BHIVA, BHAI,

BHIVA, BHAI, and his brother, Rup Chand, businessmen of Sirhind, were devout Sikhs of the time of Guru Arjan. They lived honestly, celebrated the Sikh festivals, and entertained their brethren faith on such occasions. Once a Mughal came to deposit with them gold mohars hid in a hollow piece of bamboo. They put away the bamboopiece for safe custody, but forgot to make an entry of the deposit in their books. The Mughal returned after five years to claim the deposit.

Bhiva and Rup Chand did not remember and, not finding any record of it in their books, they denied having ever received it. An altercation followed and the matter was taken before the faujdar, the local gover nor, who decided to make a trial. A trough of boiling hot oil was produced and both Bhiva and the Mughal were ordered to dip their right hands in it if they still persisted in their respective claims. Both the contenders readily complied. Bhiva`s hand, as says Bhai Mani Singh, Sikhan di Bhagat Mala, remained unscathed whereas the Mughal`s was badly scalded.

Bhiva and his brother returned happily, acquitted of the blame. Yet, wondering why the Mughal had accepted to go through the ordeal so confidently, they carried out a thorough search of their house. They eventually found the bamboo filled with gold mohars lying in an obscure nook. Filled with remorse, they at once went to the Mughal, apologized to him and returned to him his money.

As intrigued as he felt happy, he asked Bhai Bhiva, “But how was it that you came out of the ordeal unscathed?” Bhiva replied, “Because I was honestly innocent to myself and had, moreover, prayed to my Guru who protected my honour.” B`Aai Bhiva escorted the Mughal to the presence of Guru Arjan. He bowed before him and became a disciple.

References :

1. Man! Singh, Bhai, Sikhan di Bhagat Mala. Amritsar, 1955
2. Santokh Singh, Bhai, Sri Gur Pratap Sura/ Granth. Amritsar, 1926-37