The Multifarious Faces of Sikhism
throughout Sikh History
Page 2 of 5
Panch
Khalsa Diwan cont'd
In particular, Teja Singh Bhasauria targeted
Bhagat Namdev’s work for according to
his views this was not Sikh, but Hindu. One
particular ‘Shabad’
(ballad) he hated occurs in 'Raag Bhairo'.
Raag Bhairo
A Paharai redition of Raag Bhairo depicting
Shiva being tended by his consort Parvati, and
ladies preparing and serving intoxication cannabis-based
drinks, circa mid 19th century
In this Shabad, Bhagat
Namdev actually spoke of himself as ‘Hindu’
and spoke of how Vishnu mounted on the winged
'Grur' (also known as Garuda),
and came to save him from a tyrannical Muslim
king:
‘The Emperor [Muhammad
Bin Tughlak said] listen “Oh Nama.
Show me your work [miracle].“
He Emperor arrested Nama. “Let
me see your God Bithal. Bring to life this
slaughtered cow. Otherwise I will decapitate
you here.” “Oh king how
can that be. That what is dead no man can
bring to life. All I do would be no use.
What Raam does so happens.”
The Emperor filled with arrogance.
A huge elephant he set upon Nama.
Nama’s mother began to cry. [She said] “Forsake Rama and
contemplate ‘Khuda’ (ie. adopt
the Muslim faith).”
[Nama replied] “I am not your son
nor you my mother. May I die but I will
always sing the virtues of ‘Har’.”
The elephant struck with his trunk.
Nama was saved by protection of God.
[The Emperor said] “Kazis and Mulahs
bow to me. This Hindu tramples my honour.
“
[The Hindus] pleaded with the Emperor, “Have
Namas weight in gold.”
[The Emperor said] “If I take your
money I will fall in hell. Thus forsaking
my faith I will not amass wealth.”
[Nama’s] Feet are bound by shackles
with his hands he claps a beat.
Nama sing’s the praises of ‘Gopal’
(Krishna/God).
The Ganges and Jumna may flow backwards.
But Nama will repeat Har’s name.
When the Seven ‘Gharis’ (time)
pass by.
The master of the three worlds had not yet
arrived.
Then was heard the flapping of wings.
Mounted on ‘Grur’ (part-man
part-bird mythological mount of Vishnu],
Gobind came.
His devotee he protected. [Vishnu/God said]
“Say and I will turn the earth on
its side. Say and I will completely up turn
the earth. Say and I will bring the dead
cow to life. So that everyone may be convinced.”
I [Nama said] spancle the cow. They put
the calf to the cow. Milking the milk when
pitcher filled.
They put it in front of the Emperor.
Emperor fled to his palace.
Troubled times came to him.
He pleaded through the Kazis and Mullas
“Forgive me, you Oh Hindu. I am
your cow.”
[Nama said] “Convince me show me.
I will be convinced [of Emperor’s
sincere
regret]. If from now you walk the path of
truth and good conduct.” Oh Namdev God is found in all.
Gathering all the Hindus went to Nama.
If the cow had not been restored [they said].
Then Namdev would have been dishonoured.
The fame of Nama remained in the world.
His devotees, God saves.
All [Namas] slanderers and revilers fell
in trouble.
Between Nama and ‘Narayan’ (Vishnu/God)
there is no difference.’
Adi Guru Durbar, Raag Bhairo, Pa.1166
Grur
A Pahari painting depicting Vishnu and Lakshmi
seated on Grur
