On 28 March 1613 CE, Sri Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji was married (Anand Karaj) to Mata Nanaki Ji in the town of Bakala. Let us take a brief look at the life and legacy of Mata Nanaki Ji. Mata Nanaki Ji (Revered Mother of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji) Mata Nanaki Ji was born around 1597 CE in the village of Bakala (Amritsar district) to Khatri Hari Chand and Mata Hardai. Because her father ran a good business, the family enjoyed a respected standing in the area and were devoted Sikhs. Growing up in a deeply religious atmosphere, Nanaki Ji naturally developed spiritual inclinations from an early age. She adopted the qualities expected of a noble and well-rounded woman. Whenever Sikh devotees visited her father’s home, she would eagerly serve them—preparing langar, washing utensils, bringing water, and performing other services with joy. She would rise in the early hours and engage in Naam Simran just like her parents. Her temperament was warm, gentle, and soothing. She was also blessed with a tall, graceful, and healthy physique. Because of her devotional nature and virtuous character, her father Hari Chand arranged her marriage to the handsome, tall, and dignified Sri Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji. The wedding was celebrated with great grandeur in 1613 CE. Upon entering her in-laws’ home, Mata Nanaki Ji won the heart of her mother-in-law, Mata Ganga Ji, through her virtues. She would rise at dawn, help with bathing, bring water and necessities for Guru Ji, and then devote herself to Naam Simran. She shared deep affection with Mata Damodari Ji and often took on household responsibilities herself so that Mata Damodari Ji would not be burdened. She also accepted the responsibility of caring for the children in the household. She loved young Bibi Viro Ji dearly, managed langar arrangements, and looked after visiting sangat. At night, she would even massage Mata Ganga Ji’s hands as a service. From her womb, Baba Atal Rai Ji was born in 1619. He was raised with great love and devotion, and due to the Guru’s training, he immersed himself in Naam Simran from childhood. On 1 April 1621, Mata Nanaki Ji gave birth to Baba Tyag Mal—later Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji—and great celebrations took place. Guru Ji held the child, performed the blessings, and foretold that he would become a conqueror of desires, a pinnacle of renunciation, an embodiment of sacrifice, a remover of suffering, a Brahmgyani, a master of the sword, true to his word, and a protector of faith. Hearing these words, Mata Ji was filled with joy. The child was lovingly raised under the care of grandmother Mata Ganga Ji, with Baba Atal Rai Ji and sister Bibi Viro Ji also deeply attached to him. Visit to Bakala and Sangat Overflow A devoted Sikh named Bhai Mihra Ji, living in Bakala, had built a new haveli and wished to move in only after Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji had blessed it with His presence. He maintained a prepared room and regularly prayed with incense and lamps, longing for Guru Ji’s arrival. In Amritsar, Guru Ji felt the pull of devotion and set out with Sikhs such as Bhai Bidhi Chand and others, bringing the Matajis along. They reached Bakala by evening. Bhai Mihra Ji was overjoyed, hosted Guru Ji in the haveli, and repeatedly bowed at His feet in gratitude. When Hari Chand’s family heard the news, they came for darshan and rejoiced. Mata Nanaki Ji brought her sons to her parental village with immense happiness. Soon, Sangat from Doaba and other regions poured in. Supplies like ghee, milk, flour, jaggery, and sugar arrived, and langar ran day and night. Kirtan and dhadhi vars uplifted everyone, and Guru Ji’s teachings made Bakala feel like a spiritual realm. Passing of Mata Ganga Ji In Bakala, the elderly Mata Ganga Ji fell ill and passed away on the 14th day of Samvat 1685. Guru Ji personally arranged the bier and, as per her wish, performed the water-immersion rites in the Beas River. A Gurdwara commemorating Mata Ganga Ji stands in Baba Bakala Sahib, where a large night-long kirtan program is held annually. Akal Chalana of Baba Atal Rai Ji Through Mata Nanaki Ji’s nurturing and spiritual training, Baba Atal Rai Ji attained high spiritual states at a young age. A story is narrated where a child named Mohan died after a snakebite, and Baba Atal Rai Ji, through spiritual power, caused him to rise again—leading to widespread discussion. When Guru Ji heard of this, He expressed concern that such acts should not be done, as only the Divine is the true Doer. Hearing this, Baba Atal Rai Ji entered deep meditation near Kaulsar and departed from the world. Today, the nine-storey Baba Atal Tower in Amritsar stands in his memory. Despite this heartbreaking event, Mata Nanaki Ji showed extraordinary courage. She did not even shed tears; instead, she consoled the Sangat: “Children are gifts of Akal Purakh. If He takes them back, we should not complain—rather accept His will.” She deeply loved Bibi Viro Ji and supported her through grief. She also managed Bibi Viro Ji’s marriage arrangements and handled all responsibilities with grace and a cheerful face. Marriage of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji and Further Journey After a period of calm following wars, Guru Ji settled at Kiratpur. Later, Sri Tegh Bahadur Ji’s marriage was arranged, and on 1 March 1632 he was married to Mata Gujri Ji, daughter of Lal Chand of Kartarpur, following full Sikh maryada. When Lal Chand humbly said he had nothing worthy to offer, Guru Ji replied that giving one’s daughter is giving everything. Mata Nanaki Ji’s guidance shaped Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji’s spiritual and ideal qualities. She stayed with the family at Kiratpur for about ten years, always caring for the household and supporting Guru Ji. When Guru Ji passed the Guruship to a grandson rather than sons, Mata Nanaki Ji accepted the Divine command with wisdom and a large heart, rising above personal desires and honoring the Guru’s decision. Guru Ji later instructed her to reside in Bakala, to stay with Bhai Mihra, and to live in quiet devotion, assuring her that Guruship is a Divine gift that comes by God’s command, not by chasing it. Bakala Residence, Revelation of Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji, and Legacy Following the command, Mata Nanaki Ji moved to Bakala with her son Tegh Bahadur and daughter-in-law Gujri Ji. Bhai Mihra provided a separate residence and a small meditation chamber (bhora) for Tegh Bahadur Ji’s intense spiritual practice. Under Mata Nanaki Ji’s protection and care, his personality matured further—marked by renunciation, wisdom, calmness, and fearlessness. He also travelled for preaching, keeping Sikhi alive in the region. After the passing of Guru Har Krishan Ji in Delhi, guidance pointed to “Baba Bakale,” and with time, Sri Tegh Bahadur Ji was revealed as Guru (notably through Bhai Makhan Shah’s role). Later, to avoid conflict, the family moved and began establishing a new settlement, and Guru Ji continued preaching through various regions. In Patna, under Mata Nanaki Ji’s loving shade, the child Gobind Rai Ji was raised. When Gobind Rai arrived at Chak Nanaki, celebrations were held and the place came to be known as Anandpur—“the home of bliss.” The values Mata Nanaki Ji instilled—fearlessness, compassion, service, and unwavering faith—manifested strongly in Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji and naturally passed into Guru Gobind Singh Ji. In her old age, Mata Nanaki Ji displayed extraordinary courage, accepting her son’s sacrifice for the protection of Dharma. When Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji’s severed head was brought from Delhi, Mata Nanaki Ji led the mourning procession with young Gobind Rai, advising the Sangat not to wail but to remain in acceptance of Divine Will and recite Gurbani. A few years after her beloved son’s martyrdom, Mata Nanaki Ji departed from this world, at around eighty years of age. She holds a rare honor in Sikh history as a Guru’s wife, a Guru’s mother, and a Guru’s grandmother. Her exemplary life—filled with seva, simran, devotion, and spiritual discipline—remains a timeless source of inspiration for future generations. ☬ Forgive any mistakes ☬ Servant, Zorawar Singh Tarsikka.
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