Shri Guru Nanak Dev Ji, along with his…

Shri Guru Nanak Dev Ji, along with his companions, traveled from Bhuj to Mandvi. There, a famous temple of the goddess Kali was located, which the local residents referred to as Asha Purni Devi. The priestess of that temple had heard a lot about Guru Dev from travelers. Those returning from Lakhpat Nagar would praise Guru Nanak Ji, calling him a perfectly enlightened being. They would say that in the presence of his divine radiance, all must bow, as he teaches the art of living a rational life and inspires people to stay away from unnecessary rituals and hypocrisy.

Knowing all this, the priestess became anxious about her livelihood. She feared that if Guru Dev arrived, her tantric deceptions would not survive before his teachings. Therefore, before he could defeat her and expose her falsehood, she decided to approach him first and seek his protection. With this thought, she waited for the right moment and then approached Guru Dev. At that time, Bhai Mardana Ji was performing kirtan, and Guru Ji was absorbed in deep meditation. The priestess, too, was enchanted by the sweetness of the kirtan, and her consciousness became focused on the divine words. Overcome with bliss, she entered a trance-like state.

Guru Dev then recited the following verse:

Bin Gur Shabad na chhootas koi. Pakhadikīnai mukti na hoi.

Raag Bilawal, Ang 839 While explaining the meaning of this verse, Guru Ji addressed the congregation in his discourse, saying, "A hypocritical person remains bound in the cycle of birth and death and must endure the consequences of their actions. However, one who follows the teachings of the True Guru and lives a selfless and compassionate life attains a place at the feet of the Lord."

Hearing this, the priestess of the Kali temple bowed before Guru Ji and humbly said, "What I had heard about you is exactly what I have found. However, my livelihood depends on this deception. If I abandon it, my very means of survival will come to an end. O Guru Dev, please free me from this dilemma and guide me."

Guru Dev comforted her and said, "A person who makes an effort to walk the path of truth is always supported by the Lord. There is no question of your livelihood coming to an end. Your concern is baseless. Try adopting the path of truth, and though there may be some difficulties initially, everything will soon become normal. If you have firm faith in the Almighty, He will surely help you. In the end, you will be victorious, free from the illusions of hypocrisy, and you will contribute to the propagation of the One Supreme God. By freeing yourself from these imaginary deities, you will attain the eternal abode."

Upon receiving this assurance, the priestess asked, "O Guru Dev, what should I do now?"

Guru Dev replied, "Build a dharamshala (spiritual abode) where you can spread the message of One Supreme God and His omnipotence, that He is present in every particle and pervades every being. All other rituals only mislead people. Avoid them."

The priestess sought Guru Dev’s blessings for this mission.

Guru Dev said, "When you engage in the work of the Lord, He will provide you with strength, and you will achieve success in all your endeavors. The key to pleasing the Lord is: ‘Aap japo avraa naam japaavo.’ That is, chant the Lord’s name yourself and inspire others to do the same."

The priestess then said, "O Guru Dev! When I was coming to you, my intention was to request you to safeguard my domain so that you would not interfere in my work. Since you have conquered vast lands across the world, and your influence is widespread, I thought you might leave me alone. However, I was deeply mistaken. Accumulating wealth and fame only feeds one's ego. True bliss lies in renunciation and devotion to the Lord, which I have now realized through you."

Guru Dev explained to her, "Every achievement depends on the righteousness of the means used to attain it. If the means are corrupt, the outcomes cannot be good, even if the goal is noble. Tantric practices only fuel mental distortions, leading people astray and into deeper darkness. True happiness lies in controlling the restless tendencies of the mind, becoming free from desires, and immersing oneself in the meditation of the One Supreme God."