DAULTAN, a Muslim midwife of the village of Talvandi Rai Bhoi, who attended the birth of Baba Kalu`s son who became renowned as Guru Nanak. As the birth of a male child was announced, Baba Kalu requested the family Pandit, Hardial, to cast the child`s horoscope. As Hardial worked out the stellar configuration, he was, says Bala Janam Sakhi, much impressed and wished to know if the midwife had not seen any signs. Daultari, who was sent for to speak with him, said that there were many children born under her care, but none so extraordinary as Kalu`s son. She described his first cry as the laughter of a grownup person and expressed her amazement at the portents she had witnessed.
References :
1. Vir Singh, Bhai, ed., Puratan Janam Sakhi, Amritsar, 1982
2. Santokh Singh, Bhai, Sri Gur Pratap Suraj Granth. Amritsar, 1926-37
3. Kohli, Surindar Singh, ed.,Janani Sakhi” Bhai Bala. Chandigarh, 1975
4. Macauliffe, Max Arthur, The Sikh Religion. Oxford, 1909
5. Harbans Singh, Guru Nanak and the Origins of the Sikh Faith. Delhi, 1969
Mehta Kalu the Land-recorder of village Talwandi Rai Bhoi was eagerly waiting for some special news. As the day dawned the village midwife Daultan came out from the room of his expecting wife Tripta (Puratan JS, p.38) He eagerly enquired:
“Daultan! What is the news?’
“It is a son! A son with a million lights spreading from his face! Millions of congratulations to you! This being the first son in the family, celebrate is in a grand manner.” Daultan was brimming with an exquisite ecstasy. Mehta Kalu could not hold his joy: “Wonderful! Take this all that I have in my pocket. This is all yours for such wonderful news! I will certainly celebrate it as an event to remember”.
“He is no ordinary child! Strange things happened when he was born. The room was flooded with celestial lights and divine music pouring from nowhere. A great soul has entered your house; so take extra care.” Daultan praised the child.
“Do not worry! Pandit Hardyal will tell me more of this,” he told Daultan and enquired, “What was the time of the birth?”
“Amritvela (Ambrosial hours)!” Daultan told while departing.
As the day rose Mehta Kalu went to Pandit Hardyal the family priest and requested for astrological predictions. Pandit Hardyal murmured: “Today is 20th Vaisakh 1526 Bikrami (15th April 1469 AD). It was poornmasi (full moon night) and time was amritvela (3/4th part of the night). As he opened the relevant pages of the astrology book he exclaimed: “Wow! What a time to come on earth! A great man he is indeed.” I will prepare his horoscope and give you soon. Please handle him with care. He is a special gift to you by God.”
The news of a special child spread in the village soon. Members of an extended family of Mehta Kalu including brother Lalu’s family came and celebrated the event. The news of the newborn spread and the family members of Mehta family gathered to have a look at the newborn. Mehta Kalu distributed sweets among all and clothes to the poor who came to congratulate his son. (Puratan JS:38)
