Bandi Chor celebrates the release of Guru Har Govind from prison during Diwali, the Hindu festival of lamps. The Guru had been held as a political prisoner for nearly two years in the Gwalior Fort. Many princes of the land had also been incarcerated. Upon news of his release, the Guru negotiated the freedom of whoever could grasp hold of his hem of his skirt. Guru Har Govind managed to liberate 52 Rajas by arranging to have ties sewn to the hem of his skirt he wore when he walked out of the fort.
Perhaps his inspiration came from the hymns of his father Guru Arjan Dev who wrote:
"Har Sajan divan lageeaa kisai na dae-a-ee ||
One cannot be kept in bondage who holds fast to the skirt of God our Friend." SGGS ||134
Waheguru ji ka khalsa Waheguru ji ki fateh. I like the compassion shown here. Most people wud have just left out of concern 4 only themselves. this is a good example of how we shud b 2 each other. Happy Diwali Satanaam shri Wahegru!!
We often talk about the goodness, compassion and love of Guru Ji. Often overlooked is their intelligence and resourcefulness. Who among us could have thought up such a clever way of freeing all the princes? This particular true story always brings a smile.