A Historical Account of when Guru Gobind Singh Ji left this World

The pure belongs to the 'Wonderous Enlightener'. The victory belongs to 'Wonderous Enlightener'.

On the day Guru Gobind Singh Ji left this world (‘Joti Jot Divas’), every year Sikhs commemorate the day with much reverence. At the spot where he left this world, ‘Takhat Sri Abchal Nagar Hazoor Sahib’, a historical manuscript is read out aloud to the congregation annually. A link to the video recording of this reading is in the 'reference' for one to listen to in its original language. In this article, a English translation of that text alongside it’s exegesis for our understanding will be presented. Some words have been added in brackets to clarify the meanings for those living in the West. 

‘Sakhi’ (Witness statement) to the 10th emperor’s cause (the historical account of a Sikh that witnessed Guru Gobind Singh Ji’s last days before leaving this world). 

In the 'Sammat' (year) 1764 (1707 AD) and the month of ‘Bhadron’ (mid August time), Sri Satguru Ji travelled towards the South to reach ‘Nanded’ (‘Charan Dhare’ – placed his feet there). Alongside the ‘Svari’ (being mounted on horseback) of ‘Hazoor’ (a respectful word for someone worthy of the most supreme respect - referring to Guru Ji here) ‘Bahadar Shah’ (the then Mughal emperor) also accompanied in the journey. He used to be obedient to ‘Sahib’ (the master - Guru Ji) and would conduct much service. ‘Bahadar Shah’ kept his residence on the banks of the ‘Godavri’ river in the city of ‘Nanded’. 4 ‘Khoh’ (measurement of distance, about 2.2 miles) from here, there was a village named ‘Basmat’/’Brahman’ (which was later named ‘Heera Ghat’ by Satguru Ji). ‘Sri Satguru Ji’ kept residence (‘Charan Dhare’) there. Seeing the ‘Godavri’ river, Guru Ji was very happy. The emperor ‘Bahadar Shah’ would often come to meet Satguru Ji here. Even the Sikh congregation would come here to see Guru Ji. That is where Guru Sahib would be available for many days and the collective Khalsa would congregate here. 2,200 (Sikhs) on horseback would remain with Guru Ji. Furthermore, Satguru Ji came to ‘Nagina Ghat’ where they would host their courts. Satguru Ji would be available to see there and the collective Khalsa would meet Guru Sahib here.

(In one of these meetings), Guru Ji said “In (the age of) Satyug, ‘Nanded’ was called ‘Gobind Nagri’. There used to be a river that flowed beneath the city (called) the ‘Baan’ Ganga. This was the river ‘Satluj’ that used to flow here (too). Rivers of milk (distinct white coloured) would flow here. The ‘9 Naaths’ (the 9 senior leaders of the ‘Yogis’ sect) and ’84 Sidh’ (the 84 accepted superior ‘Yogis’ of the ‘Gorakh’ sect following) also passed away in this region of ‘Gobind Nagri’. There were 100 palaces of gold in total here and used to abide within 40 ‘Khohs’ (22 miles) of parameter. There is even a place that belonged to the ‘Devthe’ (enlightened beings) here. Also here is our place where we practiced penance (worship). Then the Khalsa Ji asked Guru Ji “O exalter of the poor, where is that place where you practiced penance (worship)? Guru Ji stated to ‘Pyare’ Daya Singh Ji: “I will shoot an arrow and where it lands will mark the land where I previously practiced worship.” After saying that, Guru Sahib shot the arrow and from the spot where it landed, Guru Ji soon (after having the place dug up) showed many previous possessions to prove their point to the Khalsa. (According to other historical sources, this included a rosary, a water utensil and a seating used to worship). The order was given to raise tents above this place and so the Khalsa Ji raised a tent up, in which a court soon commenced. Being compassionate, Guru Sahib would be visible to all and the collective Khalsa would visit him.

Satguru Ji stated that his time to leave (‘Asvara’) the world has come close: “We will leave on the 5th”. The Khalsa Ji did a 'Ardas' (supplication) “O exalter of the poor, who will you attach the Khalsa to as you leave this world?” Then ‘Satguru Ji’ said that Khalsa has been ‘soumpaya’ (submitted) to ‘Akaal Purkh’ (the timeless being – God): “We have already tied the knot between you, and the Khalsa is being accompanied (‘Sahai’) by God”. Then, Guru Ji obtained 5 ‘Paise’ (currency of bronze coins) and a coconut, (as per the ceremonial traditions of passing the Guruship) and placed them before Guru Granth Sahib Ji (that was scribed at ‘Damdama Sahib’). Guru Sahib prostrated before Guru Granth Sahib Ji and (did ‘Parkarma’) circulated around (Guru Granth Sahib Ji) 5 times. Then the Khalsa Ji was told:

'Sri Mukhvak Paatshahi Dasvin' (the supreme words from the mouth of the 10th emperor) “It has been the instruction of the ‘timeless’, then the path was prescribed. All Sikhs are given the order, accept the Granth as your Guru. Accept the Granth as your Guru, by means of Guru’s present embodiment. Whoever wants to meet God, search within the teachings (of the 'Granth') and obtain him”.

After saying this, Guru Ji read the 'Mukhvak' (word belonging to the mouth of God) from Guru Granth Sahib Ji (for all to listen):

“Soohee, Fifth Form: Eternal and immovable is the City (sanctuary) of God, the destroyer of ignorance and enlightener of wisdom; chanting His Name, I have found peace. I have obtained the fruits of my mind's desires; the Creator Himself established this”.

(Raag Soohee - Guru Arjan Dev Ji - Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji - Ang 783)

Upon reading this ‘Shabad’, Guru Ji renamed the land (where he would soon leave this world) as ‘Abchal Nagar’. The order was then given to “do ‘Gurpurab’ (Parshad) from 500 Rupees (currency of Silver coins) and to bring 100 Rupees worth of sandalwood, “We will leave today (do ‘asvara’)” (Guru Ji stated). The Khalsa brought the wood and did a supplication ‘O exalter of the poor’ the ‘Parshad’ (sweet token of charity) is ready. The order was given to distribute the ‘Parshad’ to the congregation. The 'Khalsa Ji' (respected pure souls) distributed the ‘Parshad’. The order was given (by Guru Ji) to “make the funeral pyre out of the sandalwood and draw a veil (curtain) around all four sides of it, we will leave today”. So, the 'Khalsa Ji' made the funeral pyre and drew veils all around it. Then Guru Sahib Ji washed their hair and wore yellow clothes with a waist band (Kamar-Kassa) tied tight. Guru Ji told the 'Ragis' (musicians) to do ‘Kirtan’ (sing with instruments) the following ‘Shabad’ continuously:

“Maaroo, Fifth Form: When destiny opened for me - my Lord and Master became merciful, I then could sing the Praises of the Lord repeatedly. My struggle has ended; I have found peace and tranquility. All my wanderings have ceased. ||1|| Now, I have obtained the state of ‘eternal’ life. The Primal Lord, the Architect of Destiny, has become conscious in my mind; I seek the Sanctuary of the Saints. ||1||Pause|| Sexual desire, anger, greed and emotional attachment are eradicated; all my enemies are eliminated. He is always ever-present, here and now, watching over me; He is never far away. ||2|| In peace and cool tranquility, my faith has been totally fulfilled; the Saints are my Helpers and Support. He has purified the sinners in an instant; I cannot express His Glorious Praises. ||3|| I have become fearless; all fear has departed. The Lord's feet are my only Shelter. Nanak sings the Praises of the creator night and day, with attentive concentration. ||4||6||”

As the musicians continued to sing the ‘Shabad’ continuously, Guru Ji progressed towards the funeral pyre at the same time with the congregation. (Once outside the veil) Guru Ji also gave the Khalsa Ji a teaching to “Read the ‘Shabad’ (teachings) ‘Baani’ (words) of the 10 emperors (Gurus). Accept/follow ‘Gurdware’ (the doors to God) Guru Granth Sahib Ji. Keep practising the tradition of ‘Krah Parshad’ (Sweet giving to all the congregation in the name of 'God') and ‘Gurpurab’ (celebrating auspicious days associated with the lives of the Gurus). ‘Guru’ (God) is ‘Sahai’ (the one that gives help). Whoever keeps the living of the ‘Khalsa’ (pure), I will befriend them. ('Sri Mukhvak' - supreme words from the mouth of the Guru): “May my Sikh remain forever obedient to the ‘Rehat’ (way of living). He then is my master and I am his disciple”. The application of the teachings is beloved to me, not the ‘Sikh’. The ‘Sikh’ is not beloved to me, the application of the teachings is beloved to me”.

After giving such teachings, Satguru Ji entered through the veil (towards the funeral pyre). Furthermore, a flame of fire arose towards the sky causing there to be a heavy presence of light in the sky. The sounds of ‘Jai Jai’ (victory, victory) were heard in the ears of the Khalsa. Flowers rained down from the sky and seeing this, the Khalsa was very wonderstruck. Once the day passed its first ‘Pehar’ (around 9am), the funeral pyre was searched (by Sikhs) and a ‘Kirpan’ (sword) was found. So, a building was constructed here (in remembrance of Guru Ji and to mark the historic spot). In the ‘Sammat’ (year) 1765 (1708), on the fifth day of the month ‘Katak’, in the ‘Sudi’ phase of the moon cycle, on a Thursday within the south region of ‘Nanded’, Sri Guru ‘Kagidhar Sahib’ committed these causes. For 31 years, 1 month and 11 days Satguru Ji did ‘Guriaee’ (Guruship). For 41 years, 9 months and 28 days was their total age.

“ 'Dohra' (Couplet):

Nanak Guru Gobind Singh Ji, Pooran Gur Avtar.

(From) Guru Nanak to Guru Gobind Singh Ji came in the complete incarnations of 'God'.

Jagmag Jot Biraj Rahi, Sri Abchal Nagar Apaar.

The illuminated light is situated in the supreme city of 'Abchal Nagar'.”

This (following) ‘Svaiya’ (stanza) was uttered 10 days before the cause (leaving of this world):

“From diseases and sadness, he protects in many ways from. Countless enemies may strike many attacks, but none can inflict the body. The Lord protects with his own hands, all sins cannot come near to meet. What else can be said to you, he protects even in the membranes of the womb.6.248.”

(Guru Gobind Singh Ji – Akaal Ustat- 'Pannaa' (Page) 37)

The ‘Sakhi’ (witness statement) has been completed.

The pure belongs to the 'Wonderous Enlightener'. The victory belongs to 'Wonderous Enlightener'.

References: 1. Guru Granth Sahib Ji 2. Dasam Guru (ka) Granth Sahib Ji 3. Sri Loh Parkash Granth 4. Manuscript read on Joti Jot Divas annually at Takhat Sri Abchal Nagar Hazoor Sahib:    • SAAKHI SACHKHAND GAMAN || DHAN DHAN S...   5. Sant Gurbachan Singh - Joti Jot Guru Gobind Singh Ji (Katha):    • ਜੋਤੀ ਜੋਤਿ ਸਮੇਂ ਹੁਕਮਨਾਮਾ ਗੁਰੂ ਗੋਬਿੰਦ ਸ...   6. Kahn Singh (Nabha) - Mahan Kosh 7. Alphabet Inc - Google 8. S.H.A.R.E - Sikhi To The Max 9. Santokh Singh (Kavi) - Gurpartap Sooraj 10. (Jathedar) Kulwant Singh - Speech 11. Guhaj Pothi - The diary of 'Bhai Har Singh Ji'