Kiratpur and the last years
The passing of Guru Ji and the choice of Sri Guru Har Rai Ji
Guru Ji passes away at Kiratpur after naming his grandson; two followers throw themselves on the pyre.
The Dabistan says that Parrah Kaivan Yazdani came to see Guru Ji, and that less than a week after he left, Guru Ji made his last journey. When the body was on the pyre and the flames were high, a Rajput servant named Rajaram leaped into the fire, walked a few paces through it and put his face on Guru Ji's feet, and stayed there until he passed away. A Jat's son followed him. Many others wanted to do the same, until Sri Guru Har Rai Ji forbade it.
Before he passed away, the same writer says, Guru Ji had shown favour to the elder son of Babajio. He put the robe of succession on him, seated him in his own place, and told his family to obey him.
How do we know?
A close source supports this story, and a second independent source agrees.
The Dabistan's text gives 1055 AH, which Ganda Singh treats as a slip for 1054. Its author is the closest witness, and the Hijri and Bikrami dates agree only after that correction. The Dabistan's calling Sri Guru Har Rai Ji the elder son also differs from the Encyclopaedia, which makes Dhir Mall the elder.
- From the timeDescribes the passing on 3 Muharram, the pyre, Rajaram and the installation; Ganda Singh corrects the year to 1054 AH. (pp. 19-21)[Src]
- ScholarshipGives Chet sudi 5, 1701 Bk, or 3 March 1644, and cremation by the Sutlej at Patalpuri.[EoS]
- ScholarshipNotes that the Gurbilas wrongly dates the passing to 1695 Bk, or 1638.[EoS]
- ScholarshipDates the installation of Sri Guru Har Rai Ji to 8 March 1644.[EoS]
