Shri Guru Nanak Dev Ji, traveling from…

Shri Guru Nanak Dev Ji, traveling from Pakpattan through Anupgarh, arrived in Bikaner. There, he set up his camp under a tree outside the city and began Kirtan. Hearing the divine hymns, many inquisitive people gathered around. Among them were some Bairagis (renunciates).

Upon listening to Guru Ji’s Bani, the Bairagis realized that this great saint was unlike ordinary saints. His words conveyed the essence of life, and they felt that they could gain spiritual wisdom from him. With this thought, they humbly requested guidance.

One Bairagi asked Guru Ji: What is the purpose of a human being’s birth in this mortal world?

Guru Ji replied: The human birth is the only one in which, if lived successfully, the cycle of birth and death can end.

Another Bairagi asked: How can this human birth be made successful, and how can one attain God?

Guru Ji answered in his sweet divine Bani:

Jab lag sabad bhed nahi aaiya tab lag kaal santaae. An kodar ghar kabahu na jaanasi eko dar sachiaara. Gur parsaad param pad paaiya Nanak kahai vichaara. - Raag Bhairav, Ang 1126

Meaning: The name of the Lord is the only means to make life successful. However, to worship Him correctly, it is essential to understand the divine essence of Shabad (the Word). Only through Shabad can a human reach the door of the Supreme Being and end their wandering. However, all of this is attained only through the grace of the Lord. In essence, a being should live every moment as a humble servant of God.

Hearing this, the Bairagis said: Gurudev, you are right, but the people here act contrary to your wisdom. In every village, they build a tomb for a Rajput Fakir named Goga and worship him. Can such practices lead to any spiritual benefit?

Guru Ji replied: According to legends, a person named Gugga could not even please his own mother while he was alive. His fiancée was taken away by his stepbrothers, and due to his stepmother’s curse, he met his demise. How can such a person, who spent his life entangled in worldly troubles, help anyone after his death? The real point to understand is that the giver of all happiness is only one—God, whom we call Akal Purakh (the Timeless One), the one beyond death and time. Therefore, one should not worship anyone else—whether deities, mortals, or saints. Worshiping God means remembering His name. Chanting His name is the only true form of worship.

Kari kirna raakho rakhaavale. Bin bujhe pasu bhae betaale. Gur kahiyaa avar nahi dooja. Kis kahu dekhi karao an pooja. - Raag Gaudi, Ang 224