The Water Carrier and the Queens

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by

The Sabad Project
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Kabir Ji, a renowned Bhakti saint, lived in Benaras. One day, as he sat by the river ghat, the king’s grand caravan arrived, accompanied by his queens. The sight dazzled the pilgrims, who were awestruck by the display of royalty and opulence. The queens, draped in fine clothes and adorned with precious jewels, descended from their regal carriages. Elephants, horses, and luxurious vehicles completed the royal entourage.

This reaction to luxury is something we can still relate to today. Modern advertisements often use words like exclusive, splendor, luxury, premium, and radiant, tapping into our fascination with opulence.

Back at the ghat, amidst the murmurs of admiration, one of the pilgrims asked Kabir Ji, “Aren’t these queens beautiful? They look like they belong to another world.” Kabir Ji, however, glanced toward the other side of the ghat, where a simple woman was drawing water from the river to serve the pilgrims. He quietly remarked, “Better than them is this water carrier who serves the devotees of God.”

The pilgrims were puzzled. How could this woman, in her plain and soaked clothes, be compared to the dazzling queens? Kabir Ji’s wisdom often defied conventional thinking, challenging perceptions of beauty, wealth, and power. The water carrier, with no adornment and no servants, was toiling away, while the queens could command many with a mere glance or gesture. 

Kabir Ji’s verses in the Guru Granth Sahib reveal the wisdom in his remark:

Kabir nirap naari kyun nindiye har cheri kyun maan
Kabir, why do you slander the wife of the king? Why do you honor the servant of the Lord?

Oha maang savaare bikhai kau oha simarai har naam
Because one (the queen) dresses to arouse desire, while the other (the water carrier) remembers the Lord's Name.

(Sri Guru Granth Sahib, Ang 1372-73)

Kabir Ji was pointing out a deeper truth. While the queens appeared to live in luxury, their inner world was often fraught with anxiety and competition. They were part of a system where kings married multiple women for political power, and queens had to vie for the king’s favor. They spent hours on elaborate beauty routines, experimenting with intoxicating perfumes and seeking magic potions from advisors skilled in the art of seduction. Their lives, though outwardly glamorous, were inwardly consumed by desire and intrigue.

In contrast, the humble water carrier, in her simple act of service, had her mind focused on the divine. She wasn’t competing for attention or status but was content serving pilgrims, seeing the face of God in each of them.

This story reminds us that in the grand scheme of life, material wealth and indulgence do not satisfy the soul. Life is short, and while caring for our bodies and loved ones is important, accumulating wealth and luxury is not the true purpose. Desires, once indulged, only grow, leaving the mind restless. When the time comes to leave this world, none of our possessions will come with us. As Nimo Patel of Empty Hands Music says, “We arrive on this planet empty-handed, and we will all soon leave empty-handed. So how do we want to spend the time in between?”

Sources 

  • Sri Guru Granth Sahib, Ang 1372-73
  • Katha by Giani Pinderpal Singh Ji





Reflection





This story prompts us to reflect on the desires we pursue. Have you overcome a personal obsession—big or small—to live more meaningfully? Share your experiences here to inspire others.








	
	

	

	
	
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Comments




4 responses to “The Water Carrier and the Queens”



  1. 


    

    Gowtham Avatar
    



    Gowtham
    


    

    



    Interesting story. Like this part that deals about the who we are and what we are dealing with internally, irrespective of what and how we project ourselves to others. Very profound and deep thought. 
    

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  2. 


    

    The Sabad Project Avatar
    



    The Sabad Project
    


    

    



    Thank you, Gowtham. You’re right—many of us wear masks to fit into society’s expectations. We spend years trying to meet those standards, often at the cost of ignoring our inner voice. But if we can learn to reconnect with that voice, it can guide us toward choices that nurture our wellbeing, foster authentic relationships, and lead us to a more meaningful life. While living by these ideals comes with its own challenges, it’s a journey worth taking.
    

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  3. 


    

    Uthra5 Avatar
    



    Uthra5
    


    

    



    In the world around us, there’s too much emphasis on achieving external markers of success – more money, status, accomplishments, and power. This primarily happens because we’re not taught what’s truly important in life.
    

    Parents, teachers, and other authority figures, in their attempt to ensure a ‘bright future’ for their children and students, focus on these external markers, paying little attention to inner well-being. Young children and students, still grasping the world around them, adopt these ideals and begin living accordingly.
    

    Unfortunately, it often takes a life crisis – a health scare or a ‘dark night of the soul’ experience – for individuals to discover their true priorities. We need more people to raise their voices and challenge this notion, fostering a more sensible society that prioritizes inner well-being as the foundation for external success.
    

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    1. 


      

      The Sabad Project Avatar
      



      The Sabad Project
      


      

      



      Very true, Uthra. Our communities and institutions often perpetuate these false notions, deeply embedding the idea that we must chase external markers of success, even at the cost of inner peace, relationships, and harmony with the world around us. It sometimes takes a jolt to reveal just how fragile the things we pursue really are.
      

      I also resonate with the idea that, as difficult as this journey is, it’s one we must undertake—and continue—despite the obstacles we face. Doubt and opposition are natural. One tip I have found very helpful is seeking sangat—surrounding yourself with people who are also on this path toward finding true happiness and are actively striving to live it in their daily lives. It allows us to learn from each other, and in moments of doubt or hardship, having like-minded seekers around helps keep the flame alive.
      

      Here’s to persisting on the journey, overcoming the odds, and nourishing one another along the way.
      

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