Upload
others
View
4
Download
0
Embed Size (px)
Citation preview
............" a ...
II 'ICONTENTS
ForwardReflectionsAcknowledgementsComments
IIIIVIIVIII
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Guru Nanak DevLife sketch of the GuruGuru Nanak Dev(The Parables)Punja SahibA ParadoxGuru Nanak in ArabiaBhai LaloPirs of MultanGuru Nanak in HardwarDuni Chand BankerGuru Angad DevLife Sketch of the GuruGuru Angad Dev(Tales of the Guru)HumayunTappaBibi JeevaGuru AmardasLife Sketch of the Guru
13171921242629
31
373943
45
aaaaaaeaaaaaHa&aeaaaaAUaaaaeeaaaaaaauaaaaaeaauuaaa!-. ,,- ':'"', . :.._~
~~l~~: ~'l:~"\,1it'~.I· {"
!if'):t··' ":~~l:>1~7!:: ~~~
CONTENTS
Chapter 6 Guru Amardas(Tales of the Guru)Homeless Amaru 51Leave it to God 54Datu's Wrath 58Bibi Bhani 62
Chapter 7 Guru RamdasLife Sketch of the Guru 65
Chapter 8 Guru Ramdas(Tales of the Guru)Dukh Bhanjan 79Bhai Bhikhari 85Humility 89Hardyal Tappa 91
Chapter 9 Guru Arjan DevLife Sketch of the Guru 93
Chapter 10 Guru Arjan Dev(Tales of the Guru)Martyrdom of the Guru 103
Chapter 11 Guru HargobindLife Sketch of the Guru 108
Chapter 12 Guru Hargobind(Tales of the Guru)Horses for the Guru 113Bibi Viro's Wedding 120Gwalior 124
......................................................................
~~CONTENTS
Chapter 13
Chapter 14
Chapter 15
Chapter 16
Chapter 17
Chapter 18
Chapter 19
Baba AtalChanduBibi KaulaanGuru Har RaiLife Sketch of the GuruGuru Har Rai(Tales of the Guru)Ram RaiSeliniGuru HarkrishanLife Sketch of the GuruGuru Harkrishan(Tales of the Guru)Pandit LaloTesting the GuruAurengzeb and the GuruGuru Teg BahadurLife Sketch of the GuruGuru Teg Bahadur(Tales of the Guru)Martyrdom of Guru TegBahadurGuru LadhorayGuru Gobind SinghLife Sketch of the Guru
129132136
139
142147
150
154156158
161
178184
186
CONTENTS
Chapter 20 Guru Gobind Singh(Tales of the Guru)Birth of the Khalsa 205Sanctity of work 210Boy Gobind 213Bhai Kanhiaya 215
Chapter 21 Guru Granth SahibThe Everlasting Guru 218
e a••"e'aaa.
~~~~, ""' """' .....
I' 'I:Forward
Although more recent in its time of origin thanother world religions, Sikhism is uniquely distinguished by the length of historical time occupiedby the unbroken succession of its first sacredleaders, the ten Gurus from Guru Nanak to GuruGobind Singh.
In the present century there has been an increasing movement of Sikhs from their homelandin the Punjab to so many other countries,especially those of the English speaking world,and an increasing need has consequently beenfelt by younger Sikhs for accessible presentationsof the Sikh tradition in English.
Outside the scriptures and the hymns of theGurus, for which growing number of good Englishtranslations are appearing, the most central partof that tradition are the narratives associatedwith the lives of the Gurus, which have been acore source of inspiration to Sikhs throughouthistory.
It is Jaswinder Singh Chadha's achievement inthis book - about which his following 'Reflections'are so disarmingly humble - to have given new
................... Iift.,\)' .,j, ......
life to this vital source through his selection ofmany of the outstanding incidents andachievements associated with the lives of all tenGurus and through his recasting of thesenarratives in verse which is characterised both bya straightforward style of expression which shouldbe immediately accessible to the audience atwhich it is aimed and a charmingly unusualknack of rhyming which should help ensure theseinspiring stories fix themselves in the minds of hisreaders.
Professor CliristpliuSefuu;~School of Oriental and African Studies,University of London, London.February, 1999.
II
'Ref{ections
What started as an occasional poem, here andthere, has with the grace of the Lord, graduallymaterialised in a complete set of poems cover-ingthe life and times of all the Sikh Gurus, including'the last, yet everlasting Guru', the holy GuruGranth Sahib.
There are numerous tales or Sakhis associated withthe Gurus, yet most of the popularly described ones are covered in this collection. It willcertainly serve as a mirror of the Sikh tradition forthe majority and indeed a starter for the schol-arly.
Several sources have been probed in order toextract the historically correct information butgreater and greater discrepancies appeared as aresult of this. There is variance here, like else-wherein historical perceptions, depending on the faithand personal bias of the authors. Manycontroversies are raging currently that needclarification. The redeeming feature is that themodern Sikh youth has been stirred into actionand is trying to clear the cobwebs in Sikh history.Meanwhile I have used the traditionallyacccepted versions of the Sakhis. The mostimportant part of any Sakhi is the lesson it teaches
III
.w-:it·~.. ,~
~'1l:.-,,'oJ............................
or the thought it conveys. I sincerely hope that Ihave not erred in this.
The presentation of facts and figures in poetrypresented its own problems. The poems are justnot written to describe a factual story as it leavesno leeway for poetic liberties that allows one toconstrue and run in any direction. The poeticexperts discouraged me to attempt this project. Icarried on, remembering, the last set of linesfrom Guru Gobind Singh's, 'baintee chaupaiee',wherein he prayed for the Lord's help in thecompletion of the holy Granth.
I have, therefore, been constantly praying forSatguru to help me to complete this work andhave been rewarded with divine assistance. Iwas suffering from 'sleep apnea' and failed tohave deep and restful sleep. I used to feel lazyand sleepy during the work day. A timely curecame and the doctors at the Royal NationalNose, Throat and Ear Hospital, here in London,provided me with a maskand a machine. Breathing pressurised air atnight, I get deep and restful sleep andnowadays manage with just 5-6 hours of goodsleep and feel quite active during the rest of theday. Secondly the use of comput-ers made atremendous impact on this work. I couldmanage to do numerous revisions without
rewriting every time and couldproduce brochures for distribution andappraisal. And most importantly, when the workwas distributed as brochures in the Gurdwaras,in the United kingdom and America, it wasencouragingly accepted.
There are several books on 'the life and times ofthe Sikh Gurus' and each author brings his ownspeciality to the work. Many of these are, by thevery nature of prose, rather voluminous. Thiswork, however, is rather economic in words andyou should be able to go through the entirevolume in a relatively short time. I pray that it isgripping enough for you to do so.
The story of the Sikh Gurus is inspiring enoughand does not need a specially talented writer toaugment its impact and indeed I have learnedmore from this work than what I have been ableto give it. My poetic skills have benefited immensely by this indulgence.
Finally I feel that no one has a right on anybodyelse's time unless it is worth their indulgence.
Finally I feel that no one has a right on anybodyelse's time unless it is worth their indulgence. Ihave endeavoured with this thought in mind. If
the poetry does not please you, surely you willbe rewarded from the inspiring tales of theGurus.God bless you.
London, January 1999.
5tcknowfecfgements
I wish to thank Sardar Amarjeet Singh of NewDeihL Sardar Rajinder Singh Bhasin and SardarBhupinder Singh of London for reading throughthe poems and making helpful suggestions, tomy sons, Dr. Harpreet Singh and Sardar JaspreetSingh for enhancing my computer literacy andfor building me better and faster computers allthe time and my wife Amrit Kaur for being sopositively inclined towards this activity and finallymy grand daughter Diva for keeping me entertained in the midst of my work.
The symbol of 'Ekonkar' on the cover was designed by the late artist, Shanti Dutta and thephotograph of the author was taken by thefamous photographer, James Contt.
Comments
Sartfar PatuJant S¥J JUt!Wr ant! jouma£UtJ 9(r/UJ 'lJe/Jii :
With this compilation the author has embarkedon another literary voyage which more of usneed to undertake as often as possible. Becausewe lag behind in the field of communications,there is all the more need for Sikhs to reach outand inform people of the egalitarian andhumanistic principles on which Sikhism isfounded. Widespread ignorance of our faith'sraison d'{dre is primarily due to lack of our printand electronic media through which we couldhave made the stirring events of our historyknown and enabled the world to betterunderstand Sikh beliefs and traditions. These,after all, have given Sikhs their special brand ofconfidence, courage and self - esteem.
Sardar Jaswinder Singh Chadha's efforts in thisdirection deserve the highest praise and will,hopefully, inspire others to turn to poetry andliterature for communicating the nobility of ourideals.
Saraar Saran SingliJ f£aitorJ SiR..1i !Il&viewJ
Cakutta : From the advent of Guru Nanak in 1469upto the realisation of the Khalsa ideal onVaisakhi of 1699, illustrious Masters of Sikh religionlaid the foundations of a humane and dedicated life style, through precept and practice, ofthe highest moral values. Their biographicalaccount has been preserved in hundred ofSakhis or real life episodes - or parables - whichsupplement and reinforce the divine messageembod-ied in Guru Granth Sahib.
In a remarkably chaste English verse , JaswinderSingh Chadha has assembled a selection ofthese Sakhis (lit. tesimony) in one volume: SIKHGURUS - A POETIC APPRECIATION. The handybook provides glimpses into the lives and timesof the Guru-prophets and how they respondedto the challenges with rare courage and dignity.Those who value ethical conduct and truthfulcharacter will benifit from a perusal of theversified Sakhis which link us with our heritageand impart a sense of reverence for the Gurus,making us feel at home in any part of the world 0
at a time when there is pervasive cynicism, theneed to restore faith in the basic unity of humanrace and collective happiness - SARBAT KABHALLA - is imperative. The book should appealto all English knowing people, especially to thenew generation who is destined to herald theI\.next millenium. A
................................ IX llHl _..Hii
'Dr. J-fatam Sing/i} tzfte Sif(/i Welfare .9lssociation} £os5fngeCe.s :
Mr Jaswinder Singh is a scientist, a poet and adevout Sikh. In this book, a pleasant blend of thesethree attributes of the personality of the author isquite evident. The poetry has the precision of ascientist and, at the same time, is imbued with thedevotion of a devout Sikh. Such books can act asbeacons for the Sikh youth.
The message of Sikhism lies in the writings of the SikhGurus which form the corpus of the Guru Granthand also in their lives which are best illustratedthrough the parables associated with them ratherthan a dry recital of the history.SIKH GURUS: A Poetic Appreciation by JaswinderSingh Chadha celebrates the message of the SikhGurus uniquely. It takes the biographical featuresof the lives of the Sikh Gurus and the essentialteachings that emerge from their parables andrenders them into English poetry - simple, elegantand effective. It is a remarkable and attractivetribute to the Sikh Gurus and the religion theyfounded.
x
.....a a a a•••••••••
Sartfar tJ3liupinJ:erSingli, Inter 1'aitli ~t'UJorf(jor tlie qj.1(,
Lontlon :
The lives of the Sikh Gurus are an inspiration to all whostudy them. Jaswinder Singh, through the art of verse,has brought the stories to life and opened up theteachings to a whole new world.
UjJ; ~;~~. .,s~$'~ ~.~............................... )(1 l ~~~ ~
SIKH GURUS
APoetic
Appreciation
Guru Nanak Dev(1469-1539)
Life S~etcfi of tfie Guru
Early life
A new moral forcewas needed on earth
it came to Punjabin Guru Nanak's birth
In the village Talwandiwhen he was born
he brought in The Lightthe mists were gone
the Pundit attendinghailed it a divine birthand the newly arrived
His envoy on earth
a beloved brother,a much loved son
Nanak was a favouritespecial to everyone
1
••••""'•••a ,~~~
Nanak went to schoolwhen he was sevenhere he often musedon God and Heaven
while still at schoolhe wrote an acrostic,
a thoughtful hymnso beautifully knit
A Pundit taught NanakDevnagri and Sanskritand from a Mullah, helearnt the Persian script
Nanak didn't agreefor a Janaeu to be worn
and he won't worshipany Gods of stone
with his dad 's adviceand money for trade
he went to the marketas his father bade
seeing some sadhusresting under a treeNanak was excited
and fed the lot for free
2
aaaaa·· •••a•••a..a..a a aa ~~~www~~ Af
I'Nanak's sacha sauda
or this true bargainannoyed his father
and caused him pain
on one summer dayNanak rested under a tree
tired, he fell asleephis cattle grazed nearby
as Nanak slept, a cobraraised itself and stoodand like an umbrella
shaded him with its hood
The youth
Nanak calmed downand peace descended
the change came to himas the teens ascended
his parents got worriedon his quiet demeanour
they sought adviceto help him recover
3 ~ .
tasks were suggestedto help him to settle
like ploughing the fieldsor tending the cattle
but when his cattlestrayed as it grazed
neighbours were upsetcomplaints were raised
the complaints lodgedwith chief of the village
had to be droppedthey found no damage
Guru Nanak was marriedat the age of eighteenhe settled for a while
in the domestic scene
his elder son, Siri Chandwas born nine years lateranother son, Laxmi came
two years thereafter
in his sister's town SultanpurNanak accepted a jobhe ran a store of flour
in Modikhana of Nawab
4 ~ aae .
....."" ,., ..
Nanak will often get lostchanting God's nameand flour flowed freelyto the folks who came
news of this generosityreached Nawab's ear
but they found no shortageand accounts were clear
after four and half yearsNanak called it a day
he abandoned the jobin a mysterious way
he plunged in the riverand couldn't be foundeveryone was worriedbut he wasn't around
three days on, whenNanak did reappearhe radiated a glow
and an aura austere
in a world of his ownand soaked in His lorehe was much different
than he was before
1\•__ 5 , _-..1
evil spirits possess himpeople began to sayNanak was amuseddescribed in this way
Nanak will respond,\\ I am mad, I do agreebut am mad for Himthe God Almighty"
the Qoozi didn't likeNanak's repeated stance
there are no Hindusthere is no Musso/moan
the Qoozi and Nowobtook Nanak for Nomozbut Nanak stood quiet
without untoward cause
the two were annoyedat Nanak's behaviour
why he ignored Nomozthe reason wasn't clear
but Nanak explainedthe Qoozi was being sillyhis mind was elsewhere
in the birth of a filly
6
....................................................
and as for dear Nawabwasn't his mind rather full
bargaining for horsesin the Bazaars of Kabul
His mission
as the t:me passedNanak itched for a start
he had a messagehe needed to impart
for twenty-four yearshe travelled the worldalways on the movespreading His word
and always besides himas he travelled around
was a disciple, Mardanaproviding musical sound
a custom made rebeckwas gifted to Nanakby Nanaki, his sisterfor his divine mission
1\ Ii................................ 7 Aeal _·.....
I'Nanak visited places
for years on endtravelling within Indiaand countries beyond
he taught against ritualsboth straight and bentthat mislead the folks
exploited the innocent
folks were lost in thesein the name of God
Nanak gave them hopeand refreshing thought
he had a charismaradiated divine glow
Nanak was honouredwherever he will go
in his visit to HardwarNanak taught the flockby flinging Gangaial
towards his native crop
the crowds understoodit was a wasted gestureflinging Ganga watersto the dead ancesters
1\8
II
he met characterswho needed reformationhe lead them to a pathof the true redemption
he reformed Sajjan Thuga confidence tricksterwho tricked his guests
with designs sinister
he met cannibal Kaudawho thrived on human fleshKauda repented to Nanakand started his life afresh
Bhai Lalo
Lalo was a carpenterfrom a lower caste
Nanak shared his foodand stayed as his guest
his mixing with Bhai Lalolead to a confrontationfor Nanak had declinedMalik Bhago's invitation
II~_"""""""""'Hal••M"'''''••'''''''' 9 ~••H.ral , d
Nanak called the twoand squeezed their breadmilk dripped out of Lalo'sMalik's one yielded blood
Nanak established Manjisthe seats of Sikh thought
centres of learningfor teacher and the taught
first Manji was establishedby the Guru at EminabadLalo was made inchargedespite his lower caste
when Saidapur fellto Baber the invader
the Guru and Mardanaended up as prisoners
Mardana lead a horseand Nanak carried a balethey kept singing hymns
as they marched to the jail
10
...~~~~~ ~~~~.,.", .....
'IBabar came to Nanakand made his peacethe loot was restoredthe prisoners released
after years of travelNanak settled downhe founded a placeKartarpur, His Town
people from all castesformed a communityworking and prayingin unity and harmony
it was a beginningof a people in the makingSikhism was in the offingits culture was shaping
Nanak the visionarychose from his Sangata guide, a future Guru
named him Guru Angad
at the age of seventyGuru Nanak passed away
with his successor thereSikhism was here to stay
1\_ .. II11 .
.... ' ...
Hindus loved the Guruso did the Mussalmanwhen he passed away
a dispute began
one wanted him buriedthe other cremated
Nanak had left a solutionthe matter wasn't debated
flowers from the twoshould besides me lay
he takes my body, whoseflowers are fresh next day
floral wreaths were laidwith the body of the sear
on lifting the coversonly flowers were there
I I I I III III
rrrutfi is great outgreater stif[ is trutfiful fiving(juru iJl&naf(
~'i;'i'\••10.. ' ............. 12
Chapter ~
Guru Nanak Dev(The Parables)
Punja Saliib
For Guru Nanak and Mardana, thehomeward journey beganIran and Iraq were covered and thenthe length of Afghanistangradually the miles were swept andPeshawar came in sightthey crossed the border and enteredPunjab in sheer delighton they trudged the dusty passages oftheir native terrainstopping here and there, singinghymns and praising His name
enroute home near the famous Taxila,a place well knownsite of ancient civilisation, before youhit the Rawalpindi town,they reached a village called HassanAbdal, it was on the waybesides a hill, they choose a spot andmade and stop to stay
13
a Muslim fakir, Walli Kandhari by namelived on the hilla man of God, but he was proud andgloated in his will
on the hill gushed a fresh water spring,a divine giftit was a source of water for locals andstrangers adriftthe water flowed down, the spring wasby Walli's cottagethe proud fakir kept an eye on it andthe use of waterarrival of Guru on the scene, made thefakir turn sourit triggered jealousy in him, it was athreat to his power
Walli was annoyed and he divertedthe water springthe village reservoir depleted and hefelt like a kingwhen Mardana was thirsty, no watercould be foundhe searched everywhere but therewas no water arounddisappointed, he came to the Guruand sought his command
14
The Guru told him to request WaliL itwas a fair demand
Bhai Mardana went up the hill, looking for the drink of waterbut Walli won't give him a drop, senthim back to his masterMardana came back, gasping forbreath, the thirst was killingthe Guru sent him back to Walli andsee if he was still unwillingMardana though tired and thirstymade it to the fakir againbut Walli won't budge, Mardana wasexhausted and in pain
Guru Nanak heard Mardana andpointed to him 0 spot\\ go and dig over there and you willget what you want"Mardana started digging, the earth,the roots, the solid matterand as he pulled a rock, gushed outa fountain of waterMardana drank to his fill, the spoutkept up its flowand with this flow, the spring on thehill kept going low
......... 15
Walli was incensed at what hesensed, anger in his eyeand enraged, Walli engaged a boulder, swept it down from highhitting the rocks around, it tumbleddown, all fury and soundheading for the Guru, the master true,camping on the groundthe Guru raised his arm, and stoppedthe rock against his palmit came to a halt and once again itwas calm
Walli came down, you could see himnow, humble and weakand from his face had gone, goneforever that arrogant streakhe headed straight for the Guru andfell on the masters feetand begged forgiveness, the Guru waskind and sweetimpression of the Guru's palm or Punjais indented on the stoneand Hassan Abdal village has become Punja Sahib town.
*********
16
.J\. Paradox
Passing through jungles, hilly tracts and water waysthe great Guru Nanak and Mardana kept up the pace
their trail this time covered India's eastern face
the scenes changed as they passed through different partslone cottages, hamlets and villages of all sorts
here and there they stayed, captivat-ing people's hearts
Mardana played on a rebeck and together they sangimmense praises in His glory in music and in song
it touched the people and through their hearts it rang
once passing through a village, they were mobbedthey were jeered at by the people, abused and naggedthey were rudely ruffled, their sprits could have sagged
Yet the Guru smiled as he faced the people in his wayand blessed the lot - a long and peaceful stay
an unperturbed life in the village for many a day
passing through another village, as they browsedtheir presence was noticed, much interest was arousedthe Guru and Mardana were greeted, fed and housed
the people listened to Nanak and sang his hymnsthey were happy to hear him talk on morality and sin
and they seNed him as their own kith and kin
17
when the great Guru and Mardana wanted to gothe village folks grew sad, and their spirts went low
they wanted him to stay and keep their minds aglow
Guru Nanak was overwhelmed but they must leavehaving enjoyed their stay, parting was no time to grievehe blessed them with a blessing, you couldn't believe
he wished that they may disperse and scatter awayto newer climes in the world, here and there to staynot much unlike the Gypsies, always on their way
Nanak was great and there was wis-dom in his wordsyet Mardana was puzzled at what he heard
but when the Guru explained, his heart was stirred
let the wicket stay contained for they are a source of evilwhile the good people shall spread goodness
wherever they will move or travel
18
~uru Nanak in .:Ara6ia
Mecca in Saudi Arabiawhere this tale is basedwas in good old days
by Guru Nanak graced
attention stays focusedon Quaba, house of God
a centre of pilgrimagefor the followers of Islam
Guru Nanak was hereon a divine mission
his message was simpleand meant for everyone
dressed as a fakirGuru Nanak lay on sandhis feet towards Quabain Mecca, the holy land
tired, he slept a whilewhen he was rudely awoken
the Kazi and his menhad angrily spoken
19
they reprimanded himfor pointing his feet
towards sacred Quabaa sacrilege indeed
the Guru faced the Kaziand his band of men
told them to shift his feetin another direction
the Kazi and his menmoved his feet around
the Quaba moved in unisonthey stood spell bound
the message was simpleand it was very clear
that God is not confinedHe is everywhere
'l(afjugJ tlie age we five inis a cfiarWt offiredriven 6y slieer {ies
untrutn is tlie cnarWteer(juru 'J{jz.naf('1Jev
20
1Jliai LaCo
During his travelsGuru Nanak had met
some shady charactersothers from better sets
in this particular talewhich is to follow
I shall tell you aboutthe good Bhai Lalo
Lalo was a carpenterhis caste was lowhe made his living
by the sweat of his brow
Guru Nanak liked himhis honest ways
he stayed with himfor a few days
Lalo's poor houseattracted the crowdsbut it was an eyesore
to Malik Bhago the proud
21
this high caste Khatriwas really angry
at Nanak's attitudehis modus operandi
Malik invited Nanakto join at his feast
Nanak spurned the offerto say the least
Bhago's pride was hurthe could not swallowbeing advised inferiorto the low caste Lalo
Malik Bhago insistedthat Nanak retractedthat Bhago I swealthwas sinfully collected
Nanak asked the twoto fetch their breadhe then performed
this simple act
he simply squeezedLalo I s kodra breadmilk trickled out of it
nothing more was said
22
when Bhago I s breadwas likewise squeezedthe gathering gasped
it was blood that eased
%ere is OIU, on[y OIU
witli true Ufentitywlio aoes it af{
:He lias nofearno enmity
an eternafentity,free from rehirths, :He isa selfei\fstent [uminary
attainahfe tlirouglitlie grace of tlie guru
Meaitate on %mtrue from eternity
:J{e was true in tlie pastis true in tlie present
1\&nat :He sfia[[he truein future ages too
guru 1\&nafOn Japji
~_"""'''''''''''''''''',.''.''.~''H.''••''. 23 ral.." al."..~ _-.d
Pirs of:M.u{tan
The Pirs of Multan felttheir livelihood at stake
Guru Nanak as expectedhe may share the cake
and on hearing the newsof the Guru's arrival
the Pirs called a meetingand discussed survival
the Guru was greetedwith a loaded message
the Pirs had decidedon the rules of passage
they greeted the Guruwith a glass full of milkthe glass being so full
that it was ready to spill
to the great Guru Nanakthe message was clear
for Nanak, the Guruthere was no place here
24
The wise Guru Nanaktook a jasmine flower
he placed it on the milkit floated up there
the bird of wisdomon the Pirs alighted
they understood the Guruand felt very slighted
The Guru was honouredby the Pirs of Multan
the Pirs had undergonea moral transformation
-rrFie thoughts won't fead you anywhere
Ifyou thought a milfion times over%e stiffness ofa sifent trana
Shaff not reveaf 'Jiis great Stance 1
'J.{pr uti1f this hunger ceaseLoadedhays won't hefp appease
'Wisaom arufaevicesl mi[[ions aruf moreSha«failtogetyouthe~/asho~
:J{ow shaH we mat«- '%e fJ'ruth' reveaf5Iruf tear apart the fafsefiood veil
Obey:Jlis wilL act to:His commandInscribed within you, it stays:vgnat :J{;s wi[G :J{is demand
guru 'J{ana/(in Japji
~~
i\•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• 25
(juru :Hanak in J-fardwar
"Gateway to Heavens" I
so named I the city of Hardwara home to saints and ascetics
and characters bizarre
it lies on the foothillsof the Himalayan scene
the sun is hot, waters coolthough no longer clean
the city's crowning gloryis the sacred river Ganges
for a dip in its waterscome pilgrims of all ages
Guru Nanak on his missionvisited the city of Hardwar
and on the bank of the riverorganised a strange durbar
with a bath in the GangesHindu pilgrims start the day
dip after dip in its watersthey wash their sins away
as they bathed. the pilgrimschanted hymns and flung
water, fistfuls of watertowards the rising sun
like the others in the river,waded in the master
and from a patch of his ownstarted flinging water
whilst the Hindus faced eastthrew water towards the sunthe Guru flung it westwardslike a reveller playing in fun
the waters thrown by Nanakwere not to the sun directedthe Guru's strange behaviour
was very soon detected
soon a crowd had gatheredeveryone lashing his tonguewho was this weird stranger
where was the water being flung
Guru Nanak asked the pilgrimswhere was their water bound
to our thirsty ancestorswho are no longer around
I
I
Guru Nanak spoke againa divine glint in his eye
your waters reach the world acrossmy fields are only here, nearby
'Troe is tlie Lord, :Jiis name is troe:Jiis [anguage is rove, its [imit[ess too'We beg of:Jiim togive, we imp£ore.>tnd:Jfe bestows/ tlie gifts garore'Wliat do we offer :Jiim in return
'To view :Jfis durbar, :Jiis presena benign'Wliat words sliouU we utter
'To beget :Jfis affection, :His rove divineIn tlie ambrosial liour of tfie dawn
Muse on :Him and meditateSing :Jiis praises and concentrate
On :Jiis virtues/ g[ories of '%e (jreat J
:Your body is an award ofyour actions'But sarvation is :Jfis venediction
Says ifi£anal( try to understand tliis stanceOn[y tfie troe Lordlias tfie true etrjstence
(juru 'J..{flnal(in Japji
'Duni chand 'Banker
Duni was a bankerwho lived in Lahore
he was loadedwith wealth galore
outside his houseflew many a flags
each one representingmillions in his bags
Nanak met Dunileft him a depositfor safe keeping
a stitching needle
when they meetin the next world
Duni has to return itDuni gave his word
Duni and his wifewere in a muddle
Guru Nanak's depositwas quite a puzzle
••,......... 29
G"1~'1t;.
!8~~~.J.................,.. .
then Guru Nanakexplained to Duni
of the transient worldall wealth and money
no one ever didnor you will takeyou will go bereft
of your worldly stake
give up gloatingabout this world
and build your lifearound His word
the millionaire Dunigave up his riches
Guru Nanak's needlehad put moral stitches
IDuni's mansion
was given awayfor Duni had come
a long long way
rrJying is the pri1,1ifege of the 6ralJe if they die for agood cause
qurn 'J{p.naf(
30
Chapter ~
Guru Angad Dev( 1504-1552)
Life S~etcfi of tfie Guru
Lehna, your name impliesthat we owe you a debt
Guru Nanak had saidthe first time they met
and as promised to himNanak paid his debt
he made Lehna the Gurunamed him Guru Angad
Lehna's ancestral homethe place he was born
was at Mota di Serainear Ferozpur town
the family moved toHarike by Satluj river
for Serai was plunderedby the Mughal invader
~ ~later on they moved
from Harike to Khadoorwhere he was marriedand settled for good
a devotee of Durga,every year he will go
to the Amarnath shrinethe site of eternal glow
one year he stoppedat Kartarpur on the way
here he met Guru Nanakit was his happiest day
whilst others in his groupcarried on for the shrineLehna stayed behind,
having found a mint divine
Guru Nanak's communewas absorbing, uplifting
it anchored to Godthe mortals drifting
Lehna will wash dishes,attend to cooking choresserve the meals to sangatscrub and wash the floors
II.. ' - - ;
32
there were more jobsand Lehna did his best
he will man the fanand seldom let it rest
he will stay busy all dayin chores galore
and be singing hymnsthe lofty lore
wet hay needed shiftingNanak called his sonsthe lads didn't botherbut Lehna got it done
the Guru's wife saw himsoaking wet and drippingshe complained to Nanak
it was not befitting
Guru Nanak smiledpointing to the wet hay
this will indeed adorn himlike a crown one day
in the rain, one nighta temple wall collapsed
the Guru's sons were calledrepairs were needed fast
II33 ..
the lads finished the jobbut not to satisfaction
Nanak wanted it redonethe boys took no action
when Lehna was calledhe rushed into action
and completed the taskto Guru's satisfaction
the sons were by-passedin choosing a successor
Lehna was selecteddespite the filial pressure
Lehna was like an anga limb of Guru Nanakthe name of Angad
was therefore chosen
Khadoor
Khadoor was chosenfor Angad's new missionthe venue was pickedon Nanak's suggestion
Guru Angad rose earlyand meditated for hours
at the daybreak hourhe will join the prayers
he had a healing touchAngad catered for the sick
many lepers will comecrowds were always thick
the Sangats sang hymns,at mealtimes ate togetherfood was free for everyonethe caste was not a bother
The Guru, and his wifelived on a frugal fringethey earned their living
twisting a bark into munj
Guru Angad helpedmodify old Punjabi scriptinto modern Gurmukhi
Ad; Granth is written in it
he will often spendtime with the children
teaching them Punjabiplaying games for fun
often in the afternoonswatching a wrestling boutwas a favourite pastimewith the Guru I s crowd
as for the evening timeboth Satta and Ba/wand
will sing hymns andentertain the sangat
when I die I said the Gurulook at me no more
simply sing His praises andcremate me to His lore
and when he was gonethey sang hymns galoreHis praises rang on earthin Heavens rang His lore
*********
Ifa liunarea 11UJons came tlirougliana a tliousandsuns aUf risewitli so mucli figlit to view
it is 6ut utter c£ar~
in tlie a6sence of tlie guruguru 5lngad1Jev
36
Chapter~
Guru Angad DevTales of the Guru
.1fumayun
When Humayun was defeated, he retreatedand after this war, he headed for Lahorehe felt quaint, sought solace from a saint
so he made a detour and came to Khadoora place well known as Guru Nanak's thronehe found Guru Angad and the Sikh sangat
The Guru was busy, Humayun felt uneasyhaving had to wait, he was getting iratea long wait and Humayun was desperate
he pulled out his sword, and angrily roaredthe Guru opened his eyes, saw him in sight
and spoke to the emperor, roaring in anger
Humayun, relax my dear, as you are herewhere you must bow like a humble fellow
your sword was cold against Sher Shah boldyou accepted defeat and made a retreat
now when you are here with saints and searsyou show your strength, it is a foolish attempt
the emperor was humbled as he mumbledfor Guru's blessings for battles in the offing
the King was blessed but Guru Angad stressedwhen things are fine, and the kingdom is thine
you must rule with care, like an emperor fairand remember your Lord, the Almighty God
*********
SLOX.
J{e evo{ves, reserves ana affocatesfor tfie 6eings J{e createsJ{e sees tliem aft tlie way
from inception to tfieirfind cfaywliom sliouU'J{anatcaf{
for J{e is a{[ in aft
p;J't1.1tJU
grancfeur ofcr1U great, one can not refatetfie 6enevofent giver, J{is cfeeds
provide for creature sneedstlie 6eings treacf tlie roatL Jfe lias 6estowecf
'J{anat6esicfes :.Him, tliere is no otlierJ{e lU ts to J{is cfesire
guru .9lngacf'lJev
T'ayya
When Guru Angad cameto settle at Khadoor
the fate of yogi Tappatook a turn for worse
he was being ignoredpeople flocked to Angad
Tappa's pride was hurthis income dwindled
Tappa spoke viciouslyof the revered Guru
he advised the peoplethat he wasn't true
it was a hot summerand no rains arrived
the land was parchedand some cattle died
the impending faminecaused panic and fear
the Jots wanted rainoffered many a prayer
......................
Tappa advised the Jotsto throw the Guru away
as he was the causeof the accursed days
the Jots asked the Guruto make the rain
but the Guru advised themit was God's domain
the Jots of Khadoorthrew the Guru out
asked him to stay awayfrom the neighbourhood
they turned to Tappaand asked him for rain
Tappa tried many a trickbut were all in vain
Tappa feared for his lifehe had failed the jobthe Jots were furiouslike a frenzied mob
Amar came to Khadoorlooking for Guru Angadhe could find no Guru
he found no songot
..."" a......... 40
$Ii;...:Jll,~
!71!:Ji.'!:~'';'' \j~i, .
the Guru had leftat Tappa's behest
Amardas was angryhe was very upset
Amar told the Jotsthat Tappa was a fakedrag him in the fieldsthe draught will break
wherever you take himtill the sunset hourshall get the rain
the bountiful shower
they dragged the manand covered every field
the rain poured forthTappa's fate was sealed
tired and bedraggledhe succumbed to strain
it rained in plentybut Tappa was gone
Yet Guru Angad Devadvised Saba Amardasthat the rain is upto God
one mustn't trespass
for people like Tappathe Sikhs must behave
even to the viciousbe forgiving and suave
~ir is {~ tlU (juruWater, fi~ afatlUr
'I1ie great respecta6fe earthIs {~ a motlUr
'Two nurses, IU anislU~re tlU night aniiayIn tlU mitfst vf tfie.se'I1ie worUaoes pfay
~ctions, gooa ani 6ati~re assessea at :Jf1S Mor
meeds 6ring youdoser to !Him or ~ep you afar
%ose wfio stayImmersea in:J{is metiitation'I1ieir fa60urgets rewaraeapurity vfvisage, veneration9Wnakt many arouna tlUm
~re freea as we{{, eam fi6eration(juru ~ngati mev
42
'Bi6i Jeeva
Guru Nanak had started itLangar was now a tradition
it gathered momentumat Guru Angad's mission
the good Bhai Jeevalived outside Khadoor
he used to bring Khicharieveryday for the Langar
after Bhai Jeeva diedhis daughter, Bibi Jeeva
she was equally devotedand kept up the seva
one day, she preparedKhichari for the Sangatbut as she was leavingshe heard a thunder
and in a few momentsthe weather turned insanethe wind started to howlthere was incessant rain
II.............................
8.t,~..e1'r'helpless Jeeva prayedfor God to interveneto hold the weather
to stop the wind and rain
the weather clearedwith a brighter look
the Bibi was delightedat the turn it took
she reached Khadoorall in good time
the Sangats ate togetherbut not the Guru sublime
the great Guru Angadgavethefood ami~
Jeeva didn't understandwhat had gone amiss
Guru Angad explainedto Bib; Jeeva and allthat she had prayed
for the weather to stall
she obviously hadinterfered with His wayfor whatever He doeswe must simply obey
~.~~i~~t44 laaaaa•••aaa••••aaaaaaaaae
Chapter §
Guru Amardas(1479-1574)
Life Sketch of the {juru
Punjab was blessed againanother Guru was born
Tej and Sulakhani of Baasarkaywere blessed with a son
Amardas was born in Baasarkayand in Baasarkay he grew
the years of life in the villagerolled on before he knew
he married Mansa Deviwhen he was twenty four
and kept living in Baasarkayfor several years more
the couple had four childrentwo sons and two daughters
and like everyone aroundkept busy in worldly matters
............"" .
Amar was a pious personbut had never been on pilgrimage
his first visit to Hardwarwas at forty two years of age
later he will go every yearand one year he met a stranger
a friendly type I a holy manwho showed annoyance at Amar
the man called him 'Nigurra'or Guruless who was wasting his life
Amar must find himself a Guruto end his mental strife
the stranger's word \Nigurra'kept ringing in Amar's ear
he looked around for a Guruhis goal was getting clear
he had a niece called AmroAmar often heard her sing
compositions of Guru Nanakmelodious and compelling hymns
the gist of one such hymnstressed the role of a GuruAmardas now saw the light
and yearned for a Guru
1\•••""., 46 4·
,/
" ;- .
Lehna, Amro's dear fatherhad now become Guru Angad
Guru Nanak had made himthe Guru to guide the sangat
Amar met Guru Angadand saw in him his shining starhe had found himself a Guruhis search for Guru was over
Amar began a newer lifea life of love and devotion
there was work here and worshipand service was a passion
he will bring water for the Guruleaving early in the morn
he fetched it from the riverand returned before the dawn
he carried it to Khadoormade a bath for Guru Angad
later he will join in prayerswith the morning Sangat
he will collect firewoodhelp in scrubbing the floorsdevote the day to learning
fitting in endless chores
47
Then in the evening hoursafter the \\ Sodar path"
Amar helped the Guru againwith the evening bath
before finishing his dayhe helped the Guru to bed
he will then walk back hometo Goindwaal for rest
in the year fifteen fifty twoAmardas was made the Guru
the honour came to himwhen he was seventy two
the Sikh sangats rejoicedbut Guru Angad'sson Datuwas angry and he kicked
Amardas, the anointed Guru
Datu named himself the GuruAmar stayed out of his way
but the Sikhs didn't accept himtill Datu called it a day
Guru Amardas went to Kurkushetraon the festival of solar eclipse
where he taught against ritualsinto which the people slip
48
.......................
I' 'ithe Sikhs were often bothered
when they went to wells for waterthey were pelted with stonesfor flouting the caste order
the Guru encouraged the Sikhsto dig the wells of their own
Baali Sahib was dug by themin eighty four steps of stone
it took three years to completeand it stands to this day
a tribute to the Guru and the Sikhswho laboured all the way
the tradition of the langarwas strengthened in Amardas's time
the Sikh sangat dined togetherlike a brotherhood sublime
Raja of Haripur of Kangra hillseven the great Mughal Akbar
sat with the common folksand relished Guru ka longer
Akbar offered a gift of landbut it was politely refused
funds must come from Sikhsonly Sikh sources were used
1\ "~
" .~.' ~ 49 ..................
when it came to his successorthere were two contenders
his sons-in-law I Rama the elderand Jetha I the younger
the two sons-in-law of the Guruwere assigned to built a stage
they began the job and finished itbut failed to please the Sage
they had another go at itbut were once again rejected
Rama gave up after four attemptsbut Jetha wasn I t dejected
after seven attempts of Jethait was approved by the Guru
Jetha had passed the final testhis devotion was really true
Guru Amardas honoured himand Jetha was made the Guruthe choice pleased everyone
it was deserved and due
Guru Amardas died in 1574at the age of ninety four
he had nurtured the tree of Sikhismthe tree had blossomed forth
50
ChaDter~
Guru AmardasTales of the Guru
:J-{omeCess .Jlmaru
Amardas was oldhe was well over sixty
but his love for the Guruwas intense and lofty
every morning he broughtwater for the Guru's bath
fresh water from Beasvia an accustomed path
rain never deterred himnor did the winter cold
rugged path didn't matterno obstacle could hold
it was a pitch dark nightthe weather was atrocious
Amardas lost his wayinspite of being cautious
...................... 51 ".............................
......~aa...""'e.""'..aaa....""'..ea...."" ...""""" .......l.:r!'-_~- r.
~f~'~~i~~.... .,.~ Af~.'X,.~.
~~. ~~
the walkway took himalong some weaver's huts
strewn around with obstaclestheir professional butts
in the darkness of nighthe hit against a boulderhe fell down but saved
the pitcher on his shoulder
in the stillness of nightthe sound of a fall
was heard by the weaveragainst his outer wall
the kind man murmuredwho could be there
hurting himselfin such dreadful scare
his wife then blurted,she was really viciousit must be mad Amaruthat homeless curse
Amardas stood upwith his pale of waterhearing the woman
he happened to utter
&. II~,.,.~.52
fU............••....•••..••••••••••••......• ..............~........~......&f
Amar serves his Guruhappily and gladshe must be crazy
one who calls him mad
next morning a weavercame to Guru Angadbrought his crazy wife
to the astonished sangat
the episode of the nightwas described to the Guruhow she had turned mad
after cursing Amaru
Guru Angad blessed hershe was normal again
she begged forgivenessshe had gone insane
Guru Angad declaredAmardas was blessed
as a home for homelessa hope for the distressed
*********
I'Leave it to (goa
Guru Amardas's famescaled still higher
but he had to facea jealous empire
khatris were jealousand there were sheikhsthey didn't like the Sikhs
and resorted to hate
the two groups joinedto bother the Sikhs
they often triedsome hurtful tricks
their boys will tauntpelt the Sikhs with stonesas they came for water
in the common zone
Sikh pitchers rupturedbut they won't retaliatethe Guru advised themto stay calm and sedate
54
the Sikhs switchedto using cotton sacks
but the attacks continuedfrom khatri and sheikhs
when their cotton sackswere ripped by rowdies
the Guru still insistednot to hurt anybody
the Sikhs switchedto pitchers of copper
but the attacks kept upmaking life unbearable
a group of sanaiysistravelled to see the Guru
sheikh youths pelted stonesand blinded a sadhu
the sanyasis were angryand battered the youth
killing and maiming somefor behaving uncouth
they weren't deterredthe seasoned criminals
and often snatchedthe Sikh belongings
~ ..
a group of Pathanssojourned in the town
they spent a nightas the weather frowned
the night was darkthere was howling windthe dust made it worse
it was ideal for theft
the sheikh boys stolethe visitor's load
including a donkeycarrying ingots of gold
the theft was detectedby the angry Pathansand they threatened
to burn the town
as they searched the townthey heard their donkey bray
the theft was uncoveredpunishment was on the way
they beat the sheikh boysand killed a few
the punishment had comestraight from the Blue
...t'............... 56
life became peacefularound this town
the Sikhs were safeand no longer frowned
the Sikhs sought adviceto tackle such a menacethe Guru advised themcomplete forbearance
Guru Amardas addedthat if the vicious men
sometimes keep on and onthree times in succession
then the God Himselfsends a punishment
that straightens the lotand brings an end
'Don't ca£[ fier Sati ifsfie tiffs fierself in fire6uming five in fier lius6ana's funeral pyreone wlio aies from tfie slioctofseparation
is aSati in trotli, aSati wortli mentionquro J2Lmartias
Vatu's 'Wratli
Amardas's Gurushipcaused much concern
to the jealous DatuGuru Angad's son
offerings mountedalso the Guru's respect
Datu found all thisdifficult to digest
in a fit of annoyancehe came to Guru durbaras he saw Guru Amardas
he fumed with anger
Datu kicked the Guruhard from behindthe Guru was hurtbut he didn't mind
the Guru stood upstarted to massage
Datu's leg that had hitand injured the sage
~~...•I;~...'....••.i.•.~:'I!~...~~~:
11;0
~
l .';:.". ·""1
politely the Gurusaid to his assailantthat he was sorryif Datu was hurt
Datu was frettinghe taunted the sage
"you aren't the master"displaying his rage
Amardas collectedofferings to the Guru
loaded these on a donkeyand gave them to Datu
the Guru thought itbetter to go away
unannounced the Guruleft for Baasarkay
he locked himselfin a room, he knew
and pasted a noticeon the door to view
anyone who will tryand open the doorshall suffer and has
trouble in store
~~ _Ji~A f~1"i1.~t·- 59 , ,v_'_~-:..; ..
.........11'.........................."'. r ~ .-J/~~I..I !~~~tjl"f.. · ',::~~.~.
~~. (. ~
back in Goindwaalthere was an uproar
Sikhs couldn't findtheir Guru any more
after the search failedthey had a thought
Guru Amardas's marewas forthwith brought
revered Baba Buddhaadorned the mare
and they followed itany place, anywhere
the animal led themto village Baasarkay
to the Guru's hutwith a notice on display
when the Sikhs readthe notice on the doorthe joy and excitementwent through the floor
Baba Buddha thoughtand he gave a call
they bored a hole andentered through the wall
;;M. ~t
.~t1~·" 6f~~:.~,it•. ~~'~' .~
~'''':.... 'lito....
60- "-.-,...""'",........ ..
~.
..
....€;I.i
~.'
.............................................................
'ihe entered the room
Guru Amardas was therethe Guru was intrigued
at the whole affair
the Guru came outhe wouldn't reprimandfor the door stayed shut
as was his command
the Guru met the Sikhshe was overwhelmedat the love displayed
by the Sikh sangat
together they returnedback to Goindwaalleaving Baasarkay
and a hole in the wall
Seeking :J-fis confines or :J-fis fimitmany have eriea tfi.eir wits out
no one aoes (nowtfi.e confines of:J-fis show
gum 9{slna( in Japji
~i\'~~ ··1
t:<:·, ' ;_ 61 ~••a ~~..
'Bibi 'Bliani
The nice Bibi Bhani,Guru Amardas's daughter
was married to Jetha,who became a Guru later
as a devoted Sikhshe seNed all around
she looked after the Guruher devotion was sound
she got up every daybefore the early dawn
and helped Guru Amardaswith his morning Ishnan
one morning, the Guruwas sitting on a stool
Bhani was helping himwith his bath as usual
one leg of the stoolappeared to be crackingthe Guru was seated there
as it was breaking
...' .
Bhani acted at onceput her foot underneath
balancing the seatfor the Guru I s benefit
there was a bare nailwhich was showing
it plunged into her footblood started flowing
the Bibi was injuredbut she kept at it
kept on with the bathtill it was complete
as she took a toweland the Guru was dried
the Guru could seethe blood on one side
when she explainedwhat had happenedhe was overwhelmedas he was saddened
the Guru asked herif Bhani does aspireto an overwhelming
wish or desire
................. 63
she said, she wanted Jethato become the next Guru
this was her prayerto the revered Guru
she also prayedthat the Guruship stayswithin the Sodhi family
for the future days
Bibi Bhani's prayerswere accepted by the Guru
the future did witnessher wishes came true
*********
'Don't caIf tfwse twofius6ana ana wife,if tfiey merefy sittogetfier in fife
6ut ifa singfe figfitguides tfie twoj
tfiey are fius6ana ana wiferigfit ana true
guru Jtman£as
............................""'................!tf 'III~'.;' .....
Chapter Z
Guru Ramdas(1534- 1581 )
Life SketcFi of tFie Guru
Childhood
He was the fourth Guruon Guru Nanak's thronethey called him "Jetha"
a name used for eldest son
besides his parentsJetha had a brother,younger than himself
and still younger, a sister
Jetha was merely sevenwhen his parents diedleaving three little kidsagainst time and tide
the kids found it hardto make both ends meetbut Jetha tried his best
to stand on his feet
" IJ{ ....~,
J ~;~65 ..........
••••'.'n """' ...
Jetha started sellinga snack of boiled peas
but being so younghe suffered great unease
his aged granny cameto live with them at Lahore
but the relatives heremade her sick and sore
she took the childrento village Baasarkaytheir ancestral hometo settle and to stay
Baasarkay
Jetha kept up his tradeof selling the snack
his granny will cook itand he sold the stock
often this generous ladgave the food for free
to sadhus and the poorthe wayside needy
66
.....................' ••••••a aHJNalNal "
t~~\1J1!1'~M., .-..JI'
Baasarkay enjoyeda spiritual atmosphere
saint Baba Amardaswas born over here
Amardas himselfarrived here one dayhe had come home
to take his family away
Amardas was planninga new habitation
the town of Goindwaalin the Sikh tradition
Jetha met Amardasjoined the volunteers
leaving for Goindwaalfor working over there
Goindwaal
revered Guru Angadhad deputised Amardas
to build a new townby the river Beas
a.aa.aaa.a••aa""'••aaaaa""'••••aa.aa.....
tl ~:~..~~_•.t~_ _~~ .~~~.... .~~" Ut ~
many Sikhs came forthas they heard the calloffering their services
for building Goindwaal
soon after the startAmar was made the Guru
the work on the towngathered momentum too
Jetha plunged in the taskwith complete devotionhis labours were spread
in every direction
he helped in the kitchenbrought firewood and water
washed the dishes andswept the floors off litter
in building GoindwaalJetha's labours stood tallhe earned many a laureland admiration from all
Jetha took no timeto grasp the Guru's lorehe became well versed
in the Guru's Word
~~i i''~Js~;,:.- •• j~
68;.;-...,:;
digging a huge Baolito provide water for all
was a major projectin building Goindwaal
Sikhs came to servefrom everywhere
Jetha served the guestswith utmost fervor
he worked all hoursshifting debris and sand
his devotion was completewhatever the demand
Marriage
when the Guru I s wifesaw this handsome man
labouring tirelesslyher heart was won
she hinted to the Guruwho stood beside her
that here was a matchfor Bhani, their daughter
&,»~
the Guru considered itand he gladily agreedJetha and Bib; Bhaniwere happily married
Akbar came to Lahorechasing a rebel brotherwho ran on his arrivalwas no further bother
But Brahmins of Lahorewho were rather jealous
used this royal visitagainst Guru Amardas
they lodged a petitionagainst the revered Guru
claiming his teachingsbelittled the Hindu view
Guru Amardas deputedJetha to go to Lahoreto represent the Guru
at the royal durbar
70 .•'ee'....aaa
Jetha was brilliantfirm in convictions
he was fully devotedand ready for action
Jetha I S explanationscarried the day
the Brahmins petitionwas spurned away
Akbar was pleasedwith the Sikh approach
the Guru durbarwas beyond reproach
later while returningto the Delhi durbar
Akbar decided to stopat Guru's Goindwaal
he was impressedwith the set-up thereand dined with othersin the Guru ko longor
Amritsar
a new site was acquiredit was pious and quaint
it had hosted in the pastmany sages and saints
the great Guru Nanakhad passed by here
envisaging here a townof divine atmosphere
later Guru Amardasfound here a magic herb
it had helped to cureGuru Angad's thumb
Guru Amardas decidedto build a new town
on this historic siteJetha completed his plan
Guru Amardas had said,"whilst Kaljug is draggingmen shall be short lived
and their wisdoms flagging"
72
" this new habitationwll be a spiritual townto enlighten their lifein their short sojourn"
revered Guru Amardaslaid the foundation
for this spiritual homeof divine inspiration
the project was startedand a housing precinct I
called Guru ka Mahalwas the first to be built
after that they builta shopping parade I
called Guru ka Bazaarfor traders and the trade
the town beganas Guru ka Chakk
it became Ramdaspuras the work progressed
Guru Amardas recalledJetha to Goindwaal
and bestowed on himgreatest honour of all
........~...llleeel..............4••
If 'Ithe aged Guru Amardas
made Jetha the Guruhe became Gl)ru Ramdasfor Sikhs, the fourth Guru
Guru Ramdas stayed ontill Arnardas passed awaythen he was. back on site
for.work and to ,stay
a.-huge pool, w9s dugat a chosen spot on siteits ambrosial water, Amrit
confers blissfuH delight
with the voluntary labourof the devoted Sikhs
the pool was strengthenedin mortar and bricks
a pier jetting inwardsled to the central, portionwhere a platform seNedfor diwans and for kirtan
Amritsar, pool of n.ectar,is the name of the town
the pool and Harman<;:iarare its glory and crown
1\ Ai" .... 74
Akbar came for 0 visit, this time to Amritsarhe met Guru Ramdas
and joined in the Iangar
he wanted to donate,0 stretch of land'
the offer was dectrnedGuru Ramdas explained
when an institution .acquires any property
if· leads to ill will 'and mutual jealousy
the king understoodand_was impressedhe didn't insist ,and
,qnd let this matter rest-
- Successor ,_
the Gurtlhad three sons,', ' Prithi.was the eldest "" .,'he was a vicious man- ,, .', his wife was worst, ""
75
tJ ~., .~yearning to be a Guru
Prithi envied young Arjanbut Arjan deservedthe high veneration
Prithi didn't like Arjanand was really sore
he arranged for Arjanto go to Lahore
but Arjan grew wearybeing away from the Guru
he wrote lyrical lettersto view the Guru
some of his letterswere intercepted by Prithi
but one got throughand exposed a strategy
Guru Ramdas sentemissaries of Guru durbar
to bring home Arjanback to Amritsar
Arjan was made the Gurumuch to Prithi's annoyance
Prithi became an enemyand led a life of defiance
1\ ~~. "j
76~* ~~
after choosing the GuruGuru Ramdas was ready
the time had arrivedfor his divine journey
from Amritsar durbarhe moved to Goindwaalwhere three days laterhe bowed to His call
after a bath in the Baolihe came to morning diwan
he sat in the sangatand was gradually gone
he advised Guru Arjanto build a spirtual wonderat the centre of the poolthe present Harmandar
and to the Sikh sangatit was the Guru's advicenot to grieve his deathwhen the end arrives
77
he wanted the sangatto sing Guru's hymns
in praise of God Almightyand abide by His will '
:Jf£ WM calIs liimselfaSiKjia Sif(1i pft~ Lorti aSif@ oft~ guru
rises earfy on) amI fie. contemplateson 1fis :J{gme, the W9me of tlie 1;ruee;r.erts liimselfin ttie morning) 6atliesimmerses in ttie poorof '1fis gww'
lieeds (juru s advice) meaitates on %mal{sins tiisappear, al(pains amI woe
ttien) witli ttie tUlvent of ttie tlaytie sings yur6ani) ttie yuru's fore
contemplates on %m, wliilst stamIingsitting tlown., tlirougli every chore
tie wlio muses every moment on %mcontemp{ates on Jlim in every fJreatli
.etuitars liimself to ttie guruttie (juru ctierislies sucli a (jursif(1i
(jurus advice comes to tfiat (jursif(1iwlio is 6lessetf, wnom 1fe tloes picf(
IJ{g.naf(craves for ttie tlusttlie tlust ofsuch aSiKji s feet
wh-o J<!-tps repeating 1fis 9{p.meanti inspires ottiers to repeat
78II-",',."" ,
11/
-' Chapter § ,( • L. " ~ ~ ,.~ f.
Guru Ramdas :Tales of the Guru
"',' "\
~ . ..Vu~n 'Bltanjan
'C,
Duni Chand·of Pattiwas a wealthy man
ruler of, the, townbut he was very vain
gloated in his egohe beHttled everyone
he boasted of feedingthe entire population
if anyone insisted·aboL.'t Godabove· allhe wHl punish the .mal':)
to submit to his will", .. ~" ; .
evel'lihis relations ;his wife :and daughters
: sang his praisesfor food and shelter
1\. . A...................................... 79 "" 4l& ~ M ~ _~
one of his daughterswas devoted to Godshe defied the fatherand praised the God
Duni was annoyedangry beyond reason
he must teach hera very special lesson
he married her offto a crippled manwho was a leper
and always in pain
the girl accepted itas the divine will
she was so destinedshe bore no ill will
the newly marriedwere thrown on road
Duni kept sayinglet us see your God
the girl assistedpulling her husbandon a make do trolleyon the rugged roads
80 ""..''''.........
~ 'Iousted from Patti
they headed for Jhabbalalways on the roadoften in the jungle
she will leave himunder some tree
and fetch some foodmostly by begging
gradually they reacheda new habitationit was being built
by the Guru's men
revered Guru Ramdaswas building a townwith voluntary labourof men and women
the couple restedunder a shady tree
beside a water pondin the open country
exhausted and tiredand full of hunger
the girl left her husbandto fetch some langar
h "~. ,
81
I' 'ithe crippled lepersat fully astonished
as he watched the scenein a pool beside him
he saw black crowsalight and dip in waterthen emerge as swans
with snow white feathers
a train of thoughtstarted in his mindthese waters must
contain a herb divine
how he wishedto bathe in this water
he may be curedof crippling disorder
It was difficultbut he took a chancehe leapt in the waterand fell in the pond
luckily the waterwas not very deephe was astonishedhe was on his feet
1\82
II
after a few dipsthe pain had ceasedhe had been cured
of the cursed disease
when he emergedhe was fully cured
of the wretched diseasehe had long' endured
but when his wifecame back with longor
she looked for himto appease his hunger
she saw a healthYand a handsome man
she felt very. scaredfor herhusband
the man tried' his bestto assure the girl
that he was her husbandcured by .God's will
they started quarrellingand were in dispute· .
a passer-by suggestedto seek Guru's verdict
" .................
t~ 'ii' f"
~...
he took the twoto the Guru durbar
and presented themto Guru Ramdas
the Guru heardtheir complete tale
and advised the coupleof what did prevail
the man's storywas completely truehe was her husband
there in her view
the girl's love for Godhad revealed the spotof that curative pool
'the Amrit pot'
the grateful couplewere blessed by the Guru
their life was happyand their happiness true
at the spot revealeda great pool was dugwhich has come to usas sarover at Amritsar
1\84
A' .." ................
'Bfiai 'Bhikari
An admirer of Guru Ramdascame to the Guru durbar
he wanted to learnabout the Sikh behaviour
the Guru directed himto a Gursikh, Bhai Bhikari
the life of this manwill answer his query
at Bhai Bhikhari's placethere were celebrations
his son was getting marriedthere were friends and relations
everyone was enjoyingno expense was spared
there was singing and dancingfestivity was in the air
the guest from the Guruwas accorded much respect
the Bhai honoured himeven his feet's dust
after the son's weddingat the brides home
the barat came backthe bride and the groom
:&fi.q ",,~85 , -
I' 'ias they arrived at home
the groom felt a tummy painand minutes later
he was dead and gone
the occasion turned souras the relatives cried
the couple had hardly metand the groom had died
Bhai Bhikari was calmin this major tragedy
he went about calmlyadhered to his duty
the funeral arrangementswere already made
the boy was crematedBhikhari was sedate
the guest was puzzledas indeed he was sadmusing on Bhai Bhikaria most unusual dad
the Bhai was awareof the impending death
yet he went aheadand married his lad
1\86
II
he had condimentsand a stock of firewood
his quiet. preparationsweren' t understood
and he had madea cot for the funeral pyre
to carry the corpseto be consumed in fire
the guest asked himwhy he married the son
when he was awarethat the death was certain
the boy were to dieafter the weddinghow I could dare
defy God's bidding
the boy was His giftand he took him away
I am grateful to Himfor his, terrestrial stay
,87
the obseNer came backto the Guru durbarhe was much wiser
on the Sikh behaviour
********.
Ifa tongue were to 6ecomea fiunarea tfiousana J even moremu{tip{ieasome twenty times
to raise tfiis scoreifelUfi of tfi.ese tongues
aii recite a fiunarea tfiousana timetfie name of tfie Lorasu6fime
tfiis patfiJ tfiis wayrungs of tfiis Waer read'
ana Mena youwitfi tfie Lora inaeea
listening to tfie taftof Jfeavensaoes stimulate
tfie {owly worms are stirreaana wisfi to emulate
'J{p.nat you relUfi Jfimonly tfirougfi :His grlUe
a{{ else is falsea waywara rlUe
guru 9{anatin Jap}i
~,.~..~~....' .....•....•~.,~ .. :~;:,!,,,.
88
M
IiAU ......
:J{umiuty
Guru Nanak's elder sonSiri Chand was saintly
founder of Udassy sect,he thought differently
having lost to be a GuruSiri Chand will not see
the revered Guru Angador later Guru Amardas ji
but as he grew oldhis anger went coldhe arrived for a visit
at Guru Ramdas's fold
Guru Ramdas was happyhe welcomed his guest
entertained his entouragegave him much respect
seeing the House of Nanakbasking in such glory
Siri Chand was overcomewith a touch of jealousy
1\........................... 89 A~ .
a a.'s•••"'.s.."s.' .
Baba Siri Chand spoketo Guru Ramdas the sageyour long flowing beard
must be q.uite a rage
Siri Chand continuedthat he was intriguedwhy the Guru's beardwas so long indeed
Guru Ramdas's replyshook the man on his seat
"with it, I wipe the dustoff holy men's feet"
then the revered Gurustarted wiping his feetSiri was embarrassed
the Guru was so sweet
Siri Chand spoke againthat only now he knew
why he lost the raceto become the Guru
90 ...UIIII
:Jfartiya{'rappa
Guru Angad was compelledto leave Goindwaal
a Tappa was instrumentalin this ill advised tale
the man finally suffereda dreadful fate
he succumbed to his deaththrough Jats irate
another Tappa I Hardyala descendant of the oldwas now condemning
Guru Ramdas I s fold
when the Baoli at Goindwaalcame to completion
the event was celebratedin the Sikh traditiopn
Guru Ramdas organiseda major langar
hoardes were invitedalso this trouble maker
t~ l'i.'~~~~:~:~:<'.'
t;'f)~t:".. ~... ~.
~~~..~.
Tappa was greedybut he won't come
to join the celebrationthough he was welcome
the Guru declaredto give to everyonewho participated
a gold coin
the temptationwas too much for the manbut he couldn't be seen
so he sent his son
the boy in disguiseentered jumping a wall
he broke his leghe had a bad fall
the people sitting thererecognised the boythey all condemned
his father's ploy
Tappa's pretencehis overwhelming greed
was finally exposeda revealation indeed
1\92
II
Chapter 9
Guru Arian Dev( 1563-1606 )
Life sketch of the {juru
Arjan was the youngestof Guru Ramdas's sonsa poet and a scholar
he wielded a versatile pen
divinity and scholarshipendeared him to his father
but brought him enmityfrom PrithL his brother
Prithi Chand and his wifewere full of jealousy
they connived against himwith all their energy
Prithi was the eldestyet he seemed to know
that he shall lose to Arjanrace to the next Guru
.......u... 93
$.i~.itt~jf.~i............................
I'near the decision time,
Arjan was sent to Lahoreto stay on till recalled
Arjan was lonely and sore
Arjan couldn't bearthe prolonged separation
he wrote to the Guruletters in warm narration
the first two of his letterscame into Prithi's handswhen the third arrived
Guru Ramdas was present
young Arjan was recalledPrithi was shatteredhe was humiliated
yet he wasn't bothered
Arjan became the GuruPrithi was surpassed
the man couldn't accepthis ambitions dashed
Prithi was like an animalwho had been mauledhis objectives changed
to Guru Arjan's fall
1\94
II................
Prithi's followers heldPrithi Chand as the Guruand kept the Sikhs away
from the master true
The revered Guru Arjanpatiently kept his poise
he went on with his missionwithout grudge or noise
as the funds from Sikhswere taken by Prithi's menlangar became meagre
the Guru stayed on ration
the Sikhs came aroundand accepted Guru Arjan
Bhai Gurdas and Baba Buddahelped in this direction
Harmandar
a pool of holy waterwas dug and completedat the centre of the poola platform was seated
a!
"95 , "'~
I' 'ithe platform was used
as venue for diwana temple was built here
later by Guru Arjan
Guru Arjan completedthis spiritual wondera temple in the poolcalled it Harmandar
the foundation stonewas laid by the Sufi pir
the much admiredMusalmaan, Mian Mir
the Harmandar floorwas designed to be lowfor one to step in humility
onto the floor below
the Harmandar doorsopened on all sidesfor free access to all
Sikhs and others beside
a few miles from hereanother project was onit was completed and
called Taran Taaran
1\ 4:Jii)' '"
96 .........................
close to the Guru's heartwas people's welfare
he encouraged self helpas in digging for water
Guru Arjan built a boolia reservoir of water at Lahore
this was a welfare projectthere were several more
Adi Granth
assisted by Bhai GurdasGuru Arjan collated for view
hymns of all the Gurusfor reference and review
included with thesewere hymns of Indian saints
Kabir I Farid I and otherswith thoughts compatible
so compiled the Adi Gronthwas respected by all
commiserate with contentsits status stood tall
97
.A'til
•••e"'.......
I' 'Ithe Granth was installedin the holy Harmandarsurrounded by the pool
Amrit pool of Amritsar
the volume was placedhigh up on a pedestal
under a canopyas on a throne celestial
the Guru and the Sikhssat lower on the floor
thus honouring the Granthand the divine lore
a complaint was lodgedGranth was derogatory to Islam
Akbar had it read to himselfhe liked the hymns and psalms
the king offered goldand robes of honour too
to Bhai Gurdas and Baba Buddawho had assisted the Guru
Sikh faith was doing wellSikhs were all over Punjab
but the changed timesbrought in a vicious mob
1\ II98
-t..
Jahangir's wrath
Jahangir I unlike Akbarwas neither liberal nor kind
he was a zealot and a bigotSikh faith troubled his mind
Jahangir had recordedhis determined intent
to destroy the Sikh faithand all it meant
Akbar' s policy of neutralitywas forthwith reversedand the Sikh Guru Arjan
was unduly coerced
Jahangir needed an excuseto apprehend the GuruGod provided him onethrough his son Khusroo
the defeated son Khusroostopped by as Guru I s guest
he was made welcomeand managed some rest
99
..nn"'••••n"""'...........................
If \IIi.. ,
"'.' .
but the King claimedthat the Guru had prayed
for success to Khusrooand had offered him aid
the Guru was summonedto see the king at Lahore
here the Guru was chargedby the great emperor
Guru Arjan was finedsum of two lakh rupees
but if he accepted Islamhe could go free
the penalty of deathwas duly decreed
if the Guru didn't complywith either of these
the Sikhs were willingto pay the hefty fine
but the Guru won't acceptto toe this cowardly line
as for accepting Islamthe revered Guru Arjanstood firm on his groundand refused conversion
t ~#
:~..~ Ii100·uun" ..............
·f
Treacherous Chandu
Chandu was an officera high up in the Rajhe advised the king
he will persuade the sage
Jahangir left the Guruto be coerced by Chandu
but this man hadhis own grudge to undo
Chandu's daughter wasengaged to Guru's son
but Chandu misbehavedand the match was undone
Chandu was horrifiedhe pined to harm the Guruwith the Guru in his handsit was a dream come true
Chandu failed to persuadethe Guru to change his mind
he resorted to tortureof the meanest kind
aauaaaaH.............. 101
the Guru was detainedin a dark and dreary dungeon
in the month of JuneLahore was like an oven
the Guru was made to siton a heated pan
shovels of burning sandwere poured on his person
the Guru stayed calmthrough this treatmentand as to his torturershe showed no hatred
with the blistered bodyhe was plunged in the riverGuru Arjan passed awayand the torture was over
*********
'Witfioutgatfiering virtues'Worsfiip can't 6e clone
(jfory is in tfie woraof(joaIt [eru£s a 6eauteous visage5tna always! ajoyous fieart
(juru 9\f9.na(in Japji
102
.........................""' ...
Chapter JJl
Guru Arion DevTales of the Guru
:Jvtartyrtiom of tFie guru
Much of Guru Arjan's lifepassed in Akbar's timewhen worship of a faith
was not a crime
Sikhism was doing wellSikhs were all over Punjabbut the enemy appeared
and closed in to rob
Jahangir became the kinghe wasn't liberal or kindbut a zealot and a bigot
Sikh faith troubled his mind
Jahangir wrote in TuzukArjan fascinates them allHindus and even Muslims
are heeding to his call
:fkt.I>~................................ 103 A, ..
Jahangir wrote furtherthat it was his intent
to convert the Guru anddestroy all that he meant
Akbar's policy of neutralitywas forthwith reversed
the pressure was increasedGuru Arjan was coerced
Jahangir needed an excuseand God provided him one
Khusroo I the rebel princecame to stay with Guru Arjan
Khusroo was made welcomeas anyone would be
he stayed there and restedthe cooked meals were free
The Guru was summonedto come to Lahore
where he was chargedon lies and lies galore
The emperor allegedthat the Guru had prayedfor success to the princeand had offered him aid
104 ......'......" .......
Jahangir who had ordereddeath sentence on Khusroo
imposed a hefty finetwo lakh rupees on the Guru
An option was offeredto accept the Islamic waybut the Guru won't agree
to convert or to pay
Officer Chandu suggestedhe will persuade the Guru
make him see the lightand alter his view
The king agreedhe put the Guru in his carethe man had sinister plans
the king wasn't aware
Chandu Lal was a Hinduserving the Raj at Lahore
with a grudge against Guru I
he irked to settle a score
Chandu's men had soughta match for his daughter
it was settled to Guru's soncould it be any better?
1\ III.-_ ..., lel............... 105 ..., _Od
:~~~aaaaaaa&8Aaaaae&8a&GOaaaaaaaaBBaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaBaa~~,~~
;,ti~~~ !:!:~rtlf:~!~f.,.. t·· ..~('\;j~~ ~~
Yet Chandu didn't like itas he was heard to mutter"what a match- like layinga royal brick in the gutter"
The news reached the Guruthe Sikhs were annoyedthe match was annulled
Chandu was horrified
With the Guru in his holdChandu asked him to savour
revival of the matchand advise in Islam's favour
But Guru Arjan won't agreeon one count or the other
Chandu was most annoyedand resorted to torture
Guru Arjan was confinedin a dark and dingy dungeon
the heat was oppressingLahore was like an oven
The Guru was made to siton a red hot metal platea picture of endurance
the Guru showed no hate
They poured on the Gurushovels of burning sandcalmly abiding in His will
he sat through this demand
Then in a pot of waterthe Guru was made to sit
the water was boiledand kept in a boiling fit
he was moved to the riverBlistered and barely alive
they lowered him in the waterbut he rose to The High
**********
My fieart is [ongingit pines to see tfie guru
fikf a cfiatrik.6irdcraves for a drop ofdew
tfie tfiirst persistsaf[peace is gone
witfiout fiaving seentfie fio[y person
wfiat a Missa Missfu[ vision
a view of tfie gurutfie saintfy person
guru 5ll.rjan 'Dev
Chapter 11
Guru Hargobind(1595-1644)
Life Sketch of the {juru
Guru Arjan died a gruesome deathtortured at the hands of Mughal
Hargobind I a boy of sheer elevenwas left to face this vicious devil
Guru Arjan had the foresightand saw the years approachinghe trained the son in martial artsto face the times encroaching
Hargobind was born at Wadaliand was Guru Arjan's only sonhe carried arms as a little boyand was riding horses early on
Baba Buddha was his teacherhe quickly grasped the Guru's lore
archery and swordsmanshipHargobind excelled on every score
..................................
before Guru Arjan was arrestedhe could see the end in view
he thus installed the young boyHargobind as the next Guru
when he was sworn in as GuruHargobind carried two swordsMiri, for the temporal authorityand Piri for the spiritual world
and in planning the futurethe Guru adopted a martial plan
he gradually trained the Sikhsinto soldiers of distinction
Lohgarh, a fort was builtto defend the city of Amritsar
and Akal Takht was establishedjust next to Harmandar
Hargobind advised the Sikhsand the Sikhs started to bringofferings of arms and horsesa force was in the making
five hundred trained Sikhsformed an armed brigadeand from another fifty Sikhs
a bodyguard was raised
'I, ..~....~....~:t'f.,.,~
l:i.\.
1,1\.....................•••••.....·109
on a plot devised by Chanduthe Guru was held at Fort Gwalior
it was a prisoners nestseveral Rajas were also here
at the time of being releasedhe won't leave till others were free
the lot were granted freedomthe king did, in the end agree
the Guru had three wivesDamodri, Nanaki, and Mahan
pillars of his householdand he had six children
the Guru founded Hargobindpurthe times were somewhat better
he built here a Sikh centre, a mosqueand a baoU - a reseNoir of water
he founded Kiratpur as wellKohloor's ruler donated the landthe Raja was freed from Gwalior
when the Guru took a stand
Shahjehan's men were on a huntwhen a hawk fell in the Sikh's waythe Sikhs won't part with the bird
the angry Mughal showed dismay
a royal force was dispatchedthe Sikhs fought it at Amritsardefeating the Mughal enemyand killing their commander
an offering of horses for the Guruwas waylaid by the Mughal at Lahore
Bidhi, a clever Sikh retrieved itleaving the enemy in furore
angry Mughal waged a battleit was fought out at Maharaj
the Guru's Sikhs were victoriousdefeated stood the Mughal Raj
a pool was dug on the battle siteto celebrate the Guru's victorythis memorial called Gurusar
lends glory to Sikh history
yet another battle was wonagainst deserter Painda Khan
who came with a Mughal forcebut got killed, this foolish pathan
The Guru's life style was soldierlyyet he was a saint at heart
rigorous at his religious callingunder him, Sikhism flourished a lot
111
in the course of his travelsGuru's word touched many a heart
besides Punjab, he went visitingKashmir, UP and Maharashtra
an indelible impression was leftwherever the Guru had gone
he was addressed as the true kingin Punjabi, Sachay Padshah
towards the last years of his lifeGuru Hargobind moved to Kiratpur
Sikhism was flourishing herehis presence made a difference
Hargobind chose his grandsonHar Rai, installed him as the Gurulater while meditating one dayhe left for the realm of the True
as Har Rai became the GuruSikhism differed from beforethe Sixth Guru had altered it
by adding militarism to its core
*********
Chapter 12
Guru Hargobind
Tales of the Guru
J-forses for the {juru
The Mughal regimewas running amuckanything but Islamwasn't tolerated
It hated the Hindusand eyed the Sikhs
committed atrocitieswhich make one sick
Guru Hargobindvisionary as he was
Cou 17.31d see the futuregoing even worse
He started to buildan army of Sikhs
kind of soldier saintsto defend the Truth
1\............................... 113 ".........................,.......d
Horses were neededfor a force in the offingthe Sikhs were advised
horses were wanted
a horse merchantKaroria from Kabulprepared himselfto obey this call
colts from an aquaticor a daraiyee breed
he had raised from birthwith pride indeed
the brother horsesgrew into a fine pair
were ready now to serveunder Guru's care
With colts for the GuruKaroria was on his wayhe took more horses
he wanted to sell away
A royal party at Lahorecame over to view
they liked the horsesspecially these two
The king's menwere most impressed
when it came to buyingthey were distressed
Karoria won't sellhis doroiyee pair
those lovely horsescouldn't be theirs
The Mughal officialsforcibly took those two
leaving poor Karoriahurt and subdued
The sad talewas told to the Guruwhere Bidhi Chand
was listening too
Bidhi Chand of Malwawas a Punjabi jot
a real He-manfrom the daring lot
On hearing the taleBidhi volunteered
to snatch the horsesfrom the Mughal snare
115
II 'Ii•.. IfKnowing his prowess
the Guru agreedfor Bidhi to undertakesuch a daunting feat
Bidhi came to Lahorein a hay seller's garb
then to the Royal stableshe was full of charm
With his glib talkhe won the keeper's heart
and was allowed insideto inspect the Royal stock
Bidhi offered to ridethat handsome colt
reluctantly the keepergave him its hold
Riding the horseBidhi gave it a kickthe horse bolted
and was out in a flick
Stunned they stoodas he made his escapeending up at Guru's feet
in Guru's landscape
1\ II"".t;
116 .....
....................., ~ ~.,~ ~~...
IfKaroria was delighted
he thanked Bidhi Chanda task was accomplishedof tremendous content
In time this horsesadder grew
missing its brotherwhom it always knew
The Guru and the Sikhsfelt rather bad
the horse was unhappyit looked very sad
Bidhi was advisedto go back to Lahoreand return the horseor fetch its brother
Bidhi took a tripin no apprehension
to fetch the other horsein Royal detention
The man this timeposed as a fortune-teller
dressed as a fakirhe looked quite a feller
117 II..........................
The staff at the stablesbegged him and soughtinformation on the thief
who wasn't caught
Now Bidhi Chand knewand described the tale
of the horse and the thiefin full detail
They showed him aroundtheir confidence was won
the doors were lockedas a sheer precaution
Bidhi lovingly strokedthat daraiyee colt
admiring the animalthat loved his hold
He expressed a desireto ride this brotherof the stolen horse
taken from its tether
His wish was grantedhe jumped up to ride
then moved the animalto the open side
Overlooking the riverhe halted and stood
the lads eyed himno one understood
He kicked the horseit jumped in the river
the staff at the stablesfelt a quiver
After a minor swimthey were acrossnow they boltedquick and fast
The brother horseswere soon united
the Guru and the Sikhswere all delighted
Pilgrimages, fasts and donationsrendered to ooost one 5 egoare fi~ an efephant soath
go unrewardec£, a wastedshowguru ryeg 13ahac£ur
'Bi6i 'Viro's Wead"ing
Viroos wedding daywas finally here
Amritsar looked lovelythe sky was blue and clear
Guru Hargobind himselfin a nearby forest stripwas out with his Sikhs
on a hunting trip
they saw a beautiful hawkas it winged the skieslending enchantment
to the viewing eyes
the Sikhs were excitedwanting to catch the birdthey released their hawk
to this intent
present on this dayin this forest wing
was an Imperial partyhunting for the king
equally enamouredof this precious bird
they also chased the hawkcombing the forest
Guru Hargobind's hawkleapt higher and higher
it caught up with the birdand brought home the flyer
the Imperial officerswere hurt and annoyedand confronted the Sikhswith contempt unalloyed
they pressed the Sikhsto handover the hawkit must go to the king
and join the royal stock
but the Sikhs refusedto return the hawk
to Shahjahan's officialsit came as a shock
it led to a skirmishthe two parties clashedtwo officers were killed
and their leader slashed
Lei_...aAI u....... 121
defiance by the Sikhsangered Shahjahan
it was time that the Sikhswere taught a lesson
a detachment of menunder Mukhlis Khanwas sent to punish
the Guru and his men
Viroos marriage partywas temporarily haltedit was held at Jhabbal
till the enemy was thwarted
the Mughal onslaughtwas halted at Lohgarh Fortby a handful of Sikhs and
a wooden canon in support
women and the childrenwere moved to Ramsarbut Viro got left behindalone in her chamber
by the nightfallthe Mughal laid a siege
Bibi Viro was still hereand at great unease
122
..................
finally the help arrivedcracking through the siege
rescued Bibi Virosecuring her release
six Sikh commanderswith two hundred men eachwere ready by the morning
within enemy's reach
a severe battle was foughtmany a brave Sikh died
but the enemy suffered worseand lost to the Guru's side
in a hand to hand combatwith Guru HargobindMukhlis Khan fumbledand got himself killed
after a depressing battlethat killed many a friendGuru Hargobind reverted
to the duty in hand
Bibi Viro was marriedgracefully to the groom
thus ending in joytwo days of 9190m
I!..........-................ 123 _................ "
{jwa{ior
Jahangir was benton hurting the Guru
but face to facehe changed his view
some wise advisersadvised the king
that the complaintswere sheer figments
the king requestedthe Guru's company
he was travellingto the Agra city
Guru Hargobindagreed to travel
discussed with himreligion and morals-
Chandu and othersof the king's regime
contrived a planagainst Hargobind
they colluded witha fortune teller
Jahangir was toldhis life was in danger
a calamity is seento be hovering
it could be avoidedby a fakir's praying
he was advisedto request Hargobind
to pray for himforty days on end
after these daysthe devils did hopethe king shall forgetthe whole episode
Jahangir beggedthe Guru to consider
praying for himthere in Gwalior
Guru Hargobindacceded to the kinghe knew of coursethe underlying sting
L.c.._ I 125 __A
the Gwalior fortwas a fortified prison
located on a hillfor security reason
the Guru enteredthis new environment
the way outwas non existent
there were hereprinces of the states
fifty two in allcursing their fates
the group of princesfelt very happy
finding Guru Hargobindin their company
the arrival of the Gurubrought them closer
they will join himin prayers together
the moral lessonswere impartedthe princes feltrichly rewarded
126II..........................
the time passedin seNice and prayerthey hardly noticedthey were in Gwalior
the Sikhs in Punjabwere restless, unclearas were many others
of Guru's admirers
the Sufi fakirrevered Mian Mir
was much concernedand met Jahangir
orders were issuedto release the Guruthe Guru declined
and refused to leave
the Guru insistedthat Rajas there
must also be freedfrom fort Gwalior
the king issuedanother decree
princes holding to Gurushall all go free
Guru Hargobind worean enormous wearclinging to its hem
the princes went clear
*********
5l![rove, ai[affection is falsethat is now, I nave tnown the worU
'Everyone here is servitI!J the selftheir own we[{6eitI!J, their own comfort
anti they cry, its mine, its minegfoateti in their own selfish ego
there is no one 6ut 9'"ou in the entistrange is the custom ofthe worU[y snow
the foo[ish mintinasn 't feamt it yettiespite the contintuJus fesson
'JI.[ana~ those wno sing 9lis praisessfw[[swim across the worU£[y ocean
(juru rug 'l3anaaur
128
'Ba6a ~ta{
Atal was the sonof Guru Hargobindhe died as a boy
in circumstances unkind
playing with MohanAtal enjoyed the gamebut on loosing a turnhe was not the same
his friend Mohangot bitten by a snakeAtal couldn't find him
after the break
Mohan was takenback to his home
he died of the bitedidn't finish the game
Atal went to his housesaw Mohan by the door
wrapped up in linensprostrate on the floor
1\............................... 129 ......~;.........~~~~
verily he thoughtMohan was asleepyet he shook him
for the errand to keep
the game was pendingand Mohan must play
he should get upstart without delay
the dead boy Mohanwas heard to saylet us go then Ataland finish the play
Mohan stood upas no one expectedthere was rejoicing
the dead resurrected
the news of the miraclespread through the city
the Guru heard itbut he wasn't happy
he advised little Atalit was wrong to playmiracles, for these
were not the Sikh way
a"""a.a••aaa.aea. 130 a.""'......8.8aaa
....................................................................~"
I' 'Ihe reminded Atal
his grandpa Guru Arjansuffered great atrocities
but didn't work one
Arjan won't indulgein the occult powerhe gave up his life,
Sikhism's great tower
Atal was thoughtfulendowed with talentshe realised atonce
what his act had meant
Atal stayed calmwent to a green pasturelaid himself on the grassand pulled on a cover
miraculously the boyas he prayeo
was recalled to Heavenswhile Mohan played
*********
......... 131
... , ,.' '" .
cfianau
Chandu's machinationshad finally failed
his plot against the Guruhad derailed
the emperor Jahangirin fact came around
he honoured Hargobindretracted his ground
Chandu's tale madethe king very angryhe passed. the devil
to the Guru's custody
the Guru may punishChandu as he liked
but Guru's punishmenthe may have sUNived
Chandu's will receivefive blows a day
with a wretched shoein a public display
1\.......................... 132
when he was broughtto holy Amritsar
the crowds gatheredto curse the cur
poised on a donkeywith a blackened face
Chandu was takenfrom place to place
Chandu was abusedstoned and booedfolks spitted on himas he was towed
he was broughtto Lahore from Amritsar
supported on sidesby Sikh stalwarts
it was Jetha andthe Sikh Bidhi Chandthey dragged him onwith a crowd behind
people in Lahoreturned out in numbers
it was free for allas missiles thundered
133
••••• ••••• ••••••• ••• , Mof
~~.te'
there was Gurdittapopping up his corn
the furnace was firedthe sand was in the pan
the news reached himChandu was comingGurditta was angry
the news was stunning
Gurditta recalledhow Chandu, this devilhad forced him partake
in a horrid evil
he was made to pourthe burning sand
on revered Guru Arjanon Chandu's command
desperate Gurdittawaited his chanceto punish this manthe devil atonce
he worked his bellowsand puffed more airthe flames erupted
and spattered splinters
he stirred the sanddesperate on his seat
it turned red hotand radiated heat
the processionof Chandu and crowd
turned the cornerinto Gurditta I s road
Gurditta jumped upand shouted Hi Hi
leave the wretched devilhe is all for me
he poured on Chanduthe burning sandand hit his shovelhard on his head
Chandu was oldby now very tired
one blow killed himthe man expired
-_... 135 -_...._ .....~
1U6i Xaufaan
Daughter of a MoulviKaulaan was a pretty girl
she learned Koranfrom the Sufi Mian Mir
the girl was devotedenjoyed hymns in Koranshe was also interested
in other religions
she had read Gitoand also Romoyonand under Mian Mir
was now, a Gurboni fan
her father was shockedwhen he heard of this
he warned the girlof its consequences
when Guru Hargobindcame to Lahore town
she will secretly goand attend the Kirton
• a "'t a.a a ~••u.~..u.I .aat
IIshe was spotted oncein Guru's congregation
a complaint was lodgeda serious allegation
on the complainta fatua was issued
a punishment of deathwas duly decreed
when Kaulaan heardof punishment severe
she made it to Mian Mirin a secret wear
the Sufi fakirwas gravely concerned
he hastened with herto Guru Hargobind
the master realised. helping the lass
meant seeking enmitywith the ruling class
yet the girl was sentwith a Sikh bodyguard
to the holy Amritsarto join Sikh sangat
137
she was providedwith a place to live
where she could worshipand she was secure
one day Bibi Kaulaanbegrudged her fate
she was desirousof someone to relate
she wished she hada daughter or a son
or her nameshall be forever gone
instead the Gurubequeathed the girl
a permanentlong-lived memorial
a pool was dugand named Kaulsar
it immortalisedthe Maulvis daughter
*********
138
Tt.~..~.'.'~
Chapter 13
Guru Har Rai(1630- 1661 )
Life sketcfi of tfte (juru
Har Rai was born at KiratpurA lovely place to view
founded by Guru Hargobindhis grandpa, the sixth Guru
even as a little boy, Har Raihad a mind with spirtual traitsGuru Hargobind saw and felt
the potential of this state
Thus choosing the next Guruhonour went to Har Rai
he became the seventh Guruaged fourteen, a mere boy
Har Rai had a strong physiquebut he was tender at heartgood at riding a horse, yetsaintly in mind and thought
139 .--....a.i
like Guru Hargobind, Har Rajkept an army of Sikhs, fighting fit
and had a bodyguarddevoted men of martial grit
The Guru ran a vast dispensary. with rare drugs in stock
endowed with healing skillshe served the needy flock
Shahjehan needed a rare herbwhen prince Dara Shikoh fell illas this herb couldn't be foundGuru Har Rai was requested
the precious herb was foundin Guru Har Rai' s collection
administered to prince Darait cured his affliction
to propagate the Sikh faithHar Rai deployed the new converts
Bhagwangir and Suthereshahgave the faith further spurts
Aurengzeb annexed the thronedefeating prince Dara ShikohDara came to Guru Har Rai
he was welcomed by the Guru
140
the visit was misconstruedby Aurengzeb and his men
who needed an excuseagainst rising Sikh religion
the king invited the Gurubut Har Rai will not listen
finally he did agreeto send Ram, his elder son
when Ram arrived at Delhihe was asked to read a hymn
a word in the hymn, thought Rammay cause offence to the king
thus while reading the hymnRam Rai quickly improvised
he read beimoon for muso/moonthe king was satisfied
But Guru Har Rai was annoyedthe lad had acted mean
Ram was barred from the Gurufor tempering with the hymn
Har Rai made his younger sonHarkrishan, the next Guru
and a day after anointing himhe left for the realm of 'The True'
Chapter 14
Guru Har RaiTales of the Guru
'Ram'Rai
The fanatic Aurengzebembodiment of cruelty
asked Guru Har Raito meet him at Delhi
but Guru Har Raiwill just not agree
Auregzeb tried to hit backHe was really angry
he dispatched a forceunder one Zalam Khanto overcome the Guru
by forceful means
but this Zalam Khanwas at the end of his days
he developed stomach acheand died on the way
142
Danda Khan Kandhariwas next dispatchedhe was slaughteredenroute as he slept
the third time, it wasNahar Khan Sharanpuriwhose troops perished
in a cholera fury
finally Aurengzeb sentShiv Dayal, an officerto persuade the Guruto meet the emperor
Guru Har Rai agreedbut sent an ambassador
to meet Aurengzebthe bigoted emperor
Ram Rai was elderof Har Rai's sons
an intelligent man<;:tn admired person
Ram Rai was sentto see the emperorbut he must uphold
the Guru durbar
Ji,.;
.:£t~
~~143 ~ _ ....
.a__ """'••""' , ~~WWH~
IIAurengzeb called him
to the Royal durbarRam presented himselfamongst the courtiers
the king wanted himto perform a miracleRam was well versedexpert in this vehicle
he showed the kingmany astonishing featsthe, king was amazedat his powers of occult
the king decidedto honour this man
and use him in futureas a political pawn
Ram Rai was askedto quote and reviewreferences to Islam in
hymns of the Gurus
Ram Rai citedhe quoted a hymnfrom Guru Nanak
on the fate of man
..........................................................
II 'IMitti musso/moan kipoiroy poiee kumior
khor bhondoy itton kionjo/di koroy pukor
as for a muslim graveits clay is sought
the potter moulds itinto bricks and pots
the clay lamentsand it does shriekfired in a furnace
you hear it beseech
Ram Rai was scaredthe word Musso/moanmay offend the king·
so he changed the hymn
he substituted the wordbe/moan for musso/moan
the king was satisfiedso was the Royal clan
when Guru Har Raiheard what he had saidthe Guru was annoyed
and much distressed
~~~,~~.............................. 145 II
.......~ .
Ram Rai was debarredfrom Guru's presencefor he had tempered
with Guru Nanak's hymn
Ram left and starteda sect of his own
the king bequeathed hima site, now Dehradun
*********
If tfie fiaruisJ feet aru£ tfie Doay are soUea'Water couU wasli tfie airt away:For dotfies po[[utea witli urine
51 wasli witli soap aru£ water uJi{( dean:Miru£corrupteawitli sinsgalore
'J./jeas ''J..&m ~ contempCation ofJ{is roreVirtue or sin are not slieer woras
your actions are recoraea5tna are as sucli rewaraea5ts you sow so slial(you reap
'JI[anat. you uJi{( come anagoas J-fe aoes seef(
(juru 'J..&na(in Japji
146
...................................................
Sefini
In seventeenth centuryan Italian called Selinitrav~lIed through Indiaseeking life I s meaning
he visited the countryits length and breadth
learning Indian thoughtand probing its depth
he was keen on religionits strength and qualityhe sought information
on religion and morality
after visiting Hardwarhe arrived in Punjab
to meet Guru Har Raiand see the Guru durbar
he travelled to Kiratpurand saw the Great Guruthe charismatic Har Rai
his radiant view
147 ............lAAA....lAAA...._..a.i
rf! ", ~~!:~•.,~,~
.~ .. "...~~t.!iif:-- . .~~.
Selini sat in the sangatand enjoyed the kirtan
he felt uplifted withGuru Nanak's hymns
later he asked the Guruthere have been prophets
indeed many of themboth in the east and west
Christ and MohammedRam and then Krishan
and here in Punjabthe great Guru Nanak
who in the Guru's viewranks the foremost
to get you salvationfrom the difficult world
"prophets are guideswho show you the way
to redeem yourselfon the judgement day
but your final ascentto the divine zone
depends only on youyour actions alone
,.~
~.~~~4;. .;I."t-:~•. ~~ !~••~
148.- *. 'I
in the final analysisit is your own deedsthat will determineyour end indeed"
********
J{e resides in every worU'Everywhere are J{is stores
Jf.e fi{{ed them in one go'Wliatever J{e fiKfd to pour
J{e does it a{{Sees everytliing tlirougfi
:N..anat. the creationsOf '%.e lJ'rue I are true
.9Lf{praise to :Jfim, affgforyPrima! and eternalLord.
Vntarnished and. indestnu:.ti6feJ{e stays the same, '%.e great I
.9tge after ageIn the same unafteredstate
guru :N..anaf()n Japji
Chapter 15
Guru Harkrishan(1656- 1664)
Life Sketch of the (juru
Harkrishan was the eighth Guruthe younger son of Guru Har Raihe was born in Punjab at Kiratpur
a sweet and handsome boy
he was merely five years oldwhen he ascended the Guru's throne
soon afterwards his father diedleaving him all alone
the eighth Guru was articulatehis tender looks radiated charmhe thrilled the Sikhs as he spoke
they felt elated and warm
his elder brother Ram Rai,was renounced by Guru Har Rai
Ram had became jeQlousand wanted to harm the boy
150
Ram complained to Aurengzebto have Harkrishan bound
the Guru was called to Delhito be charged on some ground
Harkrishan consulted the elderswho said that the Guru knew bestthe Guru decided to go to Delhihe was prepared for the worst
Sikh sangats were worriedas the prospects were adverseat the time of Guru's departure
they will just not disperse
they walked with him a long wayreturned home from Sirsa riverthe Guru and party carried onmeeting admirers everywhere
Lal Chand of one villagea Brahmin, who was very proud
came and asked the Guruif he will recite the Gita aloud
the Brahmin was ill advisedas he was on a testing spreeif the Guru could recite Gitahe will call it a good memory
"............................. 151
'"i!l: '.
~, ':-1., '''IiO
the Guru invited the village foolChhaju, the dullest of the dull
after being blessed by the Guruhe could recite the Gita in full
when the party reached Delhithey waited for the king
,they stayed with old admirersRani and Raja Jai Singh
the emperor sent some itemsfor the Guru to choose a giftthe Guru took a saintly robefrom a load of riches to sift
the king appeared appeasedyet he itched to see a miracle
but Guru Harkrishan won't agreeto dabble in this vehicle
the king couldn't see the Guruas cholera gripped the city
the Guru and the Sikhs got busynursing the sick and needy
outbreak of small pox followedthe Guru contracted it as well
he took it as the divine willand was ready for farewell
~~"""""""""""''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''~"1
from Raja Jai Singh residencehe was moved to Jamuna bank
Sikh sangats all around himwere saddened as he sank
the next Guru had to be namedHarkrishan just managed to say
Baba Baka/a, a clue to helpTo guide them on their way
Guru Harkrishan passed awaywhilst he wasn't even eighta Guru for twenty-six monthsa child Guru but really great
*********
Meaitate on (jum Jiarf(nsfianut your tfiougfits in fiim stay
for f(nowing (jum Jiarf(nsfianwi£[sweep your pains away
(jum (jo6inc£Singfi
1\ 153 . A.
Chapter 16
Guru HarkrishanTales of the Guru
Pundit La{o
Taking the Gurufor a little boy
Pundit Lola deviseda defaming ploy
he came and satin Guru 's sangatlater he stood up
and coyly muttered
Lola would likethe famous Guruto recite the Gitaverses he knew
The Guru knewthat the Panditjihad come there
on a testing spree
1\............................ 154
he was told to calla dithering fool
dullest of the dullwho knew no school
the village foolChhaju was calledhe was presentedto Guru Harkrishan
Guru Harkrishanwaived his stick
and blessed the manwith a gentle flick
the man recitedthe Gita aloudPanditji's face
became a shroud
Lalo apologisedfor his accesses
and was forgivenwith Guru's blessings
*********
~.""~"'" A[1>. , __ 155 a ..
'I'estina tfie (juru
Aurengzeb wished to seeif Harkrishan will perform
magic and miraclesas did his brother Ram
. but Guru Harkrishandeclined such action
as it was contraryto the Sikh tradition
Auregzeb then triedindirectly to assessthe Guru's powers
his spiritual prowess
Miria Jai Singhwho was Guru's host
agreed to the king's ployTo put the Guru to test
wife of Raja Jai Singhthe queen, the Rani
was dressed as a maidand her maid as the Rani
Jai Singh then showed upat the Guru's quartersand invited Harkrishan
for a get together
the visionary Harkrishanknew of Raja's mission
but agreed to his requestto visit his mansion
when he was usheredin the stately hall
the Guru saw the RaniIn a servant's overall
he touched the Raniwith a flick of his stick
expressed disapprovalof her resorting to a trick
the Guru went backquick as he cameleaving the Royals
aghast and in shame
**********
~cogniseye the wfwfe fiuman rau as oneguru go6intfSingh.
157
.Jlurengzeb and tfie Guru
Guru Har Rai had advisedHarkrishan the child Guru
not to see Aurengzeb I even ifthe king pressurised him to
after his arrival in DelhiHarkrishan made it clear
to his host I Mirza Jai Singhhe will not see the emperor
as the king I s invitationswere simply turned down
Aurengzeb desire to see himhad grown and grown
Auregzeb arranged to sendhis son Bahadur Shah
to go and meet the Guruand report on what he saw
the little boy I the princewas welcomed by Harkrishan
the prince was impressedto see the Guru in person
1\....'1'1"""''1'1''0...... 158
but when he invitedthe Guru on king 's behestGuru Harkrishan declinedto accede to this request
Guru Harkrishan agreedto send the king a message
a letter in his own handan enlightening passage
the note containeda hymn, Guru Nanak's thought
decrying a life of splendourwithout the fear of God
one morning the kingdressed himself as a fakir
walked to the Guru's quartersand stood outside his door
when Harkrishan was toldthe king was at his door
the gates were ordered shutthe king stood sore
the king had to leavedisappointed over again
his wishes unfulfilledto see Guru Harkrishan
~~_""aa.l""""Hal""""'." 159 ..
with God I s will I there wasa smallpox outbreak
it made further contacti'l'Possible to make
the Providence intervenedthe Guru passed away
Aurengzeb was unfulfilledcouldn/t have his way
*********
(guru :Jiark..rislian 's message to .9lurengzeo)
'Wliat gOOl[ is alr tFie foodor tFie dotliing to wear
if tFie fJ'rue Lord is a6sent from Fieartif:Jie is not tliere
fruits, outter, j{ourvariety ofsweets and meat
garments and comfortaok oeda wadofpfeasura6k treat
matter not, neitFier huge armiescivifsevants, tFie servants and 'J(fians
nor a royal mode ofrivingin paftucs or palatid mansions
:J{ana~ everytliing out tFie fJ'rue LorduJiffdisappear, shaff oe gone
guru :J{anak..'1Jev
160
Chapter 17
Guru Teg Bahadur(1624-1675)
Life s~etcn of the {juru
Teg was born at Amritsara son to Guru Hargobindthe times were atrociousAurengzeb was the king
Hinduism was in troubleTeg listened to its callhe sacrificed his life
and saved it from a fall
Guru Harkishan diedleaving just a clue
implying Teg Bahaduras the next Guru
Teg was quite a scholardevoted to classic artsbesides he was trainedin weapons of all sorts
1\--- 161 i _ 6i
as an expert horseman,he rode with distinction
yet he spent hours on endin divine meditation
at the age of twelvehe was married to Gujarihis wedding at Amritsarwas quite a gathering
during last nine yearsof Guru Hargobind's life
Teg lived at Kiratpurwith parents and his wife
Bakala
when his father diedTeg, his wife and mothermoved to village Bakala
where they lived together
twenty years of his lifeTeg spent in meditation
collating his thoughtsin divine concentration
162 , ..
_~M;ijf
........................................""' "" .
as Guru Harkrishan diednaming a 'Baba Bakata'this clue to the next Guruproduced a Gurus meta
every street in Bakalaboasted of having a Guru
the Sikhs couldn't tellthe false from the true
amongst the pretenderswas a man called Dhir
a nephew of Teg Bahadurwho caused a major stir
Makhan Shah Labana,came looking for the Guru
he must find the masterto pay him a promised due
he combed Bakala villagesearched in every street
saw the claimants one by oneand paid towards their greed
but he wasn't satisfiedthen he heard of one Tega recluse, who lived aloofmay be, he wasn't a fake
A........................ 163 ".~••l!lM _..-..A
when he went to see himTeg was in meditation
Makhan paid his respectsand left a small donation
Teg came out of his tranceand called after the traderreminded him of his promisewhen his ship was in danger
Makhan felt all excitedfor having found the Guruhe climbed atop the roofand announced the news
Dhir Mal was annoyedand planned to hit back
he and his Mahantsorganised a vicious attack
they robbed Guru durbarattempted to kill the Guru
they didn't succeedDhir and his wicked crew
one Shihan fired a bulletit grazed Teg's shoulder
but Teg was unperturbedthe wound was only minor
1\.......................' ....,. 164II........., ......
Makhan and the Sikhschased unholy Mahantsbrought back the loot
including the holy Granth
Teg removed himselffor quiet meditation
to atone himselffor the Sikhs's actions
Amritsar
at the invitation of SikhsTeg travelled to Amritsar
but he was denied accesscouldn't enter Harmandar
a grandson of Prithi ChandHarji Mina was in occupation
claiming, he was the Guruand not the late Harkrishan
followers of Harji Minalocked the doors in fear
for they dreaded now a fatemeted to pretender Dhir
whilst men of Amritsarcaused offence to the Guru
the women of the townbraved it as soldiers true
women of village Wallainvited the Guru over
Teg moved to their villageas darkness took its cover
Harmandar was occupiedby these brave womenthe doors were openedafter the Guru had gone
assisted by Makhan Shahthey reprimanded the priests
and made them feel ashamedat their wretched deed
Kiratpur
at the age of forty threeTeg was anointed the Guruhe plunged into his mission
with a zeal displayed by few
166f!
"'~
".
~ ~~. ¥1....."" ....."",."" .......
fH Hal ~ .
Teg arrived in Kiratpurseat of his predecessor
the historic Guru's regaliawere kept at Kiratpur
sangats from all aroundvisited him on Vaisakhiincluding Mahants of
Dacca, Patna, Varanasi
Rani Champa of Bilaspurwhose husband had died
came to pay respectsoffered the Guru a site
Teg made a paymentfor the site in question
and on mount Makhowalstarted a new habitation
Chakk Nanki, its name,changed to Anandpur
or the city of joyKhalsa was created here
Teg left with his familyto visit the east
Mahants had invited himand Teg had agreed
starting from Anandpurin the month of August
he passed through Roparthen camped at Saifabad
the Nawab of Saifabad,an admirer of the Guru
entertained him for daysbefore he let him go
the famous Kurkushetrahad Sikh shrines to viewhonouring Guru Nanak,
the third and the sixth Guru
Teg stayed here a whilepreaching Sikh gospelthe doubts of Brahminswere harder to dispel
he left Kurukushetraleaving the Brahmins a gift
a letter engraved in copperin memory of this visit
in a brief stay at DelhiTeg met the local Sikhs
Lakhi Shah, the RajasJai Singh and others
passing through Mathura,Agra, Kanpur and Fatehpur
he arrived in Allahabadsome six months later
next stop was Mirzapurthen the holy Senares
Teg Bahadur arrived heremounted on a horse
where they campedGanges materialised
it was beneath the campand emerged from the site
the Sikhs dug the placeand the Guru just willedthe water gushed out
when a hole was drilled
the Guru left Benaresand headed for Sarsaramhere Phagu had prayed
for the Guru to come
169 II...."a .
as the Sikh had desiredTeg entered his gateadorned on a horse
the Guru had kept a date
being pressed for timeTeg carried on his way
leaving the family at Patnaand arranging for their stay
Bengal
Teg camped at Monghyrby the river Ganges
Sangats came everydayfor the Guru's blessings
after visiting Bhagalpur,Maida and GopalpurTeg arrived in Dacca
by now it was October
an old lady in Daccahad made for him a dress
and she had prayedfor his gracious presence
170
meanwhile at Patnahis son, Gobind was born
he learnt about itwhilst in Dacca town
the Guru kept on movingone place, then anotherfrom Sylhet to Chittagongover the period of a year
he established Sangatsall along this route
in villages and in townsfrom Chittagong to Sylhet
a Sikh Sangat was startedon the island of Sondip
he left his influence herethe tree was planted deep
Assam
Teg came back to Daccaand planned his next trip
places graced by Guru Nanakon the Assamese strip
II171 .....,...............~......_.a.i
If 'i. .;,. .. ')-
Mughal officer Ram Raihad orders to release
Gauhati from the Kamrupthe king of Assamese
scared of Kamrup magicRam asked for Guru's help
Teg accompanied himtravelling to Kamrup
at a place called Dhubriwhere Nanak lit His lampTeg arrived with the Sikhs
and pitched his camp
the women magicianscamped on top of a hillrolled down a boulder
for a major kill
the Guru's camp escapeddown by the hillside
the rock thundered byand got buried on a side
Teg pulled at his bowreleased a powerful arrowthe magic pitcher ruptured
so did the women's ego
172II
the humbled womengave up the magic paththe Guru blessed the lot
and guided them to truth
the Guru then arrangeda peace between the twoAurengzeb's envoy Ramand the king of Kamrup
a monument was builtby the Mughal soldiers
in honour of Guru Nanakand Guru leg Bahadur
leg Bahadur came backonce again to Dacca
then he left for Puripassing through Calcutta
Guru leg Bahadur stayedsome two weeks at Puriimparting The Message
to the people of the city
173 . Ii""-
.... 1.. ··.,.·.·4,';
Return to Punjab
Teg Bahadur abandoneda visit to southern regionsas Auregzeb was showing
increased fanatic madness
laws were being enactedfor terminating infidelsHindus were the target
their blood was being spilled
from Puri the Gurutravelled back to Patnathe family were unitedafter a long separation
Teg and the followersproceeded towards Delhiand the family followed
travelling separately
on reaching Chakk NankiTeg made another round
covering this timeMalwa villages and towns
~.~.~...
t*~:~. '.:••u· ""..·"..· .. 174 Nal ~ WWN..u
Martyrdom
with Aurengzeb I s bigotrymuch blood was spilling
he was forcing Islamhis methods were chilling
forceful conversionof the Hindus to Islambecame official policyof Emperor Aurengzeb
The cruel Iftikar KhanGovernor of Kashmir
was the chief instrumentof the Hindu massacre
A group of Brahminswith Kirpa Dutt as leadercame to Chakk Nanaki
and met Guru Teg Bahadur
tale of the Hindu purgewas revealed to the master
how stacks of Janaeouswere being cast asunder
175
I' \S#.~ ~
Teg told the Brahminsto give Aurengzeb a bid
that they shall accept Islamif Guru Teg Bahadur did
the Guru left for Agrawhere the king was expected
Teg and his companionswere duly arrested
Teg was offered rewardsto accept Islamic pathor be prepared to face
the emperor's wrath
Teg Bahadur was readydetermined and steadfastnothing could deter him
from his chosen path
they couldn't break himor his companions
who were tortured to deathby those vicious men
in Chandni Chowk, DelhiTeg Bahadur was beheadeda fate he met with courage
a fate he never dreaded
1\ A-.1-- ••
176.- .-.
••··,·'t'··•••'.'·,...
the night that followeda dust storm had blownand in its blinding fury
the severed parts were gone
Lakhi Shah hid the bodyin a cart of hay
brought it to his homeand burnt the house away
the head was collectedby Bhai Jaita of Delhi
he took it to Anandpurafter a hazardous journey
the young Guru Gobindput flame to the funeral pyre
and the sangats presentoffered the prayers
ashes arrived from Delhiwith the brave Lakhi Shahhe recounted to the Sikhs
an account of what he saw
*********
Chapter 18
Guru Tea BahadurTales of the Guru
:M.artyraom of tlie {juru
Aurengzeb the Mugholwas vicious and cruela fanatic and a bigot
he was fire and the fuel
Hindus were regardedas a hoard of infidels
who must be convertedor else gotton rid off
death and destructionhad become a normthe Hindus wern't safe
in this vicious storm
the schools and templessymbols of Hindu culturewere particular targets
of the wayward Mughal
178
Vishwanath shrine at Benoreswas levelled down
so was Keshvari templein the Mathura town
conversion to Islamwas a policy of the stateforced on pain of deathit was a dreaded fate
the cruel Iftikar Khanthe Governor of Kashmirstarted the Hindu purgeand swung it into gear
the man I s killer instinctneeded no further urge
enough was his obsessionHindus were a scourage
Brahamins of Kashmirmet at Amarnath shrine
where a dream revealeda guidance divine
with Kirpa as a leaderand in circumstances grim
they met Guru leg Bahadurto state their case to him
179 _ 4
sad tale of the Brahaminswas heard by the master
how Janeous in thousandswere being torn asunder
the Guru was distressedand troubled in mind
when Gobind, barely ninewalked in from behind
amidst the Brahaminssat his much worried dad
Gobind looked at himand said "you do look sad"
\\ the earth is heavywith tyranny and dread
a sacrifice is neededof a great and noble head"
the brave lad respondedrelieving his dad's tension
\\ who is better than youfor a task of this dimension"
Brahamins were advisedto give Aurengzeb a bid
everyone shall accept IslamIf Guru Teg Bahadur did
the Guru then left for Agrathe king was expected here
Teg and his companionswere arrested over there
they were moved to Delhiand kept under house arrest
then the torture startedit began with caging first
Teg was offered rewardssto accept the Islamic path
he should complyor face the king's wrath
Teg Bahadur was soliddetermined and steadfastnothing could deter him
from his chosen path
they couldn't break himas they tortured his Sikhs
Sha; Matti Dass was the firstwho went through this
Matti Doss was sawnhe was sliced into two
the cruel deed was enactedIn front of the Guru
181
\I.i!
Bhai Dyalla was nexthe was boiled in a cauldron
the Sikh kept his faithand he couldn't be won
Teg was then to bearBhai Satti Dass's ordeal
who was burnt alivedefending the Sikh ideal
both carrot and the stickhad failed in the end
the revered Guruwill neither yield nor bend
in Chandni Chowk DelhiTeg was beheaded
a fate he met with calma fate he never dreaded
during that nighta dust storm had blown
in its blinding furythe severed parts were gone
Lakhi Shah hid the bodyin a cart of hay
brought it inside his homeand burnt the house away
1\182
II
the head was collectedby Bhai Jaita of Delhi
who took it to Anandpurafter a hazardous journey
the young Guru Gobindput flame to the funeral pyre
and the sangats presentoffered the prayers
ashes arrived from Delhiwith the brave Lakhi Shah
he recounted to the sangatsan accountofwhathesaw
*********
9{g.~ fet us umierstanalie whofirufs noj(lJJ in fiappiness
atuf in sorrowjirufs no painfirufs tne jrietuf atuffoe a£~
at par, tfie sameregaranim tliena £i6eratea man
183
§uru £atflioray
At Sea
The weather was bad, the ship ran agroundit was a weird and eerie neighbourhooda frightening void and no help around
stranded in such solitude, he stoodMakhan Shah Labana was much worried
for his ship and the cargo of goodsa devout Sikh, Makhan Shah prayed
finding him in distress and so dismayedthe great Guru responded and He was swift
Labana knew, as the help was renderedthe ship rose up and started to drift
the grateful Labana prayed and tendereda promise to thank the Guru at His seatwith five hundred gold coins at His feet
At Delhi
By royal command, Guru Harkrishanand the Sikhs had come to Delhi town
here cholera and then smallpox had set inand everyday saw more people go down
yet all this danger, the Sikhs were defyingnursing the sick and those who were dying
the Guru himself, Harkrishan His Graceblessed the distressed, provided solacebut the Guru himself caught the disease
smallpox and was moved to Jamuna bankhere the Sikhs saw him at great unease
sadness spread around as he gradually sankbut before the end the Guru uttered a clue
"Baba Bakala" a cue to the next Guru
Bakala
Many a pretender at Bakala who had heardset themselves as the Guru of the Sikhs
taking advantage of Harkrishan's wordsthey waited at Bakala with a bag of tricks
Makhan Shah came to see the Guru aroundfakes and pretenders were all he found
when not satisfied, he was told of one Tega loner and a recluse, may be he wasn't a fake
Teg was in meditation, Makhan Shah bowedlaid two gold coins and he turned to go
Teg Bahadur spoke," you had promised more"Labana was excited and jumped on the floor
he climbed the roof, and shouted "hooray,I have found the Guru, Guru ladhoraV'
*********
185 , a••••a••••
Chapter 19
Guru Gobind Singh(1666-1708)
Life Sketch of the (juru
The year 1666in the Indian calendar
brought in a special daythe 22nd. of December
on this auspicious dayarrived a special personHis envoy extraordinary
to accomplish His mission
Guru Gobind Singhthe tenth Guru was born
in the town of Patna, wherehis mum was sojourned
his dad, Guru Teg Bahudurwas touring miles away
having left the family at Patnaas a child was on the way
the Guru had left advicewhat to name the boyaccordingly the child
was named Gobind Rai
on leg Bahadur's returnsome four years laterthe little Gobind Rai
was well-nigh a toddler
plans were soon afootfor ending the Guru's tourthe Guru and the familywent back to Anandpur
Gobind and his mateswill play soldiers in wargood at riding horses
he was a good all rounder
the boy soon masteredboth Sanskrit and Persianhe was good at writing
and wielded a versatile pen
a born poet, he wrotevery moving versein many languages
and subjects diverse
".......................... 187
a a ....
If 'ITeg's Martyrdom
with Aurengzeb I s bigotrymuch blood was spilling
he was forcing Islamhis methods were chilling
forceful conversionof the Hindu race
became official policyof Emperor Aurengzeb
the blood was spillingin Kashmir and elsewhere
Hindus were targetedalmost everywhere
Brahmins of Kashmirmet at Amarnath shrine
they were revealed herea plan I a plan divine
The group of Brahminswith Kirpa Duff as leadersought help at Anandpurfrom Guru Teg Bahadur
188
the tale of Hindu purgewas told to the master
how stacks of Janaeouswere being cast asunder
Teg Bahudur listenedhe was pensive and sadwhen Gobind asked him
"what ails thee dad. "
\\ the earth is heavywith tyranny and dread;
a sacrifice is neededof a great and noble head"
the boy Gobind respondedpromptly to the Guru
\\ who indeed could bemore noble than you"
Teg Bahadur's decisionwas instantly made
The Guru gave his lifeHinduism was saved
Gobind was barely nineas he became the Guru
yet he proved equalto challenges, old and new
189 II.............................
..nnnnnnn ....
The early years
Gobind was marriedto Bibi Jito ji of Lahore
the wedding took placein the city of Anandpur
keen on hunting, the Guruwill hunt lion or wild boar
his skills in these sportswere tops, even more
the foothills of Himalayashas a kingdom of Sirmurits king invited the Guruto its capital for a tour
a few mHes from therewas a beautiful spot
where Jamuna flowedand nature ruled the lot
the Guru liked the siteit was remote and aloofit is now called "Pointa"
named after his horse's hoof
190 1""1.........
the Guru liked the placethe vista of its scenic hillshe planned and he built
a fortress in this still
this peaceful countrysideendeared itself to the Guru
he happily spent some yearsrelishing this wondrous view
The Battle of Bhanaani
the neighbouring Rajasof surrounding hill statespicked quarrels with him
showed jealousy and hate
Fateh Shah of Srinagara neighbour of Simrurorganised an attack
to crush the rising Guru
the Raja 's forces foughtthe Guru at Bhanganijust a handful of Sikhs
repulsed a bigger enemy
L*tl\__'...AaAMeJIYaA....l6.au.~..H......... 191
serving with the Guruwere hundreds of Pathans
they came from Aurengzebmostly disgruntled men
most of these Pathansjoined the Rajas ranks
abandoning Guru I sshipa ship that never sank
only a handful of Sikhsfought against all oddskilled many a soldierRajas battle was lost
many a defector Pathanwere killed in the field
the Guru was victoriousthe Rajas fate was sealed
The Birth of the Khalsa
Baisakhi of year 1699was specially awaitedAnandpur was ready
many Sikhs were invited
192··....•............•..q... -'~..~.;....~. ,~
.;, f)
large number of Sikhscame on this occasiongathering everywherein tents and pavilions
the programme beganas always, with prayers
Mani Doss sang the hymnsthe Guru himself was there
the Guru stood on stageunsheathed his sword
faced the Sikhs assembledand then he roared
I want a head, he saidyes I need a Sikh's head
a sacrifice is neededfor the cause ahead
the gathering fell silentthe Sikhs were stunned
the weak got up and leftthe daring shall not run
Daya of Lahore stood uptall in the gathering's eye
take my head my Lordby thy sword, I am glad to die
..ee.............. 193 .ee ..
I' 'ithe Guru led him into a tent
when he came out, they eyedhis sword was dripping in bloodI need another head, he cried
more Sikhs left the gatheringbut the brave ones stayed
in the ensuing silenceDharm Das of Delhi obeyed
they entered the tent andthe Guru emerged repeatingyet another head is neededheated stood the meeting
Mokam Chand and Himmatvolunteered one by one
they were taken in the tentand the Guru emerged alone
when Sahib offered himselfand they entered the tentthen there was a silence
and to much astonishment
when the Guru emergedthe five emerged as well
the gathering was hilariousthings were turning well
1\194
II
...........
attired in saffron robesstood the five brave meneach one had adorneda blue coloured turban
the five were now baptisedwith Amrit by the Guru
and ushered into the Khalsaa fold of soldiers true
the master cum discipleGuru Gobind on his ownwas now baptised himselfby the five beloved men
many others were baptisedand joined the new foldit was the order of Khalsasaintly, brave and bold
Rajas &the Mughal
ascent of the Khalsawith its radical view
scared a lot of Hinduswhose fears grew
195_..__._4
colluding with the MughalHindu Rajas of the hills, once again
raided Guru's Anandpurto finish his spiritual reign
it was a severe battlethat was bravely fought
Rajas suffered but didmanage a siege at last
Sikhs were in the fortthe enemy stood in wait
the supplies depletedthe Sikhs got desperate
some wanted to leaveagainst the Guru's viewand forty men did leave
they defied the Guru
later a note arrivedfrom Rajas and the king
promising a safe conductfor the Guru and the Singhs
but as the Guru's partyabandoned the fortthe enemy closed in
flouting its written word
196
they were engagedby the Guru at Chamkaur
the enemy was freshthe Sikhs, hungry and sore
most Sikhs were killedincluding Ajit and Jujharthree of the beloved five
also fell at Chamkaur
the Guru himself escapedin overgrowth, he wandered
tired but yet determinedthe Guru was not deterred
Sikhs who defied the Gurucouldn't face their womenchided by their woman folk
returned to fight again
they engaged the enemyat the site of Khidranaeveryone was killed
but for one named Mahan
the Guru was aggrievedas he passed by theseMahan, who was dying
asked pardon for deceased
the Guru felt relieved, ashe blessed the fallen ladshe promised Mahan Singhthey shall be remembered
meanwhile at SirhandGuru's younger sonsmet a gruesome fate
through the Mughal demon
Zorawar and Fatehmerely nine and seven
were bricked alive in a wallby the cruel Wazir Khan
the Guru condemnedking Aurengzeb in a letter
how he had connivedimmorally in some matters
the letter written in Persianwas venomous to the king
after reading through itAurengzeb felt a sting
the king issued the ordersto make peace with the Guruthe Guru was around Sirhandand he was being pursued
198
after thoughtful wanderingin the lakhi jungle maze
the Guru prepared himselfto begin the next phase
Adi Granth
stationed at Damdamahe worked on Ad; Granthto authenticate a copyfor the future Sikh sangat
the Granth was originallycompiled by Guru Arjanhe had dictated the text
Bhai Gurdas took dictation
Now Guru Gobind Singhdictated it to Mani Dassand the two together
accomplished the task
hymns of the ninth Guruwere now incorporatedand the Granth today
stays, as was then dictated
199
The Final Trip
the Guru was ready to moveand the holy Granth was readcomplete from cover to cover
from the beginning to end
Karah Parsad was disbursedand the Guru then left
he headed towards Nanderwith a party of Sikh sangat
in Rajisthan, he learntAurengzeb had died
he revised his plans andreturned to Delhi side
he came to Delhito help prince Muazzamas among the king's sonshe deserved the kingdom
the Sikhs fought with himin the battle of Jajmau
the prince was victoriousand crowned Bahadur Shah
in a ceremony at Delhithe king honoured the Guru
bestowed robes on himand respects meant for few
Deccan
soon the king was calledto quell a brother's rebellionthe Guru agreed to join himwhilst travelling to Deccan
for framing a religious policythe king consulted the Guru
the two met enrouteto reach a common view
but the Guru soon feltthe king was under pressure
th e Mullahs of Islamwon I t let him manoeuvre
On reaching Decannthey parted company
the Guru went to Nanderon the river Godavri
Banda Bahudur
A boirogi called Madhoknown for powers of occultlived in the village Nander
and enjoyed his powers felt
face to face with the GuruMadho simply cowed down
he fell on Guru's feet, pledgedto serve his righteous crown
Madho was baptisedbrought into the Khalsa foldhe was named Banda Singhnow called, Banda the Bold
Banda was assignedto cleanse Punjab
five Sikhs accompanied himfor this colossal job
Banda moved throughat the speed of hell
storming his way throughmowing down the Mughal
he killed them at Sirhandincluding the cruel Wazir Khan
and he soon becamea major force to reckon
The End
during his stay at Nanderwhilst the Guru lay for restthe enemy moved in andstabbed him in the chest
with a lightening strokethe Guru killed the man
there was an accompliceSikhs killed him as he ran
The king was not afarhe learned of this affair
he sent his own physicianto attend to Guru I scare
the wound was freshthe Guru stretched a bowit yielded at the stitchesthe blood began to flow
203
the sangat was called inand assembled in his viewa copy of the holy Granthwas brought to the Guru
before the sacred Sangatthe Guru proclaimed his viewthat the holy Granth shall behenceforth the Sikh's Guru
the year was 1708and he was ready to go
he said good bye and departedleaving behind his glow
'waheguru ji ka khalsawaheguru ki fateh', his bye
stays resounding hereon earth and up there in sky
.9lgame of{ave - is what you wish to praywith your headin haflf£ then come my way
step onto this roCU£ on this :Jlighwayraying your head, you shouU not sway
guru 'JI,,(slna/('1Jev
204
............................
Chapter 20
Guru Gobind SinghTales of the Guru
'Birtfi of tfie xfiafsa
Turn of the century, 1699Vaisakhi festival was coming
it was a special occasionAnandpur was humming
Sikhs were invited from afarto join a special occasion
and many thousands arrivedfilling the tents and pavilions
Huge crowds had gatheredsomething was in the air
the meeting began with prayersthe Guru himself was there
the Guru stepped on the daisand from where he stood
he pulled his sword and raised itcausing astir, no one understood
he spoke, pathos in his voice"I want a gallant head," he said
"sacrifice of a life is neededfor the cause that lies ahead"
Silence fell on those assembledthe Sikh sangat was stunned
the weak were scared and leftGuru's voice rose above everyone
Daya of Lahore made a movehe stood tall in the gathering's eye"take my head, my Lord", he said" by thy sword, I am glad to die"
The Guru led Daya to a tenta sound was heard inside, a thud
and when the Guru emergedhis sword was steeped in blood
the Guru was back on the daishis sword was raised, they eyed
he looked at them and then" I need another head" , he cried
more Sikhs left the gatheringonly the brave ones stayed
the lot were in a state of shockas Dharam Das obeyed
Once again, they entered the tentand the Guru emerged repeating
"yet another head is needed"it was hatting up in the meeting
Mokkam, Himmat and Sahiboffered themselves for the causeeach in turn was led to the tentbut then there came a pause
the Guru emerged this timewith those five, all neatly attired
the gathering jumped in joythrilled at what transpired
the men were clad in saffronand their turbans were blue
the assembled looked admiringlyand relished the precious view
the Guru praised the fivetheir courage and devotionthe men bowed in humility
charged with much emotion
these five beloved menwith death defying geneswere the first of the KhalsaPanj Pyaras on the scene
207
this was a special taskassigned by God to the Guru
who now prayed for the Khalsato be blessed with virtues true
the Guru prepared a nectarAmrit to baptise these men
to impart valour, caring loveGuru's grace and true religion
it was made in an iron urnwherein water was pouredsome sugar was stirred in
with a double edged sword
sugar was specially addedto comply with Jeeto ji's viewthus blending in this nectarsweet feminine virtues too
divine hymns were chantedand these were repeated
till the Amrit ceremonywas finally completed
with swords in the handsand on the left knee poisedas soldiers in a combat posethe five were now baptised
aauaaaa. 208
Palmful of the holy Amritwas passed to each in turn
they sipped it as they utteredthese holy words in unison
"Waheguru ji ka Khalsa,Waheguru ji ki Fateh"
both Khalsa and the victorycome from God Almighty
they were anointed, Amritwas sprinkled on their faceon their eyes and their hair
and in the final act of grace
Amrit was sipped by the fivefrom the same common urna brotherhood was fosteredand new values were won
Guru himsef was baptisedthe five assisted in this actothers were invited to join
they did, with much respect
many thousands on that daycame into the Khalsa fold
the order of Khalsa was readyan order of the kind and the bold
.._-at 209
Sanctity ofWor.€
Gobind was enthronedin the Guru durbarand many a Sikh
was gathered there
the Guru felt thirstyand made a requestfor a drink of waterto the Sikh sangat
a khatri youthwas rather fast
he stood up quicklyand paid respects
may he be allowedto fetch the water
he shall be honouredby this favour
the Guru lookedsaw a young lad
he seemed tenderrather well bred
your hands are softand seem rather tenderhave these been used
for work, I wonder
the youth repliedvery seldom before
for we have servantsfor every chore
when the youthbrought the waterthe Guru refused it
the boy was shattered
the Guru declaredthe water was impure
though the youthinsisted it was pure
the master explainedthe water wasn't pure
for it was handledby the hands impure
then he addressedthe whole Sikh sangaton the sanctity of work
in the Sikh context
211
hands and bodyare purified
by honest workservice unqualified
the khatr; youthhad learned
the purity of bodyhas to be earned
he got busy nowin the langar
working and servingfor endless hours
whenever nowhe served the water
the Guru drank itwith much pleasure
*********
WfUn I sliaff t1Ul1&sparrows figlit tlie liawl&
anajust one Sik-Iifiglit myriads/ sawa~
tlien alone/ am wortlimy name/ go6indSingii
gum go6inaSingli
212
.4i.':~'f!............................
a ..
'Boy {jo6ind"
Gobind and his matesoften enjoyed a treat
boat ride in the Gangesrespite from summer heat
together they will playnothing else did matterbut the soothing wind
the cold Himalayan water
as they rowed one daythe boat sort of trippedGobind hardly noticedhis bangle had slipped
it was a bangle of goldthat fell in muddy waterthe mates were scaredto him, it didn't matter
and his darling mothershowed much concernhow did the bangle slipor was it thrown in fun
1\...._ ..-al.................................................. 213
as she wanted to seethe place it was lost
the kids were excitedtook her to the spot
the mum looked aroundand asked her little one
where did it fall'Gobind, my darling son'
tossing the other banglein the swirling river
shouted the boy Gobind"dear Mum, over there"
*********
.5'If[ tliose wlio sfia{[caf{ me (jodsfia{[ enter dark-pit of~{{
!For nave no dou6t on wliat I te{{merefy a servant ofTIie Prima! Lordam ~re to see tliis wontfrous worU
(juru (j06indSingli in tJ3acliitar 'J{p.tak-
1Jfiai Xanfiiaya
Yet another battle was foughtin high spirts like the rest
the Sikhs, the soldier·-saintsswung into action, full of zest
The dazzle dazed the men deployedthe weapons glared in the sun
the battle cries were deafeningangel of death, hovered on everyone
The swipes of swinging swordsswept swiftly, inflicting fatal blowsthe arrows aimed at the enemy
tore through the wanted foes
Dead and the wounded had fallenas muskets fired the rounds
smoke and dust obscured the visionheat and blood fouled the ground
Hours later, as the horror settledthe nature was rendered mute
when the peace and quiet returnedthe demand for water was acute
Some soldiers had fallen deadbut the wounded needed tendingfrom the injured and the exhaustedthe cries for water were unending
There moved a lonesome figureamidst the injured and the deadBhai Kanhiaya, a Guru's soldier
served water, in this dread
Deftly, the man drifted aroundnursing the wounded he was tendingyou could see him serve them water
watch him, his tall frame bending
Lost in the love of his GuruBhai Kanhiaya served everyone
he served the enemy injuredas he would serve the Sikh brethren
Kanhiaya's strange behaviourwas brought to the Guru's attentionwhen the Guru summoned the manhe showed no fear or apprehension
"I did serve them all," he said"as I didn't see any Sikh or enemyalii could see in those faces, Lord
were you, a picture of thee"
216
The Guru smiled for he was pleasedthe burden on his mind had eased
Bhai Kanhiaya had understoodwhatever is bad and what is good
*********
Sfiiva, goaJll£migfitypray ao confer
a Messing on menot to aeter orffeefrom pious aeetisana in a 6attfe
tfiere sfiouUn 't occuranyfear in me
aetermirud,I may spurmyself to victory
anapray ~{migfity
fet my mina gatfieragift from 'I1iee
a craving to utterpraises ofYour majesty
wfien tfie ena is nigfiLet me tfien enter
tfie 6attfe fieatin afit offrenzy
ecstatic, I may au(juru (j06inaSingfi
217
Chapter 21
GuruGranth Sahib
'I'1i~ everCastine {juru
Guru Gobind Singh declaredAdi Granth as the Gurufor all times to come
for every Sikh to follow
a treasury of Guru's worda perpetual light to view
the revered Guru Granth Sahibis the last but ever lasting Guru
Guru Nanak in his travelswas known to carry a bookan anthology of his hymnsa diary or pothi of his trips
it was passed to Guru Angadas he became the Guru
the hymns in it were sungby Sikh sangats as they grew
218 ..
Guru Arjan, the fifth Gurusaw the need to collate
compositions of the Gurusfor the Sikhs of future date
messages were sent aroundto all Sikhs, everywhere
to deposit the Guru's hymnsin Guru Arjan's car,e
Guru Amardas's son Mohaninherited pothis from the sage
but he refused to partwith his precious heritage
Baba Budda and Bhai Gurdaswere specially sent
they had no luck with Mohanwho will just not relent
finally Guru Arjan himselfwent to Goindwaal to try
he serenaded his tamburasang hymns of The High
Baba Mohan melted awayin the magic of the hymns
and parted with the pothishis prized possession
~~ 'Ir·"·~~..;: "- .~
~
the pothis were accordedrespect and veneration
and were brought to Amritsarin a holy procession
the bedecked pothiswere placed in a palanquinit was carried by the Sikhs,
followed by Guru Arjan
the cavalcade moved onand headed for Amritsar
paying homage at Khandoorto the great Guru Angad
Sikhs waited outside Amritsaralong with young Hargobindthey all welcomed the party
rejoicing was in the wind
Bhai Gurdas and Baba Buddawere carrying the palanquinas the party entered Amritsareveryone was singing hymns
thanksgiving ceremonywas conducted by Guru Arjan
who, with all this materialwas ready now for action
1\220
II
besides the Guru's writingsthere was a collection
hymns from Indian saintsof varied castes and regions
hymns of lower caste saintsSaini, Ravidas and Kabir
together with Sheikh Faridand the Sufi Muslim fakir
for completing the taskGuru Arjan picked a spotright in the midst of nature
in the nearby forest lot
in the peaceful surroundinghe had a tent erected
and with Bhai Gurdas to helpa model was perfected
Bhai Gurdas wrote in handas Guru Arjan dictated
the script used was Gurmukhiand the Granth was collated
each hymn of the Guru'swas uniquely assigned
so were the hymns of saintsallocated and defined
musical styles were statedfor each and every hymn
classifying them as Slok, Paurior some other composition
the Adi Granth producedwas two thousand pages
many were left blankto be filled by future sages
venue for the holy Granthwas chosen to be Harmandar
Baba Budda was assignedto look after this wonder
from the Ramsar sitethey moved to Harmandar
Baba Budda carried the Granthfollowed by Guru Arjan
musicians sang the hymnson the way to Harmandar
where the Baba laid it downand read it as hereunder
"God Himself accedesto His followers need
He has Himself arrivedto accomplish the deed
the place is enchantingand beautiful is the poolthe waters are ambrosial
the Amrit pool is full"
at day time, the holy Granthwas enthroned and readit was laid to rest at night
after the prayers were said
a room was providedfor resting the holy Granthit was wrapped up in silksand laid on a palanquin
the much cherished Granthbecame central to Sikh lifethe Guru and the Granthwere guides in every strife
the original holy Granthserved the Sikhs at Amtritsar
later Guru Hargobindmoved it to Kartarpur
from Guru Hargobindthe copy went to Dhir Mal
and descendants of Dhir Malpossess it now as well
II....................... 223 ..
the Granth was updated laterand brought to completionGuru Gobind Singh himselfaccomplished this mission
Bhai Mani Das recordedGuru Gobind Singh's dictation
gradually the colossal taskwas brought to completion
Guru Teg Bahadur's hymnswere added to the Granth
but Guru Gobind Singh's Baniis conspicously absent
*********