Bhai Prema The Cripple

A devout young Sikh named Bhai Prema lived in a village by the name of Talwandi Choudhrian about 7.5 km's from Goindwal. Bhai Prema was lame in one leg and walked with great difficulty. And yet, he was such a staunch Sikh of Guru Amar Das that, every morning, he would religiously carry a pot of milk for the Guru's langar. Bhai Prema would use a crutch and walk all the way to Goindwal and back everyday, to serve the Guru. He would feel satisfied and content after the daily sewa.

One day during the monsoons, it had rained very heavily, mud had made the road very slippery. Though it was dangerous for a person like Bhai Prema to go out in such a state, he still went without hesitation. Picking up his pot, Bhai Prema began walking on his crutches towards Goindwal. Bhai Prema slipped a few times but was not deterred. However some of the villagers, who saw him slip, laughed and advised him to stay home that day. When Bhai Prema ignored the villagers they began taunting him saying that if his Guru really had any divine power, wouldn't he have cured his devoted Sikh of his disability.

Though Bhai Prema was really hurt by the snide remarks about his beloved Guru, he remained silent and continued his journey. Finally, when Bhai Prema arrived in Goindwal and had delivered his pot to the langar, Guru Amar Das called him to his side. Guru Amar Das was aware of the villagers remarks and was pleased to see that Bhai Prema had lived up to his teachings by not reacting angrily.

Guru Amar Das asked Bhai Prema to visit a muslim darvesh (a darvesh or dervish is a Sufi muslim ascetic usually known for their extreme poverty and austerity) known as Husain, who lived on the banks of the river Beas. Guru Amar Das told Bhai Prema that Husain could cure his leg.

When Bhai Prema arrived to meet the darvesh, the muslim got very angry, he said that he had no such power and thought that this lame man was trying to make fun of him. In his anger, he picked up a stick and rose to hit Bhai Prema. Seeing the darvesh's anger, Bhai Prema leapt up and ran for his life. Bhai Prema had covered a good distance when he suddenly realised that he had left his crutches behind and was running on his own. He was amazed at the miracle. He couldn't believe his eyes! He ran back to the darvesh and, falling at this feet, told him everything.

When the darvesh saw the miracle with his own eyes, he realised the power of Guru Amar Das for the first time. Lifting Bhai Prema up by the shoulders, he told him that it was all Guru Amar Das's doing, and that his leg had been cured the minute Guru Amar Das had sent him.

The miracle was all Guru Amar Das's work but he had wanted the darvesh to take the credit for it. From that day on, Husain became a Sikh of Guru Amar Das, while Bhai Prema dedicated his life to the service of his beloved Guru.

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  Gurdwara Sri Chaubara Sahib Goindwal

  (approximate location) Goindwal Sahib, Tarn Taran, Punjab, India.

  Associated with Sri Guru Amar Das Ji, Sri Guru Ram Das Ji, Sri Guru Arjan Sahib Ji.

  Gurdwara Sri Chaubara Sahib Goindwal was the home of Guru Amar Das and his family. Many Sikh related events occurred here.

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