Nanak’s Song

A Sikh Story

Key Ideas: Sikhism, key religious figures, Nanak’s songs

Ever since he was a small boy Nanak had loved God. He liked to sing, and he especially liked to sing songs which shared how much he loved God. He hated it when people argued about The best way to worship God, so he used his songs to teach people. He really wanted people to know that it was not how they worshipped God that was important, but what they felt inside.

Soon his songs became famous. People came to listen, and one man Mardana, brought his musical instrument to play while Nanak sang. They became friends. Mardana and Nanak became well known for their music, and others joined in their songs of praise.

Nanak felt that his songs were very important, and before singing to God he would make sure that he washed in the river. Mardana would sit by Nanak’s clothes while he bathed, dripping his head right under the water to make sure that he was clean. The two men would play and sing and people would join them to praise God.

One day Nanak went in to the river to wash, as usual. Mardana sat by his clothes. Nanak dipped his head under the water - and disappeared. Mardana waited and waited. Nanak did not reappear. Mardana began to search for Nanak, but could not find him. He called to the others nearby, but the search was in vain. There was no sign of Nanak anywhere. Only his clothes remained, on the bank where he had left them.

Mardana was so sad, he simply sat by the pile of clothes thinking. He sat for a whole day, and then another. He could not believe that Nanak would not come back. Then, on the Third day, Mardana looked up and way, to his amazement, Nanak coming out of the water. It was as if he had just finished washing.

Everyone was very happy that Nanak had returned. But they were puzzled too. Where had Nanak been? He said nothing. He went back to his house and began to give away everything he owned. When he had done that he sat quietly thinking, for a whole day and night.

The next day Nanak explained. His friends were amazed to hear that a messenger from God had called him from the river. Nanak was taken to a beautiful place, a place he believed was God’s court. He had been given a sweet drink of nectar, a gift of sweetness and the joy of God’s name. God had also commanded Nanak to sing beautiful songs and Nanak did just that, for the rest of his life.