Bibi Sukhdev Kaur

 By Bh. Thakur Singh in Poorab Janam Kay Milay Sanjogee

 

From a very young age Bibi Sukhdev Kaur received encouragement from Bhai Sahib Randheer Singh jee to do paath and he himself had her read for him. Bibi jee would bathe, put on fresh clothes and then commence the paath as Bhai Sahib would stand behind her. Bhai Saahib would do Chaur with one hand and put his other hand on her head. Usually, only I, Thakur Singh, was the listener. I learned there that when the beloveds of the Guru give their blessings, consciousness can fly into the heavens. Not only in keertan are the sweet arrows of love released, but even in GurbaaNee paath these arrows are felt. These nectar like arrows affect not only the soul but even the body. I remember that I could only listen to this divinely inspired paath for a half hour or fourty five minutes. I would then request she stop. Those days are hard to forget. The entire atmosphere would be perfumed with Keertan and GurbaaNee paath.

Like this, some time passed. Bibi Sukhdev Kaur grew up and a great test came before her. The Bibi was engaged to marry into a family of manmukhs. When talk of her marriage arose, Bibi Sukhdev Kaur told her mother that she would only marry a Gursikh. She could not marry a Manmukh. Her entire family was worried, especially her brother who was of a very harsh nature. When Bibi Sukhdev Kaur’s brother found out what she was saying, he told her, the marriage arrangement is already made and furthermore they are our relatives. Think about it. This marriage is going to happen now. And if not, I have an axe...and a sword too. We’ll finish you off!

Bibi jee in those days used to meditate on naam with great spiritual ecstasy and in this state, Guru jee gave her faith. She replied to her brother, your decision is right in your eyes and my decision is also eternal. You can do what you want.

The brother drew his sword and despite the protests of their mother, dragged Bibi Sukhdev Kaur into the animals yard. He said now something is going to happen." Bibi jee replied, you are proud of your sword and I am proud of my Guru. Only that will happen which he approves of. Seeing her firmness, the brother brought Bibi jee back to her mother and told her to convince her daughter. The mother began to cry and lay down on the bed beside Bibi jee. Bibi jee told us that in this frightening situation, her simran was going with great power and there was no sign of fear within her. Guru jee, the True Lord, then appeared in person before her and gave her courage and blessed her with a simarnaa (this simarnaa is still with the Bibi). Then what? Bibi jee became totally ready for anything. She said Brother, you can do what you want to me. My Satguru jee has arrived! The brother thought for a moment and then threw down his sword. He exclaimed, Fine. You have won and we have lost. Tell us, where shall we marry you? Bibi jee replied, Only Bhai Sahib can tell you that.

It was fate, that day I had sent my nephew Dyaal Singh to Bhai Sahib with something to give to him. When Bibi jee told Bhai Sahib what had happened the previous night and how Satuguru jee had himself appeared and protected her, Bhai Sahib became very happy and called for me that very morning.

I arrived at Narnagvaal and he related the entire story to me. I put my head at his feet. Sanjog (those whom we are to meet) are determined before our birth. Bibi Sukhdev Kaur was sitting there, and approval was given for her marriage to my nephew.

Bibi jee went home and told her family what had happened and when her family found out what an educated and suitable boy had been found, they all went to Bhai Sahib’s house and the ardaas for the engagement was performed. Bhai Sahib was overjoyed. He said to me, Jogee! This is the blessing of the True Lord! You have preserved our honour. The lord shall bless you immensely."

After this, the marriage took place with great fanfare. Bhai Sahib till the end gave immense love to Bibi Sukhdev Kaur and Bibi jee too lived her entire life according to Gurmat.