HUMAYUN vs GURU ANGAD:
Humayan's father, Babar had come from Kabul with a large army. He wanted to
be the Emperor of India. His
wish was fulfilled. He became the first Mughul Emperor of India. Delhi was his
capital. He died after a few years.
His son, Humayun, became the Emperor in his place. But a few ears later, Sher
Shah Suri made up his mind to become the Emperor of India. So he decided to
drive away Humayun and take his throne. He fought a number of battles against
Humayun. Humayun was defeated.
He ran for his life. After some time he reached Lahore. He decided to see some holy men or saints. He wanted that they should pray for his success in getting back the throne of Delhi. He believed that the prayers of holy men were granted by God. So he thought, If I can find a really holy man, my wish can be fulfilled. He will pray for my success in getting back my throne. His prayer will be granted. I shall again become the Emperor of India. But where to find such a holy man.
Some people told him, 'Your father met Guru Nanak at Eminabad. He begged the
Guru to pray for him. The Guru agreed to pray for your father's success. His
prayer was granted by God.' 'Then,' said Humayun, 'I, too, shall see him. I
shall beg him to pray for me. His prayer will again be granted. I shall get
back my throne. But where is he?'
He was told, Guru Nanak is no more in the world. He chose Guru Angad to take
his place after him. Guru Angad
is at Khadur, near Tarn Taran.'
Hearing this Humayun got ready to go to Khadur. He took with him a number of
things. He wanted
to offer them to the Guru. In due course he reached Khadur. He went to the Guru's
place on horseback. He did
not get down from the horse on reaching the Guru's presence. He remained sitting
on the horse. He thought the
Guru would get up to meet him. At that time the Guru's mind was fixed on God.
Sikhs were singing hymns.
The Guru did not notice Humayun. At this Humayun became angry. He said to himself,
'I am the Emperor.
He is a mere faquir. He has not stood up to show respect to me. He has paid
no heed to me. He has insulted me.
I must punish him." Thinking thus, he drew his sword. He wanted to cut off the
Guru's head with the sword. The Guru opened his eyes. He looked at Humayun.
Then smiled and said, 'O Emperor, your sword comes out
so readily to strike men of God. But it could do nothing against Sher Shah.
Where was it then?'
Humayun felt ashamed. He put back his sword into its sheath. He got down from
the horse. He went near the Guru and bowed before him. He begged the Guru's
pardon. Then he said, 'O holy man of God, pray for me.
Pray to God that I may get back my throne.' The Guru replied, 'I shall pray
for you. You will get back your
kingdom after some time. But do not forget God even then. Be a just and kind
ruler.' Humayun was pleased. He bowed to the Guru and went away. He got back
his throne after some time.
[*Excerpt from : Stories from Sikh History ; By Dr. Kartar Singh & Principal
Gurdial Singh Dhillon: pub
Hemkunt Press New Delhi.]