool!  You should have offered 5 Rajitpuns.”  He took the Rajitpun and gave it to his prostitute.  The Sikh was sad and went back into this home.  There was no food in his house.  He said to his wife: “can you pawn your nose ring?”  The nose ring was pawned and the Sikh bought lentils and wheat.  The Sikh made lentils and roti for the Masand.  He folded his hands to the Masand and said: “please accept this food and come into my home?”  The Masand was drunk and wabbled to the kitchen inside the home.  He sat on a stool and saw the lentils and roti.  He said to the Sikh: “you cursed person, what is this?  My dogs don’t even eat this.”  The Masand threw the plate of food to the floor.  “You sinner, I am the Masand of the Sikh.  Can you not feed me better food?”  The Masand picked up the rotis and fed it to his dogs.  The Masand got up in anger.  The Sikh grabbed the Masand’s feet and said: “please command me on what you would like to eat.  Please forgive me.  I am poor and so I can’t get any credit.”  The Masand said to the Sikh: “prepare Karah, meat and alcohol.  My woman will drink too.  Make rice and meat or else I will excommunicate you.  I will have you punished.”  The Sikh got scared and begged for forgiveness.  He went to the Pawn shop and told the keeper to buy the nose ring from him.  After selling the nose ring, the Sikh prepared all the items the Masand asked for.  Both the Masand and the prostitute ate the food.  After eating, the Masand said: “give money for the Guru.”  The Sikh heard this and froze.  He had nothing else to give.  He took a dress from his wife and sold it.  The dress earned him 1 Rajitpun.  The Sikh gave the Masand the money.  The Masand got mad again.  The Sikh grabbed the Masand’s feet.  The Masand kicked the Sikh and said: “you will go to Hell for not paying enough for the Guru.”  One of his servants picked up the Rajitpun and left the Sikh’s home, swearing and yelling.  The prostitute sat on the horse and rode away with the Masand.  The Sikh was on the floor, upset.  In this way the actors showed the way of the Masands.  They wore expensive clothes and jewellery.  Guru ji saw this drama along with the Sangat.  Guru ji was really upset and said: “look, this is what Masands are doing.  They are bothering my Sangat.”  Kalgidhar ji was angry and his eyes were red.  Guru ji gave a command: “go and find all the Masands.  Tie them up and put them in jail.  Punish them according to their acts.  The Sikhs are beloved to me, more than my life.  These sinners bothered my Sikhs.  The Sikhs are great that kept their Sikhi after being bullied by the Masands.  They tolerated their atrocities and still asked for the protection of the Guru.  These Masands did bad things.  The Sikhs still don’t know of their sins.”  Guru ji sent Hukamnamas in every direction towards the Masands.  The Masands were tied up and brought to Anandpur and punished according to their sins.

3-30 Bhai Takhatmal/ Bhai Pheroo/ Bhai Raoo and the Masands

When Guru ji sent the Singhs to arrest the Masands, some Masands got scared and begged for merci.  The ones that did not do too many bad things, they asked for forgiveness and Guru ji forgave them.  Some Masands asked Guru ji to give them Khanda ki Pahul and become Khalsa.

In the region of Nakka Desh, there was a Masand that gathered the Dasvand of that area.  He got scared and came to Anandpur, disguised as a woman.  He knew that Guru ji did not strike women so he wore a ghaghra and braided his hair.  He went to the Mata jis for protection.  His name was Takhatmal.  He was afraid that he may have made errors.  Mata Jeeto ji and Mata Sundri ji noticed who it was.  Takhatmal Masand bowed to the mothers and begged for mercy.  The mothers felt pity and gave him hope: “let go of your fear.  We will request Guru ji to not say anything to you.  We will save you, since you came to our protection.  Do the Simran of Akaal Purakh.  Remember Guru Nanak Dev ji.  Sit in the room in the side.”  When Guru ji came to eat food, the Mataji’s folded their hands and said to him: “you are omniscient Guru ji and forgiving.  Whoever comes to your sanctuary, you do not look at their faults and forgive them.  You already know everything.  You have come for the good of all.  You are here to cut the birth of death of all.  You bless all.  A Masand from Nakka, Bhai Takhatmal is scared.  He found out the Masands are being punished.  He wore women’s clothes and came to us for protection.  He is a young man and so he does not have a beard yet.  He is afraid of you.  He is hiding in our home and is under our protection.  If he has sinned, please forgive him because he came to us with humility.  He cried and begged for mercy from us.”  When Guru ji heard this, he laughed out loud.  Guru ji forgave Takhatmal.  During the time of Kavi Santokh Singh ji, the seat of Takhatmal still continues.  Whoever becomes the Masand, wears women’s clothes once and bow to Guru Granth Sahib ji on the day they become the Masand.  They wear normal clothes afterwards.

In this way, many Masands were punished.  Some were forgiven and became Khalsa.  They let go of their ego and followed Gurmat.  They become honest and followed Sikhi.  They had faith in their hearts then.  One day, Bhai Aalam Singh ji “Nachna” was sitting close to Guru ji.  Guru ji said to Bhai Aalam Singh: “in Nakka, there is a great Masand named Bhai Pheroo.  He lives there in joy.  He hasn’t come to me yet.  He has been a Masand from the time of Guru Har Rai ji.  He hasn’t come to ask for forgiveness yet.  He heard about the Masands being beaten and punished but hasn’t felt any fear to come to me.”  Guru ji told 5 Singhs to go to Bhai Pheroo: “go to Naka and tie up Bhai Pheroo.  Tie his hands behind his back.  Grab his beard and pull him to me.  Whatever state he is in, tie him up and drag him to me.  Do this as quick as possible.”  Guru ji wrote a hukamnama for Bhai Pheroo.  He wrote what he said in the Hukamnama.  The Sikhs went to Nakka Desh and travelled continuously.  They crossed Doaba and Majha and reached Nakka Desh.

The Singhs saw Bhai Pheroo ji.  Bhai Pheroo was a Sadhoo.  Bhai Pheroo held a toombee and was going towards the jungle.  The Singhs met him and gave him Guru ji’s Hukamnama.  Bhai Pheroo ji bowed at the Hukamnama with respect and said: “what command has Guru ji sent?”  Bhai Pheroo read the hukamnama and said: “I will obey what Guru ji has said.  I will do as Guru ji wishes.  You should do as Guru ji commanded as well.”  The Sikhs noticed that this Masand was not like the others.  This was a Masand that did Simran.  The Sikhs said: “listen to what Guru ji has asked us to do: we are to tie your hands behind your back and grab your beard.  We are to take you to Anandpur like this.  It is up to Guru ji as to what he will do.”  Bhai Pheroo ji heard this and folded his hands.  He lowered his head and said: “I am under the command of Guru ji.  Do as you have been told to do.  I won’t resist or run.  I will go as a prisoner to see Guru ji.  I am a sinner because I was busy and didn’t go to Guru ji.  I let go of the Dharma to be in the presence of Guru ji.  Guru ji has seen me as guilty and called me to him.  He has regarded me as one of his own.  How can I let this opportunity go?”  The Sikhs noticed that he was clean-hearted person and said: “how can we do this to you?  Guru ji commanded us, but just come with us as you are.  The way is long.  It will be painful for you the whole way.  If you really want us to do what Guru ji wants, we will tie you and grab your beard when we get closer to Anandpur.  If there was a sinner in your place instead, we would heave tied him and grabbed him by the beard.  You are a saint and Sadhoo.  We can’t see you in pain.”  Bhai Pheroo didn’t go to his home and said: “let’s leave right away.”

Bhai Pheroo and the Singhs reached Anandpur.  He was full of faith and devotion.  Bhai Pheroo said: “can you follow Guru ji’s command now?”  The Singh held his beard with respect and tied his hands.  They came to Guru ji’s court.  The Sangat saw Bhai Pheroo’s hands tied.  He bowed when he saw Guru ji.  Guru ji smiled and said: “he is not like the other Masands.  Open his hands.  He runs the Langar with all the money he collects.  Give him a Siropa with respect.  Sri Guru Har Rai ji said in regards to him: my “kheesa” (pocket) and your hand.  Spend as you please.  I will now say that: the kheesa and hand will both be yours.  Go and continue the Langar.”  Bhai Pheroo ji was happy and spoke in humility: “Guru ji, both kheesa and hands are yours.  If I have any errors, please punish me.  Wash all my sins away and keep me in your feet.  Oh Prabhoo, the good and the bad are all yours.”

There was a Masand of the Kambohs who was sitting there.  He was brought to Guru ji as well.  Guru ji asked him: “who are you?”  The Masand said: “I am not a Masand.  I gave all the money to Bhai Pheroo.  I gave him everything.  I did not collect any money for me.  My name is Raoo and I run the Langar as well.  I am not a Masand.  I do Langars though.  I collect money from the Kamboh clans.  I live in Dipaalpur.  I only have faith in you.”  Satguru ji looked towards Bhai Pheroo ji.  Bhai Pheroo ji said: “he is speaking the truth.”  A Sikh from Kot Kamalay named Jodh Masand was brought as well.  Guru ji looked towards him and asked: “who are you and where are you from?”  He got scared and folded his hands: “my name is Zohdi.  I do Zohad (Bandagi, Simran) that’s why I am known as Zohdi.”  Bhai Pheroo had him released as well.  Bhai Zohdi bowed and left.

One Masand from Lahore named Bhai Jagta was brought to Guru ji.  He used to raise money from the Sikhs.  He was tied and brought to Guru ji’s court.  He was asked who he was.  He said: “Prabhoo, I use your name and beg to make a living.  I don’t call myself a Masand.  I am a Brahman.  I use your name and therefore people respect me.”  Guru ji connected him with Bhai Pheroo ji.  Four Fakirs came to the court as well.  The 4 were Bhai Pheroo’s followers.  They brought expensive gifts for Guru ji.  Their names were: Charan Das, Bindraban, Khan Shah and Chookha.  They brought a nice mare for Guru ji.  They made her stand in front of Guru ji along with other gifts.  There was a follower of a follower of Bhai Pheroo named Maali.  He brought Jagta and Bhagta along with him.  They all bowed to Guru ji and were blessed.  They camped there and were all blessed.  The Masands were forgiven with Bhai Pheroo ji.  They were humbled.  The Masands that made small mistakes of keeping a little money, they were forgiven who asked for forgiveness.  They were told not to collect money.  The Sangat was told not to give the Masands any money. 

A Sikh by the name of Bhai Salo ji, who did Seva of Guru Ramdas ji, his grandson was Dhunni Chand.  Dhunni Chand was not beaten nor tied up.  He lived in Amritsar and collected money in Majha.  He was sent back to Amritsar.  Divaan Nand Chand ji, who fought bravely in the battles, Guru ji kept him but he was killed as well.  His katha will be stated in the next chapter.  In this way, all the Masands were pulled from their positions.  Their influence on the Sikhs was all gone.  The Sangat now connected straight to Guru ji.  The ones that gave pain to the Sikhs, Guru Gobind Singh ji punished them all.