When Shri Guru Nanak Dev Ji was traveling…

When Shri Guru Nanak Dev Ji was traveling from Ajmer to Chittorgarh, he had to pass through a vast and desolate desert. There was barely any sign of life. As they continued walking, Bhai Mardana started suffering from hunger and thirst.

He requested Guru Ji, saying that he could no longer walk and asked for arrangements to quench his hunger and thirst first.

Guru Ji consoled him and said, "Look carefully, somewhere you will see vegetation, and there is a possibility of finding water there." After walking a little further, Bhai Mardana saw some Ak (Calotropis) plants growing.

Guru Ji said to him, "Search beneath these plants, and you will find a special type of fruit, similar to a watermelon, filled with water. Drink its water to quench your thirst. You will also find underground tubers in the same area, which you can consume as needed to satisfy your hunger."

Bhai Mardana did as instructed and found both types of fruits. However, after eating part of the tuber, he tied the remaining portion in his scarf.

As they continued their journey, he felt hungry again and decided to eat the remaining portion of the tuber. But what happened? The tuber had now turned extremely bitter.

Guru Ji then said, "It is a law of nature that this fruit must be consumed fresh. When cut and stored, it undergoes a chemical reaction, turning bitter. This means that those who renounce worldly attachments should always remain content. The one who provided for you today will provide for you tomorrow as well. Keeping this in mind, one should partake in what is given, without the need to store or hoard it."