Artist: Kuldeep Singh, India
Title: Noorshah
Medium: Oil Painting
Commissioner: Makhan Singh Padda & Palbinder Kaur Padda, UK
Kamrup, near Assam, had long been associated with tantric rituals and was ruled by Noor Shah and her sorceresses. Camped outside the city, Guru Nanak advised Mardana against journeying there, but his hunger clouded his judgement.
Journeying alone he was invited by a woman as a guest into her home, where he was quickly tied up like a goat and bound by a spell. Seeing Guru Nanak search for Mardana, the women tried to influence him with magic, seduction and jewels. Noor Shah summoned her sorceresses, but none could overpower the Guru.
Guru Nanak rescued Mardana and sang multiple shabads describing the characteristics of the ignorant and virtuous soul bride, teaching that pride, greed, and falsehood trap the soul, while true union comes through humility, service, and remembrance of the Divine. His words broke the enchantment.
Realising their idiocy, Noor Shah and her followers bowed before him, embraced the Divine Name, and began a new life of devotion.
