Raga Jaijavanti

 

Raga Jaijavanti

The Verses in this raga appear only on one page from 1352 to 1353. Raga Jaijavanti expresses the feeling of happiness and satisfaction of achievement, however it simultaneously conveys the sadness of losing. An apt simile for this raga is that of a King winning a battle, however he is then told that his son has died in the battlefield. It conveys the sense of having to put your duty first, no matter what your inner feeling may be. The duality of emotions of joy and sorrow help to keep you stable and prevent you revelling in your own accomplishment. It was used only by Guru Tegh Bahadur ji for just four hymns. Though it does not appear in the Ragmala but was known as Jayanta in as early as 14^th Century. Today it is regarded as belonging to Khamaj Thaat. Its appropriate time of rendering is night hours. Its aroh is Sa, Re, Ga, Ma,Pa, Ni, Sa and its avroh is Sa, Ni,Dha, Pa,Dha, Ma, Re, Ga, Re, Sa and its Pakar is Re, Ga, Re, Sa, Ni, Dha, Pa, Re and its Vadi is Re while samvadi is Pa.

Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji

Dwell on thy God: this is the only Deed worth your doing:

Snap your bonds with Maya and repair to your God’s Refuge,

Look upon the pleasures of the world as vain, for these, verily are an Illusion. Pause

The riches are like a fond dream,

then why you pride on these, o man?

The rule of the earth is like the wall of sand.

Nanak utters the Truth: “ O man, your body must fall,

and as your yesterdays vanished, bit by bit, so is your this day dying into the unknown”.

Thus this work has tried to cover most of the ragas mentioned in the holy scripture of the Sikhs – Sri Guru Granth Sahib ji, right from Rag Sri to Rag Jaijavanti. Primarily this work had been put for the benefit of non-Hindi, non-Punjabi knowing readers. An attempt has also been made to trace the history of the Ragas briefly and their analysis particularly their Aroh and Avroh. In the work it has been observed that though Gurus and Bhagats did not compose their verses by keeping the ragas intentionally in their mind. Perhaps later on Ragas were assigned to these compositions in order to make the impact of the verses in musical rendering as the most effective on the audience. Thus the work ends with the traditional greeting of the Sikhs.

Bole So Nihal, Sat Sri Akal

( Whoever Utters the Name of True, All-Powerful and Formless Lord gets Joy and Bliss)

_________________________

References

I am deeply indebted to the following authors and works that helped me immensely in comprehending the text as well as translating it properly.

1. Singh, Manmohan (Tr.) Sri Gutu Granth Sahib- English and Punjabi Translation vols 1-8, Amritsar: Golden Offset Press, 1995

2. Singh, Dr. Sahib, Sri Guru Granth Sahib Darpan vol 1-8, Jalandhar: Raj Publishers, 1970

3. Singh, Dr. Gopal, Sri Guru Granth Sahib English Version, Vol 1-4,

New Delhi:Allied Publishers, 2002.

4. Sikhiwiki, www.sikhiwiki.org

5. Sikhnet, www.sikhnet.com

Raga Prabhati

 

Raga Prabhati

The compositions in this raga appears on a total of 25 pages from 1327 to 1352 of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji. The emotions conveyed in Prabhati are of extreme devotion, there is an intense confidence and love for the entity it is devoted to. This affection arises from knowledge, common sense and a detailed study. So there is an understanding and a considered will to devote itself to that entity. Guru Nanak Dev Ji, Guru Amar Das Ji, Guru Ram Das Ji, Guru Arjan Dev Ji and Bhagats Kabir Ji, Namdev Ji and Beni Ji have composed verses in this raga. The aroh of this raga is Sa,Re, Ga, Pa, Dha, Sa and its avroha is Sa, Ni, Dha, Ni, Pa, Ga, Re, Sa and its pakar is Pa, Pa, Sa, Ni, Dha, Ni, Pa,Pa, Dha, Ga, Pa, Dha, Pa, Dha. Its vadi is Sa, while its Samvadi is Pa.

Guru Nanak Dev Ji

No one could withhold my coming, nor no one can hold me back from going.

Yea, He alone for sure Knows this Mystery, from whom is the Creation and in Him we all Merge.

O God You alone are: O Blessed by Your Will.

And whatever You do that alone comes to pass, and no one can do anything else. Pause

Guru Amar Das Ji

They, who Praise their God, through the Guru’s Word, they alone Know the Way,

for then they are rid of illusion about the Other, and through the Guru’s Word, they Realise their God. O God for me You alone are.

And so I Praise and Dwell only upon You; and it is through You that I Realise You and am Delivered. Pause.

Guru Ram Das Ji

With the sun-break, the God-men utter the Lord’s Name; yea they Cherish His Gospel even through the night. Within me is the Craving for my God,and so, I seek Him ever.

Yes, my mind is like the Dust for the Saints to tread upon. The Guru has implanted in me the Lord’s Sweet Name ; and in utter humility, I Clean the Guru’s Feet with my Hair. Pause.

Guru Arjan Dev Ji

Serving Thee, O God, one attains Glory. And one is purged of Lust, Wrath and Greed.

For Your seekers, Your Name, O Lord is the greatest Treasure.

And they Sing Your Praises, for they crave to See Your Vision.

Bhagat Kabir Ji

I am now delivered of the fear of birth and death,

for the Lord of Bliss has become Manifest to me in His True Self.

Yea, the Lord’s Light has Illumined my Within, and my darkness is dispelled.

And Dwelling on it, I’ve Attained unto the Jewel of the Lord’s Name.

Bhagat Namdev Ji

My Primeval God has been since the beginning of Ages, and no one Knows His End;

And He is deep within all, yea, He Pervades everything: of such Form has He been described.

His Word Rings through the universe: the Lord’s Thunder is writ across all the skies.

Yea, He, my God,is the Embodiment of Bliss. Pause.

Bhagat Beni Ji

(Lo, here’s the ‘devotee’ of God!)

His body is plastered with sandal-paste, on his forehead are its leaves,

But in the hand of the heart he keeps ever the knife!

His eye is set on guile; his attunement is that of a heron.

He seems a Vaishanava, seated still, as if the breath has escaped the leaves of fragrant chandan tree.

He pays obeisance incessantly to All-powerful God, but is ever engaged in Strife, his eyes Wild.

Raga Kalyan

 

Raga Kalyan

The compositions in this raga appears on a total of 8 pages from 1319 to 1327. The Indian Sanskrit name for this raga is Kalyan and the Persian name is Yuman. In the Ragmala, it has been described as son of Raga Dipak while today it the head of Kalian thata. It is performed during the first part of night and is considered as a blessing bringing all good into one’s life. Guru Ram Das Ji and Guru Arjan Dev Ji have composed verses in this raga. Its aroh is Sa, Ni, Re Ga, Ma’, Pa, Dha, Ni, Sa and avroh is Sa, Ni, Dha,Pa, Ma’, Ga, Re, Sa and its pakar is NI, Re, Ga, Re, Sa, Pa, Ma’, Ga, Re, Sa and its vadi is Ga while samvadi is Ni.

Guru Ram Das Ji

O my Mind, Dwell on the Lord of the Universe. Yea, Contemplate the Lord’s Name, through the Guru’s Word, and you are rid of all the Sorrows and Sins. Pause

There is but one tongue : how can it utter the whole Praise of Lord? So You bless me with myriad tongues, O’ Lord.

And even though I would Sing of Thee every moment, with each tongue, I’d would not be able to say Your whole Praise.

Guru Arjan Dev Ji

O’ God ! Be Merciful to me.

That I Suck lovingly the Honey of Your Lotus Feet like the black-bee, and come to them repeatedly.

I seek no other water but the Svanti- drop (of Your Name) like the Chatrik.

For, I am comforted not, if I do not meet You, and I live only if I see Thee, O God !

Raga Kanara

 

Raga Kanara

Raga Kanada originated in South India. Darbari or Courtly Kanada was created by famous musician Tansen in the 16^th Centuruy. The profound mood and spirit of this Raga great raga can not be equalled. It is North India’s greatest raga. It is a group of ragas in Hindustani classical music. Raga of this group belong to different thaats like Abhogi, Adana Kanada, Asavari, Darbari Kanada,Kafi Kanada and the like. In Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji the compositions in this raga appear on 25 pages from 1294 to 1319 pages. The modern name of this raga is Kanada probably a matter of transliteration from it original name Kannada or Carnatic Music of South India, however during 16^th and 17^th centuries it was classified under the spelling Kanara. It was used By Guru Nanak Dev Ji, Guru Ram Das ji, Guru Arjan Dev Ji and Bhagat Namdev Ji. In ragmala it has been described as son of Raga Dipak. Its Aroh is Sa, Re, Ga, Ma, pa, Ni, Sa and Avroh is Sa, Ni, Pa,Ma, Pa, Ga, Ma, Re,Sa. Its Vadi is Pa and Samvadi is Sa.

Guru Ram Das Ji

My Mind is in Bloom, Meeting with the Saints !

O, I am a sacrifice unto the Saints through whom I am Ferried Across. Pause

O, God, be Merciful to me that I repair to the Refuge of the Saints’ Feet.

Blessed, Blessed is the Saint who Realises the Lord, and who Emancipates even the Sinners.

Guru Arjan Dev Ji

O God, Your servant is enthused by Your Praise ! Pause.

Seeing Thy Wonders, my mind is Illumined,and then wherever I see, I see no one but Thee.

You are the Highest of the High, Farthest of the far, unfathomable, Calm and Deep.

You are the part of the being of Your Devotees, and has torn for them the Veil of Your Face.

O God, I Sing Thy Praises, by the Guru’s Grace: and lo I am Merged in the Trance of Equipoise.

Bhagat Namdev Ji

One Espies one’s Lord, the Inner-Knower of all hearts.

As one sees one’s countenance reflected in the mirror. Pause

He Pervades all hearts, but is not Stained by Maya.

Yea, He is Delivered of all the Bonds,and is yet Bound (to His Creations).

So does one See God ( in a clean heart).

Raga Malhar

 

Raga Malhar

Raga Malhar is from pages no. 1254 to 1294 of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji. It is a communication of feelings from the soul, to show the mind how to become cool and refreshed. The mind is always burning with the desire to reach its goal quickly and effortlessly. How the emotions conveyed in this raga is able to bring composure and fulfilment to the mind. It is able to bring mind into this calmness, bringing a sense of satisfaction and contentment. Malhar was used by Guru Nanak Dev Ji, Guru Angad Dev Ji, Guru Amar Das Ji, Guru Ram Das Ji, Guru Arjan Dev Ji, Bhagat Namdev Ji and Bhagat Ravidas Ji. The pure Malhar is seldom performed today, and it might be heard in one of its combinations. The aroh of pure Malhar is Sa,Re, Ga,Ma, Re, Pa,Ni, Dha, Ni,Sa and avroh is Sa,Dha, Ni, Pa, Ma, Ga, Ma, Re, Sa. Its Vadi is Ma and samvadi is Sa. Ragis today prefer Miyan ki Malhar whose aroh is Sa, Ma, Re, Pa, Ni, Dha, Ni, Sa and avroh is Sa, Ni, Dha, Pa, Ma, Pa, Ga, Ga, Ma, Re, Sa. Its Vadi is Ma and Samvadi is Sa.

Guru Nanak Dev Ji

I pray to my Guru, my Love, that he leads me on to my Spouse: Yea, when I hear the Clouds (of Grace) rumble, my peacock-mind dances,and Imbued with His Love, I utter (koo-ho) His Praise.

Pour down, o ye clouds, that my mind is drenched. And the Nectar drop falls into my heart, and bewitched by the Guru, I’m Intoxicated with the Flavour of God. Pause.

Guru Angad Dev Ji

O physician, you are yourself Wise only if you first know the malady,

and then suggest a Medicament with which all my maladies are eradicated.

Yea, the Medicament with which one is rid of all one’s Maladies,and Peace abides in one’s body.

And with which you are rid of your own Ailments first: only then you can be a true Physician.

Guru Amar Das Ji

Through the Name were the Ganas and Gandharavas Saved, Awakened by the Guru’s Word.

For, stilling their Ego, they Enshrined the Lord eternally in the Mind and heart.

He alone Realises Him whom God Unites with Himself.

Yea, one is Attuned to the True One, Singing ever the Guru’s Word.

Guru Ram Das Ji

I Dwell ever on God, and I’m rid of Sorrow, Cherishing the Guru’s Wisdom in my Mind and heart.

Yea, all bonds of hope and desire have been snapped; so Merciful is the Lord upon me.

My eyes eternally and forever gaze upon God:

Yea, Seeing the True Guru,my mind is in Bloom,and I Meet with my Lord- the God.

Guru Arjan Dev Ji

The child is fed upon milk, without it he lives not;

And the mother takes care of him and feeds him : and he is satiated.

O’ God, You are father, the Compassionate Lord of all,

and though we are Thy erring children, we have no other Refuge to seek. Pause

Bhagat Namdev Ji

O god, forsake me not, O’ All-pervading Lord abandon me not to myself. Pause

The custodians of the Temple assume that everyone is cross with me.

And dubbing me an untouchable they have driven me out, What am I to do now, O My God ?

Bhagat Ravidas Ji

O fellow men, I am reputed to belong to the caste of cobblers.

But within my heart I Cherish the Virtues of God. Pause

Even if the waters of the Ganga turn into wine, the Saints partake not of it.

Even though the impure wine or other impurities, when merged with Ganga, become like it.

Raga Sarang

 

Raga Sarang

The compositions in this raga appear on a total of 57 pages from Ang no. 1197 to 1254. Sarang’s character is soothing and has the ability to extinguish the minds smouldering selfishness and negative nature. The emotions of Sarang quench the mind’s burning desires, by expressing and highlighting the soul’s pure and true thoughts. It is a positive and fulfilling change. It is an important raga in Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji and used extensively by Guru Arjan Dev Ji though Guru Nanak Dev Ji, Guru Angad Dev Ji, Guru Amar Das Ji, Guru Ram Das ji and Guru Tegh Bahadur ji, Bhagat Kabirji and Bhagat Namdev Ji, and Bhagat Surdas Ji have also composed shlokas in it. Its aroh is Sa,Re, Ma, Pa, Ni Sa and Avroh is Sa, Ni, Pa, Ma, Re Sa and its vadi is Re and Samvadi is Pa.

Guru Nanak Dev Ji

My Loved Lord is near at hand, not far: Yea, ever since my Mind was pleased with the Guru’s Word, I Attained to my God, the Mainstay of my vital breath. Pause

This is how the Bride Meets with her Spouse, and is beloved of Him:

Yea, Reflecting on the Guru’s Word, I am rid of the sense of my colour,caste and tribe.

Guru Angad Dev Ji

The Vedas have given currency to the myths that make men reflect upon good and evil.

And also to believe that one takes what one gives: through this give and take is man cast into heaven or hell.

The sense of high and low, and of caste and colour: such are the illusions created in man.

Guru Amar Das Ji

Sweet, O Sweet is Lord’s Name, through which all our age old sins and fears are dispelled , and one sees the One alone, by the Guru’s Grace. Pause

When the True Lord seems Pleasing to the Mind,myriads of one’s sins are eradicated.

And except the Lord, one knows not another, yea, the True Guru Reveals to one, the One God.

Guru Ram Das Ji

I am a Sacrifice unto the Lord’s Feet.

For, I can Swim across the Sea of Flux,save by Contemplating my God.

When Faith in Lord fills my heart, my mind is Dedicated to His Service.

And my heart dwells ever upon the God’s Name which is All-powerful,All-merit.

Guru Arjan Dev Ji

My Guru has rid me of my Doubt: So, I am ever a Sacrifice unto my Guru. Pause

I contemplate ever His Word and Cherish His feet in my heart:

Yea, I bathe myself in the Dust of the Guru’s Feet, and I am rid of the Soil of Sin.

I serve ever my Perfect Guru and pay obeisance to him ever and forever more.

Lo, the Perfect Guru has wholly Fulfilled and Emancipated me.

Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji

O man, there is no one to help you but your God:

For, your father and mother and wife and son and brother do not stay with you. Pause

Your riches and lands and other possessions you consider your own are not your own.

When your body is shattered, nothing of these go along with you, So why you cling to them?

Bhagat Kabir Ji

O man, why do you pride on your little achievements ? If you have a few maunds of foodgrains in your granary, and a few more coins than the others, why are you puffed up thus? Pause

If you are honoured still more, and have been granted the gift of hundred villages and a revenue of two hundred thousand coins.

Believe me, your overlordship lasts but for a few days like green leaves of the forest.

Bhagat Namdev Ji

Why, O mind, you roam in the forest of Vice?

And in thy Ignorance, lick the Poison that make you lose consciousness of yourself. Pause

When the fish lives in water, It knows not the net, nor death.

But lured by the taste of the tongue, she picks the bait at the iron rod.

So dost thou, lured by the love of riches and women.

Bhagat Surdas Ji

The men of God abide ever with God: They surrender their body,mind and all they have. Intoxicated with the Bliss giving Melody of Equipoise. Pause

Seeing the Lord’s Vision, they are freed of Vice, and attain all they seek :

They involve themselves with naught else, for they See ever the Glorious Presence of God.

He, who does not seek his God, is like a worm feeding on a leper.

Says Surdasa: “ I hold my God in the Palm of my Mind: and this is the very Heaven for me”.

Raga Basant

 

Raga Basant

The composition in this Raga appears on the total of 29 pages from 1168 to 1197 of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji. Basant denotes the changing of the season and the newness of spring. It encourages the mind to brush away its selfishness, just like spring- cleaning and removing all the cobwebs and begin a fresh and new start. There are feelings of hope and expectations of a new beginning and the start of a new cycle. However, these emotions are not dependent on physical change of the season, but are an encouragement of an internal effort to change. The only variant in the Sacred Text is Basant Hindol. It is quite old raga dating back from 8^th century . Guru Nanak Dev Ji, Guru Amar Das Ji, Guru Ram Das Ji, Guru Arjan Dev Ji and Guru Tegh Bahadur ji have composed shabads in it. Performed in a slow tempo, this gentle melody depicts quiet joy. The descending scale is usually found at the beginning of a composition with the ascending form following later. Its aroh is Sa, Ga, Ma,Dha, Ni, Sa and Avroh is Sa, Ni, Dha, Pa, Ma, Ga, Re, Sa. Its Vadi is Sa and samvadi is Ma. Ragis today prefer Basant Bahar whose Aroh is Sa, Ma’, Ma,Ma,Ga, Ma’, Dha, Ni, Sa and Avroh is Sa, Ni, Dha,Pa, Ma’, Re, Sa and vadi is Sa and samvadi is Pa

Guru Nanak Dev Ji

Blessed is this season when all is spring for me.

O mind flower you and Cherish ever your God- the support of all the earth.

O Ignorant one, abandon your sense of I am ness.

And reflect on God, and assemble within the Virtues of your Virtuous Lord.

Guru Amar Das Ji

If you are sky clad and roam about naked. Or keep matted hair and practice Yoga.

And your breath is held within the Tenth Door; if your mind is not Stainless and Pure.

You wander from birth to birth and cease not your comings and goings.

Dwell on the One God, O Ignorant Mind, that you are ferried across instantly. Pause

Guru Ram Das Ji

My mind wanders, deluded by doubt,and does not stay in its own Home.

But goaded by the Guru’s Word, it comes back to its Home.

O God Lead me on to Your Saints that I Contemplate You:

And being rid of my Ego, I am in Bliss and enter into Trance of Equipoise. Pause.

Guru Arjan Dev Ji

I Serve my Guru and greet him with Faith. For today is an occasion of Festivity for me,

Today I am utterly in Bliss, and my cares are past and I meet with my God.

Today, in my Home is Spring, and I sing the Praises of my Infinite Lord.

Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji

O Saints, know you that this life is but an illusion,

and the only Being Ever Alive is God, who Abides with you. Pause

The world is like the riches gathered in a dream,so why take pride on a mirage ?

Yea, that which goes not along with you, why be involved with it ?

Rise above the state of praise and dispraise and Enshrine the Lord’s song in your heart.

Says Nanak: “ O Saints, the One Perfect God Fills all hearts”.

Bhagat Kabir Ji

The whole earth is in Bloom as is the sky: For, lo, in every heart is now Illumination of God.

Yea, my Lord the King, is in Bloom in a myriad colours,

and wherever I see, I see Him Permeating all. Pause

The four Vedas too have Blossomed forth to spread the Light of God.

And the Smritis and the Semitic texts too are scattering Flowers.

Bhagat Ramanand Ji

O,where am I to go, when Bliss is in my very Home?

Lo, my outgoings have ceased; and my mind has been crippled. Pause.

One day in my mind welled up a Desire ( to behold Lord).

And I took a myriad flowers and the scents sandalwood along.

And went over to the temple- the Abode of God- to worship Him.

( But I couldn’t find Him there) and Guru revealed to me His presence within me.

Bhagat Namdev Ji

If the Master gives some trouble and the servant runs away,

he shames his entire clan and does not live long.

O’ God I’ll abandon not my Devotion to You, even if the whole world laughs at me.

O’ Lord Your Lotus Feet I have Enshrined in my heart.

Bhagat Ravidas Ji

You know naught,O man, and seeing your robes, you pride on yourself.

But( before God) you, O egoistic Bride, have no place ;

And over your neck caws the crow (of Death), O Crazy one why are you puffed with Pride.

You are no more real than the mushrooms in the month of Bhadon.

Raga Bhairao

 

Rag Bhairao

The compositions in this Raga appears on a total of 43 pages from 1125 to 1168 of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji. Bhairao embodies the soul’s faith and heartfelt devotion towards the Creator. It is a kind of fanaticism, where there is a feeling of not being aware or caring about anything else. The emotions conveyed are those of contentment and of being absorbed in steadfast belief or faith. In this raga, the soul is relaying the happiness that the mind could potentially experience if it is joined in with this devotion. The appropriate time of this Raga is before sunrise. It was used by Guru Nanak Dev Ji, Guru Amar Das Ji, Guru Ram Das Ji, and Guru Arjan Dev Ji. Its Aroh is Sa, Re, Ga, Ma,Pa, Dha, Ni, Sa and Avroh is Sa, Ni, Dha, Pa, Ma, Ga, Re, Sa and its Vadi is Dha and Samvadi is Re. The Vadis are performed with a slow, wide vibrato which may begin with the vadi itself or the highest limit to which it will extend. In descent the vibrato must begin with the upper limit.

Guru Nanak Dev Ji

Without You, no one can do a thing, O God.Yea, You Do and See and Know the inmost state of all.

What shall I say, O Lord, for what can I say?For all that is, is in accordance with Your Will. Pause

Yea, whatever is to be done, lies in Your Hands, so who else is one to pray to, O my Lord.

Guru Amar Das Ji

Be not proud of your caste, for he alone is Brahmin, who knows Brahma, the only God.

O unwise one, be not proud of your caste. For a myriad errors flow out of this pride.

Everyone says “ There are four castes”, but it is from God’s Sperm that everyone is Born.

Guru Ram Das Ji

O God, Lead me on to that Saint Cherishing whom I am Emancipated.

And seeing whom my Mind is in bloom ; I’d ever be a Sacrifice each moment unto him.

O man, Contemplate your Lord with all your heart.

O Father, O Master of the World, be Merciful, and make me the Slaves of Your Slave. Pause.

Pure is their mind, Immaculate their Glory, who Enshrine the Lord in their hearts.

O God, Yoke me to their Service that, so Dedicated, I am Emancipated.

Guru Arjan Dev Ji

Before me is God, behind me is God. In the middle too is God- the Treasure of Love.

My God is my Sastra, my auspicious Omen, and abiding in His presence my self is blessed with Bliss and the Peace of Equipoise.

The tongue uttering, the ears hearing, become animated with Life.

Yea, Contemplating the God, one Lives eternally in God.

Bhagat Kabir Ji

No one shows consideration to the poor, For howsoever the poor one tries, the rich man cares not.

If the poor man goes to the man of riches. Lo he turns his back upon him.

But if the man of riches goes to the poor one, he honours him and calls him in.

Bhagat Namdev Ji

O. tongue, I’ll cut you up in a hundred bits, if you do not utter Lord’s Name.

O tongue be you imbues with Lord’s Name

And utter in Love only the Name of your Beauteous Lord. O my tongue everything is an illusion.

Only the God’s Name makes us enter into the state of Nirvana.

Bhagat Ravidas Ji

Without seeing (God), the Desire( to see Him) wells up not.

But how to Behold Him when all that seems will pass away?

He, who Dwells upon the (Lord’s) Name through His Praise. That Yogi becomes detached forsooth.

Raga Kedar

 

Raga Kedar

The compositions in this raga appears on total of 7 pages from 1118=1125. Kedar is an old raga dating from Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s time or even earlier, which has gained prominence and popularity in North Indian classical music tradition. It is supposed to possess magical qualities and if correctly remdered it even has curative properties. It has been used by Guru Ram Das Ji, Guru Arjan Dev Ji, Bhagat Kabir ji and Bhagat Ravidas Ji. It expresses and makes the mind aware of the true character and nature of the soul. It conveys the emotions of honesty, integrity and truthfulness in a practical and caring way. This approach highlights the soul’s character and is memorable, so that the mind is made aware, without arousing cynicism. Aroh in this raga is Sa, Ma, Pa,Pa, Dha, Ni, Sa and Avroha is S Ni Dha, Pa Ma Pa, Dha, Pa, Ma’, Re, Sa. Its Vadi is Ma while samvadi is Sa.

Guru Ram Das Ji

Utter the Praises of your Lord, O my mind:

You wash and worship your Guru’s Feet, and so you Attain your God. Pause

You shed your Lust, Wrath, Greed,Ego and the vicious taste of Evil,

and repairing to the Saints, discourse on Lord, and be Blessed with the panacea of Lord’s Name.

And assembling yourself, rid yourself of thy inner Ego and power-consciousness.

O Master, be Merciful to Nanak, Your Servant and make him the Dust to be trodden over by Your Saints.

Guru Arjan Dev Ji

O mother, in the Society of Saints, the Seeker-soul is Awakened,

and seeing the Wonders of God, she Dwells on the Name, the Treasure (of Bliss). Pause

She thirsts for the Master’s Vision, and Attunes her (mind’s) Eyes to her God.

Yea she thirsts for nothing else. Now she Attains unto the Blissful and Poise-giving Guru: and Seeing His Vision clings to him in the mind.

Seeing her Lord, Joy wells up in her mind, through the Nectar-Word of her Loved Lord.

Bhagat Kabirji

He, who minds not either praise nor dispraise, and sheds his Ego and ‘I am ness’.

And looks upon gold and iron alike: he, indeed,is the Embodiment of God.

O God rare is the person who belongs to You.

He leaves off his Lust, Wrath, Greed and Attachment, and knows he the state of Godhead. Pause

O Lord- the three modes of Satvik, Rajas and Tamas are but the Creation of Your Poweer.

But he alone attains Mounts to the Supreme state of Bliss who knows the Fourth State of Attunement to You.

Raga Tukhari

 

Raga Tukhari

The composition in this raga appears on a total of 11 pages from 1107 to 1118. It was probably based on a folk tune and was very likely developed by Guru Nanak Dev Ji into a raga for the singing of certain shabads. It was used by Guru Nanak Dev Ji, Guru Ram Das Ji and Guru Arjan Dev Ji. The eleventh generation exponent of the Puratan Gurbani Sangeet Parampara, Bhai Avtar Singh and Bhai Gurcharan Singh have mentioned the puratan form of this raga that was sung in old times in their book Gurbani Sangeet Pracheen Reet Ratnavali, published by Punjabi University Patiala. Hence, the common belief that this raga has gone extinct is not true. Two forms of this raga have been mentioned by them. First for uses these notes-Sa,Re, komal Ga, Shuddh Ga, Ma, Teevra Ma, Pa, Dha, Komal Ni, Shuddh Ni and second form uses these notes- Sa, Re, Ga, Ma, teevra Ma, Pa, Dha, Komal Ni,Shuddha Ni. Some of the verses in this Raga are:

Guru Nanak Dev Ji

A Meteor has arisen in the Sky( of the mind) ; O, how is one to see its Splendour ?

Lo, through the Word, the Guru shows the Way and Fulfils the Destiny of the seeker.

Yea, one Sees it through the Guru’s Word, and one Cherishes the True One and seeing it ever,

on it one reflects.

And the five outgoing faculties are held, and one knows the Self and slays one’s lust and Wrath.

And one’s Within is Illumined through the Guru’s Wisdom, and one sees the Wondrous God.

Nanak: slaying one’s Ego, one stays Content; and lo,one’s mind is illumined with the Splendour of Meteor.

Guru Ram Das Ji

O Lord, You are the Life of life: the Creator-Master of all creation.

And they alone Dwelt on You on whose forehead was so writ by You.

Yea he, in whose Lot was Writ by You, Contemplated Your Name.

And all his Sins were eradicated in a moment, who Dwelt on You, through the Guru’s Word.

Guru Arjan Dev Ji

O’ Love I am a Sacrifice unto You: through the Guru, I have Dedicated my mind to You.

Yea, Hearing Your Word my mind is inebriated with it.

Imbued in my Mind and Your Word as fish is in the water;for I am in love with You O God.

Yes I can’t Evaluate YouO Master for Your Station is Infinitely Exalted.

You Blessed us with Virtue, ; so You hear the prayer of Nanak, Your meek Servant.

And Bless him with Your Vision, for, he is ever a Sacrifice unto Thee.

Raga Maru

Raga Maru

This Raga appears from pages 989 to 1107 and covers 118 pages of Holy Granth Sahib. Maru is an old raga seldom heard in modern concerts. Some theorists equate it with Maruva or Marva. In the Ragmala it is putra (son) of Malkaunsa. It is found in other classifications from 14^th to early 19^th century. It was used by Guru Nanak Dev Ji, Guru Amar Das Ji, Guru Ram Das Ji, Guru Arjan Dev Ji, Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji, Bhagat Kabir Ji, Bhagat Namdev Ji, Bhagat Jai Dev Ji, and Bhagat Ravidas Ji. It was traditionally sung on the battlefield in preparation for war. Maru has an aggressive nature that creates an inner strength and power to express and emphasis the truth, regardless of the consequences. Maru’s nature conveys the fearlessness and strength that ensures the truth is spoken, no matter what the cost. Its Aroh is Sa, Ga, Ma, Pa, Ni, Sa and Avroh is Sa, Ni, Dha, Pa, Dha, Ma, Pa, Ga,Ma, Re, Sa and Pakar is Pa, Dha,Ni, Dha, Pa, Ma,Pa, Ma, Ga, Pa,Dha, Pa,Ga, Re, Ga, Re, Sa. Its vadi is Pa while its samvadi is Ni. Some compositions in this raga are:

Guru Nanak Dev Ji

The union of the father and mother brings the body into being.

And our Creator-Lord Inscribes in each body the Writ of His Will.

And the Blessed Writ is of Light and Glory.

But contaminated by Maya, we lose the sense of Discrimination.

Guru Angad Dev Ji

Infinite is God, the Creator-Lord, who Manifests Himself through His Power.

O, the created one is helpless before Him.

He Creates all beings,and Feeds all and His writ is over the heads of all.

Guru Amar Das Ji

Cease one’s comings and goings and one abides in one’s Self,

If the Lord Blesses one with the Treasure of Truth; but God alone knows (whom He Blesses)

O mind, Cherish your Lord, ridding yourself of Evil:

Yea, Contemplate Him, through the Guru’s Word, that you are Dedicated to Truth – Pause.

Guru Ram Das Ji

Gather you the Treasure of God’s Name; yea, through the Guru’s word your Lord Blesses you with the Glory (of His Name).

And lo, it goes along with you both here and hereafter,and your God releases you in the end.

And where mazy and uneven are the Paths, there too your Lord will come to your rescue.

Guru Arjan Dev Ji

I’ve wandered incessantly in a myriad ways for the sake of riches:

But all the deeds I did, lured by Ego, all went in vain,

O’ God, yoke me to naught else( but Your Love)

And Bless me only with the days when I Sing Your Praise.

Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji

What can I do now, O Mother ?

For my life has been wasted away by Vice, and I’ve not Dwelt upon God. Pause

Now, when the Yama has cast his noose around my neck,I’ve lost all sense of Being.

And save for the Lord’s Name, there is no one to succour me in this distress.

The possessions which I thought were mine, became strangers unto me in a moment.

Says Nanak; “ I now regret my past why I didn’t Praise my God”.

Bhagat Kabir Ji

Him, the Detached One, who has ever Seen Intuitively? Nay, no one has seen.

It is when one becomes fear-free that Intuition awakens within one.

Yea, if one Sees the Presence of the Lord, one is Blessed with His Fear.

And one Realises the (Lord’s) Will, and one becomes fear-free.

Bhagat Namdev Ji

When I sought the Refuge of my Lord,my Spouse, I attained the four kinds of Emancipation.

And, lo being Emancipated,I am known through the four Yugas, and I am acclaimed and a canopy waves over my head.

Bhagat Jaidev Ji

The breath is turned in through the moon channel and retained in Sushmana and turned out through the Sun channel uttering sixteen times ( God’s Nam).

And l, the (evil) potency of mind is broken, and cease its outgoings; and its wildness is tamed and one in drinks ( the God’s ) Nectar.

Bhagat Ravidas Ji

O Love, who is it that can do it but You ? Yea, the poor are embellished only through You O my Lord and Master, over whose Head waves the Canopy ( of His Grace). Pause

He, whose touch defiles others, on whom too is Your Mercy, O God.

You make the low, high and mighty, and fear naught.

 

Raga Mali Gaura

 

Raga Mali Gaura

The composition in this raga is only for five pages from Ang no. 984 to 989. Guru Ram Das Ji and Guru Arjan Dev ji had composed their verses in it. This raga conveys the confidence of an expert, whose knowledge is self-evident in both their outlook and actions. This knowledge is got through experience and therefore creates an air of coolness. However, this sense of coolness is an aspect of true happiness because you have learned how to manage things with expertise and skill. Aroh in this raga is Sa,Re, Ga, Ma’,Pa,Dha, Ni, Dha, Sa and Avroh is Sa, Ni,Dha, Pa, Ma’,Ni Dha, Ma’,Ga,Re, Sa. Its vadi is Re and samvadi is Pa.

Guru Ram Das Ji

Lo, my Mind is pleased with the Flavour of the God’s Name!

And the lotus of my heart is resplendent with Light, and I am rid of my Fear and Doubt, contemplating my God,by the Guru’s Grace.

My heart is devoted to my God in His Love-in-Fear: my mind in slumber is awake through Guru’s Word. And dispelled are my Sins, and I’m in cool, Comfort Cherishing my God in my heart by Good Fortune.

Guru Arjan Dev Ji

The Lord is not far : He abides with each and all: yea, He is the doer and the Cause :

He is the Presence that is near and here. Pause

Hearing His Name, one comes to life,

And one’s Woes are dispelled, and Peace abides within one.

The Lord is the only Treasure that one may seek,

For, all the seers and men of silence Serve Him alone.

Bhagat Namdeva Ji

Blessed is the Flute of the Lord that Rings Unstruck, subtly and softly within me.

Blessed is the sheep that offers its wool. To weave the blanket that the Blessed Krishna dons.

O’ Devaki, mother of Krishna, Blessed are you, in whose Home came the All pervading Lord- the Master of Maya.

Raga Natnarayan

Raga Nat Narayan

The compositions of this raga are on total of 9 pages from pages numbers 975-984. Nat Narayan consists of feelings of hastiness and impatience,however simultaneously there is stability and control. Although there is control in this Raga there is still impression that it is unbalanced and prone to topple at any time. Its Aroha is Sa, Ma, Ga, Ma,Re, Ma’, Pa,Dha, Ni, Sa and Avroha is Sa, Dha, Pa, Ma’, Dha, Pa, Ga. Ma, Sa. Its vadi is Sa and Samvadi is Re. Some of the verses in this Raga are.

Guru Ram Das Ji

Contemplate you ever the Lord’s Name, O my mind,

and you will be rid of myriads of sins committed by you in the past.

So love your Lord like a true Serf, and Dwell ever on Him,

and all your Sins and Ailments are dispelled s water cleans the soil.

Guru Arjan Dev Ji

O my mind, Contemplate you your God,

and forsake Him not ever and ever Sing His Praises.

Yea, Bathe yourself in the Dust of Saint’s Feet that you will get rid of all your sins.

And the Lord of Mercy you’ll see- Filing and Fulfilling all hearts.

Raga Ramkali Pt II

 

Raga Ramkali (Contd.)

Bhagat Kabir Ji

The Maya that binds all has bound me down too,

but the Guru, the Redeemer has quenched my Fire.

When this mind Realised from end to end. Then I bathed at the fount of my self.

Bhagat Namdev Ji

Of the paper, one makes the kite, and lo, it flies across the skies.

But while one chit-chats with the friends around, one keeps one’s mind in the string.

So is my mind pierced through by God’s Name,

as the goldsmiths keeps his mind absorbed in his creation.

As the young girls, with pitcher full of water perched on their heads, roam the streets,

they chat and giggle and discourse on all things, but keep their mind always in the pitcher.

Bhagat Ravidas Ji

We read, hear and reflect upon a myriad names, but the Embodiment of Love and Wisdom one sees not.

O, how is the iron to be transmuted into gold if it does not touch philosopher’s stone ?

Bhagat Beni Ji

Where is Ira, Pingala and Sushhumana’s converge:

there is the Confluence for me of Ganga, Yamuna and Saraswati,and there my mind bathes.

O Saints, there one sees the Immaculate God,

But rare is the one who Mounts to the level of Guru and knows.

That there Abides our All-pervading and Detached Lord.

Raga Ramkali

Raga Ramkali

The emotions in this raga are like those of a wise teacher discipling their disciple. The disciple is aware of the pain of learning but is still conscious of the fact that ultimately it is for the best. In this way Ramkali conveys the change from all that we are familiar with,to something we are certain will be better. It appears on total of 99 pages from 876 to 975. Though not given in Ragmala it is one of the most important ragas in Sri Guru Granth Sahib J. All Gurus, including Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji have composed in this raga. The total number of Shabads in this raga comes to over three hundred. A number of hymns in Ramkali expound True Yoga and other Spiritual issues. Some famous compositions in this raga include Siddh Gosti, Anand Sahib, Sadd, Oankar and the Var by Balwand and Satta. It belongs to Bhairvi Thaat. Its Aroha is Sa, Ga, Ma, Pa, Dha, Ni,Sa and Avroha is Sa, Ni, Dha, Pa, Ma’, Pa, Dha, Ni, Dha, Pa, Ga. Ma, Re, Sa and its Pakar is Dha, Pa, Ma’, Pa, Dha,Ni, Dha, Pa, Ga, Ma, Re,Sa. Its Vadi is Pa and Samvadi is Re. Some of the verses in this raga are:

Guru Nanak Dev Ji

Hear you, O’ Machhindra, Nanak speaks to you.

A Yogi is he who disciplines his five ( Desires) and wobbles not.

He, who practices his Yoga thus saves himself and saves his entire lineage.

That detached one, then is blessed with such a Wisdom, that he Merges forever in Absolute Lord.

Guru Angad Dev Ji

The Purse of Pearls the Knowing Jeweller opened.

And lo, the seekers and the master both were lost in its wonder.

They alone Trade in these Pearls who have gathered Virtue in their Skirt.

But they, who know not, grope, like the blind ones, in the world.

Guru Amar Das Ji

In the Satyuga, everyone spoke the Truth.

And by Guru’s Grace, in each heart was the Love of God.

Dharma had all the four legs to stand upon.

But only if one reflects on this, one knows. In all the four ages, The Glory is through Lord’s Name.

Guru Ram Das Ji

If I be a man of Destiny, I’ll meet with the saints in no time.

The Lord’s Saint is the Pool of Nectar; it is through Good Fortune that in it one bathes.

O’ God, Yoke me to the service of Your Saint, and I’ll grind his corn and wave the fan over his head and anoint my forehead with the Dust of his feet. Pause.

Guru Arjan Dev Ji

His hands are the cymbals, his eyes the tambourine, his forehead the rebeck :

His ears echo the sweet music of the flute and his tongue utters the sound:

His mind brings with it the ankle bells (of Desire) and so dances the man!

Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji

O mind,you seek the Refuge of the Lord’s Name, contemplating whom one sheds the evil of the mind and attains the state of Supreme Bliss Pause

Blessed, blessed is the creature who sings the Lord’s Praise,

and purging his mind of the Sins of the myriad births, lands in heaven.

Rai Balwand and Satta the Drummer

When the Creator-Lord Himself Abjudicates, then who can challenge His Will?

Yea, the Virtuous alone are real brothers and sisters, and he alone is Approved who is Blessed.

Nanak had foounded the True Dominion of God: he raised the Castle of Truth on firm foundations.

He made the Lord’s Canopy wave over Angad’s head, nd he, Praising the God drank in Lord’s Nectar. Nanak Blessed Angad with the sword of Spiritual Power, instructing him in Guru-God’s Wisdom. And bowed before his disciple in his own life time.

Lo, he anointed him as the Guru, while yet he was himself was alive.

 

Raga Gond

 

Raga Gond

In this Raga compositions appear from pages 859 to 874. Gond is an expression of triumph, however, these feelings are balanced and in perspective ensuring that there is also an aspect of humility. Therefore although there is a sense of knowing and understanding the achievement, there is not a feeling of becoming obsessed or getting lost in achievement itself. It was used b Guru Ram Das Ji, Guru Arjan Dev Ji, Bhagats Kabir ji, Ravidas ji, and Namdev ji. The Aroha in this raga is Sa,Re, Ga, Ma, Pa, Dha, Ni, Sa and Avroha is Sa, Ni, Dha, Ni,Pa,Ma,Ga,Re, Sa and Pakar is Re, Ga, Ma,Pa, Ma, Ma,Pa, Ni, Dha, Ni, Dha, Ni, Sa, Ni,Dha, Ni, Pa, Dha, Ma. Its Vadi is Sa and Samvadi is Ma.Some of the verses in this Raga are:-

Guru Ram Das Ji

The Lord, the Inner-knower of hearts, pervades all, and as He leads , so do men act.

So you serve such a Lord, O my Mind, who saves you from all your Maladies.

O my mind, Contemplate your God: and utter only His Name.

Without your Lord no one can save nor slay you, so why do you worry ?

Guru Arjan Dev Ji

The Lord, who Blesses with Honour those without honour, who satiates the Hunger of all the world.

Who keeps us whole in the depths of the mother’s womb, I salute ever that Lord, my God.

Contemplate you that Lord, your Glorious Master, who keeps you company within and without.

Bhagat Kabir Ji

Neither is my Soul human, nor angelic. Neither it is an ascetic, nor a Shaivite.

Neither it is a Yogi, nor a Sanyasin, neither it has a mother, nor it is son of any one.

Then, what is it that abides in the temple of the body? Nay, no one can find its limits.

Bhagat Namdeva Ji

One is attracted by the sweet sounds, as is the deer.

Who gives up his life, but thinks of his passions alone.

Bless me,O’ God, that I see You like this,

that forsaking You, I turn not to another.

Bhagat Ravidas Ji

If one bathes oneself at all the sixty eight pilgrim- stations.

And worships all the twelve lingams of stone.

And digs up wells and tanks for others to bathe in.

But if one slanders the Saints, then all these works go in vain.

Raga Bilawal

 

Raga Bilawal

The composition in this raga appears on total of 48 pages from 795 to 843. It conveys the emotions of great happiness that comes from having attained a goal or achieved an aim . It is an overwhelming feeling of fulfilment, satisfaction and joy, that is experienced when the accomplishments is very important and dear to you. The happiness felt is like laughing out loud, there is no planning or any ulterior motive, it is just a natural expression of heartfelt happiness arising from a sense of achievement. Over 170 hymns were composed in this raga by Guru Nanak Devji, Guru Amar Das Ji, Guru Ram Das Ji, Guru Arjan Dev Ji, and Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji. The Aroh in this raga is Sa,Re, Ga, Ma,Pa,Dha,Ni, Sa and Avroh is Sa, Ni, Dha, Pa, Ma. Ga, Re, Sa and Pakar is Ga,Re, Ga, Ma,Dha, Pa, Ma,Ga, Ma, Re, Sa. Its vadi is Dha and samvadi is Ga.Some of the compositions in this Raga are as follow.

Guru Nanak Dev Ji

Through the wisdom of the Guru, my Mind is Attuned to the Lord in the state of Equipoise.

And Imbued with the Lord’s Love, my mind is satiated. The Egocentrics are strayed by Doubt like mad. How can one find Peace without God and not realise Him through the Guru’s Word ?

Guru Amar Das Ji

Cursed is the food, cursed the sleep, cursed the attire one wears,

cursed the body, cursed the family, if one Attains not to the Lord in this human birth.

For,once one loses the grip on life’s step, one loses one’s life in vain.

Guru Ram Das Ji

My mind is lured away by Maya: it is full of Dirt of Vice. And so it can Serve You not.

How shall I, the ignorant man be saved? O’ my mind,Dwell on your Lord-the Bewitching God of Man. When He, the Lord is in Mercy, one Meets with the Guru and is Ferried Across.

Guru Arjan Dev Ji

One loves what seems but passes away:

Then,how am I to meet with You, whom I see not, O’ my Eternal Lord!

Be Merciful to me and lead me on to Your Path. And Attune me to the Fellowship of Your saints.

Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji

Without the Lord’s Name, one comes to Grief. Without His Worship, one’s Doubt is stilled not:

this Mystery was Revealed to me by the Guru.

Of what use are one’s fast and pilgrimages if one does not take Lord’s refuge ?

And fruitless are one’s Yogic feats and yajnas, if one forsakes the Lord’s Praise.

Bhagat Kabir Ji

The world is a stage and no one stays here save for a brief moment.

So walk you on the straight path, else you too will receive the push- pause.

Neither childhood, nor youth,nor age is safe from the clutches of death.

Man is but a mouse,and the cat of Death devours it in the end.

Bhagat Namdev Ji

The Guru has fulfilled me, And I am rid of my woes and my inmost Self is filled with Bliss.

The Guru has Blessed me with the collyrium of Wisdom.

And now I believe that without Lord’s Name, life is without a mind.

Namdeva has known You through Contemplation,O Lord.

And now his soul is Merged in You – the Life of all life.

Bhagat Ravidas Ji

Everyone laughed at my poverty: for such was my state.

And, now, the eighteen Siddhis are under my sway: such is Your Mercy, O God!

You know all and I am so ignorant. You are the Destroyer of ‘coming and going’.

So all life seeks Your Refuge and You Fulfil all. He, who seeks Your Refuge carries not the load of evil, and You save both high and low- and no one is ashamed of receiving Your Bounties.

Bhagat Sadna

To wed a King’s daughter, a person assumed the disguise of Vishnu.

And he too,O’ God, though lured by lust and self, was Fulfilled by You.

What is Your merit, O Guru of the World, if You do not forgive my past sins ?

And why may one seek the refuge of the lion, if he is to be seized by the Jackal ?

The Chatrik wails but for one drop from on high. But if he loses his life and then is blessed with a whole ocean: of what worth is that blessing to him ?

How am I to comfort my mind, when it is so tired of the toil and is stilled not.

For if I get the boat after I ‘m drowned, then, how shall I ride it and go across.

O’ God, I am nothing, nor is anything mine except You,

So save You my Honour, here and now, for, I belong to You.

Raga Suhi

 

Raga Suhi

The verses in this raga appears on a total of 67 pages from 728 to 795 of Sri Guru Granth Sahib ji. It is an expression of such devotion that the listener experiences feelings of extreme closeness and undying love. The listener is bathed in that love and genuinely comes to know what it means to adore. Within this Raga they used the Ghars or Sub sections. Guru Nanak Dev Ji used Ghar 1,2,3,4,6.7.9. and 10. Guru Amar Das ji used Ghar 1,2,3 and 10. Guru Ram Das ji Used 1,2,3,5,6,7, and 10 Ghars, while Guru Arjan Dev ji used Ghar 1,2,3,,4,5,,6,7,9 and 10. Bhagats have not been assigned any Ghar as their verses are not very long.

Suhi is classified as Ragini of Megha and was a favourite with Muslims and was considered appropriate for the Summers. It belongs to Kah thaat and its performance time is late morning. In the Sacred Grant two variants of it -Raga Suhi Lalit and Raga Suhi Kafi have been given. Its Aroha is Sa,Re,Ga,Ma,Pa,Ni,Dha, Ni, Sa and avroha is Sa, Ni, Dha, Pa, Ma, Ga, Re, Sa. Its Vadi is Pa and Samvadi is Sa . There are nearly 130 hymns ,a var and many shlokas composed in it.

Guru Nanak Dev Ji

The Lord resides within you, O Mind why you wander in search of Him, out and far.

And forsake the Lord’s Nectar and lick the Poison? Reflect on such a wisdom, O my mind.

That you became the devotee of the True One alone – Pause

Everyone talks of Wisdom and Cogitation.

But bound to the Bonds of Desire everyone beats wings in vain.

Guru Ram Das Ji

My Mind Dwells on the Lord’s Name through the Word of the Guru.

And all my Mind’s Desires are fulfilled, and the fear of the Yama is dispelled.

O’ my mind, Praise the Lord and His Name.

And your Guru in his Mercy will instruct you in the Lord’s Wisdom and you will Drink the Essence of the Lord in Joy. Pause.

Blessed is the society of the Guru-Saints which makes one Sing the Praises of the Lord.

O’God, be Merciful and lead me on to the Society of the Holy; I’ll Wash the Feet of Your Saints.

Guru Arjan Dev Ji

The Juggler Performs His many Feats, and Exhibits Himself in many Roles.

But when He lays aside the Mask, and ends His play,then the One alone remains,yea the One alone.

How many forms become manifest and then disappear.

Pray, where did they come from and wither did they go?

Many are the waves that arise in Sea. The gold is beaten into a myriad patterns.

The seed spreads out in a myriad branches. But when it blooms, the fruit yields the same seed.

Guru Amar Das Ji

Praise not the world which will pass away. Nor praise the people who are reduced to dust.

Glory be to my Eternal Lord: Yea, you praise Him- the True,Self-dependent Being. Pause.

The Egocentrics who love the world are burnt by their Craving;

They are punished in Yama’s abode, and do not get opportunity again.

Guru Angad Dev Ji

That what flows, mingles with what is flowing, that what blows, mingles with what is blowing.

Life merges in life, death in death. So let us Praise the One from whom everything comes.

Bhagat Kabir Ji

Taking birth as man, what indeed have you achieved, O man. If you Contemplated not your Lord?

You dwell not on God; then to what else are you dedicated?

O’ unfortunate one, what indeed have you done to save yourself from Death ?

You bring sustenance to your family going through pleasure and pain,

But when you die, you suffer alone, all by yourself.

Bhagat Ravidas Ji

Only that Bride knows the worth of the Lord, who sheds her Ego, and revels with her Lord in Peace.

She surrenders her body and mind to her Spouse and remains not distinct from Him.

And, she neither Sees another, nor Hears another.

Sheikh Farid

I writhe in Pain, in utter remorse. Like mad, I seek out my God.

My Lord has become cross with me. But the evil is within me, my God is not to be blamed.

I knew not the Glory of my Lord, and now when my youth has wasted away, I Grieve.

O’ black Koel, why have you turned black ? I was burnt black due to separation from my Spouse.

Pray, how can one, without God, be at Peace? But when the Lord is Merciful, He Unites one with Himself.

Raga Tilang

 

Raga Tilang

This Raga occurs as a Ragini of Hindol. Today it belongs to Khamaj Thaat. It is and was used a lot in the Islamic Sufi tradition and in modern singing styles such as Ghazals and Thumri. Gurbani in this raga is sprinkled with Islamic vocabulary further highlighting its Islamic Sufi origin. It is used by Guru Nanak Dev Ji, Guru Ram Das Ji, Guru Arjan Dev Ji, Guru Tegh Bahadur ji, Bhagat Kabir Ji, and Bhagat Namdev Ji. It is full of the feeling of having tried hard to impress, but the feeling that the efforts made have not been appreciated. However the atmosphere is not of anger or upset, but of brooding,as the person you are trying to impress is very dear to you. In the verses composed in this raga, the question asked is why should one cling to all the evils of this life when Guru Nanak Dev ji has shown the way to true happiness and fulfilment. This raga has a Ni komal of flat in descent. Its Aroha is Sa,Ga,Ma, Pa, Ni, Sa and Avroha is Sa, Ni, Pa, Ma, Ga, Sa. Its vadi is Ga and samvadi is Ni.

Guru Nanak Dev Ji

My prayer is to You alone,O’ Lord, hear me Thou.

For You are True and Great and Beneficent and Spotless, the Sustenance of all.

The World is a passing vanity, enshrine you this Truth O my mind.

But, though my forelocks are in the Yama’s grip my mind does not know the truth, Pause.

My wife, son, father, brothers- not one will hold my hand;

And when I fall in the grave, not one will come to my rescue, when the last prayer is read.

Guru Ram Das Ji

All Creation was Created in the Lord’s Will; and all the work within His will.

True is the Lord. True, True His play and the Master of all is He alone.

Praise ye all the Truth, for over and above all is the True Lord of all.

No one is His rival: of what account am I ? pause

The air, water, the earth and the sky,are but the abodes, the temples of Lord.

Says Nanak : Within them plays He His True Play, and falsehood before Him is totally worthless.

Guru Arjan Dev Ji

O Creator Lord, seeing Your Creation, I have become Your Lover.

For, in matter as in Your spirit is Your Light, and yet You are Detached from all. Pause

In a moment, You create and then Destroy; how wonderful are Your Manifestations.

To whom can all Your Mysteries be revealed, O’ You,who are the only Light in abysmal Darkness?

You are the Master of all, the Allah of the entire universe,the Beneficent,our only God.

And he,who Dwells on You night and day, why shall he be thrown into Hell ?

Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji

Awake, Arise, O mind, why sleep lured by Ignorance?

For the body that came with you that too keep not your company in the end.

Father, mother, sons and the kindred, whom one loves,

Cast one into the flames when the Soul separates from the body.

The whole world deals with you while you are alive.

Nanak: Praise the Lord, for the rest is but a dream.

Bhagat Kabir Ji

The Vedas and Smritic Texts are a make believe. O’ dear if it does not stops the outgoings of the heart. But if one keeps one’s heart whole, even for a moment lo, there is before him the Presence of the Lord. O’ man search your heart, each day and do not live torn by Doubt.

This world is a magic show; within it no one to to hold your Soul’s hand.

Bhagat Namdev Ji

For me, the Blind one, Your Name O Creator, is the lone support:

I am a poor, meek soul, O’ Lord, and my mainstay is Your Name.

You are the Beneficent Lord, the Allah, the Contented One.

The Living Presence,here before me.

Raga Bairari

 

Raga Bairari

The compositions in this raga appears on a total of only two pages from 719-721. It stimulates the feeling of improving and continuing with a task, which has already been accomplished. It is an unmoving belief that what has been achieved is true and positive, which leads to a hunger and desire to progress to the next stage. Although there is immense confidence in the achievement, there is no conceit or variety in the accomplishment. It was used by Guru Ram Das Ji for six short hymns and by Guru Arjan Dev ji for just one hymn. Its Aroha is Sa, Re, Ga, Ma’,Pa, Dha Ni Sa, its Avroha is Sa, Ni, Dha, Pa, Ma’, Ga, Re, Sa and its vadi is Ga and samvadi is Dha. Some of the verses in this raga are as follows.

Guru Ram Das Ji

O mind,contemplate the Lord’s Name that you are Emancipated.

That you are rid of the Sins of a myriad births, and Swim across the Sea of Existence. Pause

Our Lord, the Absolute, without fear, without hate, lives in the city of our body.

He lives so near, yet we see Him not, He is revealed only through the wisdom of the Guru.

The Lord Himself is the Great Merchant, the Jeweller, and the Jewel: the entire Expanse is His.

And on whomsoever is His grace,Nanak, he Deals in His Name and he alone is the True Dealer.

Guru Arjan Dev Ji

Utter the Lord’s Praise, associating with the Saints.

Thus you are cleansed of the Sins and of the myriads of past births. Pause

And you receive what is your heart’s desire.

And in His Grace, the Lord blesses you with His Name.

Great is the Glory of Lord’s Name, it yields all-peace.

And by the Guru’s Grace, O’ Nanak one is made wise (in God).