MAHESHA, BHAT

MAHESHA, BHAI, or Bhai Mahesa, a rich and influential Dhir Khatri of Sultanpur Lodhi, in present day Kapurthala district of the Punjab, once waited upon Guru Amar Das and begged to be initiated a Sikh, The Guru, says Sarup Das Bhalla, Mahima Prakash, pointed out to him that to be a true Sikh he would have to forsake his love of the riches. “For”, added Guru Amar Das, “if the riches forsake you, you may be laughed at for being poorly rewarded for your change of faith.” Mahesha was firm in his resolve and received the rites of initiation at the Guru\’s hands.

It so happened that Bhai Mahesha did suffer heavy losses and became a poor man, ridiculed by others as the Guru had predicted. But he did not waver in his faith. After some time he regained his former position. He retained the equanimity of his mind in both circumstances, in adversity as well as in affluence. Guru Amar Das was pleased at his steadfastness and he bestowed on him the headship of a manji or preaching district.

References :

1. Bhalla, Sarup Das, Mahima Prakash. Patiala, 1971
2. Santokh Singh, Bhai, Sri Gur Pratap Suraj Granth. Amritsar, 1927-35