GUJARI KI VAR, a composition in the form of folk balladry or a var, by Guru Arjan, is included in the Guru Granth Sahib under Gujari raga, one of the thirty-one musical measures into which hymns in the Scripture are cast. The poem comprises twenty-one pauns or stanzas, with two slokas preceding each. The pauns as well as the slokas are of the composition of Guru Arjan. Whereas all the pauns, except the 20th, which comprises five lines, are of eight lines each, the slokas—except those preceding paun 1 and 20, and the first of the two slokas added to paun 2—are of two lines each.
Unlike most of the other vars in the Guru Granth Sahib, which were composed in pauns alone and to which slokas by different Gurus were added by Guru Arjan at the time of compilation of the Scripture, this var seems to have been composed originally in its present order. The var lauds God Almighty, who is the Creator of all that exists. This universe is not only His creation but also true like its Creator (1). All beings, all gods and goddesses, and all scriptures sing His praises (2). Man must not forget even for a moment the Supreme Lord (4).
A person whom He makes the object of His grace lives under the guidance of the True Guru, thereby annulling his duality. All his doubts and sorrows cease, and he so attunes himself to His will that he attains liberation while still living in this world. He overcomes his ego and remembers Him in the company of the holy under the guidance of the Guru. But this becomes possible for man only through His grace (6). Man must seek the protection of the True Lord, whose Will is supreme in the world.
Men are prey to the Five Evils, which not even ascetics and yogis are able to repel. It is only the True Lord who helps one overcome these (15). Those who remember Him will be saved. The ego-ridden suffer on the wheel of transmigration (20). He who meditates on His Name attunes himself to His Will and attains liberation (21).
References :
1. Kohli, Surinder Singh, A Critical Study of Adi Granth. Delhi, 1951
2. Bishan Singh, Giani, Bai Varan Satik. Amritsar, n.d., R.S.J
Gujari Ki Var is a composition in the genre of folk balladry—known as a var—crafted by Guru Arjan. This work is an integral part of the Guru Granth Sahib and reflects Guru Arjan’s distinctive talent for infusing everyday cultural expressions with deep spiritual insights.
Below are some key aspects of Gujari Ki Var:
Form and Structure
- Folk Ballad Format:
The composition is rendered in the style of Punjabi folk balladry. As a var, it is structured much like a lyrical narrative, designed to be recited in a musical measure. - Musical Setting:
It is rendered in the Gujari raga, one of the thirty-one ragas that set the musical framework for the hymns in the Guru Granth Sahib. This raga carries the tonal qualities that evoke a rustic, yet spiritually uplifting atmosphere. - Stanza Organization:
- The var comprises 21 pauris (stanzas).
- Each pauri is preceded by two slokas (couplets) that frame and introduce the message of the stanza.
- Typically, each pauri contains eight lines, with the 20th pauri being an exception—it comprises five lines.
- Compositional Unity:
Unlike several other vars in which additional slokas from various Gurus were later appended by Guru Arjan during the final compilation, Gujari Ki Var appears to have been composed in its present, deliberate order. This uniform structure enhances its lyrical flow and communicative clarity. Themes and Spiritual Messages - Praise of the Divine:
The var is an ode to the Almighty, acknowledging God as the Creator and the ultimate truth within the universe. It emphasizes that the entire cosmos reflects the divine order and eternal truth. - Divine Grace and Guidance:
A recurring spiritual message in the composition is the importance of living under the guidance of the True Guru. It teaches that divine grace is essential for overcoming duality and attaining liberation. - Overcoming Ego:
The text warns against the perils of ego and worldly attachments. It insists that one’s salvation truly begins when the devotee surrenders personal pride and aligns their will with the divine command. - Life as a Spiritual Journey:
In its folk idiom, the var portrays human existence as a soulful journey toward union with the Divine. Even in the context of common, everyday activities, one is urged to remember and glorify God.
Cultural and Devotional Significance
- Integration of Folk Tradition with Devotion:
By composing works in the recognizable mode of Punjabi folk music, Guru Arjan ensured that the spiritual messages of Sikhism were accessible to all. The familiar tune of a folk ballad provided an inviting entry point into deeper metaphysical truths. - Liturgical Role:
Recited in community gatherings and devotional sessions, Gujari Ki Var plays a significant role in the collective memory of the Sikh community. Its musical quality renders it both a source of meditation and a celebration of the divine presence in everyday life. - Enduring Legacy:
The var not only enriches the poetic tapestry of the Guru Granth Sahib but has also influenced later Sikh literature and devotional music. It serves as a model of how sacred teachings can be seamlessly interwoven with cultural artistry. Conclusion
Gujari Ki Var stands out as a work that exemplifies how spiritual ideology can be expressed through the familiar rhythms and narratives of folk tradition. Guru Arjan’s use of the var form in the Gujari raga enhances the devotional experience, encouraging every listener to perceive the sacred in the ordinary. Whether invoked during solemn meditation or festive gatherings, its message remains a timeless reminder of the importance of divine remembrance, humility, and the transformative power of grace.
