Story #35

Charitropakhyan Series

This series delves into hundreds of stories from diverse traditions, religions, backgrounds, and experiences, as written or compiled by Guru Gobind Singh Ji. Through these stories, Guru Sahib imparts profound lessons and values, illustrating both the lowest depths and the highest moral heights that humankind can achieve. This bani is part of "Kissa Literature"—a storytelling genre featuring interconnected episodes inspired by myths and/or historical events, crafted to teach moral principles. Below, you’ll find a translation of Charitr 35, corresponding to Episode 35 of the Charitropakhyan Series. For further exploration, visit our YouTube channel E13 Exploring Sikhi and our Instagram @storiesofdeception. 

Sources used in this translation: An older commentary now out of print by Giani Bishan Singh published by the Missionary College Amritsar and a more contemporary commentary by Giani Isher Singh Ramghari.

ਚੌਪਈ
Chaupae-ee ||
ਨਰ ਚਰਿਤ੍ਰ ਨ੍ਰਿਪ ਨਿਕਟਿ ਉਚਾਰੋ
nar Charithr nrip nikat[i] Uchaaro
The [Advisors] spoke about a man’s Chartir/Deception.
ਕਹਿਯੋ ਨਾਥ ਸੁਨੁ ਬਚਨ ਹਮਾਰੋ
Kaheeyo naath Sun[u] Bachan Hamaaro
“Listen, my lord, to what I have to say.” [Advisors speaking to Raja Charithr Singh]
ਦਛਿਨ ਦੇਸ ਰਾਇ ਇਕ ਰਹੈ
Dhachhin Dhaes Raa-i Ik Rahai
There is a ruler in the southern land.
ਅਤਿ ਸੁੰਦਰ ਜਾ ਕੋ ਜਗ ਕਹੈ ॥੧॥
Ath[i] Su[n]dhar Jaa Ko Jag Kahai ||1||
The world calls him exceedingly beautiful.

ਅੜਿਲ
Arril ||
ਤਾ ਕੋ ਰੂਪ ਅਨੂਪ ਲਹਨ ਤ੍ਰਿਯ ਆਵਹੀ
Thaa Ko Roop Anoop Lahan Threey Aavahee
His beauty is unparalleled, and women flock to him.
ਨਿਰਖਿ ਪ੍ਰਭਾ ਬਲਿ ਜਾਹਿ ਸਭੈ ਸੁਖ ਪਾਵਹੀ
nirakh[i] Prabhaa Bal Jaah[i] Sabhai Sukh Paavahee
Seeing his beauty, everyone is enchanted and filled with joy.
ਪਿਯ ਪਿਯ ਤਾ ਕਹ ਬੈਨ ਸਦਾ ਮੁਖ ਭਾਖਹੀ
Peey Peeiy Thaa Keh Bain Sadhaa Mukh Bhaakhahee
The woman speak sweet words to him, saying “I am yours, my love.”
ਹੋ ਅਧਿਕ ਪ੍ਰੀਤਿ ਰਾਜਾ ਸੋ ਨਿਤਿਪ੍ਰਤਿ ਰਾਖਹੀ ॥੨॥
Ho Adhhik Preeth[i] Raajaa So nith[i] Prath[i] Raakhahee ||2||
These women have so much love for the king

ਦੋਹਰਾ
Dhoharaa ||
ਦ੍ਵੈ??? ਇਸਤ੍ਰੀ ਤਾ ਕੇ ਰਹੈ ਅਮਿਤ ਰੂਪ ਕੀ ਖਾਨਿ
Dh????ai Isthree Thaa Kae Rahai Amith Roop Kee Khaan[i]
Two women who are the never ending treasure trove of beauty, stayed with the king.
ਏਕ ਸੰਗ ਰਾਜਾ ਰਮੈ ਅਧਿਕ ਪ੍ਰੀਤਿ ਜੀਯ ਜਾਨਿ ॥੩॥
Aek Sa(n)g Raajaa Ramai Adhhik Preeth[i] Jeey Jaan[i] ||3||
With one of the women, the king indulges in pleasure, feeling immense love and cherishing every moment with her.
ਏਕ ਦਿਵਸ ਦੋਊ ਤ੍ਰਿਯਾ ਨ੍ਰਿਪ ਬਰ ਲਈ ਬੁਲਾਇ
Aek Dhivas Dho-oo Threeyaa nrip Bar Lae-ee Bulaa-i
One day, the king called for both of the women and invited them to his chambers.
ਆਖਿ ਮੀਚਨ ਖੇਲਤ ਭਯੋ ਅਧਿਕ ਨੇਹ ਉਪਜਾਇ ॥੪॥
Aakh[i] Meechan Khaelath Bhayo Adhhik naeh Upjai ||4||
They played a game of hide and seek, both women holding great love for the king in their hearts.

ਆਖਿ ਮੂੰਦਿ ਤ੍ਰਿਯ ਏਕ ਕੀ ਦੂਜੀ ਲਈ ਬੁਲਾਇ
Aakh[i] Moo(n)dh[i] Threey Aek Kee Dhoojee Lae-ee Bulaa-i
[The king has one of the woman] Close her eyes while calling for the other woman
ਅਧਿਕ ਭੋਗ ਤਾ ਸੋ ਕਿਯਾ ਇਮਿ ਕਹਿ ਦਈ ਉਠਾਇ ॥
Adhhik Bhog Thaa So Keeyaa Im Kah[i] Dhae-ee Uttaa-i ||5||
He enjoys the woman in sex and then says the following

ਐ ਰੁਚਿ ਸੋ ਤੋ ਸੌ ਰਮੋ ਰਮੋ ਨ ਯਾ ਕੇ ਸੰਗ
Ai Ruch[i] So Tho Sau Ramo Ramo na Yaa Kae Sa(n)g
“I will have sex with you but not with her”
ਕੋਟਿ ਕਸਟ ਤਨ ਪੈ ਸਹੋਂ ਕੈਸੋਈ ਦਹੈ ਅਨੰਗ
KoT[i] Kasat Than Pai Saho(n) Kaisoae-ee Dhahai ana(n)g
“Even if I am tortured or burnt by lust [I will not leave your side]“

ਅੜਿਲ
Arril
ਸ੍ਰੀ ਅਸਮਾਨ ਕਲਾ ਭਜਿ ਦਈ ਉਠਾਇ ਕੈ
Sree Asmaan Kalaa Bhaj[i] Dhae-ee Uttaa-i Kai
The woman that was sidelined by the king was Sri Asamaan Kala.
ਰੁਕਮ ਕੇਤੁ ਨ੍ਰਿਪ ਐਸੋ ਚਰਿਤ ਦਿਖਾਇ ਕੈ
Rukam Kaeth[u] nrip Aiso Charith Dhikhaa-i Kai
The woman whom the king was fond of was Rukam Keth. The king explained his deception to her.
ਮੂਰਖ ਰਾਨੀ ਦੁਤਿਯ ਨ ਕਛੁ ਜਾਨਤ ਭਈ
Moorakh Raanee Dhuteey na Kachh[u] Jaanath Bhae-ee
While the ignorant queen (Sri Asamaan Kala) did not know what just had happened.
ਹੋ ਲੁਕ ਮੀਚਨ ਕੀ ਖੇਲ ਜਾਨ ਜਿਯ ਮੈ ਲਈ ॥੭॥
Ho Luk Meechan Kee Khael Jaan Jeey Mai Lae-ee ||7||
She was deceived by playing hide and seek [unaware of the love taking place between the King and Rukam Keth)

ਚੌਪਈ
Chaupae-ee
ਰਤਿ ਕਰਿ ਕੈ ਤ੍ਰਿਯ ਦਈ ਉਠਾਈ
Rath[i] Kar[i] Kai Threey Dhae-ee Uttaaee
After enjoying and making love with Rukam Keth, he got her up
ਪੁਨਿ ਵਾ ਕੀ ਦੋਊ ਆਖਿ ਛੁਰਾਈ
Pun[i] Vaa Kee Dho-oo Aakh[i] Chhuraaee
Then had them both open their eyes

ਅਧਿਕ ਨੇਹ ਤਿਹ ਸੰਗ ਉਪਜਾਯੋ
Adhhik naeh Thih Sa(n)g Upjaayo
He showed love to both of the women.
ਮੂਰਖ ਨਾਰਿ ਭੇਦ ਨਹਿ ਪਾਯੋ ॥੮॥
Moorakh naar[i] Bhaedh nah[i] Paayo ||8||
But the ignorant woman [Sri Asamaan Kala] couldn’t understand the truth.

ਇਤਿ ਸ੍ਰੀ ਚਰਿਤ੍ਰ ਪਖ੍ਯਾਨੇ ਪੁਰਖ ਚਰਿਤ੍ਰੇ ਮੰਤ੍ਰੀ ਭੂਪ ਸੰਬਾਦੇ ਪੈਤੀਸਵੋ ਚਰਿਤ੍ਰ ਸਮਾਪਤਮ ਸਤੁ ਸੁਭਮ ਸਤੁ
Ith[i] Sree Charithr Pakhyaanae Purakh Charithrae Ma(n)three Bhoop Sa(n)baadhae Paitheesavo Charithr Samaapatham Sath Subham Sath
Thus ends the thirty-fifth chapter of the Charitropakhyan, the conversation between the king and the minister. May peace and goodness prevail.

Moral of the story:

1. Symbol of Deception:

• The game serves as a cover for the king's deceitful actions. While the surface activity appears innocent and playful, it is used to mask his favoritism and manipulation. It illustrates how deceptive individuals can cloak their true intentions under the guise of something harmless.

2. Illusion of Equality:

• By involving both women in the game, the king creates an illusion of fairness and inclusivity. However, his actions during the game highlight his partiality, showing how appearances can be deceiving.

3. Emotional Manipulation:

• The king uses the game to manipulate emotions and maintain control over both women. By alternating between them and ensuring one is unaware of the favoritism, he keeps them in a state of dependence and competition.

4. Ignorance as a Tool:

• The game exploits Sri Asamaan Kala's ignorance. By having her close her eyes, the king ensures she remains unaware of what is happening. This symbolizes how ignorance or a lack of awareness can make someone vulnerable to deceit. Just because one closes their eyes, it doesn’t mean that the deception does not exist.