MUNDAVANI (lit. a seal or riddle), the concluding hymn of the Guru Granth Sahib composed by Guru Arjan as an epilogue to the Scripture which he had himself compiled and the first copy of which was transcribed under his guidance. The hymn comprises two parts; in the first part, the Scripture is metaphorically referred to as a salver containing three articles, truth, contentment and contemplation. Then the fourth of the viands is mentioned the nectar Name which sustains all. He who, says the Guru, partakes of this fare is saved. This is something not to be renounced; one must forever bear this in mind.
Thus will one swim across the worldly ocean. One then beholds the entire universe as the manifestation of the Supreme Being. The second part, comprising two couplets, is by way of thanksgivings. The Guru, rendering gratitude, recites the paen: Thou made me worthy of this task. Lord. I know not the limit of Thy favour. Meritless am I without merit.
That was thy own mercy….” Mundavani is an integral part of the scriptural text and is always recited at the end of any full reading of the Holy Book. It is also recited as part of the Rahrasi, the daily evening prayer of the Sikhs. Exegetes have interpreted the word “mundavani” variously. Some take it to mean a riddle in which sense it is still used in the Pothohari dialect of Punjabi.
They quote in support of their view this line from Guru Amar Das, Nanak III: “eh mudavani satiguru pai gursikha ladhi bhali, the Guru has posed this mundavani, i.e. riddle, and the Sikhs have unravelled it”(GG, 645). By mentioning in the opening line of the hymn Mundavani the articles which comprise the divine fare, Guru Arjan, they argue, was inviting the Sikhs to explore through the sacred text their true meaning. More commonly, the term mundavani as used by Guru Arjan is understood to be the equivalent of a seal or stamp. The Guru wrote Mundavani as a conclusion to the Guru Granth Sahib, thus affixing his seal to the holy writ. The seal was in token of the authentication of the text; it was also perhaps meant to preclude any apocryphal additions.
References :
1. Sabadarth Sri Guru Granth Sahib. Amritsar, 1964
2. Sahib Singh, Sri Guru Granth Sahib Darpan Jalandhar, n.d.
Mundavani, meaning “seal” or “riddle,” is the concluding hymn of the Guru Granth Sahib, composed by Guru Arjan Dev Ji. It serves as an epilogue to the scripture, marking the completion and authentication of the sacred text. Below is an exploration of its significance and metaphorical depth.
Literal and Symbolic Meaning
The term Mundavani is derived from the Punjabi word for “seal,” signifying the finality and sanctity of the Guru Granth Sahib. By affixing this hymn at the end of the scripture, Guru Arjan ensured that the text was complete and protected from unauthorized additions. It is also interpreted as a “riddle,” inviting seekers to delve deeper into its spiritual meaning.
Structure and Content
The hymn consists of two parts:
- First Part:
Guru Arjan metaphorically refers to the scripture as a salver containing three divine articles: Truth (Sat), Contentment (Santokh), and Contemplation (Vichar). A fourth element, the Ambrosial Nectar (Amrit Naam), is described as the sustenance for all beings. The hymn emphasizes that partaking in this divine fare leads to salvation and liberation from worldly attachments. - Second Part:
This section is a thanksgiving, where Guru Arjan humbly acknowledges the divine grace that enabled him to compile the scripture. He expresses gratitude for being made worthy of this monumental task, attributing it entirely to the mercy of the Supreme.
Spiritual Significance
- Seal of Completion:
Mundavani symbolizes the culmination of the Guru Granth Sahib, affirming its authenticity and completeness. It serves as a spiritual and literary seal, ensuring the integrity of the sacred text. - Invitation to Reflect:
The hymn encourages readers to explore the deeper meanings of Truth, Contentment, Contemplation, and the Divine Name. It is not merely a conclusion but a call to action—urging seekers to internalize these virtues and live by them. - Universal Message:
The hymn transcends religious boundaries, offering a universal path to spiritual fulfillment. By emphasizing virtues that are fundamental to human existence, it invites all individuals to partake in the divine fare.
Liturgical Role
Mundavani is recited at the end of any complete reading of the Guru Granth Sahib, such as during an Akhand Path or Sahaj Path. It is also included in the evening prayer, Rehras Sahib, reinforcing its importance in daily Sikh devotional practice.
Concluding Reflections
Mundavani: Seal of Guru Granth Sahib is more than a concluding hymn; it is a profound declaration of the scripture’s sanctity and a guide for spiritual living. By metaphorically presenting the divine virtues as sustenance, Guru Arjan invites seekers to nourish their souls and transcend worldly limitations. It stands as a timeless reminder of the transformative power of the Guru’s Word.
