Once when Guru Nanak stopped at the banks of Ganges he found a large gathering of devotees. They were taking ritual baths and offering water to the sun. When the Guru asked, “Why do you throw water like that?”

The pilgrims replied that they were offering it to their ancestors, who were long dead. Guru Nanak upon hearing this started throwing water in the opposite direction towards the west, the direction where he owned large piecesof land. When the pilgrims asked him what he was doing, Guru Nanak replied, “I am sending water to my farm which is dry.”

They asked, “How will water reach your crops so far away?” Guru Nanak replied, “If your water can reach your ancestors in the region of the sun, why can’t mine reach my fields a short distance away?” The pilgrims realised their folly and fell at the Guru’s feet.

On an eastern journey Guru Nanak met some yogis, where he discussed the true meaning of asceticism, “Asceticism doesn’t lie in ascetic robes, or in walking st-aff, nor in the ashes. Asceticism doesn’t lie in the earring, nor in the shaven head.

Asceticism doesn’t lie in visiting burial places. It lies not in wandering about. Asceticism is to remain pure amidst impurities.” Wherever Guru Nanak travelled he always wore a combination of styles worn by Hindu and Muslim holy men.

When asked which of the religions was the true way to attain God, he would reply, “If there is one God, then there is only His way to attain Him, not another.” — Sikh.org