Today, as I began writing the history of Sri Guru Gobind Singh Sahib Ji, my mind became confused about where to begin—should I start with the sacrifice of his father, or with the martyrdom of his sons and Mata Ji? Then I thought, should I begin with the great warrior? But then the great poet would be left behind. If I attempt to write everything, I am faced with countless dimensions—great man, great Guru, great disciple, great king, great saint, great son, great father, great revolutionary, giver of Amrit, master of lofty and pure thoughts. Looking at the life of Guru Gobind Singh Ji, the mind is overwhelmed. Then I decided to write about something we can still feel today—something that those who place unwavering faith in the Guru continue to experience. That divine presence of Guru Gobind Singh Ji, which was felt many years after he shed his physical form, on the land of Manwar by Raja Rustam Rao and Raja Bala Rao. When they remembered Guru Gobind Singh Ji with true devotion and prayed sincerely—“O Lord of both worlds, free us from this hellish imprisonment and grant us freedom once again”—the Guru appeared before them on horseback and, by placing his foot in the stirrup, freed them from the fort. Then, about a hundred years ago, on the sacred land of Hazur Sahib, a Sikh of the Guru—Baba Nidhan Singh Ji—arrived and began serving the sangat to the best of his ability. Due to opposition from the local priests and lack of money, when Baba Nidhan Singh Ji reached the railway station to return to Punjab, Guru Gobind Singh Sahib Ji appeared before him and said, “Nidhan Singh, your service is destined here. Serve here.” Baba Nidhan Singh Ji replied, “Father, I have neither shelter nor wealth.” The Guru smiled and said, “What belongs to the father also belongs to the sons. From today, you will never lack money. Whenever you need it, place your hand in your father’s pocket and take what you need. Now go and serve the sangat.” It is said that when Baba Nidhan Singh Ji left his body during Amrit Vela, despite the darkness, the sky was illuminated with light. A similar incident is from my village, Tarsikka. Here stands a beautiful Gurdwara Sahib of devotees, where Sant Baba Gurbachan Singh Ji Bhagta performed deep devotion to Akal Purakh for nearly twelve years. When his final time approached, he told his companion Baba Pritam Singh Ji two days in advance, “The day after tomorrow, at exactly 12 o’clock, I will leave my body. Guru Gobind Singh Ji Maharaj himself will come to take me. Inform the sangat at 2 o’clock.” Sant Baba Gurbachan Singh Ji was an Amritdhari Sikh and a great spiritual soul. According to the tradition he established, a large religious gathering is held every year in Tarsikka on 26–27 March. The purpose of sharing these accounts is to say that Guru Gobind Singh Ji is still with us—always beside us. We only need to walk on the path shown by him. Partake of Amrit, become the Guru’s own, live by Bani and Bana—the Guru never abandons us. Family members accompany us only until life and the cremation ground, but the Guru stays with us both in life and even after death.
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