When Sri Anandpur Sahib was besieged for eight long months and all food supplies were exhausted, Guru Sahib’s beloved horse also died after suffering intensely from hunger. Guru Gobind Singh Ji is remembered as the Shah-e-Neela—the royal rider of the blue horse—and this majestic image has deeply settled in the hearts of people. Neela ghora banka joda, Hath vich baaz suhaaye ne, Chalo Singho chall darshan kariye, Guru Gobind Singh aaye ne. Let us learn who this blue horse was. Gurpratap Suraj Granth records that for Guru Sahib’s ride, Kapure Chaudhary presented a remarkably beautiful horse at Sri Anandpur Sahib, which he had purchased for 1100 rupees. Guru Gobind Singh Ji accepted it for his own mount and named it Dalshingar. Bhai Santokh Singh writes— Jangal vikhay Kapura Jaat, Ketik Graman ko pati Raath. Ik sau ik hazaar dhan de kai, Chanchal bali turangam lai kai. So hajoor mein dayo puchaai, Dekhyo bahu bal son chaplaai. Apne chadhbe het bandhaayo, Dal Shingaar tih naam bataayo. This horse was extraordinarily intelligent and sensitive. Even when thirsty, it would not drink water from ponds where immoral people lived, nor would it pass through places where tobacco was cultivated. Once, hill chiefs attacked Guru Sahib but were driven away. Guru Sahib had strictly commanded that fleeing enemies must not be pursued. However, in their zeal, the Singhs began chasing the retreating forces. Observing this disobedience, Guru Sahib turned the blue horse back, showing His back to the Singhs. At that very moment, the Singhs began to lose ground in battle. Realizing their mistake, two Singhs ran after Guru Sahib, but He did not stop. One Singh galloped ahead, quickly drew a line on the ground before the blue horse, folded his hands, and said, “You are bound by the Guru’s honor—take not a single step forward.” Hearing this, the swift and mighty blue horse stood still like a statue. Guru Sahib urged it forward, but it did not cross the line. Smiling, Guru Sahib dismounted and affectionately said, “You seem like a masand, showing such regard for them.” The Singhs begged forgiveness and thanked the blue horse. Out of love, they also called it Dal Bidaar. When the eight-month siege of Sri Anandpur Sahib continued and all provisions were depleted, this beloved horse of Guru Sahib too gave up its life due to starvation. Panth Prakash describes that tragic time in the verses preserved above. Ik ik mutthi chane mile hain, Ath pehre so bhi na thain hain. Hasti prashaadi lau bhaare, Dal Bidaar se ghode maare.
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