PACHMI PARKASH - Global Sikh Studies

Returning to Panjab
Baba Ji eventually decided to return back to his beloved congregation of Hoti as their
continued prayers and requests began to pull at Baba Ji. As people found out of Baba
Ji’s return, the Saints, spiritual souls and congregation gathered to bid farewell
presenting many special gifts. Baba Ji accepted these gifts as gifts from the great river
Ganga itself, which on return were distributed to the spiritual souls of the Hoti
Temple. Even today some of these sweet gifts give by the congregation of Haridwar
are still worn by this spiritual linage.
On return Baba Ji again went through Amritsar where they paused for short time, on
the first day here news had gotten back to Hoti that Baba Ji was returning and was
currently at Amritsar. The people of Hoti instantly made its way to Amritsar to escort
Baba Ji back and with joy and love with hands folded they greeted Baba Ji and
humbly asked for them to return back with them to Hoti saying, “Maharaj! You are
the knower of all hearts, without your presence the people of Hoti are restless and
lost, please come back with us as if you don’t return many more of the congregation
from Hoti will make their way here, many more wished to come with us now, but we
managed to stop them hoping that you would fulfill our humble request.”
Baba Ji with love replied, “What you wish Bhai (brother)! The congregation is the
Creator’s image itself and their request should not be refused.” On seeing Baba Ji
preparing to leave, the people of Amritsar fell into sadness but obeying Baba Ji’s
wishes they escorted them and their Hoti congregation to the train station. With tears
in their eyes the sweet souls of Amritsar paid their respects to Baba Ji and he blessed
them with sweet words to ease their distress, saying, “Beloved ones! You are blessed
to be Singhs in The Great Guru Ram Das Ji Maharaj’s area, as in your previous lives
you have done great deeds to be so fortunate to live at his feet. Each day you visit the
Lords abode itself, so keeping respect you should continue to listen to the words of
the Guru and attend the temple, Guru Maharaj Ji will always be all around and ever
pervading.” With this Baba Ji said farewell to these sweet souls and continued on with
their return journey via Panja Sahib.
Before reaching here the people of the area had already found out of Baba Ji’s arrival
and began to prepare, gathering with gifts of garlands of flowers and other items,
waiting on the station platform. As the train stopped the people rejoiced that they
were able to have the presence of this pure soul in front of their eyes. They took Baba
Ji in a beautiful procession through the streets singing the Guru’s words all the way to
the Panja Sahib shrine, where Baba Ji placed the dust of the earth of Guru Nanak Dev
Ji Maharaj’s land on his forehead and bathed in the pool. With a gift of sweetmeal
Baba Ji went to pay his respects to Guru Maharaj Ji and placed the gifts in Maharaj’s
feet then after saying a pray they went and sat in the congregation and listened to the
singing of the Guru’s words.
101 rupees were also given towards the running of Guru’s free kitchen and Baba Ji
was presented with a gift of a robe of honour and money, but they returned the money
keeping only the honour as a gift from Guru Maharaj Ji after which, with the rest of
the congregation they ate a meal from the free kitchen.
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