barublogThe Devoted Soul in Butala Village
During the era of Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji, a devoted Sikh woman named Bibi Santi lived in the village of Butala. Though she was born into a Sikh family, her marriage led her into a household that followed Sakhi Sarvar, a Muslim Pir. Despite the opposition, especially from her mother-in-law, Bibi Santi held firmly to her faith and read Gurbani daily.
When tensions grew, she was forced out of the main house and made to live in a small hut nearby. Far from being discouraged, Bibi Santi found peace in her solitude, where she could freely meditate and connect with the Guru through Naam Simran and Gurbani.
Turning Her Husband Toward Sikhi
With deep love for Guru Sahib, Bibi Santi shared the Guru’s teachings with her husband. Slowly, her dedication influenced him, and he too embraced Sikhi. Their happiness grew with the birth of their son, Pulla. But fate struck hard, and her husband passed away suddenly, leaving her to raise their son alone.
Nurturing Faith in Young Bhai Pulla
Despite hardships, Bibi Santi remained strong in her faith. She raised Bhai Pulla with love for the Guru, filling his heart with stories of the Sikh Gurus and Gurbani. As he grew, so did his desire to witness the darshan of Guru Hargobind Sahib.
When he would ask his mother when Guru Sahib would visit them, she would say, “Satguru is all-knowing. If remembered with love, He will come.” Inspired by this belief, Bhai Pulla began carrying GuR (jaggery) tied in a cloth—his humble offering—hoping to one day present it to Guru Sahib.
Guru Sahib Arrives in Butala
One blessed day, Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji entered Butala with his Sikhs. As most villagers were non-believers in Sikhi, they paid no attention. But Guru Sahib rode directly to where Bhai Pulla was sitting, stopping His horse before him.
Overwhelmed with joy, Bhai Pulla tried to untie the cloth holding his GuR. But the knot was tight. With compassion, Guru Sahib said,
“Pulla! Let me open your knots…”
(sathigur sikh kae ba(n)dhhan kaattai || gur kaa sikh bikaar thae haattai ||)
Guru Sahib Himself untied the knot, accepted the GuR, and asked, “Pulla! My Sikhs and I are hungry. Can we have langar at your home?”
Humble Hospitality and Village Mockery
Filled with excitement, Bhai Pulla brought Guru Sahib home. On seeing Guru Sahib, Bibi Santi lost all awareness—such was the grace of darshan. Pulla reminded her to prepare langar.
Meanwhile, the villagers mocked the scene. They laughed from their rooftops, saying how the poor mother and son, who barely managed one meal a day, would now feed an entire sangat.
None of them offered help or loaned grains. They waited eagerly for the moment of humiliation.
Guru Sahib’s Command and a Divine Test
Knowing the situation, Guru Hargobind Sahib instructed Bhai Pulla to invite the entire village for langar. The villagers were stunned but curious to witness the so-called failure.
Guru Sahib then gave two kerchiefs—one to cover the flour, the other for the daal—and told Mata Santi not to peek beneath them. She had already prepared all the little flour and daal they had.
The Miracle of Endless Langar
As langar was served, something extraordinary happened. Despite the small amount of food, every Sikh and villager ate to their satisfaction, and the daal and parshadas kept coming. The kerchief-covered vessels never emptied.
The villagers, shocked and humbled, fell at Guru Sahib’s feet. They had expected shame and failure—but witnessed a divine miracle instead.
That day, the faith of Butala village turned toward Sikhi, all thanks to the unshakable devotion of Bibi Santi and Bhai Pulla.
The Eternal Truth
Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji showed that true devotion never goes unrewarded. He protects His Sikhs, uplifts the humble, and answers heartfelt ardaas. The story of Bibi Santi and Bhai Pulla reminds us that faith, love, and seva are always seen by the Guru—even when the world turns its back.
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