Gems of Gurbani

Guru Granth Sahib

Kirtan Sohila   3

During his travels to the east in India Guru Nanak came to see the Temple of Puri and he saw the aarti being conducted there and was saddened to see that people and priests have all forgotten the Creator and the world is being lead to believe in illusions. He came away from the temple. The evening was clear on the coast and moon was full and the whole atmosphere was serene with ocean making its own waves and noises. He thanked God for creating this blissful atmosphere and one of the most beautiful obeisances was flowing through his pious mouth. Years later he documented this beautiful creation that he penned down at Kartarpur on the banks of river Ravi. Guru Arjun Dev has recorded this on page 663 of Guru Granth Sahib in raag Dhanasari Mahala 1.

Before we take up to understand aarti let us understand that atmosphere that created the revolutionary streak in Guru Nanak and also that aversion for traditions that needed complete overhauling. The breakdown of Indian society was at all levels because people were thrown into pits of darkness by blind faith and superstitions. All along the coastal areas in India people go for evening walks to see sunset and get fresh breeze from the ocean. The avarice of Sadhus and other religiously garbed people becomes intensive take to advantage of the congregation of people at such places to earn money. Some dig pits in the sand and sit up to shoulders in them and cover themselves with sand and a begging bowl is kept nearby for people to throw money for their stunt because at that particular moment they are united with God and thus become favourites with the God and can ask for any boons. Others sit in Yoga with their bellies withdrawn, eyes closed in meditation as if united with the Lord and get blessings for people by becoming intermediary between people and God. Following verse that is recorded in Guru Granth  Sahib is that atmosphere on the beach that made Guru ji check on the Sadhu if he is really connected with God.

To continue…………..