BILAVAL KI VAR, by Guru Ram Das, is one of his eight vars in a corpus of twenty-two included in the Guru Granth Sahib. It occurs in Raga Bilaval, and consists of thirteen pauris or stanzas, each comprising five lines, with the exception of pauri 10 which is of six lines. To the pauris which are of Guru Ram Das`s composition, slokas were added by Guru Arjan at the time of the compilation of the Holy Book. In its present form, each paun, except pauri 7 which has three slokas prefixed to it, is preceded by two slokas. Of these twenty-seven slokas, two are of the composition of Guru Nanak, one of Guru Ram Das and the remaining of Guru Amar Das.
Raga Bilaval is the melody of bliss which, as the poem stresses, consists in contemplation on the Divine Name. This constant remembrance of God becomes possible only through the grace and guidance of the Guru. He who takes refuge in the Guru acquires the wealth of nam or Divine Name thereby attaining the state of sahaj, the highest state of spiritual progress in which ignorance and dualism are expelled. Such a person called a gurmukh, i.e. one turned towards the Guru, is honoured everywhere and by all. By pursuing the teachings of the Guru, he becomes a jivan mukta, i.e. one who has attained liberation while still living.
The Var reiterates some of the basic principles of Sikh thought. God has created this universe and sustains it.He is eternal and formless, self existent and all pervading, and yet transcendent. He cannot be conceived or explained in empirical terms. He is the Lord of the universe and His Will governs all.
He through His grace releases men from the cycle of birth and death. The human soul partakes of the Divine, but man becomes ignorant of his true origin because of the influence of maya and his haumai or egoity. Contemplation on His Name by following the Guru`s counsel is the only way to overcome haumai. He who has overcome his ego becomes permanently attuned to the Ultimate Reality. On the ethical plane, the poem denounces vices such as pride, slander, avarice and attachment. Truthfulness, humility and purity of thought are recognized as prized virtues.
References :
1. Bishan Singh, Giani, Ba; Varan Satik. Amritsar, n.d.
Historical and Liturgical Context
Canonical Placement:
Bilaval Ki Var is one of the eight vars authored by Guru Ram Das that appear within a corpus of twenty‐two vars in the Guru Granth Sahib. It is uniquely positioned as a devotional hymn that not only celebrates the divine but also reinforces the core Sikh emphasis on divine remembrance through the guidance of the Guru.
Compilation and Interpolated Slokas:
When Guru Arjan Dev compiled the Adi Granth, he enriched the original pauris (stanzas) of Bilaval Ki Var by prefacing them with a series of slokas (rhymed couplets) drawn from earlier revered compositions. In its present form, nearly every pauri is introduced by two slokas (with the exception of pauri 7 that has three), thereby crafting a composite narrative that incorporates voices from Guru Nanak, Guru Ram Das himself, Guru Amar Das, and others. This layering reflects the inclusive and intertextual nature of Sikh scripture. Musical and Poetic Structure
Raga Bilaval – The Melody of Bliss:
Bilaval Ki Var is set in Raga Bilaval, a classical musical measure known for its uplifting, serene quality. In North Indian classical music, Bilaval is associated with an ambiance of peace and jubilation—a fitting backdrop for a hymn that focuses on the bliss derived from constant devotion and remembrance.
Structural Composition:
Pauris: The var is structured into thirteen pauris (stanzas). Each pauri generally comprises five lines, except for pauri 10, which is composed of six lines. This structured pattern lends the composition a rhythmic regularity that supports its meditative recitation.
Slokas: In addition to the principal pauris, Guru Arjan Dev added twenty-seven thematic slokas that frame the work. These short couplets interlace the original verses, harmonizing the theme of the var with the overarching Sikh theological message.
Language and Imagery:
The language of Bilaval Ki Var is rich yet direct; it employs both Punjabi and classical idioms to evoke vivid images of nature, cosmic order, and the inner self. The recurring imagery is that of renewal, transformation, and the effulgence of the Divine Name—inviting the listener to experience a personal blossoming of inner light. Thematic Content and Spiritual Message
Contemplation on the Divine Name (Naam Simran):
Central to the var is the idea that the remembrance of God—through the divine Name—is the source of eternal bliss. It teaches that by taking refuge in the Guru, one acquires the “wealth” of Naam. This spiritual wealth leads the devotee toward sahaj, a state of effortless, natural communion with the Divine.
Liberation Through Guru’s Grace:
Bilaval Ki Var emphasizes that liberation (mukti) is attainable only by overcoming the dualisms of worldly life—ignorance, ego, and attachment. The hymn describes how the grace of the Guru enables one to cast off these bonds and achieve a state of unalloyed spiritual enlightenment (jivanmukti).
Oneness and Universal Fellowship:
Reflecting the egalitarian ethos of Sikhism, the var reiterates that the divine light, manifest in the Guru, is accessible to all. This universality of divine truth is presented as the path to honor and respect in every sphere of life. Devotional Impact and Contemporary Relevance
Liturgical Role:
Bilaval Ki Var is recited in Gurdwaras and during personal meditation sessions, where its rhythmic cadence and thematic clarity offer a profound means of connecting with the divine presence. The melodic nature of Raga Bilaval helps induce a meditative state, allowing devotees to internalize its message of hope and transformation.
Spiritual Inspiration:
The var serves as both a poetic celebration and a practical guide, reminding devotees that by embracing the Guru’s counsel, one can rise above the vicissitudes of worldly existence. Its vivid portrayal of the interplay between divine grace and human effort continues to inspire spiritual growth and commitment within the Sikh community.
Enduring Legacy:
With its masterful interweaving of musical, poetic, and theological elements, Bilaval Ki Var stands as a testimony to the enduring legacy of Guru Ram Das’s vision. It remains a cherished component of Sikh liturgy, reinforcing key principles such as the continuous remembrance of God, the pursuit of inner bliss, and the universality of the Guru’s grace.
Bilaval Ki Var by Guru Ram Das is a luminous example of how classical artistry meets divine revelation. Through its structured pauris, interlaced slokas, and the mellifluous backdrop of Raga Bilaval, the var calls the devotee to a sustained contemplation of the Divine Name. The hymn not only instructs in the theological ideals of liberation and oneness but also offers a practical framework for achieving a state of tranquil awareness amid life’s transient challenges.
