SUNDAR SHAH

SUNDAR SHAH (d. 1640), a Muslim saint of Devnagar, probably the present day Deogaori in Azamgarh district of Uttar Pradesh, is remembered in Sikh tradition for his admiration for Bhai Bidhi Chand, a prominent Sikh of the time of Guru Hargobind. Bhai Bidhi Chand was preaching in the eastern parts when Sundar Shah had the chance of meeting him. They became attached to each other and, before Bhai Bidhi Chand left, Sundar Shah made him promise that he would return and spend his last days with him.

According to Gurbilas Chhevin Pa.tsha.hi, Bidhi Chand remembered his word and, as he saw his end drawing near, he took his leave of Guru Hargobind and went to Devnagar. The two friends, after discoursing about Guru Nanak and his sabda or message for three days, died at the same time on 14 August 1640.

References :

1. Gurbilas Patshahl Chhevin. Paliala, 1970
2. Santokh Singh, Bhai, Sri GUI Pratap Suraj Granth. Amritsar, 1927-35
3. Gian Singh, Giam, Twankh Guru Khalsa. [Reprint], Patiala, 1970
4. Macauliffe, Max Arthur, The Sikh Religion : Its Gurus, Sacred Writings and Authors. Oxford, 1909