Page:The Sikh Religion, its gurus, sacred writings and authors Vol 2.djvu/78

66 unceremonious visitors why they had opened his door in disregard of his orders. On their explanation the Guru accepted the position. Bhai Budha then frankly addressed him: ‘Guru Angad hath attached us, O Guru, to thy skirt; yet thou hast deserted us and concealed thyself. How are we to receive spiritual consolation?’ The Guru smiled and remained silent.

The opening, supported by brickwork, is still shown at Basarka, where a yearly fair, at the full moon in the month of Bhadon, is held in commemoration of the event. The Guru could not disregard the love and devotion of his Sikhs, and mounting his mare returned with them to Goindwal. The resumption of his spiritual duties was celebrated with illuminations, rejoicings, and feastings. Mean while Datu was detained at Khadur by the pain in his foot, and through very shame, if for no other reason, would not consent to visit the Guru.

As the fame of the Guru's piety and saintly character increased, he became more and more the object of popular veneration. Bhai Paro, who lived in the village of Dalla in the Jalandhar Doab, that is, between the rivers Satluj and Bias, received religious instruction and emancipation from him. Paro used to ride to visit the Guru every other day. Once a Nawab's son observed and followed him. He saw Paro take a plunge with his horse into the deep water of the Bias, and arrive safely on the opposite shore. The Nawab's son congratulated him, and inquired in whose service he underwent such trial and danger. Paro informed him of his visits and devotion to the Guru. On hearing this and other particulars regarding the successors of Guru Nanak, the Nawab's son became a Sikh and renounced his ancestral position.

Bhai Lalo, a banker's son of the village of Dalla, joined Bhai Paro in one of his visits to the Guru. Bhai Lalo had been religious from his earliest