Page:The Sikh Religion, its gurus, sacred writings and authors Vol 2.djvu/73

Rh trees and cedars, and float them in rafts down the river Bias.

Sawan Mai accordingly proceeded to Haripur and was received with great honour and rejoicing by the citizens. An umbrella was raised over his head, chauris were waved around him, and flowers showered on him in handfuls. Men washed his feet and drank the water therefrom. Those who came suffering from physical and mental ills he instructed in the True Name. All such were comforted and made whole, and joined in singing the Guru's praises. The Raja requested to be allowed to perform a service for the miracle-worker. Sawan Mal merely requested a grant of the timber for which the Guru had sent him. The king at once sent his men to cut down pine trees and cedars, and dispatch them by rafts on the river Bias to Goindwal. The king's order was promptly obeyed. When the timber reached the Guru, he distributed it among people of all castes, who then constructed comfortable dwellings for themselves. Goindwal subsequently became an imposing city on the margin of the Bias.

When the time arrived for Sawan Mal's departure from Haripur he as a preliminary requested the Raja's permission to leave his country. The Raja said he would accompany him to behold the Guru, and thus render his human life profitable. He provided elephants, horses, carriages, and palkis for his attendants, and set out in great state and splendour for Goindwal. Sawan Mal went in advance to the Guru to announce the Raja's arrival. The Guru said, ‘Let His Highness come by all means when he hath eaten from my kitchen.’ The Guru's condition was accepted. He received the Raja in private audience on the top story of his house, next in order the Raja's prime minister, and lastly the Raja's queens. They were all gratified with a sight of the Guru. One of the queens lately married would not remove her veil. The Guru quietly said to her,