Katha on the life of Sri Guru Arjan Dev Ji and Sri Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji based on the Sri Gur Pertap Suraj Granth

Katha Gurpertap Suraj Granth Raas 4

Kavi Santokh Singh Ji eulogises the 11 Gurus before commencement of Raas 4 and introduction of Chandu, a minister in Mughal court is covered.

Gurpertap Suraj Granth Ras 4 Chapter 1

Chandu sends a matchmaker Pandit to look for a groom for his daughter, Sada Kaur (AKA Jaswanti)

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When the Pandit returns with the proposal of Sri Hargobind Sahib for Sada Kaur. Chandu in ego claims that the Pandit has been unfair to him that he has gotten his daughter married to a household much lower than his but agrees to have the engagement. A Sikh hears such words and discusses it with the local Sanggat of Delhi. A Gurmatta is made to send a letter to Sri Guru Arjan Dev Ji for Guru Ji and Amritsar's Sanggat aware of Chandu's point of view of Guru's House.

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On the other hand, preparations are underway for Sri Hargobind Sahib's engagement. The whole city is joyous and is assisting one another to make it a grand engagement.

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As the letter from Delhi reaches Amritsar, the messenger is asked to read the letter aloud in Sanggat. Hearing the contents, the Sanggat is infuriated and pleads to Guru Ji that Chandu is undeserving of such relationship. Guru Ji calls of the engagement

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This chapter will cover the historical anecdotes of two (2) engagements of Sri Hargobind Sahib Ji. Sri Guru Arjan Dev Ji after rejecting Chandu’s proposal, looks at Sanggat and asks if anyone has a daughter for Sri Hargobind Sahib Ji. The first Sikh to get up was Bhai Narayan Das Ji from the lineage of Bhai Paro Ji who was seated in the Sanggat had a 7 year old daughter, Mata Damodri Ji (Sri Hargobind Ji’s age was 9 years old). The second Sikh seated in the Sanggat had a wish to get his daughter engaged as well. The Sikh was Bhai Hari Chand Ji of Lamba clan. He had a 2 year old daughter, Mata Nanki Ji. Sri Guru Arjan Dev Ji saw the love of His Sikh and accepted the Sikh’s plea. So, two engagements of Sri Hargobind Sahib was done in a single day.

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Preparations for Sri Hargobind Sahib Ji's wedding begins. Sri Hargobind Sahib Ji’s wedding is fixed on Magh Sudi 10 with Mata Damodri Ji. Preparations are underway with full zeal and enthusiasm by the Sanggat.

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Chandu writes a letter to Sri Guru Arjan Dev Ji pleading and at the same time threatening Guru Ji to accept marriage proposal of his daughter. Guru Ji says that He is not afraid of death and explains the importance of a Sikh for the Guru. In a nutshell, Guru Ji says His life is in His Sikhs and everything belongs to the Sikhs. 
Upon the rejection, Chandu is furious and Guru Nanak’s house became his biggest enemy. He starts finding ways to punish Guru Ji. The Katha will continue in later chapters as Kavi Ji will cover the chapters on Sri Hargobind Sahib’s wedding.

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As preparation for the wedding is underway, Sri Guru Arjan Dev Ji invites his brothers, Baba Mahadev and Baba Prithi Chand. As Prithi was not in good terms, Guru Ji sent an invitation with a palanquin full of sweets to Hehar. Seeing the happiness in Guru Ji’s house, Prithi Chand’s chest blew with rage. He tells his followers that Guru Arjan Dev Ji is my biggest enemy who has looted me of my rights. Prithi Chand learns about the rejection of Chandu’s marriage proposal and plans to collaborate with Chandu. Thus, Prithi Chand decides to not attend the wedding as he wants to be in the good books of Chandu. The sweets and invitation was sent back. 

Learning about this, Guru Ji proceeded to send invitations to Goindwal Sahib, Khadur Sahib, Mao Sahib (Guru Arjan Dev Ji’s in-laws) 

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The marriage procession (Baraat) of Sri Hargobind Ji departs from Sri Amritsar Sahib together with all the relatives and families of Sri Guru Angad Dev Ji and Sri Guru Amar Das Ji

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The marriage procession stays overnight amidst their journey. The first night was at Khadur Sahib. Stopped by Goindwal Sahib where they visit Chaubara Sahib (met Baba Mohan Ji who gave his blessings to Sri Hargobind but excused himself from attending the wedding as he preferred solitary). Then the procession reached Sultanpur where Guru Ji and the entire Sanggat saw Modi Khana and other historical sits associated with Guru Nanak Dev Ji and stayed a night there. Next day, proceeding further, they camped at 2km distance from Dalla Village, where the wedding is going to take place. Bhai Narayan Das (father-in-law of Sri Hargobind Sahib) made various musical instrument sounds in celebration. Bhai Krishan Chand (Nana Ji of Sri Hargobind Sahib Ji) showered money at the meeting of the two families. 

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At the Milni, the relatives of Bhai Narayan Das tells him to hug Sri Guru Arjan Dev Ji as per the cultural practices between the fathers of bride (Mata Damodri Ji)  and groom (Sri Hargobind Sahib). Narayan Das, seeing this contrary to Sikhi, goes and touches Guru Ji’s feet instead. Guru Ji raises Narayan Das from his shoulder and hugs him. 
The time for wedding had arrived, Guru Ji, Sri Hargobind Sahib alongside prominent Sikhs like Bhai Gurdas Ji, Baba Buddha Ji, Bhai Umar Shah, Bhai Salo reach the wedding venue in the Dalla Village. The ladies of the village who were excited to have the glimpse of Sri Hargobind Sahib climbed on the attics of tall houses. Wedding was solemnised by the recitation of Lavaa. Mata Dya Kaur (mother of Mata Damodri Ji) greeted everyone with love and respect. 

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The Sikhs of Dalla Village had many prominent Sikhs. Sri Guru Arjan Dev Ji asks the villagers on the names of Sikhs who had served the previous Gurus. The villagers humbly reply, , “Bhai Lalo Ji and Bhai Dhira Ji who were complete in Sikhi on whom you showered your blessings upon were from the times of Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji. Even Bhai Behlo Ji is from this area - all of these Sikhs are from the time of Sri Guru Amar Das Ji. There was a Sikh named Bhai Paro Ji who was a beloved of Sri Guru Amar Das Ji. Bhai Sahib would always remain in the will of Guru Sahib without any complain. Bhai Paro’s faith on the Guru was unshakable until there was a point where Sri Guru Amar Das Ji wished to pass the Guruship to Bhai Sahib Ji, to which he declined. Bhai sahib said “Guru Sahib Ji, let me remain as a Sikh as there is nothing more blissful. I want to keep serving you.” Guru Sahib Ji said, “if you wish for this, please go to your village and leave your body. You will attain oneness with the Guru.” Bhai Paro Ji did exactly this. Before that, Bhai Sahib Ji donated all his belongings to everyone and directed his family to give his horse to Guru Sahib. This horse was later given to Sri Guru Ram Das Ji by Guru Amar Das Ji. Bhai Narayan Das was from the lineage of Bhai Paro Ji, whose daughter is now married to Sri Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji. 

All the Sikhs gathered and requested Sri Guru Arjan Dev Ji to bless the village with His remembrance. Guru Ji was very pleased and agreed to the request.  Thousands of Sikhs were present at the time and Guru Sahib gave an abundance of blessings and many gifts to those present. In the evening, Sri Guru Arjan Dev Ji, Sri Hargobind Sahib Ji and the Sikhs proceeded to Bhai Narayan Das’ house for langgar where everyone was served with love.
3 hours before sunset, Guru Sahib Ji headed towards the east and wished to now present the Sanggat with a memorabilia. Satguru Ji said they would dig a well here and did the groundbreaking after an Ardas. Guru Sahib Ji dug enough to provide with the dimensions of the well. Guru Ji then asked Bhai Salo Ji to stay back in Dalla and oversee the work of the well. Guru Ji said whoever has any wish, he will be granted of it at this place. Saying this Guru Sahib went back to their residences.

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Mata Daya Kaur Ji gave a lot of love to their newly wed son in law, Sri Hargobind Sahib Ji. 3 days had passed in Dalla when Bhai Narayan Das Ji gave gifts to Mata Damodari Ji. It was time to leave Dalla. Bhai Sahib Ji said to Sri Guru Arjan Dev Ji, “Maharaj, I am a beggar and you are the giver. I have done the most to my capability and given my daughter to serve you. You are the master of orphans like me. Please protect me in this life and the next as I have only taken your support. I fall at your sanctuary O benevolent Guru. I am not capable of being equal to you and will never even attempt to do so. I am a grain of sand whereas you are a mountain Satguru Ji! You have kept my honour and blessed me by coming into my house.” 
Sri Guru Arjan Dev Ji replied, “Well done Narayan Das, you have gave us so much and served us so well. Yet, you choose to remain humble.” The chariot to bring Mata Damodari Ji was then called for and everyone stood watching Mata Ji leave with tears in their eyes. Bhai Narayan Das and his brothers walked along with Guru Ji’s procession for quite a distance until Guru Sahib stopped and asked them to return to the village. The procession then moved forward towards Sri Amritsar Sahib. Satguru Ji then reached Goindwal Sahib where they were welcomed by Baba Mohri Ji and Baba Mohan Ji. Before leaving, Sri Guru Arjan Dev Ji invited Baba Mohan Ji to Amritsar to have darshan of Sri Harmandir Sahib and Sri Aad Granth Sahib. Baba Mohan Ji agreed and was followed by Baba Mohri Ji, Baba Sansram Ji and Baba Anand Ji. Towards the evening, the procession reached Khadur Sahib where Baba Datu Ji requested Guru Ji’s to stay. Guru Ji expressed their wish to move forward with the journey after Langgar. The procession spent this night at Tarn Taran Sahib. The journey was continued on the next day and the entire city of Amritsar knew of the procession’s arrival and rushed to welcome everyone. Mata Ganga Ji rushed to greet Guru Sahib and Sri Hargobind Sahib Ji.

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Guru Ji recites a Shabad present at Ang 577 to Baba Datu Ji and Baba Mohan Ji to alleviate the disease of Haumai. Both then uttered the benevolent nature of Sri Guru Arjan Dev Ji where they have gifted the entire humanity, Sri Adi Granth Sahib Ji which will stay till the end of time. 
The relatives started discussing on the absence of Prithi Chand from the wedding of Sri Hargobind Ji. Guru Ji told all that he had tried multiple times to resolve the difference even though he tried to murder Sri Hargobind 3 times in the past. Guru Ji continues by saying Prithi Chand is deceitful and He longer wishes to pursue any efforts to convince Prithi. All the relatives and Sikhs present showed their disgust at Prithi. 
Five (5) days passed after arrival at Amritsar and all relatives decides to leave for their abodes. Baba Datu Ji with his wife returns to Khadur Sahib. Baba Mohan, Baba Mohri and Baba Sansram and Baba Anand Ji returns to Goindwal Sahib. 
Baba Krishan Chand and Mata Dhanvanti Ji (in-laws of Guru Arjan Dev Ji) stayed for another 8 days before returning to their house at Mau Village. 

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Prithi Chand burns in jealously after he learns of Sri Hargobind Sahib’s wedding grandeur. Prithi now plans to kill Guru Sahib and he writes to his Mughal friend, Sulhi Khan who was at Delhi. His letter contained an invitation to come over to his village and to attack Sri Harmandir Sahib and arrest Guru Ji. Prithi now hopes that Sulhi Khan will make him a Guru. Sulhi who had enmity for Guru Ji as well, upon reading the contents of the letter, decides to come over but after getting permission from Jahangir. Prithi upon learning of Sulhi’s assurance of meeting him, was extremely pleased. 
When the word of Sulhi’s forthcoming attack on Amritsar reached the Sanggat. They write to Guru Ji informing and gave 2 solutions:
1. Leave Amritsar
2. Make amends with Prithi  
When the letter was read in front of Guru Ji, the Masands present were shocked and asked Guru Ji for a solution to stop the attack  from happening. Guru Ji understood that the Masands are cowards and remained silent. 
Seeing no reaction from Guru Ji, Masands continued that the Mughals are very powerful and are against our faith as they wish to propagate Islam. Recalling an incident of the past, they mention Guru Ji’s migration to Guru Ki Vadali for 3 years. 
Guru Ji told them not to worry as what is destined will happen, regardless. Just watch what happens.

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As Sulhi was departing, he met Chandu who gave the assurance as Guru Ji was an enemy to both of these. The departure of Sulhi was notified to Guru Ji by the Sanggat of Delhi. When the contents of the letter was read at Sri Amritsar Sahib, Guru Ji was unmoved but the Masands became anxious. They were getting restless as they perceived total destruction of Amritsar which would result in loss of thousands of rupees. Upon repeated pleas by Masands, Guru Ji reassured the Sanggat to have faith and Guru Nanak Dev Ji will be merciful. Guru Ji also said that we are not in trouble but the one who is coming. 
On the other hand, as Sulhi was departing from Delhi, many inauspicious signs were noted. Noting this, the advisors of Sulhi advised him to cancel his Punjab’s visit. Sulhi in arrogance and considering Guru Arjan Dev Ji a meek holy man, he still proceeded with his army and his son. 
As Sulhi reaches Kotha village, large celebrations are done by Prithi who was overjoyed to see Sulhi.

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Prithi presented gifts before Sulhi and a meeting between the duo was held. Prithi informed Sulhi on Sri Hargobind Sahib’s wedding where large amounts of money was spent. Prithi also claimed that Guru Ji has called Chandu a dog (it was the Sanggat) and rejected his daughter’s proposal. Sulhi assured Prithi that upon his entry into Amritsar, he will arrest Guru Ji and put him in restrains. Later, he will place Guru Ji in a jail in a fort somewhere for 1-2 months to study the public’s reaction. As the matter cools, Sulhi will get the wardens to kill Guru Ji and His family. Prithi was overjoyed and started dreaming him becoming the Guru. 
The next day, Prithi reminded Sulhi that it was him who convinced Jahangir to grant Prithi the village of Kotha. Prithi then invites Sulhi to tour the Kotha village where massive developments are underway. As Sulhi was touring Kotha, he saw a tall tour of bricks at the kiln. Sulhi in excitement, decided to have an aerial view from the kiln. Sulhi and his man did a horse race on who will reach the peak  first. The prophesy of Guru Ji became true when Sulhi saw a pile of ash and without much thought brought his horse to the location and he immediately fell into the burning pit. 
He struggled to come out but failed. His men too failed to save him. Screams of Sulhi can be heared loud. Sulhi was carrying an axe in his hand which in the struggle, decapitated him. 
He was cremated along with his horse. Prithi was on a toilet break, heard the screams of people and rushed to the site. The kiln was cooled and the charred body of Sulhi was removed. Prithi and Meharban cried. A grave as dug and Sulhi’s burial was performed. 
Sulhi’s son was furious with Prithi as his father had died a horrible death. To cool him, Prithi folded his hands and pleaded while advising him to not be angry at him. Prithi gave lots of gifts and money to Sulhi’s son and his men. Few days later, they left to Delhi. There is a Shabad in Bilawal Raag related with this incident at Ang 825.

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Since Sulhi Khan’s death, Prithi Chand started drowning in an ocean of worries. He wanted revenge from Sri Guru Arjan Dev Ji and Chandu came to his mind. Prithi started planning out ways to get introduced to Chandu. Chandu on the other hand was burning in hatred as Guru Ji rejected his daughter’s proposal. Chandu sent a letter to Prithi with dissatisfaction for the Guru’s house which included Prithi Chand. Prithi chand instead planned to use Chandu against Guru Sahib. He wrote back to Chandu saying he is also on the same page as him against Guru Ji.

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Chandu agrees to Prithi Chand’s plan to go against Guru Sahib together. When informed of this, Prithi immediately left to meet Chandu in Delhi with a turban and shawl his offering. He then complained to Chandu saying the Gurgadhi was taken from him by force and the accomplice to this was Bhai Gurdas Ji. Using his enmity towards Guru Ji, he convinced Chandu to help him against Sri Guru Arjan Dev Ji - Chandu responded in the positive saying he would capture Guru Ji and torture them but this would only happen when Jahangir goes to Lahore. Chandu assured Prithi that the job would be done and Prithi in return said he will join Chandu in Lahore.

Katha Gurpertap Suraj Granth Raas 4

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