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Then someone replied and stated this:
and knowing every house was on fire..makes you happier? |
and knowing every house was on fire..makes you happier? |
Ajaamal, the elephant, and the prostitute committed many sins, but still, they crossed over the world ocean by chanting the Lord's Name. What is the story of Ajaamal and the prostitute So Ajaamal, who was maha-paapi (great sinner), went to heaven (heaven is much lower than Sachkhand-the actual residence of God) instead of going to hell. He was surely destined to go to hell if he had not recited Narayana unwittingly. How a great sinner Ajaamal was saved from punishment When we do paath (prayers) of Sri Guru Granth Sahib jee, (Sikh Holy Book) we read about Ajaamal Paapi (Sinner) at quite a few places. Here is a brief story of his life. Hopefully this will help us understand baani (holy text) better. Ajaamal was born to a Raaj Purohit (Head Priest) and in a high caste (so called) within already high caste of Hindus i.e. Brahmins. Raaj Purohit means the main pujaari (Priest) of a kingdom. A Raaj Purohit is like the head priest of a kingdom and the kings refer to their raaj purohits for any questions on religion. Ajaamal was brought up in a very religious atmosphere and was provided with Sanskrit education from an early age. By the time he reached the age of maturity, he became well-versed in all 4 Vedas, 18 Puraanas and other important religious books of those times. His father was a man of high probity and integrity. He used to admonish him against doing paap karma (sins). He further told him to never go in the southern part of the city because that part of the city was full of scoundrels and prostitutes. Innocent Ajaamal who had not been exposed to any evil in his life felt his curiosity getting aroused at the mention of the Southern part of the city but he continued to abstain from going that way. He got married to a beautiful and good-hearted woman. They had a couple of children and led an uneventful life until his father died. He was then appointed to the post of Raaj Purohit (Head Priest). His life continued in normal fashion until that fateful day when he had to go to the southern part of the city. It was probably his destiny to go to that part of the city. --- just as it was the destiny of some to say this is all leeligious crap. He was on horseback and as he approached the inner city, he came off his horse and parked it by the tree. He started walking on foot and reached that part of the city where there are brothels and pubs. He had never been exposed to such scenes. There were women standing outside the brothels luring customers in. He was taken aback at such open display of Kaam (sex). Then one woman, who knew all the chalitters (wiles of seduction), looked at Ajaamal with such a look that Ajaamal got stuck right there. She was in an embraced position with some man, with her face towards Ajamal. His feet could not move any further. Then she without speaking, just with a hand gesture, asked him to follow her. She was a young and promiscuous woman in her early twenties. He resisted but could not resist for too long. Finally he gave in to the temptation and started walking behind her. That day changed his life forever. He became a regular visitor to this Ganika (prostitute, bad woman). Soon others found out about his double life. His wife pleaded with him to stop seeing the prostitute but he did not listen to anyone. Everyone was wondering why he could not leave this prostitute and what wrong did he see in his beautiful, homely and good-natured wife. When the king found out, he was quite upset at Ajaamal but wanted to give him a second chance out of his respect for Ajaamal’s father. He tried to persuade Ajaamal to mend his ways but soon found out that Ajaamal was not going to stop seeing the Ganika (prostitute). Ajaamal was spending his money very recklessly and in order to protect his legitimate children and wife, the king decided to banish him from his kingdom. He confiscated all his property and gave it to his wife and children. Thereafter he banished Ajaamal and the prostitute from his kingdom. Great calamities befell on both Ajaamal and the prostitute. They moved out of the kingdom and starting leading a very destitute life. Ajaamal was left with no money, and now had to work very hard to earn his living. He used to cut wood from jungle all day and sell it in the city. He started gambling, drinking and doing other bad things. He and his mistress used to fight endlessly and had a lot of children together. In short, their life was a hell. The poverty took its toll on Ajaamal and he became old before his age. He got infected with many diseases and suffered a lot. He and his mistress had several children together. Ajaamal had to work very hard to feed his new family. When Ajaamal hit old-age, his body became very weak but he had to work to feed his family. He sometimes used to regret his decision but it was too late to go back now. He knew that no one would accept him back. Anyway, later in his life he had a son and the day his son was born, some saadhu jan (holy men) came to his house to seek refuge from bad weather. Ajaamal out of his good karma, did sewa (selfless service) of those Sadhoos. The Saadhoos had ridhi-sidhi (extra-sensory powers) and sensed that Ajaamal had led a very terrible life and that in the next world he would suffer badly in the hands of Jammdoots (messengers of death). Before leaving they had mercy on Ajaamal. They noticed that Ajaamal was totally entangled in the attachment of his family and because of his bad karma, he was not worthy of receiving Naam (Divine Name - God). They knew that if he did not do bhagtee i.e. Naam jaap (repetition of God's name), he would suffer in the hands of Jammdoots (Messengers of Death). They finally came up with an idea. They told him to name his latest born son "Narayana". Obeying what the saadhoo said, Ajaamal named his son - Narayan. We should remember that Narayan is one of the qualitative names of God. Ajaamal became very fond of his son and lovingly called him " Narayana Narayana " all day. By this time, his diseases overpowered him and he lay at deathbed. As he lay in his bed, waiting for death, he still had moh (worldly attachment) for his youngest son and kept calling him lovingly " Narayana, Narayana ". Saying " Narayana " felt very good to him and he said more and more of " Narayana ". He felt good saying " Narayana Narayana ". He started feeling comfort saying “Narayana Narayana.” When his death time came close, Jammdoots (Messengers of Death) started visiting him and he could see them approaching him. The sight of Jammdoots greatly terrified him and out of fear, he called his son Narayana by name. He kept saying “help me Narayana, save me Narayana”. As the Jammdoots approached him, they realized that they could not reach him as he was saying God's naam (kirtam naam, not satnaam i.e. Vaheguru). Jammdoots (Messengers of Death) could not get close to him but his end was fast approaching. Ajaamal just kept calling his son Narayana and jammdoots totally became helpless. By this time the good angels (devtay) came to get Ajaamal. The Jammdoots and the angels started having debate on who was to take him to the next world. This debate is highly interesting and is written in great detail in Sri Madd Bhagwat Purana. Anyway, the angels reminded the Jammdoots that whoever does kirtan or recites Naam, jammdoots are not allowed to catch them. The Jammdoots went back to Dharam Rai, their Master and Dharam Rai confirmed that whoever does kirtan or Naam, Jammdoots are not allowed to get near them. This dialogue of Dharam Rai is recorded in Gurbani as follows: JAH SADHOO GOBIND, BHAJAN KIRTAN NANAK NEET|| NAA HAO, NA TU, NA SCHOOTAY, NIKAT NA JAAYEEYO DOOT|| (O Jamm doots, where ever the Saadhoos (a holy person) of Gobind-Vaheguru (God) do kirtan (singing praise) or do bhajan (meditation on Naam) of Vaheguru, never ever go close to that place. If you violate this, then neither you nor I would be spared of the punishment) In the end jammdoots could not reach him and he was taken to the next world by devtaas (good angels of heaven). Gurbani says this very clearly that whoever says name of Vaheguru in the last moments of his life, does not go to jammdoots. So Ajaamal, who was maha-paapi (great sinner), went to heaven (heaven is much lower than Sachkhand) instead of going to hell. He was surely destined to go to hell if he had not recited Narayana unwittingly. If kirtam naam (qualitative naams that describe one or more qualities of Vaheguru) can have so much effect, imagine how great an effect the true Naam, that Guru Nanak Dev jee has brought to this world, would have. Let us learn this lesson from this saakhi to make Naam as integral part of our life as breathing is. Here are some of the pankitis from Gurbani that allude to Ajaamal’s story: AJAAMAL PAAPI JAG JAANAE, NIMAK MAAHE NISTAARA|| (The great sinner Ajaamal, whom was notorious in the whole world, was delivered by Vaheguru in one instance) AJAAMAL, GAJJ, GANIKA, PATIT KARAM KEENAY|| TAYOO UTTAR PAAR PARAE, RAAM NAAM LEENAY|| (Ajaamal, the elephant and Ganika did many bad karma but by taking Naam, they swam across this ocean of world) AJAAMAL KO ANT KAAL MEH , NARAYAN SUDH AAYEE|| JA GATT KO JOGISUR BAANCHAE, SO GAT CHHIN MEH PAYEE|| (Ajaamal realised the Naam the greatness of Naam in his last moments. He received such honour in few moments that great Yogis attained in many years of penance) Daas, Kulbir Singh |
Never look down on another person. Everyone makes many many mistakes. Many of us are sinful but you never know God may send someone your way to change your destiny. Can you repeat the name of God while driving, walking, resting, before you sleep and when you wake up? If you do this regularly then you will relaize that when you get up even at 2:00 a.m. you would be repeating the name of God. In other words even in your sleep you would be remembering God. Read this Tale of Ganika the prostitute was reformed by a holy man. What a beautiful lesson. https://www.sikhnet.com/news/bhagat-maalaa-story-ganika-part-xx The Story of Ganika ![]() Ganika lived in a Bazaar and led a life as a prostitute. She led a very sinful life; her beauty and youthfulness attracted a lot of male attention, who were from all kinds of backgrounds and statuses. On hearing the sadhu call her 'daughter', Ganika felt extremely embarrassed. Her sinful mind became uncomfortable.Ganika led this lifestyle for many years and failed to realise what she was doing was degrading, harmful and sinful. One night, on a very thunderous and rainy night, a sadhu (holy man) came by. With him, he had a parrot. On seeing the very poor weather and worried that his parrot may die from the cold, the sadhu took the parrot out of his cage and wrapped him in his shawl. This parrot meant a lot to the sadhu, as the parrot caused him to remember the Lord and it chanted the Lord's Name, Ram, Ram. The sadhu went on walking through the dark cold night. He found that the streets were empty; people had closed and bolted their doors. He came to Ganika's house and saw a diva (oil lamp) burning in the night. He saw that her door was open and he entered chanting the Lord's name. Ganika saw the sadhu and was pleased to see him. She thought he was a customer, who made the effort to come in this terrible weather. "Come. I have been waiting for you." Ganika said to the sadhu. The sadhu was alarmed and said, "O my daughter, it is raining really terribly outside. I have lost my cage and I want to save my parrot." Ganika: "Do you want to spend a night with me?" Sadhu: "Yes! We would like to stay with you. Every soul belongs to the Lord and this body is a house for the soul. O my dear daughter may the Lord bring you peace and happiness and to bless you for your kindness. You must be someone, who remembers the Lord's name." The sadhu continued talking to Ganika. His mind was pure and free of attachment. Ganika, whose original name was 'Chandarmani' became even more uncomfortable and very frightened. She spoke, "Are you a sadhu?" "Yes, I am a sadhu! My Lord made me a sadhu and caused me to meditate upon His name and serve Him day and night." Ganika remained surprised, as she never met such a person, especially at a time when she would be seducing another man for his money. Ganika: "Okay, so you are a disciple of the Lord then. Come and take off your wet clothes and put on some dry ones." The sadhu removed his clothes and clothed himself with dry ones. Ganika made a fire and dried the parrot. On feeling the warmth, the parrot became to chant the Lord's name. The parrot said to the sadhu, "Maharaj! Will you bring some food?" "Yes, dear daughter, I am hungry and so is my parrot. Whatever the Lord has writ in our destiny that is what we shall receive." Ganika said to the sadhu, "Whatever I have got, please accept it. But I must tell you, my name is Ganika and I am a prostitute. I have been a prostitute for twelve years within this house. I have simply satisfied men's sexual desires. I am a sinner! Within this house is sinful food." Ganika began to sob. This was the first time in twelve years that Ganika cried and felt the way she did in the presence of the sadhu. The sadhu saw that Ganika had some self-realisation of what she was doing was wrong. Now was the time for him to provide her with some advice. He said, "Your food is acceptable. Within this world, worldly attachment is a strong element, which prevents one to remember the Lord. Instead, one is deceived and falls into the trap of lust, anger, greed, attachment and ego. The real aim of this life is shunned aside. This is the game of this world, some are winners and some are losers." "What you speak is the truth," Ganika spoke at once, "Men have put me on the wrong path. I am a sinner! But I have realised this through meeting with you when you called me your daughter. Whenever a young man came to my house or even an older man, not once did they call me their sister or daughter. I do not even know who my mother or father is. I have lived my life as a prostitute just to make myself feel wanted by somebody, for someone to love me and hold me and make me feel that I mean something to them. It is raining now and it has been so for two days. No-one has come and if they do, it will be for one reason only." Ganika continued to cry and repent. The sadhu felt touched and held Ganika. He explained, "This whole world is full of people who use another for their own purposes. Look at me. My parrot and I needed shelter. For this reason we came to you. There are two types of purposes. One is for worldly attachment and the second is for the Lord. If the purpose of your life is to meet the Lord, then meet with saintly people and remain in their congregation. They will cause you to chant the Lord's name, practice dharma and righteousness…look, my dear daughter, if you were to marry someone, you would serve that person. You would satisfy his wishes, you would have children. With your husband and children, you could all be praying together. Everyone would call you a goddess. The purpose of this life is recognised through one's karma, not the beauty of their body. Whatever has happened, has happened, think about the future and what you are going to do to make that change." Ganika felt content and fed the sadhu and the parrot. The sadhu stayed with Ganika and she remained in his presence chanting the Lord's name. The following day, the rain stopped. As the sadhu was about to leave, Ganika stopped him, "O Maharaj, please have mercy upon me and leave your parrot with me. I will listen to the parrot chant the Lord's name and I will too chant and meditate upon the Lord's name." The sadhu agreed and left the parrot with Ganika. He also told her that people will gossip about them both, but she should not take it to heart and should see it as people washing her sins away for her. Ganika remained in full contemplation upon the Lord's name. Ganika would chant, 'Bol Ganga Rama Ram, Ram' and the parrot would mimic what she would say. ??? ????? ????? ??? ? 'Teaching a parrot to chant the Lord's name, Ganika, the prostitute was saved.' (Bhagat Naamdev Ji; GGSJ: Ang 874) ??? ????? ???? ?? ???? ?? ?? ??? ?? ???? ??? ???? ? 'Meditating upon the Lord, Ganika the prostitute was saved; enshrine His praises within your heart'. (Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib Ji; GGSJ: Ang 632) On leaving this world, conch shells were blown, bells rung aloud, drum sounds were echoed and flowers were showered upon Ganika as she entered the heavens. Below is the story of Ganika as written by Bhai Gurdas Ji. Vaar 10, Pauri 21: ????? ????? ??? ?? ????? ?? ??? ???? ?????? Gankaa was a sinful prostitute who wore the necklace of misdeeds around her neck. ???? ????? ?????? ????? ???? ?? ?????? Once a great man was passing by who halted in her courtyard. ?????? ???? ???? ??? ????? ?? ?? ?????? ????? Seeing her bad plight he became compassionate and offered her a special parrot. ??? ???? ?????? ??? ???? ??? ?? ???? ????? He told her to teach the parrot to repeat the name of Ram. Having made her understand this fruitful trade he then went away. ??? ???? ???? ???????? ??? ?????? ??? ?????? Each and every day, with full concentration, she would teach the parrot to say Ram. (God) ???? ?????? ??? ???? ?????? ??? ?????? ????? The name of Lord is the liberator of the fallen ones. It washed away her evil wisdom and deeds. ??????? ?? ???? ???? ???? ???? ? ?????? ????? At the time of death, it cut away the noose of Yama - the messenger of death she did not have to drown in the ocean of hell. ?? ??????? ?????? ????? ??? ?????? ???? ?????? Due to the elixir of name (of the Lord) she became totally devoid of sins and was lifted to the heavens. ??? ?????? ???? ????? ???? The name (of the Lord) is the last refuge of the shelter-less ones. |
From Mukhaarbind (mouth) of Guru Gobind Singh ji; this Shabad was sung by him on the night of the cold winter when Guru Sahib ji had earlier in the day led the Khalsa forces in the battle of Chamkaur where Guru ji fought with the huge army of enemies of Khalsa Panth. His sons embraced martyrdom in front of his own eyes fighting for Khalsa ideals. Guru Sahib ji in this shabad yearns for remembrance of Waheguru despite of the extreme hardships and tough times.