SAIN or SAIN

SAIN or SAIN, whose one hymn has been included in the Guru Granth Sahib, is counted among the disciples of Ramanand (1300-1411). Guru Arjan, Nanak V, says in one of his hymns in the Holy Book that the name of Sain was a household word as a bhakta of rare devotion (GC,487). In another, hymn, he refers to him as an example of dedication to the service of holymen. Bhakta Ravidas in a sabda in the Guru Granth Sahib ranks Sain with Namdev, Kabir, Trilochan and Sadhna in piety (GG. 1106). According to Bhai Gurdas, Sain was the disciple of Ramanand and he had adopted him as his preceptor on hearing of the fame of Kabir (1398-1518) who, too, was Ramanand`s disciple.

All accounts agree that Sain was a barber, some stating that he served at the court of the king of Reva, then called Bandhavgarh, in Central India, while others hold that he was attached to the court of the ruler of Bidar in South India. Those supporting the South Indian tradition believe that Sain was a disciple of Jhanadeva. What is the best arati or form of adoration of the Lord is the theme of Sain`s pada incorporated in the Guru Granth Sahib. According to Sain singing of His praise and meditating on His Name constitute the highest worship. These alone will ferry one across the fearful ocean and bring him liberation.

References :

1. Sabadarth Sri Guru Granth Sahib. Amritsar, 1975
2. Gurdas, Bhai, Varan, X.16
3. Gurdit Singh, Giani, Itihas Sri Guru Granth Sahib (Bhagat Bani Bhag). Chandigarh,1990
4. Sahib Singh, Bhagat Bani Satik. Amritsar, 1959-60
5. Chaturvedi, Parshu Ram, Uttari Bharat ki Sant Prampra. Allahabad, 1964
6. Macauliffe, Max Arthur, The Sikh Religion: Its Gui-us, Sacred Writings and Authors. Oxford, 1909