Visit To Lahore

The elegance and hustle and bustle of Amritsar city was increasing day by day. Guru Ram Das would get up early in the morning and after taking a bath would be absorbed in the recitation of the Name of God. After that Guru Ram Das would enter the darbar and hold a diwan where the Sangat recited the holy hymns. After the completion of the recitation of the holy hymns, the Sikhs shared meals in the langar without discrimination of caste, colour and creed. Guru Ram Das would also attend the langar and take his meals sitting with his Sikhs.

Afterwards, Guru Ram Das used to go to Guru Ka Mehal (his home) to rest and then carry out other daily activities. In the evening Guru Ram Das would again attend the darbar and address the Sangat to teach them about Sikh ideology. Guru Ram Das always advised the Sangat to adopt a true way of living. In his talks, Guru Sahib encouraged his Sikhs to believe in one God.

After the evening Darbar the hymns of 'Sodar Rehras' were sung and then the Sangat sang hymns of their choice according to Ragas. The sound waves of the Ragas would strike and mix with water of the holy sarovar. The Sikhs enjoyed the wounderful atmosphere and were engrossed in hearing the celestial music. At the end, Sikhs would share meals in the langar.

Invitation To Lahore

Guru Ram Das would supervise the arrangements for the accomodation of visiting Sikhs. In those days some Sikhs from Lahore visited the darbar of the Guru. Bhai Sahari Mal, Guru Ram Das's first cousin, also accompanied the pilgrims. At the time of their departure Bhai Sahari Mal asked Guru Sahib to visit his birthplace in Lahore. He told the Guru that the Sikhs of Lahore were eagerly waiting for him.

It had been a long time since Guru Ram Das visited his home town, Chuna Mandi, in Lahore. Guru Ram Das agreed and promised that he would arrive in Lahore within a month. When the news of his arrival reached the people in Lahore they thronged to the roads to welcome the 'Sacha Padshah' or True King as they called him. He was overjoyed to meet all those people he had known as a child.

The Guru saw that all prominent Sikhs and other inhabitants of Lahore had come out to welcome him. They were proud that he belonged to Lahore. The people perceived that a child due to his selfless service and hard work had become the True Emperor. Guru Ram Das first visited his own house in Chuna Mandi. He stayed there for few days and converted that house into a dharamsala (early Gurdwara) so that all Sikhs could assemble together daily for prayers.

Sikhi Grows In Lahore

All the Sikhs in Lahore were really pleased with his decision, and they thanked the Guru heartily for it. As his house was being converted into a common religious place Guru Ram Das stayed in the house of Bhai Sahari Mal. Bhai Sahari Mal had a large house and Sikhs would come to pay homage to the Guru randomly during the day. It became difficult for Guru Sahib to focus on a daily routine without interruption.

Guru Ram Das asked the people to observe discipline. He recommended times for assembling together and advised the Sangat to come in the morning and evening so that he could agree times for the recitations of hymns and for addressing the congregation. Guru Ram Das also started the langar in Lahore.

Guru's Relatives

The relatives who had met and criticized him at Goindwal also came to pay homage and asked the Guru to forgive them. They confessed that what Guru Amar Das had said, proved true. The Guru told them, "There is no difference between the Guru and God. But you misunderstood Guru Amar Das. Now recite the Name of God and God will pardon you."

The Guru's relatives said, "Since we returned from Goindwal we have faced many problems. We always feel grieved and in pain." Guru Ram Das again advised them and said, "You should contemplate the holy Name of God with full devotion then grief, pain and fear shall be depart from your mind."

Return To Amritsar

After staying in Lahore for some time it was time for Guru Ram Das to return back to Amritsar along with his family and other Sikhs. The Guru entrusted the maintenance of the dharamsala to the Sikhs of Lahore until he allocated somebody to take care of it. At the time of departure all the people came to him for his blessings, and fondly bade him farewell.

During his visit to Lahore, Guru Ram Das made many converts. It is said that Guru Ram Das's words possessed such attractive power, that all who came under his influence felt encouraged to become a Sikh and continue the path of learning.

• 

  Gurdwara Sri Janam Asthan Guru Ram Das

  Chuna Mandi Bazar, Lahore, Punjab, Pakistan.

  Associated with Sri Guru Ram Das Ji.

  Sri Guru Ram Das Ji was born at Chuna Mandi Bazaar at the site of Gurdwara Sri Janam Asthan Guru Ram Das on 24th Sept 1534 AD.

Back to Guru Ram Das Sakhis (Stories)

Guide To Discover Sikhism |   Guide To Becoming A Pure Sikh|   Guide To Carrying Out Nitnem