Bara Mah Tukhari written in Tukhari raga by Guru Nanak presents the devotee in the image of a woman who is restless to meet her lover; the romance of nature making her more tense. It is believed that this was the last poetic creation by Guru Nanak. We see the zenith of lyrical and poetic excellence in this \’Calendar Composition\’ based on the 12 months of a year. It is one of the most sensitive pieces of this poetic form.
References :
1. Guru Nanak, “Bara Mah Tukhari” in Sri Guru Granth Sahib, (English Translation Dr. Gopal Singh), SGPC, Amritsar, 1929.
2. Kohli, Surindar Singh, A Critical Study of Adi Granth, Delhi, 1961.
3. Uberoi, Mohan Singh (ed.), Punjabi Bhagti-Kavya, 1944.
Bara Mah Tukhari: Guru Nanak’s Poetic Masterpiece:
Bara Mah Tukhari, sometimes rendered as Bara Maha Tukhari, is a celebrated composition by Guru Nanak that stands out as one of his final and most sophisticated poetic creations. Written in the Tukhari raga, the work is a “calendar composition” structured around the 12 months of the year. This format employs the cyclical progression of seasons to symbolize the spiritual journey of the soul—from longing and separation to ultimate union with the Divine. In this masterpiece, Guru Nanak transforms the traditional romantic trope of the “bride” and her “lover” into a profound metaphor for the soul’s relationship with the Supreme Being.
Key Themes and Literary Features
Spiritual Longing and Union:
At its core, Bara Mah Tukhari uses the image of a soul, often portrayed as a bride, in intense longing for her Beloved—as a metaphor for the devotee’s yearning to merge with the Divine. The passionate imagery calls to mind the pain of separation and the bliss of eventual union, representing a spiritual evolution that moves through states of anticipation, struggle, and, ultimately, transcendence.
Integration of Nature’s Cycles:
Utilizing the structure of the calendar, each month in the composition is imbued with brief yet evocative reflections that correspond to the natural order. As the seasons change, so does the internal state of the devotee—mirroring the transformative stages of the spiritual quest. This synthesis of nature and personal transformation is a hallmark of the Bara Maha form and invites reflection on how external cycles inform inner life.
Aesthetic and Poetic Excellence:
Scholars and devotees alike recognize this work as the zenith of Guru Nanak’s lyrical expression. The use of Tukhari raga lends the verses a distinctive cadence and emotional intensity. The refined language and evocative imagery demonstrate Guru Nanak’s mastery of poetic form, where traditional folk expressions of longing and beauty are repurposed to convey eternal philosophical truths.
Transformation of a Folk Tradition:
Originally, the Bara Maha (literally “twelve months”) genre in Indian literature was associated with themes of earthly romance and seasonal change. Guru Nanak innovatively reinterprets this form by infusing it with deep spiritual symbolism—transcending the temporal to illustrate the soul’s irreversible and intimate connection with the Creator. In doing so, he not only preserves the aesthetic appeal of the traditional format but also elevates its thematic scope. Scholarly and Devotional Relevance
Historical and Cultural Impact:
It is widely believed that Bara Mah Tukhari was one of Guru Nanak’s last poetic creations, marking the culmination of his spiritual and literary journey. Its inclusion in the Guru Granth Sahib underscores its lasting importance as a source of inspiration, both for its devotional content and its artistic merit.
Influence on Later Sikh Literature:
The composition has influenced subsequent generations of Sikh poets and theologians. By re-envisioning a popular cultural form and aligning it with lofty spiritual ideals, Guru Nanak set a precedent for merging poetic beauty with religious instruction. This work has been the subject of numerous commentaries, which explore its profound symbolism and its role as a metaphor for the soul’s path toward divine realization.
Contemporary Devotional Practice:
Today, devotees continue to study and recite passages from Bara Mah Tukhari, finding in its verses both solace and challenge. Its rhythmic cadence and timeless themes invite individuals into a reflective state—urging them to consider the eternal quest for union with God amid life’s transient cycles.
