Born as a low caste jatt
in the village of Dhuan (Rajasthan) he to exemplify pure devotion
to the Almighty. Bhai Gurdas ji, describes the episode the exemplified
Dhanna's devotion as a child:
‘Brahmin was worshipping the idol Dhanna was coming
grazing his cattle.
Dhana saw this spectacle he asked the Brahmin [why you do this]
the Brahmin explained: "Serving the master [idol] what
ever you desire you may attain".
Dhanna clasped his hands and pleaded: "Give me one [idol]
like yours".
Wrapping up [any old stone] the Brahmin, to get rid of Dhanna,
gave it to him.
Washing [what he considered] the Master he placed butter milk
and Chapati [unleavened bread] in front of it.
Clasping and pleading [the innocent child Dhanna] falling at
his feet tried to persuade it [the stone] to eat food many ways.
"Why do you not eat? Why are you angry? [Until you eat]
I will not reside in comfort [meaning will Dhanna not eat also]".
Gosai [God] revealed himself [from stone] and ate the Chapati
and put the butter milk to [Dhanna's] lips. Child-like
love takes you to Gobind.’
(‘Bhai Gurdas Dee Var', Hymn 10, Verse 13)
Dhanna
A fresco from a Gurudwara at Narangabad, Punjab depicting scenes
from the life of Bhagat Dhanna and his devotion to 'Nirgun' (formless)
Almighty
4 of Dhanna's works can be found in the
Adi Guru Durbar.
Pipa
Pipa, a disciple of Ramanand
was born in the village of Gagraun (Jalawar District, Rajasthan)
circa 1425. He was a devotee of Durga (warrior
Goddess).
Durga
Also known as Uma, Gauri, Paarvati, Haimavati, Jaganmata, Kali,
Kalika,
Syaama, Chandi, Chandika, Bhairavi, Das-bhuj, the goddess is the
primodial
power of the Almighty designed to vanquish ignorance, hatred, tyranny
and oppression
According to history, Pipa is said to
have been instructed by Durga to seek out Ramanand at the town of
Kanshi. Born as a Prince, he gave up his kingdom and 11 of his 12
wives and became a hermit. The wife who accompanied him was named
Sita.
Living in a cave that had a tunnel to
a temple devoted to Krishan Maharaj he spent most of his life and
composed many hymns among them including, 'Sri Pipaji Baani'
and 'Sarb Gutkha'.
One of his ballads can be found in the
Adi Guru Durbar that reveals the development from materialist prayer
to that of the 'Nirgun' (unseen) realm.
