Gobind Rai and the Five
Taps
Like most children, young Gobind Rai liked to have fun. But unlike most
children, he never cried and he was always in a happy mood. His mother dressed
him up in princely clothes and put a feather in his turban and he always looked
very clean and handsome. He was looked after by everyone and was very well
protected. His mother, grandmother and uncle were all very saintly people who
played with him and raised him in his early years. They loved him so much.
Throughout his childhood Gobind Rai had entertainment, games, friends and
everything, he was always happy.
Gobind Rai was also a
natural leader. He loved to make up games and played every day in the river. He
was very fearless and while on a boat he always rowed harder and urged his
friends to go faster. Wherever he went, his friends followed him around. When
it was time to eat, he would say, “Now everyone sit in a line!” All the kids
would sit and eat first because Gobind Rai insisted on eating last. And even
though he could be quite mischievous, his actions somehow always brought joy to
others.
Once there were two ladies of the community who
saw Gobind playing with all his friends. One of them badly wanted a son. She
admired so much, "He's such a handsome, charming child! Oh how I long to
have a child like that!" Her friend replied, "He's more than a
handsome boy, he's the son of the Guru. He's a divine child. I’ve heard that
what he says comes true, even when he’s joking. If you ask him to bless you
with a son, I’m sure he has the power to do it, just like his father the
Guru."
The two women went to Gobind Rai, and the
childless one asked, "I have no child to play with in my lap. Will you
bless me with a child? I want nothing else." Gobind Rai's mood became a
little more serious and he spoke carefully like an adult, "It all depends
on one's deeds. If it is your destiny, then you will have children. It is not
for me to say." The women were really surprised with the wisdom coming
from such a young boy.
The woman knew better than to give up. So she
went to Gobind Rai’s mother, Mata Gujri Ji and said, "I have full faith in
your holy husband. If he were here, I would ask him for this blessing. I long
for nothing more than to have a child like Gobind Rai. I know that he is a
special boy, can you please ask him to bless me with a child?"
Mata Gujri was a very
beautiful and loving lady, and she knew the woman was very heartfelt in her
wish. So when Gobind Rai finished playing outside, Mata Gujri Ji asked him,
"Gobind, my child. This woman is a devotee of your father. Why don't you
fulfill her wish; all she wants is to have a beautiful son to play with in her
lap." Gobind Rai was always in a good mood and cheerfully responded,
"Mataji, you know children aren't given by God just like that; this lady
must give something. Her family has many boats. Ask her to give away the most
beautiful one. Then she can be blessed with not one but five sons."
The woman, on hearing this
from Mata Gujri, knew what a great blessing this was. Gobind Rai came to her
with a stick in his hand. He tapped her five times on the head and said,
"Not one but five sons will be born!" The woman was overjoyed, and
rushed home to tell her husband of the blessing they had received.
The couple were in bliss
and went to choose which was their most beautiful boat to give. They would have
given anything. They felt honored and blessed to give the boat to the Guru’s
son, the handsome Gobind Rai. Over time they actually did have 5 sons. They
were so thankful and knew that the child Gobind Rai was more than just a
mischief maker, he was a saint sent from God. And in time he became a great man
who held the throne of Guru Nanak.
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