Guru Kiyan Sakhiyan, Bhai Swaroop Singh Kaushish

Here goes the tale of the offering of heads by the Sikhs

The Masands, who were trivially guilty, were let loose after mediocre punishment. The Masands, whose deeds were extremely immoral and were not pardonable, had hot oil poured upon their heads and were dispatched to the domain of death. The future offerings through the Masands were terminated and the commands were issued to all the Sikhs to transmit the tithe, Challiba (40th part) and the vows of the charity submissions direct to Anandpur, as Guru Ji proclaimed, “no offerings coming through any Masand would be accepted. If my Sikh observes a Masand from one side and from the other side a wide elephant, then my Sikh may encounter the wild elephant but never face the Masand.”
In the New Year, a day before the Baisakhi-day in Samvat 1755 (1698 CE), Diwan Mani Ram was addressed, “Bring 5 tents separately.” Then Guru Ji looked at Bhai Chaupat Rai and addressed him.” Five he-goats should be brought in the evening and tied individually in the tents.” Next morning on the Baisakhi-day Samvat 1755 (29th March 1698 CE) the bards rendered Sri Asa Jee Kee Vaar. Thereafter Bhai Mani Ram Ji explicated one Shabd from Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji. Then Sri Dasmesh stood up, unsheathed the Sri Sahib (the sword) and expounded, “Bha Sikho, I need the head of a Sikh, come quick and don’t fear.” Three times he repeated the verbalisation. Bhai Daya Ram Sobti Khatri, resident of Shal Kote (Sialkot) came forward.

Guru Ji descended from the platform, holding him with his arm, took him to the first tent and ordered, “Hold this sword and exterminate this young he-goat.” On getting the order, with one stroke, he slaughtered (the he-goat). Outside, the congregation heard the sound of the striking of the sword, and the blood stream trickling out of the tent, which was observed by the whole audience. Holding the sword drenched in blood, Guru Ji came out of the tent and demanded another head. This time, Mohkam Chand Chheepa (Calico-printer), a resident of Dwaraka stood up. Holding him from his arm, Guru Ji led him to the second tent and got the second he-got killed. Like the first time seeing the blood oozing out, people got panicked. Some Sikhs were frightened, they approached Mata Nanki Ji and requested, “Mata Ji, please go and make Guru Ji to discern that it is not appropriate to kill any Sikh without any cause.” On the other side Guru Ji demanded a third head and this time Bhai Sahib Chand, a Barber, resident of the town of Bidder stood up. He was taken to the third tent and the same phenomenon was performed. Fourth time he asked for a head, then Dharam Chand, a Jat (farmer), resident of Hastnapur offered his head.

Fifth time, Himmat Chand, water-carrier, a resident of Jagan Nath, stood up. From him too, following the previous operations, through a sword in his hand, a goat was decimated. Thereafter, all the five were taken out of the tents, they were prepared with twin coloured turbans. The Guru Ji embellished the attire, which were embraced by these five. Thereafter, taking them along with him (Guru Ji) came in to the congregation. The onlookers were taken aback. Guru Ji looked at the audience and expounded, “Bhai Sikho, when the first Satguru Ji performed a trial, only one, Bhai Lehna Je, triumphed through. Satguru Ji took him as a part of himself and gave him the name of Angad (a part of his own body). This time five self-sacrificing personalities have emerged out of the test. I endow them the status of Panj Pyare (the Five-beloved Ones). Till the time sun and moon remain in the skies, and the earth sustains existence, their name will prevail I the universe.” Guru Ji added, “Bhai Sikho, from today onwards, in the supplication at both the times, the Sikh Congregations will reminiscence their names. When the Karah Prasad is prepared, the names of these five will be recollected and their share will be taken out after us.” Satguru looked towards the direction of Bhai Chaupat Rai and expressed, “Bhai Sikha, take this pitcher, our out Charan Pahul prepared in there in the River Satluj. On your return bring it filled with clean water from the rivulet; we are going to prepare the Amrit, stirred with the double-edged sword.”