OANKARU is a composition of Guru Nanak in the measure Ramkali in the Guru Granth Sahib. The full title of the bani is Ramkali Mahala 1 Dakhani Oankaru. The title is explained differently by different scholars. According to one tradition, dakhani is the adjective for the noun Oankaru, which is the actual name of the bani. It is called dakhani because it was addressed to the priest of the Oankar temple in the dakhan (South), on an island in the river Narmada, in Madhya Pradesh.
According to another tradition, the designation of the bani is Oankaru and the term dakhani goes with Ramkali, as Dakhani is a form of the Ramkali raag. Many other instances of titles written on similar lines are quoted in support of this view, as, for instance, Gauri Mahala 1 Dakhani and Vadahans Mahala 1 Dakhani. In these banis, dakhani stands for the raag or the measure of music. Oankaru is composed in the form of an acrostic, with each stanza beginning with one of the letters of the script meant for writing Sanskrit. Some of the sounds of Sanskrit do not exist in the language used by Guru Nanak.
In such cases, prevalent equivalent sounds are used to represent the letters of the old script. For example, j is used for y and b for v. Oankaru opens with verses in praise of God, who is remembered as the creator of all that exists, of time with all its different cycles, and of the entire universe. Then follows the verse of rahau (pause), indicating the central theme of the bani: “O Pande, why are you involved in the writing of such idle hieroglyphics? Write the name of God alone.” Hereafter begins the acrostic form.
The emphasis is on ethical and spiritual teaching. Men whose deeds fall short of their professions have been called moving corpses, i.e., corpses that only breathe. They are dead spiritually. But even those so degraded have a chance of saving themselves if only they would make a total surrender to the will of God. If such a person devotes himself to Nam, his mind would be cleansed of worldly temptations and cravings.
The grace of the Guru will be a decisive factor in this process of spiritual regeneration. Temptation is the cause of suffering and sinfulness. Only those guided by the Guru’s wisdom overcome it. No rituals can be of any help, nor can any intellectual or scholarly accomplishment. Renunciation of the world and ascetic practices are of little avail. The real Pandit or wise man is he who follows the path shown by the Guru and remains united with God while performing his worldly duties.
The language of the composition is a mixture of Hindavi and Punjabi. Words of Perso-Arabic origin are rarer here than in some of Guru Nanak’s other poems. The grammatical patterns are closer to those of Apabhramsa. The style is simple, without any conscious attempt at poetic ornamentation.
Yet certain artistic features are noteworthy. Striking specimens of the use of simile and metaphor, as well as of alliteration, are not infrequent. The poem has contributed many crisp maxims and aphorisms to Punjabi. For instance: “gun vichare gidar sohe” (one who imbibes merit is the real knower or Giani) (GG, 931); “kamu krodhu kaiu kau galai” (lust and anger consume the body) (GG, 932); and “lekhu na mitai he sakhi jo likhia kartari” (the destiny the Creator has written for you will not be erased, my friend) (GG, 937).
References:
- Sahib Singh, Sri Guru Granth Sahib Darpan. Jalandhar, 1963
- Sabadarth Sri Guru Granth Sahib. Amritsar, 1964
- Hira, Bhagat Singh, Oankar Darshan. Delhi, 1977
- Saluja, Jagjit Singh, Mul Mantar Sankalap te Vivechan. Ludhiana, 1982
Ramkali Mahala 1 Dakhani Oankaru is a profound composition by Guru Nanak Dev Ji, included in the Guru Granth Sahib under the musical measure Ramkali. This hymn, spanning pages 929 to 938, is a spiritual masterpiece that blends ethical teachings, metaphysical insights, and poetic elegance. Below is an exploration of its structure, themes, and significance.
The title Ramkali Mahala 1 Dakhani Oankaru has been interpreted in different ways:
- Dakhani as a Geographic Reference: Some scholars suggest that Dakhani refers to the southern region (dakhan), as the hymn was addressed to the priest of the Oankar temple located on an island in the Narmada River in Madhya Pradesh.
- Dakhani as a Musical Measure: Others argue that Dakhani denotes a form of the Ramkali raag, aligning with similar titles in the Guru Granth Sahib, such as Gauri Mahala 1 Dakhani.
The hymn is composed in an acrostic form, with each stanza beginning with a letter from the Sanskrit alphabet. Guru Nanak adapts the script to the Gurmukhi language, using equivalent sounds where necessary.
Structure and Literary Features
- Acrostic Form: The hymn is structured as an acrostic, with each stanza beginning with a specific letter of the Sanskrit alphabet. This unique format adds a rhythmic and systematic dimension to the composition.
- Opening Theme: The hymn begins with verses praising God as the Creator of all existence, time, and the universe. The rahau (pause) verse introduces the central theme: “O Pandit, why are you involved in idle hieroglyphics? Write the name of God alone”.
- Language and Style: The composition is a blend of Hindavi and Punjabi, with fewer words of Perso-Arabic origin compared to other hymns by Guru Nanak. The grammatical patterns are closer to Apabhramsa, and the style is simple yet impactful.
Themes and Spiritual Message
- Praise of the Creator: The hymn opens with an acknowledgment of God as the ultimate Creator, emphasizing His omnipresence and omnipotence.
- Ethical and Spiritual Teachings: Guru Nanak highlights the importance of living a life aligned with divine will (hukam). He criticizes hypocrisy and calls those whose deeds fall short of their professions “moving corpses”—spiritually dead individuals.
- Role of the Guru: The hymn underscores the Guru’s grace as essential for spiritual regeneration. Only through the Guru’s wisdom can one overcome temptation and worldly cravings.
- Rejection of Ritualism: Guru Nanak denounces rituals, intellectual accomplishments, and ascetic practices as futile. True wisdom lies in following the Guru’s path and remaining united with God while performing worldly duties.
- Maxims and Aphorisms: The hymn contributes several crisp maxims to Punjabi literature, such as “lust and anger consume the body” and “the destiny the Creator has written for you will not be erased”.
Metaphorical Significance
- Spiritual Regeneration: The hymn uses metaphors to illustrate the transformative power of devotion to Nam. By surrendering to God’s will, the seeker cleanses their mind and attains spiritual purity.
- Unity with the Divine: The ultimate goal is union with God, achieved through ethical living and constant remembrance of His Name.
Concluding Reflections
Ramkali Mahala 1 Dakhani Oankaru is a timeless composition that invites seekers to reflect on their spiritual journey and align their lives with divine principles. Through its acrostic structure, ethical teachings, and poetic simplicity, the hymn serves as a guide for overcoming worldly distractions and achieving union with the Creator.
