The chief priest of the Jagannath temple,…

The chief priest of the Jagannath temple, whose name was Kaliyug, was puzzled upon witnessing the multifaceted brilliance of Guru Baba Nanak Dev Ji. On one hand, his principle was idol worship, while on the other, Guru Ji showed the true path of worshiping the formless, eternal divine light. He could not decide which path to firmly adhere to. If he continued on his current path, all his religious actions would become futile, and if he followed Guru Ji's command by renouncing wealth and possessions, which were his means of livelihood and luxury, he would still face difficulties.

Thus, he finally decided to once again test Guru Nanak Dev Ji and determine whether he was truly a warrior of action and words or had merely impressed them momentarily. With this thought, the chief priest, Kaliyug, devised a plan. He decided that when Guru Ji would be alone on the seashore during bad weather, when high tides were approaching, he would attempt to frighten him by attacking him, thereby testing his faith in the formless Almighty.

One day, a high tide was approaching in the sea, but Guru Ji, along with Bhai Mardana, was strolling outside their tent on the shore. Suddenly, some unknown, grotesque-looking individuals started throwing fireballs at them from afar while making terrifying noises. However, these fireballs could not reach Guru Ji. After this, due to the tide, a sea storm began to rage, bringing heavy rainfall. The terrifying storm, whirlwind, torrential rain, and thick dark clouds turned the day into night.

Guru Ji said to Bhai Mardana, "Brother, play the rabab and start kirtan; the Creator will do good." Bhai Mardana replied, "O Guru Ji, kirtan is impossible due to the storm because even our bodies are being swept away by the wind." Then Guru Ji said, "Follow my command, and everything will be fine." As soon as Bhai Mardana picked up the rabab, the storm started to calm down. When kirtan began, everything became peaceful again, and light returned. Guru Ji started singing:

Ek Achar Rang Ik Roop || Paun Pani Agni Asroop || Eko Bhav Bhavai Tihu Loi || Eko Boojhai Soojhai Pat Hoi || (Raag Ramkali, Ang 930)

Meaning: O Pandit, inscribe the name of that Gopal (Almighty) on the slate of your mind, who alone is pervading everywhere, running the entire creation, who manifests all forms and colors in the world, and whose own essence is the elements—air, water, and fire. The divine light of this Gopal is spread throughout the universe.

At that moment, Kaliyug Pandit emerged from behind the rocks. He bowed his head before Guru Ji in reverence and presented a tray full of precious gems as an offering, saying, "Please accept my humble offering." Seeing the gems, Guru Ji said, "Pandit Ji, these material treasures are of no use to us. We are renunciates. Our only goal is to chant and inspire others to chant the name of the One Almighty. That is why we reject rituals because they do not lead to any real attainment; instead, they waste a person’s invaluable time." Then he recited the following verse:

Moti Ta Mandar Usareh Rattani Ta Hohi Jadau || Kasri Kungoo Agar Chandan Leepi Aavai Chau || Matu Dekh Bhoola Visray Tera Chit Na Aavai Nau || Hari Bin Jio Jali Bali Jau || Mai Apana Ra Poochi Dekhia Avar Nahi Thaau || Rahao || (Sri Raag, Ang 14)

Meaning: Even if I build mansions studded with pearls and jewels, even if they are decorated with musk, saffron, aloeswood, and sandalwood, all this is meaningless if, upon seeing them, I forget my Lord and His name does not remain in my consciousness. Without the Lord, the soul withers and burns away. Hence, I do not need any of these.

Kaliyug Pandit apologized and said, "I will walk the path you have shown and will spend all my wealth on spreading your teachings. Please grant me initiation; I wish to become your disciple." Guru Ji was pleased with Kaliyug Pandit and appointed him as a preacher for that entire region. Some local residents, inspired by Kaliyug Pandit, humbly requested Guru Ji that the area suffered from saline water. If he could arrange for fresh drinking water, it would benefit the entire region.

Upon this request, Guru Ji instructed the digging of a well at the place where he used to sit and perform kirtan. Sweet water emerged from the well, fulfilling the people's wishes. This source of sweet water still exists today in Guru Ji’s memory. During those days, Bhakt Chaitanya was visiting the city of Puri. He had the fortune of meeting Guru Nanak Dev Ji and engaged in deep discussions on spiritual matters. He embraced the teachings of worshiping the formless Almighty. After staying in Puri for a few months, Guru Ji proceeded towards the east, traveling through Bengal and Assam. Walking further, he reached Kolkata.