Women of Grace and Power 2014

Hemkunt Hemkunt

About The AuthorRs. 000.00

ISBN - 978-81-7010-393-6

About The Book

Quotes

G u r u F a t h a S i n g h K h a l s a

Wom

an of Grace and Pow

erG

uru Fatha Singh Khalsa

Women ofGrace

andPower

Guru Fatha Singh Khalsa

Today, in the 21st century, the possibilities for a girl are many times what they used to be. Mother or missionary, doctor or diplomat, artist or freedom fighter, space pilot or businesswoman, wife or rights activist. Delving from the Sikh tradition and beyond, here are twenty-one true stories of making the impossible possible.

What will I be

when I grow up ?

What will I be when I grow up? Today, in the 21st century, the possibilities for a girl are many times what they used to be. Mother or missionary, doctor or diplomat, artist or freedom fighter, space pilot or businesswoman, wife or rights activist. Delving from the Sikh tradition and beyond, here are twenty-one true stories of making the impossible possible.

Singh Sahib Guru Fatha

Singh Khalsa l ives in

Toronto, Canada where he

serves as a member of the

University of Toronto

multifaith chaplaincy. He

is the author of several

books and articles. Guru

Fatha Singh also teaches

holistic living and Kundalini Yoga as taught by

Yogi Bhajan.

www.gurufathasingh.com

9 7 8 8 1 7 0 1 0 3 9 3 6

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Women ofGrace and Power

Stories for Sikh Girls

Singh Sahib Guru Fatha Singh Khalsa

Hemkunt

Women ofGrace and Power

Stories for Sikh Girls

Author

First Published 2012

ISBN: 978-81-7010-000-0

Published by:

Hemkunt Publishers (P) Ltd.Hemkunt Publishers (P) Ltd.Hemkunt Publishers (P) Ltd.Hemkunt Publishers (P) Ltd.Hemkunt Publishers (P) Ltd.402, Ansal Imperial TowerC-Block Community Centre,Naraina Vihar, New Delhi-110028Tel. : 4141-2083Fax : 91-11-4540-4165E-mail : [email protected]

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Cover Photo : Nyrmla's Wedding IICopyright The Singh Twinswww.singhtwins.co.uk

Printed and bound in India by

HEMTECH INDIACustom Printing & [email protected]

Table of Content

1. Bibi Nanaki (1464-1518) 7

2. Bibi Amaro (1526-1589) 12

3. Bibi Bhani (1535-1589) 17

4. Mata Kaulan (1600-1652) 26

5. Mata Gujari (1624-1705) 30

6. Mata Krishan Kaur (1632-1701) 52

7. Mai Bhago (1675-1755) 57

8. Rani Sahib Kaur (1771-1799) 61

9. Princess Sophia (1878-1948) 65

10. Bibi Harnam Kaur (1886-1914) 69

11. Bibi Balbir Kaur (1901-1923) 75

12. Bibi Gursharan Kaur (1937 - ) 79

13. Bibi Krishna Kaur Khalsa (1940 - ) 85

14. Dr. Inderjit Kaur (1942 - ) 88

15. Dame Anita Roddick (1942-2007) 94

16. Bibi Gurmukh Kaur Khalsa (1943 - ) 99

17. Dr. Nikky Guninder Kaur Singh (1958 - ) 102

18. Dr. Kalpana Chawla (1961-2003) 106

19. Bibis Amrit and Rabindra Kaur Singh (1967 - ) 114

20. Bibi Amandeep Kaur (1968- ) 119

21. Dr. Anarkali Kaur Honaryar (1984 - ) 128

Bibi Nanaki (1464-1518)

Bibi Nanaki lived in the village of Talwandi, in Punjab.Her father was Mehta Kalu, her mother Mata Tripta.

When Nanakis brother was born, he already sat andmeditated like a yogi. Nanaki loved her little brother. Shewas five when he was born.

When Nanak went to learn his alphabet from his teacher,the teacher sent him home because he already kneweverything. Nanaki could see that her brother was verysmart, smarter than anybody she knew, even though hewas just a boy.

Nanakis father was a businessman. He loved to buythings for little money and sell them to others for moremoney than he had paid. He called the extra money hegained his profit.

One day he sent his son Nanak with some money to gothe town and do some business for a profit. On the way,he saw some simple people singing Gods praises. Nanaksat for a time and sang with them. Their music, their voices,and the little one-stringed insturment they played, werefilled with joy.

Nanak left them feeling very happy, thinking what awonderful time he had had. He also asked himself, Howcan I help them? They gave me joy. What can I give themin return?

The answer came quickly. You can bring them somefood from the town. You can pay for it with your fathers

8 Women of Grace and Power

money. This will be a great profit. You will take money,buy food, and make the saints happy. It is the best thinga person can do.

When Nanak came home, his father asked him, Whatbusiness did you do, my son?

Nanak explained, I took your money and fed the saints.This will bring happiness in this world and the next.

Nanaks father did not understand these things. Hewanted money and more money. He did not care aboutsaints or the next world. He became angry. Mehta Kalutook a stick and began to beat his son with it.

Nanaki was upset to hear her father shouting andbeating her dear brother. Nanaks father had knocked himdown and stood over him. He hit him and hit him again.Nanaki shouted, No, Father! Please dont beat my littlebrother! And she put herself between her angry fatherand Nanak. Their mother came, as well. Finally, with afew more angry words, he retreated and left Nanaki andher brother.

As was the custom in those days, Nanakis parentsfound a husband for her when she was eleven years old.She married Jai Ram and moved with him to his home inSultanpur.

All the time she was away, Nanaki never forgot abouther brother. She prayed for and thought about him all thetime. She was worried that her father would beat him upagain. Nanak was not a businessman like his father. Hedid not think like a business person. He did not are aboutmaking more and more money. Nanaki knew that thisoften made their father upset.

Jai Ram knew about his wifes worries. One day, hesaid to her, Dear wife, I think your dear brother may beable to work at the granary of the governor. The governorneeds an honest man to keep track of his grain. Who canbe more honest than Nanak? He could come and stay here

with us. Then you would never have to worry.Nanaki thought this was a great idea. Soon it was

arranged, and Nanak came to live in peace and happinesswith his sister, Bibi Nanaki and her husband.

Everyone was happy with Nanaks work at thegovernors granary. The poor who came for food werehappy because Nanak gave them as much grain as theyneeded. The governor was happy to have such a goodworker. And Nanaki and Jai Ram were happy to knowthat Nanak was safe with them.

A few years later, Nanaks parents arranged for him tomarry Sulakhni. After a time, they had two children, SiriChand and Lakshmi Das. Nanaki, who had no children,treated them like her own.

One day, everything changed. That day, early in themorning, Nanak went for his usual meditation in the coldwaters of the Bein River, but did not return. For threedays, Nanak was missing. Sulakhni and Nanaki worriedwhat might have happened.

Finally, Nanak returned from his meditation. His facewas shining bright. He spoke little, but what he said wasgreat in wisdom. He shared beautiful poetry that Godsang to him in his heart. People came to see and listen tohim. From that time on, people called him Guru Nanak.His followers were called his Sikhs.

Hearing the beauty of the Gurus songs, Bibi Nanakigave a Sikh called Mardana a rabab to play while her brothersang. The rabab was round, stringed instrument like a guitar.Nanak loved to sing while Mardana played this rabab.

One day, the Guru found his sister very thoughtful.She looked sad even. He asked his dear sister what shewas thinking.

Bibi Nanaki told her brother that a dear friend hadjust had a beautiful, baby girl. She was very happy, buther husband and his family were not. When the baby was

Bibi Nanaki 9


born, they said, Eat ghur, spin your thread. We dontwant you, but a brother instead, and killed the baby byfeeding it ghur.

Guru Nanak looked deeply into the eyes of his sister.It seemed a tear or two was coming into his own eyes,together with a flash of anger. Be at peace, my dearsister. I will speak to you tomorrow.

The next time Bibi Nanaki saw the Guru, he and Mardanawere playing a new song that had come to him from God.He smiled when he saw his sister arrive in the sadh sangat.Then he began to sing:

A man comes to life in the body of a woman.Within a woman, his body takes shape.With a woman, he is attached and married.Man enjoys woman as a friend.From mother to wife to daughter, his family goes on.When his woman dies, man looks for another.Man is tied to womankind.Why say she is badWho is the mother of great men?From a woman, even woman is born.Without woman, there would be no one.Oh Nanak, without a womanThere is none, only God.

Soon, everyone was singing. As Bibi Nanaki lookedaround with teary ears, she could see her friend. She toowas singing. And her friends husband was singing, singingand crying, too. And his parents were weeping too. Itseemed the family now understood what they had notunderstood. And they were very sorry and would not killany girl babies again.

Guru Nanak went on four long journeys to teach themessage of Sat Naam, to live in kindness and courage.While he was gone, Bibi Nanaki and her husband looked

after the Gurus oldest son, Siri Chand, while LakshmiDas, the younger son, lived with his mother.

Bibi Nanaki meditated on her saintly brother oftenduring the years that he was away in faraway lands. GuruNanak held her in his heart, as well. In their hearts, theywere never far apart. For her service and love of GuruNanak, Bibi Nanaki is remembered as the first Sikh.

Bibi Nanaki 11


Bibi Amaro (1526-1589)

Amaro was just six years old. She lived in the sleepy townof Khadoor in Punjab. She had two older brothers, Dasuand Datu, and a younger sister called Anokh.

One day, there was a great excitement at Amaros homeas her father shared the story of his finding a great holyman in a town not so far away. This man was Guru Nanakand according to her father, he was filled with the wisdomof the world. Her father was so in love with the Guru,that he proposed his whole family move to the town ofKartarpur to live near near him.

Soon, Amaros mother agreed and the whole familypacked all their things. They loaded a cart, said good-byeto their neighbours, and set out for Kartarpur.

Amaro liked her new life in the new town. There wasa blissful rhythm to each day. Every morning, many of thetownspeople would rise early and bathe. There was noplumbing in those days, so some went and bathed in theriver. Others bathed at home with pots of water from thewell. Then they would gather together to say Guru NanaksJapjee Saahib, chant Gods Name together, and sing divinekeertan. After that, the Guru would always speak, andafter that, there was always prashaad.

It was a nice routine: the dark quiet morning, the peacefulgathering of neighbours and friends, even little babies withtheir mothers, the sweet sounds and rhythms of theGurbaanee, Guru Nanaks appearance and the sound of his

voice, and then, the sweet, yummy prashaad.Evenings were almost the same, the same gatherings

with the setting of the sun, the reading this time of Rehiraas,the keertan, Guru Nanaks wise and sometimes funny words,and prashaad before bedtime.

Amaros father would serve Guru Nanak in many ways,day and night. Whatever the Guru asked, her father woulddo. He also made it his habit to join Guru Nanak earlyeach morning when he meditated year round in the nearbyRavi River. The Guru had two sons who were older thanAmaros father. They did not follow and obey what GuruNanak said like her father.

One day, when Amaro was thirteen years old, therewas a special gathering. Guru Nanak stood before his lovingSikhs. Looking around, Amaro could see there were youngchildren and older children. There were also boys andgirls a little older than her. Some she knew from her village.Others must have come with their parents from anotherplace. There were adults, mothers and fathers andgrandparents too. Everyone was paying attention to theirwhite-bearded, loving Guru.

Nanak told everyone that a great day had come. Hetold them how her father had served him without complaintover the years. Then he told everyone that he had becomeold and he would not be living with them for many moredays. Guru Nanak took one of his turbans and tied it onAmaros fathers head. The great Guru said to everyonethat Amaros father, whom the adults had called Lehna,would from then on be called Angad, and that he wouldbe the Guru.

Everyone was surprised. Everyone. Some people cried.Mata Sulakhani, Guru Nanaks wife, looked sad. Some wereconfused. How could Lehna be Angad? And how couldAngad take Guru Nanaks place? Amaro wondered andwatched her father closely.

Bibi Amaro 13


Guru Nanaks spirit left his body not long after that.Soon after, Amaros father, who was now called GuruAngad by many, but not all of Guru Nanaks followerswent to meditate for a long time. He needed to concentrateand purify himself for the difficult job of being Master ofGuru Nanaks disciples.

After secretly meditating in a hut for six months, GuruAngad returned from his hiding place. Amaro and herfamily were happy to see him, as were many of the firstGurus followers. Many of them respectfully called Amarosfather the second Guru. As for Amaro, she could see thather father, whom she loved as her father, now glowedwith a special light.

Not long after his return, Guru Angad told everyonethat he would be moving back to Khadoor. Amaro lookedforward to seeing some of her old friends again in theirold home town.

Once they had moved, many people came to see andtalk with the Guru. Many treated Amaros father as theirown father. Meanwhile, Amaros mother became busyfeeding all the guests. Everyone called her mother MataKhivi and her special job was to see everyone who cameto visit was fed.

Amaro did not stay long with her family in Khadoor,however. Soon, she became a teenager and then it wastime to be married. After a big celebration, she was marriedto a handsome disciple of the Gurus. He was named Jasoo.As was the custom, Amaro moved to her husbandshometown of Basarke.

It was Amaros habit to rise in the amrit vela, bathe,and sing the Gurus hymns. She had learned many of hishymns by heart. People said Amaro had a beautiful voice.

So it was that early one morning, she was singing:Actions are the paper and the mind is the ink. In this

way, both good and bad are written.

People act according to their habits. Gods virtues arewithout end.

Why do you forget God, O crazy man?By forgetting him, your goodness will melt away.Out of the darkness of the night, Amaro heard a voice

call out, My daughter, I was dead. Then this life-givingverse entered my ears and I became alive again. Pleasesing the divine poetry again. And please take me to theone whose holy words these are.

Amaro grew shy and became quiet at the sound of theold mans voice. But her mother-in-law had heard themboth. The old man in fact was Amar Das, Amaros uncle-in-law. Her mother-in-law spoke to Amaro, There isnothing wrong in doing this. Father and father-in-law arethe same. Do not be shy in singing Gurbaanee. You shouldtake Amar Das to Khadoor Sahib to see the Guru. It willbe a blessing for you.

Amaro replied, How can I go to see my father whenhe has not called me? Why, I have just arrived here! Buther mother-in-law assured her it was okay.

Amar Das said to Bibi Amaro, Please be so kind as tolead me to the Guru.

Amaro then agreed, As you wish. Tomorrow morning,I will take you to see the Guru.

As agreed, early the next day, Bibi Amaro and BabaAmar Das set out. Amar Das had powerful legs used towalking long distances. He walked beside his young niece-in-law at a steady pace. Around them, sometimes theywould meet people who would great them respectfully.Sat Kartar! they would say. As they walked, Bibi Amarofelt the calm wisdom of her older relative. He had a smilefor everyone and the strength of a man much youngerthan himself.

By noon, they arrived at the hall where Bibi Amaroknew her father held court. She shyly went inside where

Bibi Amaro 15


Guru Angad was receiving his disciples, leaving Baba AmarDas outside.

When Guru Angad saw his daughter bowing at hisfeet, he knew right away what was happening. He said toher, Stop worrying that you have come here without mycalling for you. It is good that you have come. But whyhave you left the one you brought with you outside? Goand bring him inside also.

So it was that Bibi Amaro introduced Baba Amar Dasto Guru Angad Dev, the second Guru. Over the next twelveyears, Guru Angad tested Amar Das, who was twice hisage, in many ways. Again and again, Baba Amar Das provedhis love of the Guru. At last, Guru Angad retired hisearthly body and Amar Das became the third Guru, GuruAmar Das.

In the time of Guru Amar Das, many people wanted toknow about the Gurus message of Sat Naam, living happilyin meditation and serving others. Before there was aninternet or books, people needed to go out themselvesand share the Gurus teachings. For this purpose, the thirdGuru gave twenty-two of his best disciples the job ofteaching others in their town. One of the twenty-two hechose was Bibi Amaro. Guru Amar Das never forgot herservice to him.

Bibi Amaro was in charge of the area of Basarke, whichincluded Amritsar. And Amaros mother, Mata Khivicontinued her loving service in the Gurus kitchen foranother thirty years. In Bibi Amaros loving memory, thereis now a sarovar near the village of Basarke named BibiAmar da Talab.

Bibi Bhani (1535-1589)

Bibi Bhani was born to a couple of gentle, old saints. Herparents, Baba Amar Das and Mata Mansa Devi were fifty-six and fifty-one when she was born. Bhani already had aslightly older sister, Dani, and soon two brothers wouldbe born. It was rare for people to become parents at suchan age.

Bibi Bhani was five years old when her father met BibiAmaro, who introduced him to Guru Angad. Her fatherhad always loved to meditate and loved hard work, butsince meeting the Guru, his life changed. Bibi Bhanis oldfather would spend the middle of each night fetching waterfrom a faraway river for Guru Angads morning bath.Baba Amar Das would also serve the Guru in any way hecould, day or night. He passed many tests given to him byGuru Angad. Baba Amar Das was soon loved and respectedby everyone.

Bibi Bhani loved to help her father. Before, or sometimesafter, he had fetched the water for Guru Angads bath,she would already have brought water for her fathersbath. When Baba Amar Das would meditate, often shewould sit nearby to see he was not disturbed.

Bibi Bhani was a very thoughtful girl. Sometimes whenshe found her playmates were acting silly, she would tellthem, We are thoughtless beings, skipping and playinglike lambs, while death, the butcher, watches over us.Then she would then remember Guru Nanaks Baanee: To

Bibi Bhani 17


each and every home, the call is being sent each day. OhNanak, meditate on the one who calls. The day is comingnear.

By saying this, Bibi Bhani meant we should not bethoughtless. Life has a beginning and an end, and weshould be ready to leave when God calls us to go home.

Sometimes, Mata Mansa Devi would think her daughterwas worrying about dying. She would say to her, Do notworry about death. Guru Nanak said we should eat andenjoy ourselves in this life. But Bibi Bhani was not worried.She was just being thoughtful.

When Bibi Amaro was fifteen and brought Baba AmarDas to meet her father, Guru Angad, Bibi Bhani was five.They must have met and been friends. When Bibi Baniwas seventeen and Bibi Amaro twenty-seven, somethingamazing happened.

Guru Angad, the second Guru, after Guru Nanak, toldeveryone that Bibi Amaros father would be the third Guru.He called for Baba Buddha, who had been a Sikh sinceGuru Nanaks time, and a short ceremony was done. AngadDev, the second Guru, then called for a big feast to beheld.

At the feast, Angad Dev told everyone that soon hewould breathe his last breath and be no more on thisEarth. He reminded everyone to live in love and kindnessand meditation. Bibi Amaros father, the second Guru,told the thousands of people who had come that BabaAmar Das, now Guru Amar Das, would look after themwhen he was gone. He also told the third Guru to movefrom Khadoor to the village of Goindwal. He should settleand begin to teach and serve there.

Everything happened so quickly. Everyone wassurprised. Within a few days, Guru Angad, who was muchyounger than old Baba Amar Das, had left this world.Now Bibi Bhanis father sat in his place as their Guru. And

the Gurus family was moving, making a new beginning,in Goindwal.

Those were exciting days. When her father became theGuru, suddenly he had many more visitors. But some thingsdid not change. While others brought the water for theGurus bath from the river Goindwal was right on ariver Bibi Bhani continued to prepare his bath and to sitwith her father while he meditated.

Bibi Bhani found great peace and beauty inside herselfin her meditation, a beauty many others could not see.One day, a Sikh came to Guru Amar Das and asked, MayI offer Bibi Bhani money so she can have pretty dressesand decorations to wear like her friends?

The Gurus youngest daughter heard what was askedand answered herself. First she spoke Gurbaanee, False isgold. False is silver. False are those who wear them.Then, Bibi Bhani said, Do not worry about how I look.The Guru gives me everything I need. The best way youcan spend your money is to buy food for the langar, andblankets and medicines for the people who come to visitthe Guru.

Two years after they had moved to Goindwal, BibiBhanis parents began to talk about her marriage. It wasthe custom for parents to choose their childs marriagepartner. As they were talking about what kind of matchwould be right for their daughter, Bibi Bhanis motherpointed out the window, He should be something likethat young man.

That young mans name was Jetha. He lived with hisgrandmother since his parents had passed. He was poor,but loved to meditate and serve the people.

People gave Guru Amar Das money and jewels everyday. They listened to what he said carefully. With Godshelp, the Guru was rich and powerful like a king. Kingsdid not marry their daughters to young men with no money.

Bibi Bhani 19


Mata Devi did not think for a moment that Bibi Bhanishould marry Jetha the orphan. But Guru Amar Das lookedoutside and watched Jetha carefully. He watched how hestood and how he moved and how he spoke. He also sawa sparkle in the young mans eyes and heard he had awonderful laugh.

The Guru made up his mind right there. He said to hiswife, There is no one to compare with Jetha. He shall bea perfect husband for Bibi Bhani. There is no one like himin the whole world. Why waste our time looking for another?Our daughter shall marry Jetha.

Plans were made for the marriage. There wereexcitement and celebrations. Before the wedding day, intheir quiet time together after his meditation, Guru AmarDas spoke to his daughter. He said, I am not going togive you away to Jetha with expensive presents for hisfamily, as others do. You yourself are a priceless gem.There is no need of giving presents. But I will give youthree things to take with you into your marriage. Theywill make your wedded life blissful and sweet.

Hard times come on every marriage. Sometimes thehusband and wife will even fight and shout at each other.Now and then, difficult days are sure to visit you andyour husband as well. There will be days when things donot go your way.

To keep your home happy and peaceful, there arethree things you should learn to say. Firstly, if you do notagree with your husband, do not be afraid to say, You areright. A mans ego is a brittle thing. It shatters easily, likeglass, and once broken, is difficult to fix. By saying yourhusband is right, maybe not always, but in the things thatdo not really matter, you are keeping peace in the home.A husband who knows his wife does not like to fight withhim, loves her the more.

Secondly, do not be shy in saying, I am sorry. If you

make a mistake, say so. This is a brave and proper thingto do, and brings peace and goodwill in the home.

Lastly, if something goes terribly wrong in your home,do not lose the natural love and respect you have for yourhusband by blaming him. Instead, always say, It is thewill of God. If you practice these three teachings, Godwill grant you peace and happiness in your home.

Thousands of people came to celebrate the wedding.Bhai Jetha rode to the ceremony on a fine horse like agreat hero. Bibi Bhani was by turns happy and blushingand a little nervous. Guru Amar Das gave a wonderfultalk. Musicians played beautiful Gurbaanee. Afterwards, therewere huge pots of delicious Guru Prashaad and a big feast.Many, many people pitched in and helped to decorate andcook and serve and clean. So many loving servants of theGuru! It was a beautful wedding.

For many weeks afterward, people talked about themarriage of Bhai Jetha and Bibi Bhani. Even a few yogis,who did not marry, had come out for the celebration.Then, after a while, things started to quiet down.

Bibi Bhani, treated her husband Bhai Jetha like a saint,and continued to serve her father, the Guru. One day,something unusual happened. Guru Amar Das alwaysmeditated on a wooden couch in his home. Bibi Bhaniwould sit nearby to see he was comfortable and not botheredby visitors. If it were hot, she would fan him. If someonecame to the door, she would tell them to see the Guru atanother time. If a fly buzzed around the Guru, she wouldshoo it away. But on this day, a leg on Guru Amar Dasscouch snapped under his weight.

The Guru was deep into his meditation, but his daughtermoved quickly to stop the couch from crashing down underhis weight. To support Guru Amar Das, she held onto thesharp shards of the broken leg with her hands while hewent on with his meditation. When the Guru came out of

Bibi Bhani 21


his meditation, he saw Bibi Bhani holding on to his couch.Guru Amar Das asked, What are you doing, my deardaughter, holding onto this couch?

Bibi Bhani told the Guru, The leg of your couch hadbroken and I was holding up hour couch so your meditationwould not be disturbed.

Guru Amar Das noticed that his daughters hands lookedbloody and sore. It must have been painful to hold up thebroken couch. He said, My dear daughter, to keep me inmy meditation, you must have suffered great pain. Goodmust come from good. Ask me a favour.

Bibi Bhani had, as yet, no children. Maybe she wantedher fathers blessing on her womb. Perhaps she rememberedstill how Guru Angads two sons had been jealous whenBaba Amar Das became Guru after their fathers death.For whatever reason, Bibi Bhani said, I want one thingonly, and that is that the next Guru and the next, and allthe following Gurus in the line of Guru Nanak, should befrom our family.

Guru Amar Das made a promise. He said to hisdaughter, A child of yours will be loved and served farand wide. From your womb shall be born a great saint tosave the world. But you have dammed the clear, flowingstream of the Guruship. From this, great trouble shall result.

As it happened, Bibi Bhani and Bhai Jetha had threechildren. The first was Prithi Chand. Then came MahaDev. And the last was Arjan Dev. When Arjan was born,his older brothers were five and three years old.

Prithi Chand, whom everyone called Prithia wantedpower. Maha Dev was shy and liked to meditate. ArjanDev was filled with energy and zest for life.

One day, when Arjan was still a baby, his mother losttrack of him for a moment. Looking around, she quicklyfound her son had entered Guru Amar Dass bedroom. Hehad playfully woken the Guru up from his nap. Bibi Bhani

apologized and went to take Arjan Dev from the Gurusbedroom so he could continue his sleep.

Guru Amar Das spoke lovingly, Let him come to me!This grandson of mine will one day be a boat to carrypeople across the ocean of life.

Early one morning, after the Guru had taken his bathand before he settled into his meditation, he asked BibiBhani, What would you do if your husband died? Thehealth of Bhai Jetha had not been very good. His parentshad died while Jetha was young. Sometimes Bibi Bhaniworried that her husband might also leave this world atan early age, before their children had grown into men.

Bibi Bhani answered the Guru, I must accept whateverhappens. If my husband dies, I might either die with himor do whatever you tell me to do.

Guru Amar Das watched carefully and saw the deeplove in his daughter as she answered his question. In return,he replied, There is no need for you to die. I will giveyou a blessing that is far better than that. I will give yourhusband the Guruship and a few more years of life.

The third Guru then called for Bhai Jetha and told himto bathe and put on new clothes. When her husbandreturned, Bibi Bhani looked into his eyes. Powerful feelingswere sweeping over her: deep thankfulness for the giftGuru Amar Das had given her; deep sadness that her dearfather, the Guru was now going to leave this Earth; greatpride that her own husband was to become the next Guruin Nanaks line; and great relief that her children wouldhave a living father for at least a few more years.

Just as Guru Angad had called for Bhai Buddha toperform the ceremony of the passing on of the Guruship,so now Guru Amar Das called for him. Again the ceremonywas done. Amar Das, the third Guru, then told everyonethere that Bhai Jetha would have a new name as fourthGuru of the Sikhs. He should be called Guru Ram Das, the

Bibi Bhani 23


servant of God. Then, the white-bearded old saint stoodup and left the simple throne where he always sat andtaught his Sikhs. Taking Guru Ram Das, who was less thanhalf his age, lovingly by the arm, Guru Amar Das broughthim and made him sit on the throne.

Bibi Bhanis husband lived seven more years as GuruRam Das. Each day, they thanked God for the blessing oflife as a Sikh, the blessing of meditation, and the blessingof service. Year by year, their three sons grew into verydifferent kinds of men.

One day, a Sikh came from the big city of Lahore andasked Guru Ram Das to come with him to celebrate thewedding of his son. The fourth Guru said he could notcome because his disciples were always coming to see himin Goindwal. Some came from long distances. They wouldbe disappointed if he were away when they came to see him.

Guru Ram Das offered that his oldest son might goinstead. He called Prithi Chand, and asked him, My Son,would you go to this Sikhs wedding in my place?

Prithia replied and gave many excuses. In reality, heknew that his father was unwell. For this reason, he wantedto always be nearby so he could claim the Guruship forhimself when Guru Ram Das left this Earth.

Guru Ram Das then asked his second son, My Son,would you go to this Sikhs wedding in my place?

Maha Dev said he only wanted to meditate alone anddid not like large crowds of people. He begged not tohave to go.

Guru Ram Das finally, asked his youngest son, Arjan,who was then just eighteen years old, My Son, wouldyou go to this Sikhs wedding in my place? Afterwards, Iwould like you to stay in Lahore for a time and teach mySikhs how to properly meditate and to serve in GodsName.

Arjan Dev gladly replied, What you want is my pleasure.

This is only a wedding and a time of happiness, but evenif you sent me on a mission where I might risk my life,still I would be happy to go.

Bibi Bhanis youngest son went to Lahore and did notreturn for many months, while Prithia did his best throughtrickery to keep him away. When Arjan Dev finally returnedin victory, he had passed his father, the fourth Gurus test.

In her holy meditation, Bibi Bhani was lifted up intothe heavens. The whole world looked to her example andher grace. Great was her blessing to be the daughter ofthe great Guru Amar Das, the wife of the loving GuruRam Das, and the mother of the brilliant Guru Arjan Dev.

Bibi Bhani 25


Mata Kaulan (1600-1652)

Mian Mir was a Sufi saint and friend of the Sikhs. GuruArjan had invited him to lay the cornerstone of theHarimandir Sahib when it was being built. Mian Mir hadmany followers. One of them was the daughter of RustamKhan, a Muslim judge in the city of Lahore. In India inthose days, people of the Muslim religion were verypowerful. They ran the country, decided who should goto jail, even who should live and die. From her childhood,Rustam Khans daughter had loved to spend her time inprayer and meditation.

The judges daughter was beautiful, friendly and good,but spent her days by herself in her room, except when itcame time to go out and see Mian Mir, her spiritual teacher.She refused her parents advice that she should marry.Instead, she decided to give her life to God.

In Mian Mirs sangat, the judges daughter heard himspeak highly of Guru Hargobind, the sixth in Guru Nanaksline. However, when she began to praise the Guru at home,her father became angry with her. He was upset with hisdaughter for two reasons. Firstly, she had refused to marry.Secondly, his daughter was praising the Guru, a non-Muslim.

Rustam Khan was a religious fanatic. He hated anyoneand anything from any religion other than his own. Tohim, all non-Muslims were evil and deserved to die.

O Infidel, he said, you praise an infidel and disobeythe law of Muhammad, according to which it is forbidden,

under penalty of death, to praise an unbeliever.To the judge, an infidel was anyone who did not live

as a Muslim. Muhammad was the first Muslim. The girlsfather was telling her that by Muhammads law anyonewho said nice things about a non-Muslim should be killed.

The judges daughter replied, Father dear, the law ofMuhammad does not apply to holy men or to me. It appliesto those who neither know nor obey anything besides.Saints are Gods servants. At the same time, the Lordobeys them and they do as they please. Saints have noconcern with the law of Muhammad.

Hearing these words, the judges heart burned withpride. That very day, he spoke with other judges and gavean order for his daughter to be killed for disobeying thelaw of Muhammad.

When the judges wife heard of this, she told both herdaughter and Mian Mir. The saint replied, It looks likethere is no hope of saving you here. You will be put todeath by these tyrants. It will be better for you to go atonce to Amritsar and seek the protection of GuruHargobind. At this time, there is no one but him who cansave your life.

The judges daughter quickly returned home and packedher things. Mian Mir then arranged a safe escort. She,along with a fellow disciple, secretly went to Amritsar.

In the Gurus sangat, the judges daughter was givenevery respect. Guru Hargobind arranged that she shouldhave a house of her own, and told her to spend her timeas she pleased. He also gave her a new name, Kaulan,meaning promise.

Rustam Khan asked the Jahangir, the emperor of India,to help return his daughter. People however told theemperor that the judge had made his daughter miserableand beaten her every day. They explained that for fear ofhim, his daughter would not return from the safety she

Mata Kaulan 27


had found with the Guru. Hearing these reports, theemperor gave no help to Rustam Khan.

Kaulan learned to love her new home. Often, she wouldbe heard singing the following Gurbaanee in a mood ofthankfulness:

O Mother, joining the saints, I have woken up!Seeing my Love, I repeat the Name of the One I love.Eager for Gods sight, my eyes are only on him and

have forgotten all other things.Now, in my heart I easily enjoy peace and the Guru,

the giver of peace.Seeing God, my mind is filled with joy.O Nanak, sweet and holy is the Word of my Beloved!After some time had passed in this way, Kaulan offered

her dowry of valuable jewels to the Guru, so he might usethem for some holy work. The year was 1621. The Gurutold his Sikhs to dig a pool where people might meditatein peace near Kaulans house. It was just a short distancefrom the Harimandar Sahib, which was surrounded by apool of its own. This second pool became known as Kaulsar.Years later, Gurdwara Mata Kaulan Sahib was built on thesite of her home.

When Guru Hargobind was forced to move fromAmritsar because of the danger of attack from the Mughalarmy, Mata Kaulan came with him to Kartarpur, a shortdistance from Jalandhar.

After many years, Kaulan became sick. When GuruHargobind heard of her sickness, he came to offer hishelp. In a weak voice, Kaulan said, Thank you, Guru ji.Thank you for saving my life. Thank you for giving me theteachings that put me on the path to happiness in God.

Guru Hargobind replied, Meditate, my daughter!Meditate on the God inside you. You have only twenty-four hours to live. You must meditate on your Maker. Iwill return to you at your final hour.

When Guru Hargobind returned to Mata Kaulans home,he said to her, Be ready. Your time has now come. Prepareyourself. Give up thoughts of your body, and focus yourmind on God, the unborn and deathless One. The worldis unreal and shines only with his Light. The soul is pure,real, conscious and happy. As long as one is proud ofones body, one is chained to birth and death. But whenone learns perfect knowledge, one goes beyond the backand forth of love and hate, hate and love... and is liberated.

Meditating on the Gurus words, Mata Kaulan openedher eyes one last time, to say, Thank you! Thank you!You are the Home of the homeless. I have found shelter inyou. In a moment, you raised me to the heights yogis trymany years to achieve without success. You took away theignorance that hung over me for millions of births like avery long disease. She then closed her eyes, said WaheGuru! and passed painlessly from this world. The daywas May 29, 1652.

The Guru told Mata Kaulans servants to prepare herbody for the last rites. They bathed and clothed Kaulansbody in a simple, cotton cloth and an expensive shawl.While a ragi sang the Gurus hymns, her friends and servantstook her body to the garden, outside Mata Kaulans home.It was respectfully place in a heap of wood and burnedthere. As the flames surrounded Kaulans used-up body,someone sweetly recited Kirtan Sohila. The Guru then prayedwith everyone that her shining soul might forever be withGod.

Mata Kaulan 29


Mata Gujari (1624-1705)

A girl baby was born in Kartarpur in 1624. She had abrother named Kirpal Chand. Their parents were Bhai LalChand and Bibi Bishan Kaur. They named her Gujari afterthe music of mid-morning in the Indian scale.

Soon, little Gujari was helping her mother separate outthe stones from the dried beans when making dahl. Atfive or six, she was already sweeping the house. At six orseven, she was making rotis at her mothers side in thekitchen.

Gujari loved to play with her brother and friends. Hideand seek was a favourite. There were also other gamesgirls liked to play in Punjab. In kikli a group of girls wouldjoin hands in a circle and sing. Gheeta pathar was playedinside with pebbles or broken pottery. When the rainsarrived, the girls would make swings from the branches ofthe huge fig trees.

Gujari grew to be a happy and graceful young lady.She was smart too, always curious and learning quickly.She learned to read early and loved to read and singGurbaanee.

When Gujari was seven years old, Suraj Mall, a son ofGuru Hargobind, was married in her town of Kartarpur.It was a time of much happiness and excitement. Thousandsof people, even the neighbouring Hindus and Muslims,came to celebrate.

As a good mother, Bibi Bishan Kaur was always lookingfor a happy match for her daughter. In those days,engagements and marriages were much earlier than today.At seven, Gujari was already old enough to be matchedwith a boy she would later marry.

Gujaris mothers eyes fell on the grooms youngerbrother, Tyag Mall, the only son of Mata Nanaki, the Gurusdevoted wife. Tyag Mall was ten years old, polite, gentle,and strong. He also had a beautiful smile.

Bhai Lal Chand and Bibi Bishan Kaur went to GuruHargobind and humbly asked if their daughter might marryhis youngest son. After speaking together, the Guru andMata Nanaki agreed to the marriage.

How happy and excited was Gujari! How excited wereher friends! Gujari was to be married to the family of theGuru! The date of the marriage was set. It was to be heldin Kartarpur in just two years.

In her daily meditation, Gujari thought of the futurebefore her, a future she must get ready for. Her mothertold her as much. She was going to marry a saint, soGujari did extra meditation and made a special effort tolive like a saint herself. Each day, she was thoughtful,kind, and helpful to everyone she met.

Gujari listened to the stories of great women of theGurus line. She learned of Bibi Nanaki who first recognizedher brother Nanak as Guru. Gujari heard the story of thedevoted Mata Sulakkhani, the first Gurus wife, who waitedlong years for her husband to come back from his teachingmissions in Assam, Sri Lanka, Arabia and Tibet. She learnedof Mata Khivi, who fed thousands and thousands in theGurus langar. Gujari heard about Bibi Amaro whointroduced the second and third Gurus. Gujari also listenedin amazement at the story of Bibi Bhani, at once daughterto the third Guru, Amar Das, wife to the fourth Guru,

Mata Gujari 31


Ram Das, and mother to Guru Hargobinds father, Arjanthe fifth Guru. And she heard the stories of the sixthGurus mother, Mata Ganga, who had learned to be humblefrom Baba Buddha, and lived to know both the joy of holymotherhood and the great sadness of her husband, GuruArjans painful passing.

Hearing the stories of these greathearted women,something stirred in Gujaris heart. She was at once amazedand humbled. Gujari was filled with a deep longing and aprayer to serve the Guru and live to the memory of thesewonderful women.

As the months of waiting turned to weeks, then justdays, the excitement in Kartarpur increased. Talk of thecoming marriage was on everyones lips. Gujaris relativesand neighbours were happy for her.

Finally, Guru Hargobind and his family arrived, andthe marriage began. Tyag Mall was beautifully dressedwith a jewelled turban as he came to the ceremony on ahorse. Gujari was so happy she was glowing. Her parentsand brother Kirpal shared her happiness. In the diwanhall, the Guru gave a talk. In his talk, he said that womanis special, she has the power to keep a man close to God.

Finally, the marriage was done. Everyone came forwardand shared Tyag Mall and Gujaris happiness. There wasa big feast. All night, lamps were lit in every home.Fireworks filled the sky. Musicians played all night.Everyone prayed for the happiness of the new couple.

Gujari and Tyag Mall lived happily in their new homein Kartarpur. Mata Nanaki loved her new daughter-in-law, the wife of her only son. Love and respect and peaceabounded.

A year had passed when suddenly a Sikh horsemanarrived from Lahore. He brought news that a large armyof Mughal soldiers were coming. There had been twenty-

two years of peace with the Mughals, but under the newemperor, Shah Jahan, war was in the air.

Like all the men of Kartarpur, Tyag Mall had beenpractising fighting with a sword and wrestling. They knewthat the long years of peace might end any day, so whenthe call came to defend Kartarpur, they were ready.

As the men formed into their fighting groups, the womenprepared food and first aid for them. As they heard therumble of Mughal horsemen, Gujari and Mata Nanakiclimbed onto the roof of the tallest house in Kartarpur tosee better.

The battle lasted two days in all. Tyag Malls job wasto protect the rear of the Sikh army. Many times, theMughals tried to attack from behind, but every time, TyagMall and his group fought back fiercely and forced themto retreat.

When the battle was over, many fighters on both sideshad died. A number of Mughal generals had been killed.The brave defenders chased them out of Kartarpur.

The Gurus soldiers all praised Tyag Mall for his courageand skill in beating off the Mughal attackers. From thattime on, he was called Tegh Bahadur, meaning greatsword.

For the sake of peace, Guru Hargobind told his followersthey must move further away from the Mughal highway.For this reason, Gujari and Tegh Bahadur travelled eastand made a new home in the town of Kiratpur. Gujarisbrother Kirpal also came along. Kiratpur was surroundedby forests and hills, and easy to defend against a largearmy.

For nine years, they lived in peace. One day, GuruHargobind, who had grown old and tired, picked hisgrandson Har Rai to be the seventh Guru. The Guru thenbreathed his last.

Mata Gujari 33


Tegh Bahadur congratulated his cousin. A month later,he and Gujari and her brother Kirpal, as well as TeghBahadurs mother Nanaki set out for the village of Bakala.Bakala was where Nanakis parents, Tegh Bahadursgrandparents, lived. It was also a quiet place where TeghBahadur and Gujari could meditate, and that is what theydid for most of the next twenty years.

For her part, Mata Nanaki spent much time in wonder.Her husband, the sixth Guru, had said Tegh Bahadur wouldone day also be Guru. But Tegh Bahadur spoke very littleand saw only a few people in those days.

One day, a stranger came to see Tegh Bahadur. Hesaid told Gujari, Sat Kartar! My name is Makan Shah andI am looking for the Guru. Guru Har Rai passed his lightonto Guru Har Krishan, and that the eight Guru has alsopassed on his light... but no knows exactly who the ninthGuru might be. I think it might be Tegh Bahadur. I wouldlike to see him.

Gujari told Makhan Shah, My husband is meditating.He cannot see you. He is not the Guru. You should findhim somewhere else. My husband is busy.

But Makhan Shah would not be sent away. He said,Please let me speak with your husband, even for a fewminutes. I can come any time when he is not meditating orbusy.

Finally, Gujari told this Makan Shah he could see TeghBahadur after he had finished his meditation.

When the man returned, he bowed his head to theground in front of Tegh Bahadur and gave him a valuablegold coin. Gujari watched in surprise as her husband laughedat their guest. What is this, my friend? One gold coin?What kind of business is it you run? You promised me fivehundred coins!

Makan Shahs face lit up as he heard Tegh Bahadurs

words. He said, I am so sorry. There are so many falsegurus all saying they are the light of Guru Nanak. I wentto all of them, and they all accepted my offering. I am sosorry. I will bring you the rest of the coins right now.And the man ran out, then came back with bags of goldwhich he humbly offered to Tegh Bahadur as the Guru.

Gujari continued to be amazed. She had heard MataNanaki long ago say that Tegh Bahadur would one day beGuru. Could it be true? Was the Tyag Mall she had marriednow Guru Tegh Bahadur?

Things changed very quickly. In minutes, Makhan Shahwas shouting and banging a drum on the roof of theirhome, telling everyone in the village that Gujaris husbandwas the ninth Guru, the true light of Guru Nanak. Peoplegathered to see the Guru.

Makhan Shah climbed down from the roof and humblyasked Tegh Bahadur to speak with the gathered people, toteach them, to tell them about God. Tegh Bahadur, whofor twenty years had said very little, agreed. He came outand taught the people as Guru Tegh Bahadur for the firsttime.

Storm clouds of trouble and jealousy started to gatheraround the village of Bakala. The ninth Gurus nephew,Dhir Mal was very angry. He wanted to be Guru. Thesixth Guru, Hargobind had been his grandfather. To DhirMal, it did not seem fair.

The Gurus jealous nephew gathered together a gangof men. One day, they attacked the darbar of Guru TeghBahadur. One of the gangsters even shot at the Guru,wounding his shoulder a little. The gangsters stoleeverything they could carry away.

Kirpal Chand, Makhan Shah, and a number of the otherSikhs had fought bravely to defend the Guru, but theyhad been outnumbered. When more men had gathered

Mata Gujari 35


together, they went off to catch Dhir Mal and his gangsters.Before long, the jealous nephew and his men had beencaught and tied up and brought to Guru Tegh Bahadur.The loving Guru forgave Dhirmal and his ruffians.

The next morning, however, Guru Tegh Bahadur wasgone. Mata Gujari knew he must had gone into meditationsomewhere. Thinking of her husband, meditating withoutfood, she also stopped eating, while his Sikhs lookedeverywhere to find him.

Five days passed until finally a farmer found the Gurumeditating in a grassy forest. The farmer ran back to Bakalato tell everyone. A group of Sikhs went and brought foodfor Guru Tegh Bahadur. Mata Gujari, too, began to eatagain. Soon everyone was happy again.

Some weeks later, everyone got ready to go to Amritsar,the holy town of the Harimandar. Guru Tegh Bahadur andsome of his men wrote on horseback, while his wife andmother sat in a wagon. They looked forward to seeing thebeautiful Gurdwara. When they arrived in Amritsar,however, the priests inside closed the doors, locked thegates, and stopped their keertan.

Makhan Shah was angry that at the bad behaviour ofthe priests. Guru Tegh Bahadurs grandfather, the fifthGuru, had build the Harimandar, and now the priests werebeing very disrespectful.

The Guru told his Sikhs to be at peace. The disgracefulpriests would one day pay for what they did. Guru TeghBahadur and his Sikhs meditated under a big tree near theHarimandar and waited.

Finally, as the day grew into evening, a Sikh namedMata Hariyan asked the Guru if he would stay in herhome in the village of Walla that night. Guru Tegh Bahadurhappily agreed. With his mother and wife, the Guru wentto the womans small, simple house.

Meanwhile, the women of Amritsar heard about thedisrespect the priests had shown the Guru. They cametogether in the hundreds at the gate of the Harimandarmade the priests let them in. The women then told thepriests they should have let Guru Tegh Bahadur in andshown him proper respect.

The women of Amritsar then collected food and giftsfor the Guru and the Sikhs travelling with him. Next, theywent all together to Walla singing songs and hoping GuruTegh Bahadur would forgive them. Mata Nanaki and Gujariwere the first to hear the sounds of their voices as theycame to see the Guru. When he saw and heard the women,Guru Tegh Bahadur was happy. Because of their couragein speaking with the priests, he said, The women ofAmritsar will always be blessed.

Guru Tegh Bahadur and his followers returned toHarimandir Sahib. This time, the priests let him. We aresorry, said the priests. Some said, We did not know ifyou were really the Guru. Others said, We were afraidthe Mughal army would attach us if we let you inside.

This time, the priests were very polite and the Guruforgave them. Next, he and Gujari and his Sikhs went backto Bakala.

The people of Bakala were happy to see the Guru andhis family again. There was also a message from MataKrishan Kaur, the mother of the eighth Guru, Harkrishan,who had just left this Earth a few weeks before. She askedGuru Tegh Bahadur to come back to Kiratpur, where thesixth, seventh and eighth Gurus had made their home.

On arriving in Kiratpur, the ninth Guru was given allthe important things that had belonged to Guru Harkrishan,Guru Har Rai, and Guru Guru Hargobind. He received aspecial jewel for his turban, a hawk, a sword, and theGurus army with its generals. Guru Tegh Bahadur bought

Mata Gujari 37


some land to begin a new city. He first named it NanakiChak after his mother.

Once the building of the city was begun, Guru TeghBahadur set out with his mother, his wife, her brother,and some other Sikhs to travel and teach from village tovillage, and town to town. Everywhere, people came tosee the Guru and hear him speak words of wisdom.

People also came to serve Guru Tegh Bahadur. One ofthem was Bhai Mihan. He always brought water from thewell, firewood from the forest, and did anything he couldto serve the Guru. Bhai Mihan kept a cushion on his headto help him carry heavy loads. This cushion was alwayswet from water dripping on it.

One day, when Bhai Mihan was putting down a jug ofwater, Mata Nanaki and Gujari both saw that the Sikhshead was sore and bleeding from all the work he did.They told the Guru. The Guru then healed Mihan by puttinghis hand on his head. Guru Tegh Bahadur told Bhai Mihanthat he should be a leader of the people and he gave himbeautiful clothes and other presents.

One day in their travels, the Gurus mother told himall that she was very happy with her life. There was onlyone more thing she wished for. Mata Nanaki told her son,the Guru, that years before her husband, the sixth Guruhad told her a great saint would be born in her sonshouse. Guru Tegh Bahadur and Gujari, however still hadno children. The Guru told his mother to meditate eachday on Guru Nanak and she would have a brave andsaintly grandson.

The Gurus family remained in the city of Allahabadfor six months. At this time, Gujari did become pregnant.From there, they went on to Patna to the east. In Patna,Guru Tegh Bahadur was met by a Rajput general namedRaja Ram Singh. The general had been sent by the emperor

Aurangzeb to lead a large army against the kingdom ofAssam. It was a very dangerous mission and the generalasked if the Guru would bless him by coming along.

Guru Tegh Bahadur decided to go with the generaland leave his family in Patna. In this way, he could teachin faraway places where Guru Nanak had visited many yearsbefore. He also hoped that he could help make peace betweenthe rebellious King of Assam and the Mughal emperor.

First Mata Nanaki, then Mata Gujari, protested to theGuru that they could not be without him. Tegh Bahadurspoke to them kindly, but firmly. To Mata Nanaki, hesaid, There are many Sikhs waiting for me in a distantland and I must go to see them.

To his wife, he said, The words of my father, GuruHargobind are about to become true. A son shall be bornto you who will be great and powerful. He will help thesaints and uproot the wicked. You must stay here to givehim birth. Travelling would be very difficult for you. Iwill soon return from my tour.

While Guru Tegh Bahadur was away, Mata Gujari waswell taken care of. She was given special food and onegentle lady came and took her for a walk every morning.At last, Gujari had her baby. All the Sikhs in Patna and allaround celebrated. It was a boy. He was named GobindRai.

Far to the west, in a village called Kuhram, there wasa Muslim saint named Bhikan Shah. Muslims always bowtheir heads in prayer in the direction of Mecca. One day,his followers saw their teacher bowing in the oppositedirection, away from Mecca. When they asked Bhikan Shahfor his reason, he said, There has just been born in Patnaa great spiritual and worldly king. He will serve what isgood and destroy what is bad. Bhikan Shah promisedhimself that he would not eat until he had seen this child,

Mata Gujari 39


then set out to the east with his followers.What Mata Gujari heard that a Muslim wanted to see

her baby, she was at first afraid. She knew some Muslimsdisliked people who were not Muslim. What could he wantwith her dear child? Her brother went and asked BikhanShah, Respected Sir, why have you come here?

The tired and hungry saint replied, I have come along distance to see with my own eyes the great soul whohas come to Earth in the form of this child. I am just ahumble man. Please allow me this pleasure and my heartwill be satisfied.

When Kirpal Chand was sure there was no danger, hetold his sister and Mata Nanaki. At last, Bikhan Shah wasallowed inside to see Guru Tegh Bahadurs son. He hadbrought with him two covered pots, one filled with milkand the other with water. He put them in front of GobindRai to see what he would do. When Mata Nanakis grandsoncrawled toward the pots and put his two hands, one oneach pot, Bhikan Shah was happy. To him, this meant thatthis future king would have respect for all religions, notjust his own.

Three years after he had left, a messenger arrived witha message for Mata Gujari. Guru Tegh Bahadur is returningfrom his travels in the east. He is a days distance awayand will arrive early tomorrow morning. She and MataNanaki put on their best clothes to welcome him. Whenthe Guru arrived, all the Sikhs of Patna came out to seehim and to celebrate. Guru Tegh Bahadur was happy toreturn and to see his followers, his family, and his handsomeyoung son.

When the family was alone, Mata Gujari asked herhusband, How far did you go into Assam?

The Guru replied, We went as far as Guru Nanak hadgone. At Dubri, we made a big hill. To celebrate our peace,

every soldier brought their shield filled with earth. Together,the thousands of soldiers made the hill. On top, we builta peace temple that can be seen from far and wide.

Guru Tegh Bahadur also told his wife, I went to Assamas a servant of God. Three things I did. I was a friend toRaja Ram Singh, I was a teacher of truth, and I was amaker of peace.

The Guru stayed for a time with his family in Patna. Inthat time, he taught young Gobind Rai how to shoot anarrow with a bow and how to use a sword. After a fewjoyful weeks, he asked his mothers permission to returnto Punjab and teach there. Mata Nanaki tearfully told herson it was dangerous in Punjab, that he had only returnedand it was too soon for him to leave again. Guru TeghBahadur reminded his mother, Love of things and peopleis not forever. By singing Gods happy songs, we cross theocean of life.

The Guru then spoke to his wife, My good wife, I amgoing to Punjab. The city of Anandpur which has beenbuilt, must now be filled with people. Stay here, raise ourson, and do not go against his wishes. After a time, I willsend for you. The reason I ask you not to go against hiswishes is because Gobind Rai is a helper of God. When hegrows up, he will do many great things. He will destroyevil and help the good. God has told me to go to Punjab.There is much work for me there. Always remember God,who never dies.

Mata Gujari became very sad to hear that her dearhusband was going away again and so soon. With tears inher eyes, she said, My husband, I have no one else. Ourchild is still young. My mother-in-law is old. Who willtake care of me?

Guru Tegh Bahadur said to his wife, This body is notforever, but the soul inside is. The life in the body, flows

Mata Gujari 41


like a river. Only a fool loves the body. Be happy withwhatever God does. This will give you peace of mind.Always love our son and meditate on Sat Naam.

Before the Guru left with a group of followers, MataGujari asked if he would only go a short distance on hisfirst day of travel. In this way, Gobind Rai could join himfor a day and their parting would be easier. Guru TeghBahadur agreed to his wifes idea and the first day traveledwith his son to the other side of Patna, a short distance.

The day after the Guru had left, their son returnedfrom his father to stay with his mother in Patna. MataGujari lived a simple life of meditation and service. Whilethere were many Sikhs willing to help, she liked to grindher own grain and make roti herself.

Gobind Rai practiced martial arts every day. One day,a woman came to Mata Gujari and complained that he hadhit her on the forehead with a stone from his slingshot.The woman cried and said she would tell the emperorabout Gobind Rais pranks.

Mata Gujari said to the woman, My son is still veryyoung. He does not know what is right and what is wrong.Finally, she gave the lady money to buy butter and sweetsso she would not complain any more about Gobind Rai.

After the woman had gone, Mata Gujari chased afterGobind Rai. He was faster than she, however. He ran upthe stairs and closed the door behind him. Gobind Raismother scolded through the door, Arent you afraid ofthe emperor?

Through the door, her son said, I am not afraid ofanybody except God, who never dies. Hearing this, MataGujari began to calm down. Mata Nanaki quietly wentupstairs to make peace with her grandson. Afterwards,Nanaki told her daughter-in-law, The boy will be a greatwarrior like his grandfather, Guru Har Gobind.

As time passed, Guru Tegh Bahadur thought of hiscoming death and that his son should come to Anandpurto be with his Sikhs. At the same time, Gobind Rai wasspeaking with his mother, Father said he would writewhen he arrived in Punjab, but we have not heard fromhim. I want to go now.

Mata Gujari replied, We will go when your fatherwrites and says we should go, not before.

Her son said, I dont like Patna.Gobind Rais mother said, The Sikhs here are good

and look after our needs. In Punjab, there are jealous peopleand the danger of the emperor. We will not leave hereuntil your father tells us to.

Gobind Rai did not like the masands who were collectingmoney from the Sikhs and giving only a little to the Guru.He wanted to show his mother how dishonest they were.It was for this reason that he asked a masand named Bulakito have an expensive carriage of gold and ivory made fortheir journey to Punjab.

Soon the carriage arrived. Mata Gujari looked at it andthought it was wonderful. Gobind Rai, however, lookedclosely at the carriage and found that the part that wassupposed to be made of pure gold, was made mostly ofcheaper copper. It looked like gold, but was not. GobindRai burned the carriage to show how cheaply it was made.

Just then, the Gurus letter arrived telling his familyand his Sikhs to come to Punjab. Everywhere was excitement.Those who were going, were excited to be going. Thosewere were staying, were excited to see the Gurus familyone last time before they left for faraway Punjab. Therewere many good-byes. At last, Mata Gujaris brother, KirpalChand led the way, from city to city, on to Anandpur.

When finally, after weeks of travel, the Gurus familyarrived in Anandpur, they were warmly welcomed by Guru

Mata Gujari 43


Tegh Bahadur. His sister, Bibi Viro also came to Anandpurwith her five sons. She would be a good friend to MataGujri. Her oldest boy, Sango Shah quickly made friendswith Gobind Rai. Every day they went off to practicesword fighting, and shooting bows and arrows. Meanwhile,the Guru spoke each day in his darbar about the need tostand up for what is right and to not be afraid of bullies,even bullies with large armies.

Mata Gujari and Mata Nanaki were loved and respectedeverywhere in Anandpur. They came out and visited withall the families, all the women, of their growing town.Gobind Rai, for his part, had a daily plan of meditationand learning. In the mornings and evenings, he wouldmeditate. At night, before bedtime, verses of Gurbaaneewould be read to him while Gobind Rai listened carefully.And in the daytime, he would be taught Gurmukhi andother languages. Gobind Rai was also taught to use allkinds of weapons and ride a horse.

A coupleof years after they had arrived in Anandpur,there came a Sikh named Bhai Hari Jas all the way fromthe big city of Lahore. He came with an offer that hisdaughter might marry young Gobind Rai. Mata Gujri andGuru Tegh Bahadur talked about this and decided to acceptBhai Hari Jass daughter, Jitoji as a wife for their sonwhen he became older.

While the Sikhs built strong forts in Anandpur, farfrom the Mughal armies, they heard terrible stories aboutthe cruelty of the emperor. People were being killed, theirbodies broken, their homes and temples destroyed becausethey would not join the emperors religion.

One day, a group of Hindu leaders came to Guru TeghBahadur, asking for his help. As the Guru thought to himselfabout what must be done, his son came into the room.Seeing his father so serious, he asked him what was the

matter. The Guru explained what was happening to Gobind,and finished by saying, My Son, some brave person mustgo to the emperor and show him what a terrible mistakehe is making. If he succeeds, our country will be in peace.If he fails, he will die.

Gobind Rai bravely looked into his fathers face andsaid, Dear Father, who is greater than you? Who else hasthe courage to face the emperor, to bring peace, and possiblyto die?

So it was that Guru Tegh Bahadur told the Hinduleaders, Rest in Anandpur for a day or two. Then tell theemperor in Delhi that if he can make Tegh Bahadur joinhis religion, then all the Hindus of the whole country willalso join his religion. But if he cannot, then he must stophurting and killing people to get more followers.

A few days later, the Guru said a final good-bye to hisfamily and the Sikhs of Anandpur. He old Kirpal Chandand Bibi Viros sons to help Mata Gujari look after GobindRai. The Gurus wife and his mother did their best to bebrave. The Guru said to his mother, Life has an end andwe should not be attached to it. Whoever comes into thisworld, has to go as well. Only word of the saints liveson.

Mata Gujari begged to come with the Guru to Delhi,but he told her to remain in Anandpur and help their songrow into a man. To his wife, the Guru said, Our son,Gobind will be a great teacher. He will give you greatcourage and always keep your spirits up. He will lead allpeople to peace and freedom. Mata Gujari could not helpcrying.

The Guru then hugged and kissed his son. There wasno fear in Gobind Rais eyes when he said his final good-bye. Guru Tegh Bahadur then left Anandpur with fourSikhs.

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For the next few weeks, Mata Gujari and everyone elseat Anandpur received news of her husbands travels. Hevisited many villages and towns. Then they received newsthat the Guru and his four Sikhs had arrived in the city ofAgra and been taken to prison by the emperors soldiers.For two weeks, they waited and prayed, and prayed andmeditated, and received no more news.

Finally, a message for Mata Gujari arrived from theGuru was held. It said, The emperors men have me in aprison in Delhi. As Guru Nanak had said years ago, I amhere to take away their cruel power. Do not worry for me.Love our son and see the Guru in him. Mata Gujari andMata Nanaki both cried when they read the message. Theyknew it was a good-bye letter, but they did not want tosay good-bye.

One day, in her meditation, Mata Gujari saw her husbandbow in respect before her son. Then she saw the Gurushead separated from his body. Mata Gujari asked GobindRai to quickly send a Sikh to Delhi to see if there was anytruth in what she saw.

There was a long time of no news. Then a messengercame, out of breath. By emperors order, Guru TeghBahadur has been beheaded. All the Sikhs of Delhi arevery sad.

A day later, a Sikh named Bhai Jatha arrived carryingwith him in a cloth the head of Guru Tegh Bahadur. It wasthe end of a great story and the beginning of another: thestory of the tenth Guru, Guru Gobind Rai.

Mata Gujari remained sad for some time after herhusband gave his life. But as the Guru had said, youngGobind Rai gave her courage and helped lift her spiritseach day. Time passed, and soon came the day when GobindRai should be married to Jitoji. The wedding was the firstreally happy day at Anandpur since Guru Tegh Bahadurhad left.

The next year, Mata Nanaki, who had lived so longand seen the death of her husband, Guru Hargobind andthen also her son, finally breathed her last. Mata Gujarithought of all the years they had been together in Kartarpur,in Bakala, and in Anandpur, and all the memories. GobindRai also remembered his life with his dear grandmother.The Sikhs respectfully made a fire. After loving prayers,they turned her old body to ashes.

Six years later, a Sikh offered to Mata Gujri that hisdaughter, Sundari might marry Gobind Rai. The Guru didnot wish a second wife, but kings in those days had morethan one wife, and his mother liked the parents and thegirl, so the Guru was married a second time.

Gobind Rai lived like a great and wise king. Manykings came to visit with presents for the Guru. A kingcame from faraway Assam, where Guru Tegh Bahadurhad been. Among other gifts, he brought an elephant thatwas very smart. It could wash the Gurus feet and drythem with a towel. It could also carry a torch in its trunkat night, the better to see. When Rattan Rai gave the Guruhis present, he made him promise to keep it and never toloan it to anyone else. The Guru named the elephantPrasadi.

All this time, Guru Gobind Rai wanted two things.One was powerful poetry to inspire his Sikhs. Much of thisGurbaanee he wrote himself. The Guru was also helped bypoets who arrived at Anandpur from Delhi, where theywere afraid of the cruel emperor.

The other thing the Guru wanted was a strong army tostand up against the armies of the emperor. More andmore men came to Anandpur to help. More and more mentrained and practised fighting and riding horses. GuruGobind Rai then decided he must have a very large drumthat could be heard from far away, to go with his army.

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When the drum was nearly finished, some masands beganto worry. The job of the masands was to bring money fromthe sangats and give it to the Guru. They said that if theneighbouring king heard the sound of such a powerfuldrum, he would not allow them to stay at Anandpur.These Sikhs were too afraid to speak to the Guru, so theycame to Mata Gujri.

The Gurus mother then spoke with her brother, Kirpaland asked her to tell his nephew not to finish the drum.Her brother said he would not, and that she should speakwith Gobind Rai herself. The next morning, Mata Gujarispoke with her son, We are people of God and must behumble. Even if you finish the drum, do not beat it outsidewhere everyone can hear it.

Guru Gobind Rai replied, How long should I stay inhiding? I am not going to take the neighbouring kingsland. If they are jealous for no reason, I cannot help it.This is the Gurus castle where everyone receives whatthey deserve.

When the drum was finished, Guru Gobind Raicelebrated with prayers and sweet Guru Prashaad foreveryone. When it was beaten, everyone came to see it forthemselves. When Bhim Chand, the proud king from theneighbouring kingdom arrived, he became jealous of allthe presents the Guru had received from his Sikhs. Heespecially wanted Guru Gobind Rais elephant.

The selfish masands spoke with Mata Gujari. They said,The Guru is very young and has never fought a war. Heis making Bhim Chand an enemy by not giving him theelephant. The mountain kings are not afraid to fight anddie. Tell you son that it is not good to make trouble withthem.

When the Gurus mother tried to tell her son to dowhat the masands said, Guru Gobind Rai spoke to her, I

have been sent here by God, who never dies. Raja BhimChand is trying to scare me, but I fear only God and noone else.

Bhim Chand talked other kings into joining him infighting the Guru and his followers. Finally, there was abig battle between the Guru, his Sikhs, and the hill kings.Gobind Rais uncle, Kirpal fought bravely. Many othersfought bravely. The Gurus cousin, Sango Shah was killed.Guru Gobind Rai showered the battlefield with deadlyarrows. Many were killed before the remaining enemies ofthe Gurus enemies rode away in defeat.

All this time, the Gurus family was growing. Sundarihad had a son named Ajit a year before the big battle.Jitoji had three boys, one after another: Jujhar, Zorowar,and Fateh. Guru Gobind Rai respected his wives equallyand lovingly taught all his sons to be fearless saint-soldiers.

In 1699, when the Guru was a grown man, he gave hisSikhs a big test. At the big Baisakhi celebration, whenmany thousands of Sikhs had come to Anandpur, he askedfor their heads. One by one, a few fearless followers ofthe Guru came and offered him their heads, which hechopped off with his sword.

While he was doing this, some timid Sikhs came toMata Gujari and complained. They said the Guru had losthis mind and that she should make their oldest son Ajitthe Guru. Mata Gujari send a message, but no one wasreading messages that day. Everyone was paying completeattention to Guru Gobind Rai. In the end, Guru GobindRai created the Khalsa. A few days later, when he askedthe Khalsa to let him join them, he became Guru GobindSingh. All the Khalsa women were Kaur meaning princess,and the men were Singh meaning lion.

All the years of the tenth Gurus getting ready to fightwere put to the test the following years. At that time, the

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enemies of the Khalsa gathered and surrounded the fortsof Anandpur. For months, they cut off food and madeeveryone hungry. Prasadi the elephant became so skinnyand hungry that the Guru killed it so it would suffer nomore. Mahan Singh and his forty men ran away to savethemselves.

Finally, the Mughal generals promised Guru GobindSingh that they would let him and his Khalsa escape fromthe fort. The Guru did not believe the Mughals promise,but his Sikhs were so hungry that they made him agreewith the Mughals. As Guru Gobind Singh had warned,once everyone was out of the fort, the Mughals attackedthem from every direction.

The Guru and his Khalsa scattered to get away. MataGujari crossed a river with her grandsons, Zorowar Singhand Fateh Singh. Their cook, Gangu offered that they couldsleep at his house. Instead, he sold them to the Mughals.

Mughal soldiers took Mata Gujari, then eighty-one yearsold, and her grandsons, seven and nine, to the governorof Sarhind. Wazir Khan, the governor ordered that theyshould be kept in a cold tower. There, the three of themshivered while Mata Gujari kept up the spirits of the boys.You are the greatgrandsons of Guru Hargobind, thegrandsons of the Guru Tegh Bahadur and the sons ofGuru Gobind Singh. Your spirit is strong. The Mughalscannot break your spirit.

Wazir Khan wanted the Gurus sons to give up give uptheir fathers religion. He told Zorowar and Fateh Singh,If you join the emperors religion, if you bow to Meccaand do the five Muslim prayers, you will have lands andpower. You can live and be happy. If you do not, you willdie.

With one voice, Fateh and Zorowar replied, Ourgrandfather would not join your religion and we will not.Oh Fool, why do you try to tempt us with things that are

useless in this life or the next? We will never be fooled byyou. Our grandfathers death created a fire to burn thisempire to ashes. Our deaths will add wind to that fire soit burns faster and hotter.

The governor ordered that the two brave Khalsas bemade into a brick wall where they could breathe no more.The wall fell instead before it could cover their heads.When that failed, the cruel Wazirs men killed the Gurussons the next day.

Mata Gujari was kept in the cold tower. Once she knewin her heart that her grandsons had left their bodies, shegave hers up as well and returned her spirit to God, whonever dies.

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Mata Krishan Kaur (1632-1701)

Mata Krishan Kaur was a wife of the seventh Guru. Sheand Guru Har Rai lived together in Kiratpur for twentyyears. In 1661, her husband passed the guruship on totheir youngest son, Har Krishan.

When Guru Har Rai breathed his last, he was onlythirty-one years old. Mata Krishan Kaur was just twenty-nine. Guru Har Krishan was only five years old at thetime. When her husband, passed from this world, MataKrishan Kaur did her best to cheer up all the sad andcrying Sikhs. Dont be sad, she said. This is all a partof Gods play.

Mata Krishan Kaur made herself busy helping andserving her son, now the eighth Guru. She and her husbandhad taught him well. He was already waking up threehours before sunrise to take his bath and meditate.Afterwards, he would sit with the sadh sangat, chant Gurbaaneewith them, and enjoy the keertan.

Guru Har Krishan had an older brother, Ram Rai, whowas very jealous. He made friends with the emperorAuranzeb. Ram Rai hoped the powerful emperor wouldhelp him defeat his little brother so he could be Guru.

One day, a messenger came with gifts and presentsfrom a friendly Rajput general in Delhi. Raja Jai Singhinvited Guru Har Krishan to visit him. He told the Guruthat the emperor wanted to see him, but that he should

not worry. Raja Jai Singh had a large army and he wouldsee Guru Har Krishan was safe.

Everyone knew what a dangerous man the emperor ofIndia was. Many of the Sikhs worried that something badmight happen if their young Guru went to see him. Hundredsof Sikhs wanted to come with Guru Har Krishan to keephim safe, but the Guru asked only his mother and abouttwenty Sikhs to come along.

Raja Jai Singh was a good man. He gave his specialguests a big house to stay in. The house was surroundedby Raja Jai Singhs soldiers, who also lived in Delhi. Itseemed safe from the emperor.

Although Guru Har Krishan had come to Delhi becausethe powerful emperor wanted to see him, he did not wantto see Aurangzeb. Instead, Mata Krishan Kaur and theGuru spend their days visiting the poor, the sick, and thehomeless. All the money his Sikhs gave Guru Har Krishanwas used to buy food, clothes and medicine for the suffering.

Everyone was happy to see the Guru. Some said, thatjust by seeing him, their sadness and worry went away.Such was the power of Guru Har Krishans meditation.

Raja Jai Singh told the emperor what he saw. He toldAurangzeb that Har Krishan was very different from hisbrother Ram Rai. While Ram Rai wanted to be powerful,Guru Har Krishan only wanted to help the helpless andserve the poor.

While the general did his best to keep the Guru safeand out of the emperors hands, Aurangzeb was impatient.He demanded Raja Jai Singh hand Guru Har Krishan overto him.

It happened that there was a terrible sickness in Dehliat that time. Smallpox are like chickenpox, only deadly.Thousands and thousands of people were dying.

The next morning, Guru Har Krishan had a fever andwas not feeling well. He was so sick that he could not

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even speak when Raja Jai Singh asked him to see the emperor.The day after that, his body was covered with pox and heknew his time on Earth would not be many more days.

Mata Krishan Kaur began to worry. She had seen herhusband pass away just three years before. Now it lookedlike even her youngest son would leave her. She said, Myson, why do you want to die? You only just became Guru.You are still a child. It is too soon for you to go. I wishyou would live a full life, have a wife and children, andthen go to God! Why at such a young age are you turningaway from this world?

The Guru said to his mother, Mother dear, it is naturalyou should feel this love for me, but you should not worry.We must do what God wants. Guru Arjun once said:

The Master may harvest the crop whether it is green,half-ripe, or ripe and ready to be cut.

When God, the Farmer, feels it is time, He cuts downthe crop. There is no rule that says it cannot be young andgreen. What torture Guru Arjan suffered, but he did notsay a word! Why should we be sad about the body whenGod wants to take it away. Whatever God does is best.

While the Guru lay sick in bed, everyone was told tochant and read Gurbaanee. When he could, Guru Har Krishansat up and taught the Sikhs gathered around his bed. Hetold them about life and the importance of death. All thiswhile, Mata Krishan Kaur was busy bringing special foodand medicine to her son. She also worked day and nightto look after all the people who came to visit.

Some of the Sikhs worried. They said, Great King,your brother Ram Rai is friends with the emperor. In Punjab,there is Dhirmal and others who want the Guruship. Theyare only waiting for your passing to try and take over.Simple Sikhs will fall into their traps and smart Sikhs willbe hurt. In this way, the tree which Guru Nanak plantedwill wither away. Every one will be a guru in their own

home and Sikhism will fall apart. Please give us someonelike you to help us.

Guru Har Krishan said, Why do you worry? The treeplanted by Guru Nanaks holy hands will never wither.Bad weather, storms and heat may come, but that tree willlive on. One Guru will blend with another.

The eighth Guru then asked for a coconut and fivepennies. Then, in the same way Guru Har Rai and all theGurus before him had done it, he made three circles as hemeditated on the ninth Guru, and said, The Guru is inBakala. At that point, he lost his voice. When the Guruwas able to speak again, he told the ragis to sing Gurbaaneeand chant Gods Name.

Each day, Guru Har Krishan became weaker. One night,the Gurus mother said to him, What should I do alonein this world, once I have lost my good son and my kindhusband? How will I live without them?

The Guru replied, Mother dear, do not worry! Mostof your life to now has been filled with happiness. For therest of your life, serve God. Guru Arjan has said:

Where the doctor cannot do anything, and wherethere is no sister and no brother, only God can help.

By remembering God, you will arrive at a place whereyou will never be unhappy, and never be without us.

Hearing her sons words, Mata Krishan Kaur felt peace.The Guru finally told his Sikhs not to cry for him. Instead,he wanted them all to sing Gurbaanee.

After Guru Har Krishans cremation, Mata Krishan Kaurtook all her sons important things and went back toKiratpur. There, she send a Sikh to the village of Bakalawith a message to the ninth Guru:

Please come to Kiratpur to receive a special jewel foryour turban, a hawk, a sword, the army, and the horseswhich have passed to you through Guru Hargobind, GuruHar Rai, and Guru Har Krishan. These are now yours.

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A few weeks later, Guru Tegh Bahadur arrived withMata Nanaki and Mata Gujari and many Sikhs. Bhai Gurditta,the grandfather of the eighth Guru, and older brother toGuru Tegh Bahadur, gave him all the things from GuruHar Krishan. The ninth Guru took most of the things, butgave the things that were special to the eighth Guru, hisclothes and other things, to Mata Krishan Kaur to keep.

While the ninth Guru went on to build the city of ChakNanaki, which he would later call Anandpur, Mata KrishanKaur stayed in Kiratpur. She lived there and taught theSikhs how to live and how to die, and how to live onwhile others die. Mata Krishan Kaur was a great teacherfor many Sikhs.

While Guru Tegh Bahadur travelled far to Patna andAssam, Mata Krishan Kaur kept serving and teaching theSikhs in Punjab. When the ninth Guru was martyred inDelhi, it was Mata Krishan Kaur who came to Anandpurand lovingly put the turban on Gobind Rais head in theceremony that made him Guru.

The wife of the seventh Guru and mother of the eighthGuru was a humble, peaceful, and noble lady. Mata KrishanKaur was a great role model. She gave loved and servedand gave hope to many people.

Mai Bhago (1675-1755)

Bhag Kaur could hardly believe her ears.Her husband had told her that he and his friends had

just come back from fighting alongside Guru Gobind Singhand many brave Khalsa. In the fort of Anandpur, they hadbeen hungry and cold and missing their families. Thenthey, forty of them, had told the Guru they wanted toreturn home. Guru Gobind Singh had agreed they couldgo, but only if they declared they were no longer hisdisciples and he was no longer their Master. Mahan Singh,their leader, had signed a piece of paper that said as much.That night, they slipped away from Anandpur Sahib.

Bhag Kaur spoke with the women of the surroundingvillages and asked them about their husbands, brothersand sons who had just returned. They all told the samestory. Their men had deserted Guru Gobind Singh.

Bhag Kaur felt ashamed for her husband and her wholefamily. She felt sorry for all her women friends. She toldthem not to welcome their men home. This was not ahappy time.

Bhag Kaur spoke to Mahan Singh, her husband NidhanSingh, and the other men. Why did you leave the Guruto fight without your help. Why did you turn your backon the Guru? Why, if you wont fight, we women will giveyou our aprons. We will go and fight for you!

The men looked at each other. Life had been very hardat the Gurus side. They had thought that if they just left

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Guru Gobind Singh, everything would be easy. This wasnot easy. This was very, very hard. Now their womenwere making them feel ashamed to be men.

One by one, the men decided to return as quickly aspossible to the Gurus side. Bhag Kaur announced that shewould set out with them in the morning to find GuruGobind Singh and his Khalsa.

Their saddles and horses were prepared. Their armourwas repaired. Their weapons were sharpened. In themorning, there was a great langar. Then, the forty set outin high spirits. Bhag Kaur, dressed as a man and armedwith a spear, lead the way.

What they did not know was that Guru Gobind Singh,his army, and his family had left the fort of AnandpurSahib. They had left and spread in all different directions,chased by the Mughal hordes. Many had fought and diedalong the way. The Gurus four sons had been martyred,his mother as well. Now Guru Gobind Singh was wanderingthe forest with the Mughal army looking for him.

Bhag Kaur and her followers had travelled all daywhen they came to the village of Khidrana. Their horseswere tired and thirsty, and so were they. At Khidrana,they expected a pool of refreshing water.

A large Mughal army of hundreds of thirsty soldiersand horses was also coming to Khidrana. And in the nearbyforest was Guru Gobind Singh.

Soon the Mughals and the Sikhs spotted each other.They prepared to do battle. The Guru also saw them andprepared to rain arrows on the soldiers from his foresthideout.

The battle was furious. The horses kicked up dust inevery direction. Soon, Mai Bhago and each of her menwere surrounded by dozens of well-armored Mughalsoldiers on horseback. Bhag Kaur struck her spear to theleft and right, protecting herself and her horse from the

sword strikes of the soldiers. Nidhan Singh and MahanSingh and the others fought quickly and bravely. Thoughthey were outnumbered, they emptied many Mughalsaddles. All the while, deadly arrows also rained on theMughals from the Guru. Almost every arrow made itsmark.

After a long fight, Bhago Kaur and her fighters laydead or wounded on the ground. They were surroundedby many dead Mughal soldiers. It was night now.

The still living horsemen went to where they expectedto find water for themselves and their horses, but the poolwas dry. The nearest water was an hours ride away.Leaving their dead, the Mughals rode off quickly.

Guru Gobind Singh came out of the forest from wherehe had killed many s

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