Gangu Khatri Learns Humility

There was a rich Khatri merchant named Ganga Das or Gangu, as he was popularly known, of the Bassi clan. Gangu's business suffered, and he became bankrupt. Even his so called friends deserted him. He was now poor and lonely. He was miserable and very depressed, and lost all interest in life. Then he heard about Guru Amar Das and decided to the visit the Guru to seek peace and solace, since his misfortune had affected him very badly. Gangu arrived in Goindwal and headed towards the Guru's house.

Arrival In Goindwal

When Gangu stopped to ask the way to Guru's house, he was told that anyone who wished to meet the Guru would have to first stop by the langar and eat food with the others. Gangu decided to stop there and eat. But when he went inside, he was surprised to see people from all castes and religion eating there together side by side. Being from a rich family Gangu hesitated, at first, to eat the same food as the low caste people. But he recalled the Guru's instructions and realised that if he had to meet the Guru, he would have to cast his prejudices aside and go by the rules of the Guru's langar. He sat down and ate with all the others.

After taking meals in the langar, Gangu attended the Guru's Darbar. There he saw that Sikhs were offering many precious gifts to the Guru. As he had become penniless, there was no money in the house to offer the Guru. There were some balls of raw sugar in his house so Gangu had a brought a ball of raw sugar. However, when he saw the gifts being offered he intended not the offer the sugar to the Guru as he felt it was too small an offering. But the Guru was intuitive, he knew each and every thing.

Guru Amar Das called Gangu honourably and told him to hand over the ball of the raw sugar to him. Gangu at once unfolded his napkin and handed over the raw sugar to the Guru. The Guru ate some sugar himself and the rest he distributed to the Sikhs. Gangu felt happy, he was very impressed by the intuitive power of the Guru. Gangu fell at the Guru's feet and narrated all the misfortune that had befallen him. Gangu proposed to remain in the service of Guru. Sometimes he was running odd errands for the Guru or assigned tasks. Guru Amar Das was moved to see his selfless and sincere service.

A New Start With The Gurus Blessing

Eventually, Guru Amar Das assured Gangu that he would succeed in his business yet again, and also regain his former prosperity. But the Guru also added that he should never let pride and conceit affect him in any way. Guru Amar Das also suggested that as a thanksgiving to God, he should make it a point to help the poor and needy.

Guru Amar Das gave Gangu some Mohars and asked him to go to Delhi. He said, "Initiate your business afresh with this money. Remember to your Sikh values, serve and respectfully treat the saints who visit you and God will help you." Gangu adopted the Guru's suggestion. He opened a head office in Delhi, and afterwards a branch in Lahore, and did banking business in partnership with his son.

Materially Rich But Spiritually Poor

By the grace of the Guru within few months Gangu became a very rich man. Public confidence in him was restored, he grew wealthy, and was subsequently enabled to draw cheques for large amounts on his correspondents. He was regarded as an established businessman of Delhi.

It is said once the Nawab of Lahore needed a demand draft of one Lakh Mohars. But no businessman of Delhi was able to send him a bill of exchange for such a big amount. But Bhai Gangu sent him a demand draft of one Lakh Mohars. Mughal administrators were very much moved to observe the competence and capability of Bhai Gangu. He became one of the respected persons of Delhi Darbar.

One day, a poor man arrived in Goindwal to meet Guru Amar Das. After paying his respects to the Guru, he related his problem. The man had a daughter whom he wanted to get married off. But he had no money, and therefore needed help. The Guru remembered Gangu in Delhi and immediately wrote a letter to him, asking him to help the poor man by giving him 50 rupees. He gave the letter to the poor man, and asked him to go and meet Gangu.

Pride Comes Before A Fall

But Gangu had earned so much that he had become really proud and conceited. He had begun to feel that his success was because of his own hardwork and business sense, and not because of the Guru. And so, when the poor man came to him with the letter, he said to himself, 'If I honour this, the Guru will trouble me with more requests.'

Gangu accordingly refused to part with any money, took no notice of the man or of the letter and sent the poor man away with nothing. The man returned to the Guru, and told him the result of his mission. Guru Amar Das gave the man 100 rupees from his own pocket and gave his blessings for the marriage of his daughter. The poor man touched the Guru's feet and took his leave.

As regards Gango's conduct the Guru remarked, "Worldly love and pride destroy love and confidence. Under their influence man turns away from his Guru, and consequently suffers great hardship." Soon afterwards Gangu's business suddenly took a turn for the worse. Once again misfortunes fell upon him, and he was back on the streets with not a friend in the world.

Humility Earns The Gurus Forgiveness

When Gangu thought about where he had gone wrong, he recalled the Guru's words and his recent behaviour with the poor man. He immediately decided to go and apologise to the Guru for his behaviour. But when he finally reached Goindwal, he felt so ashamed of himself that he could not meet the Guru. So, he spent his days working hard at the Guru's langar and serving the Guru's Sikhs as best as he could. He also kept reciting the Guru's hymns which gave him strength and peace of mind.

A few days later, he was taken by surprise when one of the Sikhs came up to him and said that the Guru had sent for him. Unable to believe his good fortune, he presented himself to the Guru in all humility. He fell at the Guru's feet and begged his forgiveness. Guru Amar Das then told him that he had forgiven him the moment he had realised his mistake and repented for his sins. He, then, presented Gangu with a dress and instructed him to go to Lahore and live according to the rules of the Sikh traditions, sincerely and honestly.

Gangu then returned to his town and remained a devoted Sikh till the day he rejoined with God. The conduct of miracles is not looked upon favourably in Sikhism. Guru Amar Das refrained from such acts, but incidence of supernatural happenings throw a light on the powers around the Guru.

Gurdwara Sri Chaubara Sahib Goindwal

(approximate location) Goindwal Sahib, Tarn Taran, Punjab, India.

Associated with Sri Guru Amar Das Ji, Sri Guru Ram Das Ji, Sri Guru Arjan Sahib Ji.
Gurdwara Sri Chaubara Sahib Goindwal was the home of Guru Amar Das and his family. Many Sikh related events occurred here.

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