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

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

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

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, it is included in the translation to mark its appearance ...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

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

‘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

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

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

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

‘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

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