KANRA KI VAR, by Guru Ram Das, is one of the twenty-two compositions entered in the Guru Granth Sahib under the rubric of var. Like other vars, it is assigned to a specific musical measure—Kanra, in this instance. At the head of the var is recorded by Guru Arjan, who prepared the first recension of the Holy Book, the direction as to the tune to which it should appropriately be sung, i.e., the tune of the folk ballad celebrating a popular hero, Musa, who attacked the chief to whom his fiancée had been married, capturing both the bridegroom and the bride, and then gallantly setting them free. The var, in simple Punjabi with an occasional touch of Sadh Bhakha, consists of fifteen pauris, or stanzas, and thirty slokas, all of them of Guru Ram Das’s composition. Each pauri comprises five lines, preceded by two slokas of unequal length. The central theme is the praise of God, the Supreme Being, the Infinite. He is the Creator of all that exists. His light is the light in all souls. He Himself is the seeker and the sought, the lover and the beloved.
He is the repository of the highest moral virtues, the treasure of all merits. He is the bestower of grace and bounties and ferries man across the worldly ocean. What He wills comes to pass. He can be realized through constant remembrance of Him. Man is adjured to practice simran (smarnd).
Thus will his ignorance (avidya) be dispelled, and his haumai (egoity) erased. Following the instruction of the Guru and meeting with the holy in sangat, one is put on the spiritual path. One thereby cultivates sabda and becomes receptive to nam. The snare of maya or temptation is then rent asunder. It is with God’s grace that the seeker meets such a Guru and learns to abide by His will.
References:
1. Sabaddarth Sri Guru Granth Sahib. Amritsar, 1964
2. Sahib Singh, Sri Guru Granth Sahib. Jalandhar, n.d.
Historical and Contextual Background
Kanre Ki Var is one of the twenty-two compositions—or vars—enrolled in the Guru Granth Sahib. Composed by Guru Ram Das, this work occupies a unique place among the Sikh scriptures as it captures the essence of folk balladry integrated with spiritual exaltation. In its compilation by Guru Arjan, the first compiler of the Guru Granth Sahib, Kanre Ki Var was not only preserved as a devotional hymn but was also directed to be sung to a specific musical measure known as Kanra.
According to traditional exegesis, the tune prescribed for Kanre Ki Var is that of a popular folk ballad. This ballad celebrates a legendary hero—Musa—who, in a dramatic narrative, attacked a chief to rescue a bride and her intended partner. Such reference to a well-known heroic feat grounds the composition in the cultural milieu of Punjab, linking divine praise with the valorous spirit of popular folklore. There is a didactic purpose in employing this familiar tune: it serves as an accessible entry point for devotees and reinforces the idea that spirituality is interwoven with the everyday lives and traditions of the people.
Literary Structure and Musical Characteristics Structural Features
- Form and Composition:
Kanre Ki Var is rendered in simple Punjabi, enriched by occasional elements of Sadh Bhakha—the refined idiom of devotional language. It comprises fifteen pauris (stanzas) and thirty slokas (couplets), all attributed to Guru Ram Das. Each pauri consists of five lines and is prefaced by two slokas of unequal length. This meticulous structure not only endows the hymn with rhythmic elegance but also creates a layered narrative form that channels both folk tradition and spiritual depth. - Musical Assignment:
Like other vars in the Guru Granth Sahib, Kanre Ki Var is assigned to a specific raga—in this instance, Kanra. The musical measure defines the mood and inflection of the composition, ensuring that the recitation resonates with the emotional intent of divine praise. Such precise musical directives, recorded by Guru Arjan, underscore the seriousness with which the composition was intended to be experienced by its audience. Interplay of Language and Dialect
The language of Kanre Ki Var exemplifies a balance between accessibility and devotional richness. The use of conversational Punjabi—augmented by traditional devotional phrases and idioms—ensures that the hymn speaks clearly to the common devotee while maintaining a sacred, elevated tone. This duality mirrors the overall Sikh ethos, where everyday experiences are suffused with the presence of the Divine.
Thematic Content and Spiritual Message
At its core, Kanre Ki Var is an ode to the Supreme Being—a celebration of the infinite Creator whose light illumines every soul. Some of its key thematic elements are:
- Divine Praise:
The hymn commends God as the Creator of all that exists. Descriptions in the var liken God’s light to the inner radiance present in every soul, affirming that the Divine is both the seeker and the sought, the lover and the beloved. This duality of the relationship with God is a recurring theme throughout Sikh scriptures and serves as a reminder that the journey to the Divine is both an internal aspiration and an external manifestation. - Moral Virtue and Grace:
Kanre Ki Var extols God as the repository of moral virtues—the treasure of all merits—and as the bestower of grace. The composition teaches that through constant remembrance (simran) and by living in alignment with divine will, man can overcome the vicissitudes of worldly existence. God, in His benevolence, ferries the seeker across the “worldly ocean,” guiding him toward the ultimate reality. - The Role of Remembrance:
Central to the hymn is the exhortation that God can be realized through constant recitation, meditation, and the practice of simran. The text intimates that true enlightenment and liberation come not through intellectual exertion alone but through heartfelt devotion and remembrance of the Divine Name. - Integration of Folk and Devotional Elements:
The use of a popular heroic ballad as the basis for the musical tune further embeds the composition in the cultural consciousness. It reinforces the idea that divine grace and heroic virtue are not abstract ideals but lived experiences celebrated in the stories, songs, and memories of the people.
Spiritual and Liturgical Significance
Kanre Ki Var is not merely a literary work; it is a vital part of Sikh devotional practice. Its recitation plays a significant role in daily prayers, communal gatherings, and kirtan sessions. The hymn’s direct, unembellished language—combined with its rhythmic and lyrical form—helps inspire and direct the devotee toward the realization of the Supreme Being.
Moreover, the var’s structure and content serve as a reminder that the path to spiritual enlightenment is accessible to all. The synthesis of folk narrative with profound theological teachings encapsulates the Sikh ideal of engaging with both the mortal world and the transcendent. Through its message, Kanre Ki Var encourages the practitioner to embrace simplicity, to honor the divine in everyday life, and to pursue a life imbued with faithful remembrance and moral clarity.
Concluding Reflections
Kanre Ki Var: Divine Praise in Guru Granth Sahib stands as a testament to the melding of cultural tradition with spiritual devotion. Composed by Guru Ram Das and meticulously recorded under the guidance of Guru Arjan, this var continues to inspire countless devotees with its clear call to recall and realize the Divine. Its integration of a folk ballad tune, heroic narrative, and immutable praise of the Supreme Being captures the essence of Sikh spirituality—a legacy that remains evergreen, guiding individuals along the path of righteousness and eternal truth.
