t was in December 1972 that Baba Narinder Singh Ji took both these bands to offer his homage and worship to Mahan Baba Harnam Singh Ji Maharaj at Bhuchon in Bathinda District. It was just past midnight, the day being the Auspicious Annual Samagam of Mahan Baba Harnam Singh Ji Maharaj. Bands struck the tunes of devotional music at the Holy Feet of Mahan Babaji. Village folk awakened from their deep slumber, rushed towards the holy spot and soon there was a collection of thousands of devotees in addition to the large congregation which was already present there.

Baba Narinder Singh Ji offered his Band Salami.

Oh Lord of all Universes Oh Lord of my Supreme Lord (Baba Nand Singh Ji Maharaj) My Most adorable Dada Guru (Dada stands for Grand Father as Baba Nand Singh Ji Maharaj was his spiritual father) All divine celestials are paying their obeisance to you. All the Universes are singing your Glories. Crores of Akhand and Sampat Akhand Paths are being recited in your honour. Eh Baba Nand Singh Ji Maharaj Da Kutta Eh Baba Nand Singh Ji Maharaj De Dar Da Kutta Eh Baba Nand Singh Ji Maharaj De Kuttian Da Kutta Eh Baba Nand Singh Ji Maharaj De Kalu Kutte Da Vee Kutta Eh Baba Nand Singh Ji Maharaj Da Churha (Sweeper) Terey Dar Te Ik Tuchh Band Lai Kay Haazir Hoya Hai Sachay Patshah Parwaan Karo This humble dog of Baba Nand Singh Ji Maharaj, this humble dog of the altar of Baba Nand Singh Ji Maharaj, this humble dog of the dogs of Baba Nand Singh Ji Maharaj, this humble dog of kalu dog of Baba Nand Singh Ji Maharaj, this humble sweeper of Baba Nand Singh Ji Maharaj is standing with folded hands at your door and altar, with a humble band to offer to you, the Lord of my Lord, a humble Salami (salute). O Merciful Lord, accept this humble salutation as a token of my humble love at your holy feet.

With burning fire of his love for his beloved Master, he instantly set ablaze the minds of all those present with devotion. One could hear outbursts of loving cries from all directions and see tears flowing on every face. Such was invariably the ecstatic impact and powerful influence of his mighty sentiment of devotional love.

The congregation there met a true inheritor of the pure love of his Beloved Baba Ji, a true inheritor of the Grace and Humility of Baba Ji, a true inheritor of the Kingdom of Bliss of Baba Nand Singh Ji Maharaj.

After the touching and tearful salami we, alongwith father, retired to a room, arranged for his stay. An old Pandit Ji followed with tearful eyes and sat respectfully on the ground.

Pandit Ji’s gaze was fixed on Baba Narinder Singh Ji and tears were streaming down his cheeks. Father paid courteous compliments to Pandit Ji with reverence. Pandit Ji then conversed the following;

“My name is Jai Lal. I have been the Pujari of the Temple down below since the times of Mahan Baba Harnam Singh Ji Maharaj. Once I was sitting in His presence. It was nearly 45 to 50 years ago. Mahan Baba Ji suddenly said, ‘Oh Pandit’ I replied ‘Ji Maharaj’. He again repeated - ‘Oh Pandit, sun, sadha ati piara putt band liyaegaa tay saanu bare hi piar naal salamian deveygaa - yaad rakheen’. ‘Listen Oh Pandit, my most beloved son will bring bands here and offer salutations here with utmost love- remember this.’ ” “As it was 45 to 50 years old incident, the same had faded from my mind. But today, as I heard the deafening roar of Devotional Band Tunes, the whole old scene flashed before my eyes. I got up and rushed here to have the Darshans of that beloved son of Mahan Baba Harnam Singh Ji Maharaj. That son whose love and devotion was so warmly acknowledged in anticipation and in advance by the Lord of Love. The same Noor, the same Parkash radiates from your face and you are the same Saroop. Such deep resemblance.”

And saying this he tried to touch father’s feet. But father with due respect and reverence stopped him. But both father and esteemed Pandit Ji burst into tears like children and so did we all in sacred memory of Mahan Baba Harnam Singh Ji Maharaj, Lord of All Grace and Compassion.

The Lord of Love was awaiting, in earnestness, the loving homage of His most beloved son, his unique Band Salami. He was anxiously waiting nearly 50 years in advance and when Salami was offered, the Lord warmly accepted it in flesh and blood and took His beloved son in His warm embrace. Many viewers envisioned the whole soul - stirring event totally wonderstruck.

Babaji took these bands to a number of Historical Gurdwaras and offered his humble salutations there. Notable amongst these were salutations at Sri Harimandir Sahib during 1972 (Kar Sewa) and Sri Goindwal Sahib on the 500th Sacred Birth Anniversary of Sri Guru Amar Das Ji. If possible, holy incidents relating thereto will be detailed in next issue.