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 Sankadik
The word Sankadik represents the four sons of the Hindu deity, Brahma. Brahma’s four sons’ names were Sanak, Sanandan, Snatan and Sant Kumar. All four sons never aged more than five years, and they lived together detached from the world and materialistic things. They were very brave and handsome warriors.
Within the Puranas, it has been recorded that all four brothers went on a trek to find where the Lord resided. In front of the door where the Lord was said to reside were two doormen, Jai and Bijay. It is said that when the four sons of Brahma reached the seventh door of the heavens, Jai and Bijay stopped them. They informed them that they were commanded that no-one was to enter this door, especially that of a human being.
“You are not allowed to go any further. You will need to get approval before you enter,” Bijay said to Sanak.
Sanak: “We do not need permission or approval from anyone. Move out of my way demons! Get away or I will kill you both!”
Sanak carried out this curse. 
He grabbed both Jai and Bijay and threw them out of the heavens. Both doormen fell to the earth.
Bijay was angered by this and created many different demons, such as Hirankaship, Harnakash, Shishpal, Dhant Vakar, Kumbh Karan and Ravan. On taking these births, they destroyed many lives and brought great distress to the world. They remained egoistic and prior to this they committed many sins.
All four sons of Brahma had helped to destroy these demons and as their reward the doors of the heavens were opened to them. However, they were unable to find the Lord’s limits.
ਬ੍ਰਹਮਾਦਿਕ ਸਨਕਾਦਿਕ ਸਨਕ ਸਨੰਦਨ ਸਨਾਤਨ ਸਨਤਕੁਮਾਰ ਤਿਨ੍ਹ੍ਹ ਕਉ ਮਹਲੁ ਦੁਲਭਾਵਉ ॥੨॥
Even Brahma and the sages Sanak, Sanandan, Sanaatan and Sant Kumar, find it difficult to obtain the Mansion of the Lord’s Presence.
(Guru Arjan Dev Ji; GGSJ: Ang 401)
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The Story of Rukmaangudh
This Raja was a king who preserved the fasts for the Hindu deity, Ekaadashee.
It is said he practised dharma and righteousness. He never looked at another man's wife but remained faithful to his wife. One day a fairy came and sat on him. Raja Rukmaangudh mediated upon the Lord and did not allow himself to be taken away by her beauty and love.
He continued his fast of the deity, Ekaadashee and sent the fairy away to the heavens.
Raja Rukmaangudh was respected and regarded as a great devotee of the Lord, who remained faithful and was a great example of holy living and upholding the Truth.
ਰੁਕਮਾਂਗਦ ਕਰਤੂਤਿ ਰਾਮੁ ਜੰਪਹੁ ਨਿਤ ਭਾਈ ॥
Rukmaangudh meditated upon the Lord, O Siblings of Destiny.
(Bhatt Jal Jalaap; GGSJ: Ang 1394)
