Do Good
A woman baked chapati for members of her family and an extra one for a hungry passerby. She kept the extra chapati on the Window-sill, for whosoever would take it away. Everyday, a hunchback came and took away the chapati. Instead of expressing gratitude, he muttered the following words as he went his way: "The evil you do remains with you: The good you do, comes back to you!" This went on, day after day. Everyday, the hunch-back came, picked up the chapati and uttered the words: "The evil you do, remains with you: The good you do, comes back to you!" The woman felt irritated. "Not a word of gratitude," she said to herself...
"Everyday this hunchback utters this jingle! What does he mean? "One day, exasperated, she decided to do away with him. "I shall get rid of this hunchback," she said. And what did she do? She added poison to the Chapatti she prepared for him! As she was about to keep it on the window sill, her hands trembled. "What is this I am doing?" she said Immediately, she threw the chapati into the fire, prepared another one and kept it on the window- sill. As usual, the hunchback came, picked up the chapati and muttered the words: "The evil you do, remains with you: The good you do, comes back to you!" The hunchback proceeded on his way, blissfully unaware of the war raging in the mind of the woman.
Everyday, as the woman placed the chapati on the window-sill, she offered a prayer for her son who had gone to a distant place to seek his fortune. For many months, she had no news of him.. She prayed for his safe return. That evening, there was a knock on the door. As she opened it, she was surprised to find her son standing in the doorway.. He had grown thin and lean. His garments were tattered and torn. He was hungry, starved and weak. As he saw his mother, he said, "Mom, it's a miracle I'm here. While I was but a mile away, I was so famished that I collapsed. I would have died, but just then an old hunchback passed by. I begged of him for a morsel of food, and he was kind enough to give me a whole chapati."As he gave it to me, he said, "This is what I eat everyday: today, I shall give it to you, for your need is greater than mine!" " As the mother heard those words, her face turned pale.
She leaned against the door for support. She remembered the poisoned chapati that she had made that morning. Had she not burnt it in the fire, it would have been eaten by her own son, and he would have lost his life! It was then that she realized the significance of the words:"The evil you do remains with you: The good you do, comes back to you!
"Do good and;
Don't ever stop doing good, even if it's not appreciated at that time!
Thursday, March 31, 2011
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
Mere Rituals are of No Avail
Sakhi : Mere Rituals are of No Avail
(Source: Inderpreet Singh)
Once Guru Nanak happened to visit Hardwar town.
There he saw some people throwing handfuls of water from river Ganges, towards
the sun in the east. They believed that by this ritual they could offer water to their
dead elders in the next world.
Guru Nanak went into the river and started throwing water towards the west.
As those people saw the Guru acting strange, they forgot their ritual.
They flocked to the Guru and laughed at his funny action. They asked him,
"Why are you throwing the holy water to the wrong side?"
The Guru calmly replied, "I am watering my withering crops in Punjab."
Once Guru Nanak happened to visit Hardwar town.
There he saw some people throwing handfuls of water from river Ganges, towards
the sun in the east. They believed that by this ritual they could offer water to their
dead elders in the next world.
Guru Nanak went into the river and started throwing water towards the west.
As those people saw the Guru acting strange, they forgot their ritual.
They flocked to the Guru and laughed at his funny action. They asked him,
"Why are you throwing the holy water to the wrong side?"
The Guru calmly replied, "I am watering my withering crops in Punjab."
"Are you crazy? How can your water reach hundreds of miles away from here?"
asked the curious spectators.
"The very same way as yours reaches your ancestors in the other world. In fact,
my farm is quite closer on this very earth." Nanak replied.
This made those people think about the uselessness of their ritual.
How effective and rational a way to get people's attention and remove their ignorance!
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
The Sakhi of Bhagat Prahlaad Ji
Sakhi of Bhagat Prahlaad Ji
(Source : http://www.sikhsangat.com )
Bhagat Prahlaad Ji was the son of a egoistic king, Hiranyakashipu (Harnaakash). Harnaakash, through performing severe penances and meditation had been granted a boon that he neither be killed by man or beast, with a weapon or without a weapon, during day or night, indoors or outdoors, on earth or in the sky. It is through this boon that he sought undisputed lordship over the material world. He declared "There is non stronger than I. I am the lord of the three worlds. I shall be worshipped as such".
It is believed that while he was meditating, his wife, who was expecting a child was sent to Sage Narada's hermitage. She lived in the Ashram of the great sage and learned about religion and the glory of God from him. The child within her, Prahlad, too, absorbed all this knowledge.
Harnaakash brought his wife back to his city where Prahlad was born.
Prahlad in the meanwhile was growing up and was Harnaakhash's delight. He asked Prahlad: "Son, tell me what do you think is the best thing in life"?
Prahlad replied: "To renounce the world and seek refuge in God".
Harnaakhash laughed. Then he called his Son's teacher to him, saying: "Guard him closely. Don't let him out of your sight!
After many months, his teacher said: "Prahlad, I think you are now ready to meet your father."
His father asked him: "You have been with your Guru a long time! What have you learnt?
Prahlad said: "I have leant that the most worthwhile occupation for anyone is the worship of the Lord".
Harnaakhash was very angry: "O cursed child! Who taught you such perverse things?"
Prahlad remained calm and said: "He reveals himself to all who are devoted to Him."
Harnaakhash shouted angrily: "This boy must not live! Take him away and kill him!"
The soldiers started attacking Prahlad when Prahlad was meditating, but their weapons could not touch Prahlad. Most deadly snakes were let loose on Prahlad, but their fangs turned impotent. Mighty elephants could not trample him. He was pushed off a cliff but Prahlad was unharmed. The wicked aunt of Prahlad Holika who had a boon to brave fire without hurt, sat with Prahlad in fire but Prahlad was unharmed. In desperation, Harnaakhash had him fed with deadly poison but it turned into nectar.
Prahlad was sent to his teacher to try again. This time the teacher tried to get Prahlad interested in means for acquiring wealth and physical pleasures. But Prahlad thought to himself: "How can the pursuit of physical pleasures and wealth bring happiness? It will only lead to envy and anger."
The teacher eventually gave up, when Prahlad told his father that God is the soul of all created beings and is present everywhere. Harnaakhash roared: "Where is He? If He is everywhere why is He not in this Pillar? If He is not there then I shall cut off your head with my sword. Let your Lord protect you."
As Harnaakhash was striking the pillar with his sword, a Nara-simha (man lion) emerged from the Pillar. His look was neither beast nor man. Narsimha caught Harnaakhash and it was the twilight hour, carried him to the threshold of the court- room which was neither indoors nor outdoors and while holding him on his lap, tore him apart with his nails.
Apnay Sevak Kaa Sadaa Rakhvaalaa.
"He is forever the Saviour of His slaves."
(Source : http://www.sikhsangat.com )
Bhagat Prahlaad Ji was the son of a egoistic king, Hiranyakashipu (Harnaakash). Harnaakash, through performing severe penances and meditation had been granted a boon that he neither be killed by man or beast, with a weapon or without a weapon, during day or night, indoors or outdoors, on earth or in the sky. It is through this boon that he sought undisputed lordship over the material world. He declared "There is non stronger than I. I am the lord of the three worlds. I shall be worshipped as such".
It is believed that while he was meditating, his wife, who was expecting a child was sent to Sage Narada's hermitage. She lived in the Ashram of the great sage and learned about religion and the glory of God from him. The child within her, Prahlad, too, absorbed all this knowledge.
Harnaakash brought his wife back to his city where Prahlad was born.
Prahlad in the meanwhile was growing up and was Harnaakhash's delight. He asked Prahlad: "Son, tell me what do you think is the best thing in life"?
Prahlad replied: "To renounce the world and seek refuge in God".
Harnaakhash laughed. Then he called his Son's teacher to him, saying: "Guard him closely. Don't let him out of your sight!
After many months, his teacher said: "Prahlad, I think you are now ready to meet your father."
His father asked him: "You have been with your Guru a long time! What have you learnt?
Prahlad said: "I have leant that the most worthwhile occupation for anyone is the worship of the Lord".
Harnaakhash was very angry: "O cursed child! Who taught you such perverse things?"
Prahlad remained calm and said: "He reveals himself to all who are devoted to Him."
Harnaakhash shouted angrily: "This boy must not live! Take him away and kill him!"
The soldiers started attacking Prahlad when Prahlad was meditating, but their weapons could not touch Prahlad. Most deadly snakes were let loose on Prahlad, but their fangs turned impotent. Mighty elephants could not trample him. He was pushed off a cliff but Prahlad was unharmed. The wicked aunt of Prahlad Holika who had a boon to brave fire without hurt, sat with Prahlad in fire but Prahlad was unharmed. In desperation, Harnaakhash had him fed with deadly poison but it turned into nectar.
Prahlad was sent to his teacher to try again. This time the teacher tried to get Prahlad interested in means for acquiring wealth and physical pleasures. But Prahlad thought to himself: "How can the pursuit of physical pleasures and wealth bring happiness? It will only lead to envy and anger."
The teacher eventually gave up, when Prahlad told his father that God is the soul of all created beings and is present everywhere. Harnaakhash roared: "Where is He? If He is everywhere why is He not in this Pillar? If He is not there then I shall cut off your head with my sword. Let your Lord protect you."
As Harnaakhash was striking the pillar with his sword, a Nara-simha (man lion) emerged from the Pillar. His look was neither beast nor man. Narsimha caught Harnaakhash and it was the twilight hour, carried him to the threshold of the court- room which was neither indoors nor outdoors and while holding him on his lap, tore him apart with his nails.
Apnay Sevak Kaa Sadaa Rakhvaalaa.
"He is forever the Saviour of His slaves."
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji and Duni Chand
Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji and Duni Chand
( Source: kanwaljit singh )
Guru Nanak was the first Guru of the Sikhs. He was also the founder of the Sikh religion. He travelled far and wide. Once he visited Lahore.Lahore is a big town in Pakistan. A very rich man named Duni Chand lived there. He was so rich that he had seven million rupees. To show his riches, he had put seven flags on his house. On the day when the Guru arrived, he was giving a sharadh. A sharadh is a big feast which the Hindus offer to the Brahmans.
They think that whatever they give to the Brahmans after the feast, reaches their dead forefathers in the next world. They prepare the best food and give away fine clothes and money to the Brahmans on this day. They call it Dakshana. Duni Chand had invited many Brahmans and saints on the Sharadh of his father. He invited Guru Nanak too.
Guru Nanak sat down on one side. He told Duni Chand that he would like to wait till the Brahmans had eaten their food. Duni Chand agreed to this and gave a very fine feast, offering money and clothes to the Brahmans as Dakshana. He believed that all this would reach his dead father. When the Brahmans had gone, Duni Chand asked the Guru to have some food. The Gum gave a smile.
"Duni Chand," he said, "Do you think that your father is no longer hungry? Have your gifts reached him?"
"Yes, sir," said Duni Chand. "The Brahmans have eaten so much that my father needs no more food for at least a year He also has enough money and clothes to last for one year."
"Duni Chand," said the Guru laughing, "The Brahmans ate food; they will sell the clothes and spend all the money. I cannot understand how it can reach your dead father."
"You are right, sir," said Duni Chand, "You cannot understand it, neither can I. But it's God's will. The Brahman tells us so and we all believe it. I thought you were a Brahman and knew about it, but I am glad I didnt, waste my food on you."
You did the right thing, Duni Chand said the Guru, "I not carry your food to your father and that's why I did like to let your food go to waste. You may feast the Brahmans in any way you like. I myself don't need any food I would be pleased if you would do me another favour instead."
"Yes, gladly," replied Duni Chand.
"Here is a sewing needle," said the Guru. "Keep it with you- use it if you like. I would like you to give my needle back to me in the next world when we meet after death."
Duni Chand did not quite understand the Guru and said, "How can I carry this needle with me when I die?"
"If an old Brahman can carry enough clothes, food and money to last for a whole year, not only for your father but also for many others," said the Guru, "I wonder why this small needle should seem too heavy for you to carry! If the Brahmans refuse to do this work, how will you take all your money, horses, gold and other costly things into the next world?"
The idea went home to Duni Chand. He asked for the Guru's advice. "Duni Chand," said the Guru, "Work hard, share your earnings with the needy and remember God. Don t worry about your dead forefathers."
"That's what I already do Sir" , said Duni Chand. "I have hundreds of servants who work for me. I give alot of money and clothes to Brahmans and holy men who come and sing hymns in my house".
"This is not the way to do it, Duni Chand" said the Guru.
"Give away all your money to the poor and the needy. You haven't earned it by honest labour. Start going to your farm. Work hard among your servants. Whatever you eam in this way, share equally among all the workers. Then from your own share give away as much as you can in charity. Look upon your servants as brothers and love everybody. Sit among them when you find time and sing God's praises. This is the true way. Duni Chand. One can expect to receive in the next world only that, which one earns by honest labour and gives away in charity to the needy in this world."
Duni Chand understood the Guru's advice. He gave up his princely life and started working with his own hands. His wife also did the same. Duni Chand's house became a temple where rich and poor, black and white, high and low, all sang songs of God. Duni Chand and his wife became the Guru's followers and helped many others to follow the Guru's Way.
"Work hard and share your earnings with the needy Nanak; thus shall you find the way to God's grace."
(Satguru Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the king of kings and the saint of saints)
Guru Nanak was the first Guru of the Sikhs. He was also the founder of the Sikh religion. He travelled far and wide. Once he visited Lahore.Lahore is a big town in Pakistan. A very rich man named Duni Chand lived there. He was so rich that he had seven million rupees. To show his riches, he had put seven flags on his house. On the day when the Guru arrived, he was giving a sharadh. A sharadh is a big feast which the Hindus offer to the Brahmans.
They think that whatever they give to the Brahmans after the feast, reaches their dead forefathers in the next world. They prepare the best food and give away fine clothes and money to the Brahmans on this day. They call it Dakshana. Duni Chand had invited many Brahmans and saints on the Sharadh of his father. He invited Guru Nanak too.
Guru Nanak sat down on one side. He told Duni Chand that he would like to wait till the Brahmans had eaten their food. Duni Chand agreed to this and gave a very fine feast, offering money and clothes to the Brahmans as Dakshana. He believed that all this would reach his dead father. When the Brahmans had gone, Duni Chand asked the Guru to have some food. The Gum gave a smile.
"Duni Chand," he said, "Do you think that your father is no longer hungry? Have your gifts reached him?"
"Yes, sir," said Duni Chand. "The Brahmans have eaten so much that my father needs no more food for at least a year He also has enough money and clothes to last for one year."
"Duni Chand," said the Guru laughing, "The Brahmans ate food; they will sell the clothes and spend all the money. I cannot understand how it can reach your dead father."
"You are right, sir," said Duni Chand, "You cannot understand it, neither can I. But it's God's will. The Brahman tells us so and we all believe it. I thought you were a Brahman and knew about it, but I am glad I didnt, waste my food on you."
You did the right thing, Duni Chand said the Guru, "I not carry your food to your father and that's why I did like to let your food go to waste. You may feast the Brahmans in any way you like. I myself don't need any food I would be pleased if you would do me another favour instead."
"Yes, gladly," replied Duni Chand.
"Here is a sewing needle," said the Guru. "Keep it with you- use it if you like. I would like you to give my needle back to me in the next world when we meet after death."
Duni Chand did not quite understand the Guru and said, "How can I carry this needle with me when I die?"
"If an old Brahman can carry enough clothes, food and money to last for a whole year, not only for your father but also for many others," said the Guru, "I wonder why this small needle should seem too heavy for you to carry! If the Brahmans refuse to do this work, how will you take all your money, horses, gold and other costly things into the next world?"
The idea went home to Duni Chand. He asked for the Guru's advice. "Duni Chand," said the Guru, "Work hard, share your earnings with the needy and remember God. Don t worry about your dead forefathers."
"That's what I already do Sir" , said Duni Chand. "I have hundreds of servants who work for me. I give alot of money and clothes to Brahmans and holy men who come and sing hymns in my house".
"This is not the way to do it, Duni Chand" said the Guru.
"Give away all your money to the poor and the needy. You haven't earned it by honest labour. Start going to your farm. Work hard among your servants. Whatever you eam in this way, share equally among all the workers. Then from your own share give away as much as you can in charity. Look upon your servants as brothers and love everybody. Sit among them when you find time and sing God's praises. This is the true way. Duni Chand. One can expect to receive in the next world only that, which one earns by honest labour and gives away in charity to the needy in this world."
Duni Chand understood the Guru's advice. He gave up his princely life and started working with his own hands. His wife also did the same. Duni Chand's house became a temple where rich and poor, black and white, high and low, all sang songs of God. Duni Chand and his wife became the Guru's followers and helped many others to follow the Guru's Way.
"Work hard and share your earnings with the needy Nanak; thus shall you find the way to God's grace."
(Satguru Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the king of kings and the saint of saints)
Wednesday, December 01, 2010
Bhai Gurbaksh Singh ji
Baba Deep Singh ji Shaheed martyrdom in 1757 at Amritsar Sahib was not the last one, in fact it inspired thousands more. In 1757, Baba Dip Singh ji took a vow to evacuate Amritsar Sahib which was in control of Afghani Durrani (abdali) forces and started his march along with about 500 or so disciples an fulfilled his vow by breathing last at Parikarma periphery of Golden Temple. His martyrdom inspired countless others; one of them was Bhai Gurbax Singh.
Gurbaksh Singh (1688-1764), also known as Gurbaksh Singh Nihang or Shaheed, hailed from the village of Lil, in Amritsar District. According to an old manuscript which was preserved in the Sikh reference library, Amritsar, until it perished in the Government of India's Army action in 1984, and which is quoted by Singh Sahib Giani Kirpal Singh, he was born on Baisakh Vadi 5, 1745 Bk i.e. 10th April 1688 (father Dasaundha Singh, Mother Mai Lachchami). In 1698, the family shifted to Anandpur where Gurbaksh Singh took pahul of the Khalsa on the historic Baisakhi day of 1699. He completed his religious education under Bhai Mani Singh. He later joined the Shahid Misl under Baba Deep Singh and after the latter's martyrdom in 1757 at Amritsar, organized his own Jatha or fighting band. In battles against Durranis (Afghanis) and Mughals his dera usually formed the vanguard carrying the banner, and won renown of its acts of gallantry.
In November 1764, Ahmad Shah Abdali at the head of 30,000 afghanis invaded India for 7th time, Bhai Gurbaksh Singh happened to be stationed at holy Shrine at Amritsar. The Durrani (abdali) advanced up to the town virtually unopposed and entered the partially reconstructed Harmandar Sahib, which he had demolished two years earlier. Bhai Gurbaksh Singh, who had already evacuated from the precints women, children, and the aged, had with him only thirty men. According to Ratan Singh Bhangu, prachin Panth Prakash "Bhai Gurbaksh Singh with garlands around his neck and sword on his shoulder, dressed himself as a bridegroom, his men forming the marriage party, waiting eagerly to court the bride-death." As soon as they saw the Afghan king and his hordes, they swooped down upon them. This was an unequal fight - thirty pitted against thirty thousand. All thirty Sikhs were killed before Gurbaksh Singh, though throughout in the forefront, also fell. Giving an eyewitness account of the action, Qazi Nur Muhammad, the chronicler who was in the train of the invader, writes in his jangnamah when the king and his army reached the chakk (Amritsar Sahib), they did not see any infidel kafir there. But a few men stayed in a fortress were bent upon spilling their blood and they sacrificed themselves for their Guru. They were only thirty in number.
They did not have the least fear of death. They engaged the Ghazis (i.e. in Islamic terminology, a Ghazi is a Muslim person who had killed an Infidel or a kafir) and spilled their blood in the process. Thus all of them were slaughtered and consigned to the seventh [hell]. This happened on 1 December 1764. Bhai Gurbaksh Singh was cremated behind Takht Akal bunga . The place is today known as Shahid Ganj.
Gurbaksh Singh (1688-1764), also known as Gurbaksh Singh Nihang or Shaheed, hailed from the village of Lil, in Amritsar District. According to an old manuscript which was preserved in the Sikh reference library, Amritsar, until it perished in the Government of India's Army action in 1984, and which is quoted by Singh Sahib Giani Kirpal Singh, he was born on Baisakh Vadi 5, 1745 Bk i.e. 10th April 1688 (father Dasaundha Singh, Mother Mai Lachchami). In 1698, the family shifted to Anandpur where Gurbaksh Singh took pahul of the Khalsa on the historic Baisakhi day of 1699. He completed his religious education under Bhai Mani Singh. He later joined the Shahid Misl under Baba Deep Singh and after the latter's martyrdom in 1757 at Amritsar, organized his own Jatha or fighting band. In battles against Durranis (Afghanis) and Mughals his dera usually formed the vanguard carrying the banner, and won renown of its acts of gallantry.
In November 1764, Ahmad Shah Abdali at the head of 30,000 afghanis invaded India for 7th time, Bhai Gurbaksh Singh happened to be stationed at holy Shrine at Amritsar. The Durrani (abdali) advanced up to the town virtually unopposed and entered the partially reconstructed Harmandar Sahib, which he had demolished two years earlier. Bhai Gurbaksh Singh, who had already evacuated from the precints women, children, and the aged, had with him only thirty men. According to Ratan Singh Bhangu, prachin Panth Prakash "Bhai Gurbaksh Singh with garlands around his neck and sword on his shoulder, dressed himself as a bridegroom, his men forming the marriage party, waiting eagerly to court the bride-death." As soon as they saw the Afghan king and his hordes, they swooped down upon them. This was an unequal fight - thirty pitted against thirty thousand. All thirty Sikhs were killed before Gurbaksh Singh, though throughout in the forefront, also fell. Giving an eyewitness account of the action, Qazi Nur Muhammad, the chronicler who was in the train of the invader, writes in his jangnamah when the king and his army reached the chakk (Amritsar Sahib), they did not see any infidel kafir there. But a few men stayed in a fortress were bent upon spilling their blood and they sacrificed themselves for their Guru. They were only thirty in number.
They did not have the least fear of death. They engaged the Ghazis (i.e. in Islamic terminology, a Ghazi is a Muslim person who had killed an Infidel or a kafir) and spilled their blood in the process. Thus all of them were slaughtered and consigned to the seventh [hell]. This happened on 1 December 1764. Bhai Gurbaksh Singh was cremated behind Takht Akal bunga . The place is today known as Shahid Ganj.
Thursday, November 25, 2010
Shaheedi day Siri Guru Trg Bahadur sahib - 24nov.
SHAHEEDI SAKAS OF GURU TEG BAHADUR SAHIB, BHAI MATI DAAS, BHAI SATI DAAS, AND BHAI DYALA JI
BACKGROUND AND ATROCITIES OF AURANGZEB
When the Mugal emperor, Aurangzeb occupied the throne in 1659, he began to order the demolition of all the Hindu temples, and ordered that, Hindu scholars should study in Islamic schools and mosques. A special department was formed for the massive conversion of Hindus into Islam. Auragzeb was so intolerant that apart from Hindus and Sikhs, he could not tolerate even those sects of Islams like Shia and Sufi etc. who had different opinions. He began to oppress them as well. Aurangzeb feared that all the non-Islamic provinces of India would continue to pose a threat to the Moghul Empire. So he wanted to convert them also into Islamic provinces. By that time, only the regions of Assam, Bengal, Maharashtra and Rajasthan were in the Aurangzeb's empire. But he wished to convert the whole of Kashmir into Islamic state first. Then, he started eyeing Punjab.
Thus, by the order of Aurangzeb, and by the power of sword, Sher Afghan Khan began to terrorize Kashmiri Pundits in order to convert them into Mohammedans. Kashmiri Pundits reached Anandpur Sahib and appealed Guru Teg Bahadur Sahib to protect them. Guru assured them that they had come in the Nanak's court. Hence, he would definitely save their religion and protect their life. When Guru Teg Bahadur Sahib's son Gobind Rai Ji came to know these things, he said to his father: "Father, it is our duty to help them." Gobind Rai Ji's words motivated Guru Teg Bahadur Sahib to go to Delhi at once and give supreme sacrifice.
Thus, travelling via Kiratpur, Rohtak etc. and preaching the people neither be afraid nor terrorize others, Guru reached Agra, the seat of Moghul empire. Five Sikhs accompanied him: Bhai Matidas, Bhai Dayala, Bhai Gurditta, Bhai Uda and Bhai Jaita.
Guru's preaching brought a new awakening in the masses. A new enthusiasm appeared in the people to fight against oppression. Aurangzeb was in Hasan Abdal then. As soon the matter was reported to him, He could not tolerate ond ordered for the Guru's immediate arrest. Subsequently, Guru Teg Bahadur Sahib was arrested in Agra and brought to Delhi. There the Guru parted with the three accompanying Sikhs Bhai Jaita Ji, Bhai Guruditta Ji and Bhai Dayala Ji, so that they could keep informing Gobind Rai of the events taking place in the town. After his arrest Guru, Teg Bahadur suggested Kashmiri Pundits to inform Aurangzeb that if the Guru accepted Islam, all the Hindus of India would accept Islam without any condition.
Then Kazis began to lure and tempt Guru Teg Bahadur Sahib so that he could accept Islam. But he replied: "My thoughts are far above than honour, respect, wealth, property etc. I have no greed for wealth, there is sufficient for me in the Guru Ghar.
MARTYRDOM OF GURU TEG BAHADUR SAHIB
When all the temptations to impress the Guru failed, the Kazis said that either Guru should accept Islam or perform a miracle. If he could not do either of these two things, said the Kazis, then the Guru should be ready to face death.
Guru Teg Bahadur Sahib plainly refused to give up his religion and showing miracles was unbecoming of a Sikh Guru. Akal Purakh has empowered Guru for the help of poors and needy, and not for showing miracles, Servants of God do not look good when they show miracles. It is a violation of God's dictat. "We are ready to give our heads, because we have arrived here to give up our heads," asserted the Guru.
BHAI MATI DASS
With an intention of terrorizing Guru Teg Bahadur Sahib and loosen his firm determination, Moghuls decided to kill Bhai Matidas first. Hearing the order of the qazis, Bhai Mati Dass prayed to the Guru, "O True King ! bless me so that I may do my duty by sacfiflcing myself for the glory of the faith." After the Guru had blessed him, the qazis asked Bhai Mati Dass, "Brother, embrace Islam and enjoy the pleasures provided by the goveInment. Moreover when you die as a Muslim, you will go to heaven where there will be streams of milk, many kinds of wine to drink and beautiful women to enjoy. If you do not embrace Islam, your body will be sawn into two." Bhai Mati Dass replied, "I can sacrifice hundreds of such heavens for my faith. I don't need women nor wine. I see all the happiness in the path of my faith." After his refusal, the qazis asked him his last wish, to which he replied, 'When I am being cut with the saw, let my face be towards my mentor so that I may behold my Guru till my last breath and he may keep on seeing me so that he may be convinced how happily I reach my last destination." By the order of the qazis, the executioners sawed Bhai Mati Dass in two on the 8th November, 1675 A.D., in Chandani Chowk, Delhi.
BHAI DAYAL DASS
On the 9th November, 1675 A.D., the qazis ordered that Bhai Dayal Dass be seated in a cauldron of boiling water. On hearing the ruling, Bhai Dayal Dass asked leave of the Guru. The Guru said, "Brother, your service has borne fruit due to which your turn has come before mine. Great are you and blessed is your devotion. What pleasure can be greater for me than to see my lifelong devotees sacrificing their lives for the protection of human rights even ahead of me. May God bless you with success."
Before putting Bhai Dayal Dass in the cauldron of boiling water, the qazis said, "There is still time. Embrace Islam and save yourself from pains otherwise you will face greater agony than your companion. You have seen how cruelly he was sawn." Bhai Dayal Dass replied, "You could not harass my companion. Did you notice, how calmly he was meditating on the word of his Guru when he was being sawn. Having made mockery of bodily pains, he had diffused into the Supreme Being. Hurry up and let my soul attain unity with the Lord." On his reply in the negative, the executioners sat him in the cauldron of boiling water. He stayed on sitting in the water with an unwavering mind. His flesh separated from his bones and his soul merged into the Supreme Being.
BHAI SATI DASS
On the 10th November, 1675 A.D., the qazis ordered Bhai Sati Dass to be wrapped in cotton and burnt. Before being wrapped in cotton, the qazis asked Bhai Sati Dass, "Save your life by embracing Islam and live in pleasure." Bhai Sati Dass replied, 'You cannot understand that my pleasure and happiness lie only in obeying the command of my Guru. It does not lie in saving this life which must end one day." At this reply, the executioners wrapped Bhai Sati Dass in cotton, poured oil over it and set fire to it. Bhai Sati Dass remained calm while burning till his last breath and remained true to his resolve.
HEAD AND TORSO OF GURU TEG BAHADUR SAHIB
There was panic all around after Guru Teg Bahadur Sahib's death. With the suggestion of a Banjara Bhai Lakhi Shah and Bhai Jaita arranged to take the head and the torso of Guru Teg Bahadur Sahib in their custody. Bhai Lakkhi Shah reached Chandni Chowk and carried Guru's torso in a bullock cart to his home three miles away. There, setting his house on fire, he performed last rites of the Guru. There exists a Gurdwara Rakabganj in New Delhi at the site of cremation.
On the other hand, Bhai Jaita found the head of Guru. he took the head and reached to Guru Gobind Singh at Anandpur Sahib. Guru Gobind Singh embraced him and said: 'Rang Rete Guru Ke Bete' (the true sepoys are the sons of Guru). At the place where Guru Teg Bahadur Sahib's head was cremated in Chandni Chowk, there exists Gurudwara Seesganj Sahib now.
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