Battle of Guru Gobind SIngh Ji and Paindey Khan - Suraj Prakash
At the beginning of the Battle of Anandpur (1700), Paindey Khan a general of the forces from Delhi, challenged Guru Gobind Singh to a duel. The Great Poet Santokh Singh describes the scene after the Guru allowed Paindey Khan to take two clear shots with his bow and arrow, the Guru then fired back:
ਭੁਜੰਗ ਪ੍ਰਯਾਤ ਛੰਦ ।
ਲਗ੍ਯੋ ਬਾਨ ਕਾਨੰ ਨਜੀਕੰ ਬਿਸਾਲਾ । ਗਿਰ੍ਯੋ ਭੂਮ ਮੈਂ ਖਾਨ ਕੀਨੇ ਉਤਾਲਾ ।
The arrow forcefully struck right near his ear which made Paindey Khan fall heavily on the ground.
ਗਯੋ ਭਾਜ ਘੋਰਾ ਜਬੈ ਛੂਛ ਹੋਵਾ । ਪਰ੍ਯੋ ਬੀਰ ਭਾਰੋ ਚਮੂੰ ਦੌਨ ਜੋਵਾ ।੧੬।
His horse then ran away when it was separated from him; both large armies were watching this formidable warrior laying on the ground.
ਗੁਰੂ ਸੈਫ਼ ਖੈਂਚੀ ਬਡੀ ਤਾਤਕਾਲਾ । ਭਏ ਸੀਸ ਉਪੈ ਖਰੇ ਕੈ ਉਤਾਲਾ ।
The Guru quickly then drew his lengthy sword [Saif], and then [after riding up to Paindey Khan] stood over his head.
ਪਿਖੇ ਭੀਮ ਰੂਪੰ ਭਯੋ ਖਾਨ ਭੀਰਾ । ਮਹਾਂ ਤ੍ਰਾਸ ਮਾਨ੍ਯੋ ਮ੍ਰਿਤੂ ਤੇ ਅਧੀਰਾ ।੧੭।
Looking at the Guru's horrifying form Paindey Khan then recoiled, he was terrified and afraid of death.
ਭਨੇ ਦੀਨ ਬੈਨੰ ਗੁਰੂ ਜੀ ਰਖੀਜੈ । ਮਹਾਂ ਤੇਗ ਤੀਖੀ ਨ ਗ੍ਰੀਵਾ ਕਟੀਜੈ ।
Pleading he said, "Guru Ji save me ! Do not cut my throat with your large sharp sword [Tegha]!"
ਪ੍ਰਭੂ ਫੇਰ ਬੋਲੇ ਪਠਾਨਾ ਸੰਭਾਲੋ । ਅਬੈ ਰਾਖਬੇ ਕੋ ਲਖ੍ਯੋ ਕੌਨ ਕਾਲੋ ।੧੮।
The Master then spoke, "Keep the honour of the Pattans [and do not cower], you think someone can save you at this time?
ਕਰੋ ਯਾਦ ਕਲਮਾ ਲਖੋ ਪ੍ਰਾਨ ਅੰਤਾ । ਮਹਾਂ ਬਾਨ ਘਾਵੰ ਬਚੈਂ ਨਾ ਕਦੰਤਾ ।
Understand this to be the end of your life and remember your Kalma [Muslim prayer], my arrow has injured you so greatly there is no saving you."
ਇਮੰ ਬੋਲਤੇ ਸੈਫ਼ ਸਾਫੰ ਚਲਾਈ । ਜੁਦੋ ਰੁੰਡ ਤੇ ਮੁੰਡ ਕੀਨੋ ਤਦਾਈ ।੧੯।
Saying this the Guru then struck down with his sword [Saif] separating Paindey Khan's head from his body.
ਜਬ ਮਾਰਿ ਲੀਨੋ ਭਏ ਸ਼ੱਤ੍ਰੁ ਦੀਨੰ । ਫਤੇ ਖਾਲਸੇ ਦੇਖਿ ਆਨੰਦ ਕੀਨੰ ।
When he was killed the enemies were greatly dejected, recognizing the victory the Khalsa was in great bliss.
Gurpratap Suraj Prakash Granth (1843), author: the Great Poet Santokh Singh
Rut 4 Chapter 9