AJAMILA This name occurs singly and with others in several verses of the Sikh Scripture. Where it occurs singly, there is pointed reference to his life-incident, e.g. At the time of his death, Ajamila grew conscious of Narayan (God); he attained in an instant that state, which the great Yogi desires to attain. (Ramkali M. 9, p. 902) Ajamila exhibited his love for his son and shouted out his name Narayana. His faith pleased the mind of my Lord, who smote and drove out the myrmidons of Yama (Death).(Nat M. 4, p. 981) (Narayana was also the name of the son of Ajamila) Ajamila was the son of a Brahmin.
Once he was sent by his father to bring twigs from the jungle to make the sacriflcial fire. There he was fascinated by the beauty of a Shudra woman, whom he married. He forsook the idea of retuming home and lived \’with his Shudra wife, who bore several children. The name of his eldest son was Narayana. Ajamila became absorbed in all types of vices.
When at the ripe age of eighty-seven, the messengers of Yama came, he was frightened and shouted loudly the name of his eldest son Narayana. It is said that NARAYANA (God) appeared there and drove away the messengers of Yama. From that day, he relinquished all vices and became a true devotee of Lord-God. Because of his great penance, he attained salvation. Through this episode, it is illustrated that even the highly vicious persons like Ajamila can attain salvation.
References :
1. Kohli, Surindar Singh, Dictionary of Mythological References in Guru Granth Sahib, 1993
Ajamila was a Brahmin scholar and was well versed in Hindu Scriptures. He was blessed with a noble wife and children.
Due to his past birth karma, once he saw a woman belonged to lower caste and got attracted with her. He brought her to his home and given more importance to her than to his wife and children. After some time, he left his family, and lived in a separate house along with her. In course of time, through their union they had children.
Due to his love and attraction on her, he forgets his daily Vedic rituals and puja and done service only to her. After spending several years with her, one day, he felt that he is going to die, and due to the fear in his mind, he called his son by uttering his name, whose name is Narayana. Since knowingly or unknowingly, he has committed a good karma, the divine attendants of Lord Vishnu, took him to the abode of Lord Vishnu, The Vaikunda.
From this story, it can be known, that god is showing great kindness on us, and whoever calls his name throughout their life and mainly during the time of their death bed, he would relieve us from our sins and gives us salvation.
