MARU VAR, Guru Arjan`s composition in the Maru musical measure in the Guru Granth Sahib. Traditionally, Maru which gives the Var its title is elegiac verse and is commonly sung in the afternoon. This measure has a martial undertone as well. The singing of Maru raga with devotion annuls the five evils, says Guru Arjan. The Maru Var comprises twenty-three pauris, or stanzas; each of eight lines, with a running rhyme. Each pauri is preceded by three slokas or couplets, all of which arc also the composition of Guru Arjan. For slokas Guru Arjan has in fact used the word dakhne, a form especially popular in southwestern Punjab, the dialect of which region here predominates.
However, all the slokas, or dakhne, are not in this Multani dialect: those prefixed to pauris 10, 16, 17, 22, 23 are in central Punjabi whereas those added to pauri 20 are a mixture of both. The themes of devotion, a spiritual vision of Reality and the operation of the moral law predominate the poem. In the slokas, in general, the theme is devotion rendered in the idiom of conjugal love. Other strains such as emphasis on the immanence of the Divine Being, exhortation to men to disengage themselves from the illusory show of maya, praise of the Guru, joy in God`s will also occur, though the main emphasis is on devotion to and love of the Divine Being.
God is the sole creator of this universe. He alone is omnipresent, all pervasive and infinite. Everything else in this world is finite and subject to decay and death. The grace of the Guru and constant meditation on the Name of the Lord help man realize the Absolute. The seeker after Truth must be pure in thought as well as in deed. He must uphold the moral principle and have abiding faith in God. God is imaged as Almighty and man is adjured to seek His help and grace. Fearlessness results from fearing God. There is exhortation for man to practise nam, dan, isnan (devotion, charity, and chastity). More specifically, stanzas 15, 610, 1115, and 1622, comprise thematically four parts of the composition.
The first part describes this world, along with maya, as the creation of God who is all pervading. Man forgets his Creator and remains engrossed in haumai, i.e. egoity. The only way to attain the Ultimate is to discard haumai and surrender oneself to the Guru. The second part compares this world with an arena where various evils resulting from man`s ego arc denuding him of his spirituality. He alone can escape who with the grace of God takes shelter in the Guru`s Word. In the third part, there is a rejection of religious garbs and rituals which are termed futile; in the fourth is presented a glimpse of worthy living which consists in constant remembrance of God`s Name.
References :
1. Sahndarth Sri Guru Granth Sahib. Amritsar, 1964
2. Sahib Singh, Sri Guru Granth Sahib Darpan. Jalandhar, n.d.
3. Bishan Singh, Giani, Bai Varan Satik. Amritsar, n.d.
Maru Var: Guru Arjan’s Spiritual Elegy is a profound poetic composition included in the Guru Granth Sahib under the musical measure Maru. Composed by Guru Arjan, this var is a spiritual masterpiece that blends themes of devotion, moral law, and the transcendence of worldly illusions. Below is an exploration of its structure, themes, and significance.
Structure and Literary Features
- Composition and Authorship:
The Maru Var comprises twenty-three pauris (stanzas), each consisting of eight lines with a running rhyme. Each pauri is preceded by three slokas (couplets), which Guru Arjan refers to as dakhne. These slokas are written in a dialect popular in southwestern Punjab, though some are rendered in central Punjabi or a mixture of both. - Elegiac and Martial Undertones:
Traditionally, Maru is associated with elegiac verse, often sung in the afternoon. While it carries a martial undertone, Guru Arjan adapts this form to convey spiritual themes, creating a composition that is both reflective and uplifting. - Language and Imagery:
The var employs vivid imagery and metaphors to illustrate the spiritual journey. Themes of devotion are often expressed through the idiom of conjugal love, while the transient nature of the material world is depicted through metaphors of decay and death.
Themes and Spiritual Message
- Devotion and Conjugal Love:
The slokas emphasize devotion to the Divine, often rendered in the idiom of conjugal love. The seeker is likened to a bride yearning for union with the Divine Groom, symbolizing the soul’s longing for spiritual fulfillment. - Immanence of the Divine:
The var highlights the omnipresence and infinity of God, who is the sole creator of the universe. Everything else in the world is finite and subject to decay, reinforcing the need for constant meditation on the Divine Name (nam). - Moral Law and Divine Justice:
Guru Arjan underscores the operation of moral law, where only genuine deeds and virtues are accepted in God’s court. Counterfeit actions driven by ego and falsehood are rejected. The seeker is exhorted to uphold moral principles and have abiding faith in God. - Transcendence of Maya:
The var warns against the illusory show of maya (worldly attachments) and urges the seeker to disengage from its distractions. True liberation comes from surrendering oneself to the Guru and embracing the Divine Name. - Fear and Love of God:
The composition explores the duality of divine fear and love. Fear of God purifies the seeker of ego and duality, while divine love leads to blissful union with the Supreme.
Metaphorical Significance: The Spiritual Arena
- World as an Arena:
The var compares the world to an arena where the seeker battles various evils resulting from ego. Victory is achieved through the grace of God and the shelter of the Guru’s Word. - Trade as a Metaphor for Spiritual Growth:
The seeker is likened to a trader who accumulates divine attributes and shares them with others. This metaphor emphasizes the importance of cultivating virtues and spreading the light of divine grace. - Divine Court:
The imagery of the divine court symbolizes the ultimate destination of the spiritual journey, where the seeker is rewarded for their devotion and righteous deeds.
Denunciation of Ritualism and Formalism
Guru Arjan strongly criticizes religious garbs and rituals, terming them futile. The var advocates for genuine devotion and moral living over superficial displays of religiosity. The Guru praises those who are constantly absorbed in the Divine Name and dedicates himself to their service.
Concluding Reflections
Maru Var: Guru Arjan’s Spiritual Elegy is a timeless composition that inspires seekers to transcend worldly illusions, embrace divine grace, and achieve union with the Supreme. Through its vivid metaphors and poetic structure, the var serves as a guide for navigating the challenges of the spiritual journey and attaining ultimate bliss. It stands as a testament to Guru Arjan’s profound spiritual vision and his ability to adapt traditional poetic forms to convey universal truths.
