Nagpur: After constructing Shri Harimandar Sahib in Amritsar, fifth Guru Shri Guru Arjan Devji thought that the Baani (sayings) of former four Gurus, Shri Guru Nanak Dev, Guru Angad Dev, Guru Amar Das and Guru Ram Das, were capable of removing sorrow and grief of the masses. “Dhur Ki Baani Aayi Tin Sagli Chint Mitaayi”. Therefore, Guruji felt that this Baani should be collected in the form of a ‘Granth’ for the betterment of society. Guruji knew that there will be shrewd poets in Kaliyug who would claim their poems to be Gurbani. Just like a fake bullet can sound like a real one, but cannot injure a person; similarly, those poets’ poems would sound like Gurbani, but would not be able to purify people’s mind and free them from their grievances. “Satiguru Bina Hor Kachi Hai Baani. Baani Ta Kachi Satiguru Baajhahu Hor Kachi Baani.”
However, the collection of the Baani of four Gurus was in Goindwaal with Bhai Mohan Ji, son of third Guru – Shri Guru Amar Das Ji. On hearing this, Bhai Gurdas sought permission to go to Goindwaal to bring the Pothis, saying that Baba Mohan and his brother, Baba Mohari knew him well. Despite knowing that he won’t get the Pothis, Guruji permitted him to go, so that at least his ego would vanish. Bhai Gurdas reached Goindwaal. He stood outside the house of Bhai Mohan and shouted his name. But there was no reply, as Bhai Mohan was meditating. People living nearby told him that Bhai Mohan would not open the door, and if he was disturbed, then he would curse him, so he better go back.
Bhai Gurdas was highly disappointed. He returned to Amritsar and told Guruji what happened there. At that time, Baba Buddhaji was also present in the Deewan. He requested Guruji to allow him to go to Goindwaal to get the Pothis. Guruji said, “If you think you will be able to get them, you can also go.” Baba Buddhaji left for Goindwaal. There he took a bath in Baaoli Sahib Sarovar constructed by Guru Amar Das and then went to Bhai Mohan’s house. Baba Buddha called out his name and knocked the door. Since there was no response, he broke open the door and entered the house out of his ego. He found that Bhai Mohan was meditating. He moved Bhai Mohan’s body with his hands, but there was no response. When Baba Mohari learnt this, he immediately went and warned Baba Buddhaji that if disturbed, Bhai Mohan might curse him. He advised him to go back. Baba Buddhaji narrated all this to Guru Arjan Dev Ji.
Now, Guru Arjan Devji thought that now he should go and get those Pothis. Bare-footed Guruji left for Goindwaal. He first took a bath in Baaoli Sahib Sarovar, and recited Shri Japuji Sahib. In meditation, Guru Amar Das appeared in front of Guru Arjan Devji. He placed his hand over Guru Arjan Dev’s head and said, “Sing songs praising my son Mohan and take the Pothis back from him, even if he utters curse words out of anger. You don’t lose your temper and keep on praising him. Ultimately, he himself will politely hand over the Pothis to you. Then you establish Granth Sahib at Harimandar Sahib.” Saying this, Guru Amar Das disappeared. Guruji sat in front of Bhai Mohan’s house and uttered the following Shabad in Gaudi Raag: “Mohan Tere Uche Mandar Mahal Apaara. Mohan Tere Sohan Duaar Jeeu Sant Dharamsala.” (Shri Guru Granth Sahib Pg. 248)
Baba Mohanji’s Samadhi was disturbed on hearing the Shabad. He opened the door and saw Guru Arjan Devji singing a Shabad along with his devotees. He got angry and hurled a few ill words at Guruji. But Guruji was unperturbed and he continued singing and praising him. On hearing this, Bhai Mohan was touched and realised that he really was the fifth Guru and he was free from feelings of hatred, anger and ego (Maan-Apmaan). Realising this, Bhai Mohan brought the Pothis and gave them to Guruji. Guruji placed the Pothis on Manjhi Sahib, and amidst the beating of Dhols and drums, brought them to Amritsar, chanting various Shabads on the way. Guruji assembled the sayings of other Gurus and devotees at Ramsar in Amritsar and finally established Granth Sahib at Harimandar Sahib for the welfare of society.
Guru Arjan Dev Maharaj lived in this world for about 43 years. He sacrificed his life for the sake of humanity on Jyeshtha Sudi 4 Samvat 1663, the equivalent date of which this year is June 3, 2022, Friday. Lakhs of salutes to such a great soul on his Martyr’s day!
-Adv. M. B. Mamtani
(Convenor)