PAHARE, usually pronounced pahire, is the title shared by four of the Sikh hymns—two by Guru Nanak and one each by Guru Ram Das and Guru Arjan—recorded consecutively in the Siri Rag portion of the Guru Granth Sahib. The term pahare is the plural of pahar, meaning a guard or watch, and is cognate, etymologically and semantically, with the Sanskrit prahar, which is a unit of time in the Indian system of calculation. Eight pahars make a day and night, a pahar thus equalling three hours. In the poems entitled Pahare, the span of human life is compared to night and is divided into four stages, each stage being called a pahar, corresponding to the four pahars of the night.
Man is called a trader (vanjara) and is addressed in the vocative form as vanjara mitra (“O, friend trader”). Each composition consists of four to five stanzas, and each stanza begins on the vocative note. For instance, the first stanza of Guru Nanak’s composition begins with: “Pahalai paharai raini kai vanjara mitra hukami paia garbhasi”—”In the first pahar of the night, O, friend trader, you were conceived in the womb by the Will of the Lord” (GG, 74). Through the example of a vanjara starting out on his travels to sell his goods profitably, the purpose of human life and the frailties to which man is subject are set forth in these compositions.
As the vanjara must make his deals wisely and ensure that his means are honest, the human soul should traverse the journey of life always mindful of the Creator, union with Whom is its ultimate purpose. This is the true bargain for the trader (the human soul). But the trader generally stumbles at each stage, called pahar of the night, and comes to harm. The first stage of human life begins when man is conceived in the womb of the mother.
In the womb, he constantly remembers God and prays for release from his travail. The second stage begins at birth. That is the time when he is unconscious of the purpose for which he has come into the world; he loses contact with the Creator and becomes increasingly entangled in earthly temptations. The third stage is that of youth, when he indulges in sensual pleasures and begins accumulating material goods.
He loses all restraint and is totally oblivious to the purpose of life. The fourth stage is that of old age, a time of despondence and dejection, finally ending with death. Thus the vanjara finishes his journey, losing all that he possessed and throwing away a precious chance of regaining proximity to the Creator. It is repeatedly emphasized that mukti, i.e., release from the circuit of birth and death, can be obtained only by remembering God and by repeating His Name. This is the real aim of this journey of life, which the vanjara (man) tends to forget as soon as he sets out on it.
References :
1. Sabaddarth Sri Guru Granth Sahib. Amritsar, 1964
2. Sahib Singh, Sri Guru Granth Sahib Darpan Jalandhar, n.d.
The Pahare Hymns in the Guru Granth Sahib are poetic compositions that use the metaphor of the night divided into four pahars (watches or guards) to represent the stages of human life. These hymns, composed by Guru Nanak, Guru Ram Das, and Guru Arjan, are recorded in the Siri Rag section of the Guru Granth Sahib. Below is an exploration of their structure, themes, and spiritual significance.
Structure and Literary Features
- Composition and Authorship:
The Pahare Hymns consist of four compositions—two by Guru Nanak, one by Guru Ram Das, and one by Guru Arjan. Each hymn is divided into four stanzas, corresponding to the four pahars of the night. The term pahar is derived from the Sanskrit prahar, a unit of time in the Indian system of calculation, with each pahar equaling three hours. - Vocative Style:
Each stanza begins with a vocative address to the human soul, likened to a trader (vanjara mitra or “O, friend trader”). This style creates a direct and personal connection with the reader or listener, urging them to reflect on their spiritual journey. - Metaphorical Imagery:
The hymns use the metaphor of a trader setting out on a journey to sell goods profitably, symbolizing the human soul’s journey through life. The trader must make wise deals and ensure honesty, just as the soul must remain mindful of the Creator and strive for union with Him.
Themes and Spiritual Message
- Stages of Human Life:
The hymns divide human life into four stages, corresponding to the four pahars of the night:
- First Pahar: The stage of conception in the womb, where the soul remembers God and prays for release from its travail.
- Second Pahar: The stage of birth, where the soul loses contact with the Creator and becomes entangled in worldly temptations.
- Third Pahar: The stage of youth, marked by indulgence in sensual pleasures and accumulation of material goods, leading to a loss of restraint and purpose.
- Fourth Pahar: The stage of old age, characterized by despondence and dejection, ultimately ending in death.
- Purpose of Life:
The hymns emphasize that the ultimate purpose of human life is union with the Creator. This is the true bargain for the trader (the human soul), achieved through constant remembrance of God and repetition of His Name (nam simran). - Warnings Against Worldly Attachments:
The hymns caution against the distractions of maya (worldly illusions) and the ego (haumai), which lead the soul astray. They urge the seeker to remain focused on the Divine and avoid squandering the precious opportunity of human life.
Metaphorical Significance: The Trader’s Journey
- Trader as the Soul:
The human soul is likened to a trader who must navigate the journey of life wisely, making deals that lead to spiritual profit. The metaphor underscores the importance of mindfulness, honesty, and devotion in achieving the ultimate goal of union with God. - Night as Life’s Span:
The division of the night into four pahars symbolizes the stages of human life, with each stage presenting unique challenges and opportunities for spiritual growth. - Union with the Creator:
The hymns portray union with the Creator as the ultimate reward for the trader who conducts their journey with wisdom and devotion.
Spiritual and Devotional Significance
- Call to Reflection:
The Pahare Hymns serve as a powerful reminder of the transient nature of human life and the importance of living with purpose and devotion. They encourage self-reflection and inspire the seeker to remain focused on the Divine. - Universal Message:
While rooted in Sikh theology, the hymns offer a universal message about the human condition and the spiritual journey, resonating with individuals across different faiths and traditions. - Role in Sikh Devotional Practice:
The hymns are recited as part of Sikh liturgical practices, providing guidance and inspiration for devotees seeking to align their lives with the teachings of the Gurus.
Concluding Reflections
The Pahare Hymns in the Guru Granth Sahib are a profound exploration of the human journey through life, using the metaphor of the night divided into four pahars to illustrate the stages of spiritual growth. Through their vivid imagery and timeless wisdom, these hymns inspire seekers to navigate life’s challenges with mindfulness, devotion, and a focus on the ultimate goal of union with the Creator.
