SIRI RAGA KI VAR, by Guru Ram Das, is one of the twenty-two vars entered in the Guru Granth Sahib. It occurs in Siri raga from which it derives its title. This raga, known for its musical grace and delicacy, is sung both in winter (January/February) and in summer (May/June), just before the rains set in, the time for recitation being a little before sunset. The Var comprises twenty-one pauns (stanzas), each preceded by two slokas—except the fourteenth, which is preceded by three slokas. Each paun comprises five lines, whereas the slokas vary in length as well as in authorship. All the pauns of the Var are by Guru Ram Das, whereas of the total forty-three slokas, seven are by Guru Nanak, two by Guru Angad, thirty-three by Guru Amar Das, and one by Guru Arjan. The Var pays homage to the One Supreme God, the sole creator and preserver of all that exists in this Universe. It is by His grace that men take to the remembrance of His Name and thus swim across the worldly ocean.
God created this earth, the sun and the moon, and the fourteen worlds. Some are blessed to earn profit and they become gurmukhs, i.e. those with their faces turned towards the Guru. Such persons become liberated and suffer no more in the cycle of transmigration. Belief in the existence of God, love for Him, recitation of His Name, and realization of God as the ultimate end of human life are some of the points on which the Var lays emphasis. Love other than that of God is transient, and it leads one to disappointment.
Apart from the spiritual and theological problems that this Var takes up, it refers to some social problems as well. Equality of men is the basic value. What determines a man’s social status is not his birth in a particular caste but his good or bad deeds. Pride in caste is sheer vanity. God protects all irrespective of their caste or creed. Guru Nanak denounces untouchability as well as the hypocrisy of the so-called “twice-born” who draw a line around their kitchen to exclude pollution but have not cleansed their hearts of the vices.
A man who pretends piety while carrying evil in his heart is severely condemned. Man is adjured to choose the moral path. Thus will one overcome ego—the main stumbling block in the way of the realization of Truth. The last stanza of the Var affords a revelatory glimpse. The Guru, who calls himself a dhadi or bard engaged in panegyricizing God, has visited the Divine Portal and there received from Him the gift of the True Name.
References:
- Sabadarth Sri Guru Granth Sahib. Amritsar, 1959
- Ainole, S.S., Bai Varan Satik. Amritsar, 1944
- Narain Singh, Giani, Bai Varan Satik. Amritsar, 1975
- Bishan Singh, Giani, Tika Bai Varan. Amritsar, n.d.
Siri Raga Ki Var: A Deep Exploration of Devotional Melody and Sacred Teachings
Siri Raga Ki Var is one of the twenty-two vars found in the Guru Granth Sahib, composed by Guru Ram Das. The Var is set in the musical mode of Siri raga—a mode celebrated for its grace, delicacy, and emotional subtlety. Here, we delve into its historical context, poetic structure, and the layers of spiritual insight it continues to offer.
Historical and Musical Context
- Authorship and Placement:
Siri Raga Ki Var is attributed entirely to Guru Ram Das, the fourth Sikh Guru, who played a formative role in the development of Sikh devotional music and liturgy. Its inclusion among the vars of the Guru Granth Sahib marks it as a central component of Sikh hymnody. Traditionally, this Var is sung during specific seasonal phases: it is performed both in the winter months (January/February) and in the summer (May/June) just before the rains arrive. The precise timing of recitation—typically a little before sunset—underscores its meditative and transitional character. - Musical Attributes:
The var is set to Siri raga, known for its vibrancy yet refined tone. In Sikh tradition, the chosen raga not only shapes the melody but also intensifies the emotional and spiritual ambiance of the hymn. In Siri Raga Ki Var, the raga’s inherent qualities help evoke a sense of yearning, calm reflection, and introspection—preparing the devotee for the all-important remembrance of the Divine.
Poetic Structure and Composition
- Stanza Arrangement:
Siri Raga Ki Var is structured into twenty-one pauns (stanzas), each paun formatted with five lines. Uniquely, every paun (with the exception of the fourteenth, which is preceded by three slokas) is headed by two slokas. These introductory slokas vary in length and, in some cases, in authorship—complementing the dominant voice of Guru Ram Das with contributions from Guru Nanak, Guru Angad, Guru Amar Das, and Guru Arjan. This intermingling of voices enriches the Var, linking the spiritual continuum across the Sikh Gurus. - Literary Craftsmanship:
The language of the Var is resplendent with lyrical beauty and vibrant imagery. Drawing from the classical idiom of Braj along with robust Sanskrit tatsama terms, the Var’s diction exemplifies the poetic excellence of Guru Ram Das. Its structure is both regular and nuanced, creating a rhythm that mirrors the steady flow of devotional meditation. The interplay of slokas and pauns guides the reader or listener through layers of philosophical reflection, each segment reinforcing the central vein of divine remembrance.
Thematic and Spiritual Dimensions
- Homage to the Supreme Creator:
The overarching theme of Siri Raga Ki Var is a tribute to the One Supreme God—the sole creator and preserver of the universe. The Var underscores that it is solely by God’s grace that individuals are drawn to and sustained by the remembrance (Simran) of His Name. This divine remembrance is portrayed as the means by which one crosses the turbulent, ever-changing “worldly ocean,” transforming worldly struggles into a journey toward liberation. - Eternal Truth and Transcendence:
The Var places significant emphasis on the realization that the material world is transient—an ever-shifting domain from which liberation demands a focused spiritual effort. Guru Ram Das extols the virtues of faith, sincerity, and the constant recitation of God’s Name, urging the devotee to rise above the ephemeral allure of the world. In doing so, the hymn speaks to a timeless spiritual truth: while the external world is in constant flux, the internal connection with the Divine remains a steadfast anchor. - Social and Moral Insights:
Beyond its theological affirmations, the Var also engages with social ethics. It explicitly upholds the equality of humanity by insisting that social status is determined not by birth—but by one’s deeds and moral conduct. By critiquing the vanity of caste distinctions and celebratory piety that lacks substance, the Var reinforces that adherence to divine virtues is paramount. The message is clear: overcoming ego and misguided attachments is essential to the realization of truth. - Union through Devotion:
Ultimately, Siri Raga Ki Var is a call to transform the yearning for the Divine into a lived reality. It advocates for the immersion in the sacred act of remembering God’s Name, which, in turn, extinguishes the flames of separation and ignites the passion for union with the Ultimate. The inner journey described in the Var is as much about cleansing the heart as it is about attaining eternal bliss.
Enduring Legacy and Contemporary Relevance
- Liturgical Significance:
For the Sikh community, Siri Raga Ki Var remains a vital part of communal worship and personal introspection. Its recitation in the prescribed seasonal and daily rhythms keeps its ancient wisdom alive, guiding devotees in maintaining a continuous connection with the Divine. - Timeless Inspiration:
The Var’s poetic elegance, moral clarity, and spiritual depth continue to inspire both traditional practitioners and contemporary seekers. In a world often distracted by the fleeting, the Var serves as a reminder to focus on that which is eternal—guiding hearts to the realization that true liberation lies in heartfelt devotion and remembrance. - Cultural Resonance:
The messages embedded in Siri Raga Ki Var resonate beyond spiritual circles into broader cultural and ethical discussions. Its call for equality, moral responsibility, and inner transformation speaks to universal values that remain relevant across time and society. Concluding Reflections
Siri Raga Ki Var by Guru Ram Das is much more than a devotional hymn—it is a multilayered tapestry interweaving music, poetry, and spiritual wisdom. Its meticulous structure and rich symbolism invite the devotee to engage deeply with the text, transforming the act of recitation into a meditative journey toward union with the Divine. In articulating the timeless truths of divine creation, prescribed conduct, and the path to liberation, the Var continues to serve as both a beacon and a guide for those navigating the complexities of existence with a yearning heart.
