The Young Guru and Free Kitchen
Guru Har Krishan, the eighth Guru, though appointed Guru at the age of five years and three months, gave promise of a docile spirit and acute intellect. It is said that even at that early age he used to receive hundreds of Sikhs who came from all quarters to visit him. He kept the Guru’s kitchen running for his Sikhs at Kiratpur. Ram Rai, Guru’s elder brother became very envious, when his younger brother, Har Krishan was appointed the Guru. His desire to collect large offerings for himself was not fulfilled; but some of the Masands became proud and rebellious, and kept the greater part of the offerings for themselves. As such the Guru’s free kitchen was not flourishing as before. Dainties could not be served; still, none went back disappointed.
When Guru Har Krishan set out for Delhi, he made a halt at the village of Panjokhra (near Ambala). Many Sikhs accompanied him up to that place, and the Langar was also moved with him day and night. To expedite his journey he made a boundary of sand and ordered that no Sikh should cross it after his departure. He left some of his disciples there to live together and to preach in the name of the Guru Nanak and give instructions. As long as they lived there they kept running the free kitchen in the name of the Guru.
When Guru Har Krishan reached Delhi his free kitchen went there with him. Crowds of Sikhs thronged to see him and received spiritual; consolation from him. They were all served meals at the langar, which was kept running day and night.