Four Udaasi- ‘Spiritual Travels’ one version
Another version is given below:
Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s Second Udaasi (spiritual journey) took him to many regions, including Sri Lanka. These journeys were undertaken to spread the universal message of love, humility, and devotion to the Divine.
According to Sikh Janam Sakhi traditions, Guru Ji traveled to the southern regions of India, reaching Rameswaram and eventually crossing the sea to Sri Lanka.
Guru Nanak Dev ji accompanied by Bhai Mardana
Accompanied by Bhai Mardana, he visited the kingdom of Raja ShivNabh, a ruler known for his ego and atheistic views.
Raja ShivNabh
Raja ShivNabh was an atheist whose ministers warned him not to meet Guru Nanak Dev Ji, fearing his curse. To test Guru Ji, ShivNabh sent ministers with a silver plate of diamonds as an offering, but Guru Ji rejected it, saying, “Tell him to offer himself instead.”
Dancing girls
Next, the king sent dancing prostitutes to tempt Guru Ji, who addressed them as daughters, leaving ShivNabh shaken. For the first time, the fear of God entered his heart. Humbled, he bowed to Guru Ji and requested great service to perform.
Raja ShivNabh making worldly offers.
Guru Ji replied, “Offer something truly yours that will help in the next world.” ShivNabh offered his kingdom, his body, and even his name, but Guru Ji pointed out that none of these were truly his—they were temporary and belonged to the world.
Transformed Raja ShivNabh with his wife
Impressed and intrigued by Guru Ji’s spiritual depth, the king invited him to his palace to share his wisdom with the queen. This encounter further solidified the transformative impact Guru Nanak Dev Ji had on Raja ShivNabh and his kingdom.
Raja ShivNabh surrendering
Finally, Guru Ji revealed the truth: “Give up your ‘I’—your ego.” Realizing this, ShivNabh surrendered, saying, “Nothing is mine; everything is Yours.” Transformed into a humble servant, he dedicated his rule and life to Guru Nanak. When asked who he belonged to, he answered, “Guru Nanak.” Blessed with divine knowledge (Brahm Gyan), ShivNabh requested only Naam (God’s Name) and to remain at Guru Ji’s feet.
Message of Oneness
Raja ShivNabh and his kingdom became some of the earliest followers of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the founder of Sikhism, in the 16th century. Inspired by the Guru’s teachings oneness, they adopted his message of divine unity, equality, and devotion to the One Creator. Over time, the influence of Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s wisdom extended through the royal family and their subjects.
Bhat/Bhatra Connection
Raja ShivNabh’s grandson, Prince Baba Changa, became a devoted missionary and earned the title ‘Bhat Rai’—the ‘Raja of Poets.’ Baba Changa, along with his followers, traveled extensively across India to spread Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s teachings. These efforts led to the establishment of Bhat Sikhs—a community of devoted followers who played a crucial role in propagating the Guru’s message, especially in Northern India. This lineage of missionary poets significantly contributed to the early expansion of Sikhism.
Bhats whose Bani is inserted in Sri Guru Granth Sahib
Bhatts were traditionally poets and bards who praised rulers or warriors in their verses. In Sikhism, however, Bhatts are spiritual poets who composed devotional hymns based on their personal experiences of the Sikh Gurus’ divinity. Their verses, included in the Guru Granth Sahib as Bhatt Bani, celebrate the Gurus’ spiritual wisdom and the path to liberation.
Bhats whose banis ‘Sawaiyye’are the first to be recited before the Parkash of sacred opening of Guru Granth Sahib every single day in Golden temple even today.
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