Rival claims: Baba Dasu and Baba Datu
The kick at Goindwal
Baba Datu kicks Guru Ji before the congregation, and Guru Ji responds by asking if his foot is hurt.
The Suraj Prakash, as reported by the Encyclopaedia, says Baba Datu took up yogic practices to win powers and a following of his own. One evening he walked into the congregation at Goindwal and kicked the old Guru. People were stunned. Guru Ji took hold of the young man's foot and stroked it, asking pardon in case his hard old bones had hurt the foot of his master's son.
Baba Datu grew angrier, called him a usurper and ordered him out. Guru Ji went quietly to Basarke. The story goes on to say that Baba Datu then took what he could carry, was thrown by Guru Ji's mare, was robbed on the way home and returned to Khadur lame and empty-handed.
How do we know?
Several traditional accounts tell this story, without close independent support.
The Encyclopaedia says Baba Datu made amends only under Sri Guru Arjun Dev Ji and lived until 1628. These are sectarian memories of a real succession conflict, with the rival's view lost.
- ScholarshipCites the Suraj Prakash for the kick, the reply and the departure to Basarke.[EoS]
- Later traditionTells of Baba Datu's resentment at Khadur and his attempt to sit on the throne at Goindwal.[Macauliffe]
