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 Madhusudan
ਮਧੁਸੂਦਨ ਹਰਿ ਮਾਧੋ ਪ੍ਰਾਨਾ ॥
The Lord, the Slayer of demons, is my breath of life.ਮੇਰੈ ਮਨਿ ਤਨਿ ਅੰਮ੍ਰਿਤ ਮੀਠ ਲਗਾਨਾ ॥
His Ambrosial Amrit is so sweet to my mind and body.(Guru Ram Das Ji; GGSJ: 698)
Madhusudan is one of the many names assigned to God and is also the name given to one of Vishnu's avtars, who slayed the demons Madhu and Kaitabha.
It is believed that both Madhu and Kaitabha were formed from Vishnu's earwax. As a result of their intense meditation, both brothers were granted a boon from Brahma that they would not be killed by any human being. They became fierce, powerful beings and roamed the realms exercising their power. They brought great misery to the deities.
Madhu and Kaitabha entered Brahmlok, where Brahma resided, and stole the Vedas from Brahma. They deposited the Vedas deep into the ocean. Mortified by the actions of Madhu and Kaitabha, Brahma prayed to Vishnu and asked for his help to kill the demons. Vishnu saw the calamity that was caused within the realms and agreed to put an end to this.
Vishnu took the form of Hayagriva; a horse headed deity and beheaded both demons with his Sudarshana Chakara (serrated discus). Vishnu restored the Vedas and returned them to Brahma. The deities praised Hayagriva and renamed him Madhusudan, the slayer of demons.
The name Madhusudan has been referenced five times within Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji but to the Almighty Lord, Vaheguru and not the deity Vishnu. The True Slayer of demons is Vaheguru Himself.
ਅਚੁਤ ਪਾਰਬ੍ਰਹਮ ਪਰਮੇਸੁਰ ਅੰਤਰਜਾਮੀ ॥
The Supreme Lord God is imperishable, the Transcendent Lord, the Inner knower, the Searcher of hearts.
ਮਧੁਸੂਦਨ ਦਾਮੋਦਰ ਸੁਆਮੀ ॥
He is the Slayer of demons, our Supreme Lord and Master.
(Guru Arjan Dev Ji; GGSJ: 1082)
Other references to Madhusudan within Guru Granth Sahib Ji:
Guru Ram Das Ji - Ang 94, 980
Guru Nanak Dev Ji - Ang 359
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