SUKHMAM SAHANSARNAMA (PARAMARAIH), by Sodhi Hariji, is a commentary in prose on Sukhmani Sahansarnama, a poetic composition by his father, Sodhi Miharban, containing 30 astpadis or 8 stanza compositions in the style of Guru Arjan`s Sukhmani. The term `Paramarath` in the title denotes explanation or exposition to distinguish this work from the original text by Sodhi Miharban. Beginning with an invocation to Sri ThakurJi (Lord Krsna), the original work subscribes to the Vaisnavite theory of incarnation against the monotheistic nirguna doctrine of the Gurus.
Hariji in his commentary expands the mythological account of the various incarnations of God, with elaborate details of the exploits of Lord Rama and Lord Krsna mentioned in the 23rd and 25th astpadis respectively of the original composition.The work is also sometimes referred to as Chaiibis Avutaran di Pothi or the Book of Twenty-four Incarnations. According to internal evidence, the work was commenced in 1646 and completed probably in two years.
Its language is old Hindi or Hindavi which was in vogue among professional preachers and priests of those days. However, biographical passages, wherever they occur, are in chaste Punjabi and provide typical specimens of contemporary Punjabi prose, with a poetic flourish. The work has not yet been published. Three manuscript copies are preserved in the Central Public Library at Patiala, under catalogue numbers 692, 1904 and 2914.
Ancient Sukhmani Sahansarnama Commentary: Unveiling Layers of Devotional Exegesis
The ancient commentary on Sukhmani Sahansarnama, known in tradition as Sukhmam Sahansarnama (Paramaraih), represents a remarkable early effort to unpack and elaborate upon the mystical verses of Sukhmani composed in the style of Guru Arjan. This prose commentary was composed by Sodhi Hariji, whose work serves not only as an explanation of his father Sodhi Miharban’s poetic composition but also as a window into the vibrant devotional and theological debates of seventeenth-century Sikhism.
Historical and Literary Context
Beginning in 1646 and likely completed within a couple of years, the commentary was crafted during a period when devotional literature flourished among professional preachers and priests. Its language—old Hindi or Hindavi—reflects the linguistic milieu of that time, while interspersed biographical passages remain in chaste Punjabi, echoing the refined style of contemporary Sikh prose. Written at a time when the nascent Sikh community was still shaping its doctrinal contours, this commentary provides early insights into the ways in which the divine mysteries of the Gurus were interpreted and disseminated.
Structure and Content
The original Sukhmani Sahansarnama is a poetic composition consisting of 30 astpadis (or eight-stanza compositions), mirroring the metrical style that Guru Arjan had perfected in his Sukhmani. In his commentary, Hariji uses clear, didactic prose to offer an exposition of the verses, thereby distinguishing his work with the term “Paramaraih,” which denotes explanation or exposition.
Key aspects of the commentary include:
- Invocation and Vaisnavite Themes:
Hariji opens with an invocation to Sri ThakurJi (Lord Krishna), situating the text within a broader Vaisnavite framework. This stands in contrast to the purely monotheistic or nirguna understanding found in later Guru-centric discourses, highlighting an early contestation between incarnational and transcendental modes of understanding the Divine. - Exposition of Incarnation Myths:
One of the most intriguing facets of the work is its elaborate mythological expansion. Hariji delves into the narratives of divine incarnations, providing in-depth accounts of heroes such as Lord Rama and Lord Krishna—especially in the 23rd and 25th astpadis of the original poem. His commentary not only reinforces the poetic imagery but also connects these mythic episodes to spiritual lessons for the devotee. - Theological Reflections:
Throughout the commentary, the text grapples with the dual themes of immanence and transcendence. It endeavors to explain how the Divine manifests in the world while also pointing to the need for a personal relationship with the Guru and the importance of devotional practice. Spiritual and Cultural Significance
The ancient commentary on Sukhmani Sahansarnama is much more than an academic exercise in exegesis—it functions as a devotional guide. Hariji’s work works to render esoteric metaphors and mystical symbols accessible to the faithful, urging them to see the divine play in the cosmic narrative of incarnations and miracles. In doing so, he captures the essence of early Sikh hermeneutics, where the interplay of poetic language and doctrinal commentary helped shape communal identity.
Although the work remains unpublished in a critical edition, three manuscript copies of Sukhmam Sahansarnama (Paramaraih) are preserved in the Central Public Library at Patiala (catalogue numbers 692, 1904, and 2914). These manuscripts are invaluable—they offer scholars the opportunity to study the linguistic, theological, and cultural layers that have informed early Sikh exegesis.
