Friday, 25 February 2011

Guru Gobind Singh Jee’s Last Advice

Taken from Gurbilas Patshai 10 written by Koer Singh in 1751
Translated by admin www.tapoban.org


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Guru Gobind Singh Jee’s Nishan




Bhai Koer Singh has written in some detail the events surrounding the last bodily days of Guru Gobind Singh Jee in his Gurbilas Patshai 10. There are a few pages recording the last advice given by Guru Gobind Singh Jee, below is a summary of the major points of advice.



A few weeks after being wounded Guru Jee announced his time for departure, the Sangat gathered around Guru Jee in an emotional state and with a sense of apprehension for the future. The Sangat said the Khalsa is still in its infancy playing in the laps of its Mother, who will raise it now?
Guru Declared that he will always be with the Khalsa “ਅੰਗ ਸੰਗ ਸੁ ਸਿੱਖਨ ਮੈ ਨਿਜਕਾਵੈ”

Guru Jee then went on to give his last advice “ਅਹੋ ਖਾਲਸਾ ! ਅਸ ਬਿਧਿ ਕੀਜੈ”


Never hesitate to Fight and Die against the enemy

When Sava Lakh gives its head only then will you lift glory

The one who keeps Rehat Day and Night will be received by Akaal

Do not have extra-marital relationships with another women

Rehras is to be done first in the evening

Always make your attendance in Guru Jee’s Darbar

Never trust the enemy

Strictly deal with the one who has slept with another women

He who comes to Abchal Nagar will be blessed

Never carry ego or else this will prison you

Always stay united, don’t fight amongst each other

Do sangat of Khalsa, treat all other relationships as foreign

Never have pride over any victory achieved, this only brings pain

I will not take birth again but will come to aid in the most difficult time

The Khalsa will achieve Raaj when they follow Sat Guru Jee’s Hukam

Treat Maya as a play, don’t accept Life or death


Guru Jee is then said to have described the behaviour of kaljug, pointing out the duality, selfishness, a world following trends (ਵੇਖਾ ਵੇਖੀ ਹੈ ਸੰਸਾਰ) and the hypercritical nature of religious leaders. This will be Kaljug at its worse when the Sants will not be seen like the Sun when it is covered by the clouds.

My understanding Sikhs will accept Guru Granth as Lord. This is the Face of the 10 Gurus where they are present in a hidden form.

(Guru Jee then proclaimed that the time is nigh to hand over the Guruship)

Take the hand of the Shabad form as your protector/guide, unique Singhs are those who accept this

Those who seek darshan of Guru will know Guru Granth as Lord


(Going in front of Aad Sat Guru, Five coins and a coconut were placed)

He who seeks to talk to me will do Paath from Guru and have peace

Even if Kings are present even then respect is only given to Guru Granth Sahib

Darshan of Guru eradicates sin. Those that follow the Bachans are released

Salvation, All Four Boons, Ridh Sidh, True Knowledge, Emotional Love are to be found in Guru Granth Sahib

Seek Darshan of Guru at Amrit Vela

At Amritvela do Ishnan, become pure before sunrise. Great fortunate ones do darshan of Guru(Guru Granth Sahib Jee). Do Sri Jaap Paath(Nitnem) and Gur Mantar. Then seek to carry out your work.

Guru Jee said carry out the Rehat given in Gauri Vaar :



ਮਃ ੪ ॥

ਗੁਰਸਤਿਗੁਰਕਾਜੋਸਿਖੁਅਖਾਏਸੁਭਲਕੇਉਠਿਹਰਿਨਾਮੁਧਿਆਵੈ ॥

One who calls himself a Sikh of the Guru, the True Guru, shall rise in the early morning hours and meditate on the Lord's Name.

ਉਦਮੁਕਰੇਭਲਕੇਪਰਭਾਤੀਇਸਨਾਨੁਕਰੇਅੰਮ੍ਰਿਤਸਰਿਨਾਵੈ ॥
Upon arising early in the morning, he is to bathe, and cleanse himself in the pool of nectar.

ਉਪਦੇਸਿਗੁਰੂਹਰਿਹਰਿਜਪੁਜਾਪੈਸਭਿਕਿਲਵਿਖਪਾਪਦੋਖਲਹਿਜਾਵੈ ॥
Following the Instructions of the Guru, he is to chant the Name of the Lord, Har, Har. All sins, misdeeds and negativity shall be erased.

ਫਿਰਿਚੜੈਦਿਵਸੁਗੁਰਬਾਣੀਗਾਵੈਬਹਦਿਆਉਠਦਿਆਹਰਿਨਾਮੁਧਿਆਵੈ ॥
Then, at the rising of the sun, he is to sing Gurbani; whether sitting down or standing up, he is to meditate on the Lord's Name.

ਜੋਸਾਸਿਗਿਰਾਸਿਧਿਆਏਮੇਰਾਹਰਿਹਰਿਸੋਗੁਰਸਿਖੁਗੁਰੂਮਨਿਭਾਵੈ ॥
One who meditates on my Lord, Har, Har, with every breath and every morsel of food - that GurSikh becomes pleasing to the Guru's Mind.

ਜਿਸਨੋਦਇਆਲੁਹੋਵੈਮੇਰਾਸੁਆਮੀਤਿਸੁਗੁਰਸਿਖਗੁਰੂਉਪਦੇਸੁਸੁਣਾਵੈ ॥
That person, unto whom my Lord and Master is kind and compassionate - upon that GurSikh, the Guru's Teachings are bestowed.

ਜਨੁਨਾਨਕੁਧੂੜਿਮੰਗੈਤਿਸੁਗੁਰਸਿਖਕੀਜੋਆਪਿਜਪੈਅਵਰਹਨਾਮੁਜਪਾਵੈ ॥੨॥
Servant Nanak begs for the dust of the feet of that GurSikh, who himself chants the Naam, and inspires others to chant it. ||2||



Do Rehras, Jaap Mantar, Rehat according to prescribed method

One has made Amritvela if the body goes to sangat at Amritvela Seva Pehar. In Har Simran One achieves Gains.

Guru Gobind Singh & The Magician

 Translated from “Rabab to Nagara” by Pr. Satbir Singh


In the city of Kanauj in UP, there is the grave of a great Muslim magician. The caretaker of the tomb (a magician in his own right) heard about a great magician of Anandpur whose voice could make people offer to have their heads cut off. He decided to see who this person was.

The magician didn’t wear any clothes on his body. When he arrived at Anandpur Sahib, he went to a garden, picked a rose and came to Guru Gobind Singh jee’s darbar. The guard at the door saw the naked magician and told him that he could not enter like this. He would have to wear clothes and cover his head. Dashmesh jee however saw what was happening from afar and called out, “Let him come. Don’t stop him!”

The magician came forward, bowed and placed the rose at Guru jee’s feet. Dashmesh jee said, “Respected one, why do you torture your body like this? And your coming was more than enough, what need was there for the rose?”

The magician upon hearing this replied, “When we go to a great saint, it’s not right to go empty handed. It would be a matter of disgrace. A man becomes infamous for the carelessness of his hands. By hearing his words, it can be known whether he has a Gur-Pir or not. One without a Pir has no weight in his words. From his words it can be discovered whether he is a Kafir or if he belongs to someone.”

Guru Sahib smiled and said, “Magician! In our house the game is different. Here the story is not of the hand but of the heart. If there is nothing in the heart then it is a matter of disgrace. Without becoming a Sikh of the Guru the Game of Life cannot be won. Without remembrance of God, the person wanders aimlessly. If he has God’s blessed gaze, then he obtains care-freeness. By obeying His Hukam, salvation is obtained and only that person who has Bandagi (spirituality) is accepted in Dargah (Court of God).”

Hearing these words, the Magician became happy and said, “I have now by your darshan obtained what is equal to a visit to Mecca.” He also told of a dream he had the night before. He said, “I saw that you had great mountains of wealth around you.”

Guru Sahib replied, “When the Sikhs are worthy of Raj (rule) then they will obtain the treasures of all the rivers and oceans.”

When it was time for the Magician to leave, he asked what was the path of truth and the path that rose above desires. Dashmesh jee answered, “Sai Jee! Be fair to all, remain in God’s will.

ਹੁਕਮੈਅੰਦਰਿਸਭੁਕੋਬਾਹਰਿਹੁਕਮਨਕੋਇ ॥

"All is within his hukam. None are outside it.”

Amazing Journey of Guru Tegh Bahadur's Sis from Delhi to Anandpur Sahib

Based on "Guru Kian Sakhian" of Bhatt Svarup Singh Kaushish and Katha by G. Pinderpal Singh

The aftermath of Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib’s Shahidi and how Bhai Jaita took Guru Sahib’s sees (head) back to Anandpur Sahib is not well known. It is an amazing story that is worth sharing.


Early Life

Bhai Jaita jee, later known as Bhai Jeevan Singh, was born in 1649 to a Sikh family once of the scavenger caste. Bhai Jaita and his brother Bhag Chand were Sikhs of Guru Har Rai Sahib. They began to live in Ramdas with Bhai Gurditta jee a very respected Gursikh who was a descendant of Baba Buddha jee. Bhai Gurditta jee was with Guru Harkrishan at the time of Guru jee’s leaving this world and was later the one who performed the Guruship ceremony of Guru Tegh Bahadur. Before Guru Tegh Bahadur left for Delhi, he was called once again to perform the ceremony for Guru Gobind Rai jee.

After Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib set out to court arrest, Bhai Gurditta jee also left for Delhi. Bhai Jaita followed him. At Delhi, Bhai Gurditta jee saw the brutal martyrdoms of the three Sikhs, one after another. So did Bhai Jaita. The day of Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib’s martyrdom was now approaching. Bhai Jaita and Bhai Gurditta did not sleep the entire night. They prepared themselves for the sight they were about to see. Their beloved Satguru would be beheaded before them but they could not let their tears escape or utter any cry. They would have to be silent lest they be discovered and not be able to perform seva of Guru Sahib’s body. They did Ardaas to Guru Tegh Bahadur that they be able to bear the sight of the horror that was to come and not utter a sound.


Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib’s Shahidi


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Gurdwara Sis Ganj Sahib



The morning of November 11 1675 dawned. Guru Tegh Bahadur’s small cage was brought to Chandani Chownk. There was a large tree that stood in the middle of the Chownk. The Chownk was a terrifying place this day. There were still the marks of the horrific tortures and Shahidis of Bhai Mati Das, Bhai Sati Das and Bhai Dayala. Amongst the crowd assembled to see the execution was Bhai Jaita, hiding himself so no one could recognize that a Sikh of the Guru was present.

It was mid-day now. There stood the Kazi, Abdul Wahabb and the executioner, Jalaludin. Jalaludin came forward and opened Guru Tegh Bahadur’s cage. Satguru jee stepped out. The Kazi said to Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib, “There is still time. Embrace Islam and you will be saved. Or you may show us a miracle and you will be rewarded with a great position. If neither of these are acceptable to you then you may choose death.”

Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib replied, “I want that which my Sikhs wanted. If my Sikhs did not falter then can you expect anything different from me?”

Guru Tegh Bahadur was asked his final wish. Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib replied that he should be allowed to do ishnaan. Guru Tegh Bahadur was allowed to bathe with water from a nearby well. He dressed in fresh clothes and sat under the large tree at the centre of the Chownk. Satguru jee closed his eyes and began to recite Sri Japji Sahib in a loud voice. Clouds began to form and it began to grow darker. The sky had a reddish glow now. As Guru Sahib recited Japji Sahib in his sweet voice, with every word, the Sikhs in the crowd realized the moment of his Shahidi was drawing closer. Satguru jee recited the final Salok and bowed his head before Akaal Purakh. There was an instant of silence and then Jalaludin, with both hid hands clenching the sharp sword, swung and severed Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib’s head from his body.

Streams of blood flowed on to the ground and the sky too was now blood red. A ferocious wind began to blow and the storm broke. As the heavy rain fell, the crowd dispersed.


The Sikhs Gather

The Sikhs who witnessed the Shahidi of Guru Tegh Bahadur gathered at house of Bhai Nainoo. Their grief knew no end. Bhai Tulsi insisted that they could not allow Satuguru Tegh Bahadur’s body to simply lie in Chandani Chownk. They decided to ask Bhai Lakhi Das, a powerful trader for help. They went ot Bhai Lakhi Das’s home where he had just returned from a trip to Narnaul to get lime and sand. The caravan carrying the goods Bhai Lakhi Das had purhcased was to arrive in Delhi that night and the Sikhs decided that they would hide in this caravan and take the bodies of the Sikhs and Guru jee from the Chownk.


Taking Guru Sahib’s Body

It was now well into the night and the storm over Delhi was still raging. Bhai Nainoo, Bhai Ageya, Bhai Jaita and Bhai Udda traveled with the caravan carrying Bhai Lakhi Das’s goods. They passed by the Red Fort and then the Kotwali and finally reached Chandani Chownk. Bhai Jaita jee, using the darkness and the cover of the storm, lifted up Guru Tegh Bahadur jee’s head and covered it with a white scarf.

Bhai Lakhi Das and his son Bhai Nagahiya were following in the caravan and as it slowly passed through the Chownk, they took the body of Guru Tegh Bahadur and placed it in a cart and kept moving. Bhai Lakhi Das thought the most inconspicuous way to cremate Guru Sahib’s body would be to place it within his home and light the entire home on fire so know one would suspect what really was happening. This is what he did. As he and the other Sikhs stood outside, the flames from Bhai Lakhi Das’s home lept into the sky and Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib’s body was cremated.


http://img361.imageshack.us/img361/9656/rakab20ganj20sahib.jpgGurdwara Rakab Ganj – Where Guru Jee’s body was cremated



The next day, Bhai Gurditta jee also left this world, following his master Guru Tegh Bahadur. He was cremated by the banks of the Jamuna. Bhai Lakhi Das remained in Delhi for some days and managed through the help of the town crier to take away the bodies of the Shahid Sikhs and cremate them at the same place Bhai Gurditta was cremated.

Bhai Jaita meanwhile was escaping with Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib’s head. He decided that Guru Gobind Rai and the Sikhs would be waiting to have the final darshand and so he began to make his way towards Anandpur Sahib. Bhai Jaita clenched Satguru Tegh Bahadur Sahib’s head to his chest and did an Ardaas that he be blessed with the strength to return to Anandpur Sahib. The Mughals would be searching for the head and so he could not travel on the common roads. He would have to travel through the forests and jungles so he would not be detected.


The First Night

Bhai Jaita left Delhi and in his first night, covered 40 kilometers. He arrived in the town of Baghpat.

The morning of November 12th was beginning to dawn and Bhai Jaita arrived near the Dargah of a Sufi saint, Sheikh Wahuddin. Wahuddin asked “Who are you?” Bhai Jaita declared, “I am a Sikh of Guru Tegh Bahadur.” Wahuddin asked, “Where is your Guru now?” Bhai Jaita with tears in his eyes told the Sufi of Guru Sahib’s martyrdom and revealed that he was carrying Guru Sahib’s head back to Anandpur Sahib. Wahuddin was an admirer of Guru Tegh Bahadur and said he would help Bhai Jaita. He led Bhai Sahib to the house of Bhai Krishan Pal. Bhai Jaita had been running without stop all night and finally rested at Bhai Krishan Pal’s home.

Bhai Jaita jee tenderly uncovered Guru Sahib’s head and saw that the cloth was covered in blood and so he took a fresh cloth and covered the head once again.


The Second Day: Meeting a Devoted Sikh

After a brief rest, Bhai Jaita left Baghpat and ran all day, arriving by nightfall at Taravari. Bhai Jaita was exhausted and wanted to rest for a few hours so he could once again set out at amrit vela. There was a large fort in the town and beside it a pond. The people would come there to wash their clothes and on side of the pond was a dense forest. Bhai Jaita decided to rest in the forest. As he trudged through the trees, a washerman who was still at pond and called out, “Who’s there?!” Bhai Jaita heard the voice and something in him said that this voice sounded like that of a Sikh. He did not know why, but he trusted it. Bhai Jaita replied, “I am a Sikh of Guru Tegh Bahadur”. The washerman exclaimed, “You are a Sikh and this town too has the home of a Sikh so why should you spend the night lying in the forest? Come with me beloved Sikh of the Satguru! I am a poor man with very little, but whatever I have you are welcome to share.”

Bhai Jaita stepped out from the trees, clutching Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib’s head to his chest and began to walk with the washerman who introduced himself as Bhai Deva Ram. Bhai Deva Ram had picked up the clothes he had been washing and asked, “Is there any news of Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib?”

Bhai Jaita jee heard the question and kept walking silently. Bhai Deva Ram and Bhai Jaita arrived home and once again Bhai Deva Ram asked, “What news is there of Satguru jee?” It was dark now and Bhai Deva Ram lit some candles and asked his wife to prepare some food. He saw the bundle in Bhai Jaita’s arms and asked, “What is in your bundle?” Bhai Jaita replied, “It is my treasure that I would not trade even for my life.” Bhai Deva Ram offered, “give your bundle to us and rest. We shall take care of it till morning…” Bhai Jaita remained silent.

Bhai Deva Ram saw the silence and decided to ask Bhai Jaita something else. He said, “When you meet Guru Tegh Bahadur please tell him that his poor Sikh, Deva Ram has sewn some clothing for him. May he bless us by stopping here some time to accept our offering.”

It was as if even after leaving his body, that Guru Tegh Bahadur was accepting the ardaas of his Sikhs.

Bhai Jaita took the candle from Bhai Deva Ram and layer by layer began to uncover his bundle. The final fold had some blood on it and when he pulled it back, Bhai Deva Ram’s eyes fell on Guru Tegh Bahadur jee’s head. Bhai Jaita could not speak and sat to one side on the ground as Guru Sahib’s head rested on the bed.

Bhai Deva Ram began to weep and thought that he had asked for Guru Sahib’s darshan but who knew it would come in this form?

Bhai Jaita could eat very little. He told Bhia Deva Ram all that had happened. Bhai Deva Ram asked Bhai Jaita to rest and said he would do the seva of Guru Sahib’s head. Bhai Deva Ram lovingly covered Guru Sahib’s head in the new scarf he had prepared for Guru Sahib and wass going to offer. He took the rest of the clothes he had sewn and began to whisk them over Guru Sahib’s head as a chaur. All night, Bhai Deva Ram did chaur of Guru Sahib’s head and did not sleep for even an instant.


Third Day

At amrit vela, Bhai Jaita did ishnaan and then took up Guru Sahib’s head. He saw that Bhai Deva Ram had covered it in the scarf he had said he wanted to offer. Tears formed in Bhai Sahib’s eyes and he thought, “Guru Sahib, even now you take me where your Sikhs wait for your darshan…”

It was now November 13th. Traveling through the jungles over rocks and thorns, Bhai Jaita arrived at sunset near the town of Ambala. There was a river flowing there and Bhai Jaita rested under a tree. Bhai Jaita asked a passerby if there was the home of a Sikh anywhere. He was told to go to nearby Kainth Majri.

At Kainth Majri, Bhai Jaita met Bhai Ramdev. He told Bhai Ramdev that he was a Sikh and asked if he might rest somewhere. Bhai Ramdev took Bhai Jaita to his home. Once there, he asked Bhai Jaita what was in the bundle he was carrying. Once again, in the candlelight, Bhai Jaita uncovered Guru Sahib’s head and Bhai Ramdev too fell to the ground. While Guru Sahib’s head rested on the bed, Bhai Jaita and Bhai Ramdev remained the entire night on the ground.


Fourth Day: Meeting a Fakir

The next day, Bhai Jaita arrived at Nabha Sahib. Bhai Jaita hid in the bushes to rest but was noticed by a fakir, Dargahi Shah. Dargahi Shah asked Bhai Jaita who he was and Bhai Jaita replied, “A Sikh of Guru Tegh Bahadur”. Dargahi Shah replied, “You are a Sikh and so why do you stay here? Come with me to my hut.”

Dargahi Shah who was a devotee of the Gurus, took Bhai Jaita to his home and there said to Bhai jee, “Oh Sikh, when you see Guru Tegh Bahadur be sure to tell him that this old man would like to have his darshan once before he dies.”

For the fourth time in his journey, Bhai Jaita uncovered Guru Sahib’s head and said, “Baba, if you truly want Guru Sahib’s darshan, then behold his divine head.” The Fakir fell back and asked what had happened. Bhai Jaita told him of the Shahidi of Guru Tegh Bahadur.

All night, Dargahi Shah stayed awake and gazed at Guru jee’s head. At amrit vela, as Bhai Jaita asked to leave, Dargahi Shah took Guru Sahib’s head in his arms and as he would normally see off his respected guest, began to walk with Bhai Jaita. After some distance, he gently handed the head back to Bhai Jaita and said, “Tell Guru Gobind Rai that this old fakir will only leave his body after having his darshan.” Some years later, after the battle of Bhangani, Guru Gobind Singh and Bhai Jaita returned to meet this old fakir and only then did Dargahi Shah leave this world.


Fifth Day: Reaching Kiratpur Sahib

On November 14th, Bhai Jaita finally saw Kiratpur Sahib ahead of him. Kiratpur Sahib is not very far from Anandpur Sahib and is the holy place where Guru Hargobind Sahib and Guru Har Rai Sahib were cremated. Bhai Jaita wondered whether Guru Gobind Rai would want Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib’s head to be cremated here as well. Bhai Jaita rested where today stands Gurdwara Bibangarh Sahib.

Bhai Jaita had now been meet by other Sikhs and they sent a message to Guru Gobind Rai that his father’s head had arrived at Kiratpur Sahib. As the sun set on November 14th, the message arrived at Anandpur Sahib.

The Sikh carrying the message entered Guru Sahib’s home and Mata Nanaki asked, “what is the news?” The Sikh could not speak. When Guru Gobind Rai appeared, the Sikh fell at his feet and told them that Bhai Jaita had brought Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib’s head. Upon hearing the news, Guru Gobind Rai, Mata Nanaki jee, Mata Gujri jee, and the rest of the Sikh Sangat left Anandpur Sahib and took with them a palki (palanquin).


Ranghreta Guru Ka Beta


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The Sangat arrived at Kiratpur Sahib, singing Gurbani. Bhai Jaita was still holding Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib’s head. He saw Guru Gobind Rai and placed the bundle before him and stepped back his eyes cast downwards. Guru Gobind Rai first uncovered Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib’s head and had its darshan. He then took Mata Nanaki jee by the arm and said, “Grandmother, come and see your son’s head.” Mata jee tenderly kissed Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib’s forehead, smiled and said, “look, the glow on my beloved one’s face is the same as it always was.”

Mata Gujri jee stepped forward, bowed and said, “Lord, you love (for the Divine) endured. May mine endure as well.”

Guru Gobind Rai jee called Bhai Jaita. Bhai Jaita, who had traveled for so many days, his body tired and battered by the long and treacherous journey, stepped forward. Guru Gobind Rai took Bhai Jaita in his arms and said “Ranghreta, Guru ka Beta”. Meaning, “Ranghreta (one from the Ranghar tribe) is the Guru’s own son.” Bhai Jaita replied, “Satguru, give me the gift of Sikhi, bless me that I may remain yours. I only ask that the day I die, may I have your blessings.”

Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib’s head was placed in the palki and carried by the Sangat to Anandpur Sahib where Gurdwara Sis Ganj Sahib stands today. Rosewater was brought and Guru Gobind Rai washed Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib’s head and asked Bhai Jaita to also join him. They then made the pyre of sandalwood and Guru Gobind Rai gave it the flame.


After the Saskaar

Guru Gobind Rai asked Bhai Jaita to tell him what he had seen and how Guru Tegh Bahadur had embraced martyrdom. After hearing the story, Guru Gobind Rai asked how many Sikhs were in the crowd that saw the martyrdom. Bhai Jaita replied that he did not know as it was hard to recognize them. Guru Gobind Rai declared that he would create such an image for Sikhs that they could be spotted in a crowd of thousands.

At the place of Damadama Sahib at Anandpur Sahib, Guru Gobind Rai arranged for the recitation of Guru Granth Sahib jee and Bhai Chaupat Rai (later Bhai Chaupa Singh) lovingly recited the saloks of Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib. Food and clothing were then distributed to the poor.


Bhai Jaita to Bhai Jeevan Singh

Bhai Jaita jee began to live at Anandpur Sahib now. In 1691 he marred Bibi Raj Kaur and they had four sons. When Guru Gobind Rai established the Ranjit Nagara, Bhai Jaita jee was the first one given the duty to play it. Bhai Jaita became known as a great warrior and trained other Gursikhs as well.

In 1699 when Guru Gobind Singh gave Khande ki Pahul, Bhai Jaita jee became Bhai Jeevan Singh.


Shahidi of Bhai Jeevan Singh

When Guru Gobind Singh and the Sikhs evacuated Anandpur Sahib, Bhai Jeevan Singh too accompanied Guru Sahib. Bhai Sahib’s old mother Mata Prem Kaur was lost in the Sirsa. When Baba Ajeet Singh jee was surrounded by the Mughal army at the banks of the Sirsa, Bhai Jeevan Singh charged forward, his horse’s reins in his mouth and a sword in each hand. With the kirpans in both hands, he cut through the encirclement and made a path for Baba Ajeet Singh to exit.

The Bhatt Vehis say that Bhai Jeevan Singh kept traveling with Guru Sahib’s caravan until Kotla Nihang Khan. Here, Bhai Jeevan Singh shot arrow after arrow and wreaked havoc on the Mughals. Finally, a bullet hit Bhai Sahib in the forehead and after bellowing “Sat Sri Akaal!” he fell to the ground and left his body, a beloved Sikh of the Guru till the end.


Aftermath & History


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Sardar Baghel Singh



In 1783 Sardar Baghel Singh and the Sikh army conquered Delhi. The Nishan Sahib flew high over the Red Fort. Sardar Bagehl Singh had one desire, that the places associated with Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib’s be commemorated.

He had an announcement made by the beat of a drum that if anyone knew where the exact place of Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib’s martyrdom was, they should come to him. The old grand daughter of a water carrier came forward. She told Sardar Baghel Singh that when Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib was beheaded, her grandfather was called to wash the place. She said that she was a little girl but she had seen the martyrdom of the Sikhs and Guru Sahib. They took her to Chandani Chownk and though she was almost blind and walked very slowly, she walked to the spot where Guru Sahib was martyred and said that Guru Sahib’s blood had spilled at this place. Sardar Baghel Singh thanked her profusely and gave her family countless gifts. This is the place that Gurdwara Sis Ganj was established and even today can be seen.
In total, with help of old Hindu, Muslim and Sikh residents of Delhi, Sardar Baghel Singh found and established Gurdwaras at seven historical places:
1. Gurdwara Mata Sundri Ji at the place which was know as the Haveli Sardar Jawahar Singh.
2. Gurdwara Bangla Sahib. A Mansion belonging to Raja Jai Singh existed there once. Guru Harkrishan Dev, the Eighth Guru had stayed there.
3. Gurdwara Bala Sahib. Last rights of Guru Harkrishan, Mata Sundri and Mata Sahib Kaur were performed at this place.
4. Gurdwara Rakab Ganj. The torso of Guru Tegh Bahadur was cremated here.
5. Gurdwara Sees Ganj. Guru Tegh Bahadur was martyred at this place.
6. Gurdwara Moti Bagh. Guru Gobind Singh sent a message to the Mughal King, Bahadur Shah, by shooting an arrow from this place.
7. Gurdwara Majnu Tilla. It was established in the memory of a Sikh of Guru Nanak, named Majnu. Guru Hargobind stayed at this place on his way to Gwaliar.

Guru Tegh Bahadur Jee’s Advice to the Patna Sangat

Taken from Itti Jin Kari by Satbir Singh
Translated by admin www.tapoban.org


http://img688.imageshack.us/img688/2415/guruteghbahadurj.jpg
Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib Jee’s Handwriting/Nishan



Before heading towards Punjab Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib Jee gave the following loving advice to the emotional Sangat of Patna. Who were naturally at loss by Guru Jee’s physical departure from their eyes.



----- Make your life Clean/Pure, Your Work Righteous, Your Business honest and your life for goodness.

----- Keep Love and Mercy with you

----- Keep Control of yourself

----- Do not Hate anyone. When someone has hate, this hate in a way becomes hate towards Vahiguru.

----- Do Seva Humbly

----- Pray only towards Akaal

----- Jaap to be done of only True Naam the creator

----- Keep Control of the Five and not to keep desires near you

----- Stay above Longing, Yearning, Pain-Well being and you will be released from the cycle of Birth and Death

----- Life is not for taking but for giving

----- Be like the Sun sharing light all around

----- Give up Houme

----- To always have focus on the body is foolish, this foolishness keeps us away from the Lord

Forget everything else but do not forget this



Guru Jee ended of by reciting the following Gurbanee in Raag Sorat

ਸੋਰਠਿ ਮਹਲਾ ੯ ॥
ਜੋਨਰੁਦੁਖਮੈਦੁਖੁਨਹੀਮਾਨੈ ॥
ਸੁਖਸਨੇਹੁਅਰੁਭੈਨਹੀਜਾਕੈਕੰਚਨਮਾਟੀਮਾਨੈ ॥੧॥ ਰਹਾਉ ॥
ਨਹਨਿੰਦਿਆਨਹਉਸਤਤਿਜਾਕੈਲੋਭੁਮੋਹੁਅਭਿਮਾਨਾ ॥
ਹਰਖਸੋਗਤੇਰਹੈਨਿਆਰਉਨਾਹਿਮਾਨਅਪਮਾਨਾ ॥੧॥

Guru Harkrishan Sahib Jee - The Curer of all ills




ਪੂਰੇ ਗੁਰ – The Curer of all ills

Guru Gobind Singh Jee writes that the mere sight of Guru Harkrishan Sahib Jee takes away all pain. Gurbanee makes clear that the True Complete Guru can remove our fevers, pains and diseases.

ਨਠੇਤਾਪਦੁਖਰੋਗਪੂਰੇਗੁਰਪ੍ਰਤਾਪਿ ॥
My fevers, pains and diseases are gone, by the Grace of the Perfect Guru


Guru Gobind Singh Jee has however highlighted this through the reflection of Guru HarKrishan Sahib Jee. In essence the short Worldly life of Guru Harkrishan Sahib was based on the removing of pain.

The Jot of Guru Nanak came in to the form of a Child for many reasons. It was a clear indication that Guru’ Jot was not tied on to any experience or worldly knowledge. It is beyond any physical connection or understanding.

Some historians have tried to belittle the life of Guru Harkrishan Sahib Jee and have said that his Guruship was only there to buy time. They seem to make out that the Guruship was some kind of Human Dynasty. This is the talk of the faithless who do not see the Glory of Guru Nanak Dev Jee.


The child face of Guru

Children in general are naturally liked, this is the way nature is. Their innocence and features create this relationship. Just to see kids playing gives you joy, it lifts your sorrows and worries. You can only imagine how much greater this fondness and attraction would be when Guru Jee’s Jot is in the body of a Child.

It is written that Guru Harkrishan Jee’s face and features were very attractive. Everyone seeing him would feel a special pull. Guru Jee spoke very little but when he spoke he left others amazed. His voice was so sweet that even birds would stop to listen. His written words were special. Who else could speak, write and advise at this age, only Guru Jee could do this.

http://img688.imageshack.us/img688/4630/guruharkrishanwriting.jpg

Guru Harkrishan Sahib Jee’s Handwriting


Sangat from far and wide was yearning to meet Guru Jee. Just the sight of Guru Harkrishan Sahib Jee would dispel all sorrows, there were no need for words just the gaze of his eyes was enough. Even Kings and Queens could not resist the temptation to have a glimpse of the Child Guru.

Guru Harkrishan Sahib Jee devoted a lot of time to the Sick and helpless. It is written that Guru Jee used to visit the local Hospital in his daily routine.


Curing the Leper

There is an incident in the early part of Guru Harkrishan Sahib’s Guruship which led many suffers seek the blessing of Guru Jee.

The following is a brief description of what happened

Guru Jee was travelling in his palanquin when a Brahmin suffering from a serious disease of leprosy came and fell at the travelling palanquin and starting crying loudly. Guru Jee asked the travelling party to halt, he came down and met the Brahmin. The Brahmin crying in pain fell at the feet of Guru Jee and asked him to relive him from his suffering. Guru Harkrishan Sahib pulled out his Handkerchief used for cleaning his hands and face, he gave this to the Brahmin and said “Wipe your body with this and then drink the wash from this Handkerchief, you will get better”. The Brahmin carried out these instructions and Just as Guru Jee said the diseased Brahmin become better in a matter of days. The news of this healing made many others suffers seek help from Guru Jee.


Curing Delhi

During Guru Harkrishan Sahib Jee stay in Delhi a Small Pox epidemic broke out. It spread like wild fire, the poor were hit the worst. Thousands were dying daily and there seemed to be no cure. The Only cure and saviour was Guru Jee, anyone who came to see him or he went to see was cured of the disease just by the mere sight of Guru Harkrishan sahib Jee.

Other non Sikhs have also noted this healing :

(1) His very touch and sight healed many ( Rediscovering Delhi pg 90)


(2) He healed many people of the dread disease merely by a few words or by the very sight of him ( Gospel of Guru Granth Sahib)

Thousands were lining up to have glimpse of Guru Jee, he did not refuse to help nor was he afraid of the disease affecting him. He decided to take the suffering of the people of Delhi upon himself. This act of curing eventually meant he had to sacrifice himself for others.

Even when Guru Jee was afflicted with Small Pox he was still erasing pain from others and those close to him. At the final moments before his light merged again with Vahiguru, Sri Guru Harkrishan jee did not let anyone feel any sorrow at his departure. Mehma Parkash records that Mata Krishan Kaur entered a state of bliss gazing upon Guru jee and she felt great contentment. Such was his life, that Sri Guru Harkrishan jee removed the pain and suffering of all those who cast their eyes on him, even until his very last moments.

ਬਿਸਮਾਦ ਮਾਤਾ ਭਈ I ਸਭ ਦੇਹ ਕੀ ਸੁਧ ਗਈ I
ਚਿਤਵਨ ਲਗੀ ਹੀਏ ਮਾਹਿ I ਗੁਰ ਦਰਸ ਦੀਨਾ ਤਾਹ I੨੩I
ਮੁਖ ਦੇਖ ਭਇਆ ਸੰਤੋਖ I ਮਿਟ ਗਇਆ ਦਾਰਨ ਦੋਖ I
ਉਪਜਤ ਭਇਆ ਮਨ ਗਿਆਨ I ਗੁਰ ਅਮਰ ਪਦ ਪਹਚਾਨ I੨੪I

Thursday, 24 February 2011

Guru Har Rai Jee’s Advice and Teachings

Sree Guru Har Rai Sahib Jee’s Advice and Teachings in 'Sree SatGuru Jee De Muheyn Dian Sakhian'
Taken from Bibi Roop Kaur’s Pothi
Translated by admin tapoban.org



http://img3.imageshack.us/img3/3272/guruharraik.gif




..............Sakhi II Orders are of two kinds II One Order is Mukhta, One is Amukhta Order II

If one is in pain and remembers God he is Mukhta II If someone has all Sukh but does not remember God then he is Amukhta II |

True Righteous/duty is Mukhta II Guru said pride is the ugly face II Peace is the beautiful face II 2 II..............



Sakhi II Lord has given Order to focus/simran on Nanak-Lord II A baba asked how do I focus/simran on you II

Permitting, to accept/wish for the good of others is the way to focus/simran II 9 II



Sakhi II Guru said don’t have the thought/want of having another’s wealth/property II Do not gamble II

Do not join/go to another home II Do not do slander of others II Do not eat Fish Meat II

Do not drink intoxicants II It is difficult to practice Sikhee if you do any of these II 10 II.....................



Sakhi II Sikhs were sitting with Guru, Guru was merciful II Sikhs said we are a sacrifice to you II

Guru replied and said I am a sacrifice to you II Sikhs did a plea what is the wish II

This is the way to ask II Child, he who does focus/simran of God, seeing him I begin to focus II

I feel their faith inside me II I join in and focus II You however without seeing me and realising me are praying to Guru as the Lord II

For this reason I am a sacrifice to you II Who ever has realised this II 12 II



Sakhi II Serve Guru as Lord II As a good respected women would serve her husband-protector II

Even if her husband is a thief , a adulterer , a troublemaker II Even if he is a gambler II She does not reflect on his actions II

She accepts the words of her husband and serves him II If someone tries to argue/fight with her husband she feels hurt and she will try to argue with them II

Even if the other is right II But this women is only content with her husband II Why speak with these irreligious sinful people, Jeo II

You will feel pain II In every way she is content with her husband II Her name is known as faithful II

Likewise if a Sikh serves Guru as the Transcendent Lord then that Sikh reaches the highest state II This is the way of Sikhee II 13 II



Sakhi II A Sikh pleaded in front of Guru, those Sikh do not do ardas vocally II They do inner ardas II

O lord king which ardas makes you happy II Guru spoke, O child I do listen to the outwardly-vocal ardas II

but I listen to the inner ardas greatly II Guru is all knowing II Place is given to the Jee II 14 II...........



Sakhi II A Sikh could not have child II He pleaded in front of Guru, O king flower is there but no fruit II

Guru said serve Sikhs and you will receive a child II Which ever Sikh Sant came he gave them food II

He would look after them II He then came to Guru II The Sikh did a plea to Guru, O King you said if I serve Sikhs I will receive a child II

I served Sikhs as but there is no Child II However Guru said child how did you serve the Sikhs II

The Sikh said, O King which ever Sikh came and went I gave them food and looked after them II Guru said this serving is not done by the highest ones II

Sikh said, O King what ever you order so shall I serve II Guru said, which ever Sikh comes wash their feet and drink in it II

Only let go of his feet if he pulls them II Then embrace him II Only let go when he says so II

Then nourish them II Only let go when they say so II Then listen to Shabad Sakhi from them II

Tell them one too II Then comfortably put them to sleep II Wake up at amritvela and assist them in bathing II

Read listen to Jap II Then after nourishing them go along with them carelessly II Wherever he says stop, stand and plead with him II

In his mercy, what ever is requested will be received II This serving finds its place II Within Sikhs lie all the treasures II 16 II



Sakhi II One Sikh was on his way to see Guru, a Farmer asked him where are you going II That Sikh said that I am going to Guru II

The Farmer said I will go too II The Sikh said that it is the season for farming II You going now is not right II

The farmer replied, I don’t care what happens behind II But I can not stay back II Then the Sikh said leave your role to someone and I will take you II

The Farmer said I have completely left the role of farming II But take me to Guru II That Farmer came with the Sikh to Guru II

They came and prostrated II Guru spoke to the Sikh with satisfaction II and he lovingly paid his respects II

Seeing the farmer Guru outwardly had a go at him and asked him to leave II Go and sit in the Shrine II He prostrated in Guru’s presence three times II

He felt a inner realisation II So he knowingly went and sat in the shrine II Three days passed and he was still sitting there II

Then on the third day Guru said child, where is the Farmer II The Sikh replied, O king he is sitting in the Shrine II

He has been sitting there for three days, he has not eaten or drunk anything II Guru in his mercy went to see him II He saw Guru coming II

Seeing him he sat there II He did not in the slightest get up II with his hands closed together he sat II

When Guru came near him he paid his respects II Guru gave his blessing II He reached the highest state II

If a Sikh follows Guru’s words similarly then he will reap benefits II 17 II

Guru Hargobind Sahib Jee’s Hukamname

Taken from ‘Hukamname’ by Ganda Singh
Presented by admin tapoban.org




http://img352.imageshack.us/img352/8996/hukamnama1.png (‘1’)



  http://img352.imageshack.us/img352/9404/hukamnama2.png
(‘2’)




Presented above are two Hukamname given by Guru Hargobind Sahib Jee to his GurSikhs. Both have similar advice to GurSikhs and instructions to do Guru Guru Japna( Naam recitation) and to stay away from Maas Machi (Meat – Fish), this is highlighted red in the text below.

The second Hukamnama('2') highlights a few more points. It emphasises doing Kirtan and celebrating Gurpurabs. Guru Hargobind Sahib Jee also uses the phrase ‘Khalsa’ towards Guru Jee’s sangat in this Hukamnama.



Text from Hukamnama ‘1’ :

....ਗੁਰੂ ਗੁਰੂ ਜਪਣਾ ਜਨਮੁ ਸਵਰੁ ਸੰਗਤ ਦੀ ਕਾਮਨਾ ਗੁਰੂ ਪੂਰੀ ਕਰੇਂਗੇ ਸੰਗਤੀ ਦਾ ਰੁਜਗਾਰੁ ਹੋਗੁ ਇਕ ਦਾਸੀ ਰਹਣਾ ਮਾਸੁ ਮਛੀ ਦੇ ਨੇੜੇ ਨਹੀਂ ਆਵਣਾ......


Text from Hukamnama ‘2’ :

ਗੁਰੂ ਗੁਰੂ ਜਪਣਾ ਜਨਮੁ ਸਵਰੈ I ਸੰਗਤਿ ਦੀ ਕਾਮਨਾ ਪੂਰੀ ਹੋਗੁ ਸੰਗਤੀ ਦਾ ਰੁਜਗਾਰੁ ਹੋਗੁ ਸੰਗਤਿ ਕੀ ਕਾਰ ਜੁ ਲੇਹਗੁ ਗੁਰੂ ਦੀ ਆ ਗਿਆ ਹੇਇ ਕੀਰਤਨ ਕਰਣਾ ਇਕ ਦਾਸ ਭਲੀ ਜੁਗਤਿ ਰਹਣਾ ਮਾਸੁ ਮਛੀ ਦੇ ਨੇੜੇ ਨਹੀਂ ਆਵਣਾ I ਪੂਰਬ ਦੀ ਸੰਗਤਿ ਗੁਰੂ ਦਾ ਖਾਲਸਾ ਹੈਇ............ ਰਲਕੇ ਗੁਰਪੁਰਬ ਦੀ ਕਾਰ ਕਰਣੀ..........

Duty, Love and Faith: The Sikhs & Guru Hargobind Sahib

Translated from Pr. Satbir Singh's "Gur Bhaaree"



http://img121.imageshack.us/img121/5394/akal1.jpg
True Emperor Guru Hargobind Sahib Jee's Throne - Akal Takht Sahib



“True Emperor”

Guru Hargobind Sahib was in Delhi meeting with the Mughal Emperor Jahangir. A poor peasant who cut grass to feed horses heard about this and worked all day to earn a single coin. The peasant had heard about the Guru and his greatness and now when he heard that the Guru was in the city he became excited that he too might meet him and become a Sikh. During the day, the peasant also gathered the best grass he could find and cleaned it blade by blade so he could offer it to Guru Sahib’s horses.

At the end of the day, the poor grass-cutter approached the place where Guru Sahib and the Emperor were meeting. There were two tents and he accidentally entered the one in which Jahangir was sitting. The guard initially stopped the peasant but thinking that perhaps he had some request to make of the Emperor, he let him in.

Upon entering, the grass-cutter placed the single coin he had earned in front of the Emperor and bowed. He asked that his offering of grass also be accepted. He begged, “ True Emperor (Sachay Patshah) please help me both here and in the hereafter.” Jahangir was taken aback and replied that he could give the grass-cutter an award of land ( a Jagir). The poor man’s eyes opened wide and he realized he was in the wrong place. Jahangir then said, “I am the Emperor of Hindustan. Your “Sachay Patshah” is in the other tent.” The poor man picked up his coin and his bundle of grass and ran to the other tent in which Guru Sahib was sitting.

Upon seeing the Guru, he grabbed his feet and began to weep and beg for forgiveness. He said, “Sachay Patshah I went to the wrong door.” He repeated his earlier request and begged to become a Sikh and the Guru blessed him with naam.

It was after this incident that Jahangir realized how much love Sikhs had for their Guru.


Bhai Javanda & the Gate

One day Guru Hargobind Sahib was going hunting and as he was leaving the city gates of Kartarpur, he asked Bhai Javanda to stand by the gate and wait for his return. Satguru jee returned from hunting but entered the city from another gate and went back to his place of residence. Three days and three nights passed but Bhai Javanda did not move from the place Guru Sahib told him to wait. When Guru Sahib found out about this, he himself went to Bhai Javanda, still waiting by the gate and embraced him and showered his blessings.


“Tell the Sikhs”

Bhai Choohar was a Jathedar in Guru Hargobind Sahib’s army and had 100 horsemen in his command. Guru Hargobind Sahib summoned Bhai Choohar and said, “Tell the Sikhs to drag some big stones and make walls for the langar.

Bhai Choohar didn’t want to impose on any other Sikh and so he began to drag the large stones himself. He worked so hard that his hands and feet began to bleed but even then he would not stop or slow down. When the Guru went to see the work being done, he saw Bhai Choohar working alone, his hands, feet and clothes covered in blood. Guru Sahib said, “Bhai Choohar, I told you to get the Sikhs to do this seva…”

Bhai Choohar put his hands together and replied, “Maharaj, you ordered the Sikhs to do it and so I thought what greater honour could I achieve than to do this seva myself and count myself as your Sikh…”


Mata Sulakhani

Guru Hargobind Sahib was traveling in the villages of Majha and came to village Chabba. In that village lived a woman named Sulakhani. Sulakhani had been married for many years but was yet without any child. She asked many learned people how she might have a child and they all replied, “there has been no child written in your destiny.”

Mata Sulakhani heard about the greatness of Guru Hargobind and was convinced he would help her. Guru Hargobind was passing near her village and Mata Sulakhani went to wait for him on the path holding a pen and ink. When Guru Sahib approached, she called out in a rhyme which translated is, “Oh one with a beautiful beard and white dastaar, I make a request before Guru Hargobind! My name is Sulakhani and my village is Chabba, I am without any offspring and want to bear children.”

Guru Hargobind Sahib smiled and said, “Maiee, it is not written in your destiny.” With great faith, Mata Sulakhani replied, “You are the one who is the writer here and you were the writer before, so if you have not written already, then write it now!”

Guru Sahib took the pen and while still on his horse began to write a ੧ (1) . Guru Sahib’s horse kicked his hoof and the ੧ became a ੭ (7).

Mata Sulakhani did indeed go one to become the mother of 7 sons and they became Sikhs and fought in Guru Sahib’s battles.

Guru Hargobind Sahib & The Limitless Langar

Taken from “Nau Visheshtaiyaan Sri Sukhmani Sahib jee” by Bhai GurIkbaal Singh



http://img121.imageshack.us/img121/1152/langar.png


Bibi Santi

During the time of Guru Hargobind Sahib, there was a Sikh woman, Bibi Santi, who was married into a family in the village of Butala. Bibi Santi’s parents were Sikhs but due to circumstances, found herself married into a family that believed in Sakhi Sarvar (a Muslim Pir). Bibi Santi read Gurbani daily and had a deep love for the Guru. Her mother-in-law however, could not tolerate this faith in Sikhi. Eventually, Bibi Santi was asked to leave the family’s house and was made to live in a hut outside.

Bibi Santi was happy that now she would be able to read Gurbani without anyone objecting. Slowly she was able to influence her husband through stories of the Guru and he too became a Sikh.

After some time, a son was born to Bibi Santi who was named Palla. The happiness in the small family was short lived however as Bibi Santi’s husband died quite suddenly.


Faith in Satguru Jee

Bibi Santi did not lose her faith and kept walking on the path of Gurmat. She taught her son stories of the Guru and also Gurbani. Bhai Palla too developed a love for the Guru and had a deep desire to one day have Guru Sahib’s darshan. He would ask his mother when Guru Sahib would come to them and Bibi Santi would reply, “Satguru jee is antarjami (all-knowing). Wherever his Sikhs remember him, he will certainly come to meet them.”

Young Bhai Palla now had a non-stop longing to cast his eyes on his Satguru. Bhai Palla was convinced that Guru Sahib would come to him and so he wanted to be ready for the moment. Though he and his mother were very poor, he decided the best offering he could give to Guru Sahib was GuR (sugar-jaggery). Wherever he went, Bhai Palla carried the guR with him, tied in a cloth, not knowing when Guru Sahib would hear his ardaas and give his darshan.


Darshan

Bhai Palla’s ardaas day and night bore fruit one day. Guru Sahib arrived in village Butala with some Sikhs. All the villagers were followers of Sakhi Sarvar and so no one paid Guru Sahib any respect. Guru Hargobind Sahib and his Sikhs however went directly to where Bhai Palla was sitting and stopped their horse in front of him. Bhai Palla recognized that his Satguru had finally come and was overjoyed. He remembered the guR he had tied in the cloth and began to fumble with the knot so he could offer it to Guru jee. Bhai Palla tried, but could not open the long-tied knot. Sri Guru Hargobind Sahib cast his loving eye on his Sikh and said, “Palla! Here, let me open your knots…”

What a blessing Guru Sahib gave to Bhai Palla. What more could Bhai Palla ask?

Guru Sahib opened the knot and Bhai Palla humbly placed the guR before Guru Sahib and bowed. Satguru jee then said, “Palla! My Sikhs and I are hungry. Take us to your home and give us langar.”

Bhai Palla could not contain his happiness and quickly lead Guru jee and the Sikhs to his small home. Mata Santi upon seeing Sri Guru jee’s darshan, lost all awareness. Bhai Palla shook his mother and said, “Guru Sahib wants to have langar. Prepare langar for him.”


Villagers and the Langar

The villagers of Butala were bitter and went on to their rooftops to see what was happening. They saw that Guru Sahib and his Sikhs were waiting for langar and began to laugh that Bibi Santi and Bhai Palla who sometimes could not even manage one meal a day for themselves were now being asked to cook for so many. The villagers decided amongst themselves that no one would help the two Sikhs nor give them any loan to help buy rations for the langar. They would see the humiliating scene when Bibi Santi and Bhai Palla would tell Guru Sahib that they could not make the langar and have the opportunity to laugh at them.

Satguru Hargobind Sahib knew all and saw the crowds on their rooftops looking at them. Guru Sahib said to Bhai Palla, “Palla! Go invite all the villagers to have langar here as well today.” Bhai Palla obeyed the hukam and went to all the villagers and asked them to come to their home for langar. The villagers laughed and said that today the humiliation would be double what they expected. The mother and son could hardly feed themselves let alone all the Sikhs and now all the villagers.


The Miracle

Guru Hargobind Sahib called Bhai Palla and gave him two kerchiefs and told him to put one on the flour and one on the daal. Mata Santi should not look underneath them after that.

Bibi Santi had prepared all the flour in the house for parshadas but it was still very little. There was also a little daal she had prepared. The two kerchiefs were placed on each and Bibi Santi began to prepare the parshadas while Bhai Palla did the seva of distributing them. To their amazement, all the Sikhs and all the villagers had their fill of langar and still the parshadas and daal under Guru Sahib's kerchiefs were not finishing.

The villagers were awe-struck and fell at Guru Hargobind Sahib’s feet. They had wanted to see the humiliation of the two poor Sikhs but Guru Sahib had shown that he would never let his Sikhs be humiliated in such a way. The faith of the villagers in Sikhi was born that day and Bibi Santi and Bhai Palla’s faith was rewarded.

Vangaar: The First Sermon of Guru Hargobind Sahib

Taken from Gur Bhari by Pr. Satbir Singh
Translated by Admin www.tapoban.org





http://img707.imageshack.us/img707/8793/300pxhandwritingguruhar.jpg
Guru Hargobind Sahib Jee’s Handwriting



Guru Arjan Dev had been brutally tortured and embraced martyrdom, becoming an example for the Panth. The Sikhs were grief-struck and felt a sense of despair. The small Panth of Guru Nanak had been targeted by the mighty power of the Mughals.

Guru Hargobind Sahib, became the next Guru as per the orders of his father. In front of all the gathered Sikhs, Baba Buddha jee put the two swords of meeri and peeri on Guru Hargobind Sahib. Guru Sahib was dressed like an emperor and there was a kalgi (aigrette) on his dastaar.

The Dhadis, Bhai Abdullah and Bhai Nath Mal, at the hukam of Guru Hargobind Sahib sang a vaar filled with bir ras.


Then, Guru Hargobind Sahib rose and gave his first sermon to the Sikhs:


Today the offerings that are beloved to me are good weapons and good youth. If you want my happiness, then exercise your bodies, wrestle, play gatka, go into the jungles to hunt and learn to ride horses. Weakness is now a crime to the Nation that cannot be forgiven for anyone. You will take up the sword and I now wear the sword so that the swords of tyranny and oppression will stop forever.

You have all come from far and wide today. The cool tranquillity has been stolen from not just your heart and my heart, but from the entire world. Our swords will not rest until we bring this oppression to an end.

Make day and night one. Go into the villages and light the inferno of revolution. Tell the people that we need their youth. Only that is a good youth that sacrifices itself for the cause of the Nation. We need sacred hearts and pure minds. Enshrine ਪਹਿਲਾਮਰਣੁਕਬੂਲਿਜੀਵਣਕੀਛਡਿਆਸ ॥  in your hearts. We fear death because we have not experienced true life. We feel worry because we have not enjoyed a taste of life. We feel fear because our destination and goal seems so far off. But if you challenge death, death will flee from you. If you learn to walk with your heads held high then worry will depart. If you are determined to walk, the destination will not be so far away. Have faith in Vahiguru and all fears will vanish. If fear has left you then even death will seem like bliss.


Guru jee continued,

Do not think that you are too few. You are all like springs. Oceans flow out of these very springs. There are hundreds of thousands of springs like you in our Nation. When you come together and flow forward, you will create a flood.

A small and insignificant piece of wood, when made into a match, can light the entire jungle on fire. But you are humans! And furthermore, those humans whose heart has just now been scorched on hot iron plates [reference to shahidi of Guru Arjan Dev jee].


Addressing the poets in the Sangat, Guru Sahib said,

See, God has given you the gift of poetry. When nations are built, you are the foundations. Stop all these other untimely songs and work to bring the Nation out of this deep dark pit. Tell those stories which will make the people willing to lose their skin like they would be willing to change their clothes. Fill the people of our Nation with the spirit and fervour to be like moths so they will sacrifice themselves in the flames of our cause.

Our blood has become cold. Tell us stories of Shahidi and become the furnaces that will boil our blood. Give us the passion to make the trampled Punjab and our crushed Nation rise to its feet once again.


Speaking to the Dhadis, Guru Sahib said,

Now is the time that your instruments should call out a challenge. Your notes should stir the Nation. The beat of your dhads should awaken the people and the bells on your bows should make hearts fill with the zeal of sacrifice.

Panj Karam Advice From Guru Arjan Dev Jee

Taken from Aad Sikh Te Aad Sakhian by P. Stabir Singh
Translated by admin tapoban.org



Once Bhai Laloo, Bhai Baloo and Bhai Hardas Jee asked Guru Arjan Dev Jee how one can liberate this life. In response Guru Arjan Dev Jee said that there are Five actions which if done then you could claim that your life is successful.
The Five are :


1) ਹਰ ਕਿਸੇ ਨਾਲ ਹੱਸ ਕੇ ਮਿਲਣਾ –-- Happily greet everyone you see (Only the ones that are happy internally can truly show this happiness externally. One who sees the Joth in everyone and accepts Akaal Purkh’s play, that person alone can represent this feeling any other state will show falseness.)


2) ਮਿੱਠਾ ਬੋਲਣਾ –-- Speak Sweetly (Do not speak rudely, with anger and hate. Someone that speaks sweetly will naturally not do ninda. There is nothing sweeter than Naam/Gurbanee itself, the saying of Naam/Gurbanee will bring sweetness to the speaker and the listener)


3) ਵੰਡ ਖਾਵਣਾ –-- Share what ever is yours with others.


4) ਨਿਵ ਚਲਣਾ –-- Live Humbly


5) ਸੰਗਤ ਨਿੱਤ ਕਰਨੀ –-- Do Sangat daily ( Do sangat daily of Guru Jee through Naam simran - reading/listening Gurbanee and also do sangat of GurSikhs )

The Most Difficult Test: Bhai Manjh

Researched and Written by Admin www.tapoban.org



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Gurdwara Bhai Manjh



Introduction


In the time of Guru Arjan Dev jee, there was a powerful and rich Jat by the name of Teeratha. Teeratha was a follower of the Muslim sect of Sakhee Sarvar. He was the local leader of this sect and had hundreds of followers who all respected him. Teeratha would regularly lead the members of this sect on a pilgrimage to the main Sakhee Sarvar shrine now in Pakistan.


Meeting the Guru

Once when passing through Amritsar, Teeratha decided to visit Guru Arjan. He had heard that there was a great Guru who had a large following and this Guru was spiritually enlightened. He was curious to know who this Guru was and what he would say. He decided to stop off and see the Darbar of Guru Arjan Dev jee. When he saw the Darbar, he saw that people of many different backgrounds, and castes were all sitting together and living in harmony. He also heard the keertan in the darbaar and the keertan left a permanent mark on him. He heard of the great gift of naam and the thirst to have this gift rose within him. He was the leader of hundreds of Sakhee Sarvar followers but he could no longer follow that path. He realised that Sikhee was the path he must follow.

He came to Guru Arjan Dev jee and introduced himself. Guru jee saw how rich and powerful Teeratha was and when Teeratha begged for Naam and to be initiated into the Sikh faith, Guru jee replied, "Being a Sikh is no easy thing. The path is finer than a hair and sharper than the khanda. The primary principle of Sikhee is humility." Teeratha again repeated his request. Guru Arjan Dev jee then said, "Why do you want to be a Sikh? You are a rich and powerful man with hundreds of followers. You can continue on the easy path of Sakhee Sarvar, because the Sikh path is very hard. If you become a Sikh, you will lose your followers and all their respect and you will lose your wealth as well. You may even have to pay for this decision with your life. What use is there in becoming a Sikh for you?" But Teeratha was insistent he begged that nothing mattered. If he lost everything it would not matter, he needed Naam. With tears in his eyes he begged for Naam. Guru Arjan Dev jee accepted his request and initiated him into Sikhee and gave him Naam.

Teeratha decided to not return home and took leave of his followers. He decided to stay with the Guru Jee for some time. The Sikhs knew that Teeratha was from the Manjh clan and began to call him Bhai Manjh. Bhai Manjh did seva in the darbaar and one day Guru Arjan Dev jee called him and asked him to return to his village and preach Sikhee to his old followers.


Return to the Village and Disaster

Bhai Manjh returned to his village and began the work of preaching Sikhee to the followers of Sakhee Sarvar. In his home, there was a shrine to Sakhee Sarvar which was revered by all the local followers. Bhai Manjh reached home and immediately had it demolished. Many of his old followers who had considered him a Guru heard Bhai Manjh's message that Guru Arjan was the true Satguru and the source of all happiness. They too decided to become Sikhs and began to recite baaNee. Bhai Manjh and the new devotees of the Guru decided to build a Dharamshaala (Sikh place of gathering) in the village where they could daily meet and do sangat.

While the construction of the Dharamshala was still going on, some Sakhee Sarvar leaders came to the village and saw that so many followers had become Sikhs. They spoke to Bhai Manjh and asked him to renounce Sikhee or face a terrible price. They said that he was powerful and a high official in the Sakhee Sarvar sect and he would lose all this if he did not come to his senses. Bhai Manjh sent them away and was insistent that he would remain a Sikh. The Sakhee Sarvar leaders left the village but heaped countless curses on Bhai Manjh and vowed that he would regret his decision.

Within a few days of this event, one night, all of Bhai Manjh's cattle died. It was unexplainable how all cattle could die in one night. In the following nights, cattle began to die in neighbouring houses as well. The villagers began to believe that perhaps the curse of Sakhee Sarvar was responsible and by becoming Sikhs and destroying the shrine, they had made a serious mistake. More and more cattle began to die each night and the villagers decided to break off from Bhai Manjh. They declared that they had nothing to do with Bhai Manjh and his new religion. They removed him from his position as village head. Bhai Manjh now began to lose his wealth as well and soon poverty entered his home.


Poverty

Before, poor and needy people used to come to Bhai Manjh to request for help and money. People would still come now but he himself was living in abject poverty. Bhai Manjh had absolutely no extra wealth to give to anybody. Bhai Manjh was in a desperate situation and he decided to visit the new village head. Bhai Manjh offered his home to be rented out for some money so he could feed his family. The village head agreed to the proposal but added the condition that Bhai Manjh's wife would become his housemaid. His wife would be paid for her labour as well.

Bhai Manjh returned home absolutely shattered. He was once the most powerful man in the village and today he was being forced to make his wife a maid. When Bhai Manjh's wife asked him what the village head had said. Bhai Manjh haltingly explained the offer he was given. Bhai Manjh's wife listned and then said that in such hard times she too was willing to make sacrifices and if they had to lower their dignity by doing a job such as that of maid, then so be it. They had to marry off their young daughter and needed money to raise their family. Bhai Manjh's wife agreed to go work for the village head.

Bhai Manjh fell asleep that night in deep sadness. The next morning his wife would leave to begin her new job. He thought of Guru Arjan and wondered why the Guru would put his Sikh through such pain. How could the Guru allow him to see such days? Then understanding dawned: this must be the Guru's test. The Guru had said that he would have to sacrifice his all for Naam. Bhai Manjh was determined not to fail this test. He felt shame that he had ever questioned the will of the Guru.


Serving the Guru

The next morning Bhai Manjh's wife gathered her clothes and left for the village head's home. Bhai Manjh decided to also leave the village. He left for Amritsar with his daughter and decided to spend his time doing seva. Bhai Manjh began to take the seva of bringing wood for the langar, cleaning the dishes, serving the visiting sangat and any other seva he could find. Guru Jee too heard of Bhai Manjh's sevaa. He called Bhai Manjh to come see him.

Bhai Manjh and his daughter appeared before Guru Jee and bowed. They stood before SatGuru Arjan Dev Jee and waited for him to speak. Guru Arjan Dev Jee asked, "Bhai Manjh, where do you eat?" Bhai Manjh replied, "Satguru, I eat from your langar…"

Guru Arjan jee then said, "well then, what you do is nothing but wage-labour isn't it?"

The sangat was stunned. They knew Bhai Manjh had sacrificed his entire wealth and prestige to become a Sikh and now did more seva than anyone else in the Darbaar. How could Guru jee have humiliated him like this in front of everyone? After all, the Langar was open to everyone, why would Guru jee say such a thing?

Bhai Manjh was once a powerful and proud aristocrat with hundreds of followers. He now hung his head and then said, "Satguru, you are wise. Please give me the wisdom to understand and accept your Hukam." Guru jee did not reply. Bhai Manjh then bowed and took his leave with his daughter.

Bhai Manjh now decided to no longer eat in the langar. He decided to collect two bundles of wood from now on and he would give one to the langar and sell the other to earn his living and use it to purchase his food. Bhai Manjh's daughter asked her father why the Guru was so merciless to him. Bhai Manjh immediately replied, "No no! The Guru is merciful. He is testing our faith. We can not fail."


The Final Test

Bhai Manjh would rise early and begin to collect wood for seva and also to sell. After giving the first bundle and selling the second, the two would return to the Darbaar and do seva all day. He would put all his extra money into the Golak. Guru jee once came to Bhai Manjh and asked why he still stayed despite being so poor and having lost everything. Guru jee said he should go home. Bhai Manjh replied, "Mahaaraaj, please never speak of having to leave your feet. Sachay Patshah, worldly wealth is a dream and so it comes and goes. Nothing is lost. I have lost my worldly wealth and found your true treasure of Naam. No thief will take this treasure from me and no King will seize it. " Guru jee gave his blessings to Bhai Manjh and moved on.

One day early in the morning when Bhai Manjh was going to the langar to give wood, such a dust storm arose that he could see nothing. Bhai Manjh stumbled and fell into a well. He kept the bundle of wood that he had on his head so that it might not get wet. He was not afraid and kept reciting Gurbanee. Day broke and Bhai Manjh still had not returned and everyone understood he must be in trouble. The Sikhs began to search for him, they split up into different groups and searched in every direction. Eventually one search party came near a well and heard someone singing and reciting Gurbanee. When they looked into the well they saw Bhai Manjh standing in the well, keeping dry the wood on his head. One Sikh ran to Guru Arjan Dev Jee to tell him what had happened and Guru jee immediately dashed bare foot to the well. They threw a rope into the well and asked Bhai Manjh to pull himself out. Bhai Manjh jee called from the depth of the well, "Please, first pull the wood out for the langar! If they become wet, they will be of no use and not burn. If I am wet, nothing will happen." Bhai jee tied the wood bundle to the rope and had it pulled out. Only then did Bhai Manjh pull himself out.


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When Bhai Manjh climbed out of the well, Guru Arjan was standing before him. Bhai Manjh fell at Guru jee's feet. Guru Arjan asked, "Bhai Manjh! What have you gained by following me? You have lost your wealth, your status, and even your wife. You have lost everything!"

Bhai Manjh held Guru jee's feet even tighter and with tears in his eyes replied, "No Satguru! I have not lost anything. I have only gained. Please don't push me away, this is my only request of you…"

Guru Arjan Dev jee then said, "Bhai Manjh, your sevaa has borne fruit. Ask for anything you want."

Bhai Manjh replied, "Guru jee, bless me that I may never want anything. May I always be content"

Guru jee replied, "It will happen as you request. But still, request something Bhai Manjh…"

Bhai Manjh then said, "If you are happy with me, then have this mercy. It is Kaljug. Please do not scold and test so harshly. May your Sikhs not have to bear such hardships."

Guru Maharaj again said, "This too will happen, but still request something Bhai Manjh." Bhai Manjh finally replied, "May my consciousness remain at your feet and may I never forget the meditation of your Naam. If you wish to bless me, then bless me with gift of limitless faith."

Guru Arjan heard these words and then said, “ਮੰਞ ਪਿਆਰਾ ਗੁਰੂ ਨੂੰ ਗੁਰ ਮੰਞ ਪਿਆਰਾ I ਮੰਞ ਗੁਰੂ ਕਾ ਬੋਹਥਾ ਜਗੁ ਲੰਘਣਹਾਰਾ I "Manjh is the beloved of the Guru and the Guru is beloved of Manjh. Manjh is the ferry of the Guru who will ferry across the world ocean."

Guru Arjan sent Bhai Manjh home and told him all had been returned. Bhai Manjh did not understand how this would be possible, but had complete faith in the Guru.


Everything Restored

Bhai Manjh's wife had been working in the house of the village head and she made such an impression on him that he decided to make her his sister. He requested that she take the responsibility of raising his only son. He also gave back Bhai Manjh's home where she could raise the boy. Bhai Manjh returned home and was informed of all that had happened and was stunned.

Bhai Manjh never left the support of the Guru. Even at the darkest time he had faith it was all a test and if he stayed firm in his faith, nothing would happen to him. Bhai Manjh was appointed the entire Doaba area to preach Sikhee and he opened a Dharamshaalaa in his home. The langar that Bhai Sahib jee opened was famous all around. Many people became Sikhs because of his parchaar. When Guru Arjan Dev jee came to visit the Doaba area in 1596, he made a point of specially visiting Bhai Manjh and praised him for his parchaar.

Bhai Manjh jee is the embodiment of faith and perseverance. Nothing in life could turn him away from the Guru and in the end, the Guru kept and protected his Sikh.