Akbar’s Journey to Meet Swami Haridas

Emperor Akbar, a connoisseur of art and music, had a deep fondness for melodies, and among his court’s Navratnas (Nine Jewels) was Tansen, the unparalleled singer renowned for his extraordinary musical talent.

One day, after a particularly enchanting performance, Akbar told Tansen, “You are the greatest musician in the world. Your music is incomparable.”

Humbled, Tansen bowed and replied, “Your Majesty, I am honored, but there are many musicians far greater than I.”

Akbar, surprised, said, “I have listened to countless musicians, yet none compare to you.”

Tansen smiled and said, “If Your Majesty truly wishes to experience music greater than mine, you must listen to my guru, Swami Haridas. His music is divine.”

Akbar’s curiosity was piqued. “If that is so, I must hear him. Invite him to court.”

Tansen hesitated. “My lord, Swami Haridas never comes to courts, nor does he sing on request. However, if you accompany me to his humble abode, you might hear him.”

The Visit to Swami Haridas

Eager to witness the greatness of Tansen’s guru, Akbar, Birbal, and Tansen traveled to Swami Haridas’s ashram. They stayed for several days, but Swami Haridas did not sing a single note.

Impatient, Akbar asked Tansen, “How much longer must we wait? It seems I will have to return to my palace without hearing a single song.”

Tansen replied, “Patience, Your Majesty. Swami Haridas sings only when he feels the moment is right.”

The Divine Performance

One serene morning, Akbar was awakened by a melodious voice. Swami Haridas was singing, his deep and soulful tones resonating with a purity that captivated everyone. Akbar was spellbound, completely immersed in the beauty of the music. When the song ended, he turned to Tansen and said, “You were right, Tansen. Swami Haridas’s music is unmatched. It touches the soul in a way I’ve never experienced before.”

A Lesson in Purpose

On their journey back to the palace, Akbar asked Birbal, “Why is Tansen’s music not as divine as his guru’s?”

Birbal smiled and said, “Your Majesty, Tansen sings to please you, a mortal king, while Swami Haridas sings to please the Divine. The purpose behind their music makes all the difference.”

Moral of the Story:

When actions are driven by a higher purpose, their impact transcends worldly expectations. True greatness lies in devotion and sincerity.

This story not only highlights the extraordinary bond between a guru and his disciple but also reminds us of the profound difference between art for worldly acclaim and art as a form of divine worship.