BUDDHU, BHAI,

BUDDHU, BHAI, a kiln owner of Lahore, whose name occurs in Bhai Gurdas, Varan, XI.25, among the prominent Sikhs of the time of Guru Arjan, once waited upon the Guru and begged to be instructed. The Guru said, “Commence any task you may be launching on after an ardas or prayer in sangat seeking God`s blessing, and distribution of karahprasad. Lay aside one tenth of what you earn for the general weal.” Bhai Buddhu took the Guru`s precept and became a Sikh. Once, as the tradition goes, Bhai Buddhu undertook a large brick baking project, involving considerable investment.

He invited all local Sikhs to a feast after which ardas was to be offered for the success of the enterprise. It so happened that a pious but poorly looking Sikh, Lakkhu by name, came late and was denied entry to the feast. He kept standing near the door. As ardas was being offered with the words, “May Buddhu`s pile of bricks be perfectly baked,” Bhaf Lakkhu cried: “May Buddhu`s bricks remain half baked!” Everyone was startled. Bhai Buddhu was much concerned at the curse uttered by Lakkhu.

He went to Guru Arjan and begged him to cancel the curse. The Guru said, “I cannot undo what my saintly Sikh has done. Your bricks will remain half baked, but they will sell.” That year was marked by heavy rains and bricks even of inferior quality were in great demand. The spot, about 1.5 km northeast of Lahore, where Bhai Buddhu used to burn his bricks, is known to this day as Buddhu da Ava, or Buddhu`s kiln.

References :

1. Mani Singh, Bhai, Sikhan di Bhagat Mala. Amritsar, 1955
2. Bhalla, Sarup Das, Mahima Prakash. Patiala, 1971
3. Santokh Singh, Bhai, 5ri Gur Pratap Sura/ Granth. Amritsar, 1926-37