RAMKALI KI VAR, also known as Tikke di Var (lit. Coronation Ode), is the joint composition of the bards Balvand and Satta. In the caption given to it by Guru Arjan in the Guru Granth Sahib, the former is particularized as a Rai (panegyrist) and the latter as a Dum (minstrel), both words being interchangeable here. The Var comprises eight pauris or stanzas of unequal length, varying from seven to twenty-one lines, with no slokas added.
The talented bards and versifiers from such clans earned their livelihood by singing eulogies of their patrons, usually landed aristocrats, and especially of their heroic deeds performed in combats, feuds, and battles, in an exalted, epic style and form. Balvand and Satta, related to each other, however, performed kirtan during the time of Guru Arjan, who could scarcely pay them a more befitting compliment than immortalizing their names and poetic skill by including their Var in the Guru Granth Sahib. It appears that these bards, in their moment of inspiration, were taken with the idea of paying homage to the Gurus, conceiving them as kings—kings of the House of Nanak—imaginatively and retrospectively at their installation. They sang a coronation song to commemorate the ceremony, anointing each of the four successors of Guru Nanak as Guru-kings.
Guru Nanak is described as having been installed as Guru Panchsar by Parbrahm Parmeshar. Based on indications in this composition, the first three stanzas were composed by Balvand, the next three by Satta, and the remaining two were added jointly by them later, though they preferred to remain anonymous. Each stanza conceptualizes the House of Nanak as instituted by the Supreme Being Himself. This was entirely a new ministry launched by the Divine.
Here, both joti (spiritual light) and jugati (method of practical living) were combined. The House of Nanak was blessed with true royalty, defined not by mundane glory and power but by holiness to save and guide humanity. These minstrels not only brought out the celestial grandeur marking the coronation of the Gurus but also expressed one of the fundamental Sikh convictions—the identity in spirit of all the Gurus, whose line of descent was not of the flesh but of the Word, communicated from one to the other. Also embedded in this Var are glimpses of historical significance, such as the institution of langar by the Gurus, who won veneration by the purity of their teaching and lives.
They also initiated traditions that constitute the basis of Sikh corporate living to this day. The bards have described the coronation in figures of the crown and sceptre. Balvand proclaims that Nanak founded the royal dynasty (Nanak raj chalda); he then unfolded the royal canopy over the head of Lahina, Guru Angad (Lahine dharion chhat sin). The canopy is then unfolded over Lahina, proclaiming him king (sachcha patishah). Satta similarly speaks of the canopy spread out over Lahina’s head.
Both Balvand and Satta allude to the spiritual and regal dignity of the House of Nanak. Balvand declares that all the Gurus shared the same light and path (joti oha jugati sai), while Satta mentions that they shared the same mark, throne, and court. Both bards jointly refer to Guru Arjan’s succession in stanza VIII. For the first time in Sikh poetry, these minstrels articulated the concept of the spiritual ministry of Guru Nanak, which captured the imagination of the Sikh people. Bhai Gurdas also spoke of Guru Nanak in similar terms. They were the first to mention the combination of joti (spirituality) and jugati (ideals of conduct) in Nanak’s vision.
This Var proclaimed, for the first time, the nature of the law of succession in the House of Nanak as spiritual rather than dynastic. It emphasized that succession is not hereditary but is bestowed upon the noblest disciple who has completely surrendered to the Guru and identified with His will.
Balvand opens his first stanza referring to the decree of the Creator that none can challenge. He alludes to the Guru bowing before his disciple to install him as Guru in his place, transferring his joti (spiritual light) to him. Satta references the same law of succession as “reversing the flow of the Ganga,” implying the departing Guru’s offering of obeisance to his disciple-successor, making him the repository of the holy Word. In the spiritual sequence, they refer to Guru Nanak as the grandfather, Guru Angad as the son, and Guru Amar Das as the grandson of Nanak.
This Var, distinctively, interprets the ideals and institutions of the Sikh tradition. Balvand declares that Guru Nanak established the strong fortress of spirituality on the bedrock of truth, while Guru Angad carried forward the teaching wielding his spiritual sword. Satta speaks of Guru Nanak churning the fourteen gems of divine virtues, and Guru Amar Das bestriding the steed of poise, with chastity as his saddle, truth as his bow, and the praise of the Lord as his arrows. The Var describes the institution of langar (community kitchen), mentioning the role played by Mata Khivi, Guru Angad’s wife, in organizing it. Satta highlights Guru Angad’s establishment of Khadur as a spiritual center and Guru Amar Das’s propagation of Sikh teachings across the country.
Guru Ram Das and Guru Arjan are praised as souls who transcended human limitations, completely identifying with the Divine. They shared the same spirit—Nanak, Angad, and Amar Das—though in different bodies. Ramkali ki Var expounds the Sikh mystical doctrine of spiritual succession through the Shabad (holy Word) and offers insights into the social concerns and ideals of the emerging Sikh faith.
References:
- Sabadarth Sri Guru Granth Sahib. Amritsar, 1964
- Sahib Singh, Satte Balvand di Var. Amritsar, 1949
- Amole, S.S., Bai Varan Satik. Amritsar, 1944
- Narain Singh, Bai Varan Satik. Amritsar, n.d.
- Bishan Singh, Giani, Bai Varan Satik. Amritsar
Ramkali Ki Var, also known as Tikke di Var (Coronation Ode), is a remarkable composition included in the Guru Granth Sahib. Jointly authored by the bards Balvand and Satta, this hymn stands out for its poetic brilliance and historical significance. Below is an exploration of its themes, structure, and impact on Sikh history.
Historical Context and Authorship
- Bards Balvand and Satta:
Balvand, referred to as a Rai (panegyrist), and Satta, called a Dum (minstrel), were talented poets who performed kirtan during Guru Arjan’s time. Their composition, Ramkali Ki Var, immortalized their names and poetic skill by being included in the Guru Granth Sahib. - Coronation Ode:
The hymn celebrates the spiritual coronation of the Gurus, portraying them as divine kings of the House of Nanak. It commemorates the succession of Guru Nanak’s spiritual ministry through his successors, emphasizing the divine nature of their leadership.
Structure and Literary Features
- Composition:
The Var consists of eight pauris (stanzas) of varying lengths, ranging from seven to twenty-one lines. Unlike other vars, it does not include slokas. - Language and Style:
The hymn is written in Punjabi, with influences from Sufi vocabulary, such as nur (light) and ars (throne). The poetic style is simple yet profound, blending metaphors and imagery to convey spiritual truths. - Musical Measure:
Set in Raag Ramkali, the hymn’s melody enhances its reflective and celebratory tone, making it a powerful tool for spiritual contemplation.
Themes and Spiritual Message
- Divine Succession:
The hymn articulates the spiritual succession in the House of Nanak, emphasizing that it is not hereditary but based on merit and devotion. The Guru’s light (joti) and method (jugati) are passed on to the most deserving disciple. - Unity of the Gurus:
Balvand and Satta highlight the unity of spirit among the Gurus, describing them as sharing the same light, throne, and court. This reinforces the Sikh belief in the continuity of the Guru’s divine mission. - Institutions of Sikhism:
The hymn references key Sikh traditions, such as the institution of langar (community kitchen) and the establishment of spiritual centers by the Gurus. Mata Khivi, Guru Angad’s wife, is praised for her role in organizing the langar. - Spiritual Leadership:
The Gurus are portrayed as spiritual kings who guide humanity with holiness and wisdom, rather than mundane power. Their teachings are described as fortresses of truth and swords of spirituality.
Historical and Cultural Impact
- Sikh Mystical Doctrine:
Ramkali Ki Var expounds the Sikh mystical doctrine of spiritual succession through the Shabad (holy Word). It captures the essence of Sikh spirituality and social ideals. - Legacy of the Bards:
Balvand and Satta’s contribution to Sikh literature is unparalleled. Their hymn not only celebrates the Gurus but also provides insights into the nascent Sikh faith’s social concerns and traditions. - Liturgical Role:
The hymn is recited during significant Sikh ceremonies, serving as a reminder of the divine nature of the Guru’s leadership and the spiritual foundation of Sikhism.
Concluding Reflections
Ramkali Ki Var: Coronation Ode in Sikh History is a poetic masterpiece that celebrates the divine succession of the Gurus and the spiritual legacy of the House of Nanak. Through its vivid imagery and profound teachings, the hymn inspires devotees to embrace the Guru’s wisdom and live by the principles of truth, humility, and service.
