Aavho bhaine galh milhe ankk sahelhriya – Raag Sri Raag – Ang 17

SGGS Angg 17.

Raag Sri Raag M.1

The Puratan and the Meherban Janamsakhis say Guru Nanak Dev Ji went to Pakpattan. There, Guru Ji met Shaikh Ibrahim who was the Pir sitting on the gaddi of Sheikh Fareed Ji. Guru Ji met Shaikh Ibrahim outside the town and the Shaikh posed many questions to Guru Ji. There was a gurdwara at the place where this meeting took place known as Gurdwara Nanak Tibba. It is now in ruins. The final question from the Shaikh was about Dhur Ki Bani – Divine Revelations to the Saints. Guru Ji replied with two Sloks found at Angg 1291.

1.”Dhan so kagaad kalam dhan dhan bhanda dhan mass; dhan Lekhari Nanaka jin Naam likhaeiya Sach.”

2. “Aape Patti Kalam Aap Upar Lekh bhi Tu; Eko kahiye Nanaka dujja kahe ku.”

The Shaikh was satisfied beyond doubt as to the Divinity of Guru Ji. He was fascinated and willingly handed the Bani of Sheikh Fareed Ji to Guru Nanak Dev Ji, which Bani is lovingly present in SGGS Ji.

From Pakpattan, Guru Ji proceeded to Multan. Multan had many Pirs and they were proud that they lived in a town where there were holy men. Guru Ji and Bhai Mardana Ji sat outside the town. Soon many ordinary people flocked to meet Guru Ji and asked many questions about the spiritual path.

The Pirs of Multan were aghast. They sent a bowl full to the brim with milk to Guru Ji. The implied message was that Multan was already full to the brim with holy persons and Guru Ji was not welcome. Guru Ji placed a jasmine petal upon the full bowl of milk and it was returned to the Pirs without overflowing. The Pirs got the message that the Guru was not interested in their bowl of milk but there was always place for the fragrance of Naam anywhere in the world.

The Pirs rushed to meet the Guru. Among them was Shaikh Bahauddin Makdum who sat on the spiritual seat of the famous saint Bahauddin Zakaria (b.1171).

After some initial discussion, the Sheikh moved forward to prostrate at Guru Ji’s feet. Guru Ji stopped him midway and the janamsakhis say Guru Ji expressed this Shabad.
(the sakhis are given to give some historical reference and traditional views. The Shabad is however Immortal, and applies forever to all at every place.).

Come my sister (soul brides) let us hug each other in loving respectful embrace; and let us join together and speak Stories of our All Powerful Husband Lord; all Virtues flow from Him, while all demerits (mistakes, sins) are ours.

“Aavho bhaine galh milhe ankk sahelhriya; mil ke kare Kahaniya Samrath Kantt kiya; Sache Sahib sabh Gunn auggan sabh assah.”

O Creator Lord, everything is within Your Power; I dwell (reflect) upon the Shabad of the One Lord. When You are there, what need can I have for any other.?

“Karta sabh ko Tere jor; Ek Shabad bichariye ja Tu ta kya hor.”(rahao).

Go, ask the happily wedded soul brides “what Attributes did you adopt that the Lord Sports with you?; (they answer ) we were decorated (by Him) with loving peace and contentment and polite (sweet and humble) speech; our Husband, the Source of All Bliss only meets when one heeds the Words of the Guru’s Shabad.

“Jaaye pucho Suhagni tussi raviya kinni gunni; sahaj santokh shingariya mitha bolni; Pir Risaalu ta milhe ja Gur ka Shabad sunni.”

You have countless Creative Powers O Lord and Your Bountiful Blessings are Great; countless are Your created beings singing Your Praises, day and night; You have countless Forms and Colors, so many classes, high and low.

“Ketiya Teri kudrati kevad Teri Daat; kete Tere jee jantt sifat kare din raat; kete Tere roop rang kete jaat ajaat.”

Meeting the True One, Truth wells up, the truthful ones merge into the True Lord; when inner enlightenment about God is bestowed, one receives honor. It is through the Guru’s Word that one lives in awe of God; Nanak says, the True King Himself blends us with Himself.

“Sach milhe Sach upjhe Sach me Saach samaaiye; surat hovay patt ugvay Gurbachni bhao khaaiye; Nanak Sacha Paatshah Aape leh milaaiye.”

Shabad Viakhya by Bhai Manjeet Singh Ji

Shabad Kirtan available on YouTube