Guru Nanak Dev Ji went on four major journeys known as Udasis.
In Sidh Gosht, Guru Ji tells the Sidhs that God is within all and He can only be accessed by Shabad and Gur Parsad. The Sidhs tell Guru Ji they look for Him and feel closer to Him in isolated places and remain far from civilisation. “Haati baati rahe nirale rukh birkh udiaane.” (SGGS Ji Ang 938).
Guru Ji tells them it is wrong to look for Him in the mountains and jungles. He is deep within all.
The Sidhs are quite upset and they question Guru Ji. What about You? You too are on a Udasi, away from home, are You not looking for God too? They ask
“Kis kaaran greh tajiyo Udasi; kis kaaran eh bhekh nivaasi.”
Guru Ji replies that He took to the Udasis, not to look for God but to meet Gurmukhs (Saintly ones). He put on clothes that made it easier to meet Gurmukhs.
“Gurmukh khojat bhaye Udasi; Darshan keh tayi bhekh nivaasi.”
Guru Ji further says He deals only in the Truth; only Gurmukhs can be ferried across.
“Sach vakhar ke ham vanjare; Nanak Gurmukh utrass paare.”
Guru Ji’s 1st Udasi began around 1500 and lasted about 6 years.
The 2nd Udasi was from late 1506 till 1513.
The 3rd Udasi was from 1514 till 1518.
The 4th Udasi was from 1519 till 1521.
After the 4th Udasi, some scholars say Guru Ji went on a final 5th Udasi for about 2 years throughout Punjab.
Gurfateh
Manjeet Singh
December 14, 2024.
