Bhai Daya Singh (1669 to 1708)
The first Beloved One, Bhai Daya Singh was born to Khatri parents in Lahore in 1669. He attended Guru Gobind Singh in leaving Chamkaur Sahib during the famous battle in 1704. Bhai Daya Singh also personally delivered Guru Gobind Singhs letter Zafarnama to emperor Aurangzeb in the Deccan. Bhai Daya Singh accompanied Guru Gobind Singh to Nander and died there in 1708.
Bhai Daya Singh was a son of Mayea Ram
Ji, a Khatri of Lahore. His mother's name was Sobha Deyi Ji. He accompanied the
Guru to the end of his life. He took a heroic part in the Guru's wars. In
December 1704, the Guru was prevailed upon by the Beloved Five to leave Chamkaur
Sahib. Bhai Daya Singh was assigned the duty of accompanying the Guru. It was
Bhai Daya Singh who took the Guru's letter called Zafarnama to Aurangzeb.
The emperor was then in Deccan (South). The journey was difficult, risky and
long. On going through the letter the emperor was visibly moved. He appeared to
be nervous and agitated. He became irritated and angry. But the latter stood
calm and unafraid. He then said. 'O emperor, just think of the cruel, inhuman
wrongs that you and your men have done to the Guru. In spite of all that, he was
taken the courage to write to you and to give you sound advice. He has tried to
reveal himself to you, to make you see what you are in your prophet's eyes, to
make you realise how your actions contradict your professions. He occupies the
throne of Baba Nanak, before whom your ancestor, Emperor Babar, bowed and prayed
for blessings. He has the power to make and unmake kings; for he is ever in tune
with the Almighty father. You will be well advised to seek his friendship. You,
too, should seek his blessings. He can give you what your great conquest and
your wide empire have failed to give you. He will give you peace of mind. I feel
that it is peace of mind that you now need more than anything else. If you go
and see him, he will extend his love and kindness to you. He will forget and
forgive all the wrongs done to him. He is as forgiving and kind as God; for God
dwells in him and he ever lives in God.'
Bhai Daya
Singh's conduct was like bearding the lion in his own den. You know he was one
of the Guru Gobind Singh' lions. His words softened the emperor. He said, 'The
Guru's letter and your words have opened my eyes. I now realise that I have done
him much wrong. I now realise that he is a dear one of Almighty Allah. I am
nearing the end of my life's journey. I shall soon have to render an account of
my doings. I shudder to think what the verdict of the great, All-knowing,
All-loving Judge will be. The Guru can help me. He has invited me to see him. I
long to see him. But I am sick, perhaps on my death-bed. I can't go to him. Go
back to him and request him to see me. He has promised to do so in this letter.'
The emperor then ordered his men to treat Daya Singh with kindness and honour.
He himself conferred a robe of honour on the Guru's bold and fearless messenger.
For his return journey, he gave him a parwana (chit) of safe conduct. It
was an order to his officials on the way back to see that the holder was well
treated, and that no harm of any kind should be done to him. Because of that
royal chit, Bhai Daya Singh could travel more safely and more quickly. On
reaching the Guru's presence, he delivered to him the emperor's message. To that
he added his own recommendation. The Guru agreed to see the ailing monarch. Bhai
Daya Singh accompanied the Guru to Nanded in the Deccan. He continued to serve
him with utmost affection and devotion. After taking Amrit, he became
Bhai Daya Singh. He was appointed the leader of the Beloved Five.
