SAHARI MALL, BHAI

SAHARI MALL, BHAI, a Sodhi Khatri of Lahore, was the first cousin of Guru Ram Das. Although older than the Guru in age, he revered him like a disciple. Once Sahari Mall visited Amritsar to invite Guru Ram Das to the wedding of his son. The latter deputed his youngest son, Arjan, to represent him at the marriage, and told him to remain in Lahore and preach Guru Nanak`s word until recalled. Arjan remained in Lahore for several months, and Sahari Mall served him as if he was the Guru himself.

This embarrassed Arjan who, as says Bhai Mani Singh, Sikhan di Bhagat Mala, spoke : “Revered uncle, I am your nephew. I should serve you rather than you serving me.” Sahari Mall replied, “You are a mahapurakh, the exalted one. Do not deprive me of the privilege of serving you. Your devotion as a Sikh is unmatched. Pray bestow upon me the gift of faith too.” The future Guru, Arjan remarked, “You already possess the quality of a true Sikh for your mind is humble.”

References :

1. Mani Singh, Bhai, Sikhan di Bhagat Mala. Amritsar, 1955
2. Santokh Singh, Bhai, Sri Gur Pratap Suraj Granth. Amritsar, 1927-35
3. Macauliffe, Max Arthur, The Sikh Religion : Its Gurus, Sacred Writings and Authors. Oxford, 1909