Guru Nanak Dev Ji, after departing from…
Guru Nanak Dev Ji, after departing from there, traveled along the banks of the Tista River and reached Chungthang village. This place is the confluence of two rivers, Lachen and Lachung, which, after merging, continue their flow under the name Tista River. The location was truly scenic, so Guru Ji went and sat on a large rock and began kirtan (devotional singing) along with Bhai Mardana Ji.
Soon, a curious crowd of villagers gathered there, eager to witness these holy travelers. Seeing these foreign saints, the lamas from the local Gompa monastery also came for a spiritual discussion. Upon their request, Guru Ji resumed kirtan, which had a profound impact on their hearts:
Re man aisi Hari sion preet kar, jaisi jal kamalehi. Lahari naal pachhadi-ai bhi vigsai asanehi.
Jal mahi jee-a upaa-e kai binu jal maran tinehi. Man re kiun chhuttahi binu piyaar.
Gurmukh atar ravi rahi-a bakhse bhagati bhandaar. Rahaau. (Raag Asa, Ang 59)
At that moment, one lama asked Guru Ji, "Please tell us how we should engage in devotional remembrance of the Divine, since you consider rotating a prayer wheel or turning beads on a rosary as mere rituals or hypocrisy?"
Guru Ji explained the meaning of the above hymn, stating that love for the Divine should be like the love of a lotus flower for water, or like a fish that cannot live without water. Similarly, a true devotee should love the Divine and remain in constant remembrance at all times.
Many devotees brought food and offerings for Guru Ji. Guru Ji handed the food to Bhai Mardana Ji, instructing him to distribute it as prasad among the gathered congregation. Thus, daily spiritual gatherings were held at the request of the devotees, and seekers from distant places began arriving to listen to Guru Ji's discourses.
Many common people took Guru Initiation from Guru Ji, resolved their spiritual doubts, and committed themselves to living their lives according to Gurmat principles.
The local population relied heavily on meat due to a shortage of grains. To resolve this issue, Guru Ji personally plowed fields and taught them advanced agricultural techniques, similar to those practiced in Punjab. This allowed them to become self-sufficient in grain production.
Guru Ji became greatly beloved among the local people, who affectionately started calling him "Nanak Lama". The dharamshala (spiritual resting place) built under his guidance was also named "Nanak Lama Satsang".
After staying for some time in the town of Chungthang, Sikkim, Guru Ji decided to travel to Tibet. Bidding farewell to the local people, he journeyed via Lachung, passed by the Tatta Pani Lake, and then crossed the mountains, continuing his journey toward Tibet.