1. Clothing
Guru Har Rai Ji Mahraj always wore a robe with 101 pleats (ਕਲੀਆਂ). Whenever they walked, they held their robe from the sides1. This is because once one of their robe pleat got stuck on a flower and broke it. The flower was dear to Guru Hargobind Ji. Upon realising the beautiful flower is broken off by their grandson, Guru Har Rai Ji’s robe, they said if one wants to wear such robe, he should learn to handle it as well. The words of their grandfather got deeply embedded into their heart and being the obedient grandson, they always held their robe whenever they walk regardless where they are.
2. Routine
Guru Har Rai ji Mahraj used to wake up before the last remaining Pehar of the night (Amrit Vela). They would then do Ishnaan with 101 pitchers of water regardless of summer or winter season and wear clean clothes before proceeding to meditate in their true self (Aatam saroop). At the same time, the Rababis would come to the Guru’s Darbar and start Asa Di Vaar kirtan that the Sanggat would listen to in bliss. After meditation, Sewadars would bring saffron and sandalwood Tilak for Guru Ji which they would apply on their holy forehead. They would also neaten up their beard with their holy hands and apply nice smelling perfume. At the completion of Asa Di Vaar (during the Bilaval chaunki), Guru Ji would then enter the Diwan where the Sanggat is congregated. Guru ji would give Darshan to the Sanggat, have Veechar and bless them.
At about 11 a.m., the Langari (cook) would come into the Diwan and stand at the side with his hands folded. When Guru Ji’s holy glance falls on him, only then he would inform Guru ji that the Langgar is ready. After washing their hands and feet, Guru Ji takes their Langgar with other Sanggat. It is then time for them to rest. At about 2 p.m., Guru ji would have their Ishnaan again and go into the Diwan until evening. Adorning various weapons, Guru ji would also go for hunting trips sometimes1. Upon completion of the evening Diwan that includes Katha, they would have their dinner and then proceed to rest at about 10 p.m.2.
3. Nature
Guru Sahib was always doing Jaap which includes 625 000 of Japji Sahibs and 3.6 million Mool Mantar recitation and gave teaching to Sikhs to also remember Parmatma with each breath1. They were tender-hearted as well. After witnessing their father, Baba Gurditta Ji bringing a dead cow alive, they did not kill any animal that they hunt. They would catch them after chasing them making them tired and then would release them in their zoo which had a large number of animals. They took good care of the animals in the zoo and also had beautiful gardens. Guru Ji was also cheerful where they would also sometimes joke and laugh in their daily life.
4. Langgar
The concept of Langgar was introduced by Guru Nanak Dev Ji and continued by the following Guru Sahibs. Guru Har Rai Ji Mahraj had a great emphasis on Langgar. They urged their Sikhs to earn honest living and establish Guru ka Langgar in their own villages/towns. The Sikhs then established a firm principle that they would not leave any Sikh hungry and started running Langgar in their respective areas. Those that who could not afford to run their own Langgar would get together, collect some money and prepare Langgar together. Guru Ji knowing this was delighted and gave them a further Updesh that those Sikhs that also prepare fresh food for any Sanggat that come at odd hours (for instance between lunch and dinner) will attain their happiness. Guru Ji also advised the Sikhs to do sewa of those who come to have Langgar first before having own meal3.
Those that have the Langgar are to be seen to be doing compassion on the donor because without them, the donors would not be able to do charity and attain Guru Ji's happiness. On an occasion, a poor Sikh asked Guru Ji on how can the poor attain their happiness and Guru Ji gave him a teaching that Guru Ji shall increase the earnings of any Sikh that contributes to Guru ka Langgar with devotion according to what one can afford. Guru Ji said that the Sanggat is my form therefore feeding the Sanggat is equivalent to doing my Sewa4. Guru Ji sometimes took part in the Langgar sewa as well5 and was very particular about Suchamta (hygiene) in the Langgar preparation. Before having Langgar, Guru Ji always washed their hands and feet as a sign of respect to the Langgar1.
5. Boon from Guru Hargobind Sahib ji
Guru Ji maintained the large army of Sikh soldiers that the sixth Guru had amassed by having horse-mounted ready army of 2200 horsemen with them all the time. However, they were given instruction by Guru Hargobind Ji to not fight any war. They were given the boon that any enemy that tries to attack them will be be unsuccessful and will attain death themselves. This Bachan of the sixth Guru came true when emperor Aurangzeb sent his representatives to forcefully bring Guru Ji to Delhi6. According to Panth Parkash by Gyani Gyan Singh ji, Aurangzeb was unsuccessful 17 times to force Guru Ji to Delhi and all of the seventeen representatives attained death on the way to Kiratpur Sahib.
6. Gurbani Satkar
Guru Ji emphasised on keeping a high level of respect for Gurbani. Once, when they were resting, two Sikhs started doing Kirtan near them. Guru Ji woke up abruptly, hitting their knee on the leg of the bed and sat on the floor. When enquired on why they woke up in such abrupt manner, they said " How can I be resting on a higher position than my beloved Sikhs that reciting Gurbani at a lower place?". Guru Ji also said 7 :
ਜੋ ਗੁਰ ਭਗਤਿ ਸੋ ਸਿਖ ਹੈ ਮੇਰਾ। ਗੁਰਬਾਨੀ ਭੈ ਤਿਸੈ ਘਨੇਰਾ।
One lovingly devoted to the Guru is my Sikh, having great awe & respect for Gurbani.
ਜਿਨ ਭੈ ਅਦਬ ਨ ਬਾਨੀ ਧਾਰਾ। ਜਾਨਹੁ ਸੋ ਸਿਖ ਨਹੀਂ ਹਮਾਰਾ ॥੨੦॥
One who has no fear or respect of Gurbani is not my Sikh.
Related link: The Greatness and Respect of Gurbani by Guru Har Rai Ji Mahraj
Guru Ji also excomunicated their own Sahibzada, Ram Rai for changing a Gurbani pangti in order to please emperor Aurangzeb.
7. Bestower of Sovereignty
One day, a devoted Sikh of Guru Har Rai Ji, Kala with his two nephews went to do Darshan of Guru Ji. When the children arrived in Guru Ji's presence, both children struck with their hands on their own bellies like a drum. When Guru Ji asked for the reason, Kala explained that they are hungry and wanted something to eat. Guru Ji in their compassionate nature gave them boons of sovereignty that they shall have sovereignty for many generations and be honored in proportion as they serve the Guru. This prophecy came true with their descendants being the Maharajas of the Phulkian states of Patiala, Jind, and Nabha.
8. Impartiality of Guru Ji
9. Love for Gursikhs
Guru Ji had immense love for their Gursikhs and it is evident from some historical accounts including great Gursikhs that were dear to Guru Ji:
Bhai Gonda Ji
Bhai Gonda was one of the blessed Gursikhs that devotedly did Sewa of Guru ji and was sent to Kabul area to preach. Although Kabul was a foreign country and there was danger from Muslim bigotry in living there, Bhai Gonda cheerfully accepted the task given to him. Despite being far away, his consciousness was always immersed in Guru Ji. One day, he went into a deep meditation during Amrit Vela until late evening concentrating his mind on Guru Ji`s holy feet. At the same time, Guru Har Rai ji sat motionless in the sangat at Kiratpur Sahib for several hours until evening. Even the call for the Guru ka Langar went unheeded. The Sanggat also did not eat all day because they would not have Langgar without Guru Ji. When Guru Ji at last arose, they told the curious Sanggat how Bhai Gonda at Kabul had kept him them bound by holding their feet in his meditation. Guru Ji then continued explaining that they did not move during all the hours because they did not wish to interrupt Bhai Gonda Ji`s meditation10. Such is the love of Guru Mahraj for their Sikhs.
Mata Tabo Ji
Once, an old and poor Mata Ji had the desire to prepare some Parshada for Guru Ji to eat. After saving some money from her humble earning, she bought some flour. She then cleaned her kitchen, had her full Ishnaan, wore clean clothes and prepared some Parshada for Guru Ji. Then, Mata Ji set out to give the Parshaada to Guru Sahib Ji. As she went, she thought to herself, “Guru is always surrounded by so many people. Who is going to let a poor woman like myself near Him. I wonder how I will be able to give them these two Parshada".
The all knowing Guru Har Rai Ji was sitting in Diwan at that time. They suddenly got up and said to all their 2200 soldiers that they want to go hunting. As they set out, Guru Ji and all their soldiers rode their horses and passed the old Mata Ji who was walking slowly towards Guru Ji's Diwan. She got sad thinking she would not be able to pass the Parshada to Guru Ji. But suddenly, Guru Ji leaving their soldiers behind came to Mata Ji alone and said “Mata Ji, I am hungry, whatever Parshada you have prepared in your hand, could you please give it to me?”. Mata Ji was so delighted and in tears gave the Parshada to Guru Ji11. This sakhi shows that the Guru is hungry for love and always recognises the true devotion of their devotee.
Bhai Gaura Ji
Another devoted and obedient Gursikh of Guru Ji was Bhai Bhagtu Ji who had two sons, Bhai Gaura Ji and Bhai Jeevan Ji. All three of them had high respect for Guru Ji. After the passing of their father, Bhai Gaura Ji visited Guru Ji. During the visit, a Chaurdar (sewadar that does chaur Sewa) of Guru Ji made some insulting remarks about Bhai Gaura Ji's young mother which angered him. In anger, he assassinated the Sewadar. When Guru Har Rai got to know this, they forbade Bhai Gaura`s presence in Sanggat and give him curses. Bhai Gaura was repentant and wanted to tender apology but Guru Ji would not grant him an audience. He, with a few hundred of his men, therefore followed Guru Ji`s progress to Kiratpur Sahib, keeping a few kilometres behind him for few months. They were waiting for an opportunity to do sewa of Guru Ji and gain forgiveness.
A few months later as Guru Har Rai was on their way to Kartarpur Sahib, their Mehals and the Sanggat was attacked by a Mughal force. Guru Ji witnessing this contemplated on a defense as they are instructed to not be involved in any war by their grandfather, sixth Guru. Upon finding out that Bhai Gaura is following close behind, Guru Ji said "Gaura would know how to protect his mothers (Guru Ji's Mehals)". Bhai Gaura, who as usual was following close behind, chased the attackers away and saved Guru Ji`s family. When Guru Ji heard from the Sanggat how selflessly Bhai Gaura faught to save Guru Ji's family, they called Gaura to their presence immediately, pardoned his past crime and with their own robe cleaned Bhai Gaura's soiled body while tending to their injuries12. Such was the forgiving nature of Guru Har Rai Ji.
Bhai Jeevan Ji
Bhai Jeevan Singh, the younger son of Bhai Bhagtu ji, visited Guru Ji during their visit to Kartarpur Sahib. He was newly married and brought along his pregnant wife. At that time, an only son of a Brahmin died and the Brahmin carried his son and placed his body in front of Guru Ji's door. Placing their son in front of Guru Ji they began to weep bitterly requesting Guru Ji to revive him. The Sikhs were moved to hear their cry and some Sikhs said that Guru Ji should revive the child. Guru Ji did not agree and advised the Sanggat that everything is in Hukam. When the Sanggat kept forcing them to revive the dead child, Guru Ji in Bir Ras said "The Sikh who considers that I should revive the child of the Brahmin should sacrifice his own life for the sake of the child because the Sikh of the Guru should be benevolent like the Guru too”. Guru Ji repeated this three times and also said those who give their life shall attain liberation as well. When Bhai Jeevan Ji heard the words of Guru Ji, he thought that the Bachan of the Guru should never be left unfulfilled and a Sikh should obey the Hukam of Guru Sahib. So, he went outside, recited Japji Sahib, did Ardas to sacrifice himself and passed away. At the same time, the son of the Brahmin was revived. Witnessing this, Guru Ji looked around on who has done such a huge act of benevolence. Upon realising it's their obedient Gursikh, Bhai Jeevan Singh, Guru Ji got into Bir Ras and said to the Sanggat "In order to revive the Brahmin's son, you have taken my son". Guru Ji then gave blessings to the child of Bhai Jeevan ji and with their own hands, performed the cremation of their beloved Sikh13.
10. Joti Jot
Further related links:
Future Bachans about Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji Mahraj
Teachings on Importance of Prema Bhagti alongside Gyan
References:
Sri Gur Partap Suraj Granth - Churamani Kavi Santokh Singh Ji:
1. Adhyai 1, Ras 9
2. Adhyai 12, Ras 10
3. Adhyai 6, Ras 9
4. Adhyai 4, Ras 9
5. Adhyai 22, Ras 10
6. Adhyai 34, Ras 9
7. Adhyai 21, Ras 10
8. Adhyai 9, Ras 10
9. Adhyai 17, Ras 9
10. Adhyai 5, Ras 9
11. Adhyai 3, Ras 9
12.Adhyai 11 to 15, Ras 10
13. Adhyai 17, Ras 10
14. Adhyai 27, Ras 10