PHAGGO, BHAI

PHAGGO, BHAI, affectionately called Chacha (Uncle) Phaggo in his day, was the head of the Sikh sangat at Sasaram in Bihar. He had built a new house but had not occupied it in his simple faith that the Guru would come and bless it before he moves in. He had built a high portico and had wished that the Master should ride into the premises without having to dismount his horse. His wish was fulfilled when Guru Tcgh Bahadur, in 1666, arrived at Sasaram and rode straight into Bhai Phaggo`s new house.

Phaggo who happened to be present at the time was spellbound. According to Sri Cmr Pratdp Suraj Granth. “He stood like a column without uttering a word. His eyes were not tired of watching the Guru.” The Guru spoke, narrates the author, “Phaggo! you took a hard pledge. Didn`t it occur to you how far I was and how much distance I had to cover?…. You announced to the sangat that you would receive me here in your new house.

Here am I as you wished.” Phaggo was overwhelmed with joy. At last he made a deep obeisance to the Guru, took the dust off his shoes and touched his forehead with it. “Lord of the three worlds” he spoke ecstatically, “knower of the hearts of all, how have you come to this beggar`s house?” He held the stirrup for the Guru to alight and escorted him to the seat he had laid out for him. The Guru stayed there for several days and blessed Bhai Phaggo for his deep devotion and faith. A shrine established on this site is to this day called Chacha Phaggo Mall da Gurdwara.

References :

1. Bhalla, Sarup Das, Mahimd Prakash. Patiala, 1971
2. Santokh Singh, Bhai, Sri Gur Pratap Suraj Granth. Amritsar, 1927-35
3. Gian Singh, Giani, Panth Prakash. Delhi, 1880
4. Haibans Singh, Gum Tegh Rahndur. Delhi, 1982