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Home , Baba Buddha, Baba Gurditta, Bhadon, Bhai Sati Das, Bidhi Chand, Gurpurb

Gobind Sarvar 2nd Annual Sikh History Competition Ages 16+ Package D

Important Dates: Sunday November 11, 2012 – Review/Info Session @ 7:30 pm Saturday November 17, 2012 – Qualification Exam @ 3:30 pm Saturday November 24, 2012 – Main Event Game Show @ 6:30 pm

Email: [email protected] | Phone: 604-825-9629 | Web: www.GobindSarvar.com

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Copyright Notice

Age: Over 16 + Sri Hargobind Sahib Ji to Sri Guru Teg Bahadur Sahib Ji and Glossary of Sikh Vocabulary.

This package has been developed with the generous support of sikschool.com and produced by Gobind Sarvar with the authorization of the publisher. Gobind Sarvar does not hold any copyrights for the below mentioned curriculum. All rights reserved by publisher (Sikhschool.com). If you have any questions please email [email protected] or contact the publisher directly at [email protected].

Published by: Sikschool.com, California USA Sikhya curriculum(C) (sikhschool.com) (2009) This book is published solely for non‐profit with the kind efforts of volunteers, qualified or experienced in the field of Sikh religion and . All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in any retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form or by any means, without prior permission in writing of PUBLISHER, or as expressly permitted by law. Enquiries concerning reproduction should be sent to PUBLISHER, at ([email protected])

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Sri Sahib Ji

Date of Parkash: June 19, 1595 (AswV vdI 7, 21 AswV sMmq 1652) Place of Parkash: Guru Ki Vadali, District: Father: Sri Guru Arjun Dev Ji Mother: Mata Ganga Devi Ji Mahal (Wife): Mata Damodri Ji, Mata Nanki Ji, Mata Marwahi Ji Sons: Baba Gurdita Ji, Baba Anhi Rai Ji, Baba Atal Rai Ji, Sri Guru Teg Bahadur Sahib Ji, Baba Suraj Mall Ji. Daughter: Bibi Veero Ji

Gurgaddi: May 19, 1606 (jyT vdI 8, 22 jyT sMmq 1663)

JotiJot: March 3, 1644 (cyq sudI 5, 6 cyq sMmq 1701)

Legend for calendar dates: English Calendar; Lunar Calendar; Bikrami Calendar Guru Sahib had five sons and one daughter. They were: - Baba Gurditta Ji, born to Mata Damodri Ji in 1613. - Bibi Veero Ji, born to Mata Damodri Ji in 1615. - Baba Suraj Mall Ji, born to Mata Mahadevi Ji in 1617. - Baba Anhi Rai Ji, born to MataNanki Ji in 1618. - Baba Atal Rai Ji, born to MataNanki Ji in 1619. - Guru Teg Bahadur Ji, born to MataNanki Ji in 1621.

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Let‟s go back 325 years in history to the city of Sri Amritsar Sahib where, under the blessings of Guru Arjun Dev Ji, everyone lived in perfect bliss. Guru Ram Ji had founded Sri Amritsar Sahib a few years before. It had become a place to receive spiritual bliss and had emerged as a major business center. , Muslims, and Hindus of low and high castes came from different parts of South Asia to settle in Amritsar Sahib, and lived in perfect peace and harmony. They started their day with a dip (Ishnaan, ieSnwn) in the Amrit Sarovar and listened to and at Harmandir Sahib (hirmMdr swihb, also known as The or Darbar Sahib). In such a perfect environment, there was someone who was not at peace, Baba Prithi Chand Ji, the elder brother of Guru Arjun Dev Ji, wanted to be the Guru and was full of ego and jealousy. Baba Prithi Chand's wife complained, "The youngest son obtained Gurgaddi instead of the eldest one, and the whole world, both the emperor and the common men, worship Him." Baba Prithi Chand replied, "Arjun has no son and so His prosperity is short-lived. Our son Meharban will be the next Guru." Baba Prithi Chand‟s wife would tease Mata Ganga Ji, Guru Arjun Dev Ji's wife, for not having a child. Mata Ganga Ji prayed to Guru Sahib to bless her with a son. Guru Sahib asked her to do & , and to ignore Baba Prithi Chand‟s and his wife‟s remarks. But Baba Prithi Chand‟s wife continued to taunt Mata Ganga Ji. Mata Ganga Ji again requested Guru Sahib Ji, "All those who seek your blessings obtain peace and happiness. Please also fulfill my wish and bless me with a son." Guru Sahib would often send His devotees to His respectable Sikh, Baba Buddha Ji, for Dev Ji’s blessing. Guru Sahib told Mata Ganga Ji to go to Baba Buddha Ji and seek his blessings. The next day, Mata Ganga Ji, along with her attendants, rode in carriages to go see Baba Buddha Ji at his residence (now known as bIV swihb). The approaching carriages were kicking up a lot of dust and Baba Budha Ji saw this asked one of the sevadars, “Ji, who is that who is coming to see us in such a manner?” The sevadar replied that it was Mata Ganga Ji. Although, Baba Buddha Ji respected Mata Ganga Ji, he did not like how Mata Ganga Ji was displaying her status and wealth. When Mata Ganga Ji placed sweets before him and prayed for his blessings, Baba Buddha Ji replied, "Mata Ji, I am only a servant of your house. It is only Guru Sahib Ji who is an ocean of supernatural power and fulfills everyone's desires." Mata Ji came back disappointed and told the whole story to Guru Sahib. Guru

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Sahib explained, "Saints and the True Guru are not pleased with those who show off. If you desire anything from them, appear before them in a humble manner (meaning not with carriages and attendants). If you still desire the Saint's blessing, then prepare food (lMgr) with your own hands, with your heart full of devotion, and dress like an ordinary person and go to see Baba Ji on foot." As instructed by Guru Sahib Ji, Mata Ganga Ji milled the wheat, prepared im~sy pRSwdy (bread) and l~sI (butter milk) with her own hands, and walked barefoot to Baba Buddha Ji’s residence. When he saw her, Baba Buddha Ji greeted her by saying, "O Mother! I am very hungry. Only a mother knows the needs of the son. Give me the food that you have brought." While eating, Baba Buddha Ji crushed an onion and said, "Your son will be the King of kings; He will rule the hearts of His people. He will crush the power of evil kings, like I crush this onion under my fist.” For some time Guru Arjun Dev Ji moved to the village Wadali, about six to seven miles away from Amritsar. This is where Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji’s Parkash took place.

This great event is remembered as Parkash Diwas (pRkwS idvs) of Sri Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji. We may also remember this day as Gurpurab (gurpurb), which means Guru‟s day but we do not call this day Guru Sahib‟s birthday. We should not call Guru Sahib‟s Parkash day a birthday because a person who is born, has to die. Guru Sahib is beyond birth and death. Guru Sahib helps Sikhs to overcome the cycle of birth and death, and to merge with (God).

Key Gurmat Message: It is important to be humble when doing Seva. Seva of Guru Ji and true Gursikhs with humility can fulfill all desires.

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Baba Prithi Chand’s Animosity

The Parkash of (Guru) Hargobind Sahib Ji increased the hostility of Baba Prithi Chand, who saw no chance for himself or for his son, Meharban, to become the next Guru. Prithi Chand‟s hatred led him to try several unsuccessful attempts on (Guru) Hargobind Sahib's life. Baba Prithi Chand hired a nurse to poison baby (Guru) Hargobind Sahib Ji. She applied poison to the nipple of her breast and went to Wadali. The nurse first congratulated Guru Arjun Dev Ji's wife on the birth of the child. She then caressed and fondled the baby trying to breast-feed him. The child refused suckling. Then, for some mysterious reason, the nurse fainted and fell backwards. When she regained her consciousness, she repented and disclosed that Baba Prithi Chand had hired her to kill the infant. Thus, the story of Baba Prithi Chand's ill scheme was disclosed. The first failed attempt did not deter Baba Prithi Chand. He then hired a snake charmer to kill the child by exposing him to a cobra. He promised the snake charmer a great sum of money if he succeeded in the plot. The snake charmer found a chance and let a black cobra loose in the courtyard. The young (Guru) Hargobind Sahib took the hissing cobra in his hand and killed it immediately. Baba Prithi Chand tried again and persuaded (Guru) Hargobind Sahib's male nurse to poison the child. The next day, the servant slipped poison in the child's yogurt (dhIN). The child, however, turned away the poisoned yogurt and refused to take it. The Brahmin servant tried to force feed the poisoned yogurt to (Guru) Hargobind Sahib, but the child started crying. Listening to the cry, Guru Sahib came to see the child. In the meantime, (Guru) Hargobind Sahib with His tiny hands gave a powerful push to the container in the servant‟s hands, causing the yogurt to spill. A dog nearby rushed forward and ate the yogurt. The dog died immediately. The servant confessed his ill doings to Guru Sahib, and disclosed the murderous designs of Baba Prithi Chand. The Brahmin servant died after this incident.

When (Guru) Hargobind Sahib Ji became of a suitable age to receive instructions, He was entrusted to Baba Buddha Ji for his education. Baba Buddha Ji, Bhai Jetha

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Ji, and Bhai Ganga Sehgal Ji taught , Hikmat ihkmq (medicine), and Gurbani to (Guru) Hargobind Sahib. They also trained Him in martial arts (Gatka), horse riding, and wrestling. (Guru) Hargobind Sahib grew up to be a superb saint- soldier. When Guru Arjun Dev Ji was martyred on May 30, 1606, Guru Hargobind Sahib was only eleven years of age.

Key Gurmat Message: Those who harm others will have to pay for their misdeeds. Also, those protected by Waheguru Ji cannot be touched by evil persons.

Miri-Piri de Malik Sri Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji

From Dev Ji to Guru Arjun Dev Ji, Guru Sahibs not only preached Guru Nanak Dev Ji‟s message but also practiced each message against all odds. By this time, Sikhs have learned how to obey Hukam, do Seva and Simran, be humble but firm, stay calm even in extreme conditions, give Shaheedi if needed, etc. Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji was only eleven years old when His father was martyred. All the Sikhs were looking up to Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji to give them directions. Guru Sahib decided that it was time to stand up against injustice, to protect the innocent, and to crush the oppressor. Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji decided to don two swords: one to represent spiritual powers (Piri - pIrI); and, another to represent temporal powers and to protect the innocent (Miri - mIrI). Guru Sahib instructed Sikhs to carry weapons and learn horse riding. He sent a letter to his masands (msMd: preachers) asking them to instruct Sikhs to bring arms and horses as part of their offerings, and to send youth. The news of the cruel torture and Shaheedi of Guru Arjun Dev Ji caused a deep wound in the hearts of the Sikhs. Their wound was so deep that they were willing to sacrifice everything that was precious to them to regain self-respect and freedom from the oppression of the Mugal Raj. For the first time after suffering centuries of discrimination under Muslim rule, there arose a wild cry of resistance. A lot of young Sikhs from all over joined Guru Hargobind Sahib‟s army. Guru

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Hargobind Sahib carried the torch of Guru Nanak Sahib's message as the sixth Guru from 1606 to 1644. He proved himself a saint and a soldier, and was the first military hero of the people of in 500 years, since the conquest of Punjab by the Mughals.

Sri Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji Builds Akal Takhat (Akwl qKq)

In 1609, Guru Hargobind Sahib built a modest structure facing the Harimandar Sahib and called it Akal Bunga. In front of the Akal Bunga there was a large open space, where Sikhs assembled from time to time to listen to the Guru Sahib on matters concerning the welfare of the community. Guru Hargobind Sahib sat on a raised platform that was 12 feet high, dressed as a King, wearing the two swords of Miri and Piri, with a royal plume (klgI) on His turban. Harimandir Sahib was the seat of spiritual authority, and Akal Bunga was the seat of temporal authority. Guru Sahib held Darbars in front of Akal Bunga. There, He administered justice like a king in His court, awarding honors, punishments and accepting presents of arms and horses. In the afternoon, Guru Sahib watched wrestling matches and weapons exercises. Ballads (FwfI vwrW) were sung by Dhadi (FwfI j`Qw) who narrated the stories of fearless bravery and heroism. In due course, the Akal Bonga came to be known as the Akal Takhat, the Throne of the Almighty. Throughout their struggle for freedom and independence, Sikh leaders have assembled before the Throne of the Almighty to debate and discuss the problems faced by the Panth. They made collective decisions, known as gurmqw (Gurmata), to resolve issues at hand. Sri Akal Takhat, as it stands today, is a beautiful five-story building with a large open space in front of it. On the other end of this space is drSnI ifauVI (Darshani Deori), leading to Harmandir Sahib.

On the main floor of Sri Akal Takhat, where Guru Hargobind Sahib used to sit, some of the weapons used by the Guru Sahibs and famous Sikhs are kept.

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Sri Akal Takhat is the first of the five Takhats. The other four Takhats are:

1. Takhat Sri Harmandir Sahib in Patna Sahib, Bihar - The Parkashplace of Ji 2. Takhat Sri Kesgarh Sahib in - the birthplace of the Khalsa 3. Takhat Sri Damdama Sahib in Sabo Ki Talwandi where Guru Gobind Singh Ji dictated Sri Ji to Ji 4. Takhat Sri in Nander, Maharashtra; the place from where Guru Gobind Singh Ji left the earthly abode after enthroning Guru Granth Sahib Ji as the everlasting Guru.

Sri Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji Builds Fort Logarh

Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji recruited troops and assembled an army. Guru Sahib possessed a stable of 700 horses and 60 gunners. Five hundred men were recruited as infantry. Guru Sahib also built a fort at Amritsar called Lohgarh (fortress of steel) and created a government of His own, similar to that of the Mughal Kings. Thus, the Sikhs came to occupy a separate state within the Mughal state. In addition to congregational prayers and preaching, activities such as riding, wrestling, and other warlike sports were also given importance. This was the beginning of the providing a sword into a Saints hands. Guru Sahib’s fame spread far and wide. Many men came to enlist under Guru Sahib's banner. They believed that no one else had power to face and challenge the Mughal emperor. Key Gurmat Message: It is important to have both spiritual (Piri) and worldly power (Miri). Guru Ji created the Sri Akal Takhat because he wanted the Sikhs to become brave and fight against the mighty kings (and all others) who troubled the poor and weak.

Meeting With Baba Sri Chand Ji

After Guru Angad Dev Ji moved to Khadur Sahib, Baba Sri Chand Ji started his own Udaasi sect at Kartarpur. One day Guru Hargobind Sahib along with His elder son, Baba Gurditta Ji, visited Baba Sri Chand Ji at Kartarpur. Baba Gurditta

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Ji‟s face resembled Guru Nanak Dev Ji‟s beautiful face. Baba Sri Chand Ji was greatly surprised to see him. Baba Ji asked Guru Sahib, "Do any of the sons belong to Baba Ji?" Guru Sahib replied, "All are yours." Pleased with Guru Sahib‟s response, Baba Ji asked for Baba Gurditta Ji. Guru Sahib presented Baba Gurditta Ji to him.

Guru Nanak Dev Ji had settled on the banks of the Ravi (rwvI) River at Kartarpur after completing the Udaasis (audwsIAW - long journeys). There, Guru Nanak Dev Ji removed the attire he had worn for the Udaasis; however, Guru Nanak Dev Ji‟s elder son, Baba Sri Chand Ji donned that Udaasi attire. Now, Baba Sri Chand Ji entrusted the leadership of his Udaasi sect to Baba Gurditta Ji. It was this Udaasi sect that carried out the responsibility of up- keeping Sikh institutions during hard times when Sikhs had to live in hidings or jungles.

Key Gurmat Message:

Guru Hargobind Sahib had the utmost respect for the Son of Guru Nanak Dev Ji.

Sri Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji Imprisoned in Gwalior (gvwlIAr) Fort

Chandu mischievously reported the kingly activities of Guru Hargobind Sahib as being revolt preparations against the Muslim Emperor Jahangir. The Emperor was alarmed at these preparations and so he invited Guru Ji to meet him in . When Guru Sahib reached Delhi, He stayed with His army at a place called Majnu ka Tilla. When Guru Sahib went to meet with the Emperor, He was received with respect. Over the next few days, Jahangir asked Guru Sahib many questions regarding His spiritual Kingship and warlike preparations. Guru Sahib answered all his questions with spiritual wisdom. The Emperor was pleased with Guru Ji and desired to be in His company. The queen, Noor Jehan, took a deep interest in Guru Sahib, and became His follower. During these days, Jahangir fell ill. Following the malicious advice of his Hindu ministers, he invited his astrologers to seek their advice. Chandu, who was always looking for ways to detach the Emperor from Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji, heavily bribed these astrologers.

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The astrologers said that Jahangir could only be cured if a holy man of God should go to the Fort of Gwalior (a high security prison) and pray for his recovery from there. Chandu then advised the Emperor that Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji was the holiest of men and should be sent to Gwalior. Jahangir requested Guru Hargobind Sahib to go to Gwalior. Although Guru Hargobind Sahib saw through the plot of Chandu, He left for Gwalior immediately. In fact, Chandu wrote letters to Hari Das, the Commander of Fort Gwalior, urging him to poison Guru Sahib or kill Him in any way and in return receive a large reward. Hari Das by that time was so devoted to Guru Sahib that he showed all these letters to Him. Guru Sahib simply smiled and said nothing. A number of Rajput princes were also imprisoned in the fort at Gwalior. Guru Sahib started to have regular morning and evening congregations of the prisoners in the Fort. Sikh devotees missed Guru Sahib and as a result, started going in large numbers to the Gwalior Fort and walk around it, bowing in respect to Guru Sahib Ji. After a year or so, when Jahangir recovered, he thought of Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji again. Jahangir realized the mischief played by Chandu and ordered the release of Guru Sahib. Undoubtedly, Noor Jehan, who had disciple-like devotion to Guru Sahib, had something to do with His recall from Gwalior. However, Guru Sahib would not go unless the Emperor agreed to release all the prisoners in the fort. Jahangir reluctantly agreed to release as many kings that could hold on to Guru Ji's robe. Guru Sahib got a special Chola (robe) made which had 52 klIAW, or strings. All 52 of the kings, each one of them holding on to a silken string of Guru Sahib's robe, came out of the prison. For this, Guru Sahib is remembered as bMdI CoV, the Liberator. When Guru Sahib reached Amritsar, the town was illuminated with lights to welcome him. Sikhs celebrated the return of their Guru. Even today, the anniversary of that event is celebrated on Diwali as “Bandi Chhorh Diwas.”

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Key Gurmat Message: Guru Ji is the true liberator (one who frees us from our shackles). Guru Ji can free us from all bad qualities such as greed, anger, etc.

Baba Buddha Ji and Chonki (Night Choir)

The Sikhs left behind at Amritsar felt very keenly the pain of separation from the Guru. Headed by Baba Buddha Ji, they started to recite “Naam‟ in remembrance of Guru Sahib. Every evening they would light torches and go in procession (cONkI chonki) around Harimandir Sahib, feeling the Guru to be with them. On His return, Guru Sahib told Baba Buddha Ji how this devotion had attracted Him to the Harimandir Sahib every evening. Guru Sahib blessed them by saying that the chonki (night choir) organized by Baba Buddha Ji at Harimandir Sahib would continue forever and that He would always be present in it. Every evening since then the Sikhs have organized a chonki (known as bwbw b~uFw jI dI cONkI) around Harimandir Sahib and feel Guru Sahib‟s and Baba Buddha Ji‟s presence in it. Even today, Kirtan only stops at Harimandir Sahib when the chonki reaches Harmandir Sahib. This because of Guru Sahibs Hukam that they will be present in it and thus out of respect the Kirtan is temporarily paused for an Ardaas at the end of the Chonki.

Friendship With Jahangir

The Emperor Jahangir, who was convinced that he had been misled in handling the case of Guru Arjun Dev Ji, befriended Guru Sahib after His release from Fort Gwalior. Throwing the blame on Chandu, the Emperor handed Chandu over to Guru Hargobind Sahib. Chandu was paraded in the streets of , where the same grain- parcher that Chandu used to pour burning sand on Guru Arjun Dev Ji‟s head, struck Chandu with a ladle, killing him on the spot. When Jahangir found out that Sri Guru Hargobind Ji was a great lover of sports, he invited Him to accompany him on a tiger hunt. During the chase a ferocious tiger attacked the Emperor. The attendants accompanying the royal party lost their nerve, and their horses and elephants panicked. Guru Ji rushed His horse and pulling out His sword, engaged and killed the dangerous tiger single- handedly. Jahangir was full of gratitude towards Guru Ji for risking His life. Jahangir became so fond of Guru Sahib that he asked Him to accompany him on a number of visits.

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The False King and the True King (s~cw pwqSwh) We treasure a beautiful story of a Sikh from Agra who was a humble grass-cutter. The tents of Emperor Jahangir and Guru Sahib were pitched side by side in the fields. A poor grass-cutter came to see Guru Ji. The royal attendants led the grass-cutter, who desperately wanted to see the Sacha Patshah (s~cw pwqSwh True King), into the camp of the Emperor. The grass-cutter put a coin before him and stood with folded hands, praying, his eyes filled with tears and his throat choked with emotion. The Emperor was overwhelmed with the devotion of the Sikh and offered him large gifts. The Sikh replied, "Sachay Patshah, if you are so pleased, bless me with the Waheguru's Naam that I be liberated." When the Sikh was told that he had come to the wrong camp, and that the One Who granted liberation was in the next camp, the Sikh boldly picked the coin that he had offered by mistake. The emperor felt offended and tried to trade the coin with several gold coins, but the Sikh refused by saying, “My hard earned coin is meant only for the Sachay Patshah, my Guru.” Picking up his coin, the grass-cutter Sikh went towards Guru Ji's tent. He placed the coin before Guru Sahib and said, "My Lord! Forgive me! I took the ordinary king as Sachay Patshah. Bless me with the glory of Waheguru's Naam that I be liberated." This episode changed the life of Jahangir and he realized that the True King was greater than him.

Key Gurmat Message: Emperors or worldy kings can only give you worldy things. Sacha Patshah (The True King) not only helps us unite with Waheguru, but also gives us everything else that we might need, the worldly things, the virtues, the Naam, etc.

Battle of Sri Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji

After returning to Amritsar Sahib, Guru Hargobind Sahib‟s power continued to grow. The Mughals became very angry and tried to suppress the power of the Sikhs. This led to Guru Sahib fighting four battles with the Mughals. Guru Sahib‟s intension was not to acquire any land or temporal power. The only intent was to fight against the

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injustice that the people had been experiencing under Mughal rule. Guru Hargobind Sahib won all four battles even though he faced huge Mughal forces in each battle. Guru Sahib also never started any of these battles, and always fought in defense. Under Guru Sahib‟s leadership, there was a great change in the character of the Sikhs. Sikhs got a new spirit of heroism to resist the mighty and unjust power of the Mughals. Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji was also looked upon by the Sikhs and non- Sikhs as an accomplished swordsman, hero, and thorough master of war.

Imperial White Hawk in the Hands of the Sikhs

The relations between Guru Hargobind Sahib and Emperor Jahangir remained peaceful and friendly. Following the death of Jahangir in 1627, his son Shah Jahan succeeded him in 1628. Shah Jahan was hostile towards non-Muslims, in particular the Sikhs. The wound inflicted by Jahangir (martyrdom of Guru Arjun Dev Ji) on the psyche of the Sikhs needed little fire to become inflamed. Both parties were primed for a clash on the slightest cause. One day in 1628, Emperor Shah Jahan went hunting from Lahore in the direction of Amritsar. Guru Hargobind Sahib also happened to be camping in the vicinity. The Emperor spotted a bird and let fly his white hawk in pursuit. The over- pampered hawk, instead of striking the bird down, pecked at it, pursuing it into Guru Ji's camp. The Sikhs let fly their own hawk which seized the bird, and the Emperor's hawk followed. The Sikhs caught both birds. The royal huntsman pushed themselves into Guru Ji's camp and threatening punishment, commanded that their hawk be returned. The Sikhs refused to yield to their threatening behavior. After a hot altercation, royal huntsman angrily returned to report the matter to the Emperor. On hearing the report, Emperor Shah Jahan was enraged and ordered his general, Mukhlis Khan, with

7,000 cavalry, to bring both Guru Sahib and the hawk.

First Battle of the Sikhs

On May 15, 1628, when Guru Hargobind Sahib heard about the attack, He asked His Sikhs to make preparations to face the enemy. The news of attack came only two days before the marriage of Bibi Viro Ji, the daughter of Guru Hargobind Sahib. Guru Sahib shifted the venue of marriage to Jhabal and sent a message to the bridal procession to reach there. Guru Sahib also asked

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the elderly and the women to accompany Adi Granth Sahib to Jhabal. The first battle was fought at Pipli Sahib. This was such a battle that on one side was a well equipped royal army of the Mughals and on the other side were common folk. But these common Sikhs fought so bravely that royal army was forced to retreat. In the evening, Guru Sahib ordered His army to enter the fort of Lohgarh. Mukhlis Khan ordered his army to besiege the fort. The next day, the Sikhs took the stone gun and threw shower of stones on the enemy. The royal army was perplexed to see such an attack of stones. A large number of soldiers were hurt seriously and the rest ran away to safe places. Mukhlis Khan cried to his soldiers, "Beware! Take heart, you are afraid of this bunch of faqirs (Saints). You are Mughals, the rulers of this country, come back and kill these cowards." Then Painde Khan and Bhai Piraga Ji took the command of the Sikh army and opened the gates of fort Lohgarh. The Sikhs came out and fell upon the Mughal army like hungry lions. Painde Khan was crushing and killing the Mughals in such a way as if they were sheep and goats. Then Painde Khan killed Didar Ali, a close associate of Mukhlis Khan.

Seeing this Mukhlis Khan became very furious. He ru shed towards Guru Sahib. Guru Sahib shot an arrow and killed the horse of Mukhlis Khan. Then Mukhlis Khan asked Guru Sahib to leave His horse and fight a duel with him. Guru Sahib left His horse and asked Mukhlis Khan to strike first. Mukhlis Khan attacked with great power but Guru Sahib stopped his strike on His shield. Then Guru Sahib attacked Mukhlis Khan and in a blink of an eye killed him with a powerful strike, slitting both his shield and his body. Seeing Mukhlis

Khan killed, the Mughal army ran away. Guru Sahib Ji asked the Sikhs not to chase the running enemy. After the cremation of the Sikhs who attained martyrdom in the battle, Guru Sahib along with Sikhs reached Jhabal to attend Bibi Viro‟s marriage.

Second Battle of the Sikhs

Guru Hargobind Sahib moved from Amritsar to Kartarpur and then later to Sri Hargobindpur in July, 1629. This village had been colonised by Guru Arjun Dev Ji on the bank of the Beas River in

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1587, on an elevated spot. Bhagwan Dass Gherar used to collect land revenue of the village and send it to Abdulla Khan,the commander of Jalandhar. He was a relative of Chandu and was a good friend of the Abdulla Khan. One day he brought some hooligans with him and began to intimidate Guru Sahib with royal threats and insults to leave the village. The Sikhs could not bear it. They severed his head and threw it in the Beas River. The hooligans, who were accompanying him, went and told his son Rattan Chand about it. Rattan Chand went to Jalandhar and complained to Abdulla Khan. Abdulla Khan marched on Sri Hargobindpur with an army of four thousand. The Sikhs welcomed the royal army with arrows. The warriors of Guru Ji fought so bravely that the royal army was forced to retreat. From the first day's battle, the commander realized that it was not easy to defeat the Sikhs. When the battle resumed the second day, Abdulla Khan, seeing the Sikhs wielding their weapons, said, 'We were taking these Sikhs to be street vendors, tailors, and farmers, but they have turned out to be warriors." Abdulla Khan‟s sons Nabi Bakhsh and Karim Bakhsh were killed in the battle. Having lost his two sons, Abdulla Khan fought so furiously that tearing through the armies he came before Guru Sahib and started attacking him blindly. Guru Sahib kept on checking his blows on his shield and finally retaliated with a powerful blow using his double-edged sword. Abdulla Khan was cut in two and fell to the ground.

After the death of Abdulla Khan, Karam Chand, son of Chandu, went to attack Guru Sahib. But when Guru Sahib attacked him with His sword, Guru Ji‟s sword broke into two pieces. Guru Sahib had the other sword of Piri in His possession, but did not like to kill with that sword. So He caught him from his neck and then banged his head to the ground with such a great force that he died instantaneously. Guru Sahib also won the second battle with great honor. This battle was fought in September 1629 A.D.

Key Gurmat Message: 1.The Jaap (recitation) of Naam and Gurbani along with Guru Ji‟s blessings made Guru Ji‟s few hundred Sikh soldiers brave and fearless. Therefore, they were able to defeat the thousands of well- trained enemy soldiers in all four battles. 2.Men of God are sovereign and free. They fear no kings, no monarchs, and no worldly power. They recognize none other than the Lord Almighty as their

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master.

Bhai Bidhi Chand Ji

Before becoming a Sikh, Bhai Bidhi Chand Ji was a thief. Guru Arjun Dev Ji once told Bhai Bidhi Chand Ji, “Oh Bidhi Chand, stop stealing. Become an honest man, and you will be forgiven. Serve God‟s Saints, and you will be blessed.” Since then, Bidhi Chand had never stolen anything. Bhai Bidhi Chand Ji was a strong, brave man who became a chosen hero of Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji. Under the command of Guru Sahib, He led the Sikhs in all four battles against the Mughals. An interesting story is told about Bhai Bidhi Chand Ji's courage and devotion. Two Sikhs were once bringing two horses as presents for Guru Sahib from the faraway city of Kabul (kwbul). These horses were named Dilbagh and Gulbagh. They were absolutely beautiful, intelligent, and fast as the wind. When they ran, no one could tell whether they put their legs on the ground or flew in the air. It was said that they could cross a river without getting their riders wet. Emperor Shah Jahan‟s officials at Lahore forcibly seized the horses. Guru Hargobind Sahib, who was then at the village of Bhai Rupa, received the Sikhs with great affection. On learning the fate of the horses, Bhai Bidhi Chand Ji was determined to recover them. He Said to Guru Sahib, “Guru Sahib Ji, allow me to go and with your blessings, I will bring those horses to you.” When he arrived near the fort in Lahore, Bhai Bidhi Chand Ji visited his friend, Bhai Jeevan, a carpenter. Bhai Jeevan described to him the high eight sided tower surrounded by moat where the horses were kept. He also told him that there were hundreds of soldiers guarding the horses. "It is impossible for any human being to get in there, much less get to the horses. But if anyone can do it, it is you Bidhi Chand," said the carpenter. Bhai Bidhi Chand Ji pretended to be a grass seller and met with the King‟s stable keeper who was in charge of the horses. He spoke very sweetly and enchantingly. He offered to give this very beautiful grass at a very low price, so he was taken to the fort to feed the horses. The horses loved the grass. When Bhai Bidhi Chand Ji entered the fort, he saw it would indeed be very difficult to remove the horses from the tower. For six or seven days, he continued to feed the horses in this manner. The stable keeper hired him as a grass cutter. Baba Bidhi Chand Ji worked very hard, and after some time, he was placed in charge of

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grooming the horses. Whenever he brought grass for them, he also brought a large stone hidden in it. At midnight, he would throw the large stone into the river. People began to think that large stones must be falling from the walls. Bhai Bidhi Chand Ji was actually preparing them for the noise he would one day make when he‟d jump with the horses into the river. Everyone loved and accepted him. Now he needed a saddle, a saddle on which he could ride the horses, so one day he convinced the stable keeper to show him the King‟s saddles. Bhai Bidhi Chand Ji took note of where the key was placed so that he could come back later. Bhai Bidhi Chand Ji knew the next night would be a very dark night with no moon and thus it would be perfect for taking the first horse out of the fort. So the next day, when all the guards fell asleep, Bhai Bidhi Chand Ji looked for the key to the saddle room and found it. Bhai Sahib very quietly and carefully saddled Dilbagh, the first horse. He untied him, mounted on him, and began to ride him until the horse was at full speed. He then whipped him.

Dilbagh had never been hit, not even with a flower, so he doubled his speed. When Bhai Bidhi Chand Ji lifted the reins, he leaped over the high battlement of the fort, and plunged into the river with a great splash. All the people who heard the noise thought it was another stone falling from the walls, and they paid no attention to it. As you remember, Bhai Bidhi Chand Ji used to throw large stones into the river at midnight to get them used to the noise of the horse jumping into the river. In the morning, the head stable keeper discovered one of the Emperor‟s favorite horses missing. “Oh my goodness! The horse has been taken!”

Meanwhile, Bhai Bidhi Chand Ji brought the horse to the village where Guru Sahib was staying, but rather than being happy, the horse did not eat and looked very unhappy. The Sikhs realized that he was missing his brother Gulbagh. The two horses had been raised together and they had never been separated, and so he was longing for his brother. Bhai Bidhi Chand Ji went back to Lahore to capture the other horse from the fort. He realized that he was in great danger if he got caught, but a new plan came to his mind. He went to a tailor, and he had the tailor make him a beautiful costume.

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He pretended to be an astrologer. He walked towards the gate of the fort, followed by a crowd. He sat on a platform and said, “I am a tracer and an astrologer. I can trace and find anything, anything which has been lost!” A servant of the King‟s stable happened to walk by. He told the astrologer of the Emperor‟s lost horse and promised him he would be generously rewarded if he could help in finding the horse. “That is very easy!” said Bhai Bidhi Chand Ji, “I can tell you who stole the horse, and I can tell you exactly where the horse is. That is no problem for me.” Emperor Shah Jahan promised him thousands of Rupees if he found the horse. Bhai Bidhi Chand Ji held his magician‟s chain, put his hand on the ground, and raised it three times to his forehead. He then began to count the joints of his fingers, pretending to do magic. “Your Majesty, I know where your horse is, but I want to see the place from where the horse was stolen – let us go there!” When they got to the stables, he asked, “Was the horse saddled when it was stolen?” “Yes it was.”

“Aha! Then in order for my calculations to be exact, you must saddle the other horse. I will wait until the night; I can only find the facts in the same place from where the horse was stolen and at the same time it was stolen. Also, I must be left absolutely alone to do my work.” Everyone went to rest, and Bhai Bidhi Chand Ji untied the horse. The Emperor heard the noise. “What‟s going on?” “Do not worry your Majesty. I have just discovered where the horse is, and now I will tell you the thief‟s name.” Bhai Bidhi Chand then locked the door that led to the Emperor‟s apartment, and he yelled out, “Listen oh Emperor, you stole two horses belonging to the beloved Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji, I have taken one horse back. My name is Bidhi Chand. I am the Guru‟s servant, and now I am taking the second horse to my Guru.”

The Emperor called for help. “Help! Help! Help!” But everyone was either locked in or locked out. He then whipped the horse, which leaped over the battlement into the deep river. Bhai Bidhi Chand Ji galloped to the village where Dilbagh, the first horse, was waiting. Guru Sahib was very pleased with Bhai Bidhi Chand Ji.

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Key Gurmat Message: Impossible can become possible with determination, proper planning and execution. Those who serve Guru Sahib with devotion, become noble, holy and fearless. With determination and Guru Sahib‟s blessing, they can accomplish anything.

The Third Battle

The Emperor Shah Jahan was outraged that Bhai Bidhi Chand retrieved Gulbagh and Dilbagh. He immediately dispatched a large Mughal force of 35,000 soldiers under the command of Lala Beg, a high official in the Emperor's army, along with his brother Qamar Beg to attack Guru Sahib and the Sikhs. Bhai Bidhi Chand Ji brought two horses to Guru Sahib who at the time was staying at the village Bhai Rupa. Guru Sahib got news that the Emperor's army would soon arrive to recover the horses. Guru Sahib, leading 3,000 men, and Rai Jodh, leading 1000 men, took battle positions in the deep forests surrounding the area's only source of drinking water, cutting it off from the Mughals. A furious battle was fought for 18 hours in the vicinity of Nathana. Qamar Beg, with 7,000 men at his disposal, advanced to attack, but was stopped by Rai Jodh with only 1,000 men. As thousands of soldiers lay dead on the battlefield, Rai Jodh confronted Qamar Beg, and pierced him with his lance, killing him on the spot. Then Shamas Beg, Qamar Beg's son, advanced with a division of Lala Beg's army. Bhai Bidhi Chand with only 1,500 men joined the battle. Again, thousands of soldiers died before Bhai Bidhi Chand Ji and Shamas Beg engaged in one-on-one combat. Bhai Bidhi Chand Ji struck his adversary such a blow that it sent him reeling down to the earth, killing him instantly. Then came Lala Beg face to face with Guru Sahib. Guru Ji took a steady aim and shot Lala Beg's horse, which fell along with his rider. Guru Sahib dismounted from His horse and, engaging in one-on-one combat, struck the chief a blow, which completely severed his head from his body. The Sikh warriors had committed such havoc in this battle that Lala Beg's remaining troops fled the battlefield in shame. Every Mughal general of consequence lay dead in the battlefield. Approximately 1,200 Sikhs were killed, or wounded, Guru Hargobind Sahib's horse, Gulbag, was also killed in the battle. The number of Mughal soldiers killed was several times more than those of Guru Sahib's. The battle, which had begun at midnight, lasted for eighteen hours on the 16th of Maghar, Sambat 1688 or 1631 A.D. Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji admired the bravery

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shown by Bhai Bidhi Chand, Bhai Jati Mal, and Bhai Rai Jodh. In order to commemorate the victory, a holy pond (srovr) called Guru Sar was built on the spot.

The Fourth Battle

The cause of the fourth battle was Painde Khan, who had been a close friend of Guru Ji, but had deserted Guru Sahib after he had been exposed of lying to Guru Sahib. Painde Khan went to the Subedar of Jalandhar, Qutab Khan, and then both of them went to the Emperor Shah Jahan. Feeling humiliated by losing two battles to Guru Sahib, the Emperor dispatched his best commander Kale Khan with strong force of 50,000 soldiers. Kale Khan was the brother of Mukhlis Khan, the commander of Mughal army that was killed by Guru Sahib in the first battle. Qutab Khan, Painde Khan, Anwar Khan and Asman Khan were commissioned to fight under Kale Khan. Bhai Bidhi Chand, Bhai Jati Mal, Bhai Lakhu, and Bhai Rai Jodh ranged their troops on the four sides of Kartarpur. The imperial army chiefs advanced against them. The Pathans were, however, powerless against the brave Sikhs who were fighting for their religion and their Guru. Bhai Bidhi Chand engaged with Kale Khan, and Baba Gurditta Ji, Guru Hargobind Ji's eldest son, dealt with Asman Khan. Baba Tyag Mall Ji (as Guru Teg Bahadur Ji was called before this battle) who was only fourteen years old had shown feats of valor in the field. Painde Khan with drawn sword confronted Guru Sahib and used profane words for the Master. In the words of Mohsan Fani, a Muslim historian of that time, Guru Sahib addressed him, "Painde Khan, why use such words when the sword is in your hand. Brave as you are my boy, come! I give you permission to strike first. I have no grudge against you. But you are full of wrath. You can wreak your rage by striking the first blow." Painde Khan aimed a heavy blow at Guru Sahib, which Guru Sahib dodged. He was allowed again to strike but in vain. Infuriated with his failure, he gave a third blow but could not hit. The Master then urged him, "Come, my boy, I will teach you how to strike. Not your way but like this." Saying this he gave him such a strong blow that Painde Khan fell on the ground mortally wounded. From this blow he seemed to have regained his old sense of discipleship. Guru Sahib putting his shield over his face so as to shade him from the sun told him, "Thou art a Musalman. Now is the time to repeat your kalma." Painde Khan replied, "O Master, your sword is my kalma and my source of salvation." After all his chiefs were slain, Kale Khan confronted Guru Sahib. He discharged an arrow, which whizzed past Guru Ji. A second arrow grazed Guru Sahib's forehead, and drops of blood covered His face. At this Guru Sahib discharged an arrow, which killed Kale Khan's horse. Guru Sahib thought it a point of honor also to dismount and offer His adversary a choice of arms. Again giving him opportunity

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to strike first, Guru Sahib dodged all his strikes and commented, "Not thus, this is the way to fence." He then dealt Kale Khan a blow with his two-edged sword, which severed his head from his body. On this the imperial soldiers fled for their lives. Bhai Bidhi Chand and Bhai Jati Mal shouted slogans of victory. It is said that several thousand imperial soldiers were killed while only seven hundred brave Sikhs lost their lives in this battle. It ended on the 24th day of , Sambat 1691 (1634 A.D.). Guru Hargobind Sahib fought and won all four battles. Since His purpose had always been defensive, Guru Sahib did not acquire even an inch of territory as a result of these victories. However this initiated a great change in the character of the Sikhs. Sikhs got a new spirit of heroism to resist the mighty and the unjust power of the Mughal government who had embarked upon the policy of religious discrimination against non-Muslims.

Key Gurmat Message: None of Guru Sahib‟s battles were initiated by Guru Sahib nor were the battles for any personal grudge. Battles were fought against injustice.

Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji’s Response to the Loving Calls of the Sikhs

Guru Hargobind Sahib was known to respond to the calls of his Sikhs. Guru Sahib went as far as in the North and Pilibhit Nanak Mata (nwnk mqw) in the East, in response to the love and Dhyan (iDAwn - focus) of His disciples.

Bibi Bhag Bhari Ji In Kashmir, there lived a poor, old Sikh woman named Bhag Bhari. She was a great saint, and lived in complete dedication to the Guru. She made a Chola (colw, a robe) of coarse cloth with yarn spun with her own hands. She sewed it herself while singing Gurbani, with eyes flooded with tears of the Guru‟s love and heart filled with bliss. "0 Waheguru!, Will my Beloved Guru come and wear it? Will He honor His slave? These eyes are now to close forever. May these eyes once more behold Thy face!" The Chola was ready for the True Guru. Guru Sahib reached Kashmir, knocked at her door, and said, "Mother! Give Me My Chola." As Guru Sahib donned the handmade Chola, tears appeared in His eyes due to the Sikh‟s love and appreciation.

The Guru Lives in His Sikhs

While Guru Sahib was in Kashmir, a large number of Kashmiris both from

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Srinagar and the surrounding villages paid homage and embraced . A group of Sikhs came to see Guru Sahib from a distant village with an offering of honey. On the way they met Bhai Kattu Shah Ji, a devout Sikh, who was hungry. Bhai Kattu Shah Ji requested for some honey but these Sikhs refused by saying that the honey was for Guru Sahib. When these Sikhs reached Srinagar, Guru Sahib declined to accept the honey. Also, the honey was found rotten and full of worms. Guru Sahib reminded, “You didn‟t give me honey when I asked for it! My Sikh Kattu Shah was hungry.” Guru Sahib ordered them to go back and satisfy Bhai Kattu Shah Ji. The Sikhs went back to Bhai Kattu Shah Ji, asked for forgiveness, and offered the same honey to him. The honey that had gone rotten became fresh again. A hungry man is treasured by Guru Ji. This means Guru Ji loves all and does not discriminate. He cares the most for those who are not as well off as others.

Baba Almast Ji and Bhai Sain Das Ji

A Sikh named Almast (Almsq) who was the caretaker of Guru Nanak Dev Ji‟s shrine at Nanakmata (nwnk mqw) near Pilibhit, was expelled from the shrine by the Jogis who had also burnt the sacred Pipal (ip~pl Sacred fig or Ficus religiosa) tree under which Guru Nanak Dev Ji had held debate with the followers of Jogi Gorakh Nath. Enduring all hardships from the Jogis, Almast waited at Pilibhit for Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji to come and rescue Guru Nanak Dev Ji‟s shrine. Bibi Ramo Ji, the eldest sister of Guru Hargobind Sahib's wife, Mata Damodri Ji, was married to Bhai Sain Das Ji. Bhai Sain Das Ji was a devout Sikh, who lived in the village Daroli (Ferozepur, Punjab). Bhai Sain Das Ji built a new house and would not occupy it unless Guru Sahib came and graced the room prepared for Him. Bibi Ramo Ji suggested sending a message to Guru Sahib to come and grace their house. But, Bhai Sain Das Ji had full faith that Guru Sahib listens to Sikh‟s prayer and loving calls, and there was no need for them to send a message. Thereupon, Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji felt the divine pull of the love and Dyan of both his disciples, Bhai Sain Das and Almast, at Amritsar. Guru Sahib sent his family to Daroli, while he, along with Sikhs, proceeded to Nanakmata. Almast was overjoyed to see Guru Sahib. After blessing Almast, Guru Sahib proceeded towards the sacred Pipal tree that was burnt by the Jogis. Guru Sahib got a platform built around the tree, and recited Rehras (rihrws) while sitting on it. He sprinkled saffron on the Pipal tree, which came back to its full bloom. Even today every leaf from this tree carries a saffron mark, which confirms that Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji blessed it. The Jogis made a show of their supernatural powers to terrify Guru Hargobind

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Sahib Ji. Unable to impact Guru Sahib and realizing He had the same powers as Guru Nanak Dev Ji, they retreated. Since that date, the place is called Nanakmata, and has remained in the possession of Udaasi (audwsI) Sikhs. From Nanakmata, Guru Sahib went to Daroli and stayed there for few days. Guru Sahib had daily Katha and Kirtan diwans at Bhai Sain Das Ji‟s new house.

Shah Daula

On His way to Daroli, Guru Sahib met Shah Daula in Gujrat. Shah Daula was astonished to see Guru Sahib with swords hanging on both His sides, a plume attached to His turban, and a hawk sitting on His wrist. Shah Daula asked, "How can you be a religious man when you have a wife and children, possess worldly wealth, and have arms?" The Guru replied, "A wife is man's conscience, his children carry on his memory, wealth enables him to live, arms are needed to control the tyrants."

Joti Jot of Baba Buddha Ji

When Baba Buddha Ji decided to leave his mortal body, he wished for Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji to come and bless him. Feeling the pull of love, Guru Sahib immediately left for the village Ramdas (rmdws) where Baba Buddha Ji lived. Guru Sahib humbly asked Baba Buddha Ji, "You have seen Guru Nanak Dev Ji, give me some advice." Baba Buddha Ji replied, "How can I give you advise, you are Guru Nanak yourself. You have come to save me." The Guru replied, "Baba Ji, you had obtained bliss and enlightenment since childhood by serving Guru Nanak Dev Ji. You have blessed several with enlightenment and bliss." Saying this with great love and admiration, Guru Sahib put Baba Ji‟s head on His lap. On the lap of the sixth Nanak, Baba Buddha Ji merged with Guru Nanak Dev Ji. Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji Himself prepared and ignited Baba Ji‟s funeral pyre.

Bhai Gurdas Ji

Similarly, when Ji‟s end was approaching, Guru Sahib responded to his prayers. Bhai Gurdas Ji begged pardon for any sins he might have committed. Guru Sahib replied, “You have assisted in laying out the path of the Sikh faith. Among the ' Sikhs, your name shall be immortal." Bhai Gurdas Ji also breathed his last in Guru Sahib‟s lap. After performing the last rites Guru Hargobind Sahib returned to Amritsar. Bhai Gurdas Ji was a contemporary of the fourth, fifth, and sixth Guru Sahibs.

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The tenets of Sikh religion are given in Bhai Gurdas Ji's Varan (vwrW). In Guru Arjun Dev Ji‟s words, Bhai Gurdas Ji‟s Varan are “the key to understanding Guru Granth Sahib Ji” (gurbwxI dI kuMjI).

Key Gurmat Message: Guru Sahib listens to our prayers and fulfills our wishes.

Sri Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji and His Sikhs

Respect of Gurbani - Bhai Gopala Ji One day Guru Hargobind Sahib was telling the Sikhs about the importance of the correct pronunciation of Gurbani. Guru Sahib explained how the correct pronunciation of the Holy Gurbani makes one's mind pure and blissful. Then, Guru Sahib asked the Sangat if there was anyone who could recite Japuji Sahib correctly by heart. For some time, there was complete silence in the Darbar. No Sikh dared to claim that he could recite the Japuji Sahib correctly. Though thousands of Sikhs knew Japuji Sahib by heart, none considered themselves perfect and flawless. Then, Bhai Gopala Ji got up and said, "I do not claim that I can recite it correctly, but with your blessings, I could try my best to do so." Guru Sahib asked him to recite Japuji Sahib. At that time, Guru Sahib was sitting on His bed near the pillow. Bhai Gopala Ji recited Japuji Sahib with such concentration and love that an atmosphere of bliss prevailed. Guru Ji himself was so fascinated that He began to slip away from the pillow towards the foot side. Guru Ji was thinking that if Bhai Gopala Ji completes the recitation of Japuji Sahib with such grace and concentration, He would offer him the Gurgaddi. But when Bhai Gopala Ji recited more than thirty Paurees of Japuji Sahib, he lost his concentration and his mind drifted towards the worldly ambitions. He began to think, “If I complete the recitation of Japuji Sahib correctly, I wish Guru Sahib would give me the special Arabian horse that Subhaga presented to Guru Sahib." In such deliberations, Bhai Gopala completed the last 'Salok' of Japuji Sahib. Guru Sahib who had slipped towards the foot side of his bed moved towards the head side again. Guru Sahib gave the Arabian horse to Bhai GopalaJi and explained the importance of concentration and full devotion while reciting Gurbani. Guru Sahib explained how He would have offered Gurgaddi if Bhai Gopala‟s mind had not drifted towards worldly ambitions.

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Key Gurmat Message: It is very important to do Jaap (recitation) of Gurbani with full attention, love and devotion – we should feel as if Guru Ji is sitting right next to us listening to the Gurbani.

Bibi Sulakhni Ji Bibi Sulakhani was a devout Sikh of Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji. She did not have any children. One day she decided to go to Guru Sahib and asked for His blessings for a son. She went to Guru Sahib‟s Darbar, bowed, paid her respects and then asked Guru Sahib to bless her with a son. Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji told her, “Bibi, I don‟t foresee a child in your fate. qyry BwgW ivc b ` cw nhI hY[” Bibi Sulakhani Ji was sad. As she came out of the Darbar, Bhai Gurdas Ji was standing outside. When he saw her with a dejected face, he inquired, “What is wrong?” Bibi Sulakhani Ji told Bhai Gurdas Ji about Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji‟s reply. Bhai Gurdas Sahib Ji smiled and said, “Bibi, don‟t be sad, come back and request Guru Sahib again. If He gives you the same answer, then say to Him, “Satguru Ji, you are the embodiment of God, You have the will to change people‟s fate. If you don‟t foresee a son in my future, then here is the paper and pen, You can write my fate and grant me a son.” Next time, when Bibi Sulakhani Ji saw Guru Sahib, He was riding His horse. Bibi Sulakhani Ji approached Guru Sahib and repeated her request. When Guru Sahib gave her the same reply as before, she repeated what Bhai Gurdas Ji had instructed her to say. The all-knowing Guru Sahib knew what had happened. The saint-soldier Guru smiled at Bibi Sulakhani and took the paper and pen from her to write “1” (meaning that she was going to be blessed with a son), the horse moved and that “1” became “7”! Yes, Bibi Sulakhni was blessed with 7 sons, all of who turned out to be devout Sikhs.

Key Gurmat Message: As long as you have complete devotion, belief, and faith in the Guru Sahib, all your wishes will come true.

Bhai Roopa-Longing for Guru Sahib

Guru Hargobind Sahib had been staying at village Daroli for a few days for the

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congregation. After the evening diwan, Guru Sahib asked the Sikhs to prepare for their departure back to Amritsar in the morning. However, when they were about to leave, Guru Sahib announced that they would stay for one more night. No one understood why Guru Sahib changed His mind but no one dared to ask the Guru. Aqal was a devout Sikh who recited Gurbani all the time and raised his daughter, Surti to do the same. Surti had many banis memorized, including Asa Di Var and . When she was of the age to marry, her marriage was arranged with Sadhu. On the wedding day, Aqal found out that Sadhu‟s family worshipped tombs and they were followers of Muslim Pir. In fact, the bridegroom‟s entire village followed the same belief. When Surti found out, she cried but it was too late. Although Surti felt helpless, she had full faith in Guru Sahib. With full faith in her mind, she did Ardas to Guru Sahib and said, “I have never believed in anything other than the house of Guru Nanak but today I am going to a family who does not believe in Sikhi nor will they let me continue with my beliefs. Please do something to change their beliefs; perform your Kirpa so that they become your devoted Sikhs before I reach their house.” She departed her parent‟s house with her husband Bhai Sadhu, her father-in-law and others. The marriage party stopped at Daroli for an overnight stay. She heard Gurbani being sung from the village, she inquired from a passerby who was singing Guru‟s praises. The Sikh told her that they have a large congregation and Guru Hargobind Sahib Himself is in their village as well. Upon hearing that Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji Himself was in this village, tears rolled down from her eyes as she thought her prayers were answered. She bribed the people escorting her doli with her jewelry and ran towards Guru Sahib. As she walked into the Diwan, she bowed to Guru Sahib and sat with the Sangat. When Bhai Sadhu found out that his newly wedded wife had gone to see Guru Sahib,he got very angry and decided to bring her back. In the Diwan, Guru Sahib told Bhai Bidhi Chand to ask thebride to come forward. As she came near, Guru Sahib asked her why she looked so sad. Bibi Surti explained how she just got married to a person who does not believe in Guru Nanak Dev Ji and worships tombs. “How can I live in a house and spend the rest of my life with someone who will not let me pray and recite Gurbani?” Bibi Surti stated. Guru Sahib said, “Dear child, we were ready to leave this village this morning, but when you prayed with such devotion, my heart was pulled and I had to stay and wait for you.” At the same moment, the furious Bhai Sadhu marched into the Diwan. After getting just a glimpse of Guru Sahib‟s radiant Saroop, his anger and ego disappeared. He fell at Guru Sahib‟s feet and asked for forgiveness. Guru Sahib blessed the couple. A year later they were blessed with a son, and they traveled to see Guru Sahib. Guru Sahib looked at the baby boy, held him in his hands and named him Roop Chand, later known as Bhai Roopa. He grew up in a Sikhi atmosphere with his

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parents. During one hot summer day, Bhai Roopa and Bhai Sadhu went into the jungle for wood. They took a pitcher full of water and dug a hole in the sand in which they placed the pitcher to keep the water cool. In the afternoon, when they were thirsty, Bhai Roopa went to get the pitcher and felt it to be icy cold. He wished Guru Sahib Ji were there, so that he could enjoy the icy cold water. He shared his wish with his father. Bhai Sadhu said, “Son, Guru Hargobind Sahib is the True Guru and he always listens to our prayers. If we pray for his visit, he will come!” It was a very hot day and they were both very thirsty. With a strong desire that their Guru Sahib drink the ice-cold water first, they started praying to Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji to come and drink the water. But in the extreme heat and their thirst growing, they both became unconscious. How could the true Guru not listen to the loving cry of His beloved Sikhs? Feeling the strong pull of love and devotion of the father and son, Guru Sahib rode His horse towards the jungle with such speed that Sikhs could not catch up with him. Upon reaching there, Guru Sahib sprayed the water on their faces and they regained consciousness. Guru Sahib smiled and asked Bhai Roopa for the water. Guru Sahib drank the water and then father and son followed. Guru Sahib knew that Bhai Sadhu and his family had faced many challenges over the years living in the village because all the villagers were tomb worshippers so they did not like Bhai Sadhu and his family for embracing Sikhi. Guru Sahib decided to establish a new village. Guru Sahib laid the foundation for the new village with his own hands and named the village “Bhai Roope Ke.” Even today, the village stands in memory of Bhai Roopa in Punjab‟s Bathinda district. Bhai Roopa‟s family has many artifacts belonging to Guru Hargobind Sahib and all the following Gurus up to Guru Gobind Singh Ji. The family possesses several hand-written hukamnamas, (royal warrants) by Guru Sahibs in which, besides asking for men, money, and war materials, Guru Sahibs acknowledged Bhai Roopa's family as his own family. The family also possesses a chariot, the Rabab and Khadawan (wooden shoe) of Guru Arjun Dev Ji, Khadawan of Mata Ganga Ji, some paintings from Guru Sahib's times including one of Guru Gobind Singh Ji's childhood. They also have one hand written Guru Granth Sahib Ji, one Karchha, Qatar, many handwritten Pothies, the cot which was used to bestow the title of “Bhai,” the original top cloth of a Rath (chariot), one personal Pothi signed by Guru Gobind Singh Ji, Gatre wali Kirpan, Rumal (handkerchief), Loh (Round Steel plate to cook roti), one Garhwa, one Gager, Paraat (to knead flour), etc.

Key Gurmat Message: 1. Ardas, when performed with full faith and sincerity, can have amazing results. Guru Sahib listens to our Ardas and fulfills our genuine wishes.

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Last Days at Kiratpur Sahib (kIrqpur swihb)

Guru Sahib spent His last few years at Kiratpur Sahib. Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji chose His grandson (Guru) Har Rai Ji, son of Baba Gurdita Ji, as the seventh successor of Guru Nanak Dev Ji. At Kiratpur Sahib, on February 25, 1644, Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji placed the “Guru Jot” in Ji. Sri Guru Har Rai Ji became the 7th Nanak, our 7th Guru Sahib. Guru Hargobind Sahib advised Guru Har Rai Ji to continue practicing the saint-soldier principles. Guru Har Rai Ji maintained a strong force of 2200 horse riders who were ready to face any aggressor. A few days after handing over the responsibility to Guru Har Rai Ji, Guru Hargobind Sahib merged with Almighty Waheguru on March 3, 1644 at Kiratpur Sahib.

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Sri Guru Har Rai Sahib Ji

Date of Parkash: January 16, 1630 (mwG sudI 13, 19 mwG sMmq 1686) Place of Parkash: Kiratpur Sahib, District: Ropar, Punjab Father: Baba Sri Gurditta Ji Mother: Mata Nihal Kaur Ji Mahal (Wife): Mata Krishan Kaur Ji Sons: Baba Ram Rai Ji, Sri Ji Gurgaddi: February 25, 1644 (cyq vdI 13, 29 P`gx sMmq 1700) JotiJot: October 6, 1661 (k`qk vdI 9, 6 k`qk sMmq 1718)

Legend for calendar dates: English Calendar; Lunar Calendar; Bikrami Calendar

Guru Har Rai Ji was the seventh Guru of the Sikhs. Guru Har Rai Ji’s parkash was in Kiratpur in 1630. His father was Baba Gurditta Ji and his mother was Mata Nihal Kaur. He was the grandson of Guru Hagobind Sahib Ji. Guru Har Rai Sahib was very gentle and kindhearted.

Once while passing through his garden, a flower got plucked by his Chola. He felt bad and told his grandfather, Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji about the incident. Guru Sahib replied that when one wears long- flowing attire, one should be more careful. He meant that when one is in a position of responsibility, one should be careful not to inadvertently hurt others. Thereafter, to honor Guru Sahib's words, He folded his Chola all his life when walking. Guru Har Rai Sahib never hurt anyone‟s feelings.

Key Gurmat Message: Guru Ji wants us to be kind to all living beings – other people, all animals, and even plants – Waheguru Ji is present in all these.

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Guru Sahib Opens a Medical Clinic Guru Sahib also established a medical clinic at Kiratpur Sahib where he collected very rare and unique herbs for various diseases. One time Dara Shikoh, the eldest son of Emperor Shah Jahan, fell seriously ill by a mysterious disease. The emperor consulted the best physicians available in the country and abroad but his health did not improve. Later, the emperor heard about Guru Har Rai Ji‟s clinic and made a humble request to Guru Sahib for the treatment of his son. Guru Sahib accepted the request, and handed over some rare and suitable remedies to the messenger of the emperor. The life of Dara Shikoh was saved. The emperor whole-heartedly thanked Guru Sahib and wanted to grant some land (Jagir) but Guru Sahib did not accept it. Guru Sahib also maintained a zoo at Kiratpur Sahib.

Key Gurmat Message: For Guru Ji, friends and enemies are the same. Guru Ji blesses anyone who prays sincerely to Guru Ji. (Note that Shah Jahan had attacked Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji four times, still when Shah Jahan prayed for medicine to Guru Har Rai Ji, he was given the medicine).

Love of a Sikh Binds Guru Sahib

Guru Sahib sent Bhai Gonda Ji, a devout Sikh, to Kabul to preach the Sikh faith and spread the fragrance of Naam - the true Name. One day, Bhai Gonda Ji was doing Naam Simran, and in his meditation, he was envisioning himself clinging to Guru Ji‟s feet. He grew so absorbed in the thought, that he lost track of time. At Kiratpur Sahib, Guru Sahib, bound by his Sikh‟s love, remained seated on his throne for few hours more even after the Diwan ended. When he finally got up, Sikhs asked Guru Sahib why he remained seated for so long. Guru Sahib replied, “My Sikh in Kabul, Bhai Gonda was doing Naam-Simran and was clinging to my feet. I could not get up until he came out of meditation and released my feet.”

Key Gurmat Message: Guru Ji is fully aware of all our prayers and devotion; we should do Naam Simran with full attention because Guru Ji is listening to us.

Respect for Gurbani (gurbwxI dw Adb) After some time, Guru Sahib sent his eldest son, Ram Rai, to Delhi instructing him to rely on the divine power of the Gurus, and to not compromise the principles of his religion. It is said that Ram Rai, while there, performed seventy-two miracles. The Emperor sent him

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poisoned robes, which Ram Rai wore but was not hurt. In one incident, a sheet of cloth was taped over a deep well so that when asked to sit, Ram Rai would fall into the well. The sheet did not give way. Ram Rai also made the Emperor see Mecca while sitting in Delhi. After seventy- two such miracles were shown, was convinced of Ram Rai's powers and became friendly to him, but then came the last question. The Qazis asked Ram Rai about what Guru Nanak Dev Ji had written:

imtI muslmwn kI pyVY peI kuim@Awr ] (SRI guru gMRQ swihb jI, 466) Clay of the Muslim's grave becomes clay for the potter's wheel.

“What is the meaning of this?” asked the Qazis.

Ram Rai replied, “Your Majesty, Guru Nanak Dev Ji wrote, imtI byeImwn kI (Mitti beiman ki), which means the ashes of the unfaithful not of the Muslims.” Ram Rai‟s statement changed the Gurbani word “Musalman” to “Beiman,” just to please the emperor. The Qazis and emperor were pleased with this reply. Immediately the word reached Guru Har Rai Ji about this incident. Guru Sahib remarked that no one should ever change the words of Guru Nanak Dev Ji and that He would never see the face of any such person who dared to change the words of Guru Nanak Dev Ji. Guru Sahib ordered Ram Rai not to show his face to Him again. This incident teaches us that no one has the authority to change Gurbani. Guru Sahib‟s word is true and true forever. If our limited mind cannot understand or comprehend it, we can only pray for Guru Sahib‟s guidance but we cannot change or edit Gurbani.

Key Gurmat Message: Gurbani has come straight from Waheguru Ji through Guru Sahibs. That is why it is called “Dhur Ki Bani.” No one is allowed to change even a single word of Gurbani. Anyone misguided person who tries to do so is rejected by the Guru Sahib and the Sikh Sangat.

Atempts to Attack Sri Guru Har Rai Ji

Guru Har Rai Ji maintained a strong force of 2,200 Sikhs (saint-soldiers) who had horses and were fully trained to face any aggressor. These saint-soldiers were devout Sikhs with their heart filled with Guru‟s love, ready to sacrifice everything for their Guru Sahib. The salaried employees of other armies were no match for them. Aurangzeb became the emperor of after killing his brothers (including Dara Shikoh) and imprisoning his father. At this time, the enemies of Guru Har Rai

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Sahib Ji got a chance to poison the mind of Aurangzeb convincing him to be against Guru Sahib by telling him that Guru Sahib had provided assistance to Dara Shikoh. Upon this Aurangzeb summoned Guru Sahib to come to Delhi. But Guru Ji, the True King, was fearless and above all earthly kings, refused to go. Seeing Guru Sahib‟s refusal, Aurangzeb ordered Khalil Khan, the governor of Lahore to capture Guru Har Rai Sahib. The governor sent Commander Zalim Khan along with an army of 10,000 soldiers to attack the Guru. Zalim Khan died from eating raw meat before he even reached the Guru. This forced the army to retreat.

Then, Doonde Khan was sent to lead the army. When the army was still traveling, it stopped for the night near Kartarpur. During the night somebody killed him during his sleep, so the leaderless army retreated again.

The third time, Nahar Khan was sent to attack the Guru. On the way, his army had an outbreak of cholera. Many of the soldiers fell to the epidemic. The soldiers that survived realized that they were forced to retreat each time because of Guru Sahib‟s power. This is because when Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji appointed Guru Har Rai Ji as Guru, He had given Him a boon (vr): anyone who tried to attack Him would be destroyed before they even reached Him. Everybody realized that these words were coming true.

Key Gurmat Message: Gurbani states repeatedly, “No one can harm those who are protected by Waheguru Ji.” This is a perfect example of that.

Guru Ji Responds to Love and Devotion

One day during a ride, Guru Har Rai Sahib Ji halted and knocked at the door of a poor woman‟s house and said, "Good lady, I am very hungry, bring me the bread you have prepared." The woman was a devout Sikh who was always hopeful that one day Guru Sahib would come to her house. Filled with joy, she brought some coarse bread, which Guru Har Rai Sahib partook on horseback, and relished it very much. He then blessed the woman and released her from the cycle of reincarnation. Same time next day, some Sikhs prepared delicious dishes and offered them to Guru Sahib. Guru Sahib told them it was not the usual time for Him to eat.

The Sikhs asked, "O True King, yesterday you ate bread on horseback from the hands of an old woman whom you did not know. The place was neither clean nor holy, and the food was in every way impure. Today we have prepared the food for you; no impurity is attached to it, yet you reject it. Please explain the reason

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behind it."

The Guru replied, "The woman prepared the food for me with her hard earned money, and out of great love and devotion. Considering this, the food was very pure and I partook of it. The Guru is hungry for love, not for dainty dishes. In the matter of love for God, no rule is recognized. It is not what man eats that pleases God, it is man's devotion that is acceptable to Him." Guru Har Rai Ji left this world in 1661 at the age of 31 and gave Gurgaddi to his younger son Guru Har Krishan Sahib Ji.

Key Gurmat Message: Waheguru Ji and Guru Ji, who are all knowing, care more for the devotion and love inside us.

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Sri Guru Har Krishan Sahib Ji

Date of Parkash: July 1656 Place of Parkash: Kiratpur Sahib, District: Ropar, Punjab Father: Sri Guru Har Rai Sahib Ji Mother: Mata Krishan Kaur Ji (Sulakhni Ji) Gurgaddi: October 1661 Joti Jot: March 1664

Legend for calendar dates: English Calendar; Lunar Calendar; Bikrami Calendar

Guru Har Rai Ji passed the Guru Jot to the eighth Guru Nanak, Guru Har Krishan Ji. The word “Har‟ means God, and the word „Krishan‟ means destroyer of evil. Therefore, the name “Har Krishan‟ means “God – destroyer of evil.” Guru Har Krishan Sahib Ji is unique in several aspects. He was only five years and eight of age when He became the eighth Guru Nanak. He had the divine light or Guru Jot of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, which was passed from one Guru to the next. At this young age, Guru Har Krishan Ji displayed all the qualities of a sampooran Satguru. Guru Har Krishan Ji was the youngest son of Guru Har Rai Sahib and Mata Krishan Kaur Ji (Sulakhni Ji). Ram Rai, being the eldest son of Guru Har Rai Ji thought that he deserved to be the next Guru. Deprived of this, he complained to Emperor Aurangzeb against his father's decision. Aurangzeb asked Guru Har Krishan Ji to meet him at Delhi. Guru Har Rai Ji had instructed Guru Har Krishan Ji not to give Darshan to Emperor Aurangzeb “nh mlyS ko drSn dYhY].” Guru Har Krishan Ji firmly refused to meet Emperor Aurangzeb. Later, Raja Jai Singh, one of Guru Sahib‟s devotees sent his messengers to Kiratpur Sahib to request Guru Sahib to visit Delhi. At the repeated requests of the Sikhs of Delhi and Raja Jai Singh, Guru Har Krishan Ji agreed to go to Delhi but He still refused to meet Aurangzeb.

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The Mute Chhaju Mehra (C`jU mihrw) On His way to Delhi from Kiratpur Sahib, Guru Sahib stopped at the village Panjokhara (pMjoKrw). On the outside, Guru Sahib had many similarities with other boys of the same age of 6-7 years. Many people who had no knowledge of the background of the had thought that Guru Sahib was a mere child. One such person was a Brahmin, named Lal Chand. Lal Chand had good knowledge of the various Hindu religious scriptures, such as Geeta, the scripture of Lord Krishna, the Hindu prophet. Perhaps he thought that Guru Sahib‟s knowledge was limited to that of other children the same age. So, Lal Chand commented to other people that the young Guru’s name was Guru Har Krishan Ji, and this was similar to the name of the Hindu prophet, Lord Krishna, but did Guru Sahib know anything about the Geeta scripture of the Hindu Prophet? Could he even translate that holy text? Some Sikhs soon relayed this remark to Guru Sahib. Guru Sahib who is the same Jot as Guru Nanak Dev Ji and had the knowledge of the Infinite, The “all-knowing” Lord, simply smiled at this. Guru Sahib told one of the Sikhs to bring Lal Chand to the Guru’s Darbar the next day. The next morning, after the prayers had completed, the Sikhs brought Lal Chand in Guru Sahib‟s presence. Lal Chand was a bit worried about what would happen to him, now that Guru Sahib knew about his remark. Even the Sikhs were wondering what Guru Sahib would do at this moment. However, Guru Har Krishan Ji welcomed Lal Chand to the Darbar. Guru Sahib then told Lal Chand that there would be Katha (religious discourse) on the Geeta in His Darbar and asked Lal Chand to bring any person to the Darbar, and by the grace of Akal Purakh, that person would do the Katha of Geeta in the Guru‟s Darbar. Lal Chand was very skeptical about this, and thought that there was no way that any simple person could do the Katha of Geeta, since it had taken him many years to learn the full Katha and become a scholar. As Lal Chand was coming out of the Darbar to find an ordinary person, he came across a deaf and mute person of the village, named Chhaju Mehra. At once, Lal Chand thought it would be amusing to take Chhaju to the Guru‟s Darbar for doing Katha since Chhaju was completely uneducated and unable to even talk. Lal Chand thought that it would be completely impossible for Chhaju to do the Geeta Katha, but Lal Chand didn‟t know about the high complete state of Guru Har Krishan Ji.

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When Chhaju went into the Darbar, Guru Sahib called him to his side, and blessed him with a divine, merciful glance. Lal Chand seated himself close to the Guru and the other Sikhs also sat down in preparation for the Katha. Guru Sahib placed one end of his cane (Guru Sahib carried a small cane with him) on Chhaju‟s head and asked Lal Chand to recite any part of the Geeta for which he wanted a translation. Lal Chand recited a few sentences from the Geeta. What happened next was completely amazing. From Chhaju’s lips, there started a stream of words in a quick sequence (Chhaju had been incapable of speaking even one sentence properly before). Within a few minutes, all the Sikhs and Lal Chand were stunned by the rich wisdom flowing from Chhaju’s lips. As the Katha continued, tears started flowing from Lal Chand’s eyes. He felt as if Lord Krishna himself was doing the Katha of Geeta. Earlier, he had never understood these deep meanings of the sentences of the Geeta, but now the doors of wisdom were opening and he was being blessed with original knowledge. When the Katha finished, and this miraculous event ended, no one moved. There was complete silence. All those present bowed in respect and sang praises of Guru Sahib and the Almighty Lord granting speech and deep wisdom to even those who the world considers ignorant. Then, Lal Chand got up and put his head on Guru Har Krishan‟s feet and broke down in tears. He sought forgiveness for his ignorant remarks and also thanked Guru Sahib for bringing out the deep wisdom of the Geeta that he had never understood before, even though he had spent years studying it. Such is the glory of Guru Har Krishan Ji, whose divine, merciful glance and miraculous touch was able to transform a mute person into a learned scholar in an instant. This incident completely changed Lal Chand, and he became a devoted Gursikh. He entered the fold of the Khalsa in Guru Gobind Singh Ji's time, and took the name of Lal Singh. Lal Singh met with a warrior’s death (Shaheedi) fighting in the battle of Chamkaur on December 7, 1705 thus becoming Amar (Immortal). Chhaju Mehra, who was blessed by Guru Har Krishan Ji‟s divine glance and touch, was amazed to realize that after this incident, he could speak and hear normally like any other person. He also felt a treasure of spiritual wisdom had opened up within him. He felt that he could not bear to be separated from Guru Sahib after receiving this great blessing. So, he requested Guru Sahib that he be allowed to stay with Guru Sahib and accompany Him to Delhi. Guru Sahib blessed Chhaju with Sikhi and assigned him the duty to spread the message of Guru Nanak Dev Ji.

Key Gurmat Message: Guru Ji‟s blessing is very powerful. Through His blessing, a mute person can speak, a deaf can hear, and an ignorant can become enlightened. Many such miracles happen with Guru Ji‟s blessings.

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It is worth noting that Ji received Gurgaddi at the age of 72 years, while Guru Har Krishan Ji was only 5½ years old when he received Gurgaddi. Irrespective of age, the Gurgaddi went to whoever was worthy of it. At the very young age of 5½ years old, Guru Har Krishan Ji had all the qualities of a sampooran Satguru.

Guru Sahib Spots the Queen When Guru Sahib reached Delhi, the Sikhs of Delhi and Raja Jai Singh greeted him with love and honor. At Delhi, Guru Sahib stayed at the palace of Raja Jai Singh. In order to test the Guru Sahib's powers, Raja Jai Singh requested Guru Sahib to identify the real queen out of the equally and well dressed ladies. Guru Sahib at once went to a lady dressed as a servant and sat in her lap. This lady was the real queen. This Sakhi is an example of the fact that we cannot hide anything from Guru Sahib because Guru Sahib is all-knowing, or jwxI jwx.

Sri Guru Har Krishan Ji - Destroyer of Evil and Suffering

A short time after Guru Har Krishan Sahib had reached Delhi, the Guru‟s congregation (Sangat) increased and many seekers of spiritual wisdom and other pure souls joined in the Guru‟s Darbar at the palace of Raja Jai Singh. After the daily morning prayers, many from the Sangat would request Guru Sahib to visit their residences and bless them with His company. While accepting these requests, Guru Sahib would go and shower blessings to many others who came in contact with him. Thus a large population of the area gradually came under the protective umbrella of the Guru. Around this time, a severe epidemic of cholera and smallpox broke out in the city of Delhi. These illnesses can make a person very sick with a lot of pain, and if proper medicine is not given in time, hundreds of thousands of people can die. This was a time when there were no hospitals, and only a few people had knowledge of herbal medicines, many of which were also not very effective. Also, most people did not know how to prevent the spread of these infectious diseases.

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Therefore, in a short time, entire families became sick, and a large number of people were dying. As the epidemic spread, its news reached the Sangat of Guru Har Krishan Ji, and Sikhs requested the young Guru to help the people in trouble. Guru Sahib blessed the Sangat and said that whoever was suffering from the diseases should drink the water from the well at Guru Ji’s residence, and he/she would be cured. At first, many of the sick people were brought to Guru Ji‟s Darbar. After drinking the blessed water, and receiving Guru Sahib‟s blessings, they would recover from the disease. Guru Sahib blessed all sufferers and did not make any distinction between whether they were Hindu or Muslim, or low caste/high caste. Thus, Guru Sahib saved countless people from the epidemic of cholera and smallpox. Many of the Muslim people were very impressed by the Guru‟s healing touch that they called him in respect Bala Pir (bwlw pIr child prophet). On Guru Sahib‟s instructions, Raja Jai Singh constructed a reservoir of water. Guru Sahib dipped His feet in the water of the tank and after that whosoever took bath with that water, was cured from smallpox. This place is the site of a beautiful , Gurdwara Bangla Sahib (gurduAwrw bMglw swihb) in New Delhi, India. Regular daily Kirtan and Katha are organized at this Gurdwara, and thousands of people, of all religions, pay their respects every day. Even today, the faithful are cured by taking the water from the well at this Gurdwara.

It has become part of our daily prayer (Ardas) to remember Sri Guru Harkrishan Sahib Ji as the destroyer of all the sufferings and pain. Let us all repeat:

sRI hir iksn iDAweIAY ijs ifTy siB duiK jwie ] (SRI dsm gRMQ) Meditate on Sri (Guru) Har Krishan Sahib, seeing Whom all the sufferings melt away.

We also learn from Gurbani that Naam Jaap and listening to Gurbani can cure all diseases and remove all pain and suffering. It is important to recite Gurbani, focus on the message and listen to what is being recited. In order to receive Guru Sahib‟s blessings, it is important to repeat and memorize Gurbani. Let us repeat and memorize the following Gurbani lines:

dUK rog sMqwp auqry suxI scI bwxI ] (SRI gurU gRMQ swihb jI, 922) Pain, illness and suffering have departed, listening to Gurbani.

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srb rog kw AauKdu nwmu ] (SRI gurU gRMQ swihb jI, 274) Naam is the medicine, the ultimate remedy, to cure all ills.

Key Gurmat Message: Guru Ji‟s blessing (also Gurbani and Naam Jaap) can cure all diseases and remove all pain and suffering – even today.

Bold and Fearless Sri Guru Har Krishan Ji

Guru Har Krishan Ji, as Guru Jot is the true King, who is more powerful than any worldly king, and does not fear any king of the world. While Guru Har Krishan Ji was staying in Delhi, the Mughal emperor Aurangzeb, who also had his court in Delhi (capital of his empire), was interested in meeting Him and sent messages requesting a meeting with Guru Sahib. However, just before Guru Har Rai Ji passed on the Guru Jot to Guru Har Krishan Sahib, He had clearly instructed Guru Har Krishan Ji not to meet Aurangzeb (since Aurangzeb had made attempts to change the sacred Gurbani of the Guru Sahiban). Guru Har Krishan Ji firmly refused to accept Aurangzeb‟s request and conveyed this to Raja Jai Singh.

In his next audience with Aurangzeb, Raja Jai Singh explained in very polite and diplomatic language the inability of the Guru to come to the court. Aurangzeb, however, asked one of the Princes, Prince Muazzam, to meet the Guru and report to him the real reason of the inability of Bala Pir (Guru Har Krishan Ji) to present himself in the court. He asked the Prince to take a basket full of gifts for the Child prophet. Aurangzeb placed a rosary, an emblem of poverty and holiness, beneath all articles. He thought to himself that if Bala-Pir picked up the rosary, he should be considered a gifted saint.

The Prince met Guru Har Krishan Sahib Ji on the bank of Jamuna the next day. When he respectfully offered a bowl full of gold and silver coins to Guru Har Krishan Ji, Bala-Pir said, "Noble Prince, I leave the gold and silver to you. Make the best of them. Give them to the poor and needy with your own hands. I will take the rosary that is concealed under the gold coins." The Prince was surprised, and politely offered the rosary to Guru Sahib. The Prince then informed Guru Ji that he had come on behalf of the Emperor who was anxious to meet him. Guru Sahib dictated one Shabad of Guru Nanak Dev Ji to His Diwan, Durgah Mal in Gurmukhi and Persian. Guru Sahib asked Prince Muazzam to give this Shabad to the Emperor. If the Emperor acted upon the teachings of the Shabad, the blessing of Guru Nanak Dev Ji would light on him and he would be happy.

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Guru Ji was well aware that Aurangzeb, a king of this world, had big armies at His command, and even many other kings were afraid of Him and obeyed his every word. But Guru Ji, as the “Guru Jot” of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, was the True King of both this world and after. Even though Guru Har Krishan Ji was only 7 years old, He was not the least afraid of any worldly king. Thus, emperor Aurangzeb, even with all the armies at his command, was not able to get even a glimpse of Guru Har Krishan Sahib Ji. It is important to note here that Guru Har Krishan Ji had the same “Guru Jot” as Guru Nanak Dev Ji and He had the same power. Against all odds, Guru Har Krishan Ji at such a young age followed Guru Har Rai Ji‟s advice not to give Darshan to Emperor Aurangzeb “nh mlyS ko drSn dYhY]”.

Key Gurmat Message: Guru Ji is the all-powerful true king, and Guru Ji is not afraid of any worldly king.

Guru Baba Bakale (bwbw bkwly)

After some time, when the smallpox epidemic had spread even more, Guru Ji started going out personally to the areas that were most affected by the disease. His very presence and Divine, merciful glance would rid the sick of their sufferings.

It is said that as the smallpox epidemic was spread so vast in Delhi, that Guru Ji out of compassion for the sick people, took all the pain of the suffering on to His own body. He decided to leave this world while healing countless people from this terrible sickness.

As Guru Ji was preparing to leave this world, Sikhs prayed before Him to reveal the next person (Guru) in whom Guru Jot would reside. Guru Har Krishan Ji waved His hand (in circles) three times in the air and said, “Baba Bakale.” This meant that Guru Sahib has placed the Guru Jot to the “Baba” who lives at the town Bakala (a small town near Amritsar in Punjab). Waving His hand three times in air symbolized Guru Har Krishan Sahib Ji was doing three Parikarma of the ninth Nanak (Guru Teg Bahadur Sahib Ji who at that time was meditating at Bakale)

Key Gurmat Message: Guru Har Krishan Ji blessed thousands of people, cured their diseases, and showed them how a True Guru is absolutely perfect – even at a very young age.

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Date of Parkash: April 1, 1621 (vYswK vdI 5, 5 vYswK sMmq 1678) Place of Parkash: Amritsar Sahib Father: Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji Mother: Mata Nanki Ji Mahal (Wife): Mata Gujri Ji Son: Guru Gobind Singh Ji Gurgaddi: March 30, 1664 (cyq sudI 14, 3 vYswK sMmq 1721) JotiJot: November 11, 1675 (m`Gr sudI 5, 11 m`Gr sMmq 1732)

Legend for calendar dates: English Calendar; Lunar Calendar; Bikrami C alendar

P arkash and Childhood Guru Teg Bahadur Ji‟s Parkash took place in the holy city of Sri Amritsar on April 1, 1621. Guru Teg Bahadur Ji was the fifth and youngest son of Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji. His mother was Mata Nanki Ji. He was named Tyag Mall at the time of his Parkash. Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji's other children were Baba Gurditta Ji, Bibi Veero Ji, Baba Suraj Mall Ji, Baba Anhi Rai Ji and Baba Atal Rai Ji. At the age of 4½ years, Guru Teg Bahadur Ji started learning Gurmat and languages like Prakrit, Persian, and Punjabi. He received knowledge of scriptures from Baba Buddha Ji and Bhai Gurdas Ji. Bhai Bidhi Chand Ji taught him Gatka g~qkw (Sikh martial art) and made Him perfect in the use of various types of weapons. Guru Teg Bahadur Ji was very calm by nature. He was married to Mata Gujri Ji at Kartarpur in March 1632.

Kind and Tender Heart of Guru Teg Bahadur Ji

Once as a young boy, Guru Teg Bahadur Ji was all dressed in fine clothes while accompanying the marriage party of his elder brother Baba Gurditta Ji. A boy with no clothes was looking at the beautiful clothes worn by the marriage party. In his mind, he had a desire to have a similar dress. The young Guru Teg Bahadur Ji noticed the boy fascinated by the fine clothes. He was moved by the boy‟s desire. He took off his own fine and elegant clothes and gave it to him. When Guru Teg Bahadur Ji went home for another set of clothes, his mother asked curiously about his previous clothes. The young Guru Teg Bahadur Ji answered innocently: “Dear mother, the poor boy did not have any clothes, so I gave him mine.”

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Practice What You Preach

Guru Teg Bahadur Ji showed practical wisdom right from his childhood. He believed that one should preach only what one practices himself. Examples are better than just teaching. Once in childhood, the mother of one of His friends came to Him with a strange problem. Her son had gotten into the habit of eating too much gurh (guV jaggery). She wanted him to stop this. She pleaded with Guru Teg Bahadur Ji to speak to her son to reduce the intake of gurh. Guru Sahib said, “Ok I‟ll do it, mother, but please give me a week.” After one week, Guru Teg Bahadur Ji told His friend in the presence of his mother, “Friend! It is not good to take too much gurh.” It was natural for the mother to ask, “If you just had to say this simple thing, why did you wait for a week?” Guru Teg Bahadur Ji said, “Mother, last week I myself was eating too much gurh. I wanted some time to stop the habit myself before advising my friend. Otherwise, my advice would have had no effect on him.”

Change of Name from Tyag Mall

Vaisakhi congregation of the year 1634 was held at Kartarpur Sahib. The royal army under the leadership of Painde Khan attacked Kartarpur Sahib (krqwrpur swihb). Guru Hargobind Sahib came out with his Sikhs to face him in the battlefield. Guru Teg Bahadur Ji was only thirteen at the time. He adorned his weapons and joined in the battle. The royal army was defeated, and it ran away from the battlefield. Guru Hargobind Sahib decided to move to Kiratpur Sahib. While Guru Hargobind Sahib along with Sikhs was going towards Kiratpur Sahib, the royal army again attacked from the rear. Tyag Mall Ji excelled in fighting with his sword and surprised everyone with His skills. Guru Hargobind Sahib was very pleased with His bravery. The royal army was again defeated. After the battle, Guru Hargobind Sahib called Tyag Mall Ji and said, "Son! From this day your name is Teg Bahadur (a skilled and brave swordsman) and not Tyag Mall."

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Meditation at Bakala

Before His union with the Supreme Being on March 3, 1644, Guru Hargobind Sahib transferred the “Guru Nanak Jot‟ to His grandson, Guru Har Rai Ji, and asked Guru Teg Bahadur Ji to go to Bakala along with Mata Nanki Ji (mother of Guru Teg Bahadur Sahib Ji) and Mata Gujri Ji (wife of Guru Teg Bahadur Ji). Bakala was the village of Mata Nanki Ji‟s parents. Guru Teg Bahadur Ji dedicated more than 26 years of his life to meditation at Baba Bakala. When Guru Har Krishan Ji decided to immerse in the Divine Light, He told the Sikhs about the next Guru by saying, “Baba Bakale,” which meant that the “Guru Nanak Jot‟ now resides in Guru Har Krishan Ji‟s “Baba” or grandfather, who is living in “Bakala.” When the Sodhis (blood relatives of Guru Har Krishan Ji) came to know of these words, many of them reached Bakala with the intention of becoming the next Guru. The Sikhs were at a loss to know who the real Guru was.

Key Gurmat Message: Those who gracefully accept and follow Guru Sahib‟s Hukam get everything.

The True Guru is Found gurU lwDo ry! Makhan Shah was a wealthy merchant. He was once sailing in the deep seas on his business trip when he suddenly found that his ship was stuck in sea storm. All efforts by his marine engineers to rescue the ship failed. Makhan Shah along with his crew humbly prayed to Guru Nanak Dev Ji‟s Jot to help them during this difficult time. He promised to pay a personal visit to the House of Guru Nanak Dev Ji and offer 500 gold coins. The humble prayers of Makhan Shah and his crew were answered. Suddenly the seas began to calm and wind blew from the right direction with the right force and before anyone could notice, the ship was sailing peacefully again. Makhan Shah and his crew thanked their Guru and longed for His Darshan and blessings on return to India. Makhan Shah, longing for Guru Sahib‟s Darshan, reached Bakala, Punjab in October 1664. Seeing so many people claiming themselves as the Guru, he knew

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that there was only one true Guru and that the rest were fakes (impostors). He thought of a plan to test the self-made Gurus. He said to himself, “I shall go to every one of them one after the other. I shall make an offering of two gold coins to each. The false ones will accept them readily. The true Guru Ji will claim the offering actually promised by me.” Makhan Shah went to each one of the self-made Gurus, one after the other. He placed two gold coins before each one as his offering. Each of them was pleased at the sight of the gold coins. He came to the conclusion that none of them were the real Guru. He inquired if there was any other person belonging to Guru Sahib‟s family. He was told, “There is another man, whose name is Baba Teg Bahadur Ji, youngest son of Guru Har Gobind Sahib Ji. While other Babas have come from nearby towns, Baba Teg Bahadur Ji has lived and meditated in Bakala for the past twenty-six years. He is humble and has a charming personality. He lives in silence, away from the world. He makes no claim to the Guruship.” Makhan Shah went to the house pointed out to him. He bowed in respect to Mata Nanki Ji (mother of Guru Ji) and Mata Gujri Ji (wife of Guru Teg Bahadur Ji). He requested Mata Ji to meet Guru Teg Bahadur Ji. After taking permission from Guru Sahib, Mata Ji allowed Makhan Shah to visit Guru Sahib in his room (now known as Bhora Sahib). When Makhan Shah entered the Bhora Sahib (room) where Guru Teg Bahadur Ji was meditating for the past twenty-six years, he found a glow of Divine Light and tranquility. Guru Teg Bahadur Ji‟s face was glowing like a Sun and Makhan Shah could not dare look eye to eye with Him. Makhan Shah was so pleased and impressed that he at once bowed to the True Guru. But still not sure, he offered only five gold coins (instead of the two coins he had offered to each of the twenty-two other fake gurus). On seeing this, Guru Teg Bahadur Ji, the ninth place of Guru Nanak Dev Ji‟s Jot, said to Makhan Shah, “Why five pieces of gold instead of the five hundred that were promised to Guru Nanak Dev Ji?”

Makhan Shah was amazed, overjoyed, and at a loss for words. He fell at Guru Teg Bahadur Ji‟s feet. He placed five hundred gold coins before Guru Sahib. Then he rushed to the top of the house. He waved a cloth in the air and shouted at the top of his voice, “I have found the True Guru! I have found the True Guru! (gurU lwDo ry! gurU lwDo ry!)”

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On hearing this, the Sikhs were very pleased. They gathered at the Guru Sahib’s door. Guru Sahib came out of Bhora Sahib. Guru Teg Bahadur Ji was duly seated on the throne.

Attack by Dhir Mall

Dhir Mall, the elder son of Baba Gurditta Ji (elder brother of Guru Teg Bahadur Ji) had set up a camp at village Bakala in the hope of becoming Guru. When it was known to all that Guru Teg Bahadur Ji was the real Guru, Sikh devotees presented Guru Teg Bahadur Ji money and other offerings. Dhir Mall could not bear it. He made a plan with Masand Sheehan to kill Guru Teg Bahadur Ji. On receiving information about the departure of Makhan Shah to his camp, Dhir Mall along with Masand Sheehan and twenty-five gunmen reached the house of Guru Teg Bahadur Ji. Taking aim at Guru Teg Bahadur Ji, Masand Sheehan fired a shot. The bullet scraped the head of Guru Teg Bahadur Ji leaving Guru Sahib‟s forehead smeared with blood. Masand Sheehan then proceeded to loot Guru Sahib‟s valuables. Hearing this, Makhan Shah reached the camp of Dhir Mall with his men. On seeing Makhan Shah and his men coming, Dhir Mall‟s gunmen fled. Makhan Shah collected the money that Dhir Mall had looted from Guru Sahib. He arrested Dhir Mall and Masand Sheehan and presented them before Guru Sahib. Guru Teg Bahadur Ji was so forgiving that He asked Makhan Shah to release Dhir Mall and Masand Sheehan. Guru Sahib also gave the money that Makhan Shah brought back to Dhir Mall and Masand Sheehan. Guru Sahib explained that they had done all this in jealousy and greed. The money and material, which they thought would give them comfort, brought nothing but suffering.

The Sacrifice (Martyrdom of Guru Teg Bahadur Ji) Emperor Aurangzeb knew if he could convert the leaders of the Hindu religion, then millions of followers would also convert. He started persecuting and harassing the Hindu Pandits of Kashmir (kSmIr). The Pandits, overcome by panic, came in a delegation to Anandpur Sahib (AnMdpur swihb) and requested Guru Teg Bahadur Ji to help. They told their sad tales: how Aurangzeb had offered them the choice between and death; how their wives and daughters were taken away from them; how they were forced to eat beef (strictly forbidden to the Hindus by religion). At this time

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Guru Sahib‟s 9-year- old son (Guru) Gobind Rai Ji came and asked his father who these people were and what was going on. Guru Sahib explained that these were the Kashmiri Pundits and Aurangzeb was forcibly converting them to Islam. Guru Sahib said that their religion could be saved if a pious and holy person came forward to sacrifice his life. 9-year-old (Guru) Gobind Rai Ji replied, “Father, none could be worthier than Yourself for such a noble cause.” Guru Teg Bahadur Ji was pleased to hear this brave answer from His young son. (Guru) Gobind Rai Ji confirmed Guru Sahib‟s resolution to lay down His life to uphold the people's right to practice their religion. Guru Teg Bahadur Ji told the delegation He was ready to sacrifice His life to protect the Hindus from mass conversion. He told the Kashmiri Pundits to go tell Aurangzeb, “Our leader is Guru Teg Bahadur Ji. If you can persuade him to convert to Islam, we‟ll all happily give in to your orders.”

Guru Sahib left for Delhi with five Sikhs including Bhai Sati Das Ji, Ji and Bhai Dyala Ji. They voluntarily let themselves be arrested by Aurangzeb's forces. Guru Sahib was given three choices of either: 1) Adopt Islam 2) Perform a miracle 3) Prepare to die

Guru Sahib refused to adopt Islam or perform a miracle since God’s gifts are to help others and not perform miracles. The accompanying Sikhs also accepted torture, rather than giving up their religion and convert to Islam. Bhai Mati Das Ji, Bhai Sati Das Ji and Bhai Dyala Ji were martyred in front of Guru Sahib. Bhai Mati Das Ji was tied between two flat logs of wood and his body was sawn into two pieces. Then, Bhai Sati Das Ji was wrapped in cotton; he was burnt alive. Throughout the torture, he was calm and cheerful, and continued to recite the Guru‟s hymns. After that, Bhai Dyala Ji was seated in a large pot of boiling water. He sat in the boiling water, showing no signs of suffering. He did not even give out the faintest cry of pain. He continued to repeat Guru's hymns. After the three Sikhs were brutally murdered, they asked Guru Sahib if He changed His decision.

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Guru Sahib smiled and replied with the same answer He had given before. He happily accepted sacrifice to protect the Hindu religion. Guru Teg Bahadur Ji was martyred in 1675 at the age of 54. Guru Sahib was beheaded in public in (cWdnI cONk), Delhi on November 11, 1675. As Guru Sahib was being martyred, a fierce dust storm swept the town. Everyone witnessing Guru Sahib‟s martyrdom was in complete shock. The fierce dust storm added to the fear and confusion. Taking advantage of the situation and risking his life, Bhai Jaita Ji daringly removed Guru Sahib‟s head. After wrapping Guru Sahib's head in a cloth, he swiftly and secretly ran on foot towards Anandpur Sahib. Another Sikh named Bhai Lakhi Shah Ji rescued Guru Sahib‟s body, placed it in his horse-cart, and took it home. Since open cremation would not have been possible at that time, Bhai Lakhi Shah Ji set fire to his house, cremating the body of the martyred Guru Teg Bahadur Ji. At this place, now there is a Gurdwara called Gurdwara Rakaab Ganj Sahib (gurduAwrw rkwbgMj swihb). All-knowing Guru Gobind Rai Ji came from Anandpur Sahib to Kiratpur Sahib to receive the head of Guru Teg Bahadur Ji from Bhai Jaita Ji. At Anandpur Sahib, Guru Gobind Rai Ji performed the last ceremony with dignity and reverence on November 16, 1675. Guru Sahib also honored Bhai Jaita Ji for his bravery. Guru Teg Bahadur Sahib Ji's martyrdom was a superb act of self- giving. He gave up his life not for Sikhs, not for a family member, but only for the protection of Tilak and Janeu of the Hindus. Guru Sahib got martyred to protect the right of everyone to practice his or her religion without any fear.

Key Gurmat Messages:

Guru Ji is the protector of all those who seek His help and Grace. Even today, Guru Ji can help us in the most difficult of circumstances if we pray to Him with true faith. 1. Guru Sahib remained true to His choice of sacrificing Himself. Guru Ji taught us, “Neither fear anyone, nor frighten anyone,” and He accepted martyrdom without any fear.

2. Guru Ji is great and His Gursikhs have also set great examples of bravery. Bhai Jaita Ji did not care that he would be killed if he was caught. Similarly, Bhai Lakhi Shah set fire to his home to ensure that Guru Ji‟s body was cremated with full respect.

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3. Guru Sahib got martyred to protect the right of everyone to practice his or her religion without any fear.

A Model Sikh

A Sikh devotee named Bhai Phagoo Ji lived in a small town called Sasaram in India. He was very honest and sincere. He used to collect Daswandh (one tenth of income) for Guru Teg Bahadur Sahib Ji. Once, Guru Teg Bahadur Ji stayed with him and conducted Shabad Kirtan in his house. After the Shabad Kirtan, Guru Sahib asked him to bring the offerings collected so far. He did so dutifully. Guru Sahib then asked, “Are you sure you have brought everything that you have collected so far?” Bhai Phagoo Ji was surprised and worried that he might have forgotten something. He humbly told Guru Sahib that he had offered everything that he collected. Guru Sahib then pointed out that he had left out the fruit from the common berry tree (Ber, byr) in the courtyard. Upon hearing this, Phagoo remembered the story behind the berry tree. Guru Sahib asked him to tell the story to the congregation. Bhai Phagoo Ji began: “I must ask for forgiveness from Guru Sahib and the congregation. I should have included the fruit from the berry tree in the total collections. This is because, one day, I went out asking for Daswandh, and when I knocked on a door, the lady in the house became very angry. When I asked about Daswandh, the lady put the kitchen garbage into my bag. I sorted it out and threw it all away except the seed of a berry fruit. I buried it in my courtyard. The tree that you see there has grown out of it. Therefore, the fruit really belongs in the Daswandh.” Guru Sahib was very pleased. He said, “Bhai Phagoo is a model Sikh. People like him are the pillars of the community.”

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Baba Buddha Ji [Part 1]

In Sikh history, it is hard to find another Gursikh like Baba Buddha Ji. He is the only person who had Darshan (drSn: see or meet) of eight Guru Sahiban in his lifetime. The first six Guru Sahibs all praised Baba Ji as a great Gursikh. Baba Ji spent 113 years of his life in total devotion to Guru Sahibs. Baba Buddha Ji was born on October 22, 1506 in the village of Kathu Nangal (k~QU nMgl), in the Amritsar district. His parents were Bhai Sugha Randhawa Ji and Mata Gauran Ji. He was named Bura (bUrw). Baba Ji was only 12 years old when he first met Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji. He had taken his family‟s cattle outside the village to graze and there he met Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji. He enjoyed the company of Guru Sahib so much, that the desire entered his heart to make some sort of offering. He quickly went and milked one of the cows that were grazing, and offered Guru Sahib a bowl of milk.

“Guru Sahib,” he said, offering the milk, “Please end my cycle of birth, death, and rebirth.”

Guru Sahib said to him, “You are only a child. Why do you speak of such things?”

Baba Ji replied to Guru Sahib by telling Him of some soldiers who had set up camp by the village. “They cut down all of our crops, the ripe ones as well as the unripe ones. If no one could stop the soldiers from treating ripe and unripe crops alike, who would stop death from taking anyone, young or old?” Delighted to hear this response from a child, Guru Sahib replied, “Though you are a child, you speak like a buddha Baba (bu`Fw bwbw, old wise man).” So Bura came to be known as Baba Buddha. From then on, Baba Buddha Ji became a devoted Sikh of Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji. At the age of 17, Baba Ji married Bibi Miroan (imroAW) of the village Achal. When Guru Nanak Dev Ji selected Guru Angad Dev Ji as His successor, Guru Sahib asked Baba Buddha Ji to apply the ceremonial symbol known as Tilak on Guru Angad Dev Ji‟s forehead. Baba Ji was blessed to carry out the Gurgaddi ceremonies from the second Guru Sahib to the sixth Guru

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Sahib. He served the Jot of Guru Nanak Dev Ji with great dedication and was an example of true devotion to many generations of Sikhs. Guru Nanak Dev Ji had once blessed Baba Buddha Ji by saying “b`uiFAw, qYQoN Ehly kdy nw hosW.” This meant that Guru Nanak Dev Ji‟s Jot could never remain hidden from Baba Buddha Ji. This proved true twice. The first time was when Guru Nanak Dev Ji passed the Gurgaddi on to Guru Angad Dev Ji. Guru Angad Dev Ji couldn‟t bear the thought of being away from Guru Nanak Dev Ji, so He went into deep meditation at an unknown place. Sikhs could not find Guru Sahib for six months. Desperate to find Guru Sahib, Sikhs requested Baba Buddha Ji to reveal the Guru to them. Due to the blessing that Guru Nanak Dev Ji‟s Jot could never hide from Baba Buddha Ji, Baba Buddha Ji led the Sikhs straight to Mata Sabhrai Ji‟s house in Khadoor Sahib, where Guru Angad Dev Ji was meditating. At Baba Buddha Ji‟s request, Guru Angad Dev Ji came out of isolation and blessed the Sikhs. The second time Baba Ji helped Sikhs to locate Guru Sahib was when Guru Amar Das Ji left Goindwal Sahib after his encounter with Baba Datu Ji. Once again, the Sikh Sangat asked Baba Buddha Ji to help them find their Guru Sahib. When Baba Buddha Ji along with Sikh Sangat reached the place, they found written on the door, "Whoever opens this door is not My Sikh, nor am I His Guru." Baba Buddha Ji did not open the door, but made an opening in the back wall and entered through there. Guru Sahib could not disregard the love and devotion of his Sikhs and returned to Goindwal Sahib. Sikh Sangat was delighted to see Guru Sahib and praised Baba Buddha Ji for once again finding the Guru. Sikh Sangat‟s words were:

DMn BweI bu~Fw, ijhny guru l~Bw

Guru Sahib embraced Baba Buddha Ji and according to the historians, used the following wording:

ieh sMgq ko boihQ Bwrw, Bvjl qy kirh insqwrw ] is~KI AvD nw ies qy pry, nwm lYx ibGn su hry ]

bwbw bu~Fw sMgq leI jhwj hY, jo ik sMgq nUM Bvjl qoN pwr krw skdw hY[ ieh sB qoN isrmor is~K hY, Aqy ijhVw iesdw nwm lvygw, ausdy pwp k~ty jwxgy [

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Key Gurmat Message: Those who serve Guru Sahib with devotion are blessed with virtues and honor. A true Gursikh helps fellow Sikhs in difficult times and help them unite with Satguru Ji.

Baba Buddha Ji [Part 2] Baba Buddha Ji undertook many tasks for the service of the Guru Sahiban and the Sikhs, such as teaching Gurmukhi, digging the Baoli (bwaulI) at Goindwal Sahib under the instruction of Guru Amar Das Ji, and digging the Sarovar (srovr) at Sri Amritsar Sahib under the instruction of Ji and Guru Arjun Dev Ji. The ber (byr) tree under which Baba Ji used to sit while supervising the digging of the Sarovar still stands at Harmandir Sahib today. After some time, he began to live in a forest, or bir (bIV), and tended the livestock for the Guru ka . What‟s left of the forest is named for Baba Buddha Ji: Bir Baba Buddha Sahib. Baba Buddha Ji was the most respected Sikh of his time. With Guru Sahib‟s blessings, whatever Baba Ji said would always come true. On several occasions, when people (Sikhs or others) approached Sri Guru Arjun Dev Ji for a blessing, Guru Sahib directed him/her to Baba Buddha Ji to seek Guru Nanak Dev Ji‟s blessing. One such person was Wazir Khan, Emperor Jahangir‟s Prime Minister. He was suffering from the disease Dropsy and none of the royal healers and physicians could heal him. Someone advised him to visit Sri Guru Arjun Dev Ji. Wazir Khan requested Guru Sahib to cure his disease, but Guru Sahib directed him to Baba Buddha Ji. Baba Buddha Ji cured his chronic disease just by placing a basket full of mud from Amritsar Sarovar on his stomach and told him to do Sukhmani Sahib every day. Another person who received blessing from Baba Buddha Ji was Mata Ganga Ji, the Mahal (wife) of Guru Arjun Dev Ji. Mata Ganga Ji went to Guru Sahib and asked Him to bless her with a son, but He told her to go see Baba Buddha Ji. It was with the blessing and prayers of Baba Buddha Ji that Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji came into this world. Baba Buddha Ji was also

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responsible for naming our sixth Guru Sahib.

When Adi Granth Sahib was brought to Harmandir Sahib for the first time, Baba Buddha Ji had the honor of carrying Adi Granth Sahib while Guru Arjun Dev Ji did Chaur Sahib Seva. Baba Buddha Ji was also the first of Harmandir Sahib – what an honor! When Akal Takhat, the Throne of the Almighty was to be built, Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji only entrusted Baba Buddha Ji and Bhai Gurdas Ji to build the main platform (no one else was allowed). When Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji was imprisoned in the Fort Gwalior, Mata Ganga Ji asked Baba Buddha Ji to go to Gwalior and find out how Guru Sahib was. Baba Buddha Ji took some Sikhs and set off toward Gwalior. When they arrived, he and the Sikhs went all around the fort reciting Gurbani, bowed to Guru Sahib from the outside, and then sat down and sang Gurbani. This act of recitation of Gurbani by a group of Sikhs while walking is generally referred as chaunki (cONkI). When Guru Sahib returned to Amritsar Sahib, Baba Buddha Ji along with Sikhs illuminated Harmandir Sahib with lights in honor of Guru Sahib‟s return. Baba Ji and some Sikhs also did parkarma of Harmandir Sahib while reciting Gurbani, the same way as Baba Ji used to do chaunki around Gwalior Fort when Guru Sahib was there. Guru Hargobind Sahib was very pleased with Baba Buddha Ji‟s devotion and asked Sikhs to continue this tradition of chaunki forever. Guru Sahib blessed Baba Buddha Ji saying, “This chaunki will be called Baba Buddha Ji vaali chaunki and I personally will be present in your chaunki.” To honor Guru Sahib‟s word, Sikhs organize a chaunki at Harmandir Sahib every day called “Baba Buddha Ji vaali chaunki.”

Key Gurmat Message: Those who dedicate their life serving Guru Sahib are rewarded with virtue and honor.

Baba Buddha Ji [Part 3] Baba Buddha Ji and Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji had spent a lot of time together and from the beginning Guru Sahib had a lot of love, and respect for Baba Ji. Even at this old age, Baba Buddha Ji used to walk to Amritsar to meet Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji. One day, Guru Sahib requested to Baba Ji, “Baba Ji, at this age, you should not walk all the way to Amritsar. I will come to Ramdas and visit you from now on.” Baba Ji requested that he himself wanted to come and meet the Guru until his last breath. Guru Sahib then offered the Palki and said that Baba Ji would have to sit in the Palki, Sikhs will carry the Palki, that way Baba Ji would not have to walk. Baba Ji hesitated but as Guru Sahib insisted, Baba Ji agreed. One day as Sikhs were bringing Baba Ji in the Palki towards Amritsar, Guru

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Hargobind Sahib Ji came ahead to meet with the Sikhs and very quietly asked one of the Sikhs to remove his shoulder so that Guru Sahib could help carry the Palki. But as soon as Guru Sahib‟s shoulder touched the Palki, Baba Buddha Ji said in a loud voice, “Please put the Palki down at once otherwise I will jump from here!” Baba Ji came out of the Palki, folded his hands, bowed to his Guru and said “Satguru Ji, this is why I didn‟t want to come in the Palki. The minute you left Amritsar, I knew that my Guru was coming towards me. A Sikh should always be in the service of his Guru, his Master, not the other way around.” Guru Sahib embraced Baba Ji with affection. This was a moment of Guru and Sikh becoming one. The relationship between Guru Sahib and Baba Buddha Ji was one of a kind. Baba Buddha Ji‟s last days were spent in meditation at Ramdas (rmdws), the village founded by his son, Bhai Bhana Ji. He felt his time had come to leave this world, and he thought of Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji, wishing to see Him once more. Guru Sahib was away from Amritsar at that time, but returned at once to meet Baba Buddha Ji. Baba Ji breathed his last breath in Guru Sahib‟s lap on November 16, 1631. Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji Himself shouldered the bier and performed the last rites. Two shrines stand in the village of Ramdas, commemorating Baba Buddha Ji: Gurdwara Tap Asthan Baba Buddha Ji (q~p AsQwn bwbw bu~Fw jI), where the family lived on the southern edge of the village, and Gurdwara Samadhan Sahib (gurduAwrw smwDwn swihb), where he was cremated. Baba Buddha Ji did a lot of Seva for Guru Sahib and the Sikhs, and made many contributions to the faith.

- Baba Ji was blessed to carry out the Gurgaddi ceremonies from the second Guru Sahib to the sixth Guru Sahib. - Baba Buddha Ji had Darshan of 8 Guru Sahiban. - Baba Buddha Ji was appointed coordinator of the 22 manjis by Guru Amar Das Ji. - Baba Buddha Ji was the one who found both Guru Angad Dev Ji and Guru Amar Das Ji when they went away and hid themselves from the Sikhs. - When Prithi Chand started claiming that he the fifth Guru by misguiding Sikhs that were visiting Harimandir Sahib from distant villages, Baba Buddha Ji and Bhai Gurdas Ji educated Sikhs that the real Guru Sahib is Guru Arjun Dev Ji. - When Guru Arjun Dev Ji was composing Adi Granth, He entrusted all His affairs to Baba Buddha Ji. - Baba Buddha Ji was the first Granthi at Harmandir Sahib.

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- Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji came into this world with the blessings of Baba Buddha Ji. - Baba Buddha Ji was in charge of Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji‟s education. - Baba Buddha Ji and Bhai Gurdas Ji were honored to be the only two persons who built the main platform of Akal Takhat, the Throne of the Almighty. - Baba Buddha Ji led the Sikhs to Guru Sahib when He was imprisoned in Fort Gwalior.

Key Gurmat Message: Baba Buddha Ji is an example of supreme dedication to Guru Sahib. He spent 113 years doing Seva of Guru Sahib and of the Sikhs. Sikhs should look to Baba Buddha Ji for inspiration and guidance on how Sikhs should spend their lives. Doing Seva will bring blessings beyond our dreams – selfless living will bring us close to Guru Sahib‟s heart.

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Glossary of Punjabi Words

 Adi Granth (Awid gQ)RM : Adi=beginning, first period; Granth= scripture, book, voluminous book; Adi Granth = original scripture. Guru Arjun Dev Ji compiled Adi Granth.  Akal Purakh (Akwl purK): Immortal being. It means One Who is beyond the limits and influence of time. It is used as a name for God (Waheguru)  Akhand Paath (AKMf pwT): The continuous/nonstop reading of entire Guru Granth Sahib Ji  Amrit (AMimRq): Nectar, the drink of immortality; commonly refers to the sacred water used in the Sikh Initiation ceremony.  Ang (AMg): Part of body; also refers to the pages of Guru Granth Sahib Ji.  Ardas (Ardws): Prayer; an act of making plea to Waheguru for our temporal and/or spiritual desires.  Assu (A~sU): Lunar Punjabi calendar (Covers months of September – October)  Ayi Hai (AweI hY ): Has come  Bala Pir (bwlw pIr ): Bala=young child. Pir= a muslim saint (the muslims of Delhi called Guru Harkrishan Ji "Bala Pir" out of respect)  Bana (bwxw): Khalsa uniform  Bandi Chhorh (bMdI CoV): Bandi=prisoner, Chhorh: release, Bandi Chhorh=release of the prisoners  Bandi Chhorh Diwas (bMdI CoV idvs): diwas=day; the anniversary day to celebrate the release of prisoners from Gwalior Fort by Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji (see 'Diwali')  Bani (bwxI, gurbwxI, Dur kI bwxI ): The word of Timeless, Formless Waheguru brought to us by Guru Sahibs.  Baoli (bwaulI ): A staircase leading to a well of water  Bebe (byby): Elder sister, mother, or grandmother (most commonly used for Bebe Nanki Ji)  Bedawa (bydwvw): Letter of disownment.  Ber (byr): Ziziphus jujuba tree and its fruit  Beri (byrI ): Ziziphus jujuba tree  Bhai (BweI ): Literally means brother, a word used to address a honored Sikh  Bhagti (BgqI ): Meditation  (Bwdo): Lunar Punjabi calendar month (Covers months of August – September)  Bhora (Borw): Underground room/apartment  Brahmgiani (bRhm-igAwnI ): One who has realized the Supreme Almighty God  Brahmin (bRwhmx): High class in Hindus  Chandoa (cMdoAw): A canopy that adorns above Guru Granth Sahib Ji as a sign of respect  Charnamrit (crnwimRq): Charn refers to the pious feet of Guru Sahib and amrit means nectar; Charnamrit is a ceremony in which Guru Sahib dipped His feet into water and gave this sacred water to His disciples.  : Lunar Punjabi calendar month (Covers months of March-April)  Chola (colw): A traditional dress (long baggy shirt) worn by Sikhs.  Chor (cor): Thief

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 Chaur (cOr): The Chaur Sahib is used to respectfully wave over Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji.  Damdama Sahib (dmdmw swihb): Damdama means resting place.  Darbar (drbwr): The king‟s court, hall of audience  Darbar Hall (drbwr hwl): The main hall in Gurduara Sahibs.  Darbar Sahib (drbwr swihb): Darbar = the king‟s court; Sahib=used as respect  Dargah ((drgwh): A court of law, mosque, a Muslim worship place  Daroga (drogw): Police officer  Darshan (drSn): To see or meet  Darshani Deori (drSnI ifauVI ): The entrance door to Gurduara Sahib  Daswandh (dsvMD): The giving of one-tenth of one‟s income in charity.  Deewan/Diwan (dIvwn): Congregation, royal court  Devi (dyvI): a Hindu goddess  Dhadi (FwfI): A minstrel; traditional singer who sings the praise of the Sikh Guru and recounts the heroic deeds of the Sikhs.  Dhal (Fwl): Shield to protect yourself during attack  Dharamsala (Drmswlw): An old name for Gurdwara Sahibs  Dhur Ki Bani (Dur kI bwxI ): Gurbani that is straight from Waheguru and transmitted through Guru Sahibs.  Diwali (dIvwlI ): Celebrated by Sikhs as the anniversary day of the release of Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji, from the Gwalior fort. (Also known as Bandi-Chor Divas)  Dukh Bhanjani Beri (duK BMjnI byrI ): Dukh = pain, sorrow; Bhanjani = destroyer of sorrow; Dukh Bhanjani Beri is located at the banks of Amrit Sarovar, Darbar Sahib, Amritsar.  Fakir (PkIr): Muslim Sadhu (saint)  Fateh (Pqih): Literally means victory and refers to Sikh greeting vwihgurU jI kw Kwlsw vwihgurU jI kI Pqih Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh!  Gatka (gqkw): Sikh martial arts introduced by Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji  Geeta (gIqw): Holy book for Hindus  Ghar (Gr): House  Golak (golk): An area where offerings to the Guru are placed  Granthi (gQIRM ): A trained reader of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji who is the functionary incharge of a Gurdwara.  Gur Mantar (gurmMqr): “Waheguru” is the Gur Mantar that is given at the Amrit Sanchar ceremony by the five chosen Amritdhari Sikhs in the presence of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji.  Gurbaani/Gurbani (gurbwxI, bwxI, Dur kI bwxI ): The word of Timeless, Formless Waheguru brought to us by Guru Sahibs.  Gurdwara (gurduAwrw): Sikh place of worship; Guru's abode  Gurgaddi/Gurugaddi (gurg~dI ): Passing on the Guruship; a ceremony in which the Guru Jot is transferred into the next Guru  Gurh (guV): jaggery (raw brown sugar, made from sugar cane)  Gurmat (gurmiq): general term for Sikh core beliefs

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 Gurmukhi (gurmuKI ): The script in which Punjabi language is written. This is the script used in the Sikh scriptures. It was propagated by Guru Nanak Dev Ji and Guru Angad Dev Ji  Gurpurab (gurpurb): a holy celebration in connection with Guru Sahib  Guru Jot (gurU joiq): divine light (part of Waheguru) that is transferred from one Guru to the next and now resides in Guru Granth Sahib Ji  Haji (hwjI ): a pilgrim going to Mecca  Harh (hwV): Lunar Punjabi calendar month (Covers months of June – July)  Harmandir (hrmMidr): A Gurdwara Sahib at Amritsar, Punjab that is of historical, spiritual, and emotional significance to Sikhs  Hikmat (ihkmq): medicine  Haumai (hwaumY): ego; one of the five evils  Hukam (hukm): command or order given by Guru Sahib, also refers to the Divine Will of God.  Ishnaan (ieSnwn): To bathe or take a dip in a sarovar (holy pool).  Jaap (jwp): holy chant, recitation, repetition of passages from Holy Scriptures or God‟s name  Jaikara (jYkwrw): Sikh victory slogan; boly so inhwl ] siq sRI Akwl ]  Jand (jMf): a tree, prosopis spicigera tree  Janeu (jnyaU): a sacred thread worn by Hindus  Japuji (jpujI swihb): the first Bani of the five baanis; composed by Guru Nanak Dev Ji  Jathedar (jQyydwr): A leader of Sikh volunteers; also refers to the appointed leader of one of the five Sikh Takhats.  (jyT): Lunar Punjabi calendar month (Covers months of May – June)  Ji (jI ): a term added to the end of a name to show respect  Jot (joiq): flame of light; also see “Guru Jot” above  Joti Jot Diwas (joqI joiq idvs): the day Guru Sahib physically left this earth.  Kakar (kkwr): five symbols of purity and courage  Kalma (klmW): Muslim blessing  Kamarkassa (kmrk`sw): Waistband  Karah Parshad (kVwh pRswid): sacred food that is distributed to the Sangat at the end of the Diwan  Kara (kVw): an iron bangle  (k~qk): Lunar Punjabi calendar month (Covers months of October – November)  Kangha (kMGw): a wooden comb  Katha (kQw): an explanation of Gurmukhi and Sikh History  Kaur (kOr): Princess, Last name of Sikh woman  Kirpan (ikrpwn): sword; represents the Sikh commitment to Truth and Protection of the innocent  Kachehra (kiChrw): pair of shorts  Kesh (kys): uncut hair  Khalsa (Kwlsw): Literally means "Pure". Khalsa is the name Guru Gobind Singh Ji gave to the Sikhs after having administered Khande de Pahul (Amrit) for the first time at day, March 29, 1699.

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 Khande–de-pahul (KMfy dI pwhul): name given to Sikh Baptism ceremony; initiation ceremony into the Khalsa "brotherhood"  Kikar (ik~kr): Acacia tree  (ikrq kro ): Kirt karo means to work honestly, not to cheat and always be truthful. To do what is right and truthful no matter what.  Kirtan (kIrqn): the singing of hymns/Gurbani  Koran (kurwn): Holy book for Muslims  Kotwal (koqvwl): Police chief  Kotwali (koqvwlI ): Police station  Laina (lYx): to take  Langar (lMgr): holy food prepared by the sangat  (mwG): Lunar Punjabi calendar month (Covers months of January – February)  Maghar (m~Gr): Lunar Punjabi calendar month (Covers months of November – December)  Mahal (mihl): wife of Guru Sahib  Mahant (mhMq): A caretaker of Gurdwara during the war times of Khalsa Panth. But due to some extremely immoral mahants, Khalsa Panth took over the management of Gurudwara Sahib during British Rule and ended mahant activities.  Mai (mweI): Mother, A respectful term used to address respectful woman  Manji (mMjI): Cot (platform of authority); Guru Amar Das Ji assigned Manji (representing authority) to 22 prominent Sikhs to spread the message of Waheguru.  Masand (msMd): The preacher of Sikhism during the time of Guru Amar Das Ji to Ji, but many masands got indulged in immoral activities. Guru Gobind Singh Ji discouraged and ended the masands‟ activities.  Mata (mwqw): Mother, A respectful term used to address respectful woman  Matha tek (m~Qw tyk): bowing down to Guru Sahib by placing the forehead on the ground and palms on the floor  Maulvi (mOlvI): Someone who is an expert in Islamic law  Miri (mIrI): Temporal powers  Misl (imsl): A fighting clan  Mithha Bolna (im~Tw bolxw): a sweet and melodious voice; speaking positively of others  Mool mantar (mUl mMqr): given to Sikhs at the time of Amrit Sanchar; mool=root, mantar=chant; therefore, this mantar encompasses the Sikh philosophy  Mughal (mugl): A south Asian tribe, India was ruled by Mugal emperor for very long time  (nwm jpo): Remember Waheguru by reciting Naam. Remember Him by saying His name, Waheguru, with every breath and every step you take. Waheguru is always with you.  Naam (nwm): holy word  Nagni (nwgxI): a special spear used by Bhai Bachittar Singh to wound the drunken elephant  Nawab (nvwb): baron  Nithawan (inQwvW): abodeless, shelterless, homeless  Paisa (pYsw): One hundrederth part of Indian Rupees  Palki (pwlkI): palanquin (a seat carried on poles)

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 Pangat (pMgq): sitting together on the floor to eat meals (langar)  Panj Piarey (pMj ipAwry): the five beloved Sikhs that gave their heads at the call of Guru Gobind Singh Ji  Panja (pMjw): hand  Parkarma (pRkrmw): the act of going around Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji  Parkash (pRkwS): light; see „Parkash Diwas‟  Parkash Diwas (pRkwS idvs): a respectful term to describe Guru Sahib‟s birthday  Panth Parkash (pMQ pRkwS): A renowoned book on Sikh History by Rattan Singh Bhangu  Parsad (pRswd): means blessing; often refers to Karah Parshad (see above)  Parshada/Prashade(pRSwdy/pRSwdw): roti; tortilla made of flour  Paurees (pwauVI): steps; also refers to stanzas in Gurbani  Phagun (P~gux): Lunar Punjabi calendar month (months of February – March)  Pir (pIr): spiritual guide, Muslim saint  Piri (pIrI): spiritual power  Pirri (pIVI): Wooden seating which has lower legs and no back; organization where women were chose to spread the message of God  (poh): Lunar Punjabi calendar month (covers months of December – January)  Pothi Sahib (poQI swihb): religious book  Pothis (poQI): see „Pothi Sahib‟  Qazi (kwzI): judge of Muslim court  Rabab (rbwb): string instrument (Guru Nanak Dev Ji used to do kirtan while Bhai Mardana Ji played the rabab)  Rabab Chher (rbwb CyV): Touch the strings of Rabab (Guru Sahib asks Bhai Mardana Ji to play Rabab)  Rababi (rbwbI): Rabab player  Raja (rwjw): King  Rani (rwxI): Queen  Ranjit Nagara (rxjIq ngwrw): a big war drum of Guru Gobind Singh Ji  Reetha (rITw): soap-nuts that are used to make shampoo and detergent  Roti (rotI): tortilla made of flour  Rumalaas (rumwlw): clothes of Guru Granth Sahib Ji  Rupees (rupeIey): Indian currency (currently in 2009, 45 rupees=1 dollar)  Sabad Kirtan (sbd kIrqn): Singing hymns from Guru Granth Sahib Ji  Sabad (Sbd): A sacred Sikh hymn from Guru Granth Sahib Ji  Sacha Sauda (s~cw sOdw): Ture-Trade.  Sadhu (swDU): A religious ascetic or holy person  Sahib (swihb): A respectful term used to address Guru Sahibs and other people  Sakhi (swKI): Account of the historical events in Sikh History.  Salok (slok): The verse in Bani  Sambat (sMmq): Indian calendar year

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 Sangat (sMgq): Congregation; people who are worshipping; worshippers  Saranda (srMdw, isrMdw): Musical string instrument that was first used by Guru Arjun Dev Ji  (swvx): Lunar Punjabi calendar month (Covers months of July – August)  Sehaj (shj): A blissful stage of calmness  Siropa (isropw): An honorary cloth given to a person in honor of performing a good deed/act  Sarbans Dani (srbMs dwnI): who sacrificed all of his possessions and worldly joys for other, Guru Gobind Singh Ji  Sarovar (srovr): Holy pool of water  Sat-Bachan (s~q-bcn): literally means, ”True is your word and I obey” – Saying satbachan means you will do what is asked of you.  Satguru (sqgurU): True Guru  Sehaj Path (sihj pwT): The entire reading of Guru Granth Sahib Ji at the readers‟ own pace.  Seva (syvw): Self-less service that you do to benefit others without expecting anything in return  Shaheedan De Sirtaj (ShIdW dy isrqwj): The one who led martyrdom. This title is used for Guru Arjun Dev Ji as He was the first .  Shaheed (ShId): Martyr- the one who accepts death with courage as a witness to his faith.  Shaheedi (ShIdI): Martyrdom- Facing death as supreme witness to the truth of faith  Shakti (SkqI): Temporal power  Simran (ismrn): Remebering Waheguru and meditating on His Naam  Singh (isMG): Lion, Last name of Sikh man  Sukh-Aasan (su~K-Awsn): A short ceremony performed when the Guru Granth Sahib is formally taken to His room at the end of day.  Taabiya (qwibAw): In presence of Guru Granth Sahib Ji specifically being in reading position  Takhat (qKq): An eternal throne representing Authority.  Tayra (qyrw): Adressing to Waheguru that “it belongs to you; all is yours Lord”  Tibbi (it~bI): Mound  Tilak (iqlk): Ceremonial symbol  Udaasis (audwsI): Journeys of Guru Nanak Dev Ji.  Var (vr): A boon, gift  ( vYswK): Lunar Punjabi calendar month ( Covers months of April - May)  Vaisakhi (ivswKI): Vaisakhi (or Baisakhi) - Celebrated as the founding day of Khalsa in 1699  Vand ke Chakko (vMf ky Cko): Sharing with the needy. This is one of the 3 Golden rules of Guru Nanak Dev Ji.  Waheguru (vwihgurU): “The wonderful Lord"; It is the Gurmantar given to Sikhs by Guru Sahib, meant to be recited while meditating.  Zafarnama (zPrnwmw): the Book of Victory- Word is used to describe the letter Guru Gobind Singh Ji wrote to Emperor Aurangzeb

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