The Brahmin immediately stood up on his trembling legs, and said, "It is my good fortune that he has come - even as a king he is welcome. The Vazir helped the old man to sit and said, "Please don’t strain yourself. The king will come in on his own. He has not come as royalty, but as a seeker of your blessings". Then he went out to where the Raja was waiting and escorted him in. The Raja bowed to the Brahmin and sat down near him. Once the formalities were over, the Raja narrated the events which had led him to seek the Brahinin’s advice.

Brahmin: "I have lived and meditated in your realm for a long time and I cannot see it being destroyed. May the Almighty bless you and your kingdom remain secure for a long time to come. But there is real danger to you from this alliance between Fateh Shah and Bhim Chand, and the super-natural powers of Ramrai, who has complete control over the elements, can be formidable".

"I myself don’t give importance to such powers and my Guru, my teacher had advised me not to waste time dabbling in miracles. My life-long desire, and for which I have prayed constantly, is to have a vision of the Almighty, whether in human form or spiritually it matters not. Alas I this remains unfulfilled till this day," he said and his eyes filled with tears.

Vazir: "Forgive us for interrupting your routine, but we are needy people and impatient to find solutions to our problems".

Brahmin: "As it is a Kings duty to protect his people, so it is the duty of the people to be patriotic and vigilant towards the land they dwell in. I have been very happy here and your coming here is not an inconvenience for me. I pray that the Lord helps and guides you". He paused and the next moment his face seemed to brighten, and a glow appeared in his eyes. He closed them momentarily and then shook his head. When he opened his eyes again, they were moist. After a while, he said, "0 King, this is the ‘Kalyug’ and three parts of it are almost over. It is time for a great soul to appear on this earth, and I believe he is here already but I do not know the exact place where he lives. If you can find him, all your troubles will be over".

Raja: "How do we find him without knowing his where abouts?"

Brahmin: "0 King, my life has been spent praying to various gods and goddesses and some living ‘gurus’ too, to guide me so that I may see the Almighty God. Lately, when I have sat down in meditation, a saintly vision appears, and tells me not to despair, that He himself has arrived in this world. His bearing is royal and he is involved in battles, therefore he wears armor. But he is the true savior, sent from Heaven to bring relief to suffering humanity. If I could see Him, I am sure I would recognize Him. He is young, with a divine aura about him".

Raja: "What is His name?"

Brahmin: "That I don’t know. I wouldn’t have stopped here a minute, but set out to search for him, if I had strength in my legs. As it is, to go up to the river for a bath, I need to be supported or carried by this lad. It is ironical that when the time has come for my life—long wish to be fulfilled, my feeble body is letting me down. I only pray that I may see Him before I die, and experience the divine bliss which one feels only in the presence of the Almighty. 0 Raja, you have strength, wealth and man - power, you try and search for Him. You will find the solution you are looking for, and I — if it is my good fortune —will get an answer to my prayers. May be its God’s will, and it is He who has guided your foot—steps to my humble abode, so that I can give you the details to help you in your search. Then maybe you can bring Him here, or take me to him, so that my waiting eyes can satisfy themselves with his ‘darshan’."

Listening to the Brahmin’s talk and sensing the deep longing of his heart, made the Raja and his minister very eager to go in search of this personage. They questioned the Brahmin for some more details.

Brahmin: "Yes, he is young and extremely handsome. He has beautiful doe - like eyes, his arms are very long so that when he lowers them his hands touch his knees. He emanates a powerful aura and though he wears weapons on his person and lives in royal style, he is the True one - sent from Heaven, in answer to our pleadings and prayers".

The Raja and Vazir exchanged glances.

Raja: "Could it be the one from Kalhoor, who is Bhima’s enemy?"

Brahmin: "Enemy? He is no one’s enemy He is love incarnate, beloved of all "

Raja: "Mahraj, if as you say he is a messiah sent by the Almighty, then he should look saintly like you — a man of peace. How can a warrior, carrying arms be the spiritual messenger of God?"

Brahmin: "Why it is so, I cannot say, but if you look back, we Brahmins only performed rituals, organized prayers and recited the Vedas".

"It was the Kshatriyas who ruled the world, and also knew how to follow the path of self-realization. So, there is nothing odd in a messiah coming in the form of a warrior and a ‘Guru’. So, go now and search him out, but don’t forget me — help me to see him. May God fulfill all your wishes "

Vazir: "Rikhiji, do such people have long hair?"

Brahmin: "All holy men have long hair - in fact the Vedas describe the Almighty God as one with long hair and a beautiful, flowing beard".

Vazir: (in an aside to the Raja) - "This too fits the person we are thinking of".

Brahmin: "What I have learnt is that his actions will be good, and based on Truth, but though he appears to be one person, he reflects ten spirits".

This was another clue, which confirmed to the Raja and Vazir that they were thinking along the right lines.

Raja: "Rikhiji, we have managed to form some idea, and will now set out to search in that direction. If we find him, we shall ask him for help. We shall also try that he should come here".

Brahmin: "Yes, yes, do that, I am sure I will be able to recognize him".

Raja: "Do you know if he is more powerful than Ramrai? Can he command my enemies to be destroyed? Can he bless me with a son?"

Brahmin: "0 Raja, souls sent directly by the Lord, do not have to make efforts to develop super—natural powers. Their spiritual status is such that whatever they say comes true. But if you ask them to perform miracles, they will not do so. They believe in following the will of God. However if at any time they happen to make a pronouncement, it generally comes true. They lack Ego, which plagues the lives of creatures like you and me. Their knowledge is a result of their focus on the Almighty alone".

Soon the Raja and his Vazir departed from the ashram.

They came to the conclusion that the person who fitted the Brahmin’s description, could only be Guru Gobind Singh. Even if it turned out that he was not a messiah, he was brave and a warrior and the fame of his army had spread far and wide. If they could make him a friend and ally, they would become a force to be reckoned with.

Once they reached Nahan, the Raja sent another minister named Sobhu, with a number of costly gifts, to meet Guru Gobind Singh ji at Anandpur. The Vazir wanted to meet Guruji in private and give him the Raja’s message, but Guruji took the letter and read it out aloud, so that the whole congregation could hear. He then told the Vazir that he would give him his reply the next morning.

That evening Guruji discussed the matter with his uncle, Mama Kripal Chand, and Munshi Saheb Chand and other advisers. He spoke about it to his mother also. Everyone was of the opinion that they should accept the Raja’s invitation and leave for Nahan. The Vazir was sent of f to carry the news of Guruji’s arrival to the Raja.

All arrangements were made for the journey and on a pleasant day in October, Guruji accompanied by his mother, Mata Gujari, his family and other followers set off for Nahan. A company of 500 armed soldiers was in attendance.

After making a couple of halts on the way they reached Nahan. The news of Guruji’s arrival had already reached the Palace. Raja Medni Prakash and senior members of his court had come to the outskirts of the city to welcome the holy entourage Here the head priest, the Brahmins, and the big businessmen were also waiting. The head priest performed ‘Aarti’ in a traditional welcome, and showed the respect befitting a descendent of Guru Nanak Devji. Each of them bowed to Guruji and received his blessings. Then holding the reins of Guruji’s horse the Raja led the party into the town.

They were housed in a special mansion, prepared for this visit. A Gurdwara to mark the place stands there to this day.

Raja Fateh Shah too had heard about Guruji ‘s arrival in Nahan, along with his army. Now this message from Ramrai set him thinking. Ramrai had his followers spread far and wide in his state and if he disobeyed Ranirai, there was a great possibility these people would turn against him. So, he quietly sent a message to Medni Prakash informing him of his decision to return the occupied areas to him.

Raja Medni Prakash was extremely happy at this news. He attributed it directly to Guruji’s grace, and with renewed enthusiasm he began to serve him.

Guruji sent Mama Kripal Chandji to meet Fateh Shah and convey his message that the fighting among the rulers of the hill kingdoms must be stopped. If they wanted their people to be happy and prosperous they must create an atmosphere of friendship and co-operation. They could fight back the invaders and save themselves from becoming slaves only by a united effort.

Fateh Shah accompanied Mama Kripal Chandji back to Nahan and here, under Guruji’s benign gaze a treaty of peace and friendship was signed.

Medni Prakash was very keen that Guruji should make Nahan his permanent home. He escorted Guruji to the most beautiful parts of his state and organized hunting tripe into the thick jungles. Guruji liked one particular spot very much. It overlooked the fast flowing Jarnuna river and the thickly wooded hills beyond. Raja Medni Prakash ordered the builders and carpenters to erect a fortress type home for Guruji and rooms to house the members of the congregation. This place is called PAONTA SAHEB, and the Gurdwara and some parts of the original construction mark the place.

When the people heard that Guruji planned to stay here, they came from far and near. Daily prayers and Kirtan ‘darbars’ were organized. A large number of assorted tents and temporary structures were put up by the eager people. Guruji organized contests of physical daring in the river waters and on the land. He took expeditions into the jungles for hunting lion and other ferocious animals. It was a time of joyful activity on every front - physical, mental and spiritual. Guruji created the largest volume of poetry during this period. A number of writers, poets and artists gathered here, and received great encouragement and praise from Guruji.

The construction of the buildings was going on very quickly as it was everyone’s wish that Gurujis birthday should be celebrated with his entry into the new home.

One morning Guruji appeared very restless. The season had turned very cold, even though the hills were still without snow. Guruji arose late and reached the ‘diwan where ‘Kirtan was being performed much later then usual. He was over—heard saying "Its very cold, the bones cant take the cold any more - old, so very old now "

Those standing near were surprised, but held their peace, because they knew that there was some reason behind it, which would be revealed to them in due time.