13. Raja Bhim Chand and the Guru

Raja Bhim Chand was received in Guru's darbar (court) with great honor. He prayed to the Guru to let him see the gifts from the Raja of Assam. He was shown all the presents. Bhim Chand was astonished at the magnificence of the Kabuli tent. He was told that it was the offering of a pious Sikh from Kabul. During this conversation when the beautifully decorated elephant was let forward, Bhim Chand stood spellbound and expressed his unbounded admiration of all that he had seen. On his homeward journey his mind burned with jealousy of the Guru's state and wealth and he made up his mind to take possession of at least the elephant. On his return to the capital, Bhim Chand disclosed his designs to his courtiers . It was decided that a message should be sent to the Guru that Raja Fateh Chand of Garhwal's party was coming with the object of Betrothing his daughter to Bhim Chand's son, and Bhim Chand desired to borrow the elephant so as to makes display of his wealth to his guests. When the message was delivered to the Guru, he knew that it was only a trick to obtain permanent possession of the animal. He sent the reply to Bhim Chand," The Raja who presented the elephant, requested me not to let the animal go out of my possession. It is the principle of Guru's house to comply with such requests." It is said that the Raja sent his emissaries thrice, the last one being Kesari Chand, the Raja of Jaswal, but the Guru did not yield and therefore, Bhim Chand's demand was not met. So he got angry and wanted to take revenge. Majority of the masands felt agitated at the Guru's warlike preparations and they represented to his motherto dissuade him from such activities lest it should bring some trouble to him. When his mother talked to him about it, he replied," Dear mother, I have been sent by the Immortal God. He who worshipped Him shall be happy; but he who acted dishonestly and worshipped stones shall receive well-merited retribution. This is my commission from God. If today I give Raja Bhim Chand the elephant, I shall have to pay him tribute tomorrow." Nand Chand then joined the conversation and said," Mother, hath a lion ever feared jackals? Hath any one ever seen the light of the firefly in bright sunshine? What availed a drop of water in comparison with the ocean? The Guru is a tiger brave and splendid as the sun. Shall he fear Bhim Chand?". The Master ended the discussion by saying, "Dear mother, heed not the evil advice of the masands. They have become cowards by eating the offerings of the Sikhs." The Guru and his troops continued to practice archery and devoted themselves to the chase. The Sikhs kept visiting continually and make offering of arms. Those who came for military service, were readily received and were taught the profession of arms. In this way the Guru collected a considerable army.