Shri Guru Nanak Dev Ji reached Girnar mountain

Shri Guru Nanak Dev Ji reached Girnar mountain. There were many sects' akhadas (monastic centers) there. At the peak of the mountain, there were three main water sources, one of which was shaped like a kamandal (sacred water pot), so it was called Kamandal Kund. In those days, Dandi Sannyasis (ascetic monks) lived there. Guru Ji set up his camp at a scenic spot on the mountain peak and began performing kirtan with his companions. The attraction of the kirtan drew people toward him. Guru Ji then recited the following hymn:

Kaaya mahal mandar ghar har ka, tis mahi rakhi jot apaar. Nanak gurmukh mahali bulaaiye, har mele melanhaar. - Raag Malaar, Ang 1256

Meaning: "This body itself is the palace, the temple, and the house of the Divine. The Divine has placed an infinite light within it. One can reach the abode of the Divine only by following the Guru’s guidance and chanting the Lord’s name because only the Guru can unite one with the Divine."

No one remained unaffected by the divine words of the shabad bani (hymns).

Curious seekers asked Guru Ji: "O Guru Ji! Which path should we follow to make life successful?"

Guru Ji replied: "The path of a householder (grihastha) is the best. By living in it, keeping material wealth as a servant, one can attain closeness to the Divine."

However, this answer came as a shock to the Dandi Sannyasis. A debate arose between them and Guru Ji. They wished to present their viewpoint before the people and began a discussion with Guru Ji.

The sannyasis said, "How is it possible that a householder can attain spiritual realization more easily than a renunciant?"

Guru Ji answered: "A person should renounce from the mind. Physical renunciation holds no real value; it is insignificant in the spiritual world. If a renunciant still remains attached to material desires in his mind, then what is the benefit of his renunciation? True renunciation means controlling one's desires. This can be achieved while fulfilling all duties in the household life, whereas a renunciant's mind often gets entangled in one or another form of material attachment."

The sannyasis questioned further, "How is it possible for a householder to renounce material attachment in the mind? In every aspect of life, material wealth is needed. Even a wife is a form of material attachment."

Guru Ji replied: "While living in a household, fulfilling every duty completely, one can still remain detached from material possessions in the mind. Just as a lotus flower, despite growing in water, always remains above the surface, and just as a swan lives in lakes or ponds yet never gets wet—its feathers always remain dry."

Jai jal mahi kamal niraalam, muragai naisane. Surat sabad bhav saagar tariye, Nanak naam bakhaane. - Raag Ramkali, Ang 938

After hearing this response, all were satisfied.