As Shri Guru Nanak Dev Ji continued to spread…

As Shri Guru Nanak Dev Ji continued to spread the principles of Gurmat, he arrived at Sudama Nagari Porbandar. During those days, after Diwali, the tradition was to immerse used idols in rivers. A large crowd gathered, carrying idols on their heads while Brahmins chanted mantras according to traditional rituals.

At that moment, Guru Ji, who was already seated there, started singing kirtan:

"He contemplates the nine continents and the six philosophies. Day and night, he utters the eighteen Puranas. Yet, even then, he does not find the limits of the Divine. Without the Name, how can one attain liberation?" — Raga Sarang, Ang 1237

The common people, forgetting about the idol immersion, were drawn toward Guru Ji’s congregation. When the Brahmins saw that they were left alone reciting mantras while the crowd had gathered elsewhere, they became anxious. Gradually, even they were attracted by the sweet melody of Guru Ji’s shabad. However, upon hearing words contrary to their practices, they were both astonished and enraged.

With a mixture of anger and surprise, they began questioning Guru Ji, accusing him of contradicting the religious scriptures and rituals. In response, Guru Ji calmly urged them to have patience and, during his discourse, explained:

"These tithis (dates), days, and other customs are created by humans. However, nature follows its own laws—all days are the same; none are inferior or superior. Therefore, no day is inherently good or bad. Birth and death can occur at any time. If we cannot interfere with nature's laws in such matters, then why waste our time in illusions for ordinary affairs?

Instead, we should experience joy in God’s divine play, chant His Name, and cleanse the filth of our hearts. In this alone lies the welfare of all."