ASTPADI, from Sanskrit astapada, astapad or astapadf, is a poetic composition comprising ast or eight padas or stanzas. No specific rhyme scheme, measure or burden is prescribed for it, but all the eight stanzas must be in the same metre and measure. Lines in each stanza are generally rhymed. In Sikh Scripture, the Guru Granth Sahib, there are astpadfs composed in different musical measures (ragas) and metres.
For instance,Guru Nanak has written astpadfs in ragas Gauri and Maru; those under measure Gauri are in Chaupai metre and those under Maru in Nishani metre. All the twenty-four astpadis which constitute Guru Arjan`s Sukhmani are in Chaupai metre and Gauri raga. Although each of the eight stanzas in an astpadfo Sukham” comprises ten verses, the number of verses in a stanza elsewhere in the Scripture is restricted from two to four lines.
References :
1. Kahn Singh, Bhai, Guruchhand Divakar. Patiala, 1970
2. Charan Singh, Sn Guru Granth BaniBeura. Amritsar, 1860
3. Kohli, Surindar Singh, ed., Panjabi Sahitt Kosh. Chandigarh, 1972
In Sikh musicology, Astpadi (or Ashtapadi) refers to a poetic composition consisting of eight stanzas or steps (ashta meaning “eight” and padi meaning “steps”). This form is prominently featured in the Guru Granth Sahib, where it is used to convey profound spiritual teachings.
One of the most well-known examples of Astpadi is Guru Arjan’s Sukhmani Sahib, a composition of 24 Astpadis. Each stanza within an Astpadi is set to a specific raaga (musical scale), enhancing its spiritual and emotional resonance. The structure of Astpadis allows for a rhythmic and melodic flow, making them ideal for kirtan (devotional singing).
The Astpadi form is not bound by a strict rhyme scheme but maintains a consistent meter and measure across its stanzas. This flexibility enables the expression of diverse themes, from meditative introspection to the celebration of divine love.
