The Life Before
Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa, Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh!
Hello friends, and welcome to Season 2 of the Sikh History Sakhi podcast.
I am Harpreet Kaur, your host.
THE LIFE BEFORE GURUSHIP
In Season 1, we explored how Bhai Lehna Ji, through immense devotion and spiritual tests, was blessed with Guruship and became Guru Angad Dev Ji. We also learned how, after hearing Gurbani just once from Bhai Jodh Ji, he left everything behind in Khadur to meet Guru Nanak Dev Ji.
Bhai Lehna Ji remained in Kartarpur for nearly seven years, serving Guru Nanak Dev Ji with utmost devotion. As beautifully described by Bhai Gurdas Ji in Vaar 1, Pauri 45:
ਥਾਪਿਆ ਲਹਿਣਾ ਜੀਵਦੇ ਗੁਰਿਆਈ ਸਿਰਿ ਛਤ੍ਰ ਫਿਰਾਇਆ।
"Thapiaa Lehnaa Jeevday Guriāee Sir Chhatr Phirāiaa"
Guru Nanak Dev Ji bestowed the Guruship upon Bhai Lehna Ji by placing the spiritual canopy over his head, thus appointing him as Guru Angad Dev Ji.
In today’s episode, let’s take a step back and discover the life of Bhai Lehna Ji before he became Guru Angad Dev Ji.
BIRTH AND PARENTS
Bhai Lehna Ji was born on March 31, 1504, in Matte Di Sarai, located in present-day Muktsar District, Punjab. His parents were Bhai Pheru Mal Ji and Mata Sabhrai Ji, also lovingly known as Mata Daya Kaur Ji.
Coming from a devout Hindu family, they were followers of Mata Durga. Bhai Pheru Mal Ji, a deeply religious man, made annual pilgrimages to the Jwala Mukhi Temple, and even installed an idol of Durga Mata in their home, where many gathered for devotional singing.
The birth of Bhai Lehna Ji was celebrated with great joy and hymns of praise. Today, Gurdwara Sri Janam Asthan Guru Angad Sahib Ji stands at his birthplace, where Guru Ji spent the first 11 years of his life.
CHILDHOOD AND EDUCATION
Bhai Pheru Mal Ji ensured that his son received a strong education. Bhai Lehna Ji was taught Persian, Sanskrit, and Arithmetic by learned teachers.
Following in his father’s footsteps, he too became a devoted worshipper of Durga Mata and took on the responsibility of organizing annual pilgrimages to the Jwala Ji Temple.
Yet, even with all this devotion, Bhai Lehna Ji felt an inner emptiness—a silent longing that would eventually guide him to Guru Nanak Dev Ji.
MARRIAGE AND FAMILY
In January 1520, Bhai Lehna Ji married Mata Khivi Ji, the daughter of Bhai Devi Chand and Mata Karan Devi from Sanghar (now in Pakistan). After marriage, the family moved to Hari Ke Pattan, where Bhai Pheru Mal Ji opened a shop. However, due to Babar’s invasion, they relocated and settled in Khadur Sahib, near Tarn Taran, Amritsar.
There, Bhai Pheru Mal Ji started a successful money-lending business, which was later taken over by Bhai Lehna Ji after his father's passing in 1526.
Guru Ji and Mata Khivi Ji had four children:
Sons: Bhai Dasu Ji and Bhai Datu Ji
Daughters: Bibi Amro Ji and Bibi Anokhi Ji
Though Mata Khivi Ji lived a comfortable life, she is most remembered for her compassion and her instrumental role in establishing the Sikh tradition of Langar—selfless service through community kitchens, known as “Mata Khivi Ji da Langar.” Her sewa is even honored in Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji—a topic we will explore in future episodes.
RELIGIOUSNESS AND LEGACY
Dear friends, Guru Angad Dev Ji, the second Guru of the Sikhs, is remembered for his deep humility and devotion to Guru Nanak Dev Ji. To preserve Guru Nanak's teachings, he developed the Gurmukhi script, which became the foundation of Sikh scripture. He also emphasized Langar, Sewa, and physical well-being.
We will delve deeper into Guru Angad Dev Ji's contributions in the coming episodes.
Tune in next Tuesday as we continue this divine journey and learn what happened when Guruship was passed on to Bhai Lehna Ji.
May these stories bring light and peace to your life.
Thank you for listening!
