While returning from China, Shri Guru Nanak…

While returning from China, Shri Guru Nanak Dev Ji once again visited Lhasa and from there proceeded towards Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal. Upon reaching there, Guru Ji set up camp near the Bagmati Ganga by the Pashupatinath Temple. Many tourists also visited the place. Guru Ji instructed Bhai Mardana Ji to begin Keertan (devotional singing). As Bhai Ji started the Keertan, the divine hymns attracted a gathering of people.

Hearing about Guru Ji’s presence, the Gosain (priest) of Pashupatinath Temple also came to have darshan (a holy audience) and listen to Guru Ji's teachings.

Visamaad Naad Visamaad Ved. Visamaad Jeea Visamaad Bhed.

Visamaad Roop Visamaad Rang. Visamaad Naange Firahi Jant. — Raag Asa, Ang 463

Meaning: There are countless divine sounds and countless sacred scriptures. There are countless beings and numerous differences among them. There are countless forms and countless colors. Witnessing all of this leads to a state of awe. Many beings roam naked; there is air in some places, water in others, and fire plays its astonishing game elsewhere.

After the Keertan ended, some inquisitive individuals asked Guru Ji questions to resolve their spiritual doubts. While Guru Ji was delivering his discourse, the Gosain of Pashupatinath Temple posed a question:

"You believe only in the worship of the formless, but we do not see any difference between the two. A devotee's only purpose is to worship, regardless of the method they choose. What is wrong with that?"

Guru Ji responded: "All living beings exist because He has created them, and He Himself resides within them, which is why they display consciousness. However, all non-living objects are those that we have created, as they lack consciousness. Since these objects or idols are not even the manifest form of the Lord, our devotion to them becomes futile. We fail to apply reason and forget that we, as living beings created by Him, possess awareness. If we are conscious beings ourselves, why should we worship the lifeless?"

The Gosain Ji replied: "There is truth in what you say, but according to our scriptures, Narad Ji has stated that to worship the Lord, one must create an imaginative form of Him and then begin worshipping."

Guru Ji responded: "Brother, without proper thought, using the wrong means will only lead one astray, and all efforts will be wasted. Acting without wisdom is like a blind man trying to find his way. An idol neither listens to our prayers nor provides any answers or solutions. If it itself sinks, how will it help us cross the ocean of existence? If we apply our intellect, we must question how this idol can be the Lord of all creatures when there are countless species and sub-species of animals. Hence, to call this idol the master of all creatures is false."

Hindoo Mule Bhule Akhuti Jaahi. Narad Kahiya Si Pooja Karanhi.

Andhe Gunge Andh Andhaar. Paathar Le Poojah Mugadh Gavaar. — Raag Bihagara, Ang 556