The 20 Baloli (Rupee) coins
that led to the establishment of the Guru Ka Langgar by Guru Nanak Dev Ji
By Saran Singh Sidhu (AMN, AMP (PNM, TNM, FMNS, FRNS)
6th May, 2022
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
With the blessings of Waheguru, the Almighty
Creator of the Universe, blessed be His Name, who sent the prophet-teacher, Sri
Guru Nanak Dev Ji to this earth. His parents, Baba Kalyan Chand (Mehta Kalu)
and Mata Tripta, were extremely fortunate to be blessed with the child, Guru
Nanak, in the month of Kattak, Vikram Samvat 1526 = October 1469AD, in the town
of Rai Bhoi Ki Talwandi (now known as Nankana Saheb in Pakistan). The family
Pandit (priest) predicted that Guru Nanak would be a devout follower of God and
lead many other believers to Him (The Supreme Lord).
Guru Nanak was wise beyond his years even as a
child. He used to have religious discussions with holy men, Sadhus, and Fakirs,
who were astounded by his profound knowledge and wisdom.
When Guru Nanak was about 17 years of age (around
1486AD), his father Kalyan Chand (Mehta Kalu) felt that his son was old enough
to start his own profitable business as a trader. Guru Nanak was approaching
marriageable age, so he needed to take on the responsibilities of a
householder.
Guru Nanak received 20 Bahloli (Rupee) coins from Mehta Kalu Ji. These coins were made of 80 rati billion tangkas and contained 0.16 percent silver. These coins were minted during the reign of India's Lodhi Dynasty's Bahlul Shah Lodhi (1451-1489AD).
LODHI DYNASTY
Copper Bahloli’s
(Bahlul Shah Lodhi 1451 – 1489 (AH 855 – AH 894))
Guru Nanak and his devout disciple, Bhai Mardana, had only travelled about 12 miles (18 kilometres) from Rai Bhoi Ki Talwandi when they came across a village where the people were sick and hungry due to poverty and a lack of food. A group of Sadhus (holy men) seated under a tree not far away had not eaten food for a few days. Guru Nanak quickly decided that the best True Bargain (Secha Sauda) would be to provide food and provisions for these hungry villagers and Sadhus in their hour of need. Guru Nanak and Bhai Mardana went to the nearest town to get the supplies they needed. Guru Nanak spent all 20 Bahlolis (Rupees) given to him by his father, Kalyan Chand (Mehta Kalu), on these necessities and transported them to these impoverished villagers and Sadhus on a bullock cart. By performing this good deed, Guru Nanak made a profitable trade by serving all those in need by sharing all the provisions and receiving their heartfelt blessings.
The above incident became the forerunner of what
became known as the Guru Ka Langar (blessed food of the Guru). The Sikh
community now performs this voluntary service all over the world. The majestic
Gurdwara Secha Sauda stands in this location in Fatooqabad, District Sheikpura,
Pakistan.
The Guru Ka Langgar concept has evolved to
include humanitarian aid during times of major disasters (e.g., Earthquakes,
Tsunami in Acheh in 2018), food, blankets, and temporary shelters for refugees
in war zones, free eye clinics, medical treatment, and the supply of medicines,
and oxygen cylinders during the Covid pandemic in India (2021), and relief
operations during floods in Shah Alam (Selangor) and Mentakab (Pahang) in 2021.
Khalsa Aid U.K., Global Sikhs in the U.K.,
U.S.A., and Malaysia, United Sikhs U.K., and Sri Guru Nanak Dev Sewa Society,
U.S.A. are some of the Sikh organisations that have done yeoman service (Sewa)
during disasters.
Guru Nanak Dev Ji's philosophy - Naam Japoh
(recite the name of Waheguru), Kirat Karoh (earn an honest living), Wand Kay
Shakoh (share your earnings) - has truly left its imprint on the Sikh
community, moulding them into selfless servants of humanity.
May Waheguru's blessings be with you always
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