HAZARNAMAH, an apocryphal composition in verse attributed to Guru Nanak. The work is a discourse on the control of five lusts. It commends virtues of honesty, dutifulness, humility, truthfulness, justice, contentment and faithfulness.
Hazarnamah, an Apocryphal Composition in Verse—a work attributed to Guru Nanak that falls within the broader category of apocryphal writings in early Sikh literature.
Overview
Hazarnamah is an apocryphal composition in verse that is traditionally ascribed to Guru Nanak. Like several other texts that did not form part of the canonical Guru Granth Sahib, Hazarnamah is categorized as kachchi bani or vadhu bani—writings considered extratextual or nonauthoritative in the strict scriptural sense. Despite this status, such compositions provide valuable insights into early Sikh devotional thought and ethical discourse.
Content & Themes
At its core, Hazarnamah is a discourse on the control of the five lusts—a symbolic representation of the inner vices that can disturb one’s spiritual balance. The composition commends a suite of virtues including:
Honesty
Dutifulness
Humility
Truthfulness
Justice
Contentment
Faithfulness
By outlining practical measures for selfcontrol and ethical conduct, the text reflects the broader Sikh imperative to overcome base desires and to cultivate a disciplined, inward focus on nam simran (meditation on the divine Name) and spiritual growth.
Language and Style
Written in verse, Hazarnamah exhibits a style that is both rhythmic and didactic. Its language, while reminiscent of the poetic diction often associated with Guru Nanak’s compositions, has been subject to scrutiny as scholars debate its historical authenticity and its alignment with the Guru’s known style. Nonetheless, many find in it an accessible articulation of moral precepts that resonate with the overall ethical framework of Sikhism.
Historical and Literary Context
As with other apocryphal works, Hazarnamah is not part of the Guru Granth Sahib. Instead, it belongs to a corpus of texts that early Sikh chroniclers and later devotees attributed to the Gurus, often to lend them additional moral or reformist authority. The composition’s focus on controlling lusts—a recurrent theme in spiritual literature—is consistent with broader Indian literary traditions aimed at tempering the passions through discipline and devotion.
Over time, Hazarnamah has contributed to the understanding of how noncanonical texts influenced devotional practices and ethical norms in the Sikh community. Scholars and practitioners alike continue to reference its teachings as part of the larger tapestry of spiritual guidance offered by early Sikh literature .
Significance in Sikh Heritage
Hazarnamah’s enduring appeal lies in its ability to convey essential moral lessons in a poetic format. It exemplifies:
The dynamic relationship between canonical and noncanonical texts: Even though Hazarnamah does not hold scriptural status, its teachings have shaped the ethical contours of Sikh thought.
The focus on selfmastery and ethical conduct: Emphasizing the control of lusts and other base impulses, it reinforces the principle that inner discipline is key to spiritual advancement.
Literary richness in early Sikh writings: As part of the apocryphal corpus, Hazarnamah highlights the diversity and depth of early Sikh expression, complementing the more formally accepted texts.
In studying texts like Hazarnamah, readers gain insight into the multiplicity of voices that have contributed to Sikh heritage—voices that, while outside the canonical boundaries, continue to influence devotional practice and scholarly discussion.