Page:The Sikh Religion, its gurus, sacred writings and authors Vol 5.djvu/19

LIFE OF GURU GOBIND SINGH 7 prime minister who said, ' It is Guru Gobind Rai, the tenth Guru in succession to Guru Nanak, who hath arrived. His father purchased some land^ at the base of the Tung mountain, and built a village thereon. Thousands of worshippers come to him from great distances. It is only recently that the Raja of Asam came to visit him and presented him large offerings. He hath constructed a drum and come shooting here. My advice is to keep on good terms with him. In the first place, he is worthy of worship, secondly, he maintaineth a large army and is greatly feared. Thirdly, he is very brave, and such men are sometimes useful as allies.'

On hearing this Raja Bhim Chand determined to go to meet the Guru, and dispatched his prime minister to arrange for the interview. The minister informed the Guru that his master, who was the head of all the hill chiefs, desired to meet him, and it would be well for the Guru to be on good terms with him. Bhai Kripal, the Guru's uncle, at a nod from the Guru replied, ' This is the Guru's castle. As any one treateth him, so shall he be treated. If any one come here with good intentions, he shall be well received ; but if he come as an enemy, he shall be treated accordingly. For men to be on good terms with one another is very expedient and com- mendable. Wherefore go and bring your Raja. We shall receive him with great respect.' The minister taking with him a robe of honour — the Guru's gift — returned to his master, and recommended him to proceed immediately to the interview. The Raja accordingly went with his courtiers and escort to Anandpur.

Raja Bhim Chand was received in darbar with great honour by the Guru, who invited him to tell him the whole circumstances of the hill chiefs. Bhim Chand gave him the desired information, and then prayed the Guru to let him see the presents

1 This is menlioned in the Life of Guru Teg Bahadur.