Aurangzeb had not only usurped the throne, but even fought with his elder brother, Dara Shikoh, and drove him away from the kingdom. So shrewd a political ruler he was, that he did not want Dara Shikoh to be alive anywhere. He ordered hs men to bring back Dra Shikoh, dead or alive. There was a reign of terror throughout the country, and most people feared troubled times ahead for everyone. It was around this time, in 1656, when the Guru was twenty-six years old, that his second son, Harkrishen was born. The Guru was very pleased with his second-born, and knew that he would carry on the work that had been assigned to him.

Meanwhile, the Guru too had heard of the unfortunate turn of events in the Mughal court. But despite his disappointment he made up his mind to keep away from the new Mughal ruler as much as he could. Aurangzeb, meanwhile, had publicly declared Dara Shikoh a traitor, and also announced that whoever protected Dara Shikoh or offered him shelter would be severely punished. As a result of this declaration no one dared to help Dara Shikoh even though many people had full sympathy for him. He ran from place to place, corner to corner, in hiding, but he could not find any shelter anywhere.

However, it so happened that while Dara Shikoh was on the run, escaping from Aurangzeb's soldiers; he came upon Guru Har Rai. He was well aware that the Guru had saved his life once and was sure that he would save him again. As he had expected, the Guru did not disappoint him. He welcomed him warmly and promised to protect him against Aurangzebs army as best as he could. He offered him food and drink, and bade him rest in peace, Mean while, his family tried to dissuade him against helping Dara Shikoh, since it meant going against the Mughal king and thus inviting trouble. Even the Sikhs asked him if it was wise to protect the prince against Aurangzebs orders, and thus incurring his wrath. At this, Guru Har Rai told them that as per the holy scriptures the Guru embraces whoever comes to him for protection. He told them that a true religious teacher did not look into a person�s caste or deeds whenever someone sought his help in the process. Hearing this, the devotees realized that Guru Har Rai was only practicing what he was preaching. He had not refused Dara Shikoh protection because the latter had actually landed at their doorstep to seek help. They all bowed to the Guru and stood by him willingly and reverently. They waited to Dara Shikoh warmly, and gave him all the help he needed.

Guru Har Rai in the course of his conversation with the royal prince, found to his pleasant surprise that he was not only very scholarly and religious, but was also pious and God fearing. Dara Shikoh even confessed to Guru Har Rai that he was not at all interest in the throne of Delhi, and that he would have been happy if set free to follow his spiritual pursuits. But he was well aware of the fact that Aurangzeb felt threatened by him regarding the throne, and would be insecure as long as he was alive.

When Guru Har Rai heard this he was really pleased. He promised Dara Shikoh that he and his men would fight the advancing army of Aurangzeb�s soldiers so that the prince could escape in the meantime. And likewise, when the Mughal army reached the Beas river, near the Shivalik Hills, Guru Har Rai sent his powerful force to fight the Mughal army. When the Mughal soldiers saw the thundering army of Sikhs advancing swiftly towards them, they left the ground and withdrew. This gave Dara Shikoh ample time to escape farther away. However, cunning as Aurangzeb was, he and his men chased Dara Shikoh to the farthest corner. They had him executed on religious grounds by falsely accusing him of betraying the Islamic religion.

When Guru Har Rai heard of it he was deeply anguished. He had known Dara Shikoh to be a pious man, and he offered prayers for him so that his soul could rest in peace.

Aurangzeb, Dara Shikoh, Mughal Court, Mughal Ruler, Guru Har Rai, Royal Prince, Shivalik Hills, Islamic Religion, Pious Man, Mughal Soldiers