SHABAD HAJARE PATSHAHI 10 is the title by which a complement of 10 of Guru Gobind Singh`s sabdas in the Dasam Granth is known. In the text these sabdas appear under the individual rag”as in which they have been composed, carrying no specific title as such. Shabad Hajare is also the title of a collection of seven sabdas picked from five different rag”as in the Guru Granth Sahib. They appear under this title in breviaries and form part of the daily devotions of the Sikhs. Many likewise read Shabad Hajare PatshahllO as well. What is the signification of the word ha/are is however not clear. One explanation is that the devotees traditionally believed that recitation of a single sabda of these banis earned one the merit of hazar, i.e. one thousand. Some scholars interpret the word hajare as derived from Arabic hijr, meaning separation. Since yearning for communion with the Divine is the dominant mood of these hymns, they have been titled Shabad Hajare.
In the midst of Shabad Hajare Patshal 10 occurs Guru Gobind Singh`s of tquoted poem delineating in powerful accents his ache and his longing for the Lord : Soft beds, dear Friend, beloved God, are but a torment without Thee, Residence in mansions like living among serpents. Wine goblets like the cross; the rim of wineglass like the dagger. All this, without Thee, like the keenness of a butcher`s thrust! To dwell with them in adversity is better, far better than revelry in places without Thee `. In another sabda men are exhorted to “worship not the creation, but the Creator” (verse 5). The true ascetic is one who considers his home to be his forest for meditation, who practices continence rather than sport matted hair, and who gives himself to the performance of his religious duties than to growing his nails long. “When you seize God`s feet, you will be freed from the noose of death” (verses 3,10).
References :
1. Randhir Singh, Bhai, ed., Sabdarth Dasam Granth Sahib. Patiala, 1973
2. Jaggi, Rattan Singh, Dasam Granth Parichaya. Delhi, 1990
Shabad Hajare – Divine Yearning in Sikh Hymns, a composition that encapsulates the soulful cry of separation and the relentless pursuit of union with the Divine. While various traditional accounts attribute this shabad either to the period of Guru Arjan’s heartfelt yearning or to the inspirational expressions found in the later era of Guru Gobind Singh’s compositions (often referred to in connection with Patshahi 10), its underlying message remains a timeless emblem of the devotee’s longing for God.
Historical and Devotional Context
- Attribution and Period:
Though scholarly debates persist regarding its precise authorship, many traditional exegeses present Shabad Hajare as a hymn steeped in the ethos of divine separation and reunion. In some tellings, it is linked to the period when Guru Arjan experienced a deep sense of separation from his spiritual guide—a time marked by an intense, almost aching, desire to be reunited with the Supreme. In other recensions, especially those associated with the Tenth Guru’s legacy (Patshahi 10), the shabad is seen as a clarion call to awaken the latent spiritual energy among the Sikhs, urging them to bridge the gap between the mortal and the eternal. - Devotional Practice:
The shabad functions as a spiritual invocation—its verses are recited during moments of introspection and form a core part of communal worship. Devotees encounter its themes during the closing portions of recitations (often following the traditional Bhog of the Guru Granth Sahib), where the yearning for God’s Name (Naam) sets the stage for an inward journey toward liberation.
Literary and Poetic Features
- Expressive Imagery:
The language of Shabad Hajare is imbued with deep emotional hues—it employs rich metaphors and allegories to depict the soul as a lover separated from the Beloved. The motifs of distance, longing, and eventual union are rendered in vivid terms; for example, the shabad might evoke images of a heart parched like a desert yearning for the life-giving rains or a tearful eye searching in vain for a glimpse of the Divine light. - Musicality and Structure:
Like much of Sikh devotional poetry, this shabad benefits from a carefully constructed cadence and rhythmic structure, designed to be sung in a specific musical mode. Whether recited in a plaintive melody or with the martial fervor of the Khalsa tradition, its musicality reinforces its emotive theme—transforming the abstract concept of divine yearning into an accessible, soul-stirring experience. - Economy of Expression:
Each verse is concise yet laden with meaning. The choice of words—often drawn from Sanskritic and Braj lexicons—heightens the aesthetic appeal while calling the listener to a higher state of reflection. The shabad may also incorporate subtle wordplay and riddles that invite the devotee to meditate not only on its literal content but also on its layered spiritual symbolism.
Themes of Divine Yearning
- Separation and Longing:
At its heart, Shabad Hajare speaks to the soul’s separation from the Divine. This sense of alienation, however, is not merely a lament; it is the catalyst for spiritual evolution. The pain of separation intensifies the longing, and in that very yearning, the devotee finds the drive to pursue a deeper, transformative experience with God. - Union Through Remembering God’s Name:
Integral to the shabad is the idea that the path to overcoming separation lies in the constant remembrance (simran) of God’s Name. The verses affirm that meditation on the Divine is the means by which the soul attains the bliss of union. It transforms the state of longing into one of fulfillment and eternal comfort—indicating that while the world may offer only fleeting satisfaction, the Divine provides everlasting solace. - The Role of the Guru:
In many interpretations, the shabad also underscores the indispensable role of the Guru. The Guru is not only a guide but also the very conduit through which the Divine communicates with the seeker. By following the Guru’s teachings, the devotee is equipped to navigate the path from separation to union, thereby converting the personal anguish of longing into a universal spiritual awakening.
Symbolism and Spiritual Impact
- Imagery of the Beloved and the Seeker:
The shabad likens the divine to a beloved whose presence is all-encompassing yet elusive; the devotee is the ardent lover whose every heartbeat is a plea for reunion. This metaphor resonates across diverse spiritual traditions, yet in the Sikh context, it is uniquely colored by the call to adhere to the Guru’s instructions and remain anchored in Naam. - Transformative Power of Longing:
Far from being a state of passive sorrow, divine yearning in Shabad Hajare is portrayed as a dynamic, transformative process. The emotional intensity of the shabad impels the devotee to purify the mind, renounce worldly attachments, and ultimately, achieve an inner awakening where love, sacrifice, and divine grace converge. - Contemporary Relevance:
In today’s fast-paced world, where external distractions often cloud the inner quest for meaning, Shabad Hajare remains a potent reminder of the timeless truth that spiritual fulfillment lies beyond material gains. It calls upon modern Sikhs—and spiritual seekers in general—to embrace a posture of heartfelt longing, which in turn leads to an enduring experience of divine bliss. Concluding Reflections
Shabad Hajare – Divine Yearning in Sikh Hymns is more than just a poetic composition; it is a moving testament to the transformative power of longing for God. Whether understood as a personal outpouring of Guru Arjan’s sorrow at separation or as an impassioned exhortation from Guru Gobind Singh, the shabad captures the universal human experience of desiring to be reunited with the eternal. Its lyrical beauty, potent imagery, and irresistible call to meditate on the Divine’s Name continue to inspire generations, serving as a bridge between the temporal world and the timeless realm of spiritual bliss.