Guru Nanak Dev Ji, accompanied by his companion Bhai Mardana, once reached the town of Tulamba. There lived a man named Sajjan, who maintained a guest house and a place of worship for both Hindus and Muslims. To the public, Sajjan appeared as a devout and charitable man, but in reality, he was a cold-hearted thug who murdered unsuspecting travelers to steal their belongings. When the Guru arrived, Sajjan welcomed them warmly, secretly planning their demise that night. However, the Guru saw through his deceit. Instead of sleeping, Nanak began to sing a divine hymn: 'Bronze is bright and shiny, but when it is rubbed, its blackness appears. Wash it as much as you like, its impurity will not go.' The words pierced Sajjan’s heart like an arrow. He realized the Guru was speaking of his soul—outwardly pious but inwardly dark. Overwhelmed by guilt, Sajjan fell at the Guru’s feet, confessed his crimes, and begged for forgiveness. Guru Nanak told him that true repentance involves returning stolen goods and serving the poor. Sajjan transformed his life completely, becoming a devoted follower and establishing a center for spiritual service.
True spirituality lies in inner purity and honest living, rather than outward displays of piety. No person is beyond redemption if they sincerely repent and commit to a life of service.
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Questions about this story
What is the moral of Guru Nanak and Sajjan the Thief?
The story teaches that outward appearances of holiness are meaningless without inner purity. It also emphasizes that even the greatest sinners can find redemption through sincere repentance and honest living.
Who was Sajjan in the Sikh tradition?
Sajjan was a deceptive innkeeper in Tulamba who pretended to be a saintly man but actually robbed and killed travelers. After meeting Guru Nanak, he became a reformed devotee and established a center for spiritual learning.
What did Guru Nanak say to Sajjan?
Guru Nanak sang a hymn about bronze vessels being shiny on the outside but black on the inside. He told Sajjan that his sins could only be washed away by confessing, returning stolen goods, and serving others.
What does the name 'Sajjan' mean?
In Punjabi and Hindi, 'Sajjan' means a gentleman, a friend, or a good person. The story highlights the irony of his name before his transformation into a truly good person.
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