Puran Bhagat

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This story is set in medieval times when Nath Yogis had a great influence on peoples lives. King Salwan ruled the Sialkot region in western Punjab, with Sialkot as his capital. Salwan was a pleasure-loving king who lacked nothingexcept for an heir. After many prayers and rituals, his queen, Ichhran, gave birth to a son, whom they named Puran.

However, the superstitious king called astrologers to predict Purans future. The astrologers advised, O King! This newborn must not come near his parents for twelve years, or else calamities will befall your family. Obeying their counsel, Salwan ordered that Puran be kept in a dark cellar for twelve years. Queen Ichhran was devastated, but no one could defy the kings command.

Puran grew up deprived of parental love but developed inner strength over time. After twelve years, he emergeda striking figure with an aura of spiritual wisdom. He was presented before his father, King Salwan, who ordered him to first visit his mother.

Upon seeing Puran, Queen Ichhran was overwhelmed with emotion. Tears of joy streamed down her face as she embraced her son. But before they could talk much, she advised him to meet his stepmother, Rani Luna.

Rani Luna was young and had never seen any man except King Salwan. Unhappy with her aging husband, she was instantly captivated by Purans youthful charm. Forgetting all moral and ethical values, she tried to seduce him. But Puran, upholding his righteousness, resisted her advances and rebuked her:

Mother, come to your senses! My father married you; you are like my own mother!

Rani Luna, however, refused to accept this and said, I am not your mother! I never gave birth to you! My husband is as old as my father, but you and I are a perfect match. Please, accept my love!

Despite Lunas persistent pleas, Puran remained steadfast in his morality. Offended by his rejection, Luna turned vengeful. That night, she pretended to be distraught and falsely accused Puran of trying to violate her honor before King Salwan.

The enraged king, blinded by Lunas deception, ordered Purans execution without hearing his side. The royal executioners took him to a deserted well, cut him into pieces, and threw him inside.

Divine Intervention

Fate had other plans. Soon, a group of Nath Yogis, led by Guru Gorakhnath, arrived at the well. One of them, while drawing water, heard a faint groan. The yogis rescued Puran, and under Gorakhnaths care, he miraculously healed. Moved by Gorakhnaths spiritual wisdom, Puran renounced worldly life and became his disciple. After rigorous yogic training, Puran attained enlightenment.

Now a Yogi, Puran returned to Sialkot after twelve years. He set up a hermitage near an abandoned garden, which soon turned lush and fragrant due to his spiritual presence. News of the divine Yogi spread across the kingdom, reaching King Salwan and Queen Ichhran, who were still longing for a son.

Reunion and Redemption

The royal couple, along with Rani Luna, visited the Yogi to seek his blessings for a child. When Puran saw his parents, he bowed and touched Queen Ichhrans feet. The moment she touched him, her blindness was cured, and her maternal instincts confirmed that this was indeed her lost son.

King Salwan stood speechless, trembling with regret. Rani Luna, realizing her terrible mistake, fell at Purans feet, seeking forgiveness. But the enlightened Puran, detached from worldly emotions, forgave them all.

Seeing his purity, King Salwan declared him the rightful heir, but Puran renounced all worldly attachments. He spent the rest of his life in meditation, guiding people toward spiritual enlightenment.

Even today, the well where he was thrown is known as Purans Well in Sialkot, and his story continues to inspire countless generations.