SARABLOH GRANTH, a poem narrating the mythological story of the gods and the demons, in ascribed to Guru Gobind Singh, and is therefore treated as a sacred scripture among certain sections of the Sikhs, particularly the Nihang Sikhs. The authorship is however questioned by researchers and scholars of Sikhism on several counts. First, the work is marked by extraordinary effusiveness and discursiveness of style over against the compactness characteristic of Guru Gobind Singh`s compositions collected in the Dasam Granth. Qualitatively, too, the poetry of Sarabloh Granth does not match that of Guru Gobind Singh`s Chandi Charitras and Var Durga Ki dealing with the same topic of wars between the gods and the demons.
Profusion of metaphor and superb imagery of the latter compositions are missing here. Second, the author of Sarabloh Granth often uses his name, `Das Gobind` or the phrase `Das Gobind fatah satigur ki`, which is generally contrary to the style of Guru Gobind Singh. Third, the Sarabloh Granth contains, quite out of context, an account of the Sikh religion, which also includes a reference to the devolution of guruship on Guru Granth and Guru Panth (stanzas 315966). This would be out of place in a work of Guru Gobind Singh`s own composition.
Lastly, there is also a reference in it to Rup Dip Bhasha Pihgal (stanza 2938/ 8), a work on prosody written by one Jaya Krishna in 1719, i.e. eleven years after the death of the Guru.According to Pandit Tara Singh Narotam, a nineteenth century Sikh scholar and researcher, Sarabloh Gran (A is the work of Bhai Sukha Singh, a granthi or priest at Takht Harimandar Sahib at Patna Sahib, who however claimed that he had acquired its manuscript from an Udasi recluse living in a forest near Jagannath (Orissa). Whatever its origin, the Granth became quite well known and many handwritten copies of it exist. It is now available in printed form published in two parts by Baba Santa Singh, head of the Buddha Dal of Nihang Sikhs.
It is a lengthy composition in a variety of metres, comprising totally 4361 stanzas (862 pages in print).The original source of the narrative is, according to the author (stanzas 2093, 3312.3409), Sukra Bhashya, an old classic of Hindu mythology. It is divided into five parts, panI starting with a lengthy panegyric and invocation to goddess Sri Maya Lachhami, who is identified with Adi Bhavani (lit. Primordial Goddess), Durga,Jvala, Kali or Kalika, Chandi, as also with masculine Hari and Gopal. Among her myriad attributive names is also Sarabloh (lit. all steel) which had been used by Guru Gobind Singh for AkalPurakh, the Supreme God, in Akal Ustati.
In part II, Lord Visnu is entreated to become incarnate as Sarabloh (stanza 1167). But it is early in part V that it becomes clear that Sarabloh is an incarnation of Mahakal or Gopal, the Supreme Deity (stanza 2386). The plot of Sarabloh Granth is almost identical with that of Chandi Charitras. The gods defeated by the demons approach the Goddess Bhavani who kills several demons including their chief Bhimanad during the 7year long war.
Later, Bhimanad`s son,Viryanad, rises in power and wages war against the gods. This time Lord Visnu comes to their succour.Brahma and Siva also help ; but Viryanad not only remains unbeaten in the 12year long war, but also captures the king of the gods, Indra, along with his sons. Visnu secures their release and leads them to Mahakal, who at their supplications appears as Sarabloh and after further battles, fiercely fought, puts an end to Viryanad and his host. At this stage, the poet also describes the epic as a contest between reason and irrationality in which the former ultimately triumphs.
Sarbloh Granth—a complex, poetic work that weaves together myth, martial ethos, and cosmic allegory, forming an integral part of certain Sikh traditions, particularly among the Nihang Sikhs.
Historical Context and Authorship
The Sarbloh Granth (also rendered as Sarabloh Granth or Manglacharan Puran) is a voluminous scripture traditionally ascribed to Guru Gobind Singh. Attributed as the work of the tenth Sikh Guru—or, in some accounts, compiled later by figures such as Bhai Sukha Singh—the Granth presents a contested yet potent literary creation. While mainstream Sikh scholarship often questions its direct authorship by Guru Gobind Singh, many Nihang and martial traditions within Sikhism hold it in reverence as a sacred and inspirational testament. The text is believed to have been composed in an era when martial virtues and spiritual valor were not only celebrated but deemed essential to preserving the faith against external oppression.
Mythological Narrative and Cosmic Allegory
At its core, the Sarbloh Granth is a mythopoetic narrative that recounts the eternal struggle between the forces of good and evil through a rich tapestry of gods, demons, and celestial battles:
- Cosmic Battles and Divine Imagery:
The Granth narrates mythological encounters between gods and demons, drawing on an ancient pool of Sanskrit and Hindu mythological traditions. The narrative is not merely a recounting of heroic deeds but an allegorical representation of the internal and external battles faced by the devotee. In these stories, cosmic powers are personified—divine energies emerge in dual forms, such as the creative power (shakti) attributed to goddesses like Bhavani and the protective, nourishing energy of deities associated with Vishnu’s consorts. - Reference to Ancient Sutras:
The underlying source materials for the mythic narratives are said to include classical Sanskrit sutras (such as the Sukra Bhashya), which have been reinterpreted and adapted to suit the martial and spiritual ethos of the Sikh tradition. The text reclaims and transforms these narratives into a symbol of resistance and inner strength, resonating with the idea that the spiritual warrior must conquer both external enemies and internal weaknesses. - Symbolism of Iron and Purity:
The title itself—commonly understood as “the Scripture of Pure Iron” or “Sarbloh” (all-steel)—symbolizes the indomitable, uncompromising nature of truth and virtue. Iron, as a metaphor, conveys durability, valor, and the capacity to withstand the relentless forces of adulteration present in worldly influences. This metallurgical imagery underscores the ideal of a soul tempered through trial, much like steel forged in fire.
Themes and Martial Ethos
The mythology of the Sarbloh Granth is deeply intertwined with the martial tradition, which is mirrored in both its content and its enduring influence among the Nihang Sikhs:
- Expression of Warrior Spirit (Bir Ras):
Unlike the transcendent calm (Shaant Ras) that the Guru Granth Sahib embodies, the Sarbloh Granth radiates a dynamic and militant energy. Its verses celebrate the martial spirit that is essential for defending righteousness and pursuing justice. The cosmic battles described within the text serve as metaphors for the internal struggle against ego, attachment, and moral decay—even as they evoke the tangible realities of conflict and resistance. - Transformation through Conflict:
The mythological narratives encapsulated in the Granth imply that conflict—both cosmic and personal—is essential for growth and purification. The tempestuous encounters between gods and demons mirror the inner journey of a devotee, who must wrestle with ego and ignorance to emerge spiritually victorious. In this way, the Sarbloh Granth articulates an authentic call to fight the spiritual battles of one’s life with unwavering resolve. - Integration of Divine Grace and Man’s Effort:
While the text extols the virtues of martial valor, it also affirms that true victory arises from a harmonious balance between divine grace and earnest human effort. The intricate interplay of cosmic forces reinforces the Sikh ideal that the path to liberation is navigated not by sheer physical might alone but by an enlightened inner commitment to the Divine Name.
Cultural Impact and Contemporary Relevance
- Influence on Nihang Identity:
The Sarbloh Granth remains central to the Nihang tradition, which venerates not only its martial aspects but also its deep spiritual and mythological insights. For these warriors-saints, the text is a source of inspiration and a guide for both their external engagements and internal transformations. - Allegorical Guidance for the Spiritual Seeker:
Despite its martial overtones, the mythology of the Sarbloh Granth is ultimately an allegory for the quest for inner purity and truth. Its grand narratives encourage the devotee to perceive life’s adversities as opportunities to forge a resilient spirit, one that is purified by the fires of struggle and introspection. - Bridging Tradition and Innovation:
In the contemporary context, the Granth’s mythological symbolism continues to stimulate artistic, literary, and musical expressions within Sikh culture. Its narratives have been re-interpreted in modern commentaries and artworks, ensuring that its potent imagery remains an active part of Sikh thought and tradition.
The Cosmic Allegory and the Eternal Battle
- Myth as Metaphor:
The Sarbloh Granth unfolds as an expansive cosmic drama where the struggle between light and darkness is not only external but reflects an inner spiritual war—a battle against ego, ignorance, and the corrupting allure of materialism. Its mythological narratives are rich with epic imagery, drawing on ancient Indian mythos to illustrate that the path of the true warrior is one of continual inner conquest. - Allegorical Cosmology:
The cosmic battles depicted in the text, often involving divine incarnations and demonic forces, are intended less as historical recounting and more as spiritual allegory. These narratives present the idea that each devotee must confront personal “demons” and that the ultimate victory is the triumph of a purified, awakened soul.
The Symbolism of Iron and the Elemental Forces
- Sarbloh – The All-Iron Metaphor:
The very name Sarbloh (literally “all-iron”) serves as a multilayered symbol. Iron, renowned for its strength, resilience, and unyielding character, becomes a metaphor for the ideal spiritual state—a soul tempered like steel through struggle, fire, and purification. The imagery of iron resonates with the martial ethos of Sikhism, signifying that just as iron is forged in the intense heat of the furnace, so too is a spirit purified and strengthened through adversity. - Fire and Transformation:
Closely linked with the element of iron is the motif of fire. Fire symbolizes the consuming power of divine truth that burns away impurities, revealing an inner core that is both unbreakable and luminous. This interplay of iron and fire in the Granth’s mythological imagery communicates that transformation is a process of both destruction and renewal—tearing down the illusions of the material world to allow the eternal light within to shine forth.
Integration of Martial Ethos and Spiritual Ideals
- The Warrior as the Devotee:
While the Guru Granth Sahib exudes gentle, meditative spirituality, the Sarbloh Granth speaks with the fierce clarity of a warrior’s cry. It echoes the call for Bir Ras (the spirit of the valiant) by encouraging devotees to rise above passive acceptance and engage actively in spiritual warfare. In this regard, the text not only provides mystical allegories but also practical exhortations to live courageously, protecting one’s inner integrity at all costs. - Divine Grace and Human Effort:
A significant feature of the mythology is the balanced emphasis on divine grace and personal endeavor. The Sarbloh Granth teaches that while God’s intervention is paramount, the devotee must also muster personal strength and discipline. This dual emphasis reinforces the Sikh ideal that spiritual liberation—and, by extension, worldly preservation of justice—arises from the synergy of heavenly support and the disciplined valor of human will.
Literary Devices and Poetic Imagery
- Mythopoetic Language:
The Granth employs a variety of poetic devices—metaphors, allegories, and vivid similes—to transform abstract spiritual concepts into a palette of sensory experiences. The language in the Sarbloh Granth is deliberately robust and elemental, invoking images of clashing swords, blazing fires, and molten metal, all of which contribute to a tangible sense of struggle and triumph. - Intertextual Allusions:
Its narratives borrow from and reimagine classical Sanskrit epics, infusing them with indigenous Sikh ideals. In doing so, the text bridges ancient mythological frameworks with the distinct spiritual and martial identity that emerged within Sikhism. This synthesis challenges the listener or reader to reinterpret familiar legends in a context that celebrates the sovereignty of the Divine over both personal and cosmic adversities.
Legacy and Contemporary Resonance
- Influence on Nihang Identity:
The Sarbloh Granth remains a central spiritual and literary pillar for the Nihang Sikhs—the martial order noted for its adherence to traditional Sikh iconography and battle-ready aesthetics. Its mythological narratives not only bolster their warrior identity but also infuse their rituals and aesthetics with deep spiritual symbolism, often seen in their turbans, weapons, and martial arts. - Modern Interpretations:
Beyond the traditional circles, contemporary Sikh intellectuals and artists continue to find in the Sarbloh Granth a source of inspiration for exploring themes of resistance, transformation, and resilience. Its mythic dimensions encourage reinterpretation—whether in literature, visual art, or music—ensuring that the text remains relevant as both a historical document and a living guide to overcoming modern adversities. - Spiritual Renewal through Symbolism:
The enduring mythic imagery resonates with a universal symbolism of transformation. Just as iron is continually reformed to serve essential structural purposes, so too does the Sarbloh Granth call upon cultivated inner strength to build a foundation of truth and justice, echoing eternal themes of renewal and perseverance. Concluding Reflections
The Sarbloh Granth stands as a monument to the rich mythological imagination that informs a martial strain of Sikh spirituality. Its vivid portrayal of cosmic battles, the interplay of divine energies, and the intense symbolism of iron and fire invite the devotee to consider not only the external world but also the internal realms of courage, discipline, and transcendence. While its authorship and exact historical origins continue to be subjects of scholarly debate, the enduring mythic power of the Granth is undisputed—serving as both a source of inspiration and a testament to the eternal struggle for truth and the transformative journey toward spiritual purity.
