Sangrand- aarti

Today marks the first day of the month Harh ( Aasaarh) . In this month Guru Ji states

ਆਸਾੜੁ ਸੁਹੰਦਾ ਤਿਸੁ ਲਗੈ ਜਿਸੁ ਮਨਿ ਹਰਿ ਚਰਣ ਨਿਵਾਸ ॥੫॥

The Indian month Aasaarh is extremely hot, but Guru Ji says those that keep their mind in Guru Jis charan do not experience any heat and the the boiling hot month seems pleasant.

Does one only get this boon in the the hot month of Aasaarh? No, in Rakhiya Shabad one of our nightly prayers. Guru Ji states
ਤਾਤੀ ਵਾਉ ਨ ਲਗਈ ਪਾਰਬ੍ਰਹਮ ਸਰਣਾਈ ॥
The heat will not effect those that take refuge in Gur-Parmeshars house.

Not only should we try to place ourselves on Guru Jis charan in the month of Savan; instead we should be daily trying to place our mann on Guru Jis pavitar charan. In Bhai Sahib Bhai Randhir Singh Ji book " Charan Kamal Kee Mauj" he states
ਚਰਨ ਕਮਲ ਦੇ ਧਿਆਨ ਦੇ ਤੁਫੈਲ ਇਹ ਬਰਕਤਾ ਆਣ ਢੁਕਦੀਆਂ ਹਨ ਨਾਮ ਦੇ ਰੁਚੀ ਮਨ ਵਿਖੇ ਬਣੀ ਰਹਿਨਦੀ ਹੈ ਅਤੇ ਨਿਤਾਪ੍ਰਤਿ ਇਹ ਰੁਚੀ ਦੂਣੀ ਚਉਨੀ ਹੋ ਹੋ ਜਾਂਦੀ ਹੈ
One receives two benefts by focusing on the Gurus lotus feet. One, their mind begins to merge into naam. Secondly, the minds merging in naam multiplies each day.

Guru Ji has given us a maryada to remind us to continuously make efforts to meditate on Guru Ji charan. In numerous Hukums, Guru Ji has given us the blessing to sing Har Charan Kamal aarti on a daily basis. The benefits of doing kirtan on a daily basis and keeping our chit on Guru Jis charan are enornous.


Bhai Sahib Bhai Randhir Singh Ji states

ਪ੍ਰਿਥਮ ਆਰੰਭੇ ਨਿਤਾਪ੍ਰਤਿ ਗੁਣ ਗਾਵਣ , ਨਾਮ ਧਿਆਵਨ ਨਾਲ ਹੀ ਪਰਮ ਸੁਖ ਦੀ ਪ੍ਰਾਪਤ ਹੁੰਦੀ ਹੈ

ਅਤੇ ਆਵਾਗਵਣ ਦੇ ਗੇੜ ਦੀ ਸਮਾਪਤੀ ਹੁੰਦੀ ਹੈ
The first benefits a person derives from singing bani constantly ( daily) is they day receive divine peace and the cycle of births and deaths go.
Charan Kamal Kee Mauj

Singing aarti is not only a purtan maryada its a panthic maryda. There are two method in determing panthic maryada. One is through the written text, and the second method is through observing the oral traditions of the historical Gurdwaras. Every historical Gurdwara in India, and Pakistan sing aarti after rehras. Gurdwaras in the West whom strive to adhere to panthic maryada also sing aarti after Rehars. Aaarti is a liturgial hymn, meaning its means to be sung collectively with the holy congregation after bhog.

The tradition of singing the Sikh liturgical hymn " Aaarti " took place in Orissa in the city Jagannath. There are two types of Aaarti. One is referred to as Har Charan Kaval Aaarti and was first recited in Jagannath Puri, and the other Aaarti is referred to as Aaarti Sohila . Aarti Sohila was recited on seperate occassion through the request of God according to BHai Balas Janam Sakhi. Aaarti Sohila is usually recited at night while Har Charan Kaval Aaarti is recited in the morning and the evening. In his book " Gian Rattanwali", Shaheed Bhai Mani SIngh Ji states the tradition of reciting Aaarti orignates from the holy city KartarPur Sahib. He states how it was sung during the morning.
ਕਰਤਾਰਪੁਰ ਵਿਚ ਅੰਮ੍ਰਿਤ ਵੇਲੇ ਸਵਾ ਪਹਿਰ ਦਿਨ ਚੜ੍ਹਦਿਆਂ ਤੀਕਰ ਬਾਣੀ ਦੀ ਚਰਚਾ ਹੋਵੇ , ਉਪਰੰਤ ਕੀਰਤਨ ਹੋਵੇ , ਫੇਰ ਆਰਤੀ ਪੜ੍ਹੀਏ
In the city of Kartpur Sahib they would rise and recite Gurbani. Next kirtan was performed , and the hymn Aarti was recited.

The top Sikh theologian in Sikh history "Bhai Gurdas Ji" also mentions how Aaarti was sung at Kartarpur Sahib. Bhai Gurdas Ji mentions it was recited during the evening.
ਸੋਦਰੁ ਆਰਤੀ ਗਾਵੀਐ ਅੰਮ੍ਰਿਤ ਵੇਲੇ ਜਾਪੁ ਉਚਾਰਾ।
They would recite Sri JapJi Sahib during AMrit Vela, and sing Aaarti after Sodar- rehras. BHai Gurdas Ji Vaaran

Giani Gurbachan Singh Ji mentions the maryada of singing aarti in the evening which still exist today in Harmandir Sahib has been going in since Guru Arjan Dev Jis time. He states without the lighting of lamps which is a Hindu practice the singing of aarti occurs after rehras. He later goes on to mention aarti is sung at the beginning of a Bhog during Akhand Paath, and in some places after Asa Di Vaar some Gursiks sing Aarti.
ਇਹ ਗੁਰਬਾਣੀ ਆਰਤੀ ਗੁਰਸਿਖਾ ਵਿਚ ਰਾਤ ਨੂੰ ਰਹਿਰਾਸ ਦੇ ਬਾਅਦ ਪੜ੍ਹੀ ਜਾਂਦੀ ਹੈ, ਜੇਵੇ ਸ੍ਰੀ ਹਰਿਮੰਦਰ ਸਾਹਿਬ ਹਰ ਰੋਜ਼ ਬਿਨਾ ਦੀਵੇ ਜਗਾਏ ਤੋ ਬੈਠ ਕੇ ਆਰਤੀ ਕੀਤੀ ਜਾਂਦੀ ਹੈ. ਰਾਗੀ ਸਿੰਘ ਅਤੇ ਸੰਗਤ ਮਿਲ ਕੇ ਪ੍ਰੇਮ ਨਾਲ ਪੰਜਵੇ ਪਾਤਿਸ਼ਾਹ ਜੀ ਦੇ ਵਕਤ ਤੋ ਪੜ੍ਹਦੇ ਆ ਰਹੇ ਹਨ ਅਤੇ ਇਹ ਅਖੰਡ ਪਾਠ ਆਦਿ ਭੋਗ ਤੋ ਬਾਅਦ ਪੜ੍ਹੀ ਜਾਂਦੀ ਹੈ . ਕਈ ਜਗਾ ਅੰਮ੍ਰਿਤ ਵੇਲੇ ਆਸਾ ਦੀ ਵਾਰ ਦੇ ਕੀਰਤਨ ਤੋ ਬਾਅਦ ਵੀ ਪੜ੍ਹਦੇ ਹਨ Gurbani Darpan, Gian Gurbachan SIngh Ji Khalsa

As mentioned by Giani Gurbachan Singh Ji, Sikh Aarti is distinct from the Hindu Ritual Aaarti, where light from wicks soaked in ghee (purified butter) is offered to one or more deities . The items are placed on a platter and turned in a clockwise direction while the priest chant some mantras. When going to Jagannath Puri, GUru Ji condemend the Hindu practice of Aaarti, and instead promoted the aarti of Naam. The word CharaN Kamal is a synonym for Naam, and every day we sing the following verses in aarti.
ਨਾਮੁ ਤੇਰੋ ਆਰਤੀ ਮਜਨੁ ਮੁਰਾਰੇ ॥
ਹਰਿ ਕੇ ਨਾਮ ਬਿਨੁ ਝੂਠੇ ਸਗਲ ਪਾਸਾਰੇ ॥੧॥ ਰਹਾਉ ॥
Naam is you aarti naam is my cleanising bath, without naam everything is a false display.

Before Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji reached Jaganath Puri he already had a reputation for putting an end to false dispalys; thus, the dishonest priest feared his coming. Jagannath Puri was the city of sin and ritual. The residents of this city especially the priests of this city were stuck in ignorance. The knowledge of the GUrus light had not reached their minds. As Guru Ji was heading towards the temple he noticed the roof of the temple was surrounded with naked idols. The people around the temple were drinking alcohol, and the women were being dishonored. The people had no discipline they could not withdraw temptation for even a second. The High Priest belonging to the elite class would not even allow GUru Ji to enter the temple. While Guru JI and Mardana waited outside a voice arose in the temple which demanded the priest to allow Guru Nanak Dev Ji to enter into the premisses of the temple. When Guru Ji entered the temple he sat down while keeping karah parshaad in his hand. While he was sitting the priest rang the bell and the population flocked to the mandir for the evening prayers. The priest concluded the evening ritual reading ( Aaarti) which contained food offering to a stone with the hope the offering will please the Goddess of Wealth. During the ritual dancing women would hold brass plates and dances to the sounds of cymbals. The people had no fear for God. They were mere crooks conning the simple minded masses, and robbing them off their hard earned money.

ਨਚਣੁ ਕੁਦਣੁ ਮਨ ਕਾ ਚਾਉ ॥
ਨਾਨਕ ਜਿਨ੍ਹ੍ਹ ਮਨਿ ਭਉ ਤਿਨ੍ਹ੍ਹਾ ਮਨਿ ਭਾਉ ॥੨॥
According to their minds pleasure they dance and jump. Oh Nanak, the mind which has fear for God has love for God.

Aftre the aarti ritual the priest turned to Guru Ji and asked " why did you not stand during the aarti ritual. GUru Ji replied

ਸੁਨਿ ਕਰਿ ਜਗ ਗੁਰ ਬਚਨ ਬਖਾਨੋ, ਸਦਾ ਆਰਤੀ ਹਮ ਪਹਿਚਾਨੋ ਸਰਬ ਸ਼ਿਰੋਮਣ ਜਸ ਪ੍ਰਭ ਊਚੇ, ਕਰਹਿ ਆਰਤੀ ਤਸ ਮਨ ਸਚੇ -
Hey Pundit, our aarti is to acknowledge God as the greatest night and day. We perfrom the true aarti with a sincere mind.
Sri GUru Nanak Parkaash


Guru Ji then turned to the pandits and said " Your mind is impure, you are full of lust and greed, and you have no love for the people.Will the aarti you perform bear any fruit from God? You drink poisonus beverages that disease the body. If you cant keep your body from disease how will you keep your mind free of disease.?"

The Pundits then turned to Guru Ji and said what Aaarti will you perfrom then?

Guru Ji then stated

ਏਕ ਆਰਤੀ ਈਸ਼ੁਰ ਕੀ ਹੈ ਏਕ ਆਰਤੀ ਜੀਵ ਕੀ ਹੈ ਤੁਮ ਕਹੌ ਹਮ ਕੇਸੀ ਆਰਤੀ ਕਰੀਏ One prayer of Aaarti is of Parmatma ( har charan kamal aarti) , another Aaarti( aarti sohila) is of the atma. Which ever aarti you request we will sing.


GUru Ji then sang Har Charan Kamal Aaarti which was in praise of Parmatma. He sung
ੴ ਸਤਿਗੁਰ ਪ੍ਰਸਾਦਿ ॥
ਧਨਾਸਰੀ ਮਹਲਾ ੧ ਆਰਤੀ
ਗਗਨ ਮੈ ਥਾਲੁ ਰਵਿ ਚੰਦੁ ਦੀਪਕ ਬਨੇ ਤਾਰਿਕਾ ਮੰਡਲ ਜਨਕ ਮੋਤੀ ॥
ਧੂਪੁ ਮਲਆਨਲੋ ਪਵਣੁ ਚਵਰੋ ਕਰੇ ਸਗਲ ਬਨਰਾਇ ਫੂਲੰਤ ਜੋਤੀ ॥੧॥
ਕੈਸੀ ਆਰਤੀ ਹੋਇ ਭਵ ਖੰਡਨਾ ਤੇਰੀ ਆਰਤੀ ॥
ਅਨਹਤਾ ਸਬਦ ਵਾਜੰਤ ਭੇਰੀ ॥੧॥ ਰਹਾਉ ॥
ਸਹਸ ਤਵ ਨੈਨ ਨਨ ਨੈਨ ਹੈ ਤੋਹਿ ਕਉ ਸਹਸ ਮੂਰਤਿ ਨਨਾ ਏਕ ਤੋਹੀ ॥
ਸਹਸ ਪਦ ਬਿਮਲ ਨਨ ਏਕ ਪਦ ਗੰਧ ਬਿਨੁ ਸਹਸ ਤਵ ਗੰਧ ਇਵ ਚਲਤ ਮੋਹੀ ॥੨॥
ਸਭ ਮਹਿ ਜੋਤਿ ਜੋਤਿ ਹੈ ਸੋਇ ॥
ਤਿਸ ਕੈ ਚਾਨਣਿ ਸਭ ਮਹਿ ਚਾਨਣੁ ਹੋਇ ॥
ਗੁਰ ਸਾਖੀ ਜੋਤਿ ਪਰਗਟੁ ਹੋਇ ॥
ਜੋ ਤਿਸੁ ਭਾਵੈ ਸੁ ਆਰਤੀ ਹੋਇ ॥੩॥
ਹਰਿ ਚਰਣ ਕਮਲ ਮਕਰੰਦ ਲੋਭਿਤ ਮਨੋ ਅਨਦਿਨੋ ਮੋਹਿ ਆਹੀ ਪਿਆਸਾ ॥
ਕ੍ਰਿਪਾ ਜਲੁ ਦੇਹਿ ਨਾਨਕ ਸਾਰਿੰਗ ਕਉ ਹੋਇ ਜਾ ਤੇ ਤੇਰੈ ਨਾਮਿ ਵਾਸਾ ॥੪॥੧॥੭॥੯॥

After hearing the wonder of this pauri the devotees feel to the holy feet of Guru Ji and proclaimed him as True Guru. Guru Ji then distrubted the degh. The devotees then made a Dharamshaal ( Gurdwara Sahib) . WHen leaving Jagannath Puri, GUru Ji told the new devotees " when Sikh devotees come to this DharamShaal then sing this shabad and distrubute the holy sacrament ( Degh)" ( BHai Baale Janam Sakhi). Guru Ji taught them it was more important to offer food to the saintly devotees rather then offering food to a mere stones, false devotees and false Gods. Shahhed Bhai Mani Singh Ji states

ਜੱਗ ਹੋਮ ਕਲਿਜੁਗ ਕੋ ਇਹ ਹੈਨ ਕੇ ਅੰਮ੍ਰਿਤ ਪ੍ਰਸ਼ਾਦ ਗੁਰ ਭਾਈਆਂ ਅਰ ਸਿਖਾਂ ਕਓ ਖਲਾਵਾਨਾ ਅਰ ਆਪ ਕੋ ਨੀਚ ਸਦਾਵਣਾ
ਗਯਾਨ ਰਤਨਾਵਲੀ
In Kaljug, the ritual offerings is to offer amrit parshan to the holy sangat, and regard oneself as low.

Bhai Gurdas Ji states

ਗੁਰਸਿਖਾ ਗੁਰਸਿਖ ਸੇਵਾ ਲਾਇਆ।ਸਾਧਸੰਗਤਿ ਕਰਿ ਸੇਵ ਸੁਖ ਫਲੁ ਪਾਇਆ।
The Sikhs of the Guru inspire the Sikhs of the Guru to serve.
Serving the holy congregation they receive the fruit of happiness.

Likewise Kavi Santokh Singh Ji echoes similar sentiments and states
.ਗੁਰ ਕੀ ਕਾਰ ਇਕੱਤ੍ਰ ਕਰੀਜੈ । ਤਬਿ ਪੰਚਾਮ੍ਰਿਤ ਕਰਿ ਬਰਤੀਜੈ ।38।ਤਜਿ ਹੌਮੈ ਧਾਰਹੁ ਮਨ ਨੀਵਾਂ । ਇਮ ਸਤਿਸੰਗਤਿ ਕਰਹੁ ਸਦੀਵਾ Perform the Gurus work together [with Sangat], prepare Karah Prashaad and serve it to all.। Forsake your ego and keep your head low [embrace humility], with this mindset enter the True Congregation.

In mentioning morning practices , similar to Shaheed Bhai Mani SIngh Ji, and BHai Gurdas Ji , Kavi Ji states

ਬਡੀ ਪ੍ਰਭਾਤਿ ਮਿਲਹਿਂ ਸਭਿ ਆਇ । ਗੁਰਬਾਨੀ ਕੋ ਸੁਨਹਿਂ ਸੁਨਾਇਂ
ਅਰਥ ਬਿਚਾਰਹੁ ਕਥਾ ਕਰੀਜੈ । ਬਹੁਰ ਕਮਾਵਹੁ ਮਨ ਧਰਿ ਲੀਜੈ
ਸਮੋਂ ਆਰਤੀ ਚਰਨ ਕਵਲ ਲਗਿ । ਕਰਿ ਅਰਦਾਸ ਜਾਹੁ ਨਿਜ ਘਰ ਮਗ

Gather together [with Sangat] early in the morning, listen and recite verses from Gurbani (Also Do Naam Simran).॥ Contemplate and perform discourse [katha] upon the meanings [of Gurbani], then apply the teachings you have learned to your life. Recite Chran Kaval Aaarti , and do ardas to stay in nij ghar.

In Sri GUru Granth Sahib Ji, Guru Ji states
ਅਭਿਆਗਤ ਏਹ ਨ ਆਖੀਅਹਿ ਜਿਨ ਕੈ ਮਨ ਮਹਿ ਭਰਮੁ ॥ ਤਿਨ ਕੇ ਦਿਤੇ ਨਾਨਕਾ ਤੇਹੋ ਜੇਹਾ ਧਰਮੁ ॥੧॥ ਅਭੈ ਨਿਰੰਜਨ ਪਰਮ ਪਦੁ ਤਾ ਕਾ ਭੀਖਕੁ ਹੋਇ ॥
ਤਿਸ ਕਾ ਭੋਜਨੁ ਨਾਨਕਾ ਵਿਰਲਾ ਪਾਏ ਕੋਇ ॥੨॥
Do not call the wandering beggars holy men, if their minds are filled with doubt. Whoever gives to them, O Nanak, earns the same sort of merit. ||1|| One who begs for the supreme status of the Fearless and Immaculate Lord - how rare are those who have the opportunity, O Nanak, to give food to such a person. ||2||


In Aarti we sing the following verses to remind us ones desire should be to shun the false beggars and instead serve the true devotees.
ਭੂਖੇ ਭਗਤਿ ਨ ਕੀਜੈ ॥ ਯਹ ਮਾਲਾ ਅਪਨੀ ਲੀਜੈ ॥ ਹਉ ਮਾਂਗਉ ਸੰਤਨ ਰੇਨਾ ॥ ਮੈ ਨਾਹੀ ਕਿਸੀ ਕਾ ਦੇਨਾ ॥੧॥

The book "Sri Guru BHagat Maal" mentions how Bhagat Dhaana Ji was a poor and simple minded farmer. Like the simple minded residents of Orissa, Bhagat Ji too was decieved by the Hierachical priest. One day Bhagat Dhanna Ji saw the priest performing offerings to the stone. Bhagat Ji asked the Brahmin ( priest), "What benefit do you get from this practice?" The priest said ones desires become fully fulfilled if they offer their belongins to the stone. Because Bhagat Ji was a pure hearted and simple minded person he could not understand the Priest was taking the offering for himself and thus dupping the congregation. However, he was determined to perform the ritual to improve his living conditions. When he asked the priest for a stone, the priest refused and said this ritual is only for the high class priest you are merely a simple farmer. After constant begging from BHagat Ji , the priest finally gave in and offered a stone to Bhagat Dhanna Ji. That night he couldnt fall alseep. He kept thinking what boons should I should ask for. He started looking around his house and taking note on the things he wanted. He was a bachelor who was in need of a wife. In addition he need a strong water buffalo to plough the fields since the cows could not provide them same strength as a buffalo. Financially Bhagat Ji was very poor, but his heart was rich with devotion. In the morning he performed the ritual offering. After a couple of hours he saw no result. He started getting frustrated and tried to manually feed the stone with his hands. He then said to the stone " I am very poor I have offered whatever food I had to you. Please eat it. Otherwise I wont eat at all" Taking pity on the poor soul God thought Bhagat is a pure soul he does not under the sham of the Brahamn priest. If I do not eat the food then he will continue with this false ritual and eventually question my existence after he recieves no results . God then decided to eat some of the food and then bless it. A voice appeared to Bhagat Ji and said Dhanna Ji you are my Bhagat ( devotee) . Whatever my devotees ask for I provide. Ask for anything and its yours. Bhagat Dhanna Ji the ritual was fruitless. He then understood how God always protects the honor and shame of this devotees. In addition , God always provides the devotees whatever they need. In a spirit of loving devotion, Bhagat Ji then recited the following verses which are included in Har Charan Kaval Aaarti.


Another puari we have from Har Charan Kaval Aaartee comes from Bhagat Dhanna Ji.

ਗੋਪਾਲ ਤੇਰਾ ਆਰਤਾ ॥
ਜੋ ਜਨ ਤੁਮਰੀ ਭਗਤਿ ਕਰੰਤੇ ਤਿਨ ਕੇ ਕਾਜ ਸਵਾਰਤਾ ॥੧॥ ਰਹਾਉ ॥
ਦਾਲਿ ਸੀਧਾ ਮਾਗਉ ਘੀਉ ॥
ਹਮਰਾ ਖੁਸੀ ਕਰੈ ਨਿਤ ਜੀਉ ॥
ਪਨ੍ਹ੍ਹੀਆ ਛਾਦਨੁ ਨੀਕਾ ॥
ਅਨਾਜੁ ਮਗਉ ਸਤ ਸੀ ਕਾ ॥੧॥
ਗਊ ਭੈਸ ਮਗਉ ਲਾਵੇਰੀ ॥
ਇਕ ਤਾਜਨਿ ਤੁਰੀ ਚੰਗੇਰੀ ॥
ਘਰ ਕੀ ਗੀਹਨਿ ਚੰਗੀ ॥
ਜਨੁ ਧੰਨਾ ਲੇਵੈ ਮੰਗੀ ॥੨॥੪॥


What is the time of Aarti? We know through history ( sakhees) that Aarti was first recited in the evening ( sunset) at Jagannath by Pehli Paatshah. We also know through Bhai Gurdas Jis Vaaran and Puratan Rehatnamey that Gursikhs continued to sing Aaarti during shortly after sunset which occurs after Sodar Rehras.
ਰਹਿਰਾਸ ਆਰਤੀ ਸ਼ਬਦ ਪੁਨ ਕੀਰਤਨ ਸੁਨਹਿ ਸੁ ਭਿਖ
He is a great Sikh who listens to Rehras, Aartee, then Kirtan Sohila. Bhai Sahib SIngh Ji rehatnama

According to Gurmat Maryada, Gursikhs always sing Gurbani after Sunrise and Sunset. Bhai Gurdas Jis vaaras provide evidence that Gursikhs would sing Aarti after Rehras. We also know through Gurbani that Gursikhs are required to sing during Sunset. As mentioned previously , Gursikhs would sing Aaarti during sunset. Bhai Gurdas Ji again mentions
ਸੰਝੈ ਸੋਦਰੁ ਗਾਵਣਾ ਮਨ ਮੇਲੀ ਕਰਿ ਮੇਲਿ ਮਿਲੰਦੇ। ਰਾਤੀ ਕੀਰਤਿ ਸੋਹਿਲਾ ਕਰਿ ਆਰਤੀ ਪਰਸਾਦ ਵੰਡੰਦੇ।
They sing the Sodar in the evening and heartily associate with one another. Singing Aaarti they distribute degh and at night they recite Kirtan Sohila. From these vaars we can conclude aarti was always recite after bhog during sunset. Meaning after Rehras , Hukumnamas was taken then degh was distrubuted. The same maryada exist during sunrise. As soon as Gursikhs complete their Naam Abyiaas and Nitnem they do Parksash , take hukumnama and distribute degh, and according to tradition one should sing aarti during this time.
ਜਿਥੇ ਸ੍ਰੀ ਗੁਰੂ ਗਰੰਥ ਸਾਹਿਬ ਜੀ ਦਾ ਪ੍ਰਕਾਸ਼ ਹੋਵੇ ਪਾਠ ਭੋਗ ਪੜੇ ਆਰਤੀ ਗਾਵੇ After the Bhog and Parkaash of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji sing aarti.
Bijai Mukt Dharam Shastra, Sakhi 47

Prem Sumarag also mentions after doing amrit vela naam abhiyaas, and nitnem one should start their day by singing Aaarti.
ਜੋ ਜਾਨੈ ਕਛੁ ਦੁਨੀਆ ਦਾ ਹੈ, ਤਾਂ ਚਰਨ ਕਮਲ ਆਰਤੀ ਪੜ੍ਹ ਕੈ ਮਥਾ ਟੇਕੈ Recite Charan Kamal Aaarti before starting any worldly task. Prem Sumarag

So according to Maryada we always start the day with singing Gods praises and we end the day with singing Gods praises. Sunset and Sunrise are the times of aarti and these times are full of immense bliss when singing Aaarti.
ਆਰਤੀ ਕੀਰਤਨੁ ਸਦਾ ਅਨੰਦ ॥ ਮਹਿਮਾ ਸੁੰਦਰ ਸਦਾ ਬੇਅੰਤ ॥੩॥
Keertan of aarti is full of everlasting bliss its greatness and beauty in unlimited. Guru Arjan Dev Ji

If we cannot recite this bani twice a day we should at least recite it once a day to reap its benefits. This maryada is not just meant for Gurghars or for Gursikhs who have Guru Jis saroop at home. The maryada is for any Gursikh who wants to reap the benefits of this bani. Besides immense bliss what are some of the other benefits of singing Aaarti?

In summary, Har Charan Kamal Aaarti is a liturgical prayer meant to be sung along with sangat after serving degh.Those who have taken up the seva of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji and turned their homes in to a DharamShaal should make efforts to serve sangat degh and sing kirtan such as Aaarti on a regular basis. Aaarti is not an offering to false Gods instead aarti is an offering to GUru Ji while offering Karah Parshaad to Sangat who is the roop of AKal Purakh. We cannot make any offerings on our own behalf because Guru Ji has given us everything. In aarti we sing and say how can we offer anything to you which since everything belongs to you.
ਤੇਰੋ ਕੀਆ ਤੁਝਹਿ ਕਿਆ ਅਰਪਉ ਨਾਮੁ ਤੇਰਾ ਤੁਹੀ ਚਵਰ ਢੋਲਾਰੇ ॥੩॥

Sinnging aarti reminds us not to start the day and end the day with false ritulas. Instead it teaches us to remember Guru Jis har charan, to make efforts to join, serve, and sing Gurbani Kirtan with sadh sangat. Before pehli paatshah the people indulged in the false aarti. Their mind were dim and full of darkness. For the sake of filling their stomach they conned the innocent people. Their practices lead them to multiple rebirths.
ਕਹੈ ਰਵਿਦਾਸੁ ਨਾਮੁ ਤੇਰੋ ਆਰਤੀ ਸਤਿ ਨਾਮੁ ਹੈ ਹਰਿ ਭੋਗ ਤੁਹਾਰੇ ॥੪॥੩॥

For a Gursikh, their main food is Naam which is GUru Jis charan kamal. Only through connecting to and meditating on Guru Ji pavittar Charan can we illuminate our mind and end the births and deaths of the jiv atma.

ਮੰਗਲ ਆਰਤੀ ਜੋ ਕੋਈ ਗਾਵੈ ਪੁਨਰਪ ਗਰਭ ਨ ਲੇਟੈ One who singh aarti will not be reborn in the womb. Sri Sarab Loh Granth

Excellent thoughts on the month of AasaaR and yes the Shabads of Aarti that is sung at Siri Darbar Sahib Amritsar Sahib are very blissful.

The following comment however surprised me:

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Taking pity on the poor soul God thought Bhagat is a pure soul he does not under the sham of the Brahamn priest. If I do not eat the food then he will continue with this false ritual and eventually question my existence after he recieves no results . God then decided to eat some of the food and then bless it. A voice appeared to Bhagat Ji and said Dhanna Ji you are my Bhagat ( devotee) . Whatever my devotees ask for I provide. Ask for anything and its yours. Bhagat Dhanna Ji the ritual was fruitless. He then understood how God always protects the honor and shame of this devotees. In addition , God always provides the devotees whatever they need. In a spirit of loving devotion, Bhagat Ji then recited the following verses which are included in Har Charan Kaval Aaarti.

I don't know why you have opened this topic again. We have already done Vichaar on Bhagat Dhanna and how he attained Vaheguru. Here you are writing that Bhagat Dhanna made God eat food meant for an idol, with just few hours of stubbornness. This is totally contrary to Gurmat that preaches that no matter how much you worship a stone, it can never yield any results and no Sidhi can be attained from begging before a stone. The Saakhi of Hindus says that Vishnu jee came and ate the food offered to the idol. We don't have any qualms over this and don't care what Vishnu jee or Shiv jee do but we are very concerned when someone relates a wrong notion or a Sakhi to our Sirjanhaar Vaheguru.

You write that God's voice told Bhagat Dhanna that "you are my Bhagat". Please tell us how did Dhanna become Bhagat at that time by just worshipping an idol? Did he meet the Satguru at that time? Did he even meet an ordinary Guru? If no, then how did he learn Bhagti and how did he become a Bhagat? Do you consider a person worshipping a stone or an idol a Bhagat?

Furthermore you have committed a blasphamy by saying that after the incident of worshipping an idol, he recited the Shabad "Gopal Tera Aarta..." How can you say such false statement? This Shabad of Bhagat Dhanna jee that you are referring to is Gurbani. How did an idol-worshipping Dhanna utter Gurbani? Can you find a single Paanda, Pandit or any Hindu today who can utter Gurbani? How did Dhanna jee manage this?

Veer Sukhdeep Singh jeeo, please reconsider your post. I am sure your views can't be like this. There must be some mistake or perhaps someone hacked your account.

Kulbir Singh

Whoa Sukhdeep Singh, you have a lot of time on your hands, brother.
Do missionaries pay you for this?

Kulbir Singh Jee compared to you I am just a small keera who is just learning much from this forum. But a thought came to my mind. Could it be that just as Vaheguru worked through:

a)Raam and killed Raavan(thetho hi bal raam lai, naal bana desr ghaayaa)
b)worked through Krishan to kill Kans(thetho hi bal krishan lai, kans kessi pakar giraayaa)
c)Saved Dropadi (sorry I forgot the gurbani tukh for this one)
d)worked though Narsingh avtar and killed Harnaksh and saved his Bhagat Prehlaad(harnaaksh dusht har maaria, prehlaad taraayaa)

based on the above we can safely say that when it is needed Vaheguru Jee intervenes for his Bhagats and even works through avtaars if needed. If that is so, could it be that Vaheguru jee wanted to keep the laaj of a Bhola (innocent minded) bhagat like Dhanna jee and worked through a moorti just as he had worked through avtaars previously mentioned by me?

Of course we know that Moorti pooja is haraam for a Sikh because for us Shabad is everything. Gur moorat gur shabad hai. But going with my original argument here could it be that for the laaj of his Bhagats, Vaheguru jee can bend the rules sometimes?

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Whoa Sukhdeep Singh, you have a lot of time on your hands, brother.
Do missionaries pay you for this?

Jaspreet Singh Ji, it is not wise to accuse someone without any evidence. Take what you find good in the post and leave the rest aside.

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based on the above we can safely say that when it is needed Vaheguru Jee intervenes for his Bhagats and even works through avtaars if needed.

But idol worship does not make one a bhagat of Waheguru. It, however, makes them a bhagat of an idol whose worship is fruitless no matter how it is done. Waheguru intervenes when His bhagats are in peril or under great test of devotion and faithfulness. Bhagat Dhanna Ji worshipping the idol does not prove that he was being dishonored by anyone. Further, since bhagat ji’s faith rested in idol and not in Waheguru, it was idol’s responsibility to fulfill its devotee’s desires. Bhagat JI’s own bani and testimony of Guru Sahib is an ample proof that Bhagat Ji was inspired by lives of other bhagats and not idol worship.

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could it be that Vaheguru jee wanted to keep the laaj of a Bhola (innocent minded) bhagat like Dhanna jee and worked through a moorti just as he had worked through avtaars previously mentioned by me?

Avtaars derive their power from Waheguru and all their miracles performed in defense of truth and righteousness are attributed to Waheguru alone. Idols are not avtaars and not sent by God like other prophets. Also, “bhola bhao” according to Gurmat comes from serving Satguru. The Shabad of Bhagat Kabir Ji which ends with “Bhola Bhao..” pankti clearly rejects idol worship. Gurbani dictates that the devotee acquires attributes of the object being worshipped (Jaisa Sevae Taisa Hoae). One who worships Waheguru becomes Nirbhau, Nirvair and free from deceits, cheats and corruption. If one can become bhola bhau through idol worship then we will have to admit that the idol has such attributes which we know is false. In fact, worship of a stone will make one stone hearted but never bhola bhao just like by serving a goddess one becomes a woman and serving a Shiva (Hindu God) one ends up riding a bull. Nothing more than that.

Asserting that God is obtained through idol worship is going against Gurbani and calling it false. Without Satguru, salvation is not possible and Satguru clearly rejects idol worship. This principle is established by Waheguru and He will never break it because He leads by example. This is why He had Satguru do His meditation and obtain Naam so that no one can assert that Guru Nanak Sahib never went through process of obtaining Naam. Worshipping the Creator is not the same as worshipping the creation. Both yield different results. The topic has been discussed before in lengthy details so I do not think much needs to be written. I would suggest keeping this topic focused on importance of Aarti and discussing the subject on hand in a separate topic. Guru Rakha

Bhai Kulbir Singh Jeeo,

I did not purposely write this article as attempt to stir controversey. I merely wrote the article to encourage others to sing aarti as a means to please Guru JI. When writing the article I wanted to include sakhis related to the verses included in Aarti. Unforunately, I could only find sakhis related to Pehli Paathsha and Bhagat Dhanna Jis verses. Both sakhis including numerous misinformation and elements contradicting Gurmat. I attempted to clean the sakhi without losing the main details and essence of the original sakhi. Had I said Bhagat Dhanna Ji was saved from idol worship from GUru Ji, received Naam and then recited Gopal Tera Aarta then other members would have labeled this as blasphemous and would of accused me of re-writing history. I cannot please both sides. Like any other sakhi I assumed sangat on this forum would take each sakhi with a grain of salt.

Now does this mean I reject all the details and essence of the Sakhi explaing DhannaJis loving devotion? No,of course not. I do believe Bhagat Dhanna Jis honor was saved through his devotional love and child like innocence. THis debate has been discussed before. I can remember there were two differnt opinions. One side used their logic and said the stories explained by Bhai Gurdas Ji are mere myths used symbolically. The other side relying on simple faith argued the stories are real life events depecting WaaheGurus Jis power which is beyond limits.

Let me make this clear one more time. Idol worship is prohibited in Sikhi. Numerous times in the article I mentioned Guru Ji does not accept such practice. Bhagat Dhanna Ji was a rare case. His honor was at stake. The cunning Bahaman was making a fool out of him. Bhagat Ji was not blessed through mere stubborness. He was determined to receive Gods blessing. He was a poor farmer yet he offered all the food he had to what he thought was God. You can not blame him for this practice at the time he was without the true guru. You ask me how he can one do Bhagati without a Guru? SOme years ago you yourself mentioned how Bhagat Dhru did Bhagati without a Guru. You stated:

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Kulbir SIngh
Dhru Bhagat was moved and at the same time he was greatly motivated. He knew the answer by now but still asked his mother:
“Kis uddam tey Raj Milai, Shatru tey sabh hovan meeta” (With what effort will I get Raj and how can I turn enemies into friends).

Suniti was a great woman. She gave the right lesson to her son and transformed him into a great Bhagat. Today, we need mothers like her who teach their children paath, simran and sewa instead of cheering their children when they dance at Filmy songs. She said, “Parmeshar Aradheeai, jidoo hoeeai Patit Puneeta” (Worship Parmeshar through whom sinners become pure).

This was enough for Dhru. He did not want to wait a minute now. He was greatly motivated to do Bhagti. He wanted to restore his mother to the spot she deserved and he wanted to bring back honour to himself. He had found a way and nothing was going to stop him now. Five year old Dhru walked out of his palace towards the forest. He did not know how to do bhagti but he had faith that Vaheguru will show him the way. Such faith is vital for a seeker of Vaheguru but no one can get this faith on their own. Vaheguru alone is the bestower of such faith to his chosen Bhagats.

Kindly tell me where in Gurbani does it state one recieives blessings from WaaheGuru by renouncing society and meditating in the jungle for selfish ends? If Dhru can be blessed through his determination then why cant Dhanna JI?

Everyday in Rehras we recite :
ਹਰਿ ਜੁਗੁ ਜੁਗੁ ਭਗਤ ਉਪਾਇਆ ਪੈਜ ਰਖਦਾ ਆਇਆ ਰਾਮ ਰਾਜੇ ॥ ਹਰਣਾਖਸੁ ਦੁਸਟੁ ਹਰਿ ਮਾਰਿਆ ਪ੍ਰਹਲਾਦੁ ਤਰਾਇਆ ॥

Its obvious these verses are referring to Sant Prahlad being saved from the naastic Harnaksh. Bhai Gurdas Ji gives a detailed response how this occured. If you believe Bhai Sahibs account is mere myth or symbolic just because it does not settle well with your logic then kindly explain how Sant Prhaladd was saved?

Again im not looking for a debate. I merely wrote this to encourage the maryada of singing aarti. If Guru Ji can the honor of a despicable papi like me then why cant he save the honor of destined Bhagat like Dhanna JI?

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SOme years ago you yourself mentioned how Bhagat Dhru did Bhagati without a Guru.Kindly tell me where in Gurbani does it state one recieives blessings from WaaheGuru by renouncing society and meditating in the jungle for selfish ends? If Dhru can be blessed through his determination then why cant Dhanna JI

Sukhdeep Singh jeeo, where did I write that Bhagat Dhru did Bhagti without a Guru? I don't know why you did not quote the full quote from my story. You should have quoted from the next paragraph and there is reference to Dhru taking Updesh from Narad Muni who was divinely inspired by Guru Sahib. Here is the quote from that story:

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So there he was, a five year old Dhru, amidst a dense jungle that was full of fierce animals like reptiles, snakes, lions etc. Sensing Dhru jee’s determination, he was blessed by Updesh or Naam by Narad Muni, who in turn was divinely inspired by Vaheguru himself. He was given Kirtam Naam since Satnaam had not appeared at that time. Satnaam appeared in Kalyug through Siri Guru Nanak Dev jee Maharaaj. Kirtam Naam too is powerful, just not as powerful as Satnaam.

Anyway, having received Naam from Narad Muni, Dhru started japping Naam with extreme determination and concentration. He was so absorbed in Naam that he became totally oblivious of wild animals wandering around. He didn’t even care for eating. He sat for hours in a stretch. He had only one aim – to please Vaheguru and get what he desired.

[www.gurmatbibek.com]

Secondly, Bhagat Dhru jee was reciting Naam, even though it was a Kirtam Naam and he was not doing idol worshipping. None of the Bhagats who have found reference in Gurbani, were idol worshippers.

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Its obvious these verses are referring to Sant Prahlad being saved from the naastic Harnaksh. Bhai Gurdas Ji gives a detailed response how this occured. If you believe Bhai Sahibs account is mere myth or symbolic just because it does not settle well with your logic then kindly explain how Sant Prhaladd was saved?

Mere Faazil Dost, Sant Prahalaad jee too was a chanter of Kirtam Naam and was not an idol worshipper, hence Vaheguru jee kept his Laaj and honour. What does his Saakhi have to do with idol-worshipping story of Dhanna jee?

You have written in your post that Bhagat Dhanna jee was doing Bhagti and that he was a Bhagat at the time he was idol worshipping but Siri Guru Arjun Dev jee is making it clear in his Baani that Bhagat Dhanna started doing Bhagti when he heard the greatness of of Bhagat Kabir jee, Bhagat Ravidaas jee, Bhagat Naamdev jee and Bhagat Sain jee. Then he got inspired to do Bhagti. Interestingly, Guru Sahib makes no reference to the idol worshipping Saakhi. If Bhagat Dhanna jee had got Darshan of Vaheguru by worshipping an idol, then Guru Sahib would have mentioned that in this Shabad but He did not. Here is the Shabad for your reference:

ਮਹਲਾ 5 ॥
ਗੋਬਿੰਦ ਗੋਬਿੰਦ ਗੋਬਿੰਦ ਸੰਗਿ ਨਾਮਦੇਉ ਮਨੁ ਲੀਣਾ ॥
ਆਢ ਦਾਮ ਕੋ ਛੀਪਰੋ ਹੋਇਓ ਲਾਖੀਣਾ ॥1॥ ਰਹਾਉ ॥
ਬੁਨਨਾ ਤਨਨਾ ਤਿਆਗਿ ਕੈ ਪ੍ਰੀਤਿ ਚਰਨ ਕਬੀਰਾ ॥
ਨੀਚ ਕੁਲਾ ਜੋਲਾਹਰਾ ਭਇਓ ਗੁਨੀਯ ਗਹੀਰਾ ॥1॥
ਰਵਿਦਾਸੁ ਢੁਵੰਤਾ ਢੋਰ ਨੀਤਿ ਤਿਨਿ ਤਿਆਗੀ ਮਾਇਆ ॥
ਪਰਗਟੁ ਹੋਆ ਸਾਧਸੰਗਿ ਹਰਿ ਦਰਸਨੁ ਪਾਇਆ ॥2॥
ਸੈਨੁ ਨਾਈ ਬੁਤਕਾਰੀਆ ਓਹੁ ਘਰਿ ਘਰਿ ਸੁਨਿਆ ॥
ਹਿਰਦੇ ਵਸਿਆ ਪਾਰਬ੍ਰਹਮੁ ਭਗਤਾ ਮਹਿ ਗਨਿਆ ॥3॥
ਇਹ ਬਿਧਿ ਸੁਨਿ ਕੈ ਜਾਟਰੋ ਉਠਿ ਭਗਤੀ ਲਾਗਾ ॥
ਮਿਲੇ ਪ੍ਰਤਖਿ ਗੁਸਾਈਆ ਧੰਨਾ ਵਡਭਾਗਾ ॥4॥2॥

The aforementioned Shabad leaves no doubt as to how Bhagat Dhanna jee got inspired to do Bhagti. It was not some Pandit who inspired Bhagat jee but it were the stories of great Bhagats - Bhagat Naamdev jee, Bhagat Kabir jee, Bhagat Ravidaas jee and Bhagat Sain jee - that inspired Bhagat Dhanna jee to do Bhagti.

Kulbir Singh

ਪਉੜੀ ॥
ਗੁਰਮੁਖਿ ਪ੍ਰਹਿਲਾਦਿ ਜਪਿ ਹਰਿ ਗਤਿ ਪਾਈ ॥
ਗੁਰਮੁਖਿ ਜਨਕਿ ਹਰਿ ਨਾਮਿ ਲਿਵ ਲਾਈ ॥
ਗੁਰਮੁਖਿ ਬਸਿਸਟਿ ਹਰਿ ਉਪਦੇਸੁ ਸੁਣਾਈ ॥
ਬਿਨੁ ਗੁਰ ਹਰਿ ਨਾਮੁ ਨ ਕਿਨੈ ਪਾਇਆ ਮੇਰੇ ਭਾਈ ॥
ਗੁਰਮੁਖਿ ਹਰਿ ਭਗਤਿ ਹਰਿ ਆਪਿ ਲਹਾਈ ॥13॥

Bhai Randhir Singh on page 82 of his book Naam Tay Naam Da Daata Satguru states:

ਗੁਰਮੁਖਿ ਪਦ ਦਾ ਭਾਵ ਅਰਥ ਏਸ ਉਪਰਲੇ ਗੁਰਵਾਕ ਅੰਦਰ 'ਗੁਰ ਉਪਦੇਸ਼' ਦੁਆਰਾ, ਅਰਥਾਤ 'ਗੁਰ ਸ਼ਬਦ' ਦਾ ਹੈ । ਤਾਤਪਰਜ ਇਹ ਕਿ ਉਪਰਲੇ ਗੁਰਵਾਕ ਵਿਚ ਦਰਸਾਏ ਭਗਤ ਪ੍ਰਹਿਲਾਦ, ਜਨਕ, ਵਸ਼ਿਸ਼ਟ ਆਦਿ ਜਦ ਤਰੇ ਤਾਂ ਗੁਰਪ੍ਰਸਾਦੀ ਹੀ ਪਾਰ ਪਰੇ । ਗੁਰ-ਦੀਖਿਆ (ਗੁਰਮਤਿ ਨਾਮ) ਦੁਆਰਾ ਹੀ ਇਨ੍ਹਾਂ ਦਾ ਤੱਤ ਨਿਸਤਾਰਾ ਹੋਇਆ ।

You can read the rest in the book. He further states that in the past Guru Sahib has been giving His darshan in a limited sense to bhagats. According to Bhai Sahib, Dhru and Prehlaad obtained Naam from Satguru. In fact, Gurbani Shabads advocate this principle.

ਮੇਰੇ ਮਨ ਨਾਮੁ ਜਪਤ ਉਧਰੇ ॥ ਧ੍ਰੂ ਪ੍ਰਹਿਲਾਦੁ ਬਿਦਰੁ ਦਾਸੀ ਸੁਤੁ ਗੁਰਮੁਖਿ ਨਾਮਿ ਤਰੇ ॥1॥ ਰਹਾਉ ॥

BHai KUlbir SIngh JI

Baba Amar Das Ji used to serve Bahmans. He conducted his life according to the hindu shasters. He too worshipped a stone (saligram) . He too did not have a GUru before meeting Sri Angad Dev Ji. Can we hold this against him because he did these practices which are not supported by Gurmat. No ! GUru Ji was merciful, and a meeting occured. If Baba Amar Das Jis honor can be saved then why cant Bhagat Dhanna Ji's?

The idea of someone needing a human Guru to do Bhagati is Hindumat and has no place SIkhi. In Gurmat, the only GUru is Gurshabad, and BHagti in SIkhi refers to receving Naam from SatGuru and doing Gurmat Naam Abhyiaas Kamaee through SatGurus blessings. As far as I am concerned all other Gurus are false. What they speak are false and what they teach are false. Its ridiculous to claim seekers outside of SIkhi cannot do Bhagati without instructions from a human Guru. How did the great saint Jesus do Bhagti? Did he need a Guru to tell him to do Kirtam Naam of Yaaweh. No he knew through oral tradition this was the name of GOd in those times. Was Jesus a lesser Bhagat because he was born outside of Hindustan?

You still have not answered my question properly about Sant Prhalad. How was he saved. By what method? According to BHai Gurdas Ji he was saved from Narsingh who came out of a pillar. Is this a myth or actual event?

ਗੁਰਮੁਖਿ ਪਦ ਦਾ ਭਾਵ ਅਰਥ ਏਸ ਉਪਰਲੇ ਗੁਰਵਾਕ ਅੰਦਰ 'ਗੁਰ ਉਪਦੇਸ਼' ਦੁਆਰਾ, ਅਰਥਾਤ 'ਗੁਰ ਸ਼ਬਦ' ਦਾ ਹੈ । ਤਾਤਪਰਜ ਇਹ ਕਿ ਉਪਰਲੇ ਗੁਰਵਾਕ ਵਿਚ ਦਰਸਾਏ ਭਗਤ ਪ੍ਰਹਿਲਾਦ, ਜਨਕ, ਵਸ਼ਿਸ਼ਟ ਆਦਿ ਜਦ ਤਰੇ ਤਾਂ ਗੁਰਪ੍ਰਸਾਦੀ ਹੀ ਪਾਰ ਪਰੇ । ਗੁਰ-ਦੀਖਿਆ (ਗੁਰਮਤਿ ਨਾਮ) ਦੁਆਰਾ ਹੀ ਇਨ੍ਹਾਂ ਦਾ ਤੱਤ ਨਿਸਤਾਰਾ ਹੋਇਆ ।

You can read the rest in the book. He further states that in the past Guru Sahib has been giving His darshan in a limited sense to bhagats. According to Bhai Sahib, Dhru and Prehlaad obtained Naam from Satguru. In fact, Gurbani Shabads advocate this principle.


Bhai Bijla SIngh JI,

The quote you provided does not explain in full detail when and where the Bhagats received Naam. Nor does it in anyway indicate that Guru Ji gave his complete nigrun darshan to some Bhagats. According to Janam Sakhis , Bhagts like Dhru received Naam and obtained Sach Khand Darshan from SatGuru Ji in a different Khand. The sakhis mention Guru Ji travelled to these celestial Khands to save previous Bhagats who could not receive Gurmantar while on this planet.

Most likely when BHai Randhir SIngh Ji is saying previous Bhagats received partial darshan he is saying they were blessed with darshan of their atma which is the essence of WaaheGuru, but not full darshan of WaaheGuru. Bhagats can get darshan of atma through kirtam naam, but they cannot receive full darshan and enter param pad without Gurmat Naam which is given by no other then Satguru Nanak Dev Ji. Before 1469 it was simply impossible for them to receive nirgun darshan of WaaheGuru and reach sach khand. Pehli Paatshah was the first to earn this right.

This may be off but Sukhdeep Singh Jee where did you get this info that Jesus Jee did kirtam Naam Simran of Yaweh. That might well explain why he was so different and more spiritual than the other middle eastern biblical prophets. Some say he went to India and tibet during the famous "lost years" and learnt spirituality and then came back a changed man. Much more spiritual, calm and forgiving unlike the traditional middle eastern prophets who were full of tricks, vengeful and full of kaam.

RSingh Jeeo,
Yaaweh is one of the most and popular names of God in Judaism. This is the name Yeshua ( Jesus) and prohpets like him meditated on. New age spirtiualist claim Jesus went to India, but I dont buy into such claims.

Jesus was much more calm and forgiving and had great human traits because he emphasized on seeing God in people and practicing the law while seeing Gods presence in the people. While other fanatical prophets blindly followed rules and laws while not understanding their significance in relation to the people. This is why they would punish , beat and banish those that didnt follow the law according to their interpretation. Yeshua on the other hand was of could not lay a finger on the people as he saw God in them. Even today we have many Gursikhs such as myself following rehat but forget to practice good human qualities such as compassion ( daya) , courage ( himmat) , etc. Nowadays some Gursikhs cannot even discuss religion with one another without trying to put the other person down. Personally I believe a person really cannot enjoy the full benefits of SIkhi without practicing good qualities.

Sukhdeep Singh Jee, this is not a "new age" belief that Jesus may have gone to the east during the lost years. Many people hold this view. But him doing Simran on the kirtam naam of "yahweh" seems new age'ish to me. But it is not out of the question if one were to observe his behaviour he seems like an eastern Bhagat rather then a middle eastern prophet. If not that it could be possible that while traders from the east would travel on the ancient silk road many may have influenced Jesus with eastern notions and taught taught him about meditation and simran and eastern spirituality. That might very well explain why he was so different from the traditional middle eastern prophets. As for the middle eastern prophets being "rules de pakkay", well rules have nothing to do with them being cruel. They seemed to be going against many biblical rules. For them God would conveniently send them new revelations when it suited them.

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Baba Amar Das Ji used to serve Bahmans. He conducted his life according to the hindu shasters. He too worshipped a stone (saligram) . He too did not have a GUru before meeting Sri Angad Dev Ji. Can we hold this against him because he did these practices which are not supported by Gurmat. No ! GUru Ji was merciful, and a meeting occured. If Baba Amar Das Jis honor can be saved then why cant Bhagat Dhanna Ji's?

I do not know what you mean by “holding it against him”? Baba Amardas Ji coming to Guru Angad Dev Ji does not amount to him having darshan of Waheguru or becoming liberated at that very moment. In fact, he received Naam, engaged in seva and rehat for 12 years and only then did he become one with the Guru Sahib. On the other hand, you are claiming that Bhagat Dhanna did bhagtee without Satguru and received darshan. Both are very different. In fact opposite.

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The idea of someone needing a human Guru to do Bhagati is Hindumat and has no place SIkhi. In Gurmat, the only GUru is Gurshabad, and BHagti in SIkhi refers to receving Naam from SatGuru and doing Gurmat Naam Abhyiaas Kamaee through SatGurus blessings. As far as I am concerned all other Gurus are false. What they speak are false and what they teach are false. Its ridiculous to claim seekers outside of SIkhi cannot do Bhagati without instructions from a human Guru.

There are different types of bhagtees. Prema Bhagti is the superior and the only way to salvation because it is the result of Naam Abhiyaas received from Satguru. All other can meditate upon God but they will not get darshan of Waheguru or salvation. In any case, how does a person learn about doing bhagtee on his own without receiving any instructions from a source whatsoever?

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You still have not answered my question properly about Sant Prhalad. How was he saved. By what method? According to BHai Gurdas Ji he was saved from Narsingh who came out of a pillar. Is this a myth or actual event?

Gurbani has made it clear:

ਗੁਰਮੁਖਿ ਪ੍ਰਹਿਲਾਦਿ ਜਪਿ ਹਰਿ ਗਤਿ ਪਾਈ ॥

AND

ਧ੍ਰੂ ਪ੍ਰਹਿਲਾਦੁ ਬਿਦਰੁ ਦਾਸੀ ਸੁਤੁ ਗੁਰਮੁਖਿ ਨਾਮਿ ਤਰੇ ॥

Is this not acceptable to you? This is the claim of Gurbani so you should ask Guru Sahib directly by which method He blessed Naam to Prehlaad. Just because method is not listed does not negate the fact that it was “Gurmukh Naam” that saved (liberated) Prehlaad. In fact, there is no method listed in Gurbani by which Naam is given. This is because Gurmantar as well as the method of imparting it has been kept secret. It sounds like you want to know the exact method otherwise you won’t accept Gurbani as the truth. There are many concepts in Gurbani which are not fully explained because they have nothing to do with moral and spiritual values i.e. method of creation. If one was to assert that just because a clear cut explanation of how the creation came to be is not mentioned in Gurbani, it does not prove God created it would be as illogical as your claim.

Bhai Gurdas JI’s work is key to Gurbani and therefore, it must be understood and interpreted in light of Gurbani. Being saved has many implications and there are different ways of being saved. One can save a drowning person or a woman from being dishonored but does not mean the saved ones become mukat. Narsingh rendered physical help but nowhere in Gurbani or Vaars is it stated that Narsingh gave Naam to Prehlaad. And he could not because he was not a Satguru. Narsingh received some power from Satguru to kill Harnakhash. Gurbani is revealed to emancipate humans. Its purpose was not to write down history. Folklore and myths are used to convey the divine message so local masses could understand it and relate to it. Vaars are written the same way. Bhai Sahib’s intent was not to write history. You have not cared to comment on Gurbani that clearly states that Bhagat Dhanna and Prehlaad were saved through bhagtee of Naam.

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The quote you provided does not explain in full detail when and where the Bhagats received Naam. Nor does it in anyway indicate that Guru Ji gave his complete nigrun darshan to some Bhagats.

You are parroting the same over and over. First of all, you did not even read the pages of the book mentioned. Second, just because method and place are not mentioned it does not make the quote false. Absence of method does not prove that Prehlaad was not given Gurmukh Naam. The fact remains that without receiving Naam from Satguru no one can receive salvation, no one ever has nor ever will.

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According to Janam Sakhis , Bhagts like Dhru received Naam and obtained Sach Khand Darshan from SatGuru Ji in a different Khand. The sakhis mention Guru Ji travelled to these celestial Khands to save previous Bhagats who could not receive Gurmantar while on this planet.

This does not prove your case. In fact, it supports the fact that no one has ever received salvation without Satguru and Naam. Taking your line of thought, since the method is not mentioned in Janamsakhis nor did you mention it, it cannot be accepted. Right?

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Most likely when BHai Randhir SIngh Ji is saying previous Bhagats received partial darshan he is saying they were blessed with darshan of their atma which is the essence of WaaheGuru, but not full darshan of WaaheGuru. Bhagats can get darshan of atma through kirtam naam, but they cannot receive full darshan and enter param pad without Gurmat Naam which is given by no other then Satguru Nanak Dev Ji.

This is all well but since Bhai Sahib has not written such nor even remotely hinted to it, I would have to disagree. What Bhai Sahib means is written clearly in the book.

Bottom line is that Gurbani does not endorse idol worship. You must prove from Gurbani that there can be a rare case or an exception to someone who doesn’t know. Since Gurbani principles are universal and eternal, there can be no exceptions to anyone whether they know it or not. One God, One Satguru, One Naam and One Way is the gist of Gurbani. Guru Rakha

I was going to write a response to Sukhdeep Singh jee's last posts but then saw this response from Bijla Singh jee. There is no need to say more.

Sukhdeep Singh jee the point we are debating is that idol-worshipping does not constitute Bhagti according to Gurmat and Bhagat Dhanna jee did not get Gurmat Sidhi by idol worshipping. Bhagat Prahlaad jee was not an idol-worshipper. He was a great Bhagat who chanted Naam. Same is true for all Bhagats whom Gurbani has recognized. So you can't use his example to support your claim that Dhanna jee got Sidhi by idol worshipping.

Why do you go against Siri Guru Arjun Dev jee's Shabad that clearly says how Bhagat Dhanna jee started doing Bhagti and how there is no mention of idol-worshipping?

Kulbir Singh

Bhai Bijla SIngh Jeeo,

Either you misunderstand what I have written or you are purposely putting words in my mouth.

Where on Earth have I claimed Sant Prahlad was saved and received Naam from NarSingh?

You know very well when Im talking about being saved I am referring to Sant Prahlad being saved from his father who pulled a sword on him for not worshipping his name.

Secondly, where I have I stated Bhagat Dhanna JI received Nirgun Darshan and Gurmat-Naam without Satguru?

I have cleary stated in my first response to BHai KUblir SIngh Jee that I dont believe in all the details of the Sakhiin Sri Guru Bhagat Maal about Bhagat Dhanna Ji .

Thirdly, where have I claimmed Gurbani supports Idol worship?

If not all then at least most of my responses I have claimed GUrbani does not support idol worship. Im going to say this one more time. Without SatGuru, one cannot receive naam or full nirgun Darshan. Darshan of Atma is not exactly the same of Darshan of Parmatma. People subsrcibing to Vedantic philosophy do not see the diffrence between both darshans.

Without SatGuru, one cannot receive naam or full nirgun Darshan. This has been the rule from the very begginning of time Gurbani does not support Idol worship. Why do I have to keep parroting the samething over and over? I find it very difficult discussing religion if someone is putting words in my mouth especially when they are saying I support such manmat stuff as Idol worship or Narsingh and any other Hindu Avtaar giving naam to a Bhagat. I never once made these claims so I would appreciate it if you do not put these type of words in my mouth.,
thanks

I have learnt a lot from this particular topic that has once again been brought up, but, Sukhdeep Singh jee - why don't you go to the Toronto Smaagam (29 June - 8 July) and discuss all these points face to face.

I think it would be beneficial to all if we could move past this particular issue which has had a lot of air time on this forum which has been cleared by both Bhai Bijla Singh jee and Bhai Kulbir Singh jee in this and previous threads.

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Kulbir Singh
Why do you go against Siri Guru Arjun Dev jee's Shabad that clearly says how Bhagat Dhanna jee started doing Bhagti and how there is no mention of idol-worshipping?

Bhai Kulbir Singh Jeeo,

Im not going agaist Sri Guru JIs shabad . Im going against your interpretation on historical events pertaining to the life of Bhagat Dhanna Ji. No doubt Bhgat Dhanna Ji was influenced by Bhagats, Gurbani is ample proof of this. The pauri is clear Bhagat Ji was inspired to do prem Bhagti through hearing about previous Bhagats. Previously you mentioned one cannot do Bhagti without a GUru. The pauri is clear that Bhagat Ji was inspired from the stories of Bhagats to do Prem Bhagti. He did not need a Hindu Guru to instruct him how to do Bhagti. The verses you provided surely indicate Bhagt Ji learned from Bhagats that Prem Bhagti does not consist of idol worship. This does not mean that Akal Purakh turned a blind eye to Bhagat Jis child like innocence. Have you ever listened to children do Kirtan or recite Gods name ? They do the best Kirtan ever, and their devotion is the purest of the pure! Who teaches them to do Bhagti? I can remember one day I went to the Gurdwara to listen to kirtan. That particular day there was a childrens GUrmat camp. A young kesdhari boy was doing kirtan. He did not know how to use the vaja nor did he know to recite Gurbani fully. He was making many mistakes when reciting Gurbani, and people were laughing at him. But to be honest his kirtan was perhaps one of the best I have ever heard. When I was listening to his kirtan I felt like Sri Guru Nanak DEv Ji was singing and I was sitting in Gurus Ji lap. I have heard professional AmritDhari raagis sing kirtan and still I have not received the same ananad as that innocent boy with loving faith. I have no doubt this boy will eventually take Amrit and follow the true path of Prem Bhagti given he has sangat of Gursikhs.

The lesson of this event and Bhagat Dhanna Jis event recorded by BHai Gurdas Ji is Sri AKal Purakh Ji always blesses those with child like innocence, and shows them they way of Prem Bhagti. Such was the case of Bhagat Dhanna Ji. Like Baba Amar Das Ji he might have done practices not supported by Gurmat, but still AKal Purakh Ji overlooks such practices of his devotees who are unaware due to their social environment. Im sorry but I cant agree with the notion that the events explained by Bhai Gurdas Ji are mere myths and did not happen. Im sorry I cannot believe this.

Again this topic has been discussed in few detail before and I dont expect any of us are going to change our minds.

Your first post states that Bhagat Dhanna Ji was a declared a bhagat when he worshipped the stone. My contention was that Bhagat Ji never worshipped any idol and idol worship no matter for how long or how it is done yields no results. The story is made up. In any case, I apologize for putting words in your mouth. Being a human, I can only understand what I read and I misunderstood your post. Guru Rakha

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Sukhdeep Singh Jee, this is not a "new age" belief that Jesus may have gone to the east during the lost years. Many people hold this view. But him doing Simran on the kirtam naam of "yahweh" seems new age'ish to me. But it is not out of the question if one were to observe his behaviour he seems like an eastern Bhagat rather then a middle eastern prophet. If not that it could be possible that while traders from the east would travel on the ancient silk road many may have influenced Jesus with eastern notions and taught taught him about meditation and simran and eastern spirituality. That might very well explain why he was so different from the traditional middle eastern prophets. As for the middle eastern prophets being "rules de pakkay", well rules have nothing to do with them being cruel. They seemed to be going against many biblical rules. For them God would conveniently send them new revelations when it suited them.

Singho,
Jesus was the son of a caprentar born 2000 years. During this time Hindustan was a Bahman Hierarchy. The state did not support people of low caste or foreign people when it came to Godly devotion. For example, the low caste Bhagat Naam Dev Ji was not allowed into the Hindu temple. But God always protects the honor of his devotees and a miracle was performed.
ਫੇਰਿ ਦੇਹੁਰਾ ਰਖਿਓਨੁ ਚਾਰਿ ਵਰਨ ਲੈ ਪੈਰੀ ਪਾਇਆ।
Bhai GUrdas Ji

Bhagat Kabir Ji another low caste Bhagat too was not given initiation by the " Guru" Ramanand. In fact, Kabir was only taught the kirtam naam of Raam from Ramanad by fooling Ramanand. Kabir Ji hid so Ramanand would step on him. When Ramanad stepped on him then he recited the word " Raam ", and he was forced to accept Kabir Ji as his disciple.
ਅਗੋ ਹੀ ਦੇ ਜਾਇ ਕੈ ਲੰਮਾ ਪਿਆ ਕਬੀਰ ਤਿਥਾਈਂ।
ਪੈਰੀ ਟੁੰਬ ਉਠਾਲਿਆ ‘ਬੋਲਹੁ ਰਾਮ’ ਸਿਖ ਸਮਝਾਈ।

Now if low caste residents of the country were not easily encouraged to do Bhagti and accepted by religious people why on earth do you believe a low caste tarkhan such as Jesus would have been accepted into the spiritual circles of Hindustan? SRi Guru Nanak Dev Ji was the first and only True Guru to accept devotees of God without any discrimnation.
ਚਾਰੇ ਪੈਰ ਧਰਮ ਦੇ ਚਾਰਿ ਵਰਨ ਇਕ ਵਰਨੁ ਕਰਾਇਆ।
ਰਾਣਾ ਰੰਕ ਬਰਾਬਰੀ ਪੈਰੀ ਪਵਣਾ ਜਗਿ ਵਰਤਾਇਆ।
BHai Gurdas Jis Vaars

We shouldnt pay much attention to these new age fables. The truth is Bhagats existed outside of India and they didnt need some Hindu Guru to tell them to repeat Gods name. Even residents of Hindustan such as NaamDev perfomred Bhagti without the need of a Hindu GUru. Its ludricous to claim Bhagats outside of India are less holy then those from India. Most so called spiritualist in Hindustan were stuck in the mentaility I am God ( sohang). How can one be a Bhagat and do prem bhagti with such a egotstic mentality. On the other hand such thinking in Abrhamic faiths is blasphemous. However, new age spiritualist are trying to change this thinking and they too induldge in the old age hindu mantra " sohang". In the end, all faiths outside of Gurmat cannot lead the seeker to the highest aims of spirituality which is Nirgun Darshan. I am a mere sinner I cant make any claims certian Bhagats from certian countries are more holier then others.

From Gurbani it is very clear that irrespective of the ages and time Karta Purukh(u) is GuR JoTi only.It is this GuR JoTi which is refered as
Aadi Sachu Jugaadi Sachu Hae bhee Sachu Nanak Hosee Bhee Sachu.
In the above context it is no wonder that all Bhagats of different times were enlightened with NAAMu thru this GuR JoTi only.There is no physical person invovled in their enlightenment.
For more clarity one should try to understand the real reference of GuRoo in Gurbanee. One can know that the reference of GuRoo in Gurbanee is SABADu (not any physical person) .

Bhul Chuk Maaf

Daas

Prakash.s.Bagga

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For more clarity one should try to understand the real reference of GuRoo in Gurbanee. One can know that the reference of GuRoo in Gurbanee is SABADu (not any physical person) .

Gurbani does refer to the Physical Gurus. Sure Shabad is Guru but so is Siri Guru Nanak Dev jee who revealed the Shabad to us. The importance of Ten Guru Sahibaan should not be reduced. Today there are some people within our Panth who oppose even calling Siri Guru Nanak Dev jee the Guru. They say that Shabad alone is the Guru. Please read Ramkali kee Vaar and Bhatt Savaiye for more detail on the Mehima of our Guru Sahibaan. If Guru Sahibaan are not there, where from would we get the Shabad?

Kulbir Singh

One can see that in Gurbanee it is the word SABADu not SABAD which is being refered as GuRoo ( I think one should be understanding the difference in the reference meanings of the word SABADu and SABAD)
Knowing one can be more clear to understand about How Nanak ji and others are also being refered as GuRooNANAKu or GuRu NANAKu or GuR NANAK. in context of Gurbanee.
Thus NANAK ji or others knowing thru SABADu gives us more clarity about real understanding of Gurbanee.In fact,there is rather increase in the importance of NANAK in person and others too.

Bhul Chuk Maaf

Prakash.S.Bagga

Prakash Singh Bagga jee, why do you call Siri Guru Nanak Dev jee just "Nanak ji"? Are you not a Sikh? Even non-Sikhs refer to Guru Sahib as Guru Nanak or at least as Baba Nanak. Gurbani says:


ਸਭ ਤੇ ਵਡਾ ਸਤਿਗੁਰੁ ਨਾਨਕੁ ਜਿਨਿ ਕਲ ਰਾਖੀ ਮੇਰੀ ॥੪॥੧੦॥੫੭॥
(Satguru Nanak is the greatest of all....)

We ought to respect Guru Sahib and not address Guru Sahib just by their name. In a poem or Kavita, I would understand the use of name alone but in prose, Guru Sahib should be addressed respectfully with the appropriate title.

Kulbir Singh

KULBIR SINGH Ji,

I would always feel sorry and make ardaasi before my Sati GuRu Nanak Dev ji if by Simple writing Nanak ji should mtigate the level of respect.
One can also go thru the contents of Ardaasi we do every Morning and Night..How respectfully we are addressing to our Gurus their in...
I thank you for your nots and I see that this is taken care accordingly.


Bhul Chuk maaf

Daas

Prakash.s.bagga

[gurmatbibek.com]

This is the link to the earlier discussion about this SAKHI of Bhagat Dhanna Ji. It was long enough and got closed. It is interesting coincidence that similar discussion has started almost after one year, in the month of June.

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For more clarity one should try to understand the real reference of GuRoo in Gurbanee. One can know that the reference of GuRoo in Gurbanee is SABADu (not any physical person) .

In that case, please explain the status of 10 Guru Sahibaan? Are they not Guru?

Kulbir Singh

KULBIR SINGh Ji,
If we look at a quote from Gurbani as

"Ika Banee Iku GuRu Iko Sabadu Veechari.........Vaar Raagu Sorathi

I think one should understand 10 GuRu Sahiban in above context only.,We may get better understanding about GuRu.

Bhul Chuk Maaf

Daas

Prakash..s.Bagga

Prakash Singh jee, could you please expand on this a bit more. Please explain the Gurbani Pankiti you have quoted and how it relates to Guru Sahib.

Kulbir Singh

KULBIR SINGH Ji,
Our 10 Guru Sahiban and even SGGS ji is ONE GUR JOTi only.This is what one should understand. And the Quote is all about this only.
This is all what I understand. If you have something different from this kindly give your views so that
I may enhance my understanding accordingly.

Bhul Chuk Maaf

Daas

Prakash.S.Bagga