Raja Of Multan

Amritsar grew famous for the healing properties of its sarovar. It was said that the diseases of those who bathed in the amrit sarovar vanished. Soon huge numbers of people started flocking to Amritsar and visits to the Ganges diminished.

A poet named as Gawal wrote, "It is very difficult to get the nectar of heaven but nectar of the nectar pool is always available. It is said that by drinking the nectar of heaven one becomes immortal. But that nectar one gets only after death, who knows this mystery; as noone has returned after death. However after drinking the nectar of 'nectar pool' one can get salvation."

Bhai Nand Lal also wrote, "What is the river Ganges compared with the 'pool of nectar'?". It is said that once Raja of Multan was afflicted with such a disease that all vaids and doctors failed to cure him. When there was no hope of his survival the Raja asked his ministers, "Is there no-one who can cure my disease?"

One the ministers knew of the amrit sarovar and said, "If you go to Amritsar and take a bath in the holy water of the sarovar then you could get cured." The Raja decided to go to Amritsar, he took his Ranis, ministers and servants and riding on chariots reached Amritsar. The Raja was amazed to see the beautiful city of Amritsar. There were all types of facilities available in the newly constructed city. There were wide and clean bazars. The people lived very happily and there was no conflict.

Arrival In Amritsar

When he reached the centre of city the Raja was mesmerized to see the holy sarovar. The singers were reciting the holy hymns of the Gurus and the atmosphere was very peaceful. The Raja's servants helped him and he took bath in the sarovar. As soon as the Raja's entered the water his mind awoke, he felt refreshed and like new. The experience resulted in the Raja becoming a changed man. He said to his Ranis and servants, "I have been cured of my affliction. Now I'm feeling healthy." His Ranis and servants became very happy and then everyone took bath in the holy sarovar.

After resting for some time, they attended the Darbar and paid homage to Guru Ram Das with great reverence. The Raja placed some mohars in front of the Guru as offerings. When the Guru blessed him he felt reinvigorated as if he had found joy in the world again. The colour of his face changed. He thanked the Guru from the core of his heart. He said, "You have done great benevolent work by constructing such a holy sarovar of nectar. Everyone is gratefull for your kindness. I was suffering from such a chronic disease that all treatments failed but one dip in the holy water has changed my life."

The Raja was so influenced by the charming personality of the Guru that he stayed at Amritsar for many days. He would take a daily bath in the sarovar and would then listen to the recitation of the Gurus hymns everyday.

The Raja became a devout Sikh of the Guru. When he returned back to Multan he preached Sikhi to his subjects. The people of Multan were very pleased to hear of the treatment of his chronic disease. In groups, the Sikhs of Multan would travel to pay homage to the Guru and to have a dip in the holy sarovar.

Source: Illustrated Life Stories From The Lives Of Guru Angad Ji, Guru Amar Das Ji, Guru Ram Das Ji

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  Gurdwara Sri Harmandir Sahib

  Amritsar City, Punjab, India.

  Associated with Sri Guru Ram Das Ji, Sri Guru Arjan Sahib Ji, Sri Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji, Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji.

  Sri Harmandir Sahib, also known as Darbar Sahib and informally referred to as the 'Golden Temple' is one of the most prominent Sikh Gurdwaras.

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