Bhai Gupala was a dedicated Sikh of the time of Guru Arjan Sahib and Guru Hargobind Sahib. He was an intelligent person and was well versed in the Sikh scriptures. He was a brave soldier too. He fought bravely in the battles of Ruhila (September 27 and October 3, 1621) and Amritsar (April 13, 1634). When Guru Sahib was camping at Ruhila, a Sikh named Bhai Subhaga, presented five fine horses to Guru Sahib. Guru Sahib distributed three horses to Baba Gurditta, Bhai Bidhi Chand and Painda Khan and kept two for himself.
According to a story, one day, while addressing the Sangat, Guru Sahib asked if any Sikh would recite Japuji Sahib correctly, he will get a reward. Bhai Gupala recited Japji Sahib so accurately that Guru Sahib rewarded him with one of the horses which had been brought by Bhai Subhaga and a Siropao (robe of honour).
(Dr Harjinder Singh Dilgeer)