In the Guru Granth Sahib, certain words do not specifically add to the meaning of a line they appear in. Regarding the use of these words in the Guru Granth Sahib, scholars like Bhai Vir Singh, Prof. ...more

According to a story in Bhagwat, Ajamal was a corrupt Brahmin of Kanauj, who married a prostitute. He named his youngest son Narayan, with whom he was deeply attached. By repeating Narayan-Narayan in ...more

The word ‘amrit’ is a compound of negating prefix ‘a’ (meaning no, not or beyond) and the word-stem ‘mrit’ (meaning dead), which translates into a thing that is deathless or beyond the effect of death ...more

Anand is an ancient and important term that has many connotations. Usually, it refers to ordinary worldly pleasures and comforts. However, in Sikh thought (Gurmat), it refers to a state of existence i ...more

The anhad sabad (anhad nad) is a significant term used in the spiritual sphere. It is also considered a sign of the opening of dasam duar. Although this term finds mention in various faiths, religions ...more

Repetition of same or rhyming letters, words, or phrases at the end of sentences. ...more

Composition of eight stanzas. In the Guru Granth Sahib, astpadis usually consist of eight stanzas, but in some places, astpadis with more or less than eight stanzas are also found. ...more

Literally meaning an utterance of the Guru (Wisdom). In general, it refers to the compositions of all the contributors in the Guru Granth Sahib. ...more

Literally, the adorable One; it is a synonym used in the Guru Granth Sahib for the Divine (IkOankar). The meaning of such terms (often adjectives) sometimes extends into a phrase. This creates issues ...more

A poetic form mostly consisting of four stanzas. At some places it extends from five to ten stanzas as well. ...more

‘Chaupad’ is a four-line verse with 24 (11+13) meters in each line and a pause after the eleventh meter. ...more

An ancient game prevalent in Panjab, spread all over the world by soldiers and merchants. The original name of this game was ‘Chatrang’ (chatar+ang), which literally means ‘four limbs.’ The word ‘Chat ...more

According to Hindu belief, in the court of Dharamraj (Yama), there are two scribes who write the merits and demerits of human beings. In the Hindu tradition, ‘Chitragupt’ instead is considered to be o ...more

There are four cardinal directions and four ordinal directions (also called intercardinal directions). Four cardinal directions are: north, south, east, and west. Four ordinal directions are: north-ea ...more

In the spiritual sphere, the idea of dasam duar in the human body is very old. Dr. Gursharanjit Singh claims that this idea originally came from the Yogic system. According to this belief, the human b ...more

It is a poetic device used in Indic poetics that employs the analogy of a lamp (dipak) placed on the threshold of a door (dehli). When, in a composition or a poem, a word or a phrase gives meaning to ...more

In the Guru Granth Sahib, the word dharam is used in different contexts with varying connotations that include the following: religious practices/ritual/custom/observance. duty/obligation. righteou ...more

According to a story in Bhagavat and Vishnu Puran, Dhruv was the son of Raja Utanpad and Suniti. Once, when he tried to sit in the lap of his father, Suruchi the second queen of his father scolded and ...more

The word ‘abhimān’ is usually interpreted as ‘arrogance’ or ‘pride,’ but here, it has been used in the sense of insult (apmān). Therefore, to interpret ‘abhimān’ as ‘arrogance’ or ‘pride’ here is cont ...more

A two-line verse with 13+11 meters each. ...more

In Indian culture, a ‘duhagan’ is a woman who is widowed or separated from her husband. The ‘duhagan’ does not enjoy the comfort that having a husband and family affords her in society. Due to the con ...more

As per Hindu mythology, there was a heavenly being (gandharva), who became an elephant due to the curse of a hermit, Deval. He was caught by an octopus in the lake of Varuna, the god of oceans. When h ...more

As per Hindu mythology, a prostitute, whose misdeeds had caused her great misery. A great man who was passing by, took pity on her. He gave her a parrot and asked her to recite 'Ram Nam' (Name of the ...more

In the Guru Granth Sahib, along with the titles of rags, seventeen ‘ghar’ are found to be recorded. According to ‘Shabdarth Sri Guru Granth Sahib’ ‘ghar’ locates the position of the beat/rhythm or not ...more

Literally, the one who knows the earth or the creation; it is a synonym used for the Divine (IkOankar) in the Guru Granth Sahib. The meaning of such terms (often adjectives) sometimes extends into a p ...more

Literally, the Nurturer of the earth; it is a synonym used in the Guru Granth Sahib for IkOankar (the Divine). The meaning of such terms (often adjectives) sometimes extends into a phrase. This create ...more

In Sikhi, ‘Guru/Satguru’ primarily means ‘revealed Word of Wisdom (Granth)’ and ‘Guru-centered Sikhs (Panth/Sangat).’ Hence, in the present context, the Guru or the true Guru is to be understood as a ...more

Literally, the Remover of suffering; it is a synonym used for the Divine (IkOankar) in the Guru Granth Sahib. The meaning of such terms (often adjectives) sometimes extends into a phrase. This creates ...more

Here, this term’s repeated use leans towards the aesthetic and musical understanding and seems to express endearment and respect. Consequently, ‘jī’ is included in the translation to mark its appearan ...more

Here, this term’s repeated use leans towards the aesthetic and musical understanding and seems to express endearment and respect. Consequently, ‘jīu’ is included in the translation to mark its appeara ...more

An invocation or a joyous song sung as a prayer for success before an auspicious occasion or in the beginning of a composition. ...more

‘Kaliyug’ is one of the four ages accepted by the Sanatan tradition. “Word ‘jug’ (age) is a measurement of time. According to Hindu scriptures, the concept of four ages (yug/jug) is prevalent. These a ...more

Singing of compositions in prescribed musical modes (rags) from the Guru Granth Sahib and other texts mentioned in the Sikh Code of Conduct. ...more

Those who sing compositions in prescribed musical modes (rags) from the Guru Granth Sahib and other texts mentioned in the Sikh Code of Conduct. ...more

In the Guru Granth Sahib, the words ‘charan’ (feet) and ‘charan kamal’ (lotus-feet) are used for the feet of both the Guru and IkOankar (the Divine). The term charan-kamal is a compound of charan (fee ...more

Literally, the Husband of Maya; it is a synonym used in the Guru Granth Sahib for IkOankar (the Divine). The meaning of such terms (often adjectives) sometimes extends into a phrase. This creates issu ...more

The word ‘mahalā’ used in the titles within the Guru Granth Sahib indicates the Guru who has uttered the respective composition. There are different opinions on the etymology, meaning, and pronunciati ...more

Old handwritten copies of the Guru Granth Sahib. It may, at some places, also refer to other handwritten secondary Sikh texts. ...more

Maya, literally ‘illusion’ (a perceived reality, where things appear to be present but are not what they seem) has multiple meanings in Indian religious traditions. In Guru Granth Sahib, as in the quo ...more

In Guru Granth Sahib, the term Nam is vast. Thus the native term is retained for its literal representation. For its interpretive representation, the term “identification” is used as one active noun o ...more

As per a story in the Mahabharat and Puranas, Narad was a sage (muni) who was said to be the son of Brahma. He is mentioned in the Guru Granth Sahib among the devotees Dhruv, Prahlad, Sudama, etc.: ...more

Literally, the all-pervading Primal Being; it is a synonym used in the Guru Granth Sahib for IkOankar (the Divine). The meaning of such terms (often adjectives) sometimes extends into a phrase. This c ...more

Moving through the stages of Mahayana, Hinayana, Bajarayana and Mantrayana, Buddhism reaches Sahajyana. However, Sahajyani Sidhs corrupted Buddhism through practices like consuming alcohol. This resul ...more

In Hindu mythology, ‘naunidhi/navnidhi’ refers to the fabulous treasure of Kuber, the deity of wealth. This treasure is considered to have nine great jewels/gems in it, i.e., all that the heart could ...more

There are no fixed rules regarding the meter and lines of the poetic form ‘pad.’ Generally, it is believed that there are 16 meters in the chorus (asthai) of a ‘pad,’ and 28 (16+12) meters in the vers ...more

As per the prevalent Hindu belief, the world is said to have nine different parts (bharat, ilavrit, kimpursh, bhadra, ketumal, hari, hirnaya, rasya te kush). In earlier times, people had created this ...more

‘Pauri’ is a distinct pattern or a verse structure of Panjabi heroic-poetry (var). In other words pauri is that genre of poetry that is especially employed for the creation of a var. “Actually, there ...more

A bird which is also known as chatak, chatrik, papiha, sarang. According to ancient myth, this bird only drinks water from the raindrops falling in the ‘swati’ constellation. It always looks towards t ...more

Literally, the Master; it is a synonym used in the Guru Granth Sahib for the Divine (IkOankar). The meaning of such terms (often adjectives) sometimes extends into a phrase. This creates issues in tra ...more

The word ‘Puran’ refers to texts containing ancient stories of Sanatan (Hindu) tradition. There are eighteen main Puranas and eighteen sub-Puranas. The eighteen main Puranas are Braham, Padam, Brahman ...more

The word ‘puri’ means the place of dwelling, colony, city, or town. From spiritual point of view, the word ‘puri’ is interpreted as realm or world (lok). For example, Braham-puri (realm of Brahma), Sh ...more

A rag is a melodic framework for improvisation and composition in Hindustani music akin to a melodic mode in western music. It consists of a specific set of notes and their combination used in a parti ...more

A derivative melody acquired by the modification of a rag (musical mode) in Hindustani music. Its form is closely related to and associated with the rag it has been derived from. ...more

The literal meanings of ‘rahau’ are to stay, remain steady, or rest. The word ‘rahau’ is used in Gurbani at many places with similar meanings. For example: bhāī re gurmati sāci rahāu. -Guru Granth ...more

Literally, the all-Pervading; it is a synonym used in the Guru Granth Sahib for the Divine (IkOankar). The meaning of such terms (often adjectives) sometimes extends into a phrase. This creates issues ...more

A verse or a short composition in the Guru Granth Sahib. ...more

The word ‘sahaj’ is a multi-connotational word, whose literal meaning is ‘sah’ (with) and ‘ja’ (born). Its evolved meanings include, easy, natural state, discretion, thought, wisdom, the Supreme Being ...more

‘Salok’ is a poetic form, literally meaning ‘praise.’ In Sanskrit, chands (anushṭup - अनुष्टुप्) are written under the title ‘salok.’ Due to the prominence of compositions based on letters (varṇak-cha ...more

In Sikhi, the company of the Guru-oriented or Guru-centered beings is one of the primary means to reflect on the Wisdom (Guru) and connect with IkOankar (the Divine). The most used term for this in th ...more

The books of Hindu philosophy, which are six in number: Samkhya, Patanjal or Yoga, Nyaya, Vaisheshika, Mimansa, Vedanta. -Shabdarth Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji, page 11. ...more

Eighteen supernatural powers (siddhis). They are believed to be Anima (take the form of another), Mahima (enlarge the body), Laghima (shrink the body), Garima (become heavier), Prapti (attain desired ...more

The term Sidh, which has been widely used in Indian religious traditions, literally means a wise or an accomplished Yogi. It also refers to one of the eighty-four accomplished Yogis who were believed ...more

Religious books written by the sages of Sanatan (Hindu) tradition, which they wrote for the guidance of their society based on their memory or understanding of the Vedas and the teachings of their eld ...more

In Indian culture, a ‘suhagan’ is a married woman or a woman whose husband (suhag) is alive. The ‘suhagan’ enjoys all comforts of having a husband and family in a society that places value on her stat ...more

A ‘that’ is a group of notes. Its primary function is to provide a basis for the creation, organization, and classification of rags in the Hindustani music. ...more

Devoid of any thought, a state of trance, where no thought arises. According to Yogis it is a state of trance, which is supreme. According to Shabdarth Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji, in Sikh principle ( ...more

As per the Indic philosophy, specifically Sankhya, the phenomenal world is a manifestation of Maya (known as Prakriti in Sankhya). Maya has three qualities or attributes: sattva, rajas, and tamas. Sat ...more

Scholars have described four states (awake, dreaming, deep sleep, and the fourth state) of the mind. The first state is when a being participates in worldly affairs while being awake (jagrat). In this ...more

‘Var’ is a heroic poetic form, similar to a ballad, written in stanzas (pauris). According to the Mahān Kosh: “Var is a composition that describes war. The meaning of the word ‘var’ has become pauri ( ...more

Relationships are of great importance in human life. When an emotional need arises, a human being first remembers mother, father, sister, brother, friend, etc. Due to the importance of these relations ...more

Repeated usage of the same letter or a group of letters is called vritianupras. ...more

According to Hindu belief, Dharamraj or Yamraj (jam, jamrā, jamrāu, jamrāj, kāl, jamkāl, dharamrāi, dharamrāo, dhramrāiā, etc. in the Guru Granth Sahib) dispenses justice according to the deeds of the ...more

In the Indic religious tradition, a Yogi is a follower of Yog, one of the six schools of philosophy in Hinduism. They believe that participation in the world leads to suffering and pain, and withdrawa ...more