Bhai Lalo Ji
Can Ambience and Hard Work Influence Taste? A Story of Bhai Lalo and Guru Nanak Dev Ji
Have you ever felt that the taste of food improves based on how it's made, or served, or even the atmosphere in which you enjoy it? And what about the saying, "The fruit of hard work is sweet”—do you believe in it? In today's episode, we explore these themes through a beautiful story from Sikh history.
As mentioned in the previous episode, Guru Nanak Dev Ji and Bhai Mardana were going to Eminabad, now in Pakistan, then known as Sayyidpur. It was the native place of a simple carpenter, Bhai Lalo, born in 1452 to Bhai Jagat Ram Singh Ghataurey. He belonged to a low caste but was known for his honesty, patience, and hard work. He made wooden pegs to support himself and, though a poor man, always assisted the needy.
Guru Nanak Visits Bhai Lalo's House
One day, Guru Nanak Dev Ji came to Bhai Lalo's door and called out. When Bhai Lalo asked who was there, Guru Ji replied, "We are travellers." Upon hearing Guru Ji's name, Bhai Lalo rushed out, fell at his feet, and said, "My love for you is growing with every moment. My heart feels at peace as if my sins are being washed away." (Sri Nanak Parkash)
Bhai Lalo invited Guru Ji and Bhai Mardana inside and prepared a simple meal. However, Bhai Mardana, taken aback by the humble setting, questioned Guru Ji: "Is this why I’m travelling with you? There’s no proper table or a bedsheet to sit on."
Guru Ji replied with a smile, "This is a home of devotion and honest work, where the mind is immersed in the remembrance of the Almighty."
Bhai Lalo presented them with chapati prepared from kodra (a type of millet) and saag (green leafy vegetables). Bhai Mardana was reluctant, thinking, "How will this dry food go down my throat?" But when he tasted it, he was amazed—it was the sweetest, most delicious food he had ever eaten as if it were infused with Amrit (ambrosial nectar).
The Sweetness of Devotion and Hard Work
Bhai Lalo, realizing the moment, said, "Guru Ji, you have favoured me so much that I feel this reminds me how Lord Krishna favoured that poor devotee, who lived in Bidar, whose simple food Krishna was particular to eat rather than the delicacy prepared by King Duryodhan. Lord Krishna has said that water taken from Bidar was far sweeter than that of milk taken by a king.".
This feeling is so wonderfully summed up in the Sri Guru Granth Sahib (Ang 1105):
ਰਾਜਨ ਕਉਨੁ ਤੁਮਾਰੈ ਆਵੈ ॥ਐਸੋ ਭਾਉ ਬਿਦਰ ਕੋ ਦੇਖਿਓ ਓਹੁ ਗਰੀਬੁ ਮੋਹਿ ਭਾਵੈ ॥੧॥ ਰਹਾਉ ॥ ਹਸਤੀ ਦੇਖਿ ਭਰਮ ਤੇ ਭੂਲਾ ਸ੍ਰੀ ਭਗਵਾਨੁ ਨ ਜਾਨਿਆ ॥
"O king, who will come to you? I have seen such love from Bidar, that the poor man is pleasing to me. I judge Bidar's water to be like ambrosial nectar, in comparison with your milk."
News spread that a saintly figure was staying at Bhai Lalo’s house. People began gathering there to meditate and seek Guru Ji’s blessings. Bhai Lalo’s honesty, hard work, and devotion transformed his home into a sanctuary of worship. Today, Gurdwara Khuhi Sahib stands at the site of Bhai Lalo’s house, marking the well where Guru Ji used to bathe.
Reflection
This reminds us of the sweetness of honesty, hard work, and devotion. At the same time, it shows us that love and intention will make even the simplest thing into something great. Share this inspiring tale with your family and friends, and let's strive to bring these values into our daily lives!
Thank You!
