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 Daraupti
ਦੁਹਸਾਸਨ ਕੀ ਸਭਾ ਦ੍ਰੋਪਤੀ ਅੰਬਰ ਲੇਤ ਉਬਾਰੀਅਲੇ ॥੧॥
In the court of Duhsaasan, You saved the honor of Dropati, when her clothes were being removed. ||1||
(Bhagat Namdev; GGSJ: Ang 988)
Daraupti was the daughter of Drupada, the King of Panchala and the wife of the five Pandava brothers (Yudhishthira, Bhima, Arjuna, Nakula and Sanadeva). At the time of Mahabharata, a game of dice was being played in Duryodhana’s court. Wanting to humiliate the Pandavas and possess all their material wealth, Duryodhana had the dice work in his favour.
The Pandavas lost all their material wealth to Duryodhana. Having nothing else left to bet within the next round, Yudhishthira put his wife, Daraupti up as a wager. Duryodhana summoned Daraupti to present herself in the court, but she refused to do so. Infuriated by her protests, Duryodhana ordered his younger brother, Dushasana to fetch her to the court. Dushasana dragged Daraupti by her hair into the assembly.
To further humiliate and provoke the Pandavas, Duryodhana commanded his brother to strip Daraupti stark naked. Feeling completed dejected and sexually exploited, Daraupti felt helpless. She closed her eyes and invoked Krishna to come to her aid and save her honour.
A miracle took place; as Dushasana began to disrobe Daraupti, more and more layers of her sari continued to extend, thus forming a fort around her. Dushasana and the servants became so agitated and exhausted, they gave up.
The Lord listened to the prayers of the helpless Daraupti and saved her honour.
ਘਰਿ ਆਈ ਠਾਕੁਰ ਮਿਲੇ ਪੈਜ ਰਹੀ ਬੋਲੇ ਸ਼ਰਮਾਂਦੀ।
On reaching home, Dropati was asked by Lord Krishna whether she was saved in the assembly.
ਨਾਥ ਅਨਾਥਾਂ ਬਾਣਿ ਧੁਰਾਂਦੀ ॥੮॥
She shyly replied, “Since perennial times you are living up to your reputation of being father of the fatherless ones.” (8)
(Bhai Gurdas Ji Vaaran; Vaar 10)
The moral of the story is whenever we are faced with hardships or when we have no one else to turn to; the Lord will always listen and fulfil our prayers. It is a matter of having faith. Just as Daraupti’s honour was protected, those who sincerely call upon the Lord in their prayers will also find protection.
