Introduction to Aadh Guru Granth Bhagat Mala
These short stories have been taken from Aadh Guru Granth Bhagat Mala and translated into English. The purpose of translating these stories is to provide understanding and emphasise its significance when reciting Gurbaani and Bhai Gurdas Ji Vaaran.
The Sikh Gurus, Bhagats and Bhatt (bards) within Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji have made references to various great saints and disciples who existed at the time of the Hindu deities in different Yugas. These narratives are presented not to venerate Hindu deities; rather, they serve solely as references to illustrate the value of faith and understanding the importance of meditating upon the Lord’s Name.
The stories provide examples from the lives of many revered saints, aristocrats and common people serving as parallels for understanding the power and immense greatness of the One Lord, Vaheguru. They highlight the importance of living by faith and Dharma, and how meditation upon the Primal Lord leads to liberation from sin and misfortune.
The Story of Kubija Maalan
ਕੁਬਿਜਾ ਉਧਰੀ ਅੰਗੁਸਟ ਧਾਰ ॥
Kubija, the hunchback was saved, when the Lord placed His feet and thumb on her back.
(Guru Arjan Dev Ji; GGSJ: Ang 1192)
Kubija was a servant of Raja Kans and was his gardener. Every morning she would break flowers and make a flower necklace to put around Raja Kans' neck. She was a very beautiful young woman and people would comment on her beauty. But when she used to walk, people would ask why the Lord has made her a hunchback. Due to her appearance, everyone used to call her 'Kubija Maalan'. 
One day, Krishna was passing by and he saw Kubija. Kubija was breaking flower petals and was making her way into the palace to Raja Kans. On her way, she saw Krishna and ran towards him. She threw the flowers over Krishna and fell to his feet. She picked up the flower necklace she made for Raja Kans and put it over Krishna and applied a sandalwood mark on his forehead. She completely forgot that the sandalwood was to put on the forehead of Raja Kans and if he found out what she had done, he would have her killed. He was a very barbaric and evil Raja. He had no love for anyone.
Kubija took the sandalwood mark off Krishna's forehead and went back to the palace. Krishna followed her. He saw that she was a hunchback and decided that he would help her. He placed his foot and his thumb on her back and pressed on it. Kubija's back straightened. She looked at Krishna and began dancing and singing his praises. She began to shout 'You are the Lord! You are the Lord!' really loudly.
Krishna laughed and said to Kubija to go and put the sandalwood mark upon Raja Kans' forehead. As she approached Raja Kans and went to place the sandalwood mark, Raja Kans stopped her and said, "What has happened to your hunchback? How did you make it disappear?"
She cried out aloud, "It was my dearest Lord! He became merciful upon me!" He saved Kubija and emancipated her.
ਪਰਸ ਨਪਰਸ ਭਏ ਕੁਬਿਜਾ ਕਉ ਲੈ ਬੈਕੁੰਠਿ ਸਿਧਾਰੇ ॥੧॥
Krishna was pleased, and so he touched the hunch-back Kubija, and she was transported to the heavens. ||1||
(Ang 981 Guru Ram Das)
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The Story of Oudhar
ਉਧੌ ਅਕ੍ਰੂਰੁ ਬਿਦਰੁ ਗੁਣ ਗਾਵੈ ਸਰਬਾਤਮੁ ਜਿਨਿ ਜਾਣਿਓ ॥
Oudho, Akrur, Bidar sing the glorious praises of Guru Nanak, who knows the Lord, the Soul of All.
(Bhatt Kal; GGSJ: Ang 1389)
Oudhar was born in Mathura and Gokal and was equal to a son as Krishna was to his mother. They were best friends and were raised together as children.
They had many good times together and remained best friends, even when Oudhar became a Raja.
He began to meditate the way Bidar used to (see the story of Bidar). Oudhar learnt and heard the Bhagwad Puraan (Hindu scripture) directly from Krishna and taught Bidar all he had learnt.
Whenever Krishna used to get into arguments or disputes with the young maidens, Oudhar would always settle the arguments. Oudhar is deemed as a Bhagat because of his great devotion to Krishna and faith in God.
