ੴSikh History

The succession of 1539

Seclusion at Mai Bhirai's house

After the founder's passing, Guru Ji withdraws into a locked room until Baba Buddha brings him out.

Agreed in tradition1539Khadur1 min read
Printed photograph of Gurdwara Darbar Sahib, Khadur Sahib
Gurdwara Sri Darbar Sahib at Khadur Sahib, printed in the Mahan Kosh of 1930. Commons says it was possibly photographed in 1924.Kahn Singh Nabha (publisher), Before 1930. Public domain. Source

The Mahima Prakash, as the Encyclopaedia reports it, says that Guru Ji did not go back to his own home at Khadur. He went instead to the house of Mai Bhirai, an old family friend, shut himself in a room and stayed there in deep meditation.

When Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji had passed away, the Sikhs came looking for their new leader. Bhai Buddha led them to the room and persuaded Guru Ji to come out and take up his duty to the sangat.

How do we know?

Several traditional accounts tell this story, without close independent support.

  • ScholarshipCites the Mahima Prakash for the retreat and for Bhai Buddha's part in ending it.[EoS]
  • ScholarshipPlaces the return to Khadur after the anointment and links the village to Mai Bhirai's marriage there.[EoS]
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"Seclusion at Mai Bhirai's house". Sikh History: lives of the Gurus. https://sikh-history.co.uk/stories/guru-angad-seclusion-at-mai-bhirai-s-house/