PREM AMBODH POTHI, lit. book of knowledge about loving devotion, attributed to Guru Gobind Singh, but not included in the Dasam Granth, comprises of the life stories in verse of some of the famous bhaktas or devotees. Written in AD 1693, the book has, besides the introductory chapter, sixteen sections, each devoted to a bhakta. In the first part of the book are described the lives of eleven bhaktas belonging to the period from 10th to 16th centuries: Kabir, Dhanna, Trilochan, Namdev, Jaidev, Ravidas, Miran Bai, Karaman Bai, Pipa, Sain and Sadhna.
Bhaktas of earlier periods Prahlad, Dhru, Sukdev and Balmiki are dealt with in the second part. The language of the Pothi is a mixture of Hindi and Punjabi and the verse measures commonly used are Dohira and Chaupai. The book is unpublished and among the known extant manuscripts with slight variation in titles are in the Central Public Library at Patiala, and the Languages Department, Punjab, Patiala.
Discover the Unseen Devotional Stories of Prem Ambodh Pothi
Prem Ambodh Pothi, literally translating to “the book of knowledge about loving devotion,” is a remarkable yet little-known scripture of Sikh devotional literature. Attributed to the era of Guru Gobind Singh and composed in AD 1693, this unpublished masterpiece preserves the life stories of some of the most celebrated bhaktas (devotees) in verse. Although it was never incorporated into the Dasam Granth, its compelling narratives and poetic form have made it a treasured repository of spiritual lore.
Structure and Content
The text is structured into an introductory chapter followed by sixteen sections, each dedicated to a specific bhakta. In its first part, Prem Ambodh Pothi presents the lives of eleven bhaktas from the period spanning the 10th to 16th centuries. These include iconic figures such as:
- Kabir
- Dhanna
- Trilochan
- Namdev
- Jaidev
- Ravidas
- Miran Bai
- Karaman Bai
- Pipa
- Sain
- Sadhna
The second part of the Pothi shifts its focus to earlier devotional figures, recounting the lives of Prahlad, Dhru, Sukdev, and Balmiki. Each section is crafted in verse—predominantly using the poetic forms of Dohira and Chaupai—and is written in a language that intermingles Hindi and Punjabi. The rhythmic elegance and mnemonic quality of these verses underscore their origin in an oral tradition that later found permanence through manuscript transcription.
Themes of Devotion and Spiritual Insight
At its heart, Prem Ambodh Pothi is a celebration of loving devotion (prem) and spiritual knowledge. The text offers unseen narratives that not only illuminate the miraculous and inspirational lives of these bhaktas but also provide profound insights into their inner spiritual journeys. Each story is more than a mere biography—it serves as an allegory reflecting the intense yearning for divine union and the trials encountered on the path of devotion.
The lives recounted in this sacred Pothi exemplify the transformative power of Bhakti, where personal sacrifice, divine grace, and unwavering commitment intersect. The narratives invite readers to witness how these devotees transcended mundane existence through their love for the Divine, thereby setting a timeless example of ethical and spiritual living.
Manuscript and Legacy
Despite its significant cultural and religious value, Prem Ambodh Pothi remains unpublished, with only a few extant manuscripts currently known to reside in institutions such as the Central Public Library at Patiala and the Languages Department of Punjab, Patiala. This rarity adds to its mystique and scholarly allure, as researchers continue to piece together its variants and explore its historical context.
