Mata Bhaag Kaur the Elevated Devotee

Mata Bhaag Kaur(sometimes referred to by her childhood name, Mai Bhago)'s life has been documented to an extent that is rarely seen with women in Sikh history. While she is most often characterized as a fierce and powerful warrior, other incidents from her life give insight into her highly spiritual personality. The following passage is a short passage from Gurpratap Suraj Prakash Granth (1843), written by Kavi Santhokh Singh Ji over a century after the occurance. This volumous work was an attempt by the author to document oral histories he gathered from various sources, and is considered a very important source of Sikh history for modern Sikh scholars.

This section on Mata Bhaag Kaur is found several sections after the Battle of Khindrana, otherwise known as the Battle of Muktsar (1705).

Taken from http://sikh-reality.blogspot.ca/2013/03/mai-bhago-passage-gurpratap-suraj.html?m=1. 

ਮਿਲੀ ਮੁਕਤਿਸਰ ਭਾਗੋ ਮਾਈ । ਵਧੀ ਪ੍ਰੀਤਿ ਗੁਰ ਮਹਿਂ ਅਧਿਕਾਈ । 
ਰਹਿਬੇ ਲਗੀ ਦਿਗੰਬਰ ਸੋਈ । ਲਾਜ ਕਾਨ ਲੋਕਨ ਕੀ ਖੋਈ ।36।
Upon meeting [Guru Gobind Singh Ji] at Mukhstar, Mai Bhago's love for the Guru increased greatly, [to the extent that she] began living naked paying no attention to the public's [thoughts of] modesty and honour. 

ਕਥਾ ਬੇਦ ਮਹਿਂ ਜਿਸ ਕੀ ਅਹੈ । ਨਾਮ ਗਾਰਗੀ ਨਗਨ ਸੁ ਰਹੈ ।
ਪਰਮਹੰਸਨੀ ਬਡ ਅਵਧੂਤਾ । ਤਿਮ ਭਾਗੋ ਗੁਰ ਢਿਗ ਅਵਧੂਤਾ ।37।
In the Vedas there is a story of [an asetic] named Gargee who lived naked. She was known as a Paramhansni [Brahmgyani - but term also used for a section of the Sanyasi order], in this same way [Mai] Bhago was a great ascetic of the Guru. 

ਗਰਵੀ ਸਾਂਗ ਹਾਥ ਮਹਿਂ ਧਰੈ । ਸਦਾ ਅਨੰਦ ਏਕ ਰਸ ਥਿਰੈ ।
ਕੇਤਿਕ ਮਾਸ ਨਗਨ ਜਬਿ ਰਹੀ । ਇਕ ਦਿਨ ਦੇਖਿ ਨਿਕਟ ਗੁਰ ਕਹੀ ।38।
While always remaining intoxicated in the flavour of the One Blissful Essence she would carry along with her a spear and a small metal pot in her hands. She remained naked for many months and one day when seeing the Guru, the Guru remarked: 


'ਸੁਨਿ ਮਾਈ ਭਾਗੋ ਸਚਿਆਰੀ । ਕੁਲ ਨੈਹਰਿ ਸਸੁਰਾਰਿ ਉਬਾਰੀ ।
ਪਰਮਹੰਸ ਆਵਸਥਾ ਪਾਈ । ਤੁਝ ਕੋ ਦੋਸ਼ ਨ ਲਗੈ ਕਦਾਈ ।39।
"Listen oh truthful Mai Bhago, preserve [the honour of] your lineage and your in-Laws. You have obtained the state of Paramhans [Brahmgyani] and you will not be blamed for anything. 

ਰਹਨਿ ਦਿਗੰਬਰ ਤੁਝ ਬਨਿ ਆਈ । ਇਕ ਰਸ ਬ੍ਰਿੱਤਿ ਭਈ ਲਿਵਲਾਈ । 
ਤਨ ਹੰਤਾ ਸਭਿ ਰਿਦੇ ਬਿਨਾਸ਼ੀ । ਪਾਯੋ ਪਰਮ ਰੂਪ ਅਬਿਨਾਸੀ ।40।
You [have become comfortable] remaining naked; your mind is continuously attached to the flavour [of the Lord]. The ego of your body has been destroyed in your heart; you have obtained the Highest Indestructible form. 

ਤਊ ਸੰਗ ਤੂੰ ਰਹਤਿ ਹਮਾਰੇ । ਪਹਿਰਿ ਕਾਛੁ ਲਘੁ ਸਿਰ ਦਸਤਾਰੇ ।
ਊਪਰ ਚੀਰ ਚਾਦਰਾ ਲੀਜੈ । ਦੇਹ ਅਛਾਦਹੁ ਸਮਾ ਬਿਤੀਜੈ । ' 41।
However even then you live with us, [for this reason], put on a Kach [underwear] and on your head tie a small Dastaar [turban]. Cover your body from now on with a shawl [Chadra]." 

ਸੁਨਿ ਗੁਰ ਹੁਕਮ ਮਾਨ ਤਿਨ ਲੀਨਾ । ਬਸਤ੍ਰ ਸਰੀਰ ਅਛਾਦਨ ਕੀਨਾ ।
ਕਰ ਮਹਿਂ ਸਾਂਗ ਸਦਾ ਗਹਿ ਰਾਖੇ । ਰਹੈ ਸੰਗ ਗੁਰ ਕੇ ਅਭਿਲਾਖੇ ।42।
Listening to the command of the Guru, Mai Bhago agreed and covered her body with clothing. Holding her spear always in her hand, [Mai Bhago] forever held the desire to live alongside the Guru.