Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji set his destination…

Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji set his destination toward the Hindu pilgrimage site ‘Puri’ and continued his journey. His primary objective was to reach the grand fair held during the Jagannath Rath Yatra in the month of Ashadha. He aimed to directly connect with millions of people, deliver the message of humanity, and make them aware of one omnipresent God. Therefore, he proceeded through rugged and challenging hilly terrains.

While traveling, at one place, Guru Ji encountered a gang of robbers. The leader of the robbers, seeing the radiance on Guru Ji’s face, assumed that he was a wealthy merchant disguised as a saint to avoid being looted.

Thus, the robbers confronted Guru Ji and said, "Give us everything you have, or we will kill you!"

However, Guru Ji only smiled and replied, "Alright, brothers! We are ready to die. But our last wish is that you properly cremate our bodies so that they are not dishonored. So first, arrange fire for our cremation."

Hearing this unusual request, the robbers were astonished at first. However, they thought that this was a reasonable demand, as fulfilling a dying person's last wish was customary. So, two robbers set off toward a distant place where smoke was visible, assuming they could find fire there.

When they reached the spot, they saw villagers performing the last rites of a deceased person. They overheard the people criticizing the dead person’s wrongdoings, saying that if he had not lived a sinful life, he wouldn’t have met such a terrible fate.

Realizing this, the robbers rushed back and fell at Guru Ji’s feet, pleading:

"Huzoor, please forgive us! You are a great saint. If we had killed you, we would have been condemned both in this world and the next. Moreover, we would have received severe punishment in the divine court of Dharmraj. Therefore, we beg you to accept us as your disciples according to your grace. We have committed countless sins, but now we pledge to lead a righteous life. Please free us from our sins."

Guru Ji, in his infinite mercy, looked upon them with kindness and said:

"When you completely renounce this sinful profession, God will accept your repentance. From now on, engage in agriculture and distribute your wealth among the poor. Dedicate your time to serving the needy and the helpless."

Thus, Guru Nanak Dev Ji transformed an entire gang of robbers into devotees of the Divine, bringing about a spiritual revolution in their lives.