Daula Shah was a spiritual noble of Gujrat (Pakistan). He was impressed by recitation of Sukhmani Sahib (hymn composed by Guru Arjan Sahib) by Bhai Garhia, a dedicated Sikh missionary of the time of Guru Hargobind Sahib, who halted at Gujrat, on his way to Kashmir. Later, when Guru Hargobind Sahib visited Gujrat, on his way from Kashmir to Keeratpur Sahib, Daula Shah came to make obeisance to Guru Sahib. Guru Sahib explained to him that even a spiritual person must lead the life of a householder. Guru Sahib also explained to him the concept of oneness of Miri and Piri (temporal and transcendental). Once Bhai Daula Shah sent 100 tola (more than one kilo) gold to Guru Gobind Singh, for the latter’s mission. Bhai Daula died during the time of Guru Gobind Singh Sahib. Gujrat is also known as Daula ki Gujrat because of him. His tomb has been built in the northern side of the town. It is a tradition in Gujrat that the children, who were born with a small head or were dwarf, are offered at the tomb of Daula Shah. These children are used for collection of funds for the shrine. The children with such physical features used to be called as “Daula Shah da/di chuha/chuhi”.
(Dr Harjinder Singh Dilgeer)