Fwd: Sakhi Series :- 257 ( ​Diwan Todar Mal)

​Diwan Todar Mal

Diwan Todar Mall was a wealthy Hindu merchant of Sirhind, who on the 13 December 1705 performed the cremation of the three martyred bodies of the two younger sons of Guru Gobind Singh, Zorawar Singh aged about 6, Fateh Singh aged about 9 and their grandmother, Mata Gujari.

Background :

On hearing the news of capture and imprisonment of Guru ji's mother, Mata Gujri and young sahibzada's - Baba Zorawar Singh and Baba Fateh Singh ji,  a rich Sikh called Diwan Todar Mal, hastened to the Faujdar(viceroy) Wazir Khan's of Sirhind with the intention of ransoming them, but arrived too late. The Sahibzada's had alreay been matryed and Mata Gujri ji, who was sitting in meditation in the tower(burj), breathed her last.

The same evening Dewan Todar Mal  risked his life and reached Nawab Wazir Khan's court for permission to cremate the dead bodies of the two Sahibzadas and Mata Gurji. The Nawab agreed on condition that the Dewan pay for the required piece of land by spreading as many Gold coins as would cover the entire spot. Even after this Diwan Todar Mal did not shun his responsibility but instead accepted the terms, marked the site and spread coins on entire piece of land he selected for cremation. He sacrificed all his fortune at the alter of faith.

The two martyred young sons of Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji were cremated with full honors along with their grandmother.

This incident occurred after the Sahibzade had been executed by the Mughal authorities in December 1705 for not renouncing their faith.

A splended Gurdwara, Gurdwara Jyoti Saroop, now stands at the place where these three martyrs were cremated. This Gurdwara is at a distance of about a mile to the east of the main Gurdwara at Fatehgarh Sahib and the road connecting the two Gurdwaras is known as Diwan Todar Mal Marg and a commemorative gate called the Diwan Todar Mal commemorative gate has also been built on this connecting road.

​

Baba Moti Ram Mehra

Sakhi Series :- 139 ( Baba Moti Ram Mehra - EDITED )

http://tuhitu.blogspot.co.uk/2009/09/sakhi-series-139-baba-moti-ram-mehra.html

Sakhi Series :- 256 (Bhai Suman Ji and Bhai Moosan Ji)

Bhai Suman Ji and Bhai Moosan Ji

(Source : http://www.sikhsangat.com/index.php?/topic/46460-bhai-suman-ji-and-bhai-moosan-ji/ )

Bhai Suman Ji and Bhai Moosan Ji were a father and son who were beloved Gursikhs of Dhan Dhan Satguru Sri Guru Arjan Dev Ji Maharaj. Although these two Gursikhs were very poor materialistically they were very rich spiritually. On one occasion they had travelled to be blessed with Guru Ji's darshan. After arriving in Guru Ji's darbar and kissing Maharaj's charankamal they did a benti to Guru Sahib to bless their village with his holy presence. Maharaj smiled at his two beloved Sikhs and accepted their request. In the presence of his Sangat Maharaj told all the Sikhs that they would be going to Bhai Suman Ji and Bhai Moosan Ji's house on such and such a day.

Bhai Suman Ji and Bhai Moosan Ji headed home with tears of happiness as they had been blessed by Maharaj with such a mahaan seva. Many times we often question how we will be able to do a seva that Guru Sahib has himself given us. But look at these two beloved Sikhs of Guru Sahib who didn't have any maya to their name begging Maharaj for this seva.

Bhai Suman Ji and his son Bhai Moosan Ji began to work day and night on the land of a rich man. Every day they would take the Name of Dhan Guru Arjan Dev Ji Maharaj on their lips and would not stop working for sleep or food or water. With Maharaj firmly implanted in their minds all they thought about was the seva that they had been blessed with.

After working very hard in this way finally the day of their payment had arrived. Bhai Suman Ji and Bhai Moosan Ji had planned to use this money to buy all the things they required to make Guru Sahib's langar with their own hands. When they went to see the rich man to collect their payment their clothes were dripping with sweat and had been stained with blood from their limbs. The rich man opened his door when he noticed Bhai Suman Ji and Bhai Moosan Ji were coming, looked at them and simply refused to pay them for the work that they had done.

Bhai Suman Ji and Bhai Moosan Ji were heartbroken and went home. They were deeply saddened not that the rich man had refused to pay them but that they would not be able to perform Guru Sahib's seva. After a while they though to themselves that the money they are owed is their right. They soon made a plan to go back to the rich man's house in the night to take what was rightfully theirs. 

At night Bhai Suman Ji and Bhai Moosan Ji used a ladder to climb into the house of the rich man. Bhai Moosan Ji went in first, slipped and was dangling from the rich man's ceiling. As Bhai Moosan Ji was dangling he began to hear voices and realised that the rich man's family had woken up. Without a second thought Bhai Moosan Ji looked up to his father had said, "Pita Ji cut my head off". Bhai Moosan Ji had asked his father to do this as he knew that if the rich man came and saw him dangling there word would get around that Sikhs of Guru Arjan Dev Ji Maharaj are thieves. This is the love Gursikhs have for their Guru. Bhai Suman Ji knew this too and quickly took out his sword and with one blow cut his son's head off. This is the love Gursikhs have for their Guru. Bhai Suman Ji wrapped his son's head in a cloth and went home leaving his body there. 

When the rich man came out he saw a dead body which had been decapitated on the floor. He then began to think that if people come to know that there is a dead body in my house they will think that I am a murderer. With the help of one of his servants he put Bhai Moosan Ji's body on a cart and decided to take the body to the house of Bhai Suman Ji and Bhai Moosan Ji as these were the only honest people that he knew who he could depend on. When he arrived at Bhai Suman Ji's house he gave Bhai Suman Ji the money that was owed to them. He then told him that there was a body that he had bought with him in the cart that he wanted them to get rid of.

Bhai Suman Ji took his son's body from the cart and into his house. He then placed it with the head of Bhai Moosan Ji that he had brought back and covered both with a sheet. Bhai Suman Ji did an ardas to Maharaj and thanked Guru Ji. He then began to make the langar for all the sangat who were due to arrive the following morning. 

In the morning Bhai Suman Ji's beloved Guru arrived with his sangat. As Guru Ji was about to have his langar he looked at Bhai Suman Ji and said, "Suman where is your son Moosan I haven't seen him. Go and call him." 

Guru Ji then turned towards the house where Bhai Suman Ji had covered his son's head and body and started calling out to Moosan. As soon as Guru Maharaj did this Bhai Moosan Ji came out of the house and bowed together with his father Bhai Suman Ji at the charankamal of their beloved Guru. 

Akho Satnaam Sri Waheguru.

Dhan Dhan Satguru Sri Guru Arjan Dev Ji Maharaj !!! Dhan Dhan Satguru Sri Guru Arjan Dev Ji Maharaj !!! 

Sakhi Series :- 255 ( Baba Ram Kaur Singh jee)

Baba Ram Kaur Singh jee

​Once Mata Gujree jee humbly pressed her palms together and asked Guru Gobind Singh jee, "Son is there anyway I could be blessed with the sight of a Brahm-gianee, a Knower-of God!" Sangat jee, no matter how famous or spiritual a person is, even if he is a Brahm-gianee, he will have to receive amrit

Guru jee replied, "Mata jee get up at amrit-vela, get ready, meditate on Guru Nanak jee, prepare prashad and do Ardas. A Brahm-gianee will come to you, you will not have to go anywhere." At that time Brahm-gianee Baba Ram Kaur jee was engrossed in God's Name and instantly knew that he had to meet Mata Gujree jee. He got on his horse and came to Mata jee's house. With pressed palms she said, "I am greatly blessed, greatly blessed to have the holy sight of you Brahm-gianee jee." She respected him greatly. Baba Ram Kaur jee went to have the sacred vision of Guru Gobind Singh jee the next day. Guru Gobind Singh jee greeted him and said, "Baba Ram Kaur jee, receive Khanda-batta-da-amrit (amrit prepared in an iron bowl and stirred by the symbol of God's power the mighty double edged sword) and belong to the Guru."

Baba jee was taken aback, he said, "Guru jee, I've been blessed with the knowledge of God (Brahm Gian) yet am I still without a Guru? Surely, I don't need to receive amrit? Guru jee began to say, "Baba jee, you haven't received amrit yet, you aren't living according to the code of conduct of the Guru's house. When you receive amrit and live by the code of conduct of the Guru's house then you have become the Guru's." Baba jee said, "Guru jee, I read God's Word (Gurbanee) everyday, in Sukmanee Sahib it says that the Brahm-giani is God himself, so what's the need for me to receive?" Guru jee spent great efforts to make him understand.

Some time passed, winter came a great festival was about to begin. The officials of Anandpur were clearing the place of stray and wild dogs. They were feeding the dogs poison. Baba Ram Kaur jee came out and was taken curious about what the officials were doing. He said to them, "Brother, you keep feeding the stray dogs poison, but you leave the ones with collars alone. Why make the distinction? They're all wandering the streets." The officials said, "O Baba jee, the dogs with collars belong to someone. The ones without collars don't belong to anyone. We can kill countless stray dogs and no one will object. But, if we kill even one dog with a collar, it's master will go to the Government court and complain against us. We will be called up and punished. That is the difference, dogs without collars belong to no one, dogs with collars belong to someone."

Baba Ram Kaur jee finally understood what Guru jee was saying about belonging to the Guru. He thought "Ram Kaur, don't get mislead that just because you have got Brahm-Gian, the knowledge-of-God, that you are safe. You still don't belong to the Guru."

There are two types of Sikhs: ones that belong to the Guru; and ones that don't. The ones that receive amrit and live out the Rehat, or code of conduct, belong to the Guru, the ones that don't will suffer the same fate as the collar-less dogs. At the last breath, Guru Gobind Singh jee will take his Sikhs by the arm, the ones without a Guru will be left to suffer like the collar-less dogs.

Baba Ram Kaur jee couldn't sleep that night, because he realised he didn't belong to the Guru. In the morning he went to have the sacred sight, or darshan, of Guru Gobind Singh jee. Joining his hands together he greeted Guru jee and was asked, "Baba jee, I haven't seen you for some time, what made you remember me today?"

-"Guru jee, bless me with the gift of amrit."

-"Baba Ram Kaur jee, you are a Brahm-gianee, the same as God, what need is there for you to receive amrit?"

-"Yesterday I saw the dog catchers poison the dogs without collars and spare the dogs with collars. I thought both are dogs, but some were spared some were killed. The dog catcher told me that if a dog with a collar is killed then the master will come and make a report against them. O Guru jee that greatly affected my mind, just because I'm a Brahm-gianee it doesn't mean I don't need a Guru. I realised the ones who've received amrit will be protected by you in the true court. Bless me with amrit Guru jee."

Guru Gobind Singh jee told Bhai Daya Singh jee to prepare for the amrit ceremony. Baba Ram Kaur jee was from the same lineage as Baba Budda jee, he received amrit and became Baba Ram Kaur Singh jee.

Sakhi Series :- 254 ( Bhai Moola ji and Guru Gobind Singh Ji)

Gurudwara Shikaar Ghat Sahib

It is said that Guru Gobind Singh ji came here(Shikaar Ghat, Nanded, Maharashtra, India) following the chase (shikar) and killed a rabbit which in a former birth had been Bhai Mula, who belonged to Sialkot (now in Pakistan). He had once accompanied Guru Nanak Dev ji during his travels. Once when Guru Nanak Dev ji went to visit him, Mula (on the request of his wife) avoided the Guru and hid himself for fear that the Guru might take him away on another long journey. Sensing this Guru Nanak Dev ji went away, but such is the travesty of fate that Mula died soon after of snakebite. 

His wife realising her folly begged Guru Nanak Dev ji for forgiveness. Guru Sahib said he was my Sikh and thus I will surely free him but in my 10th form. Since then his repentant soul had been wandering in different sub-human bodies (joons) until Guru Gobind Singh ji (10th Nanak) emancipated it (now in the form/joon of a Rabbit)  by the touch of his arrow. When questioned by his Siksh why he'd killed an innocent animal, Guru jee explained that it was Bhai Moola and he had liberated his soul.

Also see : Bhai Moola ji and Guru Nanak Dev Ji

Sakhi Series :- 253 ( Village Palahi )

Tiag Mal to Tegh Bahadur ji

Palahi is a very old village. It has the privilege and grace of having the touch of the pious feet of Guru Hargobind and his son Guru Teg Bahadur. The time when Guru Hargobind visited Palahi, Guru Teg Bahadur accompanied him who had not yet gone in seclusion dungeon for meditation. He took part in the battle here with his father. Afterwards the seventh Guru Har Rai also visited Palahi.

Guru Arjan Dev Ji was martyred at Lahore in 1606. The mention of this has been in the autobiography known as "Juzak-e-Jehangir" by Emprorer Jehangir himself. Guru Arjan Dev ji before his martrydom left a message for his brave, breaker of the enemy installations and warrior son(Hargobind Sahib)) that a time has come to hold the sheath of the sword.

After which Guru Hargobind Sahib ji adopted two Kirpans(swords). He organised his own army within four years from 1606 to 1610. He got built Akal Takhat in Amritsar in 1608. It became the political capital of the sikhs and got constructed the fort of Loh Garh in Amritsar.

Observing his military preparations the Mughal Government arrested him in 1609 and he remained in detention in the fort of Gowaliar uptil 1612. Realising his fault, Jahangir honourably released Guru Hargobind Sahib ji along-with 52 other emperors. However Guru Hargobind ji carried on his military preparations and moved to Doaba in 1614. He made Kartarpur, his headquarter. Paindey Khan also joined the army of Guru Hargobind at this place.

In the meantime Guru Hargobind settled in Kiratpur Sahib which was the best strategic place from the military point of view. In 1627, after the death of Jehangir, scuffle developed between the sikh organisation and the Mughal ruler. The Subedar of Lahore felt irritated at the royal ascendancy of Guru Hargobind Sahib. Consequently the first battle of Sikh History was fought at Amritsar. Guru Hargobind led the Sikh Army. This occurred on 15th May 1629. Three other battles were fought afterwards. The second battle was fought in Doaba. This battle was fought at Sri Hargobindpur. The third battle was fought in Malwa. The fourth battle was again fought in Doaba. This battle was fought at Palahi and is said to be the most fierce battle. At the time of this battle Guru Hargobind ji had come to Kartarpur to ceremonise the marriage of Guru Tegh Bahadur. The festival of Baisakhi was also celebrated here. Piandey Khan who had become arrogant and become hostile to Guru Hargobind ji, joined warring army against Guru Hargobind. The first encounter was held at Kartarpur. Paindey Khan was killed and the Mughal army was defeated. Marching from Kartarpur Guru Hargobind ji came to Palahi and again encountered with Mughal Army here.

Principal Satbir Singh mentions thus about the battle of Palahi in his recently published book 'Guru Hargobind' that Guru Hargobind had just reached Palahi near Phagwara from Kartarpur when small troop of Emperor's army chasing Guru came here also. It was being led by Ahmed Khan son of Abdul Khan. Rais Jamal, Fateh Khan of Basti Sheikh, Jafat Khan of Alawalpur and many other Pathans from other parts of the area were with the Mughal army.

As the attack was sudden and unexpected, all the Sikhs faced it bravely with whatever they could catch hold of. Fateh Khan and Ahmed Khan were killed and the opponent troops fled away. In this battle the youngest son Baba Tiag Mall of Guru Hargobind fought so boldly that all the witnessers applauded it. As a matter of applause Guru ji exclaimed, "Your name is not Tiag Mall but you are Tegh Bahadur(Master of the Sword)". Since that day this name was permanently recognised.

The memorials of the battle fought at Palahi have been preserved till today. When the deep foundations of the present splendid building of the Gurudwara were being dug, lot of rust torn weapons and the hooves of the horses were obtained. These historical memorials are still securely preserved in the Gurudwara.

Sakhi Series :- 252 (GURU AMARDAS JI AND BHAI GANGU SHAH)

GURU AMARDAS JI AND BHAI GANGU SHAH

At Govindval, a poor Sikh approached Guru Amardas jee and asked for help in getting his daughter married. This Sikh was very poor but a really good Sikh.  Guru Sahib wrote a *hundi*, signed by him, addressed to one Bhai Gangu Shah in Delhi, and asked the poor Sikh to get the money from Gangu Shah. Guru Sahib thought that since Gangu Shah had acquired a lot of wealth, it was a good time to test him. 

<**HUNDI** :  Hundis are used as a form of remittance instrument to transfer money from place to place, as a form of credit instrument or IOU to borrow money and as a bill of exchange in trade transactions>

Only the fortunate ones can withstand the tests of Guru Sahib. Only if Guru Sahib himself does kirpa, we can pass tests from him. Anyway, Gangu Shah, received this poor Sikh with warmth and inquired about Govindval. The Sikh told him all about Govindval and finally told him the purpose of his visit. He gave Gangu shah the hundi written and signed by Guru Sahib. 

Gangu Shah saw the hundi and was about to give the money to the poor Sikh, when his mind corrupted him. Some bad karma from his previous lives blossomed and ruined him. Gangu Shah started thinking that it is true that he is rich but who in this world can afford to just give away money like that. He thought that, Guru Sahib is not into worldly affairs and does not understand the worldly affairs. Guru Sahib knows more about spiritual world as opposed to the worldly affairs. The Sikhs are taking advantage of Guru Sahib and will try to take away Gangu's money. He thought that if today, he gives money to this poor Sikh, tomorrow there will be a line-up of beggars. 

It was great misfortune of Gangu Shah that he got trapped in the tricks of mind. His mind got taken over by maaya. He finally agreed to his mind and told the poor Sikh that he cannot give him any money as his money is stuck somewhere. 

The Sikh understood that Gangu Shah was reluctant to give money, so he did not argue further with Gangu Shah and travelled back to Govindval. He narrated everything that occurred, to Guru Amardas jee. The all-knowing Guru Sahib knew everything and just smiled after hearing about Gangu Shah's refusal to give money. He arranged money for the poor Sikh through other means. 

On the other hand, the abundant force of Waheguru came into action after the huge negative karma of Gangu Shah. Within days he lost everything he had earned. When he lost everything and came on the street, he realized his mistake. He realized that all that he had was by the kirpa of Guru Sahib. He realized his blunder and regretted refusing money to that Sikh. 

Fortunately, he had good karma and he thought of going back to Govindval Sahib. He came to Govindval Sahib and started doing sewa day and night. Guru Sahib did kirpa and he recited naam at very early amrit hours. All day he kept reciting naam and gurbani. All this time, he did not go in front of Guru Sahib and hid from other Sikhs who could recognize him. It is written in Suraj Parkash Granth that, with all this sewa and simran, his face started glowing with naam. 

Guru Sahib who knew everything, was waiting for the right time to approach him. With his sewa and naam jaap, he washed away his sins. Guru Sahib one day, called him in. With great hesitation and with great sharam (pashemaani, sharmindagi), he came to the darbar of Guru Sahib. He was thinking that how he could show his face to Guru Sahib after refusing to honour the hundi written and signed by Guru Sahib himself. Guru Sahib is no human and does not have human qualities. Guru Sahib is Waheguru himself and has qualities of Waheguru. Waheguru does not consider one's bad deeds when doing kirpa. 

Guru Sahib, called him Shah jee and told him that he was very happy with his sewa. He fell at the lotus-feet of Satguru and asked for forgiveness of his black deeds. Guru Sahib lifted him up and embraced him and gave him a lot of asees. With all these asees, Gangu Shah became a blessed soul. 

Now Gangu Shah had seen how unstable the material world is and he asked for only naam and more naam. Guru Sahib blessed him with the top spiritual state where one becomes one with Waheguru. Gangu Shah, became the real shah i.e. the shah of Naam.

Sakhi Series :- 251 (The Discourse Between Shah Sharaf And Sree Guru Nanak Dev Jee)

Guru Nanak Dev Jee on his travels to the west met a Fakir by the name of Shah Sharaf. The Fakir had been harbouring many questions and was looking for someone to put his mind to rest. Seeing Guru Nanak Dev Jee he took the opportunity to conclude his search. Only a true Fakir could satisfy him and answer his questions. 

The following is the discourse that originally took place in Farsi between Shah Sharaf and Sree Guru Nanak Dev Jee. The questions and answers were short but the meanings are very deep. There is a lot to be learnt from this conversation. 

(Note Q: are questions from Shah Sharaf and A: are answers from Sree Guru Nanak Dev Jee) 
Q : What is the beginning for a Fakir (recluse) ? 
A : The beginning for a Fakir is to destroy ones self 

Q: Where does Fakiree end? 
A: The end is God 

Q: What is the Key? 
A: The Key is abyass/repetition (without this the door will not open) 

Q: What are the chains? (to keep you away from falling) 
A: Bandagi/worship are the chains that will save you 

Q: Which is the tomb? (where one shall place himself to rest safely) 
A: Modesty is the place to reside (this is the only place which gives peace) 

Q: Which is the Chest? (where all the treasures reside) 
A: Sat Sangat is the chest (where all the treasures and jewels lie) 

Q: What is the Light (that shows us the way) 
A: Gian/knowledge (from Guru Jee is the light) 

Q: What brings expansion/increment? 
A: Understanding/learning (is the only commodity worth expanding/increasing) 

Q: What is happiness? 
A: Didar/Sight (of the supreme Lord is the only thing that can bring true happiness) 

Q: Which is the Food? 
A: Contentment is the Food (nothing else can fill someone) 

Q: Which is the Robe/Garment (to be worn)? 
A: Truthfulness (only this can cover you gracefully) 

Q: What is the necklace of a Fakir? 
A: To live whilst being dead (to remember death is the necklace) 

Q: Which is the smoke for the Fakirs? 
A: Firm wisdom and a Firm placement is the Smoke 

Q: What brings benefit? 
A: Oneness 

Q: What is used to cover the head? 
A: To live in the will (of the Lord) 

Q: Which is the home? 
A: Being untroubled is the home 

Q: What are the words? (to be spoken) 
A: Truth 

Q: Which is the boat? (to ferry us across) 
A: Good deeds are your boat 

Q: Which is the loincloth/underwear to be worn? (to protect against sexual desires) 
A: Chastity is the underwear (for a true Fakir) 

Q: What is Liberation? 
A: Faith (To give your head but not your Faith) 

Q: What is Life? 
A: It is 'Just' 

Q: What is existence/being? 
A: To be able to relate to all in existence 

Q: Which are the arms? 
A: To befriend (other true seekers) 

Q: Which is the position? 
A: To be like the joint in Iron 

Q: What is a Journey? 
A: A hold of air

Sakhi Series :- 250 (Karamat qahar hai)

Baba Atal Rai Ji 

The Guru's opposition to the misuse of spiritual powers is well illustrated in the story of the sixth Master's son, Baba Atal.  Young Baba Atal was adored by all the Guru's Sikhs.  People considered him most precocious.  Whatever he said, even s a joke, always turned out to have some deep meaning attached to it.

Atal Rai died at the tender age of nine years. The circumstances of his death, as narrated in Gurbilas Chhevi Patshahi, were most extraordinary. 

The Guru's son had a playmate named Mohan.  Once they played a favourite bat and ball game of theirs all day long.  At nightfall, they agreed to go home and that Mohan would serve a penalty he had earned in the game when they resumed in the morning.

At dawn, Baba Atal went to his playmate's house to resume the game where they had left off. Mohan's family, however, was grieving when he arrived.  They told the Guru's son that his young friend had been bitten by a snake and died during the night.

Baba Atal however was determined to continue his game and he was not about to be off.

"Mohan's not dead," he said, "He's alive.  Come, I'll get him."  Arriving in the room where his friend's body lay, Baba Atal touched Mohan's cold remains with his bat and called out, "Mohan, get up!  Say "Waheguru!"  Open your eyes!  You should not sleep so late.  Get up!  It's your turn to serve." On Baba Atal speaking these words, his friend who had shown no signs of life for four and a half hours, rose as if he had been sleeping.  Mohan's family was naturally amazed and grateful to Baba Atal.

When the Guru heard of the people's rejoicing, he was not so pleased. "karamat qahar hai - Miracle-making is violence! None should attempt to intervene in the Will of the Lord," he told his son.

Atal Rai took the admonition to heart. Making a respectful bow, he quietly retired from the Guru's presence. 

Atal Rai took the admonition to heart. Making a respectful bow, he quietly retired from the Guru's presence. Baba Atal went for a bath in the sarovaar of the Harimandar.  After bathing himself, he walked four times around the temple and sat on the rim of the adjacent Kaulsar pool.  Having recited Japji Sahib on the bank of Kaulsar, he lay down on the ground with the stick underneath his head and went to his eternal repose. 

Sakhi Series :- 249 (Guru Nanak dev ji and Raja ShivNabh)

Guru Nanak dev ji and Raja ShivNabh 

Raja ShivNabh's kingdom was visited by Guru Nanak Dev jee, the Raja was an atheist. Guru Nanak Dev jee went to those places where the greatest sinners and evil people were.

ShivNabh's ministers warned him not to meet Guru Nanak jee unless he wanted to be cursed. Four ministers were sent to meet Guru Nanak Dev jee and to stop him reaching the Kingdom. 

They offered a silver plate laden with diamonds at Guru jee's feet. They said, "This offering shows our King's respect for you."

Guru Nanak jee said, "Tell him how can he respect me with mere pennies?"

The ministers were taken back, all other saints had accepted this offering and left the King alone. ShivNabh was told this is no ordinary saint.

Guru jee said to the ministers, "Tell Shiv-Nabh that if he wants to make an offering then he'll have to come and offer himself." 

ShivNabh was an egotistical man and didn't recognise how great Guru Nanak jee was. 

Guru Nanak jee saw everyone for what they were. King ShivNabh was an egotist and thought that Guru jee was probably one too. Next he sent his dancing prostitutes to try and tempt Guru jee but they failed as Guru jee addressed them as daughters.

The minister told ShivNabh. ShivNabh was shaken, for the first time the fear of God entered him and he thought "Who is this uncorruptable man?"

Without firstly having the fear of God, love can't enter. Without love one can't worship Waheguru. 

ShivNabh had the fear of God enter into his mind. He bowed to Guru jee then put together his two hands and made a request.

To ask for something you have to become humble. "Gareeb Nivaz, O Protector of the Poor, I'm the king of this land. Be merciful and give me some seva, or service, to do. But the service shouldn't be small it should be great enough for a King, what can I offer you in return?" 

Guru jee said, "This is the path of love, no one else can travel this path."

Guru Nanak jee said, "If you want to give an offering, then donate something of yours and do something that's going to help you in your next life."

ShivNabh said, "I will donate MY kingdom to you Guru jee." Guru Nanak jee said, "O foolish ShivNabh, I said give me something of yours, this Kingdom isn't yours and its not going to help you in the next world. Your father couldn't take it when he died, your grandfather couldn't take it either and neither can you take it because it doesn't belong to you."

Guru jee repeated his original question and asked, "O Shiv-Nabh, donate something of yours, the kingdom is not yours, the queen that rules it with you is not yours, no donate something that's yours!" 

ShivNabh said, "I will donate MY body to you Guru jee." Guru said 'O foolish ShivNabh, this body isn't yours. Where are your father's and grandfather's bodies now? They had to leave them in this world, the body wasn't theirs and its not yours either. No donate something that's YOURS!" 

ShivNabh said desparately, "What can I give? Take my name." Guru Nanak jee said, "ShivNabh, if you want to give me your name then show me Shiva's Navel, that's what ShivNabh means. You aren't Shiva, you can't give me his navel, can you?" 

ShivNabh was nervous and confused, he said, "I don't own this body, I haven't got riches, I don't own my Kingdom, the Queen doesn't belong to me, O Guru Jee what can I, I give?"

Guru jee said, "But you're in possession of such a great thing that if you give it you'll be saved from birth and death." 

ShivNabh said, "I can't see what I, I, I can give?"

Guru jee said, "Give this I, I, I that you keep stuttering like a goat! You are not a kingdom, you are not a body and you are not your name."

ShivNabh fell at Guru jee's feet a changed man, he said, "Everything is Yours, nothing is mine, nothing is mine Guru jee." 

ShivNabh, the egotistical King, had a complete change in his state of mind. Now ShivNabh, the humble servant said, "I'm nothing."

Guru Nanak jee said, "Now go back to your duties and rule the Kingdom."

ShivNabh replied, "I can't rule, before I, I, I was doing it, but now I'm nothing I can't do it."

Guru jee said, "If someone asks you who's Kingdom you are ruling, just say it's Guru Nanaks. If someone asks you who do you belong to, just reply to Guru Nanak." 

ShivNabh obtained the knowledge of God - BrahmGian. Guru Nanak jee said, "Ask for something?"

He asked for God's Name, "Bless me with Naam and that I may always have a place at your Lotus feet."

Sakhi Series :- 248 (Sree Guru Harkrishan Sahib Jee - The Curer of all ills)

Sree Guru Harkrishan Sahib Jee - The Curer of all ills 

(​Source :

 www.tapoban.org 

​)​

​

ਪੂਰੇ ਗੁਰ –

​ T​

he 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. 

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

Guru Gobind Singh Ji’s fourth bachan

Unraveling 'Guru Ki Kashi' – Akal University at Damdama Sahib!

Unveiling the treasure behind the Kalgidhar Dashmesh Pitah – Guru Gobind Singh Ji's 4^th bachan of 'Guru ki Kashi' for Damdama Sahib that will give the world Great Spiritual Scholars and Academic Leaders!

About 307 years ago, The Tenth Master – Guru Gobind Singh Ji, after sacrificing his four Sahibzadas (young sons) for the Khalsa Panth and blessing the 40 Muktey ('liberated ones') at Muktsar, reached Talwandi Sabo, Damdama Sahib and untied his Kamarkassa (the waist-band) and hence the name symbolizing his taking 'Dam' there or resting place.  It was here, when Guru Gobind Singh Ji sent his sewadars to get the old Granth Sahib Birh from Dhir Mal to which he refused and sent the sewadars back. Guru Sahib recited the whole Guru Granth Sahib on his own to Bhai Mani Singh who penned it down in 9 months with him. Also Guru Sahib also gave the Santhya (meanings and pronunciations) of each stanza of Gurbani to the general masses. The hymns of Guru Tegh Bahadar Sahib were also incorporated at appropriate places in the Holy Scripture.

At Talwandi Sabo, the Guru Gobind Singh Ji blessed this region with 4 bachans in interactions with Bhai Dalla who became a devout and initiated into Khalsa with his family. Guru Sahib changed his name from Chaudhary Dalla to Bhai Dalla. The four prophecies being -

1. Thatthe place will have canals flowing although where there was a sandy desert area.
2. It will have lots of farms of mangoes, grapes, pomegranates and oranges, although it was full of wild shrubs.
3. It will have fields full of wheat crops, although wild bushes and grass were visible all around at that time.
   Such was the Master's conviction that he proclaimed that Gur-Sikhs in future will see it for themselves, the realization of these blessings of canals, fruits and wheat crops.
4. One day, after completion of the compilation of Sri Guru Granth Sahib as per divine order, Guru Gobind Singh Ji, began sharpening reeds – used for writing the Granth and threw them into the Sarovar (water-tank) and declared,

"Ehe pargateyo hamari Kashi, parhengey yahan dhor matt rasi"

Meaning- "This is our Guru's Divine Learning Place, which will emerge in future as a great center of divine learning where even duffer people will turn Virtuous and Scholars of Great Knowledge!"

Over a period of time, up till now, with grace of Almighty, three of the four blessings of Guru Gobind Singh Ji have been realized. Rivers and canals are flowing now. Fields are yielding huge wheat crops and the region is full of farms of mangoes, grapes, pomegranates and oranges.

But, 307 years have elapsed and the 4th bachan of Guru Kashi still remains pending, because no one has made efforts to look into bringing it to reality.  We have had 11 'Misls' ruling regimes of Sikhs including Maharaja Ranjit Singh; Patiala's Raj; Nabha's Raj; Jind's Raj andPanthik raj in the state, but unfortunately no one's attention went towards bringing up Guru Ki Kashi!

Hence, in reverence to the 10th Master, Guru Gobind Singh's prophecy; the Kalgidhar Trust/ Society has endeavored to establish an International Center for Comparative Religious Studies as a part of AKAL UNIVERSITY with special emphasis on the Teachings of Guru Granth Sahib and establishing center to translate Guru Granth Sahib in original ragas in different languages of the world.

Also, following the message of Guru Nanak to establish Permanent Peace in the World, this place will create crops of  Messengers of Peace, who will spread the message of Universal Brotherhood of mankind throughout the world. 

Listen to the details of 4 Sikhs(below)  The Final Call to the Sikhs...   from Jasbir Singh Baru Sahib wale and decide for yourself what to do next 

1) Lakhi Shah Vanjara
2) Moti Mehra
3) Dewaan Todar Mal
4) Peer Budhu Shah
Check : http://www.jaagosikhojaago.com/

The Final Call to the Sikhs.....

Sakhi Series :- 247 (1971 Indo-Pak war)

Bravery & the Sikh Spirit

(Source: http://www.khalsagarh.org/bravery.htm 

Excerpts from the book 'Crisis of Leadership' by Maj. General M.  Khan, Pakistan )

On 3rd December 1971, we(Pakistan Army) fiercely and vigorously attacked the Indian army with our infantry brigade near Hussainiwala border. This brigade included Pakistan army's fighter Punjabi regiment together with the Baloch regiment. Within minutes we pushed the Indian army quite far back. Their defence posts fell under our control. The Indian army was retreating back very fast and the Pakistani army was going forward with a great speed. Our army reached near the Kausre-Hind post. There was a small segment of the Indian army appointed to defend that post and their soldiers belonged to the Sikh Regiment. A few number of the Sikh Regiment stopped our way forward like an iron wall. They loudly greeted us with the ovation of 'Bole-so-Nihal' and attacked us like blood thirsty hungry lions and hawks. All these soldiers were Sikhs. There was even a dreadful hand-to-hand battle. The sky

 filled with roars of 'Yaa Ali' and 'Sat-Siri-Akal'. Even in this hand-to-hand fighting the Sikhs fought so bravely that all our desires, aspirations and dreams were shattered.

.....In this war Lt. Col Gulab Hussain of Baloch Regiment got killed. With him Major Mohammed Zaeef and Captain Arif Alim also died. It was difficult to count the number of soldiers who got killed. We were astonished to see the courage of those handful of Sikh soldiers. When we seized the possession of the three-storey defence post of concrete, the Sikh soldiers went onto the roof and kept on persistently opposing us. The whole night they kept on showering fires on us and continued shouting the loud ovation of 'Sat-Siri-Akal'. These Sikh soldiers kept on the encounter till the next day. Next day the Pakistani tanks surrounded this post and bombed it with guns. Those handful of Sikhs got martyred in this encounter while resisting us, but other Sikh soldiers then destroyed our tanks with the help of their artillery. Fighting with great bravery they kept on marching forward and thus our army lost its foothold.

....Alas, a handful of Sikhs converted our great victory into a big defeat and shattered our confidence and courage. ....The same thing happened with us in Dhaka (Bangladesh). In the battle of Jaissur, the Singhs opposed the Pakistani army so fiercely that our backbone and our foothold was lost. This became the main and important reason of our defeat and the Sikhs' fancy for martyrdom and mockery with death for the sake of safety and honour of the country, became the sole cause of their victory.

"...the main reason of our defeat was Sikhs fighting facing us. We were helpless to do anything in front of them. Sikhs are very brave and they have a great craving for martyrdom. They fight so fiercely that they are capable of defeating an army many times bigger than theirs.

Sakhi Series :- 246 (What is True Renunciation?)

Bhai Jagga 

(Source : [Book]The Gospel of the Sikh Gurus ) 

Jagga Dharni came to Guru Angad Dev and sought shelter with him. He wanted permission to renounce his home and yearned to become a mendicant. He declared that he had met a yogi who told him to renounce the world, as the worldly duties were chains of bondage. And only after he did so would the yogi give him spiritual instructions.

Guruji told him that if renouncing the home and hearth and becoming a yogi, one could attain liberation, why did the yogis go round the shops and quarrel for alms? The correct path is like a lotus flower, which is in the water but untouched by it and always meditating on the sun. Similarly, the Gurmukhs (disciples who are Guru oriented) live in their

houses as family men and serve their Guru. 

If one is a beggar and begs for food, he gives away his spiritual powers to the donor of the food. If a householder meditates on the Lord, the fruit of meditation would remain with him and when he serves the saints and the sadhus, the fruit of this service shall also remain with him like a  master who feeds grass and oil cakes to his cow, enjoys it's milk. 

Bhai Jagga then decided to remain a householder and  attained his liberation by serving the saints and other disciples.

Sakhi Series :- 245 (The Doctor and Guru Nanak Dev ji)

The Doctor and Guru Nanak Dev ji

(Source : http://www.sikhspirit.com ) 

Do you remember your visits to the doctor? There's nothing unusual to remember you'll say. However in this story things were different. For one thing the doctors in those times didn't have stethoscopes. They would measure the heartbeats with their hands. They could even tell what food the patient had eaten. Guru Nanak Dev ji stopped taking lessons from his teacher Maulvi Kutubdin at a young age. He started meeting with saints and hermits. When the saints and hermits were busy; he would stay at home and keep to himself(meditate). If anybody came to the house, he would behave as if they had just met. He used to forget to eat his meals. His strange behavior worried his parents.

Seeing Guru Nanak Dev ji was getting thinner from not eating, people would say, "Money is more important to Mehta Kalu Ji (father) than his son. He is saving money and not giving his only son proper treatment." Hearing the people talk like this, Mehta Kalu Ji asked Haridas (Ved - the village doctor) to treat Guru Nanak (ji) his son.

When Haridas arrived, he held Guru Ji's wrist to feel the pulse. Young Guru Nanak (ji) pulled away his arm "why do you hold my arm?" He asked.  The doctor explained "I'm trying to take your pulse so that I can find out what is wrong with you. Then I can give you medicine to feel better." Guru Nanak (ji) replied "Doctor, my body is not sick. My mind is sick. A wise doctor sees the sickness and then heals it. Then the body and mind are both free from sickness. I suggest you cure your own sickness before trying to cure mine." Upon hearing this, the doctor was upset. He asked "Nanak, which illness do I suffer from? I am quite hale and hearty."

Guru Ji replied, "You are sick with the serious disease of birth and death. This cycle of birth and death cannot be cured by your medicines. Only the doctor who does not suffer from this

sickness can give medicine to cure it. That doctor, who is neither born or dies. You are not that doctor."

Doctor Haridas knew only to cure a sick body, not the mind. However he understood what Guru Nanak (ji) had said. He took leave of Mehta Kalu Ji saying, "Nanak has no physical ailment. He is immersed in the love of God. So stop worrying about your son. He does not need any medicine from a doctor."

Sakhi Series :- 244 ( Matho Murari)

MATHO MURARI, joint name of a couple Matho and her husband, Murari, both blessed by Guru Amar Das. Murari's real name was Prema. He was a native of the village of Khai, now in Lahore district of West Punjab (Pakistan). Orphaned in early childhood and afflicted by leprosy, Prema had to beg to make a living. Once, having heard about the compassionate nature and spiritual eminence of Guru Amar Das, he made his way to Goindval and reached the Guru`s door hoping that somehow he could be cured.

Leprosy was a dreaded disease and nobody would allow him to approach. Still, he listened to the singing (kirtan) and preaching from outside the Guru's place. On hearing of his plight, Guru Amar Das ji went out to see him. The Guru himself looked after him, bathing him and wrapping him in clean clothes. He was  given to eat from the Guru's kitchen, and allowed to join the congregation for prayers and hymn singing.

It is said that his health improved and that slowly he was cured. Prema was now an attractive looking young man, and the Guru renamed him Murari (meaning destroyer of the demons). 

Guru Amar Das, in the words of Sarup Das Bhalla, Mahimd Prakash, replied: "Murari, to whom your daughter has been married, is my son and Sikh. They shall be jointly known as Matho Murari, your daughter`s name preceding that of husband." The mother was reconciled. The Guru blessed the couple and appointed them to head a manji around Murari`s native Khai to spread Guru's message.

Sakhi Series :- 243 (Baba Attar Singh at Hazoor Sahib)

Baba Attar Singh at Hazoor Sahib 

(​​S​ource :​ "Life Story of Sant Attar Singh Ji" byarbans Singh Doabia ​)​

Baba Attar Singh was in the army and posted at Kohat in the Artillery Regiment, where he remained for one year. 

He remained a bachelor and refused to be married. He had a very great yearning to go to Hazur Sahib. So he left the regiment and started on foot for Hazur Sahib. From his childhood he had no attachment with worldly affairs and he remained thinking of Gurbani, naam, Gurus and Akal Purakh. 

He started on foot from Kohat, throughout meditating on Naam. His mind became ever fixed upon the shabad. He continued travelling on foot, day and night, in this way. Sometimes he would take some rest and would prepare his food after taking flour etc. from some Gurdwaras in the way. His mind continued to yearn to reach the sacred Gurdwara of Hazur Sahib and to rub the sacred dust of that place on his body. He would ​continously ​utter Wah​​eGuru.

In due course, Sant ji reached Abchal Nagar (Hazur Sahib). He at once entered the Gurdwara after necessary ablutions and bowed before the Satguru in most respectful way and obeyed the mandate. He had already surrendered his body, mind and riches and all that he possessed to the True Guru. 

Stayed at Nagina Ghat for one year and seven months 

Baba jee now began to stay at the Nagina Ghat near the River Godavari. After a few days he began to tie a small turban of khaddar on his head and put off all other clothes except the kacherra. He would keep a small towel with him. 

Continuous Meditation 

He now began constant meditation ie. worship of God and Naam. If some food was given, he would take it, otherwise he remained contented by sipping the water of river Godavari. He had given strict orders that only one parshada with some cooked pulses, placed on it, should be brought for him. This was complied with by his attendant. In this way, he stayed at Nagina Ghat for about one year and sevn months. During his stay at Nagina Ghat, he would spend nights in a small stone build hut where he would remain engaged in meditation. He would repeat the mool mantar accompanied by some more shabads. These countless recitations were unique in themselves. He wouldn't talk with anyone during this period. He was most humble and would fall at the feet of any Sikh who came to meet him. Even if someone uttered harsh words, he would remain silent. He would sweep the main Gurdwara Sahib (Darbar Sahib) with a broom and would bring water for its washing. 

True Stories 

One day Sant ji started walking on the bank of the Godavari. At a distance of nearly three miles he began meditation for nearly ten days without food. Bhai Nanu Singh, the head pujari/granthi of Darbar Sahib saw a vision one night and heard a voice say "Our dear Sikh is standing in meditation in the river for the last eight days without any food. Serve him food." 

Next morning, Bhai Nanu Singh cooked food and walked on the bank for about two miles but finding no one, returned back. On the same night he again heard a voice "You have not served food to our beloved Sikh." He replied, "Sir, I tried to contact him but could not find him anywhere." The voice answered, "Walk for three miles and then you will find him". 

On the following morning, he again took food and went for three miles on the bank of the river. Now he saw Sant ji standing in the knee deep water. When Sant ji opened his yes, he saw Bhai Nanu Singh and asked, "How have you come here?" 

Bhai Nanu Singh explained his dream and offered food to Sant Ji. He refused to eat anything. Bhai Nanu Singh then said, "I shall not be able to sleep. Kindly accept my humble offer" Then Sant ji warned Bhai Nanu Singh not to tell anyone of this episode and took some food. 

Cobra Came to Pay respects 

Once when Sant ji was in deep meditation at Gautam Ghat, the attendeant who brought food for him noticed a big cobra sitting near Sant ji with its hood fully spread. The attendant was horrified at first but when he neared Sant Ji, the cobra left the place. Sant ji opened his eyes and said, "This beloved being came to give it's darshan to me" 

Jumping in the River 

Sant ji in due course visted and paid homage at all the Gurdwaras near Hazur Sahib. He visted these on foot. Now nearly two years had passed in meditation at Hazur Sahib. He was extremely anxious to see the sight of the tenth Satguru but had not succeeded. One day, he decided to jump in the deep water of river Godavari so that his physical body should be sacrificed before the Satguru. He jupmed in but some mysterious power took him alive on the bank and said, "You are my Sikh. Be alert. You have to give Khande da Amrit to many persons in Punjab and other places. You have to spread the message of peace in the entire world with the help of Sat Naam." He also heard, "If you want to have my sight come at Nagina Ghat at midnight." Sant ji anxiously waited for that time. 

When he reached Nagina Ghat at the time, he saw the Tenth Satguru sitting on a throne surrounded by the punj pyaaray, chaar sahibzade and many others. Sant ji prostrated and paid all respects. As to what happened subsequently is not told to anyone by Sant ji. 

A few days after this, Sant ji Maharaj decided to return to Punjab. He offered respectful prayers for safe return. Bhai Nanu Singh offered, as a respectful gift, some clothes to Sant Ji but he refused to take these.

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Sakhi Series :- 242 ( War tactics of the Sikhs )

"When I recall that day, I tremble with the fear of the Doomsday."

Between the years 1747 to 1769, the Emperor of Afghanistan, Ahmad Shah Abdali of the Durrani dynasty invaded India nine times, majority of the time entering through the Punjab. A member of Abdali's entourage was the Qazi (Muslim religious judge) Nur Muhammad.

Qazi Nur Muhammad has documented the invasions of Abdali in the "Jangnama".  During one of the war councils of the Shah's, a member of the Baluchistan troops rode on horse back to report a surprise attack by the Sikhs. Qazi Nur Muhammad has written this about the war tactics of the Sikhs  "A troop advances and, firing a shot from some distance, retires to reload their muskets while another troop starts firing from another point. Thus, while they can relax somewhat by turns, they do not allow any respite to their enemy."

After one days rest, a group of thirty Sikhs surprised the invaders again, as Qazi Nur Muhammad has written "These dogs (as the author has called the Sikhs) were only thirty in number. They were not in the least afraid. They had neither the fear of slaughter nor the dread of death. They grappled with the ghazis (Muslim suicide squads) and, in the engagement, spilt their blood and sacrificed their lives for their Guru" ( This attack was headed by Baba Gurbakhsh Singh Ji of the Tarna Dal and his jatha). Ahmad Shah returned to Lahore where he held another council of war at which Mir Muhammad Nasir Khan expressed the opinion that they should advance to Sirhind where they should stay awaiting further news from Najb ud Daulah, who had been besieged in Delhi by Raja Jawahar Singh of Bharatpur and his Sikh allies of the Budha Dal under Jathedar Jassa Singh Ahluwalia. Ahmad Shah Durrani resumed his march but, conscious as he was of the might of the roving Sikh bands, he followed a circuitous route through Batala, Hoshiarpur and Ropar and, avoiding Sirhind altogether, proceeded via Pirijore, Naraingarh and Jagadhri reaching Kurijpura, near Karnal, by the middle of February 1765 after meeting with stiff resistance at many places en route.

After this attack Abdali decided to return back to Afghanistan, but the Sikhs were not ready to let the invaders off so easily. The Dal Khalsa blocked the passage of the Shah and his army at Phillaur. Abdali tried to bypass the Sikhs and tried crossing the river Satluj, the Khalsa caught up to Abdali and his men quite quickly.

A seven day battle ensued between the Dal Khalsa (Budha Dal & Tarna Dal) and the army of Ahmad Shah. Abdali's army suffered heavy losses of men, materials and animals. Qazi Nur Muhammad has written "When I recall that day, I tremble with the fear of the Doomsday."

The Qazi has further writes "Do not call the dogs (the Sikhs) dogs, because they are lions (and) are courageous like lions in the battlefield. How can a hero, who roars like a lion be called a dog? (Moreover) like lions they spread terror in the field of battle. If you wish to learn the art of war, come face to face with them in the battlefield. They will demonstrate it (art of war) to you in such a way that one and all will shower praise on them.

If you wish to learn the science of war, O swordsman, learn from them. They advance at the enemy boldly and come back safely after action. Understand, Singh is their title, a form of address for them. It is not justice to call them dogs; if you do not know Hindustani language, then understand that the word 'Singh' means a lion."Truly, they are lion in battle, and at times of peace, they surpass "Hatim" (in generosity ).

When they take the Indian sword in their hands they traverse the country from Hind to Sind. None can stand against them in battle, howsoever strong he may be. When they handle the spear, they shatter the ranks of the enemy. When they raise the heads of their spears towa-rds the sky, they would pierce even through the Caucasus (in the process). When they adjust the strings of the bows, place in them the enemy killing arrows (and) pull the strings to their ears, the body of the enemy begins to shiver with fear. When their battle axes fall upon the armour of their opponents, their armour becomes their coffin.

"The body of every one of them is like a piece of rock and in physical grandeur everyone of them is more than fifty men. It is said that Behram Gore killed wild asses and lions. But if he were to come face to face with them even he would bow before them (Singhs). Besides usual arms, they take their guns in hand (and) come into the field of action jumping (and) roaring like lions and raise slogans. They tear asunder the chests of many and shed blood of several (of their enemy) in the dust. You say that musket is a weapon of ancient times, it appears to be a creation of these dogs rather than Socrates. Who else than these (dogs) can be adept in the use of muskets. They do not bother (even if) there are innumerable muskets. To the right and the left, in front and towards the back, they go on operating hundreds of muskets angrily and regularly."

 If you do not believe in what I say, you may enquire of the brave swordsmen who would tell you more than myself and would praise them for their fighting. This bears witness to (my statement) that they faced thirty thousand heroes in the battlefield. If their armies take to flight, it is a war tactics of theirs. They resort to this deception in order to make the angry army grow bold and run in their pursuit. When they find them separated from the main body and away from help and reinforcement, they at once turn back and fight more ferociously (literal translation – they set fire even to water).

"Did you not see that while fighting the Pathans, they took to flight which was deceptive. A world famous wrestler wielding high esteem and respect alight-ed from his horse and showed his great style as if he were Tuhmatan ( a great warrior of Iran). O valiant fighter, do justice to their (act of ) war. One of their armies invaded Multan and put the city to plunder and devastation and killed many of its inhabitants and carried away an immense booty. I am not sufficiently strong in mind to express what the dogs did there. But as God willed it, each of us has to submit to His Will."

Besides their fighting, listen to one more thing in which they excell all other warriors. They never kill a coward who is running away from the battlefield. They do not rob a woman of her wealth or ornaments whether she is rich or a servant ("Kaneez"). There is no adultry among these dogs, nor are they mischieveous people. A woman, whether young or old, they call a "Burhi". The word Burhi, means in Indian language, an old lady. There is no thief amongst these dogs, nor is there amongst them any mean people. They do not keep company with adulters and house thiefs though all their acts may not be commendable."

If you are not acquainted with their religion, I tell you that the Sikhs are the disciples of the Guru – that pious Guru lived at Chak (Amritsar). The ways and manners of these people were laid down by Nanak who showed these Sikhs a separate path. He was succeeded by Guru Gobind Singh from whom they received the title of Singh. They are not part of the Hindus, who have a separate religion of their own. "Now that you have familiarised yourself with the behaviour of the Sikhs, you may also know something about their country. They have divided the Punjab amongst themselves and have bestowed it upon every young and old."