5-31 Drinking Milk from a Mother

Satguru ji mounted his horse and set off, alone.  He came to a village named “Aavalkheri.”  He got off his horse there to rest.  An old lady saw him and recognized Guru ji.  With faith, she bowed to Satguru ji’s feet.  She held the reins of Guru ji’s horse.  She spent 3 hours there.  The other Singhs came looking for Guru ji there, on their horses.  The servants and the army came.  The old lady folded her hands and said: “Prabhoo ji, please have some food.  I can make something without delay.  You can eat here and then go on with your travels.”  Satguru ji saw her faith and said: “whatever you have, bring it.”  The old mother went home right away.  She picked up a heavy pot of milk.  She brought sweets along with the milk and placed it in front of Guru ji.  There were curds in the milk.  The milk was sweet.  She fanned the milk to cool it.  She gave a pot of milk to Guru ji.  Guru ji drank as much as he wanted to and put the rest back into the pot.  The Khalsa took the rest of the milk.  The Singhs said to Guru ji: “this mother has a lot of faith.  She did a lot of Seva by bringing milk for everyone.”  Guru ji smiled and said: “Uday Singh, listen to her story: she will leave her body in a few days.  She will be born in the home of Jatts.  She is fortunate.  A Sidh person will be born to her.  He will be known as “Jaman Jatti,” who will be a celibate Jatti from birth.  Many will follow him.  His words will have power.  He will be powerful.”  Bhai Uday Singh ji heard this and was amazed.  He spoke with love: “Sri Prabhoo ji, you know the past, present and future.  It’s like an amla (gooseberry) on the palm for you.  You see everything right before your eyes.  Tell me about me.  Where will I be born next?”  Hearing his beloved servant’s request, Guru ji said: “you will be the Sardar of the Panth Khalsa.  You will be the leader of the Panth 4 times.  You will rule as a great king.  You will be born the 5^th time when the “Maun Garki” (the English) come.  That will be your last birth.  This is what the Kartaar wishes.  The Khalsa will have the great kingdom.”  After saying this, Satguru ji left on his horse.

Guru ji came back to the Dhera and then left from Kurukshetra.  He then came to Chamkaur.  He got off the horse and had the Dhera set up.  The Vaheer followed behind and slowly arrived.  The horses were all tied up and given grains as feed.  The Sangat ate Langar and went to sleep at night.  Everyone woke up at Amritvela to take a bath.  The Singhs recited Gurbani.  Bhai Sudhoo ji and Bhai Mudhoo ji sang the Asa Vaar.  They did Keertan in beautiful Raags.  Prabhoo ji bathed and sat in Samadhi.  He then put his clothes and weapons on.  When the sun came up, Satguru ji set up and sat in his Dhera.  The Khalsa all came and bowed to Guru ji.  The Divaan was held.  Whoever found out in the nearby villages, they all came eagerly for Guru ji’s Darshan.  They brought milk, yoghurt and other gifts.  They offered the gifts.  The Sangat of the west came as they heard of Satguru ji’s whereabouts. 

After 1 night at Chamkaur, the Sangat of the West came.  The Sikhs were filled with love.  They came from Balak, Bukhara, Kandahar, Ghazni, Kabul, Jalalabad, and Peshawar.  They all gathered and came together as a group.  They came for Guru ji’s Darshan.  They came to Chamkaur.  Satguru ji sat in the Divaan.  The Sangat came with a lot of gifts.  They presented the gifts and bowed to his feet.  They sat in front of Guru ji and did his Darshan.  The leader Sikhs of the west folded their hands and said: “Prabhoo ji you blessed us with your Darshan.  We came for your blessings.”  Sri Guru ji said: “stop!  Will give you money and then get you killed.”  The Sikhs heard this and got scared.  They remained quiet.  They wondered what Guru ji said.  They thought about this and said: “please give us the command of businesses and the happiness of life.  Please bless the Sangat.  We came for the love of your Darshan.  Please fulfill our wishes.  Your Darshan is a success.”  Sri Guru ji heard this and said:

Chant..

The cloud rains with happiness but the field does not accept the water.  The Chatrik stays quiet, how can the clouds rain the Swanti drop?

The sandalwood is ready to give (its fragrance), the forest needs to be ready for it (the bamboo keeps growing tall with its ego and doesn’t accept the fragrance).  The Ganga is ready to wash the sins away; what if the person is not ready to bathe?

What can the Guru do if the Sikha are stuck (in wealth and attachment)?  The child is given sweets but the child asks for sand. 

The pot and rope are in the master’s hands, would the well not give?  What can the parents do if the child keeps secrets?

What can the grouter do if the wall is made of sand?  You can set up a bank on the water if the material is there.

What use is giving the wealth if the donkey will lie in the sand?  The fire will remain hot if you keep fanning it.

The Sikhs are stuck in business (success) along with their families.  What can the carpenter do if there is no wood in the field?

How can you drink water if you don’t go to the shore and make a cup with your hand?  What food are going to cook if there’s no fire in the home?

Without time, wisdom does not come, there’s no use being stubborn.  The mind is the potter’s wheel that makes the efforts of pots (of Karma).

To say by the mouth is to copy, the mind is aware.  The Sangat asked but when the Guru gave, you lowered your bag.

The slap of Karma hit you in the face when the Guru was going to give you.  I am sacrifice, over and over again, unto those who kill their minds (and remembers death)..1..

(Sri Sooraj Prakash Granth)

“You didn’t think about what I said to you.  I said this for your well-being.  I told you to “stop.”  I wanted you to “stop” your mind.  You didn’t think about this in your heart.  I told you that I would “give you wealth.”  I meant the “wealth of Mukti.”  You didn’t understand that either.  I said I will “have you killed.”  I was going to “kill your cycle of birth and death.”  All you wanted was business and a happy family life.  You still have some Karma left.  I was going to save you but your Karma slapped you in the face.  Don’t worry though.  I will save you without delay.  Stay connected to the Shabad.  Concentrate on Gurbani.  I gave you the virtue of Hari’s Keertan.  This will save you.  Your faith on the Guru will save you.  Stay alert.  I command you.  I won’t go further than the Sutlej.  I will stay in Anandpur.  I won’t go to Sri Amritsar.  I will stay on this side. 

Chant.

The Sikhs will bathe in the city of Sri Ramdas.  For 6 Jozens, the city of the Guru will spread and I will come with the Khalsa.  I will sit under the canopy and throne; the Sikhs will do the Darshan.  1,000,000 Sikhs will come with me along with horses and elephants.  The Sikhs will have fields of wealth.  They will loot the sinners.  I will meet the Sangat and join them.  I won’t turn anyone away.  Uday Singh will come first and be victorious.  He will accept the will on his head (and give Shaheedi).  He will win his life.
(Sri Sooraj Prakash Granth)

Sri Satguru ji said these words and the Sikhs regretted what they asked for.  They knew then that they should never turn away the Guru’s words.  The one who accepts the Guru’s word with faith, they are in joy.  It is good to listen to the Guru.  To not listen to the Guru is a very bad thing.  The Khalsa heard Guru ji’s words.  The gift of the Prabhoo cannot be known. 

Sri Guru ji stayed in Chamkaur for a while.  A lot of Sangat stayed there.  When the news came to Anandpur, the army of the Singhs came.  The other Sikhs and items of need came to Chamkaur.  Whatever was needed, was called for.  A huge Dhera was set up in Chamkaur.  The Paharis had sent their spies there.  They had hatred for Guru ji in their minds.  They wanted a Turk general to fight a battle with Guru ji.  They kept waiting for this.  They wanted to have some Umraav fight with Guru ji.

5-32 Saida Beg Comes to Seek Shelter

Two Umraavs of Lahore were on their way to Delhi (with a great army).  When Bheem Chand heard of this, he saw this as a good opportunity.  Bhoop Chand Handooria and other Rajas, Bheem Chand said to them: “what we were waiting for, from a long time, the opportunity has come.  Make the Turks fight instead of us.  Let’s give the Umraavs a lot of money.  The Satguru is not in Anandpur right now.  He has no fort.  He has only a few Singhs with him and not many weapons.  We will stay here.  Let’s have the Guru stopped there.  It should be a surprise attack.  Who would face the Turks?  They will loot the Satguru’s Dhera.  The Guru and his people won’t survive.  He will either be killed or run away.  We would accomplish our task this way.  The Kalgidhar won’t cause anymore damage.  Our lands will be fearless then.”  Thinking of all this, they all wrote letters and sent messengers to the Umraavs.

The messengers of the Pahari Rajas met the Umraavs.  They gave the message: “the Guru is with little army.  We will give you thousands for each camp.  Complete our task for us.  The Guru is in conflict with the Emperor.  He would be happy hearing this.  Don’t go towards Ludhiana.  Cross the Sutlej and Chamkaur is on the other side.  There is no fort, Attari or hill where the Guru is right now.  His Dhera is in the plain land.  You can surround him in a surprise attack.”  One of the Umraavs was named Saida Beg.  The other was Alaf Khan.  Both became greedy for money.  They altered their route and headed towards Chamkaur.

They crossed the Sutlej.  The Khalsa heard their Nagaras.  In that time, a spy came to Guru ji.  He folded his hands and said: “Prabhoo, why are you sitting here in the Dhera, without a worry?  10,000 mounted soldiers are heading this way.  Two Umraavs are coming here in anger to attack and arrest you.  They have been motivated by the Pahari Rajas.  Prabhoo ji, it’s time to stand guard.  I am your Sikh but work with the royal guard.  I came to you as soon as I heard this news.  I have given you the news.”  Kalgidhar ji heard this and commanded: “play the Ranjit Nagara!  Saddle the horses.  Take your rifles, swords and shields!  Get ready to stop the enemy!”  The Singhs were filled with Bir Rass.

The two armies saw each other.  Their eyes met.  One of the Umraavs had 5,000 soldiers, Saida Beg.  He saw Guru Gobind Singh ji with his eyes from far away.  As soon as he saw Guru ji, his mind became calm.  He was hit with wisdom.  His good Karma came to fruition.  He felt like he woke up from a long slumber.  Love came into his heart.  The army that was with him, he discussed with them and defected.  The army that was faithful to the Emperor, Saida Beg and his regiment left them.  He separated his own army from the rest of the army.  He took his 5,000 men and had the Nagara played.  He attacked the army of Alaf Khan.  The two armies fought each other.  A fierce battle raged.  Half of the army was with the Guru; half was against.  The rifles fired from both sides.  The Singhs fought as well.  The Turks fired.  The bullets hit the soldiers.  They fell but did not back away.  The fight raged on from both sides.  Guru ji looked upon the battle.  Guru ji did not release any arrows.  The Khalsa fought, standing planted.  After a while, Saida Beg wanted to meet Guru ji.  He left the Turks and met with the Khalsa.  He said: “just as you are the Sikhs of the Guru, I am his servant as well.  I will meet him after winning the battle.”  He fought on the side of the Singhs.  He came to the front of the Singhs and fought the Turks.  He killed many Turks.  Alaf Khan saw this surprising thing and thought: “my companion left me.  How can we win?”  Alaf Khan retreated his army.  The Khalsa kept killing his army along with Saida Beg.  They made Alaf Khan run for about 10 miles.  They shouted Jaikaras of victory and came back.  Many Turks were killed.

Where Kalgidhar ji was standing, the Khalsa came there.  Saida Beg came there as well.  He got off his horse and bowed to Guru ji’s feet.  Prabhoo ji said: “may your age be great.  It’s good you met us.  You came as an enemy but fought as a friend.  It’s a surprising meeting.  Saida Beg, understand this: in your last birth you were a Pathaan in Kandahar.  You met Sri Guru Nanak Dev ji and did his Seva in a great way.  I said to you at that time (as Guru Nanak Dev ji): “I will call you with love when the time comes.”  You wanted me to see your sword and I said: “I will see it when I need to see it.  I will test it then.”  I met you with the Shabad.  I then said to you: “the skill to fire a rifle is a miracle.  The one who slips, slips from heaven.”  When Guru ji said this, Saida Beg remembered everything.  Recalling his last birth, he bowed to Guru ji’s feet again, laying like a stick on the ground.  He said: “keep me and protect me oh great Peer.  I had your Darshan and heard your words.  I remember everything now.  I have just received many powers.  Peer ji, keep me with you.  Take care of me, in every world.  Whatever you told me, those words are true.  I had forgotten them.  I remember everything clearly now.”  Prabhoo ji gave him hope and kept him with him.  He got Guru ji’s Darshan everyday.  He was really happy.  The Dheras he had looted, he let go of everything.  He stayed like a Fakir.  He wanted the bliss of Parlok. 

As all of the Turks went far, Guru ji came back to his Dhera.  They ate food and gave feed to the horses.  They were in the same place in Chamkaur.  In the morning, Guru ji got ready to leave.  He called Saida Beg and gave him weapons from his treasury.  Guru ji mounted his horse along with Saida Beg.  They met the Singhs and headed towards Anandpur.  The whole Panth arrived.  The Nagaras were sounded.  The people of Anandpur heard the Nagaras.  They were happy to hear of Guru ji’s arrival.  The 4 Sahibzadas all came out to welcome Guru ji along with the Singhs.  Many people came and stood in respect.  They brought flowers and fruits for Guru ji.  They did his Darshan and bowed to his feet.  Guru ji asked how everyone was as he came.  Whoever did his Darshan, they brought many gifts for Guru ji.  They touched Guru ji’s feet.  They all met and were happy to see Guru ji.  The people of the streets showered flowers as Guru ji rode on his horse.  Everyone bowed as he rode by.  He got off his horse and went to his home.  He bowed to Mata Gujri ji.  She put her hand on Guru ji’s head and gave him her blessings.  She was in bliss to see her son.  Guru ji then went to the place of the Divaan.  A nice bed was laid out.  Guru ji stayed there for many days.  The Sangat from far away lands came.  They did Guru ji’s Darshan and had their wishes fulfilled.  Many people stayed there and did Guru ji’s Darshan.

5-33 A Pathaan takes the woman of a Brahmin

Everyone heard of the state of the Pahari Rajas from Saida Beg: “our army was given money to come and attack Guru ji.”  Bhai Udai Singh ji, Bhai Aalam Singh ji and the other Singhs heard this and were surprised.  They were shocked at how foolish and corrupt the Paharis were.  They deceitfully conspired to send an army to attack. 

One day, Satguru ji was sitting in his court and the Khalsa all came.  Bhai Daya Singh ji, Bhai Mokham Singh ji the patient, Bhai Dharam Singh ji, Bhai Himmat Singh ji the brave, Bhai Ishar Singh ji, Bhai Tek Singh ji; all came to have Guru ji’s Darshan.  All of the Singhs came.  Bhai Aalam Singh ji said: “Prabhoo ji, the intentions of the Pahari Rajas have become quite evident and obvious.  On the surface, they put on a façade of wanting to meet in a friendly way.  From the insides, they harbour deceit.  They dropped an army of Turks for a surprise attack out of nowhere.  Saida Beg revealed the whole situation.  They wanted to arrest you and did this corrupt act.  Your glory and radiance are great.  The Paharis are fools and can’t touch your shadow.  They gave money to the Turks to attack.  They are making these schemes up, day and night, to cause damage to you.”  Bhai Udai Singh ji heard this and said: “their hatred is up till their heads.  Satguru ji, you forgive them but these fools come up with new schemes everyday.  They have nothing to take or give with us.  These fools still have enmity for no reason.”  Sri Kalgidhar ji heard this and said: “the time will come when the Khalsa will take revenge.  There’s a lot of battles to be fought with them.  When the Khalsa enters their Doon, their roots will be uprooted and the Khalsa will rule.  The Khalsa will let them sleep in peace.  Go to their fields and pick up the royal tax portion of their crops.  The Kharagket is supporting us all the time.  Who can kill or arrest us?  We first met them and they came to us for a truce.  They then showed their deceptive ways to us again, these fools.  Their minds have hatred.  The Khalsa will take revenge.  Their kingdom and radiance will diminish on a daily basis.”  As Sri Guru ji commanded this, the Panth was happy to hear this.  The Sikhs thought: “these Paharis are not eager to learn wisdom.  They are not deserving.  We can’t level with them.  These fools will only learn when they get beaten.”  Night came.

The next morning, the Nagaras sounded and the Singhs saddled their horses.  They tied their Kumerkassas and picked up their rifles.  They rode off for a hunting expedition.  They went far into the mountain doons.  They hunted far.  The Paharis heard the Nagaras and began scrambling to save themselves.  Most of them came out with gifts without saying anything.  The ones that requested for forgiveness and gave gifts, the Khalsa let them go.  They didn’t hit or loot them.  They were allowed to keep their crops.  The ones who didn’t come forward to meet the Singhs, who were proud of the their Rajas, they were beaten by the hands of the Khalsa.  Their crops were taken.  Their homes were looted and their villages were ruined.  Their prides were destroyed.  They would go to the Rajas to complain.  They would make humble requests.  The Pahari Rajas would hear this and get angry.  They were afraid as they didn’t have the courage to fight Guru ji again.  They had already lost many good soldiers like Kesri Chand and others.  Satguru ji was not satiated from battle yet, though.  A lot of Turks came and Guru ji killed thousands.  He was not tired of fighting.  The fight with the Singhs did not finish.

After about 2 months, the Singhs hunted everyday.  They ruined the areas of the Paharis.  The ones who came to the shelter of the Khalsa, they protected them and didn’t take anything from them.  The Singhs assigned their own people to collect the taxes of crops from the people.  The public around the area started to give their taxes to the Khalsa instead of the Pahari Rajas.  They were happier and better off with this arrangement.  They became more prosperous.  Guru ji’s glory grew by the day.  The nearby villages paid allegiances to Guru ji.  Nobody could harm those people now.  Nobody looted them.  Robbers and cheaters were caught.  The bandits along the roads were beaten up by the Singhs.  They were scared of the Singhs.  Nobody could look upon the young girls of the villages.  If anyone committed a crime, they were arrested and put in the jail of the Singhs.  Their trial happened in the court of Guru ji.  The Rajas were upset at the growing rule of Guru ji.  The radiance of the Guru Khalsa grew by the day.

One day, Sri Satguru Bhagvan ji was sitting on a high Takhat in the Divaan.  The Chaurs were waived over his head.  Thousands came to do Guru ji’s Darshan.  Keertan was happening.  An upset Brahmin came and yelled out while crying: “oh Prabhoo, you are the flag of the Hind Dharam!  You are compassionate towards the poor.  I lost hope from all sides and have come to your door.  I have been done wrong.  A corrupt Pathaan gave me pain.  He is egotistical.”  When Guru ji heard this, he said to Bhai Aalam Singh ji: “find out who is crying?  Who is asking for justice?  Who beat him up?”  The Chobdhaar went to ask the Brahmin what happened.  The Brahmin told the Chobdhaar everything: “in Hoshiarpur, there is a village called Bassi.  There is a foolish Pathaan that lives there.  I went to get the Muklava of my wife.  As I was bringing my bride home, who is very beautiful, Jabbar Khan saw my wife and kidnapped her.  He took her home and we all shouted at his door.  He had his men beat me up.  I went to many officials and doors for help but it was to no avail.  I gave money to the Turks but nobody listened to my request.  I made many efforts going to Qazis and police.  Nobody gave my justice.  Seeing you as the head of the Hindus, the Guru of the Hindus, I come to your shelter with great pain.”  Hearing this, the Chobdhaar told Guru ji.  Guru ji called the Brahmin close.  The Pandit folded his hands and told Guru Bhagvaan ji everything of how his wife was kidnapped: “Sri Prabhoo ji, how can I get my wife back?  I will otherwise burn myself alive at your door.  There is no life or Dharma left for me now.  Nobody other than you can help me now.”  Kalgidhar ji gave the Brahmin hope: “don’t burn yourself.  Don’t worry.  We will make an effort to bring your wife back.  We will do what it takes.”  Guru ji called his elder son. 

Baba Ajit Singh ji heard the command and came.  He was young and strong.  It was like Arjan’s son Abhimanyu.  He had his sword and shield strapped to his body.  He was Mata Sundri ji’s son.  He gave joy to the whole family.  He was the beloved of all the Singhs and the destroyer of enemies.  His eyes were big and wide like the lotus petals.  His body was like his father’s.  He had Guru ji’s personality.  He came to the Divaan.  It was like stars looking at the sun and the moon.  Guru ji was like the sun, Baba Ajit Singh ji was like the moon.  He bowed to Guru Pitha ji’s feet.  He sat down with respect.  The whole court bowed to Baba Ajit Singh ji.  Baba Ajit Singh ji returned his greeting.  Guru ji saw his son and said: “take the Singhs and set off on a mission.  Saddle a strong horse and take the Khappra arrows.  This Brahmin is upset.  A foolish Pathaan kidnapped his wife.  The Brahmins has come with humility.  The Pathaan lives in Bassi village.  He commits crimes and laughs at the people.  Go and get the Brahmin’s wife.  Tie up the Pathaan and bring him here.  Surround his home.  Don’t let him figure out what happened.  Go and come back quick.  Bring the lady and the Pathaan.”  Baba Ajit Singh ji heard the command and bowed.  He got ready and set off with 100 Singhs.  He took his rifle and bow.  He crossed the Sutlej at early evening.  He had taken the Brahmin along with him.  They gathered many people from the villages along the way.

5-34 Bringing back the Brahmin’s Wife/ The Donations from Guru ji’s Head

The horses were ridden quickly to the place where Bassi was.  Many Pathaans lived there.  The Brahmin showed the Singhs which was the home.  The Turks were sleeping.  The Singhs surrounded the homes.  The Khans of the village were surprised to see the army of the Singhs.  Many hid and many asked of what happened.  Some saw a chance and run.  They said: “we did nothing wrong.  Catch and kill the guilty one.  We don’t care.”  None of the Pathaans picked up any weapons.  The Pathaan who had kidnapped the Brahmin’s wife was arrested.  The Brahmin’s wife was boarded on a horse.  The Singhs told everyone of what the Pathaan was guilty for.  Only the two were taken.  Everyone was left alone.  They rode towards Anandpur on the same path they came from. 

As the sun was about to come up, Anandpur had arrived.  Satguru ji came into his court.  By then, everyone arrived.  Sahibzada Baba Ajit Singh ji came and said his “Vahiguru ji ki Fateh” to all.  Everyone was happy to see Baba ji’s mission a success.  The Pathaan and the Brahmini were seated next to Guru ji.  Baba Ajit Singh ji went home to rest.  The Brahmin’s wife was given to the Brahmin to take home.  The Brahmin gave many well wishes and blessings as he went home.  The Turk Pathaan was buried into the ground, waist down.  He was executed with arrows.  Till today, the Khalsa slaps their shoes on that place while visiting Anandpur on Holla Mohalla.  It is the place of Jabbar Khan.  When everyone heard about this, they knew not to kidnap anyone or steal from anyone.  Sri Satguru ji’s praises spread everywhere.  It was pure like the moonlight, spreading everywhere.  Guru ji’s praises were talked about in every home.  It was like the Malti and the Rai Bel blooming.  Everyone praised Guru ji.  They all said: “Dhan Dhan Prabhoo Dhan!” 

One day, Guru ji wanted to go hunting.  The servant who served Guru ji’s horses, Guru ji said to him: “the horse that Kapoora Jatt had sent, the one that is tied next to Dal Badaar; ghee and sugar is given to him.  It has been raised well.  Saddle that horse up and decorate it.  Bring him to me.  Put jewellery on its ears and neck.  Put gold jewellery on it and make it ready.”  The servant obeyed and prepared the horse.  The golden jewellery was put on the horse.  A Kalgi was put on the horse’s head.  Necklaces and bells were put around its neck.  The mat was placed with a red cloth on top on its back.  An expensive cloth was put and then tied with silk ropes.  The reins were tightened.  The stirrups were thick.  The bit was put into the horse’s mouth.  It was brought to where Prabhoo ji was sitting.  The horse was beautiful.  Guru ji saw it.  The horse was taken care of well.  It was strong and had never been ridden before.  The Compassionate One came close.  He bowed to the horse and put his foot into the stirrup.  He grabbed the hair of the horse and jumped to get on top.  The horse was strong.  It jumped.  Guru ji couldn’t get to the saddle.  Guru ji came back to the ground.  His right shoulder was whiplashed.  Guru ji pulled again and got on top of the saddle, quickly.  He felt some pain in his right shoulder.  He tied a white parna on his shoulder.  He rode the horse on a slow trot.  As the horse warmed up, Guru ji made it run.  He made the horse jump and dance, as he got familiar with it. 

When Guru ji came back home, he came to meet Mataji.  He got off the horse and sat next to Mata Gujri ji.  When Mata Gujri ji saw her son, she was filled with love.  She looked at his face and then saw the white parna tied to his right shoulder.  She was surprised and said: “what happened here?  You tied a parna on it.  Are you alright?  What is the reason for this?”  Guru ji heard his mother and said: “when I was going to mount a new horse, the horse jumped up and my arm got whipped.  My arm was pulled and my shoulder began to hurt.”  Mata ji was in doubt.  She called for some items by telling the servants.  She called for oil and 7 types of grains.  She called for iron, sesame seeds and gold.  She touched the items to Guru ji’s body and gave it to the Brahmins.  She did this to remove the evil eye from Guru ji’s head.  The items were then known as “Sir da Sadhka.” The Brahmins were happy to take the donations.

As the Brahmins came out, the Singhs who were on guard at the main gate asked the Brahmins: “what are you taking?”  The Brahmin said: “this is the Sir da Sadhka of Satguru ji’s head.  Mata Gujri ji gave this to us.  We are going home now with these donations.”  When the Singhs heard this, they all discussed amongst themselves: “this should belong to us.  We are the Sikhs of the Guru.  Everything of the Guru belongs to us.  We gave him our heads.  He gave his head to us.”  They took the donations from the Brahmins by force.  The Brahmins shouted but the Singhs did not give the donations back.

The Brahmins came back to Mata ji and said: “the Singhs took the Sir da Sadhka.”  Mata ji heard this and got angry.  She yelled out loud: “what type of Singhs do you have on the guard?  They loot donations.  They want to take it.  They want to stop the Brahmins and others from coming.  They fight with everyone.  They don’t listen to anyone.  They don’t know right from wrong.”  Hearing the loud words of his mother, Sri Satguru ji said: “Mata ji why are you upset?  Nobody disobeys your command.”  Mata ji told Guru ji: “the Sir da Sadhka from your head that I gave to the Brahmins, they were looted by the Singhs.  They have no fear of anyone.”  Sri Satguru ji heard this and called the Brahmins to him.  To ask them, he made the Brahmins set next to him.  He said: “Brahmin ji, tell me what the Singhs did.  What did they do and say?”  The Brahmins said: “Maharaj, we took the Sir da Sadhka and were going to leave.  When we came to the main gate, the Singhs asked us what we had.  We said it was the Sir da Sadhka over the head of Satguru ji.  The Singhs then took the donations from us.  They said: “this belongs to us!  We won’t let anyone else have this.”  They took everything from us and kept it.”  Guru ji understood what happened.  He said to his mother: “whatever is left, give that to the Brahmins and send them off.”  Guru ji said to the Brahmins: “if the Singhs ask you what you have, tell them that you have donations of efforts.”  The Pandits were given more donations.  Guru ji said: “the Singhs are right, Mata ji.  My head is theirs and their heads are mine.”  The donations were tied and given to the Brahmins.

When the Brahmins came to the door, the Singhs asked: “what do you have?”  The Brahmins said: “we have the donations of efforts.”  The Singhs said: “go ahead Pandit ji.  Very good you got donations.”  The donations that the Singhs previously took, that was taken back to the Langar.  The gold and other materials were sold.  Flour and sugar were bought with that.  Prashaad was made from that and given to the Khalsa.  It was given to all of the Dheras of the Singhs.  The saints and Sangat were happy to have the Prashaad.  They said: “the Khalsa was right.  What is off of Guru ji’s head, the Sir da Sadhka, that is ours.  Whatever has been done Ardaas over, the Khalsa is its rightful owner.  The Jogis got tired looking for this.  The Devatas and Daynts could never achieve this.  That same form came to save the world in the home of the Bedis.  His 10^th Avatar, the Sir da Sadhka over his head, this is that Prashaad.  This gives joy.  Nobody else has the right to take this other than the Khalsa.”  Everyone thought about this and were happy.  Many days passed like this. 

5-35 The Rajas Get Ready for War with Guru ji

Many days passed and Bheem Chand was in pain from jealousy.  He sent his messengers to the other Pahari Rajas to tell them how much pain he was in: “Sri Guru Gobind Singh ji is growing by the day and wants a war.  He has made a Panth that carries weapons.  They are ready to kill or be killed.  They always talk about fighting.  They have fought battles with us before.  Thousands of our men have been killed.  The army of Delhi came many times.  They weren’t able to do anything to the Guru.  They couldn’t arrest him or kill him.  This was too far-fetched; we couldn’t even make him run away.  He had the will to win and stood his ground.”  Bheem Chand called the Rajas to him.

The Rajas got ready to go.  The friends and enemies of Bheem Chand, the Paharis, came to one side.  Bheem Chand Kahiloori, Bhoop Chand Handooria, Chambeli and Fatehpur Vizeer Singh, Raja Dev Sharan of Naan and others came with their armies.  The Paharis all came, following one another.  They justified it by saying: “we Paharis are brothers!  In loss or gain, we all stand together.”  With this thought, they all unified.  They were all welcomed with respect at Bheem Chand’s place.  They ate and spent the night.  They all slept in peace.  They woke up in the morning, bathed and got ready.  The small and big all gathered in one court.  The court was in session.  The Raja, Ranas and Meeyas; the wise ministers all sat together.  They all greeted each other: “Jai Deva!”  The greatest Pahari Raja, Bheem Chand spoke: “listen all Pahari Rajas: why don’t you think of the future?  Think about the great enemy on top of us.  He is growing like the moon from the Dooj.  He has grown so much, right in front of our eyes.  He has armies, weapons and now collects taxes from the public.  He openly claims to wanting to take over the land.  They are ready to die or kill.  They are fearless.  We are all equal.  Today it’s me he loots, tomorrow it will be you.  Guru Gobind Singh ji is really strong.  His arms are really strong.  He does not fear the Badshah.  He ruins my land and takes my villages.  He loots the villages.  We have fought him many times.  My best generals have been killed by him.  Kesri Chand and other great warriors were killed.  We can’t compare to him.  We tried fighting him many times.  If we keep sitting here in fear, he will take the rule and land from us.  The army of Singhs comes everyday.  They loot and beat the people up.  They ruin the land.  They fire bullets everyday.  They kill or get killed.  They yell their Fatehs.  The Shah heard us once and sent an army.  They fought and lost.  What will we say to the Shah now?  We will look weak now in front of the Badshah.  If we keep complaining over and over again, the Badshah will get angry and annoyed.  If 100 of the Guru’s Singhs die, thousands more come and keep their hair.  We can’t find a solution for them nor can we defeat them.  They don’t care about gain or loss.  Listen Pahari Rajas, find a solution for this.  It will get bad otherwise.”  Ghamand Chand heard this and said: “what have you thought of?  Without fighting, there is no other way.  If we meet him, he will still take the lands.  We shouldn’t go to the Badshah.  We should gather our armies and fight.  If we are lazy for battle, then we shouldn’t wish to rule kingdoms.  The enemy is never tamed without force.  The radiance is supported upon strength.  Nobody listens to anyone who does not have strength.  If the public is upset, they will not respect us.  If someone is high or low, giving punishment solves the problem.”  Hearing Ghamand Chand, Bhoop Chand spoke: “what you have said is right.  We can’t accept defeat.  Many warriors have died in battle.  Remembering them, if we feel scared, this is not good for Rajas.  We need to make an effort.  That is the best thing.  The Guru has few Singhs now.  We can defeat them.  Let’s take an army and fight.  He won’t come in our area then.  The tax collection by him needs to stop.  If he doesn’t stop, we need to fight.”  The Rajas made decisions.  They all decided to fight.  They prepared their people.  The rifles were filled with gunpowder and bullets.  They sent a letter to Guru ji: “Guru ji, we avoided a battle till now.  Your Singhs come everyday to loot, beat and kill our people.  You won’t stop.  We have seen that.  We are tired now.  Now the metal will clash.  You should otherwise stop coming into our area.  Stay in your Dhera with joy.” 

The Paharis sent the letter to Guru ji.  When the letter came, Sri Kalgidhar ji had it read out loud: “all of the Rajas have united.  They gave a lot of money and gathered a huge army.  We wish to fight with you.”  The Lover of Battles, Guru ji, heard this and had an answer written to the Pahari Rajas: “when we wish to hunt, we will go as we please.  If a foolish person in your area stops the Singhs, only then will they fight.  They travel in the Doon and you can’t tolerate to seeing them.  You are jealous.  You wish to fight for no reason.  We are not afraid to fight.  We won’t sit at home, fearing you.  The Khalsa is ready to fight.  We will kill or be killed on the battlefield.  If you attack, we are ready.  Let’s see how the warriors will fight.”  Guru ji’s letter came to the Pahari Rajas.

The Rajas read the letter and then got ready to move their armies.  They said: “the fight won’t stop now.”  The Rajas sounded their Nagaras.  The horses were saddled.  The army was counted and checked.  There were 10,000 men.  They marched upon Anandpur.  They had their weapons with them: spears, arrows, rifles, swords, shields, bows and Jamdaras.  They set up camp.  The regiments took care of their camps. 

Guru ji found out about this.  The Singhs said: “the Pahari Rajas have marched upon Anandpur.  They are close by.  They have rifles, spears, bows and rifles.”  Satguru ji heard this and made preparations.  Bullets and gunpowder were given.  The Singhs took them with eagerness.  They said: “we will kill the enemy!”  The Ranjit Nagara was sounded.  The army was ready.  The Khalsa put on their swords and tied their shields.  Their daily task was to fight.  They were in attention and ready to fight.  Sri Guru Gobind Singh ji mounted his horse to lead the army.  It was like a lion getting on top of a carefree lion; like Krishna marching upon Jarasandh.  The Khalsa was like the Yadav army.  The Singhs said: “Prabhoo ji, listen: let’s go on ahead and fight so the enemy doesn’t reach Anandpur.  Let’s go on ahead and start the battle.”  The Singhs left Anandpur far and came close to the Rajas.  They were ready to fight.  They were ready to fight with joy.