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DATU


Bhai Datu (1537 – 1628), the younger son of Guru Angad Sahib, was born at Khadur Sahib. He got married in 1548. He was rejected as successor-in-mission by Guru Angad Sahib. Due to his impertinent behaviour, Guru Amar Das Sahib moved to Goindwal Sahib. Once he visited Goindwal Sahib, entered the congregation hall and kicked Guru Amar Das Sahib. Before some one could take him to task, Guru Sahib turned around and grasped his foot, caressed it and asked him to pardon him (Guru Amar Das Sahib) if the hard bones of an old man had hurt his tender foot. Aggressive Datu, in stead of feeling sorry for his impertinence, flew into rage and asked Guru Sahib to leave Goindwal. Guru Sahib obliged him by moving to his native village Basarke. After Guru Sahib’s departure Dasu pillaged the house of Guru Sahib. When he tried to climb the mare of Guru Sahib, it did not let him mount on it. In an attempt to control the mare, he injured his leg. On his way back to Khadur Sahib, he was waylaid by robbers. He returned home empty-handed. Datu continued his style for several years. Before his death, he however, tried to make amends. In September 1628, he visited Amritsar to condole the death of Baba Atal Rai (son of Guru Hargobind Sahib). He died soon after, at Khadur Sahib.

(Dr Harjinder Singh Dilgeer)