THE REAL AND THE FAKE

Guru Gobind Singh Ji along with his Singhs went hunting daily in the evening. They hunted tigers and leopards. In this way the fallacy of the general public that hunting was only for kings to pass time was eroded. The hunting encouraged the Singhs to face the dangers. One day the Guru had a tiger skinned and brought the skin with him. The Guru ordered that this skin be put on a donkey. The Sikhs put the skin on a donkey who was grazing nearby. The villagers saw the donkey in the early morning. They thought that a tiger was prowling near the village. They alerted the neighbours about the tiger by going from house to house. All the people of the village were terrified. No one dared to go towards the side the tiger was sighted. That donkey roamed around the village, grazing, for two or three days. Nobody noticed that it could not be a tiger as it ate grass. Seeing its skin from a distance they concluded that it was a tiger. A potter was passing that way with his donkeys. His donkey began to bray. The donkey with the tiger's skin also joined the brethren in the chorus. The potter went and removing the tiger's skin from the donkey, threw it away. He was very pleased to find his missing donkey. He drove it away along with the other donkeys. By braying, the secret of donkey was out.When the people of the village came out to know that the tiger skin had been put on the Donkey by the Guru, they got together and went to the Guru. They requested him to enlighten them why he had harassed the villagers for three days? What was the secret behind it?The Guru explained that this drama had been enacted to make Singhs understand. A Sikh does not become a Singh by adopting outer symbols. A Singh should have the spirit of Sikhism within him. By donning a tiger's skin a donkey could not become a tiger. The donkey could terrify the simple villagers only for three days. When it's secret was out, it became a donkey again. In this way a Sikh does not become a Singh by keeping long hair and heard and a sword. Without good deeds he may come o be called an imposter. A Singh should have Sikhism within himself. In reality, a Sikh can be tested by his deeds. This kind of living can only be attained by following the teachings of the Guru. 

Arjan Dev Ji conceived the idea of enshrining song as the Deity of the new Sikh Temple commenced by Guru Ramdas Ji and completed by Arjan Dev Ji. Accordingly, the Guru collected the hymns composed by his four inspired forerunners, and composed many more of his own. He called the collection, "Word of the Master" -later Guru Granth -and placed it in the Hari Mandir as the book of the people. He used to chant the life Mantrans everyday, morn and eve, with his heavenly voice, and the disciples gathering and listening to his divine songs, in wonder and enchantment. Lovely music flowed from under the dome of harimandir and was absorbed by its walls and the waters of the surrounding lake. To our own time, it echoes and re echoes in that sacred place.

THE FIFTH MASTER GURU ARJAN DEV JI

TARAN TAARAN

Arjan Dev Ji built another great temple some twelve miles away from amritsar, and called it taran taaran. The soil and climate of this place also are so blessed that it has a healing effect on bodily sufferers. Taran Taaran is a name which meansthe temple "whence people swim across the Sea of Ignorance to save many a drowning soul".
The colony at Amritsar grew everyday, and became the Sikh centre of spiritual humanity. Akbar had already ordered a large plot around the colony to be made revenue-free. The temple attracted the thinkers of that day; there, mystics like Mian Mir, the unknown spiritual ancestors of Inayat Shah and many others met with the greatest of all, Guru Arjan Dev Ji. A close study of that literature created by the Muslim saints was that they began to sing in Punjabi, a practice due to Guru's influence alone. With him began a general renascence, in which the greatest share was taken by Muslim thinkers- so much so that we find Shah Hussain singing his own version of Guru Granth Sahib Ji, and the temptestuous song of Bulleh Shah ringing with the music of joy of Harimandir. But, behind trhis literary awakening there was a still deeper awakening of the divine idea in the life of the punjab, as distinguished from the mere academic intellectual assent to Truth.

THE SIKH EPOCH

The Sikh was the creation of the mind of the sacred ,Masters; he was wholly new consequently he was bound to leaven the Muslims and Hindu civilisation that lay in ruins before him. He stamped the mind of the age with his image.

Guru Arjan Dev Ji, prophet, poet, composer of music, passionate lover of the people, architect, saviour, was intensely human. He was a loving husband and an affectionate father. Mata Ganga once in his presence expressed a wish that her son should hasten to her from heaven, he having already been so long a time upon the way.

For the full anecdote stay connected....

GURU NANAK DEV JI AND HIS SISTER

When he prepared to go on his long journeys into the trackless lands around, usually on foot, Nanaki( his elder sister and his disciple) could not brook even the thought of such a long separation from him.
She said, 'O, divine one! what will be our condition then? How shall thy lotuses live and breath without thee!''
Bibi, said the brother, ''this is Heaven's call, I must go whither it leads my feet. Mny will attain the heavenly life if you forego for a while your own yearnings. I would not be gone from you. Whenever you will think of me, I will be with you.''
Guru Nanak did return to her frequently, interrupting his travels.
Mardana, the rebec player, joined him; and Nanak took up his royal residence under the stars.
He went to Sangaladeep and other isles in the south of India, he visited the Nilgiru hills. He crossed the borders of Assam in the east and the trans himalays in the north, and went by Baghdad and Bokhara right up to the caucasian mountains. He visited Mecca, whither he came by the way of Baluchistan. He travelled throughout the north-western frontier of India and the kashmir. None ever travelled so much with one single purpose; namely, to thrill the earth from pole to pole with the working of his spirit. 

                                 GURU GOBIND SINGH JI

At last the Mughal army decided to break through the gate of the fort. But as they tried to rush forth in that direction the Guru despatched a Jatha of five Sikhs to face them. They fought very bravely and killed  large number of Mughal soldiers. Then the Guru sent an other batch and they also faced the attackers valiantly. Then Baba Ajit Singh requested he Guru for permission to go out and to face the enemy. The Guru permitted him to go out side. Five Sikhs accompanied him. They all fought very bravely. They sacrificed their lives for the true cause. In the next batch Baba Jujhar Singh fought as bravely as his brother had done. He also died fighting to the last. It was night by now. The Mughal army lay down to take rest. Then the Guru had ten Sikhs left with him. They took counsel together and requested Guru to leave the fort. The Guru obeyed their command and left the fort with three other Sikhs- Bhai Daya Singh, Bhai Dharam Singh, and Bhai Maan Singh.
At Machiwara the Guru and his three Sikhs stayed in the house of Bhai Gulaba. He was very anxious to serve them but was also afraid of the Muslim rulers. One day and one night Gulaba kept them on the upper storey of his house. There also lived two Rohilla Pathansd- Ghani Khan and Nabi Khan. They were horse traders and they had sold many horses to the Guru. When they heard about the Guru, they were moved to tears and they decided to help the Guru. They dyed Khaddar blue and prepared robes and dresses as worn by a sect of Muslim saints. Guru and his three Sikhs dressed themselves i these clothes and let their hair fall down their shoulders.
Disguising themselves in thsat way, the Guru sat on a litter and it was lifted by Ghani Khan, Nabi Khan, Maan Singh and Dharam Singh. Bhai Daya Singh waved a chaur over him. In that way they were escorting the 'Uch da Peer'. On the way nobody questioned them and they travelled on safely. Reaching Raikot the Guru stayed with Raae Kalha who was a rich and influential Muslim Jat of Raae Kot. He served the Guru with loving hospitality.
From Raae Kalha, the Guru went to Dina Kangar. At Dina Kangar, the Guru enrolled many brave soldiers and also collected ammunition and weapons of war. Here he came to know that Nawab of Sirhind was pursuing him. He therefore decided to go into thick jungles where defence would be easier. 

And he stood up and patting him said,''Bhai Ghanhiya, you are great, you have achieved your target, you have crossed the worldly ocean and now have been exempted from further transmigration. In those days, red cross societies did not exist, so Bhai Ghanhiya Ji is clamied to be the pioneer of red cross.

When the generals of the royal army found their soldiers being kiiled in large numbers, they lost the hope of defeating the Sikhs in the open fields. Therefore they made up their minds to besiege and blockade the fort and to cut off supplies. But when the long siege did not bear any fruit the royal army and hill-chiefs were also worried. Then they requested the Guru to evacuate Anandpur Sahib. They also swore on the cow and the Quran.
But the Guru knew the treacherous plans of the hill-men and the Turks. He told the envoys of hill-men and Turks that he would evacuate the fort if the armies first allow the removal of his promises made. Then the Guru asked his men to fill the sacks with old shoes, torn clothes and other rubbish material. The sacks which were covered with beautiful brocade, were loaded on the backs of bullocks which were forced out of the fort at mid-night. Flambeau with long handles were tied to the horns of the bullocks, so that those might be seen from a long distance. When the animals reached near the army, they at once fell upon them to loot(so called) precious property.
But when they touched the foul smelling rubbish, they felt ashamed.
After few days, the Guru vacated the fort and reached Chamkaur. At chamkaur the Guru entrenched the mud-built house. His army consisted of only forty trusted Sikhs, his weapons of offence and defence were those which he and his Sikhs had arranged to bring with them. The Guru asked his eight Sikhs to guard each wall, two were posted to the gate and two were keep at watch. The Guru himself, with his few Sikhs and two sons held the top storey.
At mid night the Mughal army rushed up and surrounded the village. Next morning a part of army advanced to capture the small fort. But when they approached near the fort a valley of bullet and arrows greeted them Then next party advanced, they also met the same fate.

               BHAI GHANAIYA JI                                         

Bhai Ghaniya Ji belonged to a village Sodra in district of Gujjranwala (Pakistan). He was a Guru devout Sikh and had a very delicate and kind heart. His peace loving nature desisted him from becoming a soldier. But being a beloved Sikh of the Guru, he wanted to serve him one way or the other. So, he learnt the art of rendering first aid to the wounded. He organised an ambulance band who were serving the wounded in the battle-field. When and wherever fighting took place he would take his men with him. He served the water and provided other necessary help to the wounded. He dressed their wounds and also helped them to reach their camps. He was serving the friends and enemies alike...
One day few Sikhs complained to the Guru that Bhai Ghanhiya was giving first aid and water to the wounded enemies and Sikhs alike. They also accused him that practically he was helping the enemy, as the soldiers, who had been cured by him, were again becoming fit to face the Sikhs. The Guru called Bhai Ghanhiya Ji and asked hm about the accusations ascribed by other Sikhs. Bhai Ghanhiya Ji said, 'O, Lord! It is true, I provided water and first aid to all the wounded persons though they might be Turks or Sikhs. But actually I am niether serving Sikhs nor Turks, I have been serving you. Your teachings have opened my mind and I see you in every human body which lies wounded on the battle field. So I am supplying water and providing first aid to none else, but you.''The Guru was very much pleased to hear this answer and he stood up and patting him said,.....

STAY CONNECTED FOR THE FULL ANECDOTE!

 

They intoxicated an elephant, covered his body and head with iron plates and directed him against, the gate of the fort.
When the Guru got the information he asked his one trusted and brave soldier Bhai Bachhitter Singh to face the elephant.
Bacchhiter Singh came out of the fort with his gallant horse taking his great lancer in his right hand and gave such a powerful blow to the face of that elephant that is pierced to the steel armour. The severely wounded elephant turned round and ran about killing his own army. Bachhiter Singh pursued the elephant crying loudly. Then the Khalsa army also fell on the  hill-chiefs. The hill army took to their heels and ran away in all directions to save their lives.
The Guru was very much pleased to see the bravery of Bachhiter Singh. He patted him lovingly and gave him a beautiful sword as a symbol of honour.
The lancer with which Bhai Bachhiter Singh wounded the intoxicated elephant, is kept in front of Keshgarh at Anandpur Sahib.

                                 CONTINUATION.......                      

Finding her alone, they decided to loot her. They rushed towards her and ordered her to stop. When she stopped, they commanded her to hand over all her belongings to them. But Bibi Deep kaur was not an ordinary Indian woman, she displayed the gallant Sikh spirit. As she was also armed, she was not afraid of them. With a healthy presence of mind, she threw one of her gold bangle on the ground. When one of the dacoits bent down to pick p the bangle, she took her sword and severed away his head with in on time. When the other three saw that horrible scene, they were completely bewildered. But before they could decide, she killed the other two with her powerful sword. When the fourth tried to run away, she pursued and killed him.
When the hill-chiefs were certain that they could not defeat the Guru in the field. So, they made up their mind to invade the city. They blocked the city for two months, but they achieved nothing. So, they decided to break the decided to break the gate of fort in order to occupy it.

Bhai Daya Singh Ji belonged to Lahore, an important city of Punjab. He was born in Samvat 1726 Bk. The Name of his father was Sri Sudha Khatri and his mother's name was Srimati Diaali.He stayed with Guru at Talwandi Sabo and helped him in compiling his literary and religious works. He accompanied the Guru while going to Nanded, Deccan and always served him with great Devotion. He died at Nanded in Samvat 1756 Bk.
Bhai Dharam Singh Ji belonged to Hastinapur(Delhi). He was born there in Samvat 1723 Bk. The name of his father was Sri Sant Ram, who was Jat by caste. His mother's name was Srimati Sabho. He died at Nanded in 1765 Bk.
Bhai Mohkam Singh was born in Dwarka(Gujrat) in Samvat 1720 Bk. The name of his father was Sri Tirath Ram who was a washerman by caste. He died at Chamkaur Sahib on Dec. 2, 1704 A.D.
Bhai Sahib Singh Ji was a resident of Bidar(Karnataka). He was born in Samvat 1719 Bk. His father Sri Chamna was a poor barber of Bidar. His mother's name name was Srimati Sonabai. He died while fighting at Chamkaur Sahib on December 22, 1704 A.D.
Bhai Himmat Singh Ji Raee was born at Jagannath(Orissa) in Samvat 1718 Bk. His father Sri Gulab Raee was a water carrier(Jheewar) by caste. The name of his mother was Srimati Dhanno Devi, Guru Nanak Dev Ji had visited Jaganaath during his Udaasis.
Once a Jatha of Majha Sikhs was going to Anandpur Sahib. This Jatha also included a young baptized woman. Her name was Deep Kaur. When the Jatha reached the village Talabban, they saw a well. They halted near well in order to drink water. But as Bibi Deep Kaur was not feeling thirsty, she continued to march on. When she had gone some yards away from his companions, four armed Mohammdans saw her. 

What happened next ......

stay connected for the full anecdote!

    

             PANJ  PYARAS                                                  

  ''THE FIVE BELOVED ONES''      

On the day of Baisakhi of 1699 A.D. a big and a beautiful tent was set up at the place of Keshgarh sahib. Behind the throne of the Guru, a small but beautiful tent was also erected.
When the Guru entered inside the tent, all people were amazed to see him. His eyes were shinning like fires, his face was glowing with a celestial bliss, his naked sword was glittering in his uplifted right hand and his whole body was looking like that of great warrior, who had just rushed into the battle field.
He said with thundering voice,''This goddess Bhagauti is always hungry for the heads, today she wants the heads of my dear Sikhs.''
A Sikh rose up and said,'' O, true Lord! My head is always at your service. The name of that Sikh was Bhai Daya Ram, a resident of Lahore.
The Guru caught him by his arm and took him into that small tent which was set up by behind the throne. Then the people heard a severe blow of sword and a stream of blood rushed out of the tent.
Similarly, Bhai Dharam Singh, Bhai Mohkam Singh, Bhai Sahib Singh and Bhai Himmat Singh were dragged into the tent and they met the same fate. At the end when Guru came out of the tent he was not alone, there were five others, who were looking like him. They were those'five one's' who had offered their heads to the Guru. All men were astonished to see five men alive and wearing beautiful robes. Then a drink called Amrit was prepared and was administered to PANJ PYARAS. Then the Guru asked all Panj Pyaras to administer Baptism to him. After that the Guru invited all the Sikhs to receive Baptism. Word Singh was added to the names of men and Kaur was added to the names of women. The Guru asked them to take an oath to keep five K's namely, KES(hair), KANGHA(comb),KIRPAN(dagger), KARA(bracelet) and KACHHA(short drawer).
Those five Sikhs who had offered their heads to the Guru at his amazing call were honoured by the Guru naming them as five 'BELOVED ONES'.
Stay Connected for the full anecdote..... 

Baba Jujhar Singh Ji the second son of Guru Gobind Singh Ji wasa born to Mata Jeeto Ji on 14 Asuj, Samvat 1747. He was also very brave and dauntless warrior. When the Guru left Anandpur Sahib for good, he also accompanied him to Chamkaur Sahib.
During the battle of Chamkaur Sahib, when he saw that his elder brother had died fighting bravely against the Mughals, he also requested the Guru to allow him to go in the battle filed. There he fought so bravely that the Mughals were astonished at the dead of valour of a young boy of fourteen years. Killing a band of tyrants Baba Jujhar Singh died on December 22, 1704 A.D.
Baba Zorawar Singh the third son of the Guru, was born to Mata Jeeto Ji on 12 Saawan, Samvat 1753 A.D.
He was slain by Nawab of Sirhind on Poh 13, 1761Bk. The place where their bodies were cremated, a Gurudwara called Joti saroop stands. The place where the two Sahibzaadas were bricked and beheaded stands the Gurudwara, called Fatehgarh Sahib.
Baba Fateh Singh Ji younger son of Guru Gobind Singh Ji was born to Mata Jeeto Ji on Phagan Sudi 7, Sambvat 1755 Bk. He was also bricked alive and then beheaded with his elder brother Baba Zorawar Singh Ji on December 27, 1704 A.D. by Nawab of Sirhind. The city of Fatehgarh Sahib is named after his name. This city has now become a headquater of district.

                    

 GURU GOBIND SINGH JI               

                                                                              But in those days only kings could beat a drum in their own kingdom. No king would allow another king to march through his area with the beat of drum.
The first marriage of the Guru took place on 23rd of Haar, samvat 1734, with mother Jito Ji, the daughter of Sri Harjas Raee resident of Lahore. This marriage was arranged at'Guru Ka Lahore' near Anandpur Sahib
The Guru's second marriage was solemnized with Mata Sundri, daughter of Ram Sharan resident of Lahore, in 1684 A.D. The Guru's third marriage was performed with Mata Sahib Deva daughter of Bhai Ramu Bassi Khatri of Rohtas in 1697 A.D. at Anandpur. The Guru had four sons and the name of the eldest son of Baba Ajit Singh. He was born to Mata Sundri Ji on 22nd Baisakh, Samvat 1743Bk. at Paunta Sahib. It is said that when Guru Gobind Singh Ji had won the battle of Bhagnani and the Sikhs were enjoying the celebrations, the Sahibzada was born. As they had won the battle so he was named'AJIT'(unconquerable). Baba Ajit Singh while fighting for great cause died a saint-soldier's death on December 22, 1704 A.D. at Chamkaur Sahib.

But Guru's mother Mata Nanki Ji advised him to devotee himself to religious affairs only. After hearing mother's advise calmly, Guru said, ''My dear mother, my religion of my forefathers inspires me to take up arms. I tell you what I am doing, I am doing according to the Will of the God. Almighty had sent me in this world to uproot the tyrants have to be disarmed and evil doers have to be destroyed. I am not afraid of hill-chiefs. I bear them no malice and I have done no harm.'' At last a great Naggara was prepared and Guru Ji named it 'Ranjit' on the victorious on the battle-field. 

                                   CONTINUATION...                          

They prepared such a magnificent tent that if surpassed the beauty of the king's tent. This woollen tent was so big that even Guru Ji held his great Darbars in that tent.
That tent was presented to Guru on the occasion of Baisakhi in 1680 A.D. The devotees from Kabul, Kandhar, Balkh, Bukhara and Gazni brought many other presents. Most important articles in those gifts were, rugs, carpets, woollen blankets and bed covers.
When hull-chiefs saw that tent, they were much amazed and strayed. They felt small, as the Guru was owner of such a tent, which even surpassed the beauty of king Aurangzeb's tent.
The ruler of Assam state Raja Rattan Raee along with his mother and other ministers reached Anandpur Sahib on the occasion of Diwali. The royal family were honoured to stay in the Kabali tent. Then the presents wewre offered to the Guru.
The Guru was greatly pleased to see the presents. Raja first presented singular weapon, five in one, out of which five types of weapons could be made pistol, sword, lance, dagger and club. Second gift was a wonderful throne from which stepped out puppets to play chess. Third gift was a drinking cup of a precious metal. As a fourth gift out of five beautiful horses with splendid trappings were offered to the Guru. But of all these presents the most wonderful present was a black elephant. This elephant was unique in appearance and was trained to perform various acts of services. He had a white stripe stretching from the tip of trunk along the forehead and back, right upto the end of tail. This elephant waved 'Chaur' over the Guru, he held a jug of water in his trunk and after washing Guru's feet, he wiped them with a towel.
Guru Ji had made up his mind to fight the tyrants with sword. So, he was enlisting the new recruits in his army everyday. Guru Ji realized that without a drum military equipment was incomplete. He called Diwan Nand Chand and ordered him for the construction of Nagarra.
But in those days...

         GURU GOBIND SINGH JI                         

Guru Gobind Singh Ji was born at Patna on 22nd December 1666A.D. His father was Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji and mother Mata Gujri Ji. Guru Gobind Singh Ji assumed Guruship on 11 November, 1675 A.D. at Anandpur Sahib. Baba Ram Kanwar, a descendant of Baba Buddha Ji performed the ceremony of Guruship. He presented the Guru, a garland of pearls, plumed turban, one sword, one horse, one falcon and five coins of gold. Guru Ji looked very handsome and smart while sitting at the throne of Guruship. The congregation was full of joy and happiness. The musicians were reciting the holy hymns.
After assuming the Guruship, Guru Gobind Singh Ji presented Siropas to Baba Ram Kanwar, Baba Gurditta Ji and other devotees.
In Kabul there lived a very rich man, whose name was Duni Chand was a great devotee of the Guru.
They prepared....

To read the full anecdote stay connected..

WELCOME BACK TO MY BLOG. FIRSTLY I WOULD LIKE TO THANK EVERYBODY FOR YOUR CONSTANT SUPPORT AND LOVE. SO, THIS WEEK WE ARE CELEBRATING THE PRAKASH PURAB( BIRTH ANNIVERSARY) OF OUR TENTH GURU ''GURU GOBIND SINGH JI'. HENCE I WILL BE WRITING HIS ANECDOTES, HIS GREAT DEEDS, HIS SACRIFICES FOR OUR RELIGION. STAY CONNECTED TO READ SOME OF THEM HERE.

GIVE YOUR BEST WISHES BY WRITING ''DHAN GURU GOBIND SINGH JI'' IN THE COMMENTS BELOW.

THANK YOU!

                                        CONTINUATION..

As he was the son of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, so he bowed before him with great respect took Baba Sri Chand with him and seated beside with him. His few disciples also accompanied him. Baba Sri Chand was very pleased to see the Divine face of Guru. His face seemed to him resembling the face of his father Guru Nanak Dev Ji. He was fascinated by seeing the charming personality of Guru. Thus pointing, towards the beard of the Guru he said,'' Why have you grown such a long beard?'' The Guru said politely,''It is to wipe the dust of the feet of great men like you.'' Baba Sri Chand laughed hearing this answer. He said,'' rIt is the humility and the politeness which has made you the worthy of Guruship. I have heard about your benevolence. generosity and humbleness. but ow I have seen with my own eyes. With your devoted service you have not achieved the Guruship but also won the hearts of mankind.

CONTINUATION OF THE LAST POST.....

Making his house a common religious place he stayed in the house of Sihari Mal. The house of Sihari Mal was very vast.There devotees were coming to pay homage to the Guru during the whole day. It became very difficult for him to get any time for the recitation of the Name of God. The Guru asked them to observe disciple. He fixed time for assembling. He advised them to come in the morning and evening so that he could fix times for the recitation of hymns and for addressing the congregation. He also started there the common kitchen.
After staying for a long time he returned back to Amritsar along with his family and other Sikhs.
Baba Sri Chand was an elder son of Guru Naak Dev Ji. When he heard about the construction of the Amritsar city, Nectar pool and praise of Guru Ram Dass, he came to Amritsar for audience with the Guru.
At that time he was about ninety years old. Due to worship of God, he was very active and healthy. He was wearing a saffron coloured dress. But he had no affinity with the yogis and recluses. When Guru Ram Dass Ji heard about the arrival of Baba Sri Chand, he rose and himself went to receive Baba on the way. 

STAY CONNECTED FOR THE FULL ANECDOTE...

CONTINUATION OF THE LAST POST....

                                        SRI GURU RAM DASS JI                   

                                   AMRITSAR                         

He was no longer the leper, as he had been few minutes earlier. He walked as a young man and again sat under the shade of the tree. He waited for Rajni very patiently. When Rajni returned from the Langar house, she was distressed to see a new man sitting near her basket. Her husband told her the complete story of his transformation. But she did not believe it. She took him to Guru Ram Dass who was supervising the construction work inside the city. When the Guru asked the young man to tell the truth, he narrated the whole story which had happened with him. The Guru was convinced to hear the story of the young man as he perceived that pond must be same saced place about which Guru Amar Dass Ji had told. Then the Guru assured Rajni that young man was her real husband. Her belief in God had cured the leprosy of her husband.
Then the Guru told Baba Buddha Ji that pond was the same holy place about which Guru Amar Dass Ji had foretold. He asked him that there a Pool of Nectar must be constructed.
Next Day 'Deg' (a big cooking pot) of Karah Prashad(sweet pudding offered at a Sikh shrine) was prepared. The Guru took Baba Buddha Ji, Bhai Gurdas and other revered  Sikhs with him and reached near the Nectar Pool. Then the Guru asked Baba Buddha to dig a spade of mud from the tank as an inauguration ceremony of the construction work. After reciting the holy hymns, Baba Buddha Ji dug a spade of mud and threw that in a basket. After that Karah Parshad was distributed among all of them.
Then all the Sikhs started digging the mud and filling their baskets were carrying on their heads and were throwing at the bank. So, the digging of the holy tank started from that day.
After completion of the tank four wells were dug at the four corners of the tank. These Persian-wheels were running for twenty four hours and water of these wells was falling in the holy tank.
After the construction of the Amrit Sarovar, the city was renamed as Amritsar.
One day the Guru asked his Sikhs to make arrangements for his departure for Lahore. They perceived that one orphan child due to his self;less service and hard work, had become the True Emperor.
Guru Ram Dass Ji first visited his own house in Chuna Mandi. He stayed there for few days and converted that house into a holy monument.

                  SRI GURU RAM DAS JI                                           

Guru Ram Das Ji was born on 25th September, 1534 A.D. in Chuna Mandi, Lahore. He was the son of Hari Dass Sodhi Khatri and Anupi Devi, known as Daya Kaur. He was named as Ram Das but he was the first child he was popularly known as Jetha. He had one younger brother Haridial and one younger sister Ram Dassi. He was fair in complexion and very handsome.
His parents died when he was merely seven years old. He and his brother and his sister became orphan in childhood. After the death of his parents their grandmother took them to village Basarkhe. His grandfather was not a rich man. So, in order to make his living he began to sell grams under the shade of a tree on the bank of a tank.
When Guru Amardas Ji shifted to Goindwal Bhai Jetha also accompanied them. There Bhai Jetha resumed his work of selling roasted grams. There he found the construction work in full swing. The devotees of Guru Angad Dev Ji had come from far and near and were serving there without taking any wages. Bhai Jetha was very mach influenced by the selfless service of the Sikhs. He also mde up his mind to become a Sikh of Guru Angad Dev Ji. After of buildings. He used also to serve the devotees. 

Guru Angad Dev Ji entrusted the Guruship to Guru Amar Dass Ji in 1552A.D. At that time, the age of Bhai Jetha was about eighteen years.
In December 1552 A.D. one day mother Mansa Devi said to Guru Amar Dass Ji, ''Our daughter Bhanni has now grown up, it is the right time we should select a suitable groom for her.''
The Guru replied, '' It is very proper that you have reminded me that our daughter has reached the marriageable age. But tell me what type of groom should we search for?'' Mother Mansa Devi replied,'' He should be young, healthy, talented, learned, pious Gursikh and very handsome.'' At that time Bhai Jetha had come to meet Guru to take advice for the construction work. When Mansa Devi saw Bhai Jetha standing nearby, then Mother Mansa Devi pointing towards Bhai Jetha said,'' The groom should be like this boy.'' The Guru said,'' He is the only boy who resembles him, there is none else in this world who had the features and qualities like him. If this boy seems you ideal of your imagination as the suitable groom for our daughter Bhanni then why not consider him as suitable groom for her.'' Mother Mansa Devi had no objection to that. After few days Bibi Bhanni was married to Bhai Jetha.
Bhai Jetha's service was selfless. Physically he was feeling lowest of lowest but spiritually he always kept his mind in the recitation of the Name of God. Guru Amar Dass Ji was so influenced by his service that he made up his mind to entrust him the leadership of the Sikhs.
One day he asked Sri Ram Dass to tale bath. After taking the bath Sri Ram Dass worn new clothes specially tailored for him. The Guru Amar Dass Ji embraced him and guided him to the throne of the Guru and asked him to adorn it. Bhai Jetha(Ram Dass) sat on the throne. Then Guru Amar Dass Ji placed five paisa and coconut in front of Guru Ram Dass and after going round of him three times he bowed before him. Then Baba Buddha Ji applied the tilak as a mark of Guruship and spiritual kingdom passed to the fourth Guru.
Guru Amar Dass wanted to colonise a new city. In June 1570A.D. he took Guru Ram Dass Ji reached at that place, Guru Amar Dass sent for the headmen of the villages of Gumtala, Tung Sultanwind and Gillwali. The Guru told them that he wanted to colonize a new city at that place. The people of those villages agreed the proposal of the Guru. Foundation stone of the town was laid by Guru Amar Dass Ji himself and town was named as Guru Ka Chakk.
After completion of the Guru Bazar, digging of the Santokh Sar Sarovar started. The workers and masons also constructed houses for their own residences. The Guru also started Langar for the devotees and the workers.
When Guru Ram Dass Ji constructyed a Darbar Hall and started preaching the devotees then the name of the city was changed to Chakk Guru Ram Dass.
The Guru also brought five hundred bighas of land from the nearby village Tung for the further expansion of town.
Rajni, daughter of Duni Chand, a landlord of Patti was married to a leper. She took her husband by the bank of a small pond in the shade of a 'ber' tree and herself went to Langar.
 

When  the leper was sitting on the bank of pond, he saw a pair of crows dipped down into the pool and flew away with their colours changing from black to white. He considered that the pool did not contain any ordinary water. So, he struggled and by crawling reached near the water of the pond. Then he dipped himself into the water. But when he came out he was astonished to see himself.

CONTINUED IN THE NEXT POST...

                         TRUTH IS SUPREME                               

Taking Bhai Mardana along, Guru Nanak reached the high peaks of the Shivalik mountains where saints and yogis were passing their lives after renouncing the world. Those saints and yogis had a belief that the love for worldly objects will cease of one lives in an uninhabited area. By overcoming the desire to possess worldly material, one can overcome reincarnation. They called themselves celibate and did not get married. They also believed that after marriage, the wife entangles the husband in the net of worldly objects and his escape from it is impossible.
It was difficult for everybody to reach those snow-clad mountains. There was always the danger of wild animals. The yogis were filled wonder on seeing Guru Nanak and Bhai Mardana. They questioned, '' How have you come to us? One can reach these hills only with the help of supernatural powers. ''Guru Nanak replied, ''We have reached here with the knowledge of the truth.''
Among those yogis was Bharthari, a disciple of Gorakh, who had renounced his kingdom and adopted yoga. He did not grasp the meaning of what Guru Nanak said because, as long as one does not adopt truth as one's way of life, how can one understand what the Truth is. He advised Guru Nanak, ''You also pierce your ears like me and put on ear-rings, shave your head, discard your clothes, smear your body with ash and adopt Gorakh as your spiritual guide, then you will attain salvation.
Guru Nanak replied, '' You renounced your kingdom, left your home but have not been able to get rid of your ego for which you have not understood it yet.'' Bharthari offered a bowl of cannabis to Guru Nanak and said,'' Nanak drink it so that you may be free from hunger and thirst. Your mind may concentrate and all the woes of the world be forgotten.'' Guru Nanak replied, '' One who trades in the Truth, does not require this drug. He is always intoxicated by the Name which destroys pains and sorrows of the world.''
After Bharthari was satisfied, Sanghar Nath asked, '' What were the means by which you got rid of lust? In which way did give up the love of worldly objects? How did you master anger and why does pride not bother you?'' Guru Nanak replied, When I  gained the knowledge of Truth, I  overcame lust. When I started singing the praises of God, love of worldly materials left men made the greed to flee. The fear of death left me when I  perceived the Lord always in my mind.''
Guru Nanak saw that the impurity of ego had not left the minds of the yogis though they had renounced the world and were tolerating the pains and hardships of the hills far away from human. How could yogis see the light of Truth away from the creation when God resides in it?

             SHRI GURU ANGAD DEV JI                              

Bhai Lehna Ji who later on came to be known as Guru Angad Dev Ji. He was born on March 31, 1504A.D.  at Matte Di Sarran, district Mukastar. His father Bhai Pheru Mal Ji was well educated. He was working as an accountant. of a Muslim ruler. The people of the village felt very happy when they heard the news of Bhai Lehna Ji. They came in the house of Bhai Pheru Mal to conngratulate him.
In order to celebrate the birth of Bhai Lehna Ji, the devotees came in large number. They sang songs in praise of Durga Mata. On seeing the beautiful child all were thanking goddess.
When Bhai Lehna Ji was sixteen, Bhai Pheru Mal Ji decided to get his son married. Bhai Lehna was married in village Khadoor near Taran Taaran in Amritsar district.
One day Jodha of his district was taking Bath in the tank and was singing the sacred hymns. Bhai Lehna listened to the hymns very carefully, which caused strange effect on his mind. At that time, Bhai Jodha was reciting the pauri number 21 of Asa Di War.  Bhai Lehna Ji had never heard such sacred hymns in praise of God. He only used to listen and sing in praise of goddess.
He then said to Bhai Jodha, '' My friend, from where have you learnt these devotional songs? '' Bhai Jodha replied, 'O, great man, these devotional songs are composed by Guru Nanak.'' Then he told him abut the life of Guru Nanak. He also told that Guru Nanak speaks the word of God as it comes to him from God himself. '' Who recites or listens these hymns, gets a glimpse of the True god and crosses peacefully this worldly ocean.''

Next day when Bhai Lehna took his horse and drove towards Kartarpur. When he reached near the village he saw a well built, healthy and tall old man. He drove near the man and asked about the village and Guru Nanak's abode. That old man was Guru Nanak himself. Instead of pointing towards the residence of Guru Nanak, he asked him politely to follow him. Guru Nanak guided him and Bhai Lehna, discontinuing the horse, followed him. When they reached the Darbar of the Guru, pointing towards a peg, Guru Nanak himself entered his room. He sat on the seat where he generally used to meat his devotees. Bhai Lehna asked from a Sikh about the whereabouts of Guru Nanak. The Sikh told him about the room of the Guru. But when he entered the room, he was astonished to see the same old man who had led him the way, was Guru Nanak himself. Bhai Lehna was filled with shame and remorse.

Guru Nanak made Guru Angad Dev Ji his successor and advised him to go to his native village.The Guru Angad Dev Ji shifted to his village but was staying secretly in the house of Mai Virai. But the Sikhs felt worried as they could not find the whereabouts of Guru.

But Baba Buddha Ji was confident that the Guru must be in the house of Mai Virai. So he took five Sikhs and Rababi Balwand with him and reached the house of Mai Virai. Then he asked Bhai Balwand to tune his rebeck and to recite a hymn of Guru Nanak. Bhai Balwand ecited a hymn of Guru Nanak in a very sweet and loud voice. When Guru Angad Dev Ji heard the voice of Bhai Balwand reciting a holy hymn of Guru Nanak he came outside and stood in the gate. He saw towards Baba Buddha and other Sikhs. He smiled and very happily said, ''You have found the way to locate Guru''. The recitation of the hymn of Guru Nanak has such a power that no man on earth could resist it. Then at the request of Baba Buddha he agreed to go with them in order to see the Sikhs. 

At the new place Khadur Sahib, on one side the Guru was showering the spiritual teachings to the people, and on the other side Mata Kheevi Ji wife of Guru Angad Dev Ji was supplying rich foods to the Sikhs. She was made incharge of Langar and ger duty was to supply food to all, irrespective of caste or creed.

Mata Ji used to get up early in the morning and after performing religious rites she attended the kitchen. Though there were other sewadars also to prepare and serve the food, but Mata Kheevi Ji himself prepared the vegetables, and other dishes. She was keeping a watch in order to make it certain that all had been served according to their requirements. Bhai Balwand Rababi writes, '' Rice prepared in ghee were served to all''.

Himayun once decided Khadur to meet Guru Angad Dev Ji. When Himayun reached Khadur he was astonished to see the grandeur of the great Guru. At that time the Guru was delivering his divine sermons and his followers were listening to him very carefully. When the Emperor tried to enter the Diwan Hall the sewaks stopped him. He felt offeneded and in fit of rage entered into the Diwan Hall forcefully and stood before the Guru. Instead of bowing the Guru, he put his hand....

STAY CONNECTED FOR THE FULL ANECDOTE.

                    READING OF GURU GRANTH SAHIB                       

1. Every Sikh should, as far as possible, maintain a separate and exclusive place for installation of Guru Granth Sahib Ji, in his home.
2. Every Sikh, man, woman, boy or girl, should learn Gurmukhi to be able to read the Guru Granth Sahib Ji.
3. It is desirable that every Sikh should carry on a continuous reading of the Guru Granth  Sahib and complete a full reading in one or two months or over a longer period.
4. While undertaking a full reading of the Guru Granth Sahib, one should recite the Anand Sahib and perform the Ardas. One should thereafter, read the Japuji. Akhand Path(uninterrupted non stop completion of the reading of the Guru Granth Sahib).

                        SIKH REHET MARYADA               

BELIEFS, DUTIES AND CEREMONIES

1. A Sikh should pray to God before launching off any work task.
2. Learning Gurmukhi is an essential for Sikh. He should pursue other studies too.
3. The true Sikh of the Guru shall make an honest living by lawful work.
4. A Sikh shall not steal, form dubious associations or engage in Gambling.
5. A Sikh should not kill his daughter, nor should he maintain any relationship with the killer of Daughter.
6. Not believing in any caste or descent untouchability, magic spells. omens days or occasions, influence of stars or any horoscopic dispositions, Ancestor worship.
7. The Khalsa should maintain its distinctiveness among the professors of different religions of the world, but should not hurt the sentiments of another person professing another religion.
8. A Sikh should, in no way, harbour any antipathy to the hair of the head with which the child is born.
9. It is not proper for a Sikh women to wear veil or keep her face hidden by veil or cover.
10. A Sikh when he meets another Sikh, should greet him with, ''Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa, Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh''. This is ordained for both men and women.
 

                                           

               UPCOMING POST:

SIKH REHET MARYADA.
STAY CONNECTED FOR MUCH MORE.

                  SOLAR  ECLIPSE                                       

Guru Nanak Dev Ji and Bhai Mardana reached the holy place kurukshetra where the war of Mahabharat had been fought. That was the day of solar eclipse, so people had come in large numbers from far and near for a holy dip. On every side people were waiting for the eclipse to start. Guru Nanak and Bhai Mardana chose an open place and sat there. No sooner had the eclipse than groups of beggars starting asking for alms. The rich started to give charity to make amends of their sins. People started bathing in the river. This fallacy is in vogue that if anybody bathes and gives alms at the time of eclipse, all his sins are washed away in the same way as dust is washed from the body with water. Those desirous of washing away their sins were heaping money on the hands of Brahmins even though they had not given a single paisa to the poor before.
Guru Nanak was sitting and watching this show with Jagat Rai, the prince of Hansi state, placed a deer before him and requested, '' Holy man, I have nothing for charity at this auspicious time except this deer which I hunted on my way. Please accept this.'' At Guru Nanak's bidding, Bhai Mardana lit a fire and placed the deer on it to cook.
When Brahmins saw the smoke, they came running to Guru Nanak and said, '' No one can light a fire on this auspicious time. It is a great sin to light a fire. Nothing can be cooked. Only charity can be given at this time.'' Nanu Brahmin said,'' What have you placed in this pan to cook?'' Bhai Mardana said,'' This is the meat of deer.'' Nanu got more angry on hearing it.
Guru Nanak told those who were raising a hue and cry. ''It is not a sin to cook something to satisfy hungry stomach. It is a sin to rob innocent people by telling lies. Tell me how the sins of a sinner can be washed away by giving charity to sinners like you who do not know what meat is. Listen, all bodies consist of flesh. Flesh eats flesh. Flesh marries flesh and brings her home. All the relatives are flesh. When you realise the word of the Lord, you gain the knowledge of what meat is. These foolish vegetarians do not understand that vegetables are also meat. Woman is also a flesh. Those who decry meat, make love to it at night. Children are also flesh which take shape out of the flesh of their parents. Grain, cotton etc are all flesh. If you give up eating and wearing all these then you have given up meat. Those from whom you accept charity, according to your reckoning, will go to hell for eating meal while you will go to hell for accepting charity from them.''
Hearing these words from Guru Nanak, all those who were raising a hue and cry became silent. Guru Nanak further told them, ''No god is under threat. Eclipse are caused by the movements of the planets. Nobody's sins are washed away by bathing in this water and giving charity to these Brahmins. Only remembering and keeping God in mind can wash away sins.''

                   MADNESS FOR GOLD                                

One day Guru Nanak and Bhai Mardana reached a country which was ruled by a very cruel king named Karu. He had an urge to amass gold and silver. If he heard that one of his subjects had some gold or silver, he would ask for it and then take it away by force if his request failed. In this way, he had filled forty boxes with gold and silver.
One day he asked his minister,'' Does anyone in our country possess gold or silver about which we have not come to know?'' The minister said,'' I shall inquire about it and let you know tomorrow.''
On the next day, the minister sent a very beautiful slave girl to the market for sale. The sale price of that slave girl was fixed as one silver coin. A merchant's son went to his widowed mother and said,'' If we buy this slave girl for a silver coin, she will do all the house work and make life easy for you.'' The mother replied,'' We do not have any silver coin in our house but when your father died, he was burried with a silver coin in his mouth. You dig the grave and take out that coin to buy the slave girl.'' When the king came to know about the silver coins in the mouths of the dead, he had all the graves dug up and had the silver coins taken out.
Guru Nanak went to his palace and said to the King's gatekeeper,'' Convey our message to the King, two outsiders want to see him.'' When the King came to the door, he saw Guru Nanak counting pieces of broken earthen pots. The King asked in great wonder,'' O holy man, what use are these pieces to you?'' Guru Nanak replied, '' We are to take these to the next world.'' The King said, '' How can you take these pieces to the next world?'' Guru Nanak replied,'' In the same way as the wealth collected by you by cruelty.'' Hearing this, he realised his mistake. He said,'' I  have great love for gold and silver. Advise me so that my love for gold and silver goes away and I may embark on the path of God.''
Guru Nanak said,'' O Karu, whatever you see with the eyes will be destroyed one day. The wealth which is spent in the name of God, goes along with you to the next world. Horses, forces and kingdm will remain here when death overtakes you. You came to this world alone and empty handed and shall leave this world empty handed. You have seen with your eyes that the dead, who had been buried with one silver coin in their mouths could not take even that one coin with them. How will this wealth amassed with sins and cruelty, go with you? However the sins and cruelty committed will surely go along with you and for committing those sins you will be thrown into the fire of hell.''
Hearing about the fire of hell, he trembled more. He asked,'' How can I  escape that fire?'' Guru Nanak said,'' Only if you shun cruelty henceforth and use the wealth which you have collected by your sins, to provide free meals for the poor.''

             TRUE PRAYER                                           

After Guru Nanak got employed as store-keeper at Sultanpur, Mool Chand, a land official at Pakkhode Randhawa, married his daughter, Bibi Sulakhani to him. Sulakhani started living with him at Sultanpur. She gave birth to two sons namely Sri Chand and Lakhmi Chand.

One day when Guru Nanak went to the river Veiyeen to take his bath as usual, he did not come out. This happened in 1497 A.D. when Guru Nanak was 27. After waiting for a long time, Bhai Mardana returned home and informed Nawab Daulat Khan about Guru Nanak's disappearance in the river. The Nawab sent his men to search for him but they could not find him either in the river or outside nearby. The people of the city were ,much grieved at the disappearance of their wise and honest store-keeper. On the third day after this happening, somebody saw Guru Nanak sitting in the graveyard.The news of Guru Nanak sitting in the graveyard also reached Nawab Daulat Khan. The head qazi was standing with him at that time. The Nawab took him along and reached the graveyard where Guru Nanak was sitting. They heard with their own ears, Guru Nanak saying,'' Here nobody is either a Hindu or a Muslim.'' They were struck with wonders. They said,''O, Nanak, if you don't feel any difference between Hindus and Muslims and you think all are created by one God, if you believe that in the court of God, decisions will be made according to the god and bad deeds of each individual, then come with us to the mosque to perform prayer bestowed by God.''At the bidding of the Nawab, Guru Nanak went with them inside the mosque. All the devotees except Guru Nanak began to perform the prayer. After the completion of the prayer, the Nawab asked Guru Nanak, '' Why did you not say the prayer? Why did you keep standing silently when we were performing the prayer?'' Guru Nanak replied,' Dear Nawab, whom would I joined in the prayer? Your mind was in the Kandhar purchasing horses while your body was here.'' The Nawab said,'' Nanak, if my mind was not present in the prayers, you should have joined the qazi.'' Guru Nanak said,'' Dear Nawab, the qazi's mind was looking after the newly born colt at home.'' Hearing this the qazi said,'' Dear Nawab, Nanak is telling the truth. My mare had given birth to a calf this morning. While performing the prayer, I was worrying that my colt might fall into the ditch and might not be able to get out of the ditch on its own.''Guru Nanak said,'' Dear qazi, only the prayer which is performed with the mind and fully concentrated, is accepted at the door of Lord. Prayers performed without full concentration of mind are self- deception and hypocrisy.''

                                                

SAJJAN THE ROBBER

Guru Nanak Dev Ji and Bhai Mardana started from Pakpattan and reached the city of Tulamba in Multan. By the side of the road, they saw a very big and beautiful house, Sajjan, whose real name was Sheikh, had constructed that inn for the comfort of the travelers. In that inn, everyone was given a room to pass night and free meals were served to one's fill. There was no discrimination, be the traveler a Hindu or a Muslim. In that inn, Sheikh had got constructed on one side, a temple for the Hindus to worship and on the other side a mosque, for the Muslims to pray.
Sheikh used to dress like a saint during the day and engaged himself telling beads on his rosary. Seeing him thus, everyone who met him called him Sajjan- the virtuous man or friend. Sajjan had plenty of land which was tilled by labourers. He had adopted another means of income of which no one expect his partners knew. He used to kill the travellers staying for the night, throw their bodies into a well and misappropriate their belongings.
Sajjan guessed that Guru Nanak was a wealthy man. He served Guru Nanak and Bhai Mardana very well. Guru Nanak could read what was in the mind of other people. Nothing could remain hidden from him. Guru Nanak read all his black deeds from his conversation with his companions. After dinner, Sajjan requested Guru Nanak,'' O holy man, come and sleep in comfort inside. The night has well advanced. ''Guru Nanak said,'' We shall sing a hymn in praise of God and then sleep.'' Guru Nanak started the recitation of the hymn. 
When Sajjan heard the hymn and understood the meanings, he suspected that Guru Nanak had come to know his black deeds. That was why he was saying, '' A utensil made from bronze looks bright outside but when it is rubbed it makes the fingers black.'' Even if it is washed, that bronze will not be free from blackness. Decorate empty houses outside as you wish but when they are demolished, they will be empty inside. Human bodies are like houses. The bodies devoid of virtues are no avail. The white clad holy men who rob those gone astray, are like storks at places of pilgrimage, who eats frogs. They cannot be called devotees. A man's shrewdness, wisdom and service are useless inless he gives up bad deeds. To become virtuous, one needs the help of Lord.''
When the recital of the hymn was finished, Sajjan fell at Guru Nanak's feet. At the bidding of Guru Nanak, he disturbed all his accumulated wealth among the poor, began to earn his living truthfully and became a true Sajjan.

         

Question: What is the literal meaning of the word 'Sikh'?

Answer: The correct answer is'DISCIPLE'.

Congratulations, to all those who gave this Answer.
And Good Luck to  the rest.

               A HAPPENING AT HARIDWAR                                     

Guru Nanak Dev Ji reached Haridwar where Hindus say their last farewell to the ashes of their dead in the river Ganges. They have the believe that the one whose ashes are put in the river Ganges, remains eternally in heaven. Guru Nanak Dev Ji saw thousand o men and women bathing in the river. He also took off his clothes, handed them to Bhai Mardana and descended into the rivrto bathe.
Those who were bathing in the river were throwing water with their hands towards the east. Guru Nanak started throwing water in the West. Those ho were throwing water towards the East, were wonderstruck at seeing Guru Nanak Dev Ji throwing water towards the West. One of them took courage, and asked Guru Nanak Dev Ji, ''Brother, are you a Hindu or a Muslim? Don't you know even this that water is thrown towards the East?  Guru Nanak Dev Ji stopped throwing water and asked the questioner,'' Brother, why is this water thrown towards the East? He replied,'' Don't you know even this that our ancestors live in the abode of gods? They died due to the lack of water. We give them water.''
Guru Nanak again asked that person, ''How far from Haridwar do your ancestors live?'' He replied, '' They live evn beyond the Sun, millions of miles away.'' Guru Nanak said,'' Does this water thrown by you reaches them?'' He replied,'' Brahmins tell us that the water thrown by us reach them.'' Their thirst is quenched by our water. If we do not throw water they are tormented by thirst.''
Hearing this reply from him, Guru Nanak started throwing the water towards the west vigorously. That man again asked Guru Nanak,'' Why do you throw water towards the west when the ancestors are in East.'' Guru Nanak replied, My ancestors are not dying of thirst but my fields in Punjab are drying due to lack of rain. I am watering them.''
That man replied,'' How can this water thrown by you reach Punjab?'' Guru Nanak replied,'' If water thrown by you can reach your ancestors millions  of miles away, why can this water which I am throwing not reach a place two hundred miles away?'' Some of the listeners came to understand, what Guru Nanak said. They realised that the water which they were throwing,returned to the river. Some stopped throwing water but those who have not understood, continue throwing it towards the East to this day.
Those who throw water towards the Est, have forgotten that originally they were asked to throw water to the rising sun and not towards the East. People who have to give water to the rising Sun, must get out of bed before sunrise. Anyone who wakes up before dawn, cannot be lazy. People who are active, are less likely to fall ill. Poverty is less likely to afflict them. They are free from want and hunger. Their houses are free from quarrels. The custom of giving water was started to shake off laziness but the greed of Brahmins turned it into a hypocrisy.