Chapter 41

The Giving of Guruship to the Panth | Leaving Chamkaur

As fear and amazement at Guru Gobind Singh Ji’s arrow spread throughout the enemy armies, the Turks and Mughals were now standing their ground, deciding to wait for their next move.

As the day drew to a close and the sun began to set on the horizon, Maharaj, pleased with the valour and bravery of the Singhs, was ready to bestow Guruship upon the remaining five Singhs—Daya Singh, Dharam Singh, Maan Singh, Sangat Singh, and Sant Singh. Maharaj then performed three circumambulations around the Singhs and blessed them with their weapons, Kalgi, and tightened their waistbands.

The Five then pleaded with Maharaj to leave the fort once and for all, to which they agreed. They then gave their attire, Kalgi, and jewellery to Bhai Sangat Singh Ji and Bhai Sant Singh Ji; both Singhs bore a facial resemblance to Maharaj and were chosen to stay behind and continue the barrage of arrows upon the enemy while Maharaj and the other three Singhs safely exited. Maharaj decided to exit the fort through the same small backdoor they had initially entered, but Bhai Daya Singh Ji found it to be heavily locked. Maharaj then kicked the lock with their left foot, breaking it open and granting the Singhs access to leave the fort. Maharaj instructed the Singhs to follow a certain constellation in the sky and to not fear or lose hope in their efforts to find them once again—Maharaj and the Singhs then split up. Maharaj now adorned themselves with their invaluable bow, a quiver full of arrows, a tulwar, a tightly wrapped waistband, a kataar, and two fully loaded pistols.

Thus, Guru Gobind Singh Ji had finally left the fort of Chamkaur in all their glory, ready and radiant, glowing in the shimmer of the night sky.