Guru Kiyan Sakhiyan, Bhai Swaroop Singh Kaushish

Here goes the tale of the inhabitation of Anandpur

Here, Sri Dasmesh Ji, during the festival of Holi (the festival of colours) in Samvat 1736 [5th March 1680 CE], got a war-drum prepared, which was assigned the name of Ranjeet Nagara. At that time the age of Satguru was just eighteen. Daily, two times, in the morning and the evening, the war-drum started to be beaten. In the afternoon, Guru Ji started to go out for hunting. Gaiety prevailed in the town of Chak Nanki. In the early new year, Samvat 1737 [1680 CE] the commandments were issued in all the four directions, mentioning, “Any Sikh who will present himself in the Durbar with some good book, healthy horse, and armaments will earn our pleasure.” A year passed by like this. In Samvat 1739 [1682 CE] at the time of the festival of Vasoa [First of Baisakh, 29th March 1682 CE] people thronged to Chak Nanki, from all directions. The atmosphere was abounding with jubilations.

At that time, the famous Persian and Arabic writer and poet, Bhai Nand Lal Goya, came to Chak Nanki, alongwith the congregation from Multan. Goya presented his handwritten book called Bandgi Naama (Epistle of Worship) and another written by Hirda Ram Bhalla called Play of Hanuman was presented to Guru Ji as well. Satguru Ji was very much gratified at Bandgi Naama, the creation of Bhai Nand Lal. He was initiated in Sikhi with charan-pahul (the Amrit) and Guru Ji explicated, “Your composition enchants the heart and rejuvenates the life. From now on it should be given a nameof the Epistle of Life instead of Epistle of Worship. It will be revered as much as our creations.” Guru Ji minutely examined the second book, which was written by Hirda Raam and, then, said to Nand Lal, “Oh, my Sikh, by reading this a coward and weak can become a warrior. This book is full of fervour.” In this book four pages of ‘Sri Ram Chander Parsram Sanwad (conversation)’ were torn. Satguru diverted the attention of all his poets towards this factor and said, “Any poet who will bring the verses completing these four pages as good as Bhai Ji’s lyrics, he will be granted as much prize as he demands.” A poet called Amrit Rai, a resident of the town of Lavpur, stood up and, with folded hands requested, “Maharaj, this task may kindly be assigned to me. I am from the lineage of Hans Raj Bhalla and I had seen and studied this granth.”

On the command of Guru Ji, Amrit Rai completed all the four pages in verse and presented to Satguru Ji. After examining them Guru Ji was much pleased and showered him with big prizes. His granth was completed just before the beginning of the festival Holi. On request of the congregation, Guru Ji amply prepared for the celebration of the festival of Holi. Alongwith the congregation, Guru Ji came outside of Chak Nanki, near Agampura to celebrate the festival. First of all, Bhai Alam Chand et al., the prominent Sikhs, sprayed loaded squirts upon Satguru Jee. In return, Guru Ji answered the squirt with squirt. Guru Ji’s and the Sikhs’ clothes were drenched in red colour. From Phagun sudi 8 to Phagun Purnima [24th February to 2nd March CE], for eight days great jubilations were carried on. Inspired by this entire delightful scene, Bhai Nand Lal pronounced a couplet. Guru Ji was much pleased and said, “Your creation is worthy of providing ecstasy to the mind.” And like this the auspicious day culminated. Next day on Chetar vadi 1 [3rd March 1683 CE], in the afternoon horse races and the armament exercises were held. The atmosphere depicted a panoramic sight. When enquired by the Sikhs, the day was assigned the name of Holla Mohalla and this day started to be celebrated every year at Chak Nanki. (37)