SAVAN MALL

SAVAN MALL, a nephew of Guru Amar Das, was pious and accomplished Sikh. As Guru Amar Das, after having been installed Guru by Guru Angad, moved from Khadur to Goindval, a number of his followers came to reside there, necessitating the construction of many new houses. To procure timber required for this purpose, the Guru sent up to the hill country Savan Mall, who had experience in the trade. Savan Mall went to Haripur, the capital of a small principality in what is now known as Himachal Pradesh. The ruler of the state was deeply impressed by his spiritual demeanour and put him up as his own guest.

Savan Mall had pine and deodar trees felled and bundled into rafts to be floated down the River Beas towards Goindval. When it became time for him to return, the Raja of Haripur expressed a desire to see Guru Amar Das, and travelled with him along with his queens and courtiers. At Goindval setting aside age old social scruples, the Raja and his entourage bowed to the prevalent practice and ate in the Guru ka Langar sitting on the ground with others without consideration and the ladies turned out without their veils. The Raja received the Guru`s blessing. When, after a few days, he begged leave to go back to his country, Guru Amar Das asked Savan Mall to accompany him and remain in the hill region to preach the word of Guru Nanak.

References :

1. Bhalla, Sarup Das, Mahima. Prakash. Patiala, 1971
2. Santokh Singh, Bhai, Sri Gur Pratap Suraj Granth. Amritsar. 1927-35
3. Macauliffe, Max Athur, The Sikh Religion : Its Gurus, Sacred Writings and Authors. Oxford, 1909`