Observing the Rituals at Jagannath Temple
When Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji reached Jagannath Puri, he closely observed the religious atmosphere and rituals of worship there. During the evening aarti at the Jagannath Temple, Guru Ji deeply reflected on the scene with his spiritual insight. He saw people attempting to please God by lighting lamps in front of idols and singing aartis.
Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s Spiritual Vision
Upon witnessing this, Guru Nanak Dev Ji explained through his hymns the true nature of God’s omnipresence and formlessness. He conveyed, “Nirankar Hari Hari Sarb Prabhakar Soi Thakur Puja Sada Sifti Sach Sahib Sachoi.” Guru Ji emphasized that God is not confined to any specific place or image. He is omnipresent, and to find Him, one must look within the heart rather than travel to distant places.
True Worship and Inner Devotion
Guru Ji taught that true worship is when a person remembers the Lord within and continuously meditates on His name. In Jagannath Puri, he explained to the people that inner devotion holds more value than external rituals.
The Core Message of Sikhism
This teaching of Guru Nanak Dev Ji highlighted the principle of formlessness in Sikhism. It laid the foundation of focusing on Naam Simran instead of idol worship. Guru Ji’s message was clear: there is no one else but Hari, the One Eternal Being, the All-Pervading Sat Sri Akal.
