Jait Ram was the in charge of the Dera (at Naraina) of Dadu Dial (1544 – 1603), a Hindu saint. Naraina is a town, about 5 km from railway station Phulera, in Rajasthan. Guru Nanak Sahib visited it during his missionary journey and Guru Gobind Singh Sahib, on his way from Itmadpur, in 1708. Here, Guru Gobind Singh Sahib tested the Sikhs’ understanding of the concept of the rejection of worship of the monasteries. In Naraina, there is a monastery of a saint named Dadu. Guru Sahib tilted an arrow towards the mausoleum of Dadu in such a manner that it should look like showing regards for Dadu. The Sikhs immediately reacted and indicted Guru Sahib for showing respect for monastery, which was forbidden in Sikh faith. Guru Sahib, though he wanted to test the Sikhs, agreed and five Sikhs made a Gurmata asking Guru Sahib to pay a penalty of rupees 125. Guru Sahib bowed before the Gurmata and paid the penalty. This incident was reported to Jait Ram by some of his followers. After this, Mahant Jait Ram visited Guru Sahib and requested him (Guru Sahib) to pay a visit to his Dera. At the Dera Mahant Jait Ram gave warm welcome to Guru Sahib. Guru Sahib dined at the Dera. Even the falcon of Guru Sahib shared vegetarian food at the Dera. Mahant Jait Ram asked Guru Sahib as to why had he (Guru Sahib) taken to arms. Guru Sahib told him that tyranny could not be brought to an end without armed resistance.
(Dr Harjinder Singh Dilgeer)