GIRDHARI, BHAI

GIRDHARI, BHAI, a wealthy but childless shopkeeper from southern districts, who hearing of how a certain goldsmith had got offspring as a result of Guru Amar Das`s blessing, made a pilgrimage to Goindval to see the Guru. The Guru uttered a sloka (couplet) as he saw him: “None can erase what is writ on the forehead. What is written happeneth. He who hath spiritual insight understandeth this” (GG. Ml 3).He advised Girdhari to rejoice in God`s will, repeat the Name and do good deeds. Girdhari withdrew from the Guru`s presence crestfallen.

Bhai Paro, a pious Sikh, observing Girdhari`s melancholy plight, spoke to him, “Do not be disheartened. If you have faith, you may still have not one but five children.” As goes the tradition, Girdhari in due time became the father of five sons. He travelled to Goindval with his sons to pay homage to Guru Amar Das and render gratefulness. Even as he made obeisance before the Guru, Bhai Paro realized how he had unintentionally been an instrument in causing the marvel. He fell at the Guru`s feet in penitence. The Guru blessed both Bhai Girdhari and Bhai Paro.

References :

1. Macauliffe, Max Aurthur, The. Sikh Religion. Oxford, 1909
2. Bhalla, Sarup Das, Muhima Prakash. Punjab, 1971