Writings of Kavi Fath-Mull Ji

In older handwritten accounts of the poetry from the Lakhi Jungle Kavi Darbaar, there are a few chhands belonging to Kavi Fath-Mull. From this, we understand that Kavi Fath-Mull was also present at this Kavi Darbar and recited some love-drenched poetry dedicated to Guru Sahib:

ਨਾਮ ਤੁਮ੍ਹਾਰਾ ਜਪਿ ਜਪਿ ਜੀਵਾਂ, ਸੁਰਤਿ ਕਰੀਂ ਜਪਮਾਲੀ
Naam Tumhaaraa Jap[i] Jap[i] Jeevaa[n] Surath[i] Karee[n] Japmaalee
Repeating Your Name I live, having made concentration my meditation-beads/rosary.
ਨਿਸ ਬਾਸਰ ਹੀਅਰੈ ਮਹਿ ਜਪਦਾ, ਸੂਰਤਿ ਸਤਿਗੁਰ ਵਾਲੀ
Nis Baasar Heearai Mahi Japdhaa Soorath[i] Sathigur Vaalee
Day and Night I repeat/remember the Face/Form of Satguru Ji within my Heart
ਗੁਰਮੁਖਿ ਅੰਮ੍ਰਿਤ ਪੀਇ ਆਘਾਣੇ, ਨਿੰਦਕ ਦਾ ਘਟ ਖਾਲੀ
Gurmukh[i] A[n]mrith Pee-e[i] AaghaaNae Ni[n]dhak Dhaa Ghat Khaalee
By directing our minds toward Guru Sahib, we drink Amrit and become fulfilled, [yet] the slanderer’s heart is empty.
ਸਿਰਿ ਫੱਤਾ ਜਿਨ੍ਹਾਂ ਗੁਰੂ ਪਛਾਤਾ, ਤਿਨ੍ਹਾਂ ਹਰਦਮ ਸਦ ਖੁਸ਼ਹਾਲੀ ॥੧॥
Sir[i] Phathaa Jinhaa[n] Pachhaathaa Thinhaa[n] Hardham Sadh Khush-haalee
Oh Fath-aa, Those who recognize Guru Sahib become the highest... they are always in an elevated state in every breath

ਆਲੇ ਆਲੇ ਆਲੇ, ਮੇਰਾ ਸਤਿਗੁਰ ਸੰਮਾਲੇ
Aalae Aalae Aalae Maeraa Sathigur Sa[n]maalae
Oh my friend, my friend, my friend, my Satguru takes care [of us]
ਨਾਮ ਜਿਨ੍ਹਾਂ ਨੂੰ ਰਟ ਨ ਕਾਈਆ, ਰੱਬੁ ਤਿਨਾਂ ਨੋ ਪਾਲੇ
Naam Jinhaa Noo[n] Rat n Kaaeeaa Rab[u] Thinaa[n] no Paalae
Those who say Vaheguru's Name and no one else’s, Vaheguru nourishes them
ਇਕ ਬੁਰਿਆਈ ਮੇਰਾ ਮਾਇ ਪਿਉ ਵੇਖੇ, ਦੇਂਦਾ ਸਹਸ ਨਿਕਾਲੇ
Eik Buriaaee Maeraa Maae[i] Pio[u] Vaekhae Dhae[n]dhaa Sahas Nikaalae
After my parents see even one mistake, they point out thousands more
ਲੱਖ ਬੁਰਿਆਈ ਮੈਂਡਾ ਸਤਿਗੁਰੁ ਵੇਖੈ, ਅਜੇ ਬਰਾਤ ਨ ਟਾਲੇ ॥ ੨ ॥
Lakh Buriaaee Mai[n]daa Sath[i]gur[u] Vaekhai Ajae Baraath n Taalae
After Guru Sahib sees 100,000s of my faults, even still the Baraat (Husband’s wedding procession) does not get stopped (meaning I still get wedded to Akaal Purakh)

ਅਸਾਨੂੰ ਇਸ਼ਕ ਤਦੋ ਕਾ ਆਹਾ, ਜਦ ਆਹੀ ਦੁਧਿ ਨ ਵਾਤੀਂ
Asaanoo[n] Eishak Thadhokaa Aahaa Jadh Aahee Dudhh[i] n Vaathee[n]
Vaheguru’s Love came during that time when [even] milk could not enter my mouth
ਆਵਨਿ ਸਹੀਆਂ ਘੁਟੀ ਦੇਵਨ, ਬੇਦਨ ਕਿਨੈ ਨ ਜਾਤੀ
Aavan[i] Saheeaa[n] Ghutee Dhaevan Baedhan Kinai n Jaathee
When the Friend blessed me with a gulp, no one understood this pain [of thirst that was quenched]
ਵਿਚਿ ਪਿੰਘੂੜੇ ਦੈ ਪਈ ਤੜਫਾਂ, ਲਗੀ ਇਸ਼ਕ ਦੀ ਕਾਤੀ
Vich[i] Pi[n]ghoorhae Dhai Paee Tharhphaa[n] Lagee Eishak Dhee Kaathee
Laying in bed I am suffering, after being stabbed by the Dagger of Vaheguru’s Love
ਸਉ ਵਰ੍ਹਿਆਂ ਦੀ ਰੰਜਸ਼ ਜਾਤੀ, ਮੀਆਂ ਫੱਤਾ, ਇਕਸੁ ਰਾਂਝੇ ਦੀ ਝਾਤੀ ॥ ੩ ॥
So[u] Varhiaa[n] Dhee Ra[n]jash Jaathee Meeaa[n] Fathaa Eikas[u] Raa[n]jhae Dhee Jhaathee
Oh Mian Fath-aa, 100 years of anger goes away with One Glance of Ranjha (Vaheguru as the Beloved)

ਸੀਨੇ ਦੇ ਵਿਚਿ ਸਬਜ਼ ਕਿਆਰੀ, ਜੈਂਦਾ ਇਸ਼ਕ ਅਰਾਈਂ
Seenae Dhae Vich[i] Sabaz Kiaaree Jai[n]dhaa Eishak Araaee[n]
The pool of flourishing greenery is within my chest,
it is nourished by the Gardener of Love [Fresh plants thrive because the Gardener-Vaheguru is within]
ਬੀਜਦਿਆਂ ਪਰਦੇਸ ਸਿਧਾਣੇ, ਮੈਂ ਕਿਚਰਕੁ ਪਾਣੀ ਪਾਈਂ
Beejadhiaa[n] Pardhaes SidhhaaNae Mai[n] Kicharak[u] PaaNee Paaee[n]
For how long can I keep pouring water after planting [seeds of thought/action] in foreign countries?
[Expecting peace from external/material world is fruitless]
ਤਹਿ ਜੇਹਾ ਕਿਰਸਾਣ ਨ ਕੋਈ, ਮੈਂ ਢੂੰਢਿ ਰਹੀ ਸਭ ਜਾਈਂ
Thah[i] Jaehaa KirsaaN n Koee Mai[n] Tdoo[n]td[i] Rahee Sabh Jaaee[n]
There isn’t any Farmer like You, I have looked everywhere!
ਫੱਤ ਮੱਲ ਹੀਰ ਪਈ ਵਿਚ ਹੁਜਰੇ, ਕੂਕੇ ਮਾਹੀ ਮਾਹੀ ॥੪॥
Phath Mul Heer Paee Vich Hujarae, Kookae Maahee Maahee
Oh Fath-Mull, Heer is in her home crying out “Maahee Maahee”.

ਗੋਕੁਲ ਗਲੀਆਂ ਫਿਰਉਂ ਢੂੰਡਾਂਦੀ, ਹਰਿ ਦਰਸ਼ਨ ਦੀ ਪਿਆਸੀ
Gokul Galeeaa[n] Phiro[un] Tdoo[n]daa[n]dhee Dhee Piaasee
Wandering in the alleys of Gokul, thirsty for Vaheguru’s Darshan
ਤੂੰ ਜਾ ਰੱਤੋਂ ਕੁਬਜਾ ਸੇਤੀ, ਹੋਇਓ ਮਥਰਾ ਵਾਸੀ
Thoo[n] Jaa Ratho Kubajaa Saethee HoeiO Mathharaa Vaasee
You are in love with Your Bhagat Kubajaa and You went to live in Mathhuraa (referring to Radha being upset in separation from Sri Krishna Ji)
ਬੈਠੀ ਨੋ ਮੈਨੋ ਬਹਨਿ ਨ ਆਵੇ, ਸਿਕਦੇ ਨੈਣ ਉਦਾਸੀ
Baittee no Maino Bahan[i] n Aavai Sikdhae naiN Oudhaasee
While sitting, I do not know how to sit [restless state], my eyes are love-sick
ਗਿਰਧਾਰੀ ਦੇ ਕਾਰਣ ਫੱਤ ਮੱਲ, ਲੈਸਾਂ ਕਰਵਤੁ ਕਾਂਸ਼ੀ ॥ ੫ ॥
Girdhhaaree Dhae KaaraN Fath-Mull Laisaan Karvath[u] Kaa[n]shee
Due to Vaheguru [Sri Krishna Ji’s name Girdhhaaree],
Fath-Mull has taken on this Liberation-Giving Saw (the pain of separation will lead to mukti).

ਅਜਰਾਈਲ ਰੁੱਖਾਂ ਦਾ ਘਾੜੂ ਹੈ ਪੈਦਾ ਕੀਤਾ ਨਾਲੇ
Ajraaeel Rukhaa Dhaa Ghaarroo Hai Paidhaa Keethaa naalae
Azraaeel (Angel of Death) is the cutter of trees who was born alongside [this body] [what is born must face death as well]
ਦੇਖਿ ਸਰੀਰ ਤਦੇ ਕੁਰਲਾਂਦਾ, ਜਾਂ ਫਿਰੋ ਕੁਹਾੜਿਆਂ ਵਾਲੇ
Dhaekh[i] Sareer Thadhae Kurlaa[n]dhaa Jaa[n] Phiro Kuhaarriaa[n] Vaalae
Focussing on this body-tree [accepting the self as the body]
it whimpers [in fear] of the axe wielder’s swing
ਜਿਹਬਾ ਹੋਇ ਤਾਂ ਕੂਕ ਸੁਣਾਏ ਨਹੀਂ ਪੀੜ ਹੱਡਾਂ ਵਿਚ ਜਾਲੇ
Jihabaa Hoe[i] Thaa Kook SuNaa-ae nahee[n] Peerr Ha-daa[n] Vich Jaalae
If it had a tongue then you would still not be able to hear it crying as the pain is burning in the depths of the bones [the pain of agiaan is something internal, not limited to physical pain but a deep ingrained spiritual problem]
ਬੱਧੀ ਤੇਰੀ ਜਾਣੇ ਫੱਤ ਮੱਲ, ਕਲਮ ਰੱਬਾਣੀ ਟਾਲੇ ॥ ੬ ॥
Ba-dhhee Thaeree JaaNae Phath Mull Kalam RabaaNee Taalae
You are stuck in [cycles of] reincarnation, Oh Fath-Mull, [only] the Divine Pen can change your fate [through Kirpa]

ਸਿਰੀ ਰਾਗ Siree Raag

ਸੁੰਦਰ ਸਿਆਮ ਦਾ ਜੋੜਾ । ਮੋਹਨ ਲਾਲ ਦਾ ਜੋੜਾ । ੧। ਰਹਾਉ ।
Su[n]dhar Siaam Dhaa Jorraa; Mohan Laal Dhaa Jorraa
The Couple of Sundar-Siaam; The Couple of Mohan-Laal
[referring to the relationship between Vaheguru and Their Bhagats]

ਧੰਨੇ ਨਰਮਾ ਬੀਜਿਆ, ਜਮਨ ਕਿਨਾਰੇ ਆਇ
Dha[n]nae narmaa Beejiaa; Jaman Kinaarae Aae[i]
Bhagat Dhanna Ji planted Narma-Cotton,
it went all the way to the banks of Yamuna River
ਜਮਨਾ, ਜਲ ਸਿਉਂ ਸਿੰਚਿਆ, ਪ੍ਰੀਤਿ ਸੋ ਹਿਤ ਚਿਤ ਲਾਇ ।੧।
Jamnaa Jal Sio[un] Sinchiaa Preeth[i] So Hith Chith Laae[i]
Irrigated wiith the water from Yamuna [and]
kept love [for Vaheguru] in His Mind and Heart

ਚੁਣ ਲਿਆਈਆਂ ਸਭ ਗੋਪੀਆਂ, ਉਨ ਵੇਲਿਆ ਸਹਿਜ ਸੁਭਾਇ
ChuN Liaaeeaa[n] Sabh Gopeeaa[n], Oun Vaeliaa Sahij Subhaae[i]
Selecting all the Gopis (milk-maids), that time they were in a state of Spiritual Peace [all blessed with Darshan]
ਫਿਰ ਦਾਦੂ ਬੇਂਜਾਰੋ ਨੂੰ ਸਉਂਪਿਆ, ਉਸ ਲੀਤਾ ਧੁਣਖ ਚਢਾਇ । ੨ ।
Phir Dhaadhoo Bae[n]jaaro noo[n] Sou[n]piaa, Ous Leethaa DhhuNakh Chatdaae[i]
Then Dhadhu (Kabeerpanthi) was blessed, Guru Sahib placed an arrow at his samaadh

ਉਸ ਨਿਕਾ ਕਰਕੈ ਸੋਧਿਆ, ਸਗਲਾ ਤਾਣੁ ਲਗਾਇ
Ous nika Karkai Sodhhiaa Sagalaa ThaaN[u] Lagaae[i]
Guru Sahib showed themselves to be lower and had tested the Khalsa (Maharaj gave Bachan to the Khalsa to not worship graves/memorials and the Khalsa had Maharaj do Tankhah; Maharaj tested them on purpose)... it was a display of Maharaj’s Power
ਗੜ੍ਹੇ ਫੁਲ ਗੁਲਾਬ ਦੇ, ਲਿਆਇਆ ਹੱਛੇ ਬਨਾਇ । ੩ ।
Garrhae Phul Gulaab Dhae Liaaeiaa Hachhae Banaae[i]
Growing Rose Flowers, raising them to be pure.
[Maharaj is the Gardener who is raising the Khalsa as Roses, Maharaj is going to put them through challenges in order to make them stronger]

ਰਾਧੇ ਰੁਕਮਣਿ ਆਈਆ, ਸਭ ਸਖੀਆਂ ਲਈਆਂ ਬੁਲਾਇ
Raadhhae RukmaN[i] Aaeeaa Sabh Sakheeaa[n] Laeeaa[n] Bulaae[i]
Radha and Rukhmani came and called all their friends
ਵੰਡਿ ਵੰਡਿ ਲਈਆਂ ਉਨ ਪੂਣੀਆਂ; ਉਨ ਲਇਆ ਪੜੋਟੇ ਪਾਇ । ੪ ।
Va[n]d[i] Va[n]d[i] Laeeaa[n] Oun PooNeeaa[n] Oun Laeiaa Parrotae Paae[i]
They handed out pieces of cotton, they all take them and spread them out
[Sangat gets together to do bhagti; the women’s task at hand is shared just like when we can do simran, kirtan together]

ਉਨ ਨਿੱਕਾ ਕਰਿ ਕਰਿ ਕੱਤਿਆ, ਹਸਿ ਹਸਿ ਬਾਂਹ ਲੁਡਾਇ
Oun nikaa Kar[i] Kar[i] Kathiaa Has[i] Has[i] Baa[n]h Ludaae[i]
They make the cotton thinner, laughing and laughing with their arms in the air
[engaging in the concentrated task of devotion together as Sangat, they are in a state of Bliss]
ਫਿਰ ਕੰਬੀਰੋ ਨੂੰ ਸਉਂਪਿਆ, ਸ਼ਿਤਾਬੀ ਨਲੀ ਵਹਾਇ । ੫ ।
Phir Ka[m]beero noo[n] Soupiaa Shithaabee nalee Vahaae[i]
Then Bhagat Kabeer Ji was blessed, the stream quickly flowed [Amrit flows through Dasam Dwaar; also Bhagat Kabeer Ji has many stories attached to birth such as being found at the banks of Ganga River]

ਕਮਾਲੀ ਨਲੀਆਂ ਵੱਟੀਆਂ, ਪੂਤ ਕਮਾਲ ਪੀਆਇ
Kamaalee naleeaa[n] Vateeaa[n] Pooth Kamaal Peeaae[i]
Bhagat Kabir Ji’s Daughter Kamaali [she was Bhagatni herself] made the streams channel and made Bhagat Kabir Ji’s Son Kamaal drink [Amrit]
[Bhagti influences others to do the same; cannot find a relevant sakhi that explicitly explains this… please send your suggestions if another arth is found of this]
ਤਣਿਆ ਲੋਈ ਭਗਤਣੀ, ਵੁਣਿਆ ਕੰਬੀਰੈ ਚਾਇ । ੬ ।
ThaNiaa Loee BhagathaNee VuNiaa Ka[m]beerai Chaae[i]
Pulled by Bhagatni Loi [Wife of Bhagat Kabir Ji], woven by Bhagat Kabeer Ji’s wishes [Bhagat Kabeer Ji’s family work was weaving; a Bhagat’s entire family is blessed]

ਫਿਰ ਨਾਮੇ ਛੀਪੇ ਨੂੰ ਸਉਂਪਿਆ, ਝਬਿ ਝਬਿ ਖੁੰਬ ਚੜ੍ਹਾਇ
Phir Naamae Chheepae noo[n] Sou[n]piaa Jhab[i] Jhab[i] Khu[m]b Charrhaae[i]
Then Bhagat Naamdev Ji – the Fabric printer/Tailor – was blessed & quickly was raised onto the loom
[meaning his work was done; human life was accomplished]
ਉਸ ਗੰਗਾ ਜਲ ਸਿਉਂ ਝoਲਿਆ, ਲੈ ਆਇਆ ਤਾਂਹਿ ਬਣਾਇ । ੭ ।
Ous Ga[n]gaa Jal Sio[un] Jholiaa Lai Aaeiaa Thaa[n]h[i] BaNaae[i]
Churned in the water of the Ganga River, it existed for this purpose
[Ganga river said to be holy... including it in the process of fabric printing, meaning that being blessed with Amrit is what completed Bhagat Naamdev Ji’s task]

ਭਲਾ ਮਹੂਰਤਿ ਦੇਖ ਕੈ, ਜੋੜਾ ਲਇਆ ਵਿਉਂਤਾਇ
Bhalla Mahoorath[i] Dhaekh Kai; Jorraa Laeiaa Viou[n]thaae[i]
Looking for an auspicious time; the pair was brought like fabric [ready to be sewn together]  
ਸੂਈ ਆਂਦੀ ਸਾਰ ਦੀ, ਪਟ ਧਾਗੇ ਰੇਸ਼ਮ ਲਾਇ ॥੮॥
Sooee Aa[n]dhee Saar Dhee Pat Dhhaagae Raesham Laae[i]
The Metal Needles come and the string is applied to the silk
[The needle of Bibek comes and Naam causes the two to become One]

ਹੱਛਾ ਜੋੜਾ ਬਣਿ ਰਹਿਆ, ਹਰਖ ਜਸੋਧੇ ਮਾਇ
Ha-chhaa Jorraa BaN[i] Rahiaa Harakh Jasodhhae Maae[i]
After becoming a pure couple, Mata Yasodha [Foster Mother of Sri Krishna Ji] is happy
ਪਹਿਰਾਇਆ ਪ੍ਰਭੁ ਪ੍ਰੀਤਿ ਸਿਉ, ਜਨ ਕਹਤੇ ‘ਫਤਮੱਲ’ ਰਾਇ ।੯।
Pahiraaeiaa Prabh Preeth[i] Sio[u] Jan Kahathae PhathMall Raae[i]
[We are made to] wear this [cloth of Bhagti] through the Love of Vaheguru says Fath-Mull Rai.

ਰਾਗ ਮਾਝ Raag Maajh
ਹਰਿ ਚੇਤਿਓ ਕਿਉਂ ਨਹੀਂ ਬਉਰੀ
Har[i] ChaethiO Kio[un] nahee[n] Bouree
Oh crazy woman, why don’t you think about Vaheguru?
ਮਾਇਆ ਲਗਿ ਤੈਂ ਜਨਮ ਗਵਾਇਆ,ਧਨ ਸ਼ਹਿਜ਼ਾਦੀ ਗੋਰੀ ।੧।
Maaeiaa Lag[i] Thai[n] Janam Gavaaeiaa Dhhan Shahizaadee Goree
Oh Fair Princess... Being attached to Maya, you wasted this life
[Although You are a part of Paramaatma, you live in spiritual poverty... missing your kingdom]

ਸੱਠ ਪੰਜਾਹ ਤੇਰਾ ਪਸਾਰਾ, ਓੜਕ ਸੱਤਰ ਅੱਸੀ
Satt Pa[n]jaah Thaeraa Pasaaraa Orrak Sathhar A-see
To age 60-50 you will live till, [maybe even] age 70-80 maximum
ਵਾਦਾ ਦੇ ਕਰ ਜਿਥਹੁੰ ਆਈਐ, ਫੇਰ ਉਨਾਹਾ ਖੱਸੀ । ੧ ।
Vaadhaa Dhae Kar Jithhahu[ng] Aaeeai Phaer Ounaahaa Khasee
After giving a promise to do Bhagti, you only end up squashed [get reincarnated again, forgetting your duty in the human body]

ਛਤ੍ਰੀ ਭੋਜਨ ਤੇਰੇ ਕਾਰਣ, ਪਹਿਨਣ ਮਲ ਮਲ ਖਾਸਾ
Chhathree Bhojan Thaerae KaaraN PahinaN Mal Mal Khaasaa
Because of You Vaheguru, I eat meals of warriors and wear special soft cotton
ਨਉਂ ਦਰਵਾਜ਼ੇ ਤੇਰੇ ਮੁੰਦੇ, ਦਸਵੇਂ ਘਰਿ ਵਿਚ ਵਾਸਾ ।੨।
no[un] Dharvaazae Thaerae Mu[n]dhae Dhasvae[n] Ghar[i] Vich Vaasaa
9 of your doors are closed and the 10th allows one to live in the Home of Vaheguru [grateful for your luxuries but those I'm indifferent to the 9 sensory points because I live in Vaheguru's Remembrance]

ਬਾਗ ਬਗੀਚੇ ਤੇਰੇ ਕਾਰਣ, ਠੰਢਾ ਅੰਮ੍ਰਿਤ ਪਾਣੀ
Baag Bageechae Thaerae KaaraN Tta[n]tdaa A[n]mrith PaaNee
Because of You, I have Orchards, Gardens, and pure & cool water.
ਤਿਸ ਸ਼ਹੁ ਦੀ ਤੈਂ ਸਾਰ ਨ ਲੱਧੀ, ਸੁਤਿਆਂ ਰੈਣਿ ਵਿਹਾਣੀ ।੩।
This Shah[u] Dhee Thai[n] Saar n Ladhhee Suthiaa[n] RaiN[i] VihaaNee
If you do not realize the value of the Beloved, then the night of life was lost asleep [Vaheguru has given so much, why are we so blind to Maharaj's Impact]

ਸੇ ਫਲ ਤੈਨੂੰ ਪ੍ਰਪਤ ਹੋਸਨ, ਜੋ ਹੈਂ ਕਰਮ ਕਮਾਏ
Sae Phal Thainoo[n] Praapath Hosan Jo Hai[n] Karam Kamaa-ae
Based on the karma you have earned, you shall receive fruit/reward
ਫੱਤਮੱਲ ਦਾਸ ਉਡੀਕ ਜਿਨ੍ਹਾਂ ਦੀ, ਸੋ ਮੁਕਲਾਊ ਆਏ ।੪।
Phathmal Dhaas Oudeek Jinhaa[n] Dhee So Muklaaoo Aa-ae
Slave Fath-Mull is waiting for those [Saints] who will release him [from this prison of sansaar]
–
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~ Guru Panth da daas,
Aaeenaa