(Sri Gur Sobha Granth - Kavi Sainapat)

Nar-Natak, is what Guru Gobind Singh Ji's Actions at Nander in 1708 were called. The name was given by Giani Gian Singh Ji, author of the great Historical Literature: Panth Parkash.

Considering all Reliable Historical Sources such as Panth Parkash, Suraj Parkash, GurBilas Patshahi Dasvi, as well as Historical events that were recorded by Sikhs, Hindus and muslims, the following briefly describes what actually took place at Nander in 1708 A.D.:

 After entering Nander, Guru Gobind Singh Separated His Residence from that of Badshah Bahadur Shah.

Guru Sahib kept a Pathan whose grandfather, Panday Khan, was killed by the Sixth Master Guru Hargobind Sahib, as a servant.

The story of this Pathan was known to the Sikhs and they warned Guru Sahib about it.

Guru Sahib, who already had the knowledge of this, said that He would require the Pathan's SERVICE in the future.

Guru Sahib had Ordered a few of His Sikhs to start collecting 'Chandan' Wood and other funeral-related materials.

Many days had passed when one night, as feared by the Sikhs, the Pathan attacked Guru Sahib.

Whether it was his own idea or Guruji's Hukam for his SERVICE, it all ended when Guru Sahib, using His Sword, killed the Pathan.

Guru Sahib were injured, stabbed in the chest, but after ten days, the wound was not causing any trouble anymore and Guruji started to Grant Audience to His Sikhs again during Congregations.

After a few days, Bahadur Shah sent two of his officers to check on Guruji's health. The officers came to Guruji's Residence and seeing a large bow lying around, whispered to one another that such a large bow could only be used as a show-piece, no human-being would be able to shoot an aero with it.

Hearing the officers' remarks, Guru Sahib seized the opportunity, lifted up the bow and attempted to shoot an aero. This action reopened the wound in His chest and blood started to flow through.

Guruji Refused any hospitality offered by The Sikhs.

Seeing this, the officers' minds were made up that Guru Sahib did not want to live anymore and it seemed like His end was near. And so they left with the idea stuck in their heads.

That night, Guru Sahib ordered the woods that were collected to be set into place and a funeral pyre was constructed which was screened so that no one could see what would happen inside.

Guru Sahib took a bath, wore His weapons along with new clothings. His horse was geared up ready for traveling.

He ordered that no Sikh of His shall look at the funeral pyre and they should all stand with their backs facing it.

He also ordered that no monument should be erected, nor should any house of worship be constructed where the funeral pyre was.

-*The Hazoor Sahib Gurdwara, built by Maharaja Ranjit Singh in memory of Guru Gobind Singh Ji was not built on the exact location where all the burning took place*-

Bhai Santokh Singh was ordered to put any money collected into The Langar and Guru Sahib continued with His Plans.

 He then Entered the funeral pyre, either by Riding the horse or by Foot, and after a little while a fire was seen burning, but no one could see what was happening inside.

All this took place during the night before Sun rise.

After the fire burnt down the entire construction, the Sikhs went in to investigate.

Noticing no hard objects that resembled bones or weapons or even the golden coins embeded in Guru Sahib's Aeros were found, and also keeping in mind that Guru Sahib's horse, dogs and hawk were missing from the stable, the Sikhs were relieved and Guruji's Livelihood was promised.

The next morning, Sikhs in charge of bringing woods reported they saw Guru Sahib traveling on His horse towards the opposite direction when they were heading back.

About 6-7 miles away from Nander, at RattanGarhr, Satguruji Granted Audience to a Sadhu and Ordered him to assure The Sikhs at Nander that Guruji would continue to Assist The Khalsa. On The Spot where Satguruji Granted the Sadhu His Darshan(Audience) a House of Worship was also constructed.

A few months later, two Rajputs, Bala Rao and Rustam Rao reported that they were freed from Sitara Fort by Guruji. (Picture below.)

(The picture of Guruji helping the two Rajputs is framed in a House of Worship (Gurdwara Gupatsar Sahib) at Manmaar built on the spot where they were released by Guruji to regain freedom)

Many other occasions when the Sikhs were blessed with Guruji's Pressence are recorded in various Sikh Literatures such as His Assistance given to The Singhs of Sialkote who once fought against the muslims and were Rescued by Satguruji accompanied by An Army of Singhs.

In the Year 1812 AD(1869 Bikarmi, Vaisakh Sudi 10th), He Transferred His Holy Guruship to Guru Balak Singh Ji, Stating that He would Return to Retrieve His 'Belonging' in The Twelfth Avatar Whose Name would be Ram Singh Taking Avatar in The House of a Carpenter in The VIllage of Bhaini.

A few days later, He Traveled back to Nabha, and in the disguised name of Baba Ajapal Singh Ji, on Jeth Sudi 5th 1869 Bikarmi, Left His Body, after which none of His Appearances were ever reported nor recorded again. A House of Worship (Gurdwara Baba Ajapal Singh Ji) was also constructed on The Spot by Baba Saroop Singhji(Great-grandfather of Bhai Kahn Singh of Nabha) who was a Faithful devoutee of Guruji who was once shown the very wound Guruji received at Nander with which all of Babaji's(Baba Saroop Singhji's) doubts were cleared and he believed whole-heartedly that Baba Ajapal Singh Ji were none other than Guru Gobind Singh Ji.

-*In order to prove beyond a shadow of a doubt that Sri Satguruji did infact Live in Nabha in the guise of Baba Ajapal Singh Ji, the following translated article taken from Bhai Kahn Singh Nabha's 'Ittihaas De Anlikhe Pattar' is being provided for the benefit of the readers:

Ittihas De Anlikhe Pattar

Who was the Great Personality Baba Ajapal* (*Baba Saroop Singhji [Great-grandfather of Bhai Kahn Singhji Nabha], who had ordered the writing of these notes, translated this Name as “the Supporter [Pal] of the poor [Aja]”) Singh Ji Sahib? From which lineage or in which house was He born? Nobody knows. His Life-Story which was noted down by my good father (Baba Narayan Singhji Sahib, is being presented to the readers after obtaining the signature of Giani Hira Singhji ‘Dard’.

Physical Appearance

Baba Ji’s height was neither too short nor too tall. His body was neither too heavy nor too thin. His limbs were strong and beautiful. He had light complexion and a radiant Face. His beard was spotless white as long as His Torso, His big Eyes had a significant glow in them. The shape of His nose was also sharp.

Attires

His Kachera (Traditional underpants) was two fingers above the knees, His white Kurta (Traditional shirt) was four fingers higher than the Kachera, upon His Head a white Gurmukhi Dastar (Straight Turban), in the Gatra (Carrying belt) was Sri Sahib (Sword), and in His Hand was a Sarbloh (All-Iron) Arrow, sometimes a Gulal. One white Rumal (Handkerchief) was always tied upon the Head in such a way that it covered half of the Mustache, Face and Beard at all times.

Inclination

He remained soaked in Naam Simran (Meditation). He had great Love for horses and weaponry. Whichever Sevak (Sikh) was given the permission to stay at the Dera (Residence), He would make him/her memorize Gurbani (Scriptures) and study Shaster Vidya (Art of Weaponry). Numerous trees such as Nim, Pippal, Pharr etc. were planted by His orders. Whoever watered them would receive much Affection from Him. Even today many of the trees planted by Him can be seen in the area of the Gurdwara. Baba Ji were very much against deforestation. Once seeing the need for cutting trees to make an addition to the House, He ordered the Sevaks to plant two replacement trees instead of one and then cut the (old) tree as needed. This Hukam (Order) was followed to the extent that from then on there was no tree cut without planting two more in its place. Sometimes after the Path (Recitation) of Rehras, Baba Sahib would start playing Naubat (Musical instrument) until the sun rose the next day. The Naubat was also not of ordinary sound quality. In fact it was played so precisely down to the musical notes (according to the ancient concept of Raga and Tala) that it mixed perfectly well with the sound of Mirdang (Type of Drum) and was absolutely hypnotic to the listener.

Speech/Language

His speaking language was a mixture of Hindi and Punjabi. His Voice was heavy, firm yet sweet. And the word ‘Guru Singh’* (*Baba Sahib used this word as a third person noun for Dasmeshji [Guru Gobind Singh Ji]) was used often times. For example: - “This is the Hukam of Guru Singh Ji”, “Guru Singh Ji has Ordained this”, “Guru Singh Ji will take care of the Manmatias (wrong doers who do not follow the Hukam of the Satguru)”, “Those who live by the rules of Guru Singh Ji will be happy in this world and the next” etc. were some of the noted phrases of Baba Ji which were understood fully by none other than the five Singhs.

Five Gurmukh Sevaks

Five Singhs, whose real names and information is unknown to us, stayed close to Baba Ji. And they were called upon using disguised names. At all times they would take turns to patrol the House.

These Singhs were fully absorbed in Gurbani and were superb and strict Shasterdharis (Soldiers/Wearers of Arms). Taking care of the horses and weapons, preparing Langar (Free Kitchen), reciting Gurbani, learning and teaching Shaster Vidya to others was their job.

During the time of Baba Saroop Singhji, two of the Singhs passed away. But at the loss of one, no more than two days would pass that another would arrive as replacement. Other than these five, there was an old lady, who may have had a different real name, who was called by the name ‘Senda’. She wore men’s clothing and Sri Sahib (Sword). She stayed in front of a hut as a guard. Other than the five Singhs, she would not allow anyone else to pass through without Baba Ji’s specific Hukam (Order). The story of this lady will be told later.

Expenditure

In order to obtain money required for Langar, clothing for Sevaks, fodder & saddles for horses, expense for Sikligars (Weapon Polishers) etc. was called one ‘Baghra Singh’. From where does he (Baghra Singh) obtained money? Nobody knew.

Sevaks

Some of the beloved Sevaks who were allowed to stay nearby were Baba Saroop Singhji, Bhai Rattan Singh, Bhai Sukha Singhji, Prohit Singh of the Phool clan, Bagh Singh Dharamdhari, Bhai Kesra Singhji etc. who banded together to do Sat-Sang (Congregation of Truth). But they were not allowed to stay inside Baba Ji’s main Residence. They lived a bit far away in a hut. After several years of doing Seva (Service to Guru), Baba Saroop Singhji, Bhai Sukha Singhji and Kesra Singhji were granted permission to do Darshan (Audience) of Baba Sahib in a room on certain occasions and say their Prayers.

The Residence Complex

Baba Sahib’s main House had a round shape. The ground floor was made of cement and upstairs was three rooms.

In one room stayed Baba Sahib, in another was weapons and (Sri Aad/Dasam?) Guru Granth Sahibji, in the third room was kept Naubat musical instruments.

On both sides of the rooms were galleries with ranges to practice shooting. Infront of the main House were two more constructions in which lived the five Singhs. In a construction infront of the strongly forted main entrance on the right hand side was the residence of Mai (Lady) Senda. And on the left side was a construction that housed a flourmill and storage area.

Daily Routine

Baba Ajapal Singh never went out of the House to meet (strangers/unknown) people. The devouted Sikhs looking from the outside only get to receive His Darshan (Sight) when He stood up in the room. And nobody knew when Baba Ji would give His Darshan. Sometimes the devoutees came for five or seven consecutive days but would not attain Darshan (Sight of Guru). Then sometimes (He) would give Audience all of a sudden. Near the house on the left side was an attached shelter in which lived five very beautiful horses and two ponies. On the right hand side was the Langar area in which other than the five Singhs and Mai Senda, no one else was permitted to enter. In front of the Langar, on a tall pole was a Basant (Yellow) Pharra Nishan (Flag).

Baba Sahib’s diet and bathing routine were very secretive. So much that Baba Saroop Singhji never had a chance to observe them. Everyday Asa Di Vaar Kirtan would be performed at Amrit Vela (Before Sunrise) inside the walls. At dawn, the recitation of Rehras Sahib would be performed sitting at the Nishan Sahib. Karrah Parshad (Cooked Sacred Food invented by Guru Nanak Dev Ji) would be prepared in the Langar after recitation of Jap Sahib (Scripture of Guru Nanak Dev Ji) and no addition of dry fruits was used as ingredient. After recitation of Anand (Sahib), the Ardas (Common Prayer) of the Parshad would be performed in the Langar itself. At the conclusion of the Ardas, the following words were used:- “Hay Akal Purakh Kartar Karhah Parshad Di Degh Tiar Hae| Aap Nu Angikaar Hovay| Kla Guru Singh Ji Di Vartay | Tav Parsaad|” [“Oh Almighty The Timeless Creator, Karha Parshad Has Been Prepared. May It Be Used/Consumed By Thee. May The Power of Guru Singh Ji Spread/Grow. With Your Grace/Blessings.]. Nobody could prepare Karha Parshad without covering his mouth with a Rumal (Handkerchief). Similarly one whose hand had any kind of skin condition was not thought of as suitable to prepare Langar. The Karha Parshad was not removed from the Langar to the outside. Every Sikh would go to the door of the Langar to receive It from the distributor. Similarly Langar was not organized in Pangat (Seating formation in rows with Sevaks going around distributing food, commonly used today). Every Sikh would approach the distributor in front of the door and obtain wheat/bread according to one’s hunger level.

Amrit Sanskar (Ceremony)

Whenever someone would want to receive Amrit, he would seek permission and stand infront of the House wearing clean clothes and weapons. The bowl of Amrit would be taken from Baba Ji’s room by five Singhs and would be administered to the recipient in accordance to the Rules and from inside the room Baba Sahib would raise His Voice and announce the new name of the Singh. None of the Sevaks knew if Baba Ji were ever part of the five Singhs. There may be one or many Singhs who came to receive Amrit, but Baba Sahib never put more than five Patasas (Sweeteners)*. (*Regarding this fact Baba Ji had given specific instructions to Baba Saroop Singhji)

Shaster Vidya

Nobody had ever seen Baba Sahib use sword or other close range combat skills but shooting of Gopis (ball of dried mud), Gulals (Ball of powdered color), Guns and Archery was many times seen as being practiced. Hanging a coin on one end of a thin piece of thread and shooting at the thread with a gun, throwing one Gulal into the air and hitting it with another, perfect shooting of Gopi as if it was shot from a gun, shooting down flying birds with arrows were His normal performances. These weapons were used as per His wishes on certain occasions from inside the room, and (He) would also watch with Passion, the practice of weaponry and horsemanship by the Sevaks. If there would be any mistake, it would be brought to light and made known to them. It was Baba Sahib’s Hukam that when one is to hold weapons in his hands, he must recite ‘Akal Hi Sahai’. And when one is about to ride a horse he must say ‘Vaihguru Ang Sang’ before putting foot on the saddle. Baba Sahib’s beautiful weapons of great variety can be seen at the Gurdwara even today. Along with weaponry, carpentry was also very important for the Singhs, so that they could craft wooden instruments themselves. Baba Sahib said many times that a Singh who cannot sew clothes, use weapons, walk horses, craft wooden instruments, sharpen and store Weapons, prepare Langar and write Gurmukhi, is not worthy to be admitted into the Jatha (Army) of Guru Singh Ji.

Gurpurab (Gurgaddi Anniversary of Guru Angad Dev Ji)

Baba Ji celebrated Gurpurab on Asu Sudi 10^th. On this day Karha Parshad would be distributed and Kirtan would be performed and Naubat played. Guns would be fired (in celebration). One day Baba Sahib told Baba Saroop Singhji the following “Sikha Da Gurpurab Asu Sudi Das Toe Vadhkay Koi Nahee|” [“For Sikhs, There Is No Grander Gurpurab Than Asu Sudi 10^th”]. Because on this day Satgur Nanak Dev Ji started the custom of passing upon the Throne to the most deserving (Satguru Angad Dev Ji). Other celebrations on the 10^th are like other smaller footprints in the footprint of an elephant. It comes to one’s understanding that Baba Ji meant that Guru Nanak Dev Ji passed on His Divine Jyote (Light/Spirit) to Angad Dev Ji on Asu Sudi 10^th. Other writers have written this occasion as Asu Vadi 10^th, which is against Baba Ji’s Words.

Updesh (Discourse)

Whenever it would be time to do Updesh, then Baba Sahib would do Updesh according to questions asked, but His normal Updesh was this:- “Dharam Di Kirat Karo| Daswand Dio| Naam Jappo| Vidya Parho| Vartakay Chako| Shastra Da Abhias Karo| Ghorhay Atay Baela Di Nasal Vadhao| Birch Lao| Aapo Vichi Sakkay Bhaia Vala Prem Rakho| Des Di Seva Karo Nirbhae Atay Nirvaer Raho| Swarath Tiago| Jay Tusi Is Updesh Tay Amal Karogay, Ta Guru Singh Ji Day Darbar Da Dar Tuhaday Lei Khula Hae|” [“Follow The Dharma (True Religion). Give Daswand (10 percent of income as charity). Recite Naam (Gurmantra). Seek Knowledge. Distribute Then Eat. Learn Weaponry. Breed Better Horses And Bulls. Plant Trees. Love Each Other As Real Brothers. Serve The Nation Remain Unafraid And Unparanoid. Reject Junk. If You Live Up To This Updesh, Then Guru Singh Ji’s House’s Door Is Open For You.”]

Baba Ajapal Singh Ji never told His story to anyone, but His close Sevaks believed for certain that Kalgidhar Ji (Guru Gobind Singh Ji) did not merge with the Divine Jyote (i.e. left His Body) at Dakhan because Dasmesh Ji’s weapons and bones were not found in the ashes that remained and from the shelter was also missing one special horse. (Hence) Guru Sahib is living secretly in Punjab under the Name Baba Ajapal Singh.

They came to this conclusion from the fact that on the side of Baba Sahib’s Body was an old scar that was seen at the time of His bodily end and from the fact that His Behavior and Rules as well as Grace were inhuman and there was definitely some connection between Baba Ji and the nation’s politics. Many Singhs would come to Him in different types of fancy clothing and many times from the five Singhs one or two would go along with his respective horse to give news and information to someone without telling anyone else. Also many Singhs would leave taking weapons with them. I have not made any kind of determination of my own regarding this.

But if Baba Ji’s Sevak’s deliberation is to be believed as being correct, then Baba Ajapal Singh Ji would have the total age of 146 years. Because Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji’s Birth took place in Sammat 1723 (Bikarmi). The act at Abchalnagar happened in 1765 (Bikarmi). And Baba Ajapal Singh Ji’s Death occurred on Jeth Sudi 5^th 1869 (Bikarmi). Without analyzing the above mentioned facts any further, I will present some of Baba Sahib’s brief and rare biography that was noted by the order of my good father, which (I believe) will be beneficial to the Panth. Before Sammat 1811 there is no available information in my notebook. In 1812 (Bikarmi) it is recorded that Baba Ji helped a Rajput of Bhadra in battle and captured for him treasure and throne. After this some say that Baba Ji lived at Rohi near Jeend for a short while and then for some years in a house in Patiala. But there is no solid evidence that can be found to confirm this. Baba Ji came to stay at Nabha in the Sammat 1830 (Bikarmi). At that time it was a very small city. At the place where there is now Baba Ji’s Gurdwara used to be thick jungle, the size of the city was about 2.5 furlongs.

Taking Care of One’s Parents

From Bhai Roop Singh’s lineage, Bagh Singh came to serve Baba Ji. One Natha Singh of Tajo was traveling to spread his father’s ashes in the river Ganga. He stayed with Bagh Singh in Nabha at Baba Ji’s compound.

Natha Singh told Bagh Singh that he wanted to have Darshan of the MahaPurakh (Great Man) he (Bagh Singh) was serving.

Bagh Singh took Natha Singh to Baba Ji’s door. After some time Baba Ji stood in the room above and said, “Bagh Singh Eh Chandal Ithay Kiu Lianda Hae?” [“Bagh Singh Why Have You Brought This Wicked Person Here?” Bagh Singh politely explained that “This is a farmer and my good friend, Natha Singh.” Baba Ji ordained – One who doesn’t take care of his/her parents is a wicked person. Then He educated Natha Singh and said “Rogi Baap Nu Chad Kay Ta Tu Mele Ja Varhia Ar Oh Vichara Tihaia Hi Mar Gya| Hunn Hadia Lae Kay Ganga Nu Gat Karaun Janda Hae| Tu Bhari Tankhahia Haen|”[“The Sick Father Was Left Behind When You Went To See The Mela (Celebrations/Festivities), The Poor Man Died Longing For You. Now You’re Taking His Bones To Ganga To Be Blessed. You Are An Absolute Tankhahia (One who is to pay religious fines).”] After saying this Baba Ji Read a Pauri (Couplet) of Bhai Gurdas’s.

For the benefit of the readers, Vaar (Ballad) number 37’s 13^th couplet is given below:

Ma Pio Parhar Sunae Vayd Bhayd Na Janay Katha Kahani|

Ma Pio Parhar Karae Tap Van Khand Bhula Phirae Bibani|

Ma Pio Parhar Karae Pooj Dayvi Dayv Na Sayv Kamani|

Ma Pio Parhar Nhavna Athsath Teerath Ghuman Vani|

Ma Pio Parhar Karae Daan Bayiman Again Prani|

Ma Pio Parhar Vart Kar Mar Mar Jammay Bharam Bhulani|

Gur Parmaysar Maar Na Jani|

Natha Singh folded his hands, paid obeisance and asked that he be forgiven! For this Baba Ji gave the Hukam that “Asthia Jameen Vich Gad Kay Vapas Ghar Nu Jah| Tu Gurmukhi Vidia Parhia Hoia Hae, Is Lei Panj Balka Nu Gurmukhi Parha Atay Guru Granth Sahib Da Pathi Bana|”[“Bury The Ashes In The Ground And Go Home. You Have Learnt Gurmukhi (Punjabi Alphabets) Hence Teach Five Children And Make Them Reciters Of Guru Granth Sahibs.”]* (*Whenever Baba Sahib fined a person, He would never take money. He would give the wrongdoer something to do that he already has knowledge and capability of doing. If someone is without any special knowledge, then he’d be ordained to do simple chores).

Removing The Sorrow Of Sorrowfuls

The lady whose name is mentioned as Senda**(**Baba Saroop Singhji had once heard from Rattan Singh that the lady’s real name was Nihal Kaur) was a resident of Bulahde. She was inflicted by a serious disease and had to live in a tent outside the village. One day Sant Phula Singhji came and sat down near a pond of water next to her tent. The lady begged him to help cure her disease. Phoola Singhji told her, “Go to MahaPurakh Baba Ajapal Singh Ji, He would restore you to health.” Senda came to serve Baba Ji and with His Kindness became free of all diseases. The lady spent the rest of her life in service of Baba Sahib. This lady disguised herself as a ‘Singh’ and stayed as a guard at the gate and was blessed with love and spirituality. Baba Ji’s small bag that was full of medicines, which was called ‘Sada Jhola’, was under her responsibility. Whenever a person inflicted with disease would come by, Mai Senda would give the remedy as prescribed by Baba Ji. Numerous people were cured this way.

Marriage Ceremony

Baba Saroop Singhji witnessed two different occasions of marriage ceremonies with his own eyes. One was for the daughter of Rattan Singh called Anand Kaur and the second was for the daughter of Sukha Singh called Prem Kaur. At the request of their father, Baba Sahib gave them Blessings and asked for them to be presented (for marriage). When both (bride and groom) are presented (before Baba Sahib), they were questioned via Mai Senda if their marriage was sanctioned by their parents or if it was their own decision. To this both replied that their relationship was approved by their parents. Baba Sahib then gave the Hukam for them to appear the next day at Amrit Vela (Before Sunrise). After Asa Di Vaar an Ardas was performed at the end of the Divan that said such and such Singh had given his daughter to such and such Singh to live in accordance to the Grehsat (Household) way of life in the Divan of Guru Singh Ji. And that both are reminded to live according to the teachings of the Satguru. After Ardas the scripture of Anand (Sahib) was sung and Parsad (Cooked Sacred Food) distributed.

At both occasions there was no ritual of walking or reading of Lavans involved. Only Ardas and recitation of Anand took place.

Bartering A Female Child

From the Nishan Misl, Sardar … Singh came to seek Darshan of Baba Ji for many days, but to no avail. One day Mai Senda requested that “Maharaj … Singh has come many times, but always leaves disappointed.” Baba Sahib Said “Oh Kanjar Saday Darshan Da Adhkari Nahi, Osnay Raja … Nu Jageer Day Lalach Nu Aapni Putri Dittee Hae|”[“That Pimp Is Not Worthy Of My Sight, He Gave His Daughter To Raja ... In Greed Of Inheritance.”]

Kirtan

In Baba Ji’s Darbar (Court), no Ragis (Minstrels) were hired to perform Kirtan (Singing The Guru’s Hymns). The Hajoori Singhs and Sevaks joined together to perform Kirtan of Asa Di Vaar. But if any Ragi came, he would sit at the Nishan Sahib (Flag pole) and perform Kirtan, which was sometimes also listened to by Baba Ji while standing in His room. Baba Ji were not pleased with any other instrument other than Rabab and Saranda. One day a Rababi who used his own words while singing was removed from the Divan by the Orders of Baba Ji. He said that whatever is in the Gurbani is the utmost Truth. Anyone who uses any replacement words, or adds even a single letter of his own, is a Tankhahia and Manmatia and whoever listens to his Kirtan is an Agiani (foolish) Sikh.

Paying For Wishes

One day a resident of Sirhind, Prem Singh, brought a hundred and twenty five Rupees and presented them before Baba Ji and said “My son’s breaths were saved by Your Blessings, I had made a wish and as such am presenting this.” Baba Sahib said that making such wishes is forbidden by Guru Singh Ji. For any request an Ardas should be performed by the person himself or by Gurmukhs before Kartar (Creator/God). And once the wish is fulfilled, being thankful is not a mistake, but saying that if successful he would present such and such amount of money is against the tenets of Sikhism. Prem Singh was ordered to put the one hundred and twenty five Rupees into the Langar at the Gurdwara of Fatehgarh.

Baba Ajapal Singh Ji were very much against untidiness. If anyone was seen with untidy clothes or weapons or horse’s ornaments, he would be heavily scolded. One day Kesra Singh took off his shirt and was killing lice with it in the blazing heat of the sun. Baba Ji gave an order to beat him five times on his back with the nearby horse’s whip. This Hukam was quickly followed. Kesra Singh cried a lot and said his wrongdoing didn’t deserve so much punishment. Baba Sahib said “Tayra Thorhee Saza Naal hi Chutkara Ho Gia Hae| Guru Ji Nay Sareer Atay Bastar Maela Rakhan Valay Sikh Nu Tankhahia Atay Dand Yog Thehraia Hae|”[“You Have Been Let Go With Just A Minor Punishment. Guru Ji Have Condemned A Sikh With Dirty Body Or Clothe As A Tankhaia And Deserving Of Religious Fine/Punishment.”]

Baba (Saroop Singh) ji’s doubts turned into absolute certainty 

Baba Saroop Singhji served at the Residence very lovingly. (He) woke up at 1.15am to broom the place, massaged the horses, brought fresh sand everyday to spread under the horses. (He) brought large heaps of special hay for them. Whatever service that was required, was done with love. One day a thought came across Baba Saroop Singhji’s mind, whether Baba (Ajapal Singh) Sahib Ji were Dasam Guruji (Guru Gobind Singh Ji) or the Sahibjada (Son of The Guru). He wanted to ask but was afraid. This thought did come to his mind many times before but on that specific day he just couldn’t stop thinking about it. From the room above Baba Ji exclaimed “Ree Senda Saroop Singhji Nu Upar Saday Paas Bhayj Dio|”[“Listen Senda, Send Saroop Singhji To Me Upstairs.”]. Mai Senda went and told Baba Saroop Singhji “Maharaj has ordered for you to meet in the room.” Baba Saroop Singhji went upstairs and paid obeisance at Baba Sahiub Ji’s Feet. At that time Baba Sahib Ji were lying on the bed. Baba Saroop Singhji stood with his hand folded after paying obeisance and said “Maharaj Ji what is the Hukam for me?” Baba Sahib said “Saday Khurak Hundi Hae, Aap Dekho Koi Jeea Na Hovay|”[“I Feel Itchy, You Take A Look Perhaps There’s An Insect.”] Baba Saroop Singhji started looking closely at the bed. (He noticed) very long hair on the Body of Baba Ji. No insect was found. But on the side of the body was a very serious scar that looked like it was caused by a weapon in the past. Seeing the scar Baba Saroop Singhji asked “Maharaj Ji where was this wound received?” Hearing this Baba Sahib Ji said “Eh Uhi Ghao Hae Jo Dakhan Mae Pathan Nay Maria Si|”[“This Is That Wound That A Pathan (Muslim) Caused In Deccan (Sri Abchal Nagar/Nanded).”]

Hearing This Baba Saroop Singhji became certain that The Tenth Pathshah Kalgidhar (Sahib) were with the Panth. Never again did he have any doubts. He came downstairs after paying obeisance at The Divine Feet.*-