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.