ਗਨਿਕਾ (ganikaa)
Meaning: noun: A prostitute, a dancing girl.
Quote:
ਮਨ ਰੇ ਪ੍ਰਭ ਕੀ ਸਰਨਿ ਬਿਚਾਰੋ॥ ਜਿਹ ਸਿਮਰਤ ਗਨਿਕਾ ਸੀ ਉਧਰੀ ਤਾ ਕੋ ਜਸੁ ਉਰ ਧਾਰੋ॥
man re prabh kee saran bichaaro.
jih simrat ganikaa see udhree taa ko jas ur dhaaro.
O mind! Contemplate the sanctuary of the Divine. Even Ganika (a ‘condemned’ prostitute) was saved by remembering Him; hence you should also enshrine His praises within your heart (and be liberated). – Guru Teg Bahadar Sahib, Guru Granth Sahib, 632
Message: According to legend, Ganika was a prostitute who was shunned by those who did not approve of her way of life. Once, a wise man was passing by. He halted by her courtyard. Seeing her lifestyle, he became compassionate towards her and resolved to help her. He offered her a parrot and advised her to teach the parrot to recite God’s Name.
Legend has it that every day, with full concentration and commitment, she would teach the parrot to recite God’s Name. While Ganika was teaching the parrot, she had to utter God’s Name herself. Her love for the Divine grew and so did her devotion. It had a positive effect on her understanding and deeds. Over time, she became very devoted and overcame her vices
If the Name of the Divine can liberate Ganika, why not us? Through the love and devotion to the Divine, we too can overcome our shortcomings and attain a higher spiritual status.
ਗਨਿਕਾ ਉਧਰੀ ਹਰਿ ਕਹੈ ਤੋਤ॥
Ganika was saved teaching a parrot to speak the Name of the Divine. – Guru Arjan Sahib, Guru Granth Sahib, 1192
Bhai Gurdas, one of the scholarly and devout Sikhs of the Guru-period, advises that, though these people are said to be liberated though they were wrong at first, but living such a lifestyle should be shunned in the first place.
ਗਨਿਕਾ ਉਧਰੀ ਆਖੀਐ ਪਰ ਘਰਿ ਜਾਇ ਨ ਲਈਐ ਪੰਗਾ॥
Though Ganika is said to be liberated yet one should not enter other’s house and invite trouble. – Bhai Gurdas, Var 31, pauri 9
Note: These stories are merely used as references, examples or analogies to bring out the meaning of verses in Guru Granth Sahib. There are many versions of them. The message however remains the same.
