faith, replied that there were children in the words of the Guru. The Guru was pleased at this reply, and told them that, if they had faith, they should have two children. They were accordingly blessed with that number of offspring. People on seeing the children with the old lady said they must be her grandchildren. The twelfth generation of the goldsmith and his wife still reside in Goindwal, and are called Maipotre (mother's grandsons) in memory of this event.
Inquirers came from different countries in detached bodies to behold the Guru. On seeing their number and frequency, Bhai Paro and his friends represented that there should be one place of general meeting for the Sikhs, and special fairs should be established where Sikhs could assemble and become acquainted and fraternize with one another. Upon this the Guru proclaimed that gatherings of Sikhs should be held on the first days of the months Baisakh and Magh, and on the ancient festival of the Diwali.[1]
A shopkeeper called Girdhari, who lived in the south of India, was very fortunate as far as wealth, property, and relations were concerned, but he was distressed at having no children. He took a second wife, but still there was no offspring. On hearing what the Guru had done for the goldsmith, he went to Goindwal to do him homage. He remained there for some days and importuned the Guru, but could only obtain the following reply :—
None can erase what was written on the forehead in the
beginning:
What was written happeneth; he who hath spiritual
insight understandeth this.[2]
- ↑ By this the Guru meant that his Sikhs should not follow the example of the Hindus who go on idolatrous pilgrimages in Baisakh, Magh, and at the Diwali, or feast of lights, in autumn, but that they should attend on him three times a year for religious instruction and God's worship.
- ↑ Supplementary sloks of the Granth Sahib.
