Some Sikh historians came across a diary, belonging to one Abul Terani, at the University of Aligarh, India. Abul Terani was a spy, who was sent by Aurangzeb, the Moghul Emperor. He disguished himself as a Brahmin and stationed himself at the Court of Guru Gobind Singh, from where he used to send his reports of the happenings at the Guru's court daily to the Emperor.

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On that day, the number of people who had gathered ranged from 35,000 to 40,000. Brandishing a naked sword, Guru Gobind Singh in a loud voice said, "I have a need for a head."

Without any hestitation, Dya Ram a Kathri from Lahore, offered his head. Guru Ji cut off his head where he was standing and in full view of everybody. He did the same, in turn for four others, namely Dharam Chand a Jat of village Jatwar (district Saharanpur). Sahib Singh from village Nangal Shahidan (district Hoshiapur), Himmat Rai a awter carrier from village Sangatpur (district Patiala) and Mokham Chand a calico-printer from village Burian (district Ambala).

Guru Ji then covered the bodies with blankets. He ordered for a stone vessel to be brought and placing a pan without any handles, he poured water and started to prepare amrit. He was stirring the water in the pan with a special knife which they called khanda and repeating some holy words, when a woman came and put something in the water.

The Guru ji went to the slain body of Dya Singh and put some amrit in his mouth. He also sprinkled in his hair and his body and said to him, "Say, Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh." And Dya Singh stood up and repeated the words he was told by the Guru.

Then, in turn he went to the other four bodies and repeated the procedure. When all five were revived, Guru ji took them into a specially prepared tent. After sometime, they all came out dressed in blue uniforms and were lead by the Guru. Addressing the sangat, Guru ji gave them the title of "Panj Piarehs" and added the name "Singh" after their name.

After that Guru Ji kneeled in front of the "Panj Piarehs" and requested that he be given the amrit and he called himself Gobind Singh from Gobind Rai. On that day, thousands of Sikhs took amrit.

By some force or magnetic pull, I too was attracted towards the Guru and fell at his feet and begged for amrit. The Guru patted my shoulder and gave me amrit me the amrit and changed my name to Ajmer Singh. In this way, all my sins committed in my present and past lives, were forgiven.

This is my last report to Aurangzeb. I have only recorded what I saw on that eventful day.

 

Posted by Jasmail Singh

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