Dhan Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji Maharaj had three marriages. His second Anand Karaj took place on 8th Vaisakh 1613 with Mata Nanaki Ji. Mata Nanaki Ji was the daughter of Baba Harichand Ji and Mata Haridei Ji of Baba Bakala. After the match was arranged, the wedding date of 8th Vaisakh was fixed. Baba Harichand Ji sent a message to Amritsar Sahib. Mata Ganga Ji, the family, and the Sikh Sangat were very happy, and preparations began. Invitations were sent to prominent Sikh families such as the Bedis, Tehans, Bhallas, Sodhis, relatives, and leading Sikhs. Everyone gathered at Sri Amritsar Sahib. The wedding procession (Baraat) was prepared. The Sixth Guru adorned yellow attire, tied a beautiful turban with a plume, and after paying respects at Sri Darbar Sahib, the procession departed for Bakala. Baba Budha Ji, Bhai Bidhi Chand Ji, Bhai Gurdas Ji, and other devoted Sikhs accompanied the Guru. Upon arrival in Bakala, Baba Harichand Ji warmly welcomed the Guru. A respectful seat was arranged, and the entire procession was honored. Food and water were served, and arrangements were made for horses and elephants. The next day, after Kirtan, the Anand Karaj (Laavan ceremony) was performed. According to tradition, the wedding party stayed in Bakala for three days, during which Baba Harichand Ji served wholeheartedly. On the fourth day, during farewell, Baba Harichand Ji humbly said, “Maharaj, I could not serve enough. I offer my daughter at your holy feet. We are prone to mistakes; please keep your grace upon us.” Mata Haridei Ji advised Nanaki Ji, saying, “Daughter, for a wife, the husband is like God. But you are even more blessed, as you are going to serve the True Guru. Serve your husband with complete devotion.” The parents bid an emotional farewell. The procession returned to Amritsar Sahib, where they first offered prayers at Darbar Sahib in gratitude. In the evening, Guru Sahib, still in wedding attire, sat on the Takht Sahib and blessed the Sangat with darshan. Sweets were distributed, and gradually the guests returned home. In time, Mata Nanaki Ji gave birth to two sons — Baba Atal Rai Ji, who passed away in childhood, and the Ninth Guru, Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib Ji. Many congratulations to all on the sacred marriage of Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji Maharaj and Mata Nanaki Ji. Note: Some sources mention the date as 1 Vaisakh or 13 Vaisakh, but the most widely accepted date, as per Mahan Kosh, is 8 Vaisakh, Vikram Samvat 1670 (1613 CE).
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