The great power that destroyed the great and powerful beings; the fools; the ones with powerful arms; that power which destroyed the enemies of Inder on the battlefield; seeing the bow in the hands of that power, the enemy went yellow. That power was praised in the universe. That Sharda, is Siddhi, Nidhi and Bhuddi that assists the servants on the battlefield. That Shakti of Akaal Purakh, I bow to.
I bow to the feet of the saints who saved the lives of the humans. They are without doubt; they are mukat. They are the light that dispels darkness and fear of the Jumms. The Bhagti of the saints are the rays which lift the doubt.
My goal is to write the glories of the Guru. This effort is my ship but there is an ocean full of obstacles ahead. The captain of my ship is Guru ji. If the Guru shines his love and blessings on to me, then I can reach the shore of completion.
Kavi Santokh Singh ji’s request:
Satguru ji! I am yours and I am about to write your praises. Please protect my reputation and glorify yourself in this Granth. Bless this Granth to completion. Without your grace, I am not able to write even one letter. You give creation to wisdom by which I can write this Granth.
The love of the feet of the Satguru is like the ocean. The ocean is Amrit which the Sikh Devatas drink everyday. This Amrit gives rise to wisdom.
Jaswinder Singh’s request:
Satguru ji, I echo the sentiment and reason of Kavi Santokh Singh ji for writing this Granth. I wish to transfer the emotion and knowledge written by Kavi ji to people who understand English. I ask Akaal Purakh ji for wisdom to correctly state the sentiment of the Sri Gur Partap Sooraj Granth and the Katha of the Satguru. In addition to the Satguru, saints, powers and Devatas that Kavi Santokh Singh ji has paid obeisance to and praised above, I bow to the lotus feet of my Vidya Guru, Sri Sant Giani Sher Singh ji of Ambala, who imparted the knowledge of Brahm Vidya on to me. I bow to the feet of my parents Sardar Kanwaldeep Singh ji and Sardarni Harvinder Kaur ji, who have taught me and nourished me to adhere to the path of Sikhi. I bow to the lotus feet of all my teachers and inspirations: Giani Pritpal Singh ji, Giani Harsimran Singh ji Ambala, Giani Gurwinder Singh ji Nangli, Giani Kharak Singh ji and Ustaad Jivanpal Singh ji. These great beings have blessed me with their knowledge. The mentioning of these great beings has no particular order by which one is more special than the other. They are all equally great. I bow to the lotus feet of Brahm Saroop, Vidya Maartandh Sant Giani Baba Inderjeet Singh ji, whose Sangat at Gursikh Sabha Canada- Scarborough Gurduara Sahib, from 1992 to 1997, molded me into the person I am today. There are other teachers, family members and friends who imparted their wisdom on to me; I humbly bow to them as well. Aside from this paragraph, the rest of the Granth contains translations in English from the Kathas, teachings and translations from the great beings mentioned above. Resources are mentioned on other pages of the internet site Gurupurshotam.com. I have not added any opinion or statement of my own in this Granth unless stated so. I now begin this Granth by returning to Kavi Santokh Singh ji’s narration.
The Katha of Sri Satguru Nanak Dev ji begins:
In Kartarpur, the master of the universe, Sri Guru Nanak Dev ji gave the greatness to Sri Guru Angad Dev ji. Guru Nanak Dev ji went to Sach Khand but placed the Jot inside of Guru Angad Dev ji. Just as a Chakravarty Raja takes his clothes off and wears another set to sit in his court the next day; that is how Guru Nanak Dev ji left Kartarpur Sahib and came to Khadoor Sahib. Doing Simran of Guru Angad Dev ji washes all the sins away. Guru Angad Dev ji sat on the throne of Guru Nanak Dev ji in Khadoor Sahib. To bless and save the humans, he illuminated the light of Bhagti.
One day, Guru Angad Dev ji was sitting on his seat in Khadoor Sahib and connected to the feet of Guru Nanak Dev ji. He meditated on Guru Nanak Dev ji and closed his eyes. After sitting for some time, Guru Angad Dev ji thought of how Guru ji would destroy the doubts of his servants: “there is no difference between Parmeshwar and Guru Nanak Dev ji. I want to know how Guru Nanak Dev ji came to this earth. What did he do when he was a child, adult and a senior person? If there is such a Sikh that stayed with Guru ji his whole life? That Sikh can tell me his Katha. How Guru ji travelled to different lands, how he washed people’s sins, how he destroyed the fraud of fake saints, is there such a Sikh who can tell me his Katha? Whoever thinks of Satguru ji, gets drenched in bliss. Their worries disappear who sit and meditate upon Guru ji. Guru Nanak Dev ji is omnipotent and omnipresent. He is omniscient. I want people to read the Katha of Guru Nanak Dev ji. People can read it and receive Mukti. Whoever reads or listens to it will have their wishes fulfilled.”
As Guru Angad Dev ji was thinking of writing the Katha of Guru Nanak Dev ji, in Nankana Sahib, Bhai Bala Sandhu ji wanted to meet the one who Guru Nanak Dev ji bowed to. He spoke out loud: “Sri Guru Nanak Dev ji, the Avatar of Hari, I wish to see who sits on his great throne.” He said this sitting amongst many Sikhs. One of the Sikhs that heard Bhai Bala ji responded: “it is a person of the Trehan clan named Sri Angad ji. He has blessed his family of Trehans. He was the deserving one. Guru Angad Dev ji sits on the throne in Khadoor Sahib.” Bhai Bala ji heard this and became excited. He got goosebumps. He could not contain his happiness. His body became restless and he got up and ran from Nankana Sahib to go to Khadoor Sahib.
It was the full moon day of the Month of Kathak (October/November) that Bhai Bala ji came to Khadoor Sahib. He bowed his head to Guru Angad Dev ji. He looked at his face and became one with his form. He said to Guru Angad Dev ji: “I am successful today.” Bhai Bala ji was in bliss. He sat down in his court. Guru ji said to Bhai Bala ji: “Satkartar ji. Tell me where you have come from?” Guru ji was pretending not to know anything as it was him that inspired Bhai Bala ji to come. Bhai Bala ji said: “first of all, please accept this offering of money. It is my Bheta.” Bhai Bala ji then continued: “listen Satguru Angad Dev ji, oh benevolent one, my name is Bala of the Sandhu clan. I am from Rai Bhoi Talwandi. I was born there. I wished to meet you and that is why I have come. I have heard your praises. You are able to tolerate the great power without showing it.” Guru Angad Dev ji said: “who is your Guru? Which ideology do you follow? Your words are very sweet. Your personality is so soft. It seems that the vices have never touched you. You have no desires.” Bhai Bala ji folded his hands and said: “you are the same Jot that I spent my whole life with. You already know everything but I will obey your command. I am your servant. Sri Guru Nanak Dev ji, the complete, is my Guru. He is the one who came in Kaliyuga; whose dirt from the feet destroys pain, sorrow and illness. He was like the lion that destroyed the elephant of fraud. He was the rain that flourished the farm of Prema Bhagti.” Guru Angad Dev ji heard this and spoke with great surprise: “you have seen Guru Nanak Dev ji? Since when have you been his Sikh? I can see that you are drenched in his love.” Bhai Bala ji said: “listen oh benevolent one, I spent my whole life with Guru Nanak Dev ji. I was older than Guru ji by 3 years. I spent my childhood, adult life and old age with him. Guru ji took me with him and travelled in the 10 directions. I stayed in his feet and saw him save the world.” The home of grace, Guru Angad Dev ji heard this. The giver of Bhagti got up and hugged Bhai Bala ji. He was extremely happy to meet a person who spent his life with Guru Nanak Dev ji. Guru Angad Dev ji began to shed tears. Bhagti came flowing out of his heart. The sun set and Bhai Bala ji stayed that night in Khadoor Sahib.
Bhai Bala ji sat with the Sangat and met with the Sikhs. The Sikhs wanted Bhai Bala ji to tell them Guru Nanak Dev ji’s Katha. He told the Sikhs of Guru Nanak Dev ji. Guru Angad Dev ji sat crossed-legged all night long and spent it in Samadhi. When the sun came up, Guru Angad Dev ji’s Samadhi opened. Guru ji then bathed.
Guru ji came to his court quickly and told the Sikhs to call Bhai Bala ji. When Bhai Bala ji came, Guru ji said to him: “tell me the whole Katha of Guru Nanak Dev ji from the time of his Avatar to the rest of his time on earth.”
Baba Bala ji folded his hands and said: “I need to ask for forgiveness. I don’t know about the birth of Guru Nanak Dev ji. I was only 3 years old then. I have heard from the elders of when he was born. I will tell you that. He was born on the Pooranmaashi of Kathak, the 27th Nachattar (Revati). There was a Janam Patri (birth chart) that was written by Pandit Hardyal ji from our village. Guru Nanak Dev ji’s father’s name was Sri Kalyaan Das ji, Mehta Kalloo ji. The birth chart should be in their ancestral home. His father has gone to Sach Khand but the birth chart should be somewhere in their home. His father’s brother, Chacha Laaloo ji is still alive though. He lives in Rai Bhoi Talwandi. Chacha Laaloo ji is quite old now and weak.” When Guru Angad Dev ji heard that Guru Nanak Dev ji’s birth chart existed, he was really happy. It was like a dry field getting rain. Guru ji said: “how can we get the birth chart? Is there a friend Sikh that can get us the birth chart?” Bhai Bala ji said: “if we search for it, we will surely find it. We can go to Chacha Laaloo ji and ask him for it. We should send someone to get it and complete your wish.” Guru Angad Dev ji said to Bhai Bala ji: “Bhai Bala ji, you are the closest to Chacha Laaloo ji. You will have to do the task of getting it.” Bhai Bala ji said: “oh treasure of joy, Guru Angad Dev ji, please give me one Sikh to come along with me. I can go get the birth chart. We will go and look in the house. We will bring the chart back here.” Guru Angad Dev ji was very happy. He blessed him and said: “may Kartar never be forgotten by your mind.” Bhai Lala Pannu ji, a Sikh, was called by Guru ji. Guru ji said to him: “you have Gursikhi filled inside of you like water filling in the river during the month of Saavan. Go with Bhai Bala ji to the place where my master, the Prabhoo, was born. Go and bring the birth chart back. This Seva will make your like a success.” Bhai Lala Pannu ji was happy to be given the task. He got ready to go right away. He saw himself fortunate to be able to see the birth chart and birth place of Guru Nanak Dev ji. He bowed and heard “Sat Kartar” from Guru Angad Dev ji. The two Sikhs set off towards Talwandi of Rai Bhoi. Both of them praised Guru Nanak Dev ji on the way to Talwandi.
When the two Sikhs reached Talwandi, they went straight to Chacha Laaloo ji’s house. They met Chacha ji and bowed to him. Bhai Bala ji said: “listen Chacha ji, please do us a favour: I have found the next Guru, Guru Angad Dev ji, the master of Niddhis, who sits on the throne of Guru Nanak Dev ji. There is no difference between the two. They are two bodies but one Jot. Guru Nanak Dev ji gave Guru Angad Dev ji the Gurta Ghaddi. Guru Angad Dev ji sent me to you to get the birth chart of Guru Nanak Dev ji. He wishes to see it. He sent one of his Sikhs with me.” Chacha Laaloo ji spoke in anger: “I don’t know where the birth chart is that you are talking about. You were Nanak’s beloved, tell me one thing: is the real Guru, Guru Angad Dev ji or Baba Sri Chand ji? Who has the real throne? Did the son get it or did the servant get it? Who got the Gurta Ghaddi?” Bhai Bala ji responded: “Guru Angad Dev ji is Guru Nanak Dev ji. He placed 5 Paisas and a coconut in front of Guru Angad Dev ji while bowing his head to him. Guru Nanak Dev ji did 3 Parkarmas around him and bowed. Guru Nanak Dev ji made Guru Angad Dev ji the Guru. Who can live up to him? I looked hard and found the true Guru. He has a lot of patience. I found him, like a jeweller finds a diamond. Baba Sri Chand ji is Guru Nanak Dev ji’s son and therefore he should be worshipped too. The Sikhs bow to him too but the Gurta Ghaddi was given to Guru Angad Dev ji. He is the second Guru Nanak Dev ji.” When Chacha Laaloo ji heard this, he felt calm. He believed Bhai Bala ji. He said: “I can tell you where the papers in the house are but you will have to look for the birth chart. It should be there.” Bhai Bala ji said: “you are Pitha Mehta Kalu ji’s younger brother. Guru Nanak Dev ji’s parents are no more. You are the only one that can help us to find it. You will need to help us.” They all began to look for the birth chart. They spent 5 days going through the papers and finally found the birth chart in the evening of the fifth day. Chacha Laaloo ji gave the birth chart to Bhai Bala ji. He bowed to it and gave it to Bhai Lala Pannu ji. Bhai Lala ji bowed to it and said: “let’s go and give it to Guru Angad Dev ji. He will be really happy when he sees it.”
Bhai Bala ji thought to himself: “Guru ji will be happy with me too.” Bhai Bala ji and Bhai Lala Pannu ji decided to head back to Khadoor Sahib. As they were leaving, Chacha Laaloo ji gave them 5 Paisas and a coconut. He said: “please offer this to Guru Angad Dev ji and give him a message from me: I bow to your feet, Guru Angad Dev ji. You are not in joy or sorrow. Baba Sri Chand ji is angry right now that you are the Guru. Please don’t be mad at him. I ask for forgiveness. Please bless Baba Sri Chand ji as he is Guru Nanak Dev ji’s son.” Bhai Bala ji said: “Chachaji, Guru Angad Dev ji is Guru Nanak Dev ji’s Avatar. He is above anger and the other vices. Just as darkness never goes close to the sun, Guru Angad Dev ji has no darkness. He has Sam and Dham, he is able to control his mind and Indriyas. He has illuminated Bhagti into the whole world.” The two Sikhs headed back to Khadoor Sahib after giving Chacha Lalu ji hope.
Guru Angad Dev ji was sitting in Khadoor Sahib on top of the Gurta Ghaddi. His face was radiant. He was wearing a white chola. Bhai Bala ji and Bhai Lala Pannu ji bowed to Guru Angad Dev ji’s feet. Guru ji said: “may you remember Gobind all the time.” Guru ji was very happy with Bhai Bala ji. Guru ji took the birth chart and put it on top of his head. Guru ji said: “you have showed me Guru Nanak Dev ji. My doubts are gone.” Guru ji read the words in Sahiskrit. Guru ji said: “if someone knows how to read this, come forth and translate it. This should be translated into Gurmukhi so the Sikhs can read it.” Bhai Bala ji said: “when Satguru Nanak Dev ji was in his bodily form, he had given this knowledge to the Sikhs.” A Jatt by the name of Mahima Khera spoke up: “yes! There is a person by the name of Bhai Paira Mokha ji, a Khatri, who learnt this language from Guru Nanak Dev ji. He lives in Sultanpur. He knows Gurmukhi as well as Sahiskrit. He should be called here.” Guru Angad Dev ji said: “you go and bring him here with respect.”
Bhai Mahima ji went to Sultanpur and met Bhai Paira Mokha ji. Bhai Paira Mokha ji came to Guru Angad Dev ji and bowed to him. Guru ji told him to read the birth chart. Bhai Paira Mokha ji spoke the Sanskrit as if Sarasvati was dancing on his tongue. Guru Angad Dev ji was really happy. He said to him: “write this in Gurmukhi.” Paper and quills were brought and given to Bhai Paira Mokha ji. Guru ji wanted him to write the chart and to write the Katha as Bhai Bala ji was speaking. Sikhs in great numbers came to listen.
Baba Bhudda ji knew the Brahm. He had won his attachment and desires like a great warrior. He had listened to Guru Nanak Dev ji from a very young age. His body was like an old man’s. He stayed in the presence of 6 Gurus. He served the Gurus and obeyed their commands. He also sat in the Sangat to listen to the Katha of Guru Nanak Dev ji. Listening to this Katha makes the worldly pains go away.
The son of Bhai Tejo ji, Guru Amardas ji, served Guru Angad Dev ji, the pain destroyer. He received the Gurta Ghaddi after Guru Angad Dev ji. He listened to the Katha of Guru Nanak Dev ji as well.
A Gurmukh by the name of Bhai Jeeva ji had done Seva with his mind, words and actions. He would prepare delicious foods for Guru Angad Dev ji. Bhai Paro Jhulka ji achieved the status of “Param Hans.” He was able to see the Brahm by separating the world, just as a swan can separate the milk from the water. There was a Nayee by the name of Bhai Dhinga ji. He was just like Bhagat Sain ji. A good Sikh is like a corpse that emerges into the grave, like the Guru. He loses his own identity and takes on the Guru’s form. All these people sat and heard the Katha. Many others came to hear the Katha of the flag of the Bedis.
Bhai Bala ji would speak and Bhai Paira Mokha ji would write the Katha. Guru Angad Dev ji had this Katha written for the good of the world. By bowing to the Parmatma, Sri Guru Nanak Dev ji, the writer of this Granth begins the Katha.