I worship the lotus feet of Sri Guru Hargobind ji. I write the Katha which gives joy. Listen oh Sikhs, to this Katha with focus.
Sri Bala Sandhur Vaach..
Some time passed, in a good way, as Guru Nanak Dev ji worked at the Modi Khan. He took the weighing scale and weighed the items of sale. He gave more than the customers would ask for. The customers would always be happy to receive more than they paid for. Hearing the glories of Guru ji, many beggars came. They would get what they asked for. The officials were shocked and amazed to see how this was working. They thought that Guru ji had some sort of Rasayan, which made gold from metal; or that he had some wealth that was buried. Nobody knew the ways of the indestructible Kartar, who had come as an Avatar. He was the destroyer of facades, the form of bliss; who came to make others do Simran of the Naam. The 9 Niddhis and 18 Siddhis stood in front of Guru ji with their hands folded, waiting for a command. What shortage can there ever be where Parmeshwar was? He was the Parmeshwar, detached from the Maya.
From the Village of Pakho-ke-Randhawa, was a Kshatriya named Baba Moola ji. This place was within the Vatala area. The Laagis of Baba Moola ji came to Sultanpur with the engagement proposal. The Laagis made their way to Bhaiya Jai Ram ji's home. The Laagis were respected and seated in the home with respect. Bebe Nanaki ji was happy to have the Laagis come to her home. Her other clan sisters-in-law congratulated her. The family traditions were carried out and the songs of joy were sung by the women. They were happy. Bebe Nanaki ji gave donations to the poor. Bhaiya Jai Ram ji was very happy. The relatives were called to the home. The relatives all came. Guru Nanak Dev ji sat in the centre. They put a saffron Tilak on Guru ji's forehead. The Laagis gave Guru ji their blessings. They fed him sweets. The women sang and made jokes. They laughed and sang Sithinees. Everyone was happy. Sultanpur became a very joyous place with celebrations.
A servant was sent to Talwandi to invite the family. Mata Tripta ji heard of the great news and became joyous. It was as though she had received the 9 Niddhis. She took sweets and left the home. She gave sweets to the servant who came with the message and said: "I am a sacrifice unto you." She gave him 5 Rajitpuns, clothes and gifts. The women of the Bedi family came and sang songs of joy. It was a joyous time. Baba Kalu ji heard the news and was very happy. It was like a peacock being happy, hearing the rumbling clouds. Baba Kalu ji gave donations to the poor. The poor asked for gifts and gave their blessings. The women were really happy. Their clothes and jewellery were beautiful. The women said: "Guru Nanak Dev ji is the Avatar of Parmeshwar." The relatives knew this too. They said: "this relationship is of the Dharma within the Bedis. Kalu ji's son is the complete Truth. He made the family pure."
The maternal grandparents of Guru Nanak Dev ji received a message with the good news. They were invited. The grandparents came quickly and brought gifts. Guru ji's Nana ji was Baba Rama ji. His Mama ji was Baba Krishna ji. His Nani was Mata Bhirai ji. They all came eagerly. They met everyone and were really happy. They did the family traditions with joy. Baba Kalu ji saw this and said: "let's get ready quickly and go to Sultanpur. Let’s buy the items of need. Don't delay. Let's leave now." Everyone packed and got ready to leave. The stuff was loaded on carts, pulled by bulls.
Baba Kalu ji and Baba Lalu ji got ready. They all said Guru Nanak Dev ji's praises. Chacha Lalu ji wanted to see his nephew, like a bee wanting to see the flower. They all headed to Sultanpur. 12 people went to Sultanpur in total. Mamma ji and Nana ji were very happy. The servants were happy too. Baba Kalu ji stopped at Rai Bhullar ji's place on the way.
Baba Kalu ji said to Rai Bhullaar ji: "my son, who is your servant, his engagement has been proposed in Sultanpur. I am called there. I am going to spend money there. I need your permission to go." Rai Bhullaar ji responded: "don't speak those words ever again. Understand this: Nanak is my Master. He is not my servant. I am a speck of dust in front of him. If Nanak is compassionate with me, my wish is to be his servant forever. Don't say this again. You spoke this out of ignorance. You don't know the greatness of you son. The 3 Loks obey his command. Go to Sultanpur and spend the money for the wedding. When you see Sri Nanak ji, don't speak harshly to him." Mehta Kalu ji heard this and said: "don't keep any doubt in your heart. I will speak nicely to him. Please give me permission for peace." Rai Bhullaar ji said: "Kalu, you have a harsh tongue. To stop you, that's why I said that. When your son lived here, you fought with him all the time. I don't want you to fight with him on such a joyous occasion." Pitha ji said: "your wisdom is great and gracious. You are Parmeshwar for me. I only have one son, who is beloved to me. Why would I speak harshly to him?" Rai Bhullar ji said: "go now and complete your task. Khuddah will help you in this great task. Send my love to the Compassionate One. I touch his feet and bow to them. Make my requests to the Kamal Nain." Pitha ji bowed to Rai Bhullaar ji and headed off to Sultanpur.
Pitha Kalyan Chand ji and the whole family got on top of the carts and headed off without any delay. The love of the son tied them all in a tight rope. It's like the fish pulling the wire. The family took all the money with them. They traveled mainly during the day. The Doom/ Miraashi of the family, Bhai Mardana ji went with them as well. His fortune was about to come to fruition. They all came to Sultanpur. Men and women congratulated them. When they reached Sultanpur, they got off their carts and went to the home of Bhaiya Jai Ram ji. Bebe Nanaki ji came to meet the whole family with love and joy. Mata Tripta ji hugged her daughter and put her hand on her head. Bebe Nanaki ji, the Patibrat woman, the beautiful and virtuous one, met the family with joy. Everyone hugged Bebe Nanaki ji and gave her their love.
Bhaiya Jai Ram ji arrived and bowed to the elders. Guru Nanak Dev ji heard about Pitha ji coming. He got up and came home, as soon as he could. He saw his father and bowed his head to his father's feet. Pitha Kalu ji gave his son many blessings and kissed his forehead. He looked at his son's face and was drenched in joy. His hair stood on its ends with love. He gave him a lot of love. He was really happy. The Giver of Mukti said: "tell me Pitha ji, are you well? Are you happy? How is the Rai in Talwandi?" Pitha Kalu ji said: "listen son, I had forgotten but you reminded me. Everyone is happy with Prabhoo's blessings. The Rai is drenched in Prabhoo's love. When I met him, he said to me: "bow to his feet for me. I am greedy for his Darshan." Hearing the message of his beloved, Guru ji was happy. He then got up and bowed to his mother. He bowed his head to his mother's feet. Mata ji hugged Guru ji and put her hand on his head. Her heart was calm and serene after seeing him. Her eyes shed tears as she had met her son after a long time. She was filled with bliss. She looked at her son's face and stopped crying as it was a happy time. She recognized Prabhoo's ways and thought: “looks like my fate is that I can't stay with my son. I didn't get that joy. I am still fortunate to see my son's wedding.” She kept hugging him. She was not satiated seeing his handsome face. Sri Guru Nanak Dev ji got up and bowed to his Chacha, Baba Lalu Chand ji. Chacha Lalu Chand ji hugged his nephew. He was happy to see the handsome face of Guru Nanak Dev ji. He hugged him and received joy. He hugged him like a greedy person hugging money. He thought to himself: "the giver of joy was born in our family. He made the family pure. Parmeshwar only knows the best." Chacha ji spoke to him for a bit. Guru Nanak Dev ji then got up and bowed to his Nana Baba Rama ji. Nana ji grabbed him by the arms and hugged him. He didn't let him bow. Nana ji shed tears. He wouldn't let his grandson go. Nani, Mata Bhirai ji said: "let him go now! You already gave him your love. He has to meet others as well. Everyone missed him. Let him meet the others." Baba Rama ji said: "I won't let him go! I am not done yet. I will let him go when I am done. I have to circumvent money from his head." Mata Bhirai ji said: "then circumvent the money and give it to the poor." Baba Rama ji said: "no beggar has come yet. Who do I give the money to?" Bebe Nanaki ji called for Tulsa Dasi and told her to go and get the beggars. Tulsa Dasi called the beggars and brought them. Baba Rama ji got change for 30 Rajitpuns. Nani ji had 10 Rajitpuns and Mamma ji had 5 Rajitpuns. They all circumvented the money over the head of the Giver of Joy. They gave the money to the beggars then. Many had come to get money. There was a great crowd. Baba Kishan ji, Mamma ji said: "is there anyone left?" Nana ji and Nani ji celebrated with joy. The traditions were done that were required. Everyone gathered and celebrated. The praises spread in Sultanpur like the moonlight of the full moon.
They all stayed there for one day and then headed to the home of Baba Mool Chand ji. Bhaiya Jai Ram ji and his father, Baba Parmanand ji, made all of the preparations. Baba Rama ji, Mamma ji, Pitha ji and Chacha ji were really happy in their hearts. They left for Vatala with joy. They walked slowly. They were fortunate. They came close to the home of Baba Mool Chand ji. The sent a Brahman, named Nidha, to the home and said: "tell Baba Mool Chand ji that the Bedis have arrived. Take the money of Shagan with you and tell the family to start preparing for their items of need." The Brahmin went to Baba Mool Chand ji’s home and blessed the whole family: "may the Prabhoo keep you alive forever." Baba Mool Chand ji bowed and gave him a place to sit. He said to the Brahmin: "what is your reason for coming? Tell me where you are from and why you came?" The Brahmin said: "I am from Sultanpur. Parmanand ji sent me to you. The Bedis have come. They bring money for an engagement proposal. My coming is of a joyous occasion." Baba Mool Chand ji said: "it is good that they have come. I welcome them with joy." Baba Mool Chand ji called his servants and had them collect food and items of need. Nidha Brahmin was told to get the Bedis and bring them to the home.
The Bedis all came to the home of Baba Mool Chand ji. They all met each other with family traditions. Everyone was happy. They all spent the money as per traditions. Baba Parmanand ji did the traditions. The Laagis from both sides did their traditions and the congratulations were exchanged. Pitha Kalu ji said to Parmanand ji, after taking him to the side: "listen, the engagement has been done. Ask the family for a quick wedding.” Baba Parmanand ji asked for a quick wedding. He said to Baba Mool Chand ji: "write the Saha Letter quick, as the bride and groom are of a good age." Baba Mool Chand ji said: "I can't agree with that. After 1 year, I will write the Saha letter." Baba Parmanand ji went quiet after hearing that. He agreed with him though. They all stayed in Vatala for one day. They all took leave with great joy. They got on their carts and came to Sultanpur.
Bebe Nanaki ji was glad and celebrated. She called all of the women of the neighborhood and sang songs of joy. Their voices were sweet like the cuckoos. Their eyes were beautiful like doe. They sang the Sithineeya. Many beggars came to collect donations. Bebe Nanaki Ji gave them donations. The beggars gave them blessings of joy. After staying for a few days, Baba Kalu ji wanted to go back home: "I need to do the work of being a Patwari. All of the work is done."
When Baba Mardana ji heard about leaving, he went to go see Guru Nanak Dev ji. He came to Guru ji and said: "listen Sir, I have heard that you are generous. Your engagement has been done with joy. Give me my grace of joy as well. You are the home of peace. I am the Miraashi of your family. I rely on your support. Many people take gifts from you. They receive what they ask for by your grace. I hadn't come to you yet. Whatever your father gives, I take it with joy." The Giver of Mukti said sweet words: "whatever is in your heart, say it. I will give you without delay what you want. I have some special work with you. Tell me what is it that you want?" Baba Mardana ji thought about his advantage and said: "give me the best thing, what you think, that will make me happy and give me satiation. Give me what will satiate me. I will give you blessings. I look for your support. I have seen Rajas with a lot of money but you are the best donor." Guru ji said: "give me your ear and listen: when a person gets a good thing but doesn't know its value, he gets upset. The giver gets upset too. The people of your caste wish for clothes and jewelry along with money. They don't know what pain awaits them later. The Miraashi caste only asks for money. They think that will do everything. They like good clothes and good food. They see that as joy." Bhai Mardana ji was fortunate. He then said: "then give me what you consider as good. Give me that which will bless me and give me joy. Give me something I won’t be disappointed with." Kamal Nain said: "I will give you the gift of being able to play a stringed instrument. Playing the instrument will make your sorrows go away. Whoever listens to you will no longer be in pain either. Your bonds will be broken and you will be in joy in both worlds. Singing the praises of Hari, the ones who are drenched in its joy, they are happy to sing them. Their vices and sins are washed away. I will give you this skill. This is my wish. If you have this skill, you will receive Mukti. Stay with me. You will get Mukti." Baba Mardana ji was happy to hear this. He got up and sang the praises of Guru Nanak Dev ji: "you are like your father and your grandfather. Your ancestors are like you. You are the Guru of the world." He said the names of his ancestors and sang their praises. He said: "you are the son of the Bedis. Pitha Kalu ji's house had a Diva born in his home. Seeing your grace, Inder is embarrassed. He can't donate as much as you." Guru ji, with his beautiful eyes, took his Chola off and gave it to Baba Mardana ji along with some money. Baba Mardana ji was happy to have received the chola and money. He wore the chola and felt happy. He said: "you made me happy. Give me permission to go back to Talwandi. I came with your father. I am going back with him, oh Dispeller of Pain." The Giver of Joy spoke: "you are the Miraashi of the Bedis. Don't ask from anyone else. Take from us and live in contentment." Baba Mardana ji said: "if you take care of me, why would I go anywhere else? Clothes and food are needed though. The greed of these things makes us fold our hands and ask for them." Guru ji said: "listen Mardana, Kartar takes care of everyone. The body was made after, the food was made before it was born."
Baba Kalu ji met his son-in-law and daughter. He then came to meet his son. He sat on a bed in the shop and looked at his son's handsome face. He gave love to his son and gave him some instructions to collect money: "get ready to spend money on your wedding. We will need a lot of money for your wedding." He said many instructions to Guru ji. Guru Nanak Dev ji said: "Rai Bhullaar ji, the gracious, please give him my regards." Hearing the sweet words of his sweet son, Baba Kalu ji headed to Talwandi.
The family slowly came back to Talwandi. Rai Bhullar ji was first met by Pitha ji, who gave him news of wellness. Rai Bhullaar ji was sweet. He was happy to hear that everything was good. He closed his eyes and thought of Guru Nanak Dev ji. He bowed to Guru ji, thinking that he was right next to him. Just as the engagement happened, I have told you in the Katha with Chaupais. The Chapter is completed with joy. Bhai Santokh Singh ji does the Simran of the feet of the Guru.