Bharme bhulla sakat firta – Raag Suhi – Ang 739

Gurbani tells us at many places in SGGS Ji, it is futile to pray to any akaar, any idols, any devi devta.

In this Shabad Guru Ji says anyone who prays to such perishable things is a sakat, a misguided person chasing after energies of maya. Instead, one should only pray for Divine Energy, which can only be received from Naam, and the Guru’s Grace.

Guru Ji says this Divine Energy, Naam, God, Nirankar is present in his body home, yet foolish man does not realise this.
“Ghar me Thakur nadar na aavhe.”

The foolish mortal hangs a piece of stone (normally a Shaligram, representing Vishnu) around his neck).
“Galh me pahan le latkavhe.”

Such a person is a sakat, wandering about in delusion
“Bharme bhula sakat firta”

By such actions and prayer to idols, akaar, he is in effect, churning water, a wasted exercise.
“Neer birolhe khap khap marta.”

This stone idol which he regards as his Master (Thakur), will drown him in the world ocean. (Only Naam can ferry your suratt across).
“Jis pahan ko Thakur kehta oh pahan leh oss ko dubta.”

Guru Ji says such a person is a gunahgaar loon haramee, an ungrateful wretch, a nashukra, i.e. he eats the salt (food) provided by Nirankar, yet he showers shukrana on the stone idol.

The stone idol can never be a boat to carry you across, nor has it ever crossed the world ocean itself (pargramee).
“Pahan naav na pargramee”

You can only know the Thakur through the Guru (Shabad); this Thakur within all of us, writes our destiny, and Pervades the waters, lands and skies.
“Gur milh Nanak Thakur jaata; Jalh thalh mahial Puran Bidhata.”