Bigriyo Kabira Ram duhaaiye – Raag Bhairo – Ang 1158

SGGS Angg 1158.

Raag Bhairo – Bhagat Kabir Ji.

Bhagat Ji did not condone the hypocritical behaviour of the pandits he met in Benares. Some were very upset with Bhagat Ji’s strict adherence to Naam. They felt rituals and sacrifices were necessary to go higher spiritually. Bhagat Ji would have none of that and roundly ticked off all. In response, one of the pandits said “tu bigdiya hoya” i.e. you are spoiled beyond redemption.

Bhagat Ji said yes “I am bigdiya hoya.” The word “bigdiya” can also mean transformed/changed.
Bhagat Ji uses the word “bigdiya” in that sense, not the sense of spoilt as used by the pandits.

Bhagat Ji starts the Shabad with some examples of bigdiya – transformation.
When a stream flows into the Ganges (which you hold to be holy), it transforms and becomes part of the Ganges.

“Ganga ke sang salta bigri; so salta Ganga hoye nibri.”

Calling out the Lord’s Name Kabir has been transformed; I have become purified and do not wander anywhere else (i.e. I do not believe in rituals or sacrifices).

“Bigriyo Kabira Ram duhaaiye; Sach bheyo an kathe na jaaye” (rahao).

Continuing the theme of transformation, Kabir Ji says the sandalwood tree (which has a strong fragrance , transforms other nearby trees; other trees begin to smell like the sandalwood tree.

“Chandan ke sang tarvar bigriyo; so tarvar chandan hoye nibriyo.”

Coming into contact with the philosopher’s stone, copper is transformed; that copper gets transformed into gold.

“Paras ke sang tamba bigriyo; so tamba chandan hoye nibriyo.”

In the society of the Saints, Kabir has been transformed; Kabir has been transformed into the very image of God.

“Santan sang Kabira bigriyo; so Kabir Rameh hoye nibriyo.”

Shabad Viakhya by Bhai Manjeet Singh Ji

Shahad Kirtan available on YouTube