Shri Guru Nanak Dev Ji, passing through the…

Shri Guru Nanak Dev Ji, passing through the Chishti shrine, traveled four kos further to the Hindu pilgrimage site of Pushkar. According to Hindu beliefs, Ajmer is considered one of the sixty-eight sacred pilgrimages. It is also believed that bathing in the holy waters there is essential; otherwise, the pilgrimage remains incomplete.

Guru Ji chose a serene spot and instructed Bhai Mardana Ji to begin kirtan, while He Himself recited:

Naavan Chale Teerthi Mani Khetai Tani Chor. Ik Bhaau Lathi Naati Doi Bhaa Chaddeeas Hor.

Baahari Dhoti Toomri Andar Vis Nikor. Saadh Bhale Annatia Chor Si Chora Chor. — Raag Soohee, Ang 789

Hearing the melodious Bani, a crowd of pilgrims slowly gathered to listen to the kirtan. They requested Guru Ji to deliver a discourse.

Then Guru Ji said: "O devotees! The realization of God is not achieved merely by bathing at pilgrimage sites, for He is pleased by the purity of the mind. We limit ourselves only to external bodily purification and consider ourselves blessed, whereas our focus should be on inner purity, which we often neglect."

"It is commonly observed that instead of purifying the mind, pilgrimages often lead to further contamination because the mind is restless and difficult to control. In reality, bathing in pilgrimage sites only externally cleanses the body, much like washing a toomri—a certain type of bitter gourd. Even if it is washed with water, its internal poison remains, and it continues to taste bitter. That is why true saints are virtuous even without bathing at pilgrimage sites, for their minds do not become impure with sinful thoughts as others do."