Shri Guru Nanak Dev Ji, after departing from…
Shri Guru Nanak Dev Ji, after departing from Chittorgarh, arrived in Udaipur. Here, the temple of Shri Krishna, known as Nathdwara, is famous. Due to immense devotion, the common people did not wish to lag behind in offering wealth and riches. As a result, the priests of the temple were very wealthy. Because of their abundance of wealth, all the priests were arrogant and engrossed in a life of luxury.
When the priests saw Guru Ji, they thought he was just an ordinary saint, not a wealthy merchant or trader from whom they could expect donations. Hence, they did not allow Guru Ji to approach the temple and instead addressed him with harsh words. Bhai Mardana Ji observed them carefully and realized that they were treating Guru Ji with contempt. Their way of living was extremely luxurious. They wore expensive silk garments, applied fragrant perfumes, and adorned themselves with diamond-studded necklaces. Bhai Mardana considered such displays of wealth to be against the principles of true religion and spirituality.
He then asked Guru Ji, “O Guru Ji! The minds of these priests have been corrupted by the intoxication of wealth. They do not even consider other human beings as equals, whereas their duty is to welcome guests and ensure their comfort. However, their every action seems driven by selfish motives.”
In response, Guru Ji instructed Bhai Mardana to start kirtan (devotional singing) and began reciting the following verses:
Chōā chandan anki chaṛāvo Pāṭ paṭambar pahiri haḍhāvo bin harinām kahā sukh pāvo
Kiā pahiro kiā oṛi dikhāvo Bin Jagdīs kahā sukh pāvo || Rahāo || (Raag Gaudi, Ang 225)
Meaning: "If I apply perfumes and sandalwood on my body, wear silk garments, and adorn myself with luxurious clothes, yet remain distant from the name of the Almighty, then I can never attain true peace. What is the use of wearing beautiful attire just to show off to others? Without devotion to the Supreme Lord, there is no real happiness anywhere."
As Guru Ji's kirtan resonated, a large crowd of travelers gathered to listen to the divine hymns. Seeing this, the priests became worried, fearing that the travelers might offer all their donations to these saints instead. With this concern in mind, they assembled to discuss ways to remove Guru Ji from there.
At that moment, a curious seeker asked Guru Ji, “According to your teachings, wealth is insignificant and does not bring true happiness. Only the name of the Lord contains real joy. However, here, wealth is dominant everywhere. Then, what should we believe in?”
Guru Ji responded in his discourse: “The material wealth that you see spread all around may appear attractive, but behind it lies endless suffering. That is why, while enjoying worldly comforts, it is essential to keep the Lord’s name in your heart. If we lose the guiding restraint of God’s name, then the mind, like an uncontrolled elephant, will wander in greed, leading only to sorrow.”
Hearing this wisdom, everyone felt content and enlightened.