4-46 Staying in Bisaali/ The Singhs battle with the Paharis

The Gareeb Nivaaj Satguru was staying in Bisaali.  The Raja came to bow to Guru ji.  His subjects came to do Guru ji’s Seva.  The Raja would come and sit close to Guru ji.  He would listen to Guru ji’s Katha.  He saw himself as fortunate.  The Khalsa held Divaans everyday.  Sahibzada Baba Ajit Singh ji would sit near Guru ji.  Raja Salahi Chand said to Guru ji: “these Pahari Rajas are blind.  They have become your enemies for no reason.  They have ruined their fates on earth and in heaven.  They have done a great disservice to themselves.  They are being talked about negatively in the world.  They have lost every battle against you.  They have started a conflict for no reason.  Whoever hears about their actions, calls them fools.  Bheem Chand is considered the bad child.  He continuously bows to the Turks and asks them for help.  He was born as a Hindu but does not act like one.  He has lost his Dharma.  He is a Kshatriya and calls himself “the servant of the Turks.”  If he had the self respect of a true Raja, he wouldn’t have done what he did.  Everyone will curse him for being the enemy of the Guru.  He is ungrateful.  He has lost the way of kings and warriors.  He has done the things of beggars.  He sent his Purohit, Pamma, who acted like a deceiver.  He made the flour cow and did a terrible thing.  They made you leave Anandpur on a false sake.  That was a fraud.  These are signs of losers.  Wise people laugh at their nonsense.  Everyone praises you for keeping the sake of the cow and protecting the Dharma.  Who else would have done this besides you?  Nobody else would have accepted an enemy’s sake.  You are a true Dharmi.  The beautiful city of Anandpur, your forts and homes, you left it all for a sake.”  Bhai Daya Singh ji spoke: “the sinners’ sins have been known to the whole world.  Everyone knows that they cheated.  The truth is: that Guru ji is Akaal Purakh.  When great people kill someone, they only kill once they have proven the sinners as frauds.  He is full of forgiveness and keeps forgiving.  The sinners won’t sleep in peace.  They will suffer.  The Khalsa will shine over everyone’s heads.  If the Rajas would have come to Guru ji’s sanctuary, their kingdom would have grown a thousand times.  They would have been in peace in this world and in heaven.  They would have been praised in the world for listening to Guru ji.”  Guru ji heard Bhai Daya Singh ji’s words and smiled.  Guru ji said: “these people have bad karma.  I have illuminated the Khalsa and given royalty to the Khalsa.  The Khalsa will be painful to the Paharis.  They will come to the Khalsa’s sanctuary in fear.  The Khalsa will rule and the Paharis will be punished.  If they fight the Khalsa, they will be destroyed.  In some years, one Singh of mine will come and rule over all (Maharaja Ranjit Singh ji).  The Turks and Paharis will be afraid of him.  Only a few will be saved.  He will destroy their kingdoms.  He will loot them and kill them.  I have set everything in place so my Khalsa is able to learn the battle strategy.  The Khalsa is still learning.  Whoever comes to the Khalsa’s protection will be saved.  The others will be killed.  The ones who rule the 3,000 km kingdom, the Chakravarty Mughals, I will pull their roots.  Their kingdom will be destroyed.  The Pahari Rajas are nothing.  The Khalsa is practising on the Paharis.”  Raja Salahi Chand was happy to hear this.  After a while he went to his palace.

Raja Salahi Chand thought to himself: “Guru ji is very radiant.  Who can be equal to him?”  The Raja had rice, flour, ghee and other foods sent to the Langar.  He would send whatever the Langris would ask for.  He sent feed for the horses, wood for the Langar.  He wanted to make Guru ji happy.  After 3 days, Guru ji had the Ranjit Nagara sounded and told everyone to come hunting with him.  Guru ji mounted his horse and came to the place where the battle with the Paharis took place.  He crossed the Sutlej.  The Khalsa hunted in the jungles of Bheem Chand’s area.  The Turk, Sooba Sirhind, was upset and went home.  He had thousands killed.  His mission was a failure.  Sooba Sirhind thought to himself: “the Guru had half my army killed.  My relative has died too.”  The Sooba went to Sirhind in great regret.  Bheem Chand’s officers set up camps in the area of Anandpur.  They heard the Ranjit Nagara and got scared.  The Turks got scared.  The Khalsa chased the Paharis and the Turks.  They attacked them and shot their rifles.  They killed many of the Paharis.  Guru ji, although, did not go on ahead.  Only the Singhs went.  They rode fast and shot their bullets.  The Paharis that fell, couldn’t get back up.  The Singhs fought the Paharis for some time, using their full strength.  The Singhs charged hard and yelled: “kill them!”  They went right into the lines of the Paharis.  They pierced their bellies with their spears.  They took out their swords and destroyed the Paharis.  The Paharis ran away with fear.  Many were killed.  The ones that ran were saved.  The Khalsa looted the Paharis.  They took the horses and weapons.  They went through their villages and took the food and wood.

The Khalsa came back to Guru ji and roared their “Vahiguru ji ki Fateh,” to Guru Sahib.  In this way, they all came back to Bisaali after hunting.  They got off their horses and rested.  The Pahari areas all got scared.  The people left their homes and went away to their relatives, far away.  Since the people left their homes, the taxes stopped coming to the Rajas.  Bheem Chand got worried.  There was nothing he could do.  He had lost so much by becoming Guru ji’s enemy.

Guru ji was in bless in Bisaali.  He would hunt in the jungles.  The Sangat would come to see him.  Singhs from other lands came, bringing money and weapons.  The Divaans would be in progress.  The gifts and money would pile up in Guru ji’s court.  The mothers would bring their sons to join the Khalsa.  The Karah Prashaad would be distributed.  Thousands would come to eat Langar. 

Guru ji would hunt past the river.  The Ranjit Nagara would sound and cause fear into the hearts of the enemy.  The sound would make the Singhs’ biceps pump up.  Guru ji would go hunting far away.  Nobody would come close, hearing the Nagara.  They would hide when the Khalsa came.  When Guru ji would come back home, the enemy would be relaxed.  The Paharis were scared.  Bheem Chand couldn’t sleep.  The Singhs looted the Paharis.  Day and night the Paharis were always on the lookout.  Everyone in the area was scared.  The fools regretted their actions.  Bheem Chand wanted to call a truce: “nothing bad happened to Guru ji.  New Singhs come everyday.  The Sangat brings a lot of money.  They come from afar.  My army has died.  I have spent a lot of money in these wars.  Kesri Chand has been killed.  Many of my ministers and officers have died.  People are talking bad about me.”  He would regret his actions.  He didn’t want to fight Guru ji anymore.  He felt scared thinking of war now.

4-47 Meeting the Rana of Bhambhaur

Guru ji would go hunting along the river within the jungles.  He would go up and down the hills of the area as he would hunt.  That place has been purified by his feet.  One day, Guru ji went hunting, where Bhambhaur is today, with the Khalsa army.  The Ranjit Nagara played at the front, trembling the mountains of the area.  The Rana of Bhambhaur heard the Nagara and got happy.  He took his top ministers and collected many gifts.  He brought a beautiful horse with a golden saddle.  He brought clothes, weapons and sweets.  He came out of his city to see Guru ji.  He went towards the sound of the Nagara.  He sent a wise Minister on ahead to inform Guru ji that he was coming.  The Rana came and saw Guru ji’s radiant form.  The Rana got off his horse as soon as he saw Guru ji.  He came and grabbed Guru ji’s feet and said: “you have been gracious and come to this poor king’s country.  You made my kingdom pure.  You made me your own.  I am unwise.  I don’t know the greatness of your radiance.  Oh treasure of joy, I didn’t come to you before.  Please come to my city and make it pure.  Come to my home and make it pure.”  As the Rana made a request full of love, Guru ji was helpless and melted by the Rana’s love.  Guru ji said: “if there is so much love in your heart, then I will go to your home.” 

The Rana gave the horse and gifts to Guru ji.  He walked ahead of Guru ji and took him to his home.  He entered the city and set up the camp for Guru ji and the Singhs.  He did Seva of everyone.  He brought all types of foods for Guru ji.  He placed the food in a big plate.  The plate was placed on a sandalwood stool for Guru ji.  He had a sandalwood seat for Guru ji to sit on.  The Rana said: “Guru ji, please sit here.”  The food was in front of Guru ji.  The Rana folded his hands and stood by Guru ji.  The Rana had many servants doing the Seva and would pour the food himself.  They brought many types of foods.  The Rana waived a fan on top of Guru ji.  The other Singhs were given food too.  The food was delicious.  They were all given cold water to drink.  Guru ji was very happy with the Rana’s love and hospitality. 

A room was prepared for Guru ji at the top floor of the Rana’s palace.  A beautiful bed was laid out for Guru ji and another bed for his weapons.  The beds had soft pillows on it.  The sheets on the bed were tied at the bottom.  The Rana took Guru ji to the room.  Guru ji slept in the room.  The Khalsa army was given grass for their horses.  The warriors spent the night in peace in Bhambhaur.

At Amritvela, Guru ji woke up and took a bath.  Guru ji did his Nitnem and then wanted to go hunting.  The Rana folded his hands and said: “please stay here.  This city is your own.  Stay in a beautiful home here.  Your camp that is in Bisaali along with your family, bring everyone and everything here.  Make me happy.  I am fortunate that Narayan has come to the home of this ant.  All this happened all of a sudden.”  In this way, the Rana made a lot of requests to Guru ji.  He had a lot of love in his heart.  He was happy that the master of the universe was in his home.  He eventually convinced Guru ji to stay and served him with faith.  He sent 2 mounted messengers to the Raja of Bisaali with a message: “Guru ji has stayed in Bhambhaur.  The army and family are asked to come here as well.  The carts and chariots are to come to Bhambhaur.  We have requested Guru ji to stay here.  Guru ji wanted to come but the Rana has convinced him to stay.”  The Raja of Bisaali heard the message and got ready to go with the Vaheer to Bhambhaur. 

Everyone came to Bhambhaur including the army and Guru ji’s family.  The Raja of Bisaali took them himself.  Everyone came and bowed to Guru ji.  The Raja of Bisaali folded his hands and said: “Maharaj, Bisaali is yours as well.  Why did you not spend more time there?  Did I make a mistake?  I must have done something wrong.  I am not satiated yet after doing your Darshan.  I wanted to do more of your Seva.  What is the reason why you came here?”  Kalgidhar ji smiled and said: “the Rana met me all of a sudden while I was hunting.  You made no mistake.  He made many requests with love and devotion.  I became helpless in front of his devotion.  He brought me to his home.  I was ready to come back but he kept me with a lot of devotion.  I am happy with you as well.  You brought all of us to your home when everyone was fighting us.  Rule with joy and peace.  If you ever have a problem, make Karah Prashaad and do Ardaas while thinking of me.  I will be with you.  Your wishes will be fulfilled.  If the enemy tries to bother you, the Khalsa will come to help you.  Send me news and I will come all of a sudden.  No matter how many come to attack you, I will come to save you.”  Guru ji gave him hope.  The Raja bowed to Guru ji and said his Fateh to the Singhs.  He went back to his home with joy.

Satguru ji stayed in Bhambhaur for a while.  This is where the Charitropakhyaan Pothi was completed.  Benti Chaupai Sahib included.  One day as Guru ji was sitting down on a mountain, looking at the views: the mountains, the clear blue water of the river flowing, Singhs with weapons around him, the Rana was with him, Guru ji spoke: “your mountains and country are beautiful.  They are nice to walk through.  It seems like the beauty of the Himalaya is here.  It looks like the place of Tapasya of Shivji, Kailash, is here.   Seeing this place makes me happy.  The Pandavas did their Tapasya here.  They travelled through the jungle.  They saw that it was hot where they previously were and came here during their exile.  It was nice and cool here.  The greenery and scenery made them happy.  In Satyuga, Brahma ji came here.  Rigveda is the first Veda that was written and was written here.  Brahma ji did his Tapasya here.  Vashisht ji and Vyaas ji lived here.  Brahma ji called this place “Kalesar.”  He lived here with joy and did Tapasya.  Many Rishis did their Tapp here.  This place is holy and pure.  The Rishis ate the leaves and fruits here.  They fought their vices.  They were amazed at the greatness of this mountain we are sitting on.  They stilled their minds and controlled their vices while doing strict Tapps.  When they died, they went to Brahamlok, where there is no Rajogun or Tamogun.  There is no pain there.  Only Satogun.”  Hearing Guru ji’s words, everyone was amazed and started to look at the scenery with greater appreciation and detail.  The Rana was amazed about the greatness of the area.  He was unaware of it before.  The Rana folded his hands and said: “Prabhoo ji, I have come here before and didn’t know why this place was so peaceful.  I did indeed fell the power but now I know why it is like this.  Whoever comes her, feels the energy of this place.  Many Rishis have done Tapp here.”  Guru ji praised the area and enjoyed the scenery.  Guru ji would go hunting here with the Singhs sometimes.  He would go travelling through the area.  Baba Ajit Singh ji would hunt as well, as much as he wanted to.  The hills were high and low.  The areas were rough and smooth at times.  There were many waterfalls from the mountains.  There was no dirt there.  Flowers were blooming in the gardens with great fragrances.  Baba Ajit Singh ji would enjoy the area and spent time with his father. 

It became known in far away lands that Guru ji left Anandpur Sahib and went to Bhambhaur.  The Sangat heard this and began to come to Bhambhaur to see Guru ji.  They came from all directions and brought money and many gifts.  They came in groups and read Gurbani.  They did Simran of Guru.  Many Sangat started to carry weapons as it was Guru ji’s command.  They came with Kumerkassas tied.  They fought thieves on the way.  The ones who did want to attack, saw the Sikhs carrying weapons and backed off.  Some came without weapons and travelled by the faith of the Guru.  They collected their Dasvands and brought it all together if they came themselves.

Guru ji stayed here for a while.  The place was beautiful.  The Khalsa was happy here too.  They remembered the times of war and wanted to fight a battle again. 

4-48 Surrounding Kalmot

The Khalsa said: “Guru ji, we can’t stay without battle.  The enemy is sleeping in peace.  This doesn’t feel right.”  Guru ji smiled and said: “a great battle was around your neck.  Everyone is jealous of you.  The world is full of your enemies.  You will kill them slowly and be at peace.  Whatever you wish for, will come true.  These enemies that give you pain, you will fight them and kill them.”  Guru ji was speaking with the Khalsa as the Sangat came.  The Sangat came and bowed to Guru ji.  They said to Guru ji: “Guru ji, we are distressed.  We left our homes, bringing expensive gifts for you.  We looked for the best things to bring to you.  As we were travelling, there was a village of the Rangars named “Kalmot.”  The people of that village were uncivilized and foolish.  We shouted your name, that the gifts were for you, but the people didn’t listen and looted us.  Gujjars and Rangars were in that village.  They stopped us and looted the gifts that we brought for you.”  Satguru ji heard this and got angry at the audacity of the people of Kalmot.  He came into the Bir Ras and his eyes went red.  He gave the Sangat hope and said: “don’t worry.  Consider your gifts as received.  I received the gifts that you brought for me.  Don’t regret this.  Sit here.  Your wishes will be fulfilled.”  Bhai Aalam Singh ji folded his hands and said: “we have heard about these fools of Kalmot.  When we left Anandpur, many Singhs went to Kalmot.  They wanted to stop them but couldn’t.  They got a hold of 2 Singhs and cut their heads off.  They aren’t afraid of anyone.  If you don’t punish these fools, they will continue to loot the Sangat.  They are the enemies of the Sikhs.  We need to destroy them on the battlefield so they can’t bother the Sikhs.”  Guru ji was already angry.  When he heard abut the 2 Singhs being killed, it was like oil to the fire.  His Bir Ras went deeper.  He said: “Aalam Singh, make preparations.  Tell the Khalsa to get ready for war.”  The bullets and weapons were distributed.  They all rested the night.

In the morning, the Nagara was played by Guru ji’s command.  The Khalsa went to hunt.  They were headed to Kalmot.  The horses were saddled.  Guru ji rode at the front.  He rode his Neela horse.  The Singhs mounted and fastened their weapons.  They were all full of Bir Ras and wanted to avenge the death of their Shaheed brothers.  Guru ji rode ahead with anger.  The ground shook as the Khalsa rode.  The army rode like the wind.  The Dhundhabs and Nagaras were played and heard by everyone.  The people who heard the noise got scared.  They were shaking in fear and said: “we wonder who Guru ji is attacking.  We wonder who will die today.  Who does not want to live and became Guru ji’s enemy?  Who caused conflict with the Guru?  They are calling their death.”  The Singhs fired bullets as the rode.  The Rajas got scared and wondered if they were being attacked.  The Pahari Rajas said: “Sri Guru ji is angry.  Which fool took on his enmity?”  Some ran away from their villages and hid in the mountains.  Guru ji’s radiance scared everyone.  The Khalsa was full of Guru ji’s power.  The horses rode heavily.  The big Nishans and Nagaras played ahead.  Bhai Lakha Singh ji played the Nagara.  The Farlas of the Nishans were waiving in the wind.  The Farlas travelled like clouds pushed by the wind.  The Khalsa crossed the river.  It was a long way to Kalmot but they came quick.  Guru ji climbed a mountain and looked on.  He saw a small fort. 

The people of Kalmot saw the Khalsa coming towards them.  They saw their destruction roaring towards them.  Guru ji commanded the Singhs with anger: “loot everything they have!  Destroy the houses.”  The Singhs were filled with Bir Ras and attacked like lions.  They surrounded the fort of Kalmot.  Weapons were waived.  The Singhs went into the houses.  The cowards ran away.  Some grabbed guns and tried to shoot at the Singhs.  They climbed their balconies and injured some of the Singhs.  The Singhs unsheathed their swords and killed many foolish people.  Blood flew and limbs were cut.  The enemy got scared and began to run.  Some died in battle.  The enemy was attacked by the Khalsa.  The injured lay on the ground suffering.  Some folded their hands and surrendered.  They pleaded for their life.  The Singhs killed the ones that attacked with bullets.  The ground was red.  Many were cut with swords.  Many were surrounded and arrested.  The ones that were shooting bullets, ran into the fort and hid.  The ones that the Singhs saw, they were killed.  They were looted and beaten.  Their heads were smashed and killed.  The Singhs entered the homes and looted them.  The women and children were told to leave.  They were spared by the Khalsa along with the seniors.  They yelled at them and told them to go away from the village.  The women banged their heads and regretted that their men looted the Sangat.  They didn’t know where to go.

It was evening and the sun had set.  It was a scary sight in Kalmot.  Many vultures shrieked.  Many dogs barked.  The scavengers came and ate the flesh of the dead.  Fear spread.  The people that entered the fort, they got ready to fight.  They started to shoot at the Singhs.  The Singhs entered the homes and were waiting to go close to kill the enemy.  The Singhs went to Guru ji and said to him with their hands folded: “please give us permission to attack at night.  We want to take the fort.  We want to go in and kill the Gujjars and Rangars.  We won’t leave a single person alive.  We are waiting for your words.  We will attack.”  Guru ji told them to be patient.  He said: “the enemy is in the fort and they have prepared for you.  Don’t attack at night.  Stay here together over night.  Attack in the morning and win them.  Kill them all.  They won’t be able to run away.  These fools gave pain to my Sangat.  I will take revenge on them.”  Bhai Aalam Singh ji and Bhai Uday Singh ji said: “why wait till the morning?  We will kill them in a second tonight with your permission.  They may run away at night or call for help.  If they leave, we can face more trouble.  Please give us permission now.”  Guru ji said: “be patient.  Don’t be hasty.  Surround the fort and keep a strict watch.  Don’t let anyone run away.  They won’t be able to run away.  Their death has come.  No one can escape death.  They will be killed in the morning.  Kill them in the morning.  Stay alert.  This is the best thing.”  The Singhs obeyed and accepted that he knew best.  The Singhs rested in the homes and surrounded the fort all around.  They had rifles and arrows in their hands. 

The Rangars and Gujjars shot bullets but they didn’t hit anyone.  Guru ji was protecting the Singhs.  The Singhs stayed all night without any trouble.  The enemy were worried in the fort.  They were surrounded and scared in the fort.  They had no hope to live.  They were regretting that they looted the Sangat.  Their homes were looted.  They said: “we did a very bad thing.  We woke up sleeping lions.  We are being punished for that.”  They released arrows and shot bullets in vain.  It was of no use.

Guru ji’s bed was laid out.  There was a Pipal tree, where Guru ji’s bed was set.  25 Singhs who were always with Guru ji, were with Guru ji at that time.  They had weapons with them and kept watch.  Many Singhs surrounded the fort.  They had shifts for rest and on guard.  When it was about an hour and a half till daylight, the conches were played and the Ranjit Nagara was sounded.  The Singhs shouted the Fateh of Vahiguru.  The Singhs were eager.  They fired bullets.  Many bathed and combed their hair.  They set their Dastaars.  Guru ji got ready as well.  He was the jewel of the world.  Guru ji gave his command: “come into attention and attack the fort.  Climb its walls and enter it.  Complete it now while its morning.  Finish the war now.”  The Singhs started to make preparations to attack.  They surrounded the fort and approached the walls of the fort.  They yelled and climbed the walls.  They were fearless.  They had picks in their hands and began to break the walls.  There was a lot of noise.  They used their strength and climbed the walls.  The Singhs attacked and came into the fort.  They fired inside and started to kill the Rangars and Gujjars.  The Rangars and Gujjars fired but they couldn’t do anything.  They knew that if the Singhs came in, there was going to be damage.  The Rangars and Gujjars got scared and threw their weapons.  They tied white flags to their sticks and wanted to surrender.  They said: “please let us live!  We don’t ask for anything else.  We were mistaken.  Please forgive us.  We won’t repeat our mistake.  You are gracious.  You are the best warrior.  No one can face you.”  When they asked for merci with humility, Guru ji melted and was filled with pity.  Guru ji told them to throw their weapons and come out with their hands up.  They were given picks and told to destroy their own fort.  Guru ji made them destroy the houses and the buildings of the village.  The whole village was leveled.  The village became a flat land.  It looked like no one ever lived here before.  The revenge was taken for the Sangat.  Kalmot was looted.  The people were beaten.  The tenth Guru was the supreme warrior who was praised in the whole world for looking after the Sangat. 

4-49 Coming back to Anandpur

Kalmot was punished.  It was levelled to the ground.  The people were punished.  From that day on, nobody dared to loot the Sangat.  The Sangat was happy.  They came and went freely.  Nobody even spoke in a high tone with them.  The Gujjars and Rangars were afraid of the Sangat, after seeing what happened to Kalmot.  The Pahari Rajas looked away and sat down in their homes.  They didn’t even talk about Guru ji, out of fear.  They suffered a great loss of money and men during their attacks.  Their weapons, horses and elephants were lost.  The Pahari Rajas also had to pay the Sooba Sirhind for damages.  The items of war were destroyed.  They lost a lot of money.  Many of their relatives died fighting the Khalsa.  Kesri Chand was killed.  Bheem Chand’s wife was mad at him as her brother was killed.  The Turks and Paharis couldn’t sleep in peace.  They were in mourning and upset.  They sat down and became quiet.  They didn’t speak about Guru ji anymore.  When Guru ji destroyed Kalmot, nobody dared to look at Guru ji.  The Rajas did not want to face Guru ji again. 

The Khalsa and Guru ji spent one night in Kalmot.  Prabhoo ji sat there and had a Divaan.  Bhai Daya Singh ji and the other Singhs, stood next to Guru ji.  The Khalsa folded their hands and said to Guru ji: “Guru ji, since we left Anandpur, we have been travelling quite a bit.  You said to the Singhs: “Anandpur is our home.  We will never leave it.”  Please make those words come true.  Let’s go back to Anandpur.  The Pahari Rajas have lost and are tired.  They couldn’t defeat you and went home.  They left the battlefield.  They lost their motivation to fight.  Let’s not go back to Bhambhaur.  Let’s go home.”  Guru ji heard all the Singhs speaking and knew what they wanted.  To give Anand to Anandpur, Guru ji accepted the Khalsa’s request.  The Vaheer was asked to come to Kalmot.

The Vaheer got the message and came to Kalmot.  Everyone was together and spent the night.  The next day, the preparations were made.  The Ranjit Nagara sounded, the horses were sounded, the weapons were strapped.  The Singhs did their Kumerkassas and got ready.  They fastened their swords and shields.  Guru ji was wearing a sword with a golden hilt.  Dal Bidhaar, Guru ji’s horse, was readied.  Guru ji mounted that clever horse.  Guru ji rode off after the Nagara sounded.  The Khalsa followed Guru ji.  Wherever Guru ji went, the Nagara sounded and the people of the villages came to bow to him.  They brought gifts for Guru ji and presented them while Guru ji travelled.  They pleaded to Guru ji: “Guru ji, we are your subjects.  You are our master.  Please protect us.  We are yours.  Guru ji gave them hope and assured them that he will always be with them.  Some people ran away out of fear of Guru ji.  They were sinners and couldn’t face Guru ji.  They would hear the Nagara and run away.  Guru ji could see the villages of sinners.  The Khalsa would loot grass and food from those villages. 

The Vaheer reached Anandpur.  Guru ji got off his horse and went to bow at the place of Guru Tegh Bahadhur Sahib ji, Gurdwara Sis Ganj Sahib, Anandpur Sahib.  Guru ji bowed and did the Parkarma of the place.  Guru ji did the Ardaas and distributed Karah Prashaad there.  Guru ji then went inside his home, Guru Ke Mahal; which was in front of Gurdwara Sis Ganj Sahib.  A celebration took place.  The Singhs went to their homes in Anandpur.  The horses were tied in the stables.  The people of Anandpur who had left, came back home, bringing gifts for Guru ji.  Everyone came and did their Ardaas.  Guru ji blessed them and gave them hope.  Guru ji spoke to everyone and made them happy. 

Guru ji said a command: “the people of the city who left during the war, tell them to come back now.  The merchants that left during the battles, call them back too.  If someone needs a home or a shop, it will be built.  They will be given what they need.”  Many people came back.  Many new people came.  Guru ji settled everyone and wanted Anandpur to grow.  People from other places were called and settled.  They were settled with respect.  Guru ji loved them dearly, who came to live there.  Hundreds came to settle in Anandpur.  Guru ji gave them money and made their homes.  Some wanted a 2-storey home and some wanted 3 floors.  Guru ji had them all made as per their wishes.  The houses and shops were made.  Wells were dug.  Construction workers were working.  Havelis were made with big doors and big stairs.  The roads were made.  Many types of streets were made.  Everyone was happy to live there.  The people came from far away lands.  Bangladesh, Kabul, Gujarat, they came from many places.  Brahmins, who were Khat-karmis and scholars of Vedas came to live there.  They came to live with Guru ji.  They were calm-natured and looking for Mukti.  Kshatriyas came to live with Guru ji, who had faith and devotion for the Guru.  Vaishyas came to set up their businesses and shops.  They started running their businesses.  The economy was being set up.  They brought commodities from other lands.  The merchants and farmers all prospered by Guru ji’s blessings.  Workers came to live there.  Tailors, cobblers, launderers and carpenters came.  All of the castes of the Shudras came.  They worked and earned a lot of money.  Guru ji was very appreciative of skilled workers.  Guru ji paid them well for their work.  The work in Anandpur was great.  Many Sikhs came to see Guru ji, bringing good weapons.  The craftsmen who brought well-made weapons, Guru ji paid them twice as much.  Artists, singers, Raagis, Taadis and poets came.  Guru ji paid them and took care of them.  Guru ji said to the craftsmen: “make beautiful shops.  Make sure the Bazaar is in one, long line.  The people should live here in peace.  The shops should be easily accessible.”  The people obeyed and made the shops.  The houses with big doors and steps could be seen.  It seemed as though Vishwakarma had made everything.  The roads of the markets could be seen.  They were all straight-lined streets.  Men and women were happy in Anandpur. 

Gardens and orchards were planted.  Every type of fruit trees and plants were planted.  Colourful flowers were planted in different lines.  Benches to sit were made.  Trees were planted.  Peaches, pomegranates, bananas, apples, and mangoes, were planted which were really sweet.  Some were small and some were really big.  Grapes were planted in lines.  Trees could be seen everywhere.  Birds of many species sang in the gardens.  The cuckoos and pigeons sang.  Chakvas, and peacocks could be heard.  It didn’t take long for the plants to bloom.  By Prabhoo Guru ji’s blessing, everything ripened with grace. 

Many poets came to Guru ji.  Scholars came.  The poets composed Kabits in praise of Guru ji.  They were given a lot of money.  Guru ji’s praises spread everywhere.  Whoever came to Anandpur, they were happy in every way. 

The Khalsa was always in attention living there.  They did Guru ji’s Seva and enjoyed life.  They became Gyanis by following Gurmat.  They kept the Rehit and recited Gurbani.  Sikhs came and took the Pahul to become Singhs.  They rejected the worldly traditions.  The Divaans would be in session.  Many came to see Guru ji, high and low caste. Many types of gifts were brought.  Many weapons and horses came for Guru ji.  Some brought jewellery and expensive clothes.  People from other lands came.  They came and rested in Anandpur.  Everyone was happy and amazed to see Anandpur.

4-50 Bheem Chand/ Naarad brings Feathers

All of the Pahari Rajas hid in their own capitals.  They had to accept the greatness of the Guru.  Their prides had been shattered by the Guru.  Wherever they were, they sat down quietly.  Bheem Chand thought about sending a messenger to Guru ji to call a truce.  He sent a message, trying to prove himself innocent in a political way: “Satguru ji, I have erred.  Forgive me.  You are Gareeb Nivaaj and forgiving.  Forgive my mistakes.  I fought with you and caused a lot of damage for myself.  I am being insulted and sworn at by my own people for having so many of my men killed.  They taunt me.  I have lost my power and look towards your sanctuary.  I have understood your greatness.  The other Rajas wanted me to fight you.  I was compelled and manipulated to fight you.  It wasn’t all my fault.  I didn’t really want to fight you.  I listened to the other Rajas and fought you.  Now I know your glory.”  In this way, Bheem Chand wrote this letter for Guru ji: “forgive me.”

When Guru ji received the letter, it was read in the Darbar.  Bhai Daya Singh ji spoke: “he seems to be humbled.  He used to be filled with pride and wanted to kick you out of Anandpur.  Now that he lost, he is humbled.  He lost everything.  He lost money, men, horses and his reputation.  He lost his afterlife as well.  He wants to come to your sanctuary for his benefit now.  It looks like he understands now.  If you think it is good to call a truce with him, that would be good.  You aren’t anyone’s enemy.  If he accepts the glory of the Guru’s home, the other Rajas will bow as well.  He has suffered a lot.  They will all come to your feet, regretting their actions.  It is good to meet him, a big enemy is coming to the Guru’s feet.”  Guru ji said to Bhai Daya Singh ji: “he was the first one to attack us.  If he wants to meet, then I won’t disrespect him.  If he doesn’t come, it is bad for him.  They need to leave their enmity and come.  They need to come and bow to the Guru.  My mind is clear.  His should be clear too.  He shouldn’t have fraud in his heart.  He got angry at the Guru’s home.  He came to the battlefield and so we gave him a response.”  Guru ji had a Hukamnama written with words of love.  It was given to the messenger and taken to Bheem Chand.

Bheem Chand read the Hukamnama and felt happy.  He was happy that Guru ji didn’t have any anger.  Bheem Chand sent his minister, Pamma, to Guru ji.  Pamma met Guru ji and called a truce.  After a while, Bheem Chand and his people starting going to Anandpur again.  Sikhs from Anandpur went to Bheem Chand.  They sent each other gifts and letters of friendship.  Bheem Chand sent expensive gifts to Guru ji.  The other Pahari Rajas met with Guru ji and asked for advice.  Some Rajas had love for Guru ji like the Raja of Mandi and Medni Prakash.  Some only showed love as a façade.  There was peace in the Pahari region.  The Rajas got their work done.

Guru ji would go hunting with the army.  He hunted in the jungles.  The Khalsa went as well.  They practised with arrows and bullets.  They practised everyday with Guru ji.  Guru ji had hundreds of soldiers with him.  The Rajas came to meet Guru ji with love.  The Pahari Rajas all considered Guru ji as the most powerful.  If they didn’t, they knew they were going to be destroyed by the Khalsa.  They would get looted if they didn’t come to bow.  They would send expensive clothes and gifts for Guru ji along with fruits and vegetables.  They sent rice and flour for the Langar.  They wanted Guru ji to be happy with them.  They looked for unique gifts and sent them for Guru ji.

Oh listeners of this Katha, recite the true name: “Satnam Sri Vahiguru” in your hearts.  One day, Guru Gobind Singh Sahib ji had a Divaan in session, when Devrishi Naarad ji came to see him.  Devrishi Naarad ji was the first Bhagat.  He was the Guru of Dhroo ji and Prahalad ji.  Naarad ji disguised himself as a Sadhoo.  He brought feathers of the Huma (Anal Panchi) bird.  The Huma bird stayed in the air its entire life.  Its feather was able to take things back to the bird.  Naarad ji presented the feathers and bowed to Guru ji’s feet.  He then sat down.  Naarad ji looked at Guru ji and couldn’t stop looking at him.  He couldn’t get enough of him.  Guru ji had Naarad ji sit next to him with respect.  Guru ji smiled and said: “Rishi ji, why did you go through the trouble of bringing this gift?  Your Darshan itself is very valuable.  Your Darshan is purifying.  You are the Bhagat of Parmeshwar.  You sing “Narayan” constantly.  You bless others by giving your Darshan.  You are benevolent and travel the earth because of that.  You bless Devatas, Rishis and humans.”  Naarad ji responded: “you are the beloved son of Sri Asket, Akaal Purakh.  You came as the Guru to protect the Dharma.  The 3 illnesses are cured by your Darshan.  I came from Swarga to get your Darshan.  I couldn’t come to see you empty-handed.  I brought this gift for you.  I wanted to bring you something unique.  I wanted to make you happy.  I wanted to get you what is not available on earth.  I know you like to use weapons.  You are an expert at Shastervidya.  You like weapons.  You are the best archer, ever.  There is no other like you.  I brought these feathers to be attached to your arrows.  Put them on your arrows.  Shoot these arrows and see how fast they go.  They will fly like birds.  The other Avatars of Prabhoo, I have visited them all.  I visited Ram Chander ji and Sri Krishna ji.  There were very handsome as well.  Now you have the beautiful form in this Yuga.  You are acting like a Human.  You are in fact Parmeshwar.  You came to save humanity.  Visiting you, love sprouts in the heart.  All the types of Yogas are achieved by visiting you.  I can’t fully mention your greatness.  Only you know how great you are.  The enemy sees you and becomes attracted to you.  You wear the sword, quiver and the Kalgi on you Dastaar.  Seeing this form of yours, I am filled with bliss.  Your face is so radiant, seeing it, there is no wish to see anything else.  You started the Panth of warriors.  You taught them how to fight.  You kept them and made them great.  Seeing your Sikhs, I am very happy.  Seeing the wars that they will fight, I am amazed.  The cowards are afraid of the Khalsa.  You are great Guru ji!  The Guru’s throne is great!  There is nothing like it.  You are the greatest of the greats!  You are the form which the Vedas stated as “Nayt, Naty, (beyond comprehension).”  All of the Devatas, Sharda, Shaishnaag, Demons or other powers cannot find your end.  You exist inside your universe that you created.  The Pataals (subterranean realms of the universe) are your feet.  The seas are your stomach; the rivers are your veins.  The sun and moon are your eyes.  Brahm Lok is your head, where only your One form is all-pervading.”  In this way Naarad ji praised Guru ji.  He described Guru ji’s Virat (huge and all-powerful) form.  Guru ji stopped Naarad ji and said: “oh Devrishi, don’t talk about all that.  You are omnipotent and omniscient.  You are the greatest Brahmgyaani.”  They both praised each other in this way.  They were happy to see each other.  Naarad ji bowed to Guru ji and went back to Brahm Lok.  He disappeared as everyone watched. 

The Khalsa was watching.  They were all Brahmgyaanis.  They knew that it was a power that came to visit Guru ji and not a Sadhoo.  The Khalsa asked Guru ji who it was.  Guru ji said: “it was the son of Brahma, Devrishi Naarad.  He is the wisest Devrishi.”  Guru ji picked up the Huma feathers and said to one Singh: “take this to the place where the arrows are made.  Sit there and have them attached to my arrows.  Stay close.  Don’t let anyone take them.  Watch carefully.”  The Singh took the feathers to the Shiklighars and sat next to them as the arrows were made.  The feathers were attached to huge arrows.  The Singh brought the arrows back to Guru ji once they were made.  He bowed and presented the arrows to Guru ji.  Guru ji picked up the arrows and examined them.  The arrows were thicker than his other arrows. 

4-51 Wisdom by the Feathers

The Khalsa stood by Guru Gobind Singh ji.  Guru ji said to them: “spread out.  I will shoot these arrows upwards.  I want you to find them.”  The Singhs spread out and looked upwards.  There were hundreds of Singhs standing and looking towards the skies.  Guru ji faced east and grabbed his 9 Tonka bow.  Guru ji mounted a new arrow with the Huma feather and pulled it.  The Khalsa was watching with care.  Guru ji said: “watch Khalsa ji, this will go up.  Find it when it comes down.”  The arrow was fired.  It went up really fast, making noises as it ripped through the wind and sky.  The Singhs were watching it go up.  The arrow went so high that it could not be seen anymore.  Guru ji fired 4 more arrows after the first.  Guru ji showed everyone before releasing each one.  The arrow would go so fast that it could not be seen.  Everyone one was waiting for the arrows to come down.  The arrows did not return.  3 hours passed as the Singhs waited.  The Sikhs were surprised that the arrows hadn’t come down yet. 

The Singhs came close to Guru ji and said: “Prabhoo ji, we have been looking upwards for your 5 arrows to come back.  We saw them going up but they didn’t come down.  If they had come down, we would have seen them.  We looked far upwards.  We went to search far to see if they fell somewhere else.  When the arrows went, we heard them roar.  When they went far upwards, we couldn’t hear the sound anymore.  We don’t know where they are.”  Prabhoo ji said: “there is no place up in the sky that could have stopped the arrows.  The space is empty above.  Nobody held them and there is no place for the arrows to stay.  Go and look carefully.  You may have missed them.  They are very valuable arrows.  Tell me where they have gone.  The arrows were expensive.”  The Khalsa asked humbly: “we don’t know the answer to this riddle of yours.  You are the creator of the universe.  You created nature.  Nobody understands your ways.  You know everyone’s ways.  You know where the arrows have gone.  Either someone held them or they are stuck.  The Singhs looked upwards and searched the fields nearby.  Hundreds of Singhs were watching.  We saw you release the arrows and didn’t see them after.  We waited for 3 hours but nobody saw them come back.”  Guru ji gave them a slight smile.  Guru ji said: “you are all wise.  Think about it.  Where did the arrows go?  Why didn’t they come back?  Did someone grab them or did they get stuck?  There is no one there to hold them.  They should come back.  Why didn’t you see them come back?”  The Khalsa folded their hands and said: “you are omniscient and omnipotent.  You know each particle of dust.  Please don’t keep us in the dark.  You know where the arrows went.  We don’t know anything.” 

When The Khalsa wanted to know, Sri Guru ji then told them: “I wanted to show you an example.  I will explain it to you.  The feathers belong to the Huma bird.  I released the arrows from my bow but the feathers always go back to the bird it came from.  They live thousands of miles in the sky.  That is where the arrows have gone.  The feathers didn’t let the arrows come down again.  This is a metaphor for you.  Whoever attaches themselves to Gurbani, who reads and listens to it with love, the Gurbani takes that person to the land of the Guru’s heart.  It is the most beautiful place.  It is Sach Khand.  Gurbani takes the person to the immortal land.  A person does not come back from there again.  Gurbani makes the person meet the Satguru.  The person emerges into the great Anand, the great bliss.  The bird is the Guru, the feather (wing) is the Gurbani, the Shabad.  The Sikh’s mind is the arrow.  Birth, death, attachment, hate, joy, and sorrow do not exist in the Guru’s land.  Not even a little bit.  The Guru bird lives there.  The Parmeshwar and Guru are the same.  There is always bliss there.  There is no cause and effect there.  There is no change there.  The Shabad takes the Sikh there; like the Huma feather took the arrow.  Listen to another example.  You will understand the taste of Naam in this example.  Naam is the feather and the “Named One” is the bird.  Parmeshwar is the bird.  The Jagyaso (seeker of Mukti) who attaches to the feather of Naam till, his/her last breath, the feather will take the Jagyaso to the Prabhoo.  The Jagyaso goes to the land of Parmeshwar without delay.  For this reason, recite and memorize Gurbani.  There is no doubt in this.  It is tried, tested and true.  Recite it while walking or sitting.  Recite the Shabads and be at peace.  You won’t come back into this world.  Satguru ji will bless you.  Do the Simran of Satnam.  Don’t let even one breath go to waste.  Connect your mind to the speech of your tongue.  It will give you joy, day and night.  When such a person dies, Parmeshwar comes to protect that person.  They are broken from the bonds of sins and virtues.  Good deeds can also give you another birth.  Sri Kartar cancels them all for you.  He keeps you close to him.  The state that Jogis look for by doing strict Tapasyas and Yogas, they reach that state.  Their focus settles in the Brahm Rundher, Brahm Duaar.  They feel the bliss of their focus.  It is hard to do the deep Yoga of Jogis to get to that state in Kaliyuga.  Only the Naam can save one in Kaliyuga.  The Khalsa should keep the Rehit of the body as well.  The Path that the Guru describes, don’t go against it.  Keep your focus on the Naam and keep the form of the Guru in your heart.  The Guru is the Parbraham Kartar.  The Parmeshwar, master of the universe (Jagadeesh) saves you.  He is the friend of the weak.  Prabhoo is omnipresent.  Prabhoo is everywhere.  The Purakh is not born.  He is the treasure of the virtues.  Akaal Purakh is benevolent and the giver of joy.  Akaal Purakh is without fear and without hate.  Akaal Purakh is without time, without form and with form at the same time.  Prabhoo exists by Prabhoo’s will.  Prabhoo is without fear and is the master of all.  Prabhoo is Madhusudan and the life of all.  Prabhoo is omniscient.  Narayan is the master of humans and the giver of all.  Prabhoo is the destroyer of sinners and the protector of the saints; the Karta Purakh (doer) without end and indestructible.  Prabhoo exists in every time and state.  Prabhoo is the light of all lights.  By Prabhoo’s power, the universe came into existence.  Parmatma is the Aatma, the master of all, Narsingh- the killer of sinners, indestructible.  Prabhoo has no form or colour.  Prabhoo lives in all life forms.  Prabhoo is Purshotam, pure, the destroyer of pain, the most supreme, the giver of peace and bliss; the destroyer of evil, the master of Maya (Padmapat), giver of Mukti, the seed of life, Gobind, Vahiguru, Satguru, destroyer of fools and the destroyer of ego.  Akaal Purakh is Ram, Krishan, Gobind, Murari, Janardan, Shivji (the one who keeps poison in the neck) and the army of snakes.  Parmeshwar destroys sins and has lotus eyes.  Parmeshwar lives in the Dyaan (focus) of the great Jogis.  Parmeshwar is Shyam, beautiful and above praise.  Parmeshwar’s flag, the Kharagket has the Asket (Shakti) sign.  Parmeshwar holds the sword, is the beloved of the Bhagats and the destroyer of the universe.  Parmeshwar is the Mahakaal (the great death) with the scariest form.  Parmeshwar is the supreme king of kings.  Parmeshwar has infinite names.  If I keep naming them, Parmeshwar’s end cannot be reached.  One can only do the Simran.  That person does not fall into the bound of the Jumms.  Whatever Akaal Purakh does, accept the will.  Stay in Akaal Purakh’s will.  Let go of your pride.  Stop seeing your real self as your body.  Live in the will of the Prabhoo.  Stay happy.  There are 3 ways of Mukti which Guru Nanak Dev ji has described: accept the will, let go of your ego and focus your attention on the Simran of Satnam.  This will take you to the “Parampadh,” the ultimate status.  Those who are blessed walk this path.  Practise the Shastervidya everyday.  Destroy the sinners.  The Satguru will bless you.  You will enjoy the pleasures of the world and receive Mukti.  They are fortunate beings who walk this path.  Just as Arjan was told in the Geeta: “do the Karma and let go of your wish to attain the fruit.  Follow your Dharma of holding weapons.  See yourself as the witness, not the doer.”  I give the same sermon to the Khalsa: do the Simran of Satnam all the time.  Fight the battle of Dharma.  You will be happy in every world if you let go of the dirt of your mind.  Make your mind pure.  This is the path that saints and Bhagats walked on.  This knowledge and experience of Jogis, saints and warriors from thousands of years, has been given to the Khalsa by the Satguru.  The fortunate ones will receive this knowledge.”

Kavi Santokh Singh ji says: “this is the Katha of the Guru.  I have written it to the best of my wisdom.  Whatever the Guru makes me write, I write.  The 4^th Rut has now been completed.  I have taken the cream out of the ghee.  I focus on the feet of all Ten Gurus.  All of my troubles have gone away.  The Guru fulfilled my wish.  There was no obstacle from the sinners.”

Thus ends the 4^th Rut.