Men of God

BIRTH OF A KHALSA

The day before the first Baishakhi (April, 1699 A.D.) a great gathering was held in a beautiful and spacious tent. Divine music roused the soul of the gathering to the highest pitch. When the chanting of the sacred hymns was finished the Guru went inside the tent; when he came out after a time, his face manifested his mighty resolve; his eyes beamed with rich and ruddy lustres, the naked sword glistened in his uplifted arm. Brandishing his sword, in a voice of thunder, he addressed the assembly: "My devoted friends, this Goddess is daily clamouring for the head of a dear Sikh. Is there any one among you all ready to lay down his life at a call from me?"

What an amazing call! People were bewildered; some thought him insane, but all trembled. There was dead silence. Who would agree to be killed by a mad man or by one-a religious head—who was expected to protect his followers? The Guru wondered whether his Sikhs would act up to his teachings. A third time he asked for a true follower who would lay down his life at a call from him. Bhai Daya Rama, a Lahore Khatri aged 30 stood up and said: “O True King my head is at thy service......!”

The Guru took him by the arm to the tent with hurry and violence. A blow and a thud were heard; a stream of blood rushed out; and the Guru, his sword dripping with fresh-drawn blood, called for another head. People now thought that he was in earnest and were convinced that he had killed Bhai Daya Ram. Bhai Dharm Singh, a Jat of Delhi offered his head. The Guru repeated the process-inside the tent, a blow, a thud, a fresh stream of blood. In this manner three more Sikhs one by one offered themselves; they were Bhai Mukham Chand, washerman, Bhai Sahib Chand, a barber and Bhai Himmat Rai, a potter of Puri. The last time, the Guru stayed longer in the tent. He came out, with cheerful eyes and face beaming with joy. He was followed by five who looked strangely like him. They were the Panch Pajare, the beloved five who had offered to lay down their lives. The Guru’s sword was falling upon goats secretly placed in the tent. People who hesitated to respond to the Guru’s call were now sorry. But the Guru consoled them: ’My dear ones, prompt response is not given to all. Some who were weak and self-willed fled from my presence and thought me mad; they are Manmukhs. You did not desert me, though you had not the courage to respond to my call; therefore you are Sammukhs, dear to me. But these five, who resigned themselves to the Guru’s will are Gurumukhs. Be of good cheer. This is yet the beginning. I tested and am satisfied with the fidelity and courage of my Sikhs.” The Guru’s mother heard it all from him with delight and blessed him.