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<p class="C1">&#65279BHIKH&#256R&#298, BH&#256&#298, Bh&#257b&#7771&#257 by caste, was a devoted Sikh of the time of Gur&#363 Arjan. He lived in the town of Gujr&#257t. Bh&#257&#299 Gurd&#257s, <i>V&#257r&#257&#7749</i>, XI. 30, lists him among prominent Sikhs of the time. He plied an honest trade, helped needy Sikhs and other holy men and recited the sacred word. Once, as says Bh&#257&#299 Man&#299 Si&#7749gh, <i>Sikh&#257&#7749 d&#299 Bhagat M&#257l&#257</i>, a Sikh waited on Gur&#363 Hargobind, Gur&#363 Arjan's successor, and begged to be shown a model Sikh. The latter directed him to Bh&#257&#299 Bhikh&#257r&#299. As the Sikh reached Gujr&#257t, he found Bh&#257&#299 Bhikh&#257r&#299's household bustling with activity owing to preparations  for the marriage of his son. But Bh&#257&#299 Bhikh&#257r&#299 sat calm and unexcited, mending an old mat. The Sikh introduced himself and was warmly received by his host. Amid the festivity in the house, the Sikh was puzzled to see in one small room a bier, a shroud, and other funeral articles. Questioned about these, Bh&#257&#299 Bhikh&#257r&#299 told his guest that he would know. The nuptials took place as arranged and Bh&#257&#299 Bhikh&#257r&#299 distributed charity to mark the happy event. At night, as says <i>Sikh&#257&#7749 d&#299 Bhagat M&#257l&#257</i>, the bridegroom had pain in the stomach. No treatment availed and the young man died within hours. Wailing broke out in the house, but Bh&#257&#299 Bhikh&#257r&#299 remained serene and undisturbed. He cremated his son next day, using the bier and shroud the guest had seen in the house and spread out the mended mat for the mourners. He entreated everyone to accept the Will of God and not to lament. The visitor bowed his head in reverence to Bh&#257&#299 Bhikh&#257r&#299 and took his leave. He related the episode to Gur&#363 Hargobind and the <i>sa&#7749gat</i>, who praised Bh&#257&#299 Bhikh&#257r&#299 for his faith and piety.</p>
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BIBLIOGRAPHY<p class="C1"><ol class="C1"><li class="C1"><i>Gurbil&#257s Chhev&#299&#7749 P&#257tsh&#257h&#299</i> . Patiala, 1970<BR>
<li class="C1"> Man&#299 Si&#7749gh, Bh&#257&#299, <i>Sikh&#257&#7749 d&#299 Bhagat M&#257l&#257</i>. Amritsar, 1955<BR>
<li class="C1"> Santokh Si&#7749gh, Bh&#257&#299, <i>Sr&#299 Gur Prat&#257p S&#363raj Granth</i>. Amritsar, 1926-37<BR>
</ol><p class="CONT">T&#257ran Si&#7749gh<br></p><BR>
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