DURGA, PANDIT

DURGA, PANDIT, or Durgo Bhambi, a Sarsvat Brahman of Bhambi clan living in the village of Mihra or Mahera (location obscure), predicted great name and fame for (Guru) Amar Das when the latter even had not yet met Guru Ahgad. According to Sarup Das Bhalla, Mahima Prakash, Amar Das, at the time of one of his pilgrimages to Haridvar, halted at Mihra for rest in a house maintained by Durga Pandit for travellers. As he lay asleep, Durga, who was an astrologer as well as a palmist, observed in one of his feet a lotus mark which is believed to be the sign of sovereignty or exceptional spiritual eminence.

“He is a noble Ksatriya,” said Durga to himself. “Let me receive from him a promise for a reward.” As Amar Das awoke, Durga pronounced his prophecy. Amar Das offered him money, but Durga declined saying, “Not now. But do promise to give me what I ask for when my prediction is fulfilled.” Amar Das gave him his word. Years later, as Guru Amar Das sat on the seat of Guru Nanak, Durga Pandit called on him. No sooner did he set his eyes on the Guru than all thoughts of claiming the reward he had come to seek vanished from his mind.

He begged instead to be initiated a disciple. In the Sikh hierarchy, Pandit Durga held, as recorded in an old inscription in Gurdwara Haveli Sahib at Goindval, charge of a manji or preaching district around his own village, Mahera.

References :

1. Santokh Singh, Bhai, Sri Gur Pratap Suraj Granth. Amritsar, 1926-37
2. Bhalla, Sarup Das, Mahima Prakash. Patiala, 1971