Bhai Bhagatu and Sons

Bhai Bhagatu was a pious Sikh; he remained with Guru Arjan Dev Ji and Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji. When Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji shifted to Kiratpur Bhai Bhagatu also went with Guru Ji. Bhai Sahib had played a major role in the construction of Kiratpur. Guru Har Rai Sahib Ji made Bhai Bhagatu in charge of the agriculture of Guru Ji’s land; Bhai Sahib tilled the fields and produced crops. One day Guru Ji sent for Bhai Bhagatu and said “we want you to go to your village to preach Sikhi in your area.” Bhai Bhagatu went to his village and preached Sikhi to the local people, during this time Bhai Sahib’s wife passed away. One day when Bhai Sahib went to meet Guru Ji, Guru Ji advised him to get remarried. Listening to Guru Ji his got married again. The next year Bhai Sahib reached Kartarpur to pay homage, while there Bhai Sahib passed away. Guru Ji performed Bhai Bhagatu’s Antam-sanskar.

The eldest son of Bhai Bhagatu was Bhai Gaura who was a brave man, he keep with him 500 armed youngmen. He was always with Guru protecting him; his younger brother’s name was Jeewan. Both brothers loved and respected their step-mother, once Bhai Jassa a bodyguard of Guru Ji said he was ready to marry their step-mother. When Bhai Gaura heard this he got furious and killed Bhai Jassa. Guru Ji was displeased to hear this act of Bhai Gaura, Bhai Gaura regretted this act. He wanted to get pardon from Guru Ji but dare to meet him, he followed Guru Ji but always remained at a distance.

Guru Ji had gone to Doaba to accelerate preaching of Sikhi in the area. Guru’s wife and sons stayed at the previous camp with a few Sikhs while Guru Ji moved ahead. When Qasam Beg the grandson of Mukhlas Khan found that there were only a few Sikhs with the Guru’s family he decided to kill them. When Bhai Gaura found out that Qasam Beg was advancing towards the camp, he alerted his men to get ready to face Qasam Beg. When Qasam Beg found out that there were more Sikhs then is expected then he fled from the camp. Guru Ji’s wife saw the skirmish, when Guru Ji returned she told him about the skirmish. Guru Ji was pleased with the bravery of Bhai Gaura and pardoned him for the killing of Bhai Jassa.

(The Brahmin pleading before Siri Guru jee)

One day when Guru Ji visited Kartarpur he camped outside the city. On that day the only son of a Brahmin died, some Brahmins said Guru Har Rai is said to have all spiritual powers, if he is the real Guru he will make your son alive if he does not then he is a hypocrite. The Brahmin carried his son and palced his body in front of Guru Ji during a Darbar. Placing their son in front of Guru Ji they began to weep bitterly. The Sikhs were moved to hear their cry and some Sikhs said the Guru should revive the child. When Guru Ji heard this he said “we cannot help others by only wishing, we have to sacrifice ourselves. The Sikh who considers that if I do not revive the child of the Brahmin will bring an indignity to the house of the Guru should sacrifice his own life for the sake of the child.” When Bhai Jeewan (younger son of Bhai Bhagatu) heard the words of the Guru he went outside did ardas and passed away, the son of the Brahmin was revived. Guru Ji praised the sacrifice of Bhai Jeewan and performed his Antam-sanskar.

Written by: Dr Ajit Singh Aulakh

Contributed by: A Gupt Singh