TheSikhs.org


KHEDA, BHAI


Bhai Kheda, a Brahmin, a resident of Khem Karan (district Amritsar) was a follower of the mythical Hindu goddess Durga. He used to regularly visit the temple of Jawalmukhi. Once, on his way to Jawalamukhi, he stopped at Goindwal. When he came to know about the personality of Guru Amar Das Sahib, he went to visit him. There, he was told that before one visits Guru Sahib, one has to share food in the Langar hall. When he went to the Langar hall, he saw that every one, without distinction of caste or status had to share the same food cooked jointly by all the devotees. He did not join Langar and went away without meeting Guru Sahib. On his way to Jawalamukhi, he made another break at some place. That night his mythical goddess appeared in his dreams and rebuked him for not sharing food in the Langar of Guru Sahib. He at once broke his journey and returned to Goindwal. He shared food in the Langar hall and visited Guru Sahib. He was impressed by the teachings of Guru Sahib. He requested Guru Sahib to initiate him into the Sikh faith. Bhai Kheda, later, brought several persons to the Sikh fold. Guru Sahib appointed him as one of the twenty-two major missionaries of the Sikh faith.

(Dr Harjinder Singh Dilgeer)