SORATHI KI VAR, or Ragu Sorathi Var Mahale Chauthe KI as is the full title recorded at the head of the text in the Guru Granth Sahib contrasting the short title in the index, is one of the eight vars composed by Guru Ram Das. It comprises twenty-nine pauris, i.e. stanzas of five verses each, interspersed with fifty-eight slokas three of them being by Guru Nanak, one by Guru Angad, forty-seven by Guru Amar Das and seven by Guru Ram Das, the author of the Var. The Var opens with Guru Nanak`s line: “sorathi sada suhavani je sacha mani hoi agreeable always (to sing) is Raga Sorathi provided one`s mind is to truth attuned” (GG, 642).
The concluding stanza begins with the line : “tu karan karan samrathu hahi karate mai tujh binu avaru na kol Thou, CreatorLord, art the Cause of causes ; for me there is none other besides Thee” (GG, 653). This is the running theme of the Var. The Supreme Being is the Creator of all that exists ; all creation is His manifestation. From Him is the True Name which is all pervading. He is the dispenser of grace. Union with Him is achieved through company of the holy satsangat but by His grace alone will one be so disposed.
Man should take to repeating the True Name which would make him worthy of God`s favour. Subject of critical notice are the rulers of the day and those others given to luxurious ways caring little for the common man. “The Creator among the terms used for him by Guru Ram Das are Hari and Brahm is conceived as both formless and without attributes (nirguna) and with attributes (saguna). He is die ultimate and absolute truth. He is the Creator, the creation and the creature all in one.
He is both the cause and the effect. The world moves at His will. He is the Giver, the Best ower, the Friend. He is the Ultimate Bliss. In merging back into the Divine Essence lies the liberation of the human soul.
But man`s haumai, the finite ego, keeps him in bondage thwarting his spiritual instinct.The contrasting tendencies mark the conflict upon which the theme of a var is characteristically built. In the slokas added to the Var by Guru Arjan, who prepared the first recension of the Scripture, the parallelism is maintained and manmukhs (the self willed) are placed in juxtaposition to gurmukhs (those who follow the Guru`s teaching). The former afflicted by ego remain engrossed with the mundane while the latter quaff the nectar of the Lord`s Word ; the former find neither post nor protection, while the latter rejoice attached to the Guru`s feet; the former enticed by maya are consumed away by worldly allurement while the latter in the true Name absorbed are saved.
Such devotees are befriended by God himself, says a sloka. God is in their power and they are the same. Totally, the Var is a fine specimen of poetry of spiritual devotion.
References :
1. Sabadarth Sri Guru Granth Sahib. Amritsar, 1975
2. Amole, S.S., Bah Varan Satik. Amritsar, 1944
3. Narain Singh, Giani, Bani Varan Satik. Amritsar, 1975
4. Bishan Singh, Giani, TIka Bai Varan.
Historical and Liturgical Context
- Authorship and Placement:
Sorathi Ki Var is one of the eight vars composed by Guru Ram Das, the fourth Sikh Guru, and is recorded in the Guru Granth Sahib under its full title, “Ragu Sorathi Var Mahale Chauthe Ki.” Although its index may show a shorter title, the complete designation emphasizes its significance in the Sikh literary and devotional tradition. - Musical Backdrop:
In Sikh scripture, vars are not merely poetic texts but are intended for musical recitation. Sorathi Ki Var is set in a specific raga, which imbues the hymn with both solemnity and grace. This musical framework facilitates an inner meditative state, inviting the devotee to experience the presence of the Divine through each note and rhythmic cadence. - Integration of Inter-Guru Contributions:
While the primary composition is the work of Guru Ram Das, the var is interspersed with slokas from earlier and contemporary Gurus—namely, three by Guru Nanak, one by Guru Angad, forty-seven by Guru Amar Das, and seven by Guru Ram Das himself. This intermingling exemplifies the cumulative nature of Sikh spiritual heritage, where each Guru’s voice builds upon and reinforces the timeless message of devotion, unity, and dedication to the Divine Name.
Poetic Structure and Literary Craftsmanship
- Pauri Organization:
Sorathi Ki Var is organized into twenty-nine pauris (stanzas), with each pauri consisting of five verses. The systematic arrangement of these pauris enables a gradual and deep exploration of themes—from the exaltation of the Supreme to meditations on the human condition and the process of spiritual transformation. Interleaved among these pauris are various slokas, serving as concise devotional couplets that provide both lyrical commentary and rhythmic pauses, enhancing the var’s meditative quality. - Language and Expression:
The composition employs a richly layered language, predominantly in Punjabi, and is enriched with tatsama (borrowed directly) and tadbhav (derived) words from Sanskrit, Persian, and Braj. This fusion of linguistic elements not only reflects the historical cross-cultural interactions of the region but also imbues the text with a multifaceted poetic texture. The measured metre and refined imagery combine to create verses that resonate emotionally and intellectually with the devotee.
Theological and Philosophical Themes
- Celebration of the Supreme Creator:
At its core, Sorathi Ki Var is a hymn of praise to the Supreme Being—the Creator and Sustainer of all the universes. It expresses the idea that every creation is a manifestation of the Divine, and that the eternal True Name (Naam) sustains the entire cosmos. This message calls on the devotee to continually meditate on God’s Name, which in turn purifies the soul and bridges the gap between the temporal and the eternal. - Union Through Devotion:
The var underscores that union with the Divine is achievable through steadfast devotion and the constant remembrance of God’s Name. Rather than isolated ascetic practices, the text advocates for an all-encompassing awareness of the Divine presence in daily life. The message is clear—a devotee’s inner transformation, achieved by dissolving the ego and focusing on the Divine within, leads to spiritual emancipation. - Human Agency and Divine Grace:
While extolling the omnipotence of the Creator, Sorathi Ki Var also highlights the indispensability of human effort. The balance between self-effort—through acts of humility, ethical conduct, and spiritual discipline—and divine grace forms the cornerstone of the var’s message. It is only by aligning one’s personal will with the unfathomable grace of the Divine that one can truly experience liberation. - Contrast of the Self-Willed and the Devotee:
In some slokas, later contributions from Gurus such as Guru Amar Das and Guru Arjan further delineate the contrast between the manmukh (the self-willed who follow their own desires) and the gurmukh (those who orient their lives toward the Guru and the Divine). This contrast reinforces the message that the path to union with God is not paved by personal ambition but by surrender and the constant recollection of the Divine.
Ethical and Cosmological Outlook
- Moral Imperatives:
Interwoven with its theological insights, Sorathi Ki Var is also a call to ethical living. The var consistently encourages humility, selflessness, and righteous conduct as essential aspects of the spiritual journey. By situating human life within the larger cosmic order, it emphasizes that personal liberation is intertwined with moral rectitude and the active renunciation of ego. - Cosmic Unity and Universal Brotherhood:
The hymn paints a panoramic picture of a universe that is deeply interconnected. It reminds the devotee that every particle, every being, and every realm of existence is tied together by the presence of the Divine. This cosmic unity fosters a sense of universal brotherhood, which is a central tenet of Sikh philosophy. When one meditates on the Divine Name, one not only uplifts oneself but also contributes to a harmonious and just cosmic order.
Contemporary Relevance and Practice
- Spiritual Inspiration:
In modern Sikh devotional practice, Sorathi Ki Var continues to inspire with its rich imagery and profound spiritual insights. Its emphasis on inner transformation through the remembrance of God’s Name provides a counterpoint to the materialistic distractions of contemporary life, inviting practitioners to ground themselves in a higher reality. - Integration in Daily Worship:
Recitation of the var remains an integral part of Sikh liturgy. Whether chanted during communal gatherings or meditated upon in solitude, its verses serve as a potent reminder of the timeless values of devotion, humility, and self-realization. In today’s fast-paced world, the call to align one’s inner self with the eternal rhythm of the cosmos is both a soothing balm and a transformative challenge. Concluding Reflections
Sorathi Ki Var by Guru Ram Das stands as a masterful synthesis of musical artistry, poetic elegance, and deep spiritual wisdom. By guiding the devotee through a structured journey of 29 pauris, the var not only extols the grandeur of the Creator and the sanctity of the Divine Name but also charts the ethical and metaphysical course toward spiritual liberation. Its layered messages—extolling unity, transcending the transient, and nurturing inner devotion—continue to resonate within the hearts of devotees, reinforcing the timeless Sikh commitment to the eternal quest for union with the Supreme.
