Bhatt-Sawaiyye-Sawaiyye Mehle Pehle Ke
(SGGS Anggs 1389-1390)
As one observes the numbering of the Bhatt Sawaiyye, from Anggs 1389-till 1409, we find there are 11 Bhatts.
Although Bhai Santokh Singh, and Bhai Vir Singh put the number as 17 Bhatts, and Pandit Kartar Singh Dakha at 19, the numbering of the Bhatt Sawaiyye, put in by Guru Arjun Dev Ji makes the count as 11 Bhatts.
The confusion probably arose because the Bhatts used to sing in chorus and used the name of their leader in the Sawaiyye’s.
Moreover, the Bhatts used more than one pen name in their Sawaiyye. Bhatt Jalap Ji for example, calls himself as Jalapa, Jal. Bhatt Kalasahar is also known as Kal, Kalh and Talh, Bhatt Nalh as Nal and Bhatt Salh as Sal.
The Bhatts were Saintly, and searched for the Sharan of a Satguru to get complete fulfillment. As Bhatt Bhikha Ji says in his Sawaiyye in Praise of Guru Amardas Ji, they had been in search for a True Guru and had met many so called sadhus, hermits, sanyasees, ascetics, penitents, and pandits. All of these persons spoke sweet words, but despite their search extending over 1 year, none could stir the Bhatts internally. Many spoke of their spiritual prowess and powers, but their lifestyle and conduct did not appeal to the Bhatts.
These persons had abandoned the Path of the Lord’s Name and attached themselves to materialism and self enrichment. The Bhatts would not bring themselves to sing the praises of such wayward ones. Bhatt Bhikha Ji says in conclusion, the Merciful Lord led us to meet the Shabad Guru, Guru Amardas Ji, and I now live in Guru Ji’s Will, and as He pleases to keep me, I remain.
This Sawaiyya gives us such an important focus and the mindset of the Bhatts. The Bhatts had a very strong background of Hinduism and its Scriptures. They were well aware of the Avatars of Vishnu, especially the lore surrounding the Avatars of Ramchandar Ji and Krishna Ji.
As the above Sawaiyya shows, they were aware of the Sovereignty of Naam, and after they met Guru Amardas Ji, their focus was on the One, Formless, All Pervading Lord, who is Ajooni, who is Akal, beyond time, space and destruction. Thus, when the Bhatts write their Sawaiyye, they always start with Praise of One Nirankar Ji.
Then they proceed to sing the Praises of the Satgurus and their Guru Jote, and use Hindu mythological descriptions of Ramchandar Ji and Krishna Ji to describe God and the Satgurus.
Since the Satgurus were completely merged into God, they were beyond time, space and destruction too. The true form of the Satgurus was their Bani, the Guru Shabad and there is amazing Praise of this form. The present continuous tense is used in all Sawaiyye as the Satgurus (Shabad Roop) are forever alive.
The Sawaiyye Mehle Pehle Ke are by Bhatt Kalasahar Ji. These 10 Sawaiyye start with an Invocation to God. One should meditate single-mindedly upon the Primal Lord God, the Bestower of Blessings. He is always the Helper and Support of all that is manifest (all creation). Grasp his Feet (Bani) and enshrine them in your heart. Then, sing too of the Glorious Praises of the most exalted Guru Nanak Ji.
“ੴ ਸਤਿਗੁਰ ਪ੍ਰਸਾਦਿ ॥
One Universal Creator God. By The Grace Of The True Guru:
ਇਕ ਮਨਿ ਪੁਰਖੁ ਧਿਆਇ ਬਰਦਾਤਾ ॥
Meditate single-mindedly on the Primal Lord God, the Bestower of blessings.
ਸੰਤ ਸਹਾਰੁ ਸਦਾ ਬਿਖਿਆਤਾ ॥
He is the Helper and Support of the Saints, manifest forever.
ਤਾਸੁ ਚਰਨ ਲੇ ਰਿਦੈ ਬਸਾਵਉ ॥
Grasp His Feet and enshrine them in your heart.
ਤਉ ਪਰਮ ਗੁਰੂ ਨਾਨਕ ਗੁਨ ਗਾਵਉ ॥੧॥
Then, let us sing the Glorious Praises of the most exalted Guru Nanak. ||1||”
The 2nd Pada mentions many others who sing the Praises of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, who ferries others across the world ocean by means of the Shabad.
Wise beings, devas like Indra, Saints like Prahlad Ji and many others sing Praises of the Guru.
Kal (Kalasahar) the poet too sings the sublime Praises of Guru Nanak Ji, who lives in Raj Yog (where one is connected to God always, and rules over the entire world).
“ਗਾਵਉ ਗੁਨ ਪਰਮ ਗੁਰੂ ਸੁਖ ਸਾਗਰ ਦੁਰਤ ਨਿਵਾਰਣ ਸਬਦ ਸਰੇ ॥
I sing the Glorious Praises of the most exalted Guru Nanak, the Ocean of peace, the Eradicator of sins, the sacred pool of the Shabad, the Word of God.
ਗਾਵਹਿ ਗੰਭੀਰ ਧੀਰ ਮਤਿ ਸਾਗਰ ਜੋਗੀ ਜੰਗਮ ਧਿਆਨੁ ਧਰੇ ॥
The beings of deep and profound understanding, oceans of wisdom, sing of Him; the Yogis and wandering hermits meditate on Him.
ਗਾਵਹਿ ਇੰਦ੍ਰਾਦਿ ਭਗਤ ਪ੍ਰਹਿਲਾਦਿਕ ਆਤਮ ਰਸੁ ਜਿਨਿ ਜਾਣਿਓ ॥
Indra and devotees like Prahlaad, who know the joy of the soul, sing of Him.
ਕਬਿ ਕਲ ਸੁਜਸੁ ਗਾਵਉ ਗੁਰ ਨਾਨਕ ਰਾਜੁ ਜੋਗੁ ਜਿਨਿ ਮਾਣਿਓ ॥੨॥
KAL the poet sings the Sublime Praises of Guru Nanak, who enjoys mastery of Raja Yoga, the Yoga of meditation and success. ||2||”
In Pada no. 3, the Bhatt Ji says, Janak and other blessed beings, Sanak, Bhagat Dhoma the Seer, Bhagat Dhru Ji and others who did Prema Bhagti (ਭਗਤਿ ਭਾਇ) sing Guru Ji’s Praises. The 3rd Pada again mentions that Guru Nanak Ji enjoys the Mastery of Raj Yog.
“ਗਾਵਹਿ ਜਨਕਾਦਿ ਜੁਗਤਿ ਜੋਗੇਸੁਰ ਹਰਿ ਰਸ ਪੂਰਨ ਸਰਬ ਕਲਾ ॥
King Janak and the great Yogic heroes of the Lord’s Way, sing the Praises of the All-powerful Primal Being, filled with the sublime essence of the Lord.
ਗਾਵਹਿ ਸਨਕਾਦਿ ਸਾਧ ਸਿਧਾਦਿਕ ਮੁਨਿ ਜਨ ਗਾਵਹਿ ਅਛਲ ਛਲਾ ॥
Sanak and Brahma’s sons, the Saadhus and Siddhas, the silent sages and humble servants of the Lord sing the Praises of Guru Nanak, who cannot be deceived by the great deceiver.
ਗਾਵੈ ਗੁਣ ਧੋਮੁ ਅਟਲ ਮੰਡਲਵੈ ਭਗਤਿ ਭਾਇ ਰਸੁ ਜਾਣਿਓ ॥
Dhoma the seer and Dhroo, whose realm is unmoving, sing the Glorious Praises of Guru Nanak, who knows the ecstasy of loving devotional worship.
ਕਬਿ ਕਲ ਸੁਜਸੁ ਗਾਵਉ ਗੁਰ ਨਾਨਕ ਰਾਜੁ ਜੋਗੁ ਜਿਨਿ ਮਾਣਿਓ ॥੩॥
KAL the poet sings the Sublime Praises of Guru Nanak, who enjoys mastery of Raja Yoga. ||3||”
Pada no. 4 says Sage Kapil, Parasram, the son of Sage Jamdagan, and Bhagats, Udho, Akrur, and Bidar, Sing Praises of Guru Nanak Ji. Pada no. 4, too concludes with Praises of Guru Nanak Ji as Master of Raj Yog.
“ਗਾਵਹਿ ਕਪਿਲਾਦਿ ਆਦਿ ਜੋਗੇਸੁਰ ਅਪਰੰਪਰ ਅਵਤਾਰ ਵਰੋ ॥
Kapila and the other Yogis sing of Guru Nanak. He is the Avataar, the Incarnation of the Infinite Lord.
ਗਾਵੈ ਜਮਦਗਨਿ ਪਰਸਰਾਮੇਸੁਰ ਕਰ ਕੁਠਾਰੁ ਰਘੁ ਤੇਜੁ ਹਰਿਓ ॥
Parasraam the son of Jamdagan, whose axe and powers were taken away by Raghuvira, sing of Him.
ਉਧੌ ਅਕ੍ਰੂਰੁ ਬਿਦਰੁ ਗੁਣ ਗਾਵੈ ਸਰਬਾਤਮੁ ਜਿਨਿ ਜਾਣਿਓ ॥
Udho, Akrur and Bidur sing the Glorious Praises of Guru Nanak, who knows the Lord, the Soul of All.
ਕਬਿ ਕਲ ਸੁਜਸੁ ਗਾਵਉ ਗੁਰ ਨਾਨਕ ਰਾਜੁ ਜੋਗੁ ਜਿਨਿ ਮਾਣਿਓ ॥੪॥
KAL the poet sings the Sublime Praises of Guru Nanak, who enjoys mastery of Raja Yoga. ||4||”
Pada no. 5 states the four castes, the six Shastras, Brahma and others contemplate on the Glories of Guru Nanak Ji. Shekhnag with his thousand heads, Mahadev and others sing the Glories of Guru Nanak Ji who enjoys Mastery of Raj Yog.
“ਗਾਵਹਿ ਗੁਣ ਬਰਨ ਚਾਰਿ ਖਟ ਦਰਸਨ ਬ੍ਰਹਮਾਦਿਕ ਸਿਮਰੰਥਿ ਗੁਨਾ ॥
The four castes and the six Shaastras sing His Glorious Praises; Brahma and the others contemplate His Virtues.
ਗਾਵੈ ਗੁਣ ਸੇਸੁ ਸਹਸ ਜਿਹਬਾ ਰਸ ਆਦਿ ਅੰਤਿ ਲਿਵ ਲਾਗਿ ਧੁਨਾ ॥
The thousand-tongued serpent king sings His Praises with delight, remaining lovingly attached to Him.
ਗਾਵੈ ਗੁਣ ਮਹਾਦੇਉ ਬੈਰਾਗੀ ਜਿਨਿ ਧਿਆਨ ਨਿਰੰਤਰਿ ਜਾਣਿਓ ॥
Shiva, detached and beyond desire, sings the Glorious Praises of Guru Nanak, who knows the Lord’s endless meditation.
ਕਬਿ ਕਲ ਸੁਜਸੁ ਗਾਵਉ ਗੁਰ ਨਾਨਕ ਰਾਜੁ ਜੋਗੁ ਜਿਨਿ ਮਾਣਿਓ ॥੫॥
KAL the poet sings the Sublime Praises of Guru Nanak, who enjoys mastery of Raja Yoga. ||5||”
Pada no. 6 says, Guru Nanak Ji merged into the Lord within his own heart. The world is saved by Naam which emanates from the Guru’s deep inner self. Sanak, Janak and others, age after age sing Guru Ji’s Praises. Blessed, Blessed is the coming of the Guru, who delights in Naam, and enjoys mastery over Raj Yog.
“ਰਾਜੁ ਜੋਗੁ ਮਾਣਿਓ ਬਸਿਓ ਨਿਰਵੈਰੁ ਰਿਦੰਤਰਿ ॥
He mastered Raja Yoga, and enjoys sovereignty over both worlds; the Lord, beyond hate and revenge, is enshrined within His Heart.
ਸ੍ਰਿਸਟਿ ਸਗਲ ਉਧਰੀ ਨਾਮਿ ਲੇ ਤਰਿਓ ਨਿਰੰਤਰਿ ॥
The whole world is saved, and carried across, chanting the Naam, the Name of the Lord.
ਗੁਣ ਗਾਵਹਿ ਸਨਕਾਦਿ ਆਦਿ ਜਨਕਾਦਿ ਜੁਗਹ ਲਗਿ ॥
Sanak and Janak and the others sing His Praises, age after age.
ਧੰਨਿ ਧੰਨਿ ਗੁਰੁ ਧੰਨਿ ਜਨਮੁ ਸਕਯਥੁ ਭਲੌ ਜਗਿ ॥
Blessed, blessed, blessed and fruitful is the sublime birth of the Guru into the world.
ਪਾਤਾਲ ਪੁਰੀ ਜੈਕਾਰ ਧੁਨਿ ਕਬਿ ਜਨ ਕਲ ਵਖਾਣਿਓ ॥
Even in the nether regions, His Victory is celebrated; so says KAL the poet.
ਹਰਿ ਨਾਮ ਰਸਿਕ ਨਾਨਕ ਗੁਰ ਰਾਜੁ ਜੋਗੁ ਤੈ ਮਾਣਿਓ ॥੬॥
You are blessed with the Nectar of the Lord’s Name, O Guru Nanak; You have mastered Raja Yoga, and enjoy sovereignty over both worlds. ||6||”
In Pada no. 7, Bhatt Kalasahar Ji sees no difference between God and Guru Nanak Dev Ji as Guru Ji is the very Embodiment of all Godliness. Thus, Bhatt Ji says, it was You, Guru Nanak Dev Ji who manifested in Sat Yug, to deceive Raja Bal, and in Treta Yug, it was You who were known as Ramchandar Ji of the Raghu dynasty, and in the Dwapar age, it was You who was Krishna, who killed Mur the demon, and saved Kans.
You saved Ugarsain and blessed other Saintly ones with fearlessness. In the age of Kalyug, You manifested as Nanak Ji (Shabad Roop), and were later known as Guru Angad Ji and Guru Amardas Ji. As the Lord has Commanded, the Sovereign Rule of Guru Nanak Ji is Permanent and Eternal.
“ਸਤਜੁਗਿ ਤੈ ਮਾਣਿਓ ਛਲਿਓ ਬਲਿ ਬਾਵਨ ਭਾਇਓ ॥
In the Golden Age of Sat Yuga, You were pleased to deceive Baal the king, in the form of a dwarf.
ਤ੍ਰੇਤੈ ਤੈ ਮਾਣਿਓ ਰਾਮੁ ਰਘੁਵੰਸੁ ਕਹਾਇਓ ॥
In the Silver Age of Traytaa Yuga, You were called Raam of the Raghu dynasty.
ਦੁਆਪੁਰਿ ਕ੍ਰਿਸਨ ਮੁਰਾਰਿ ਕੰਸੁ ਕਿਰਤਾਰਥੁ ਕੀਓ ॥
In the Brass Age of Dwaapur Yuga, You were Krishna; You killed Mur the demon and saved Kans.
ਉਗ੍ਰਸੈਣ ਕਉ ਰਾਜੁ ਅਭੈ ਭਗਤਹ ਜਨ ਦੀਓ ॥
You blessed Ugrasain with a kingdom, and You blessed Your humble devotees with fearlessness.
ਕਲਿਜੁਗਿ ਪ੍ਰਮਾਣੁ ਨਾਨਕ ਗੁਰੁ ਅੰਗਦੁ ਅਮਰੁ ਕਹਾਇਓ ॥
In the Iron Age, the Dark Age of Kali Yuga, You are known and accepted as Guru Nanak, Guru Angad and Guru Amar Das.
ਸ੍ਰੀ ਗੁਰੂ ਰਾਜੁ ਅਬਿਚਲੁ ਅਟਲੁ ਆਦਿ ਪੁਰਖਿ ਫੁਰਮਾਇਓ ॥੭॥
The sovereign rule of the Great Guru is unchanging and permanent, according to the Command of the Primal Lord God. ||7||”
Pada no. 8 says, great Bhagats like Ravidas Ji, Jaidev Ji, Trilochan Ji, Namdev Ji, Kabir Ji sing Praises of Guru Nanak Ji, who looked upon all as equals. Bhagat Beni Ji, the Sages Sukhdev, Parikhat, and Gautam sing Guru Ji’s Praises. The poet Kal too sings the Ever Vibrant, fresh Praises of Guru Nanak Ji.
“ਗੁਣ ਗਾਵੈ ਰਵਿਦਾਸੁ ਭਗਤੁ ਜੈਦੇਵ ਤ੍ਰਿਲੋਚਨ ॥
His Glorious Praises are sung by the devotees Ravi Daas, Jai Dayv and Trilochan.
ਨਾਮਾ ਭਗਤੁ ਕਬੀਰੁ ਸਦਾ ਗਾਵਹਿ ਸਮ ਲੋਚਨ ॥
The devotees Naam Dayv and Kabeer praise Him continually, knowing Him to be even-eyed.
ਭਗਤੁ ਬੇਣਿ ਗੁਣ ਰਵੈ ਸਹਜਿ ਆਤਮ ਰੰਗੁ ਮਾਣੈ ॥
The devotee Baynee sings His Praises; He intuitively enjoys the ecstasy of the soul.
ਜੋਗ ਧਿਆਨਿ ਗੁਰ ਗਿਆਨਿ ਬਿਨਾ ਪ੍ਰਭ ਅਵਰੁ ਨ ਜਾਣੈ ॥
He is the Master of Yoga and meditation, and the spiritual wisdom of the Guru; He knows none other except God.
ਸੁਖਦੇਉ ਪਰੀਖ੍ਯ੍ਯਤੁ ਗੁਣ ਰਵੈ ਗੋਤਮ ਰਿਖਿ ਜਸੁ ਗਾਇਓ ॥
Sukh Dayv and Preekhyat sing His Praises, and Gautam the rishi sings His Praise.
ਕਬਿ ਕਲ ਸੁਜਸੁ ਨਾਨਕ ਗੁਰ ਨਿਤ ਨਵਤਨੁ ਜਗਿ ਛਾਇਓ ॥੮॥
Says KAL the poet, the ever-fresh praises of Guru Nanak are spread throughout the world. ||8||”
Pada no. 9 says, Shekhnag, in serpent form, Sings Guru Ji’s Praises in the netherworld. Mahadev, yogis, Vyas Rikhi, who studied the Vedas and their grammar, Brahma, who acts upon God’s command, Sing the Praises of Guru Nanak Ji who saw God everywhere, whether manifest or unmanifested.
Kal, the poet too sings the Praises of Guru Nanak Ji, who enjoys Mastery of Sahej Yog (where one withdraws from the tumult of the world and is absorbed in complete inner merger with God).
“ਗੁਣ ਗਾਵਹਿ ਪਾਯਾਲਿ ਭਗਤ ਨਾਗਾਦਿ ਭੁਯੰਗਮ ॥
In the nether worlds, His Praises are sung by the devotees like Shaysh-naag in serpent form.
ਮਹਾਦੇਉ ਗੁਣ ਰਵੈ ਸਦਾ ਜੋਗੀ ਜਤਿ ਜੰਗਮ ॥
Shiva, the Yogis and the wandering hermits sing His Praises forever.
ਗੁਣ ਗਾਵੈ ਮੁਨਿ ਬ੍ਯ੍ਯਾਸੁ ਜਿਨਿ ਬੇਦ ਬ੍ਯ੍ਯਾਕਰਣ ਬੀਚਾਰਿਅ ॥
Vyaas the silent sage, who studied the Vedas and its grammar, sings His Praise.
ਬ੍ਰਹਮਾ ਗੁਣ ਉਚਰੈ ਜਿਨਿ ਹੁਕਮਿ ਸਭ ਸ੍ਰਿਸਟਿ ਸਵਾਰੀਅ ॥
His Praises are sung by Brahma, who created the entire universe by God’s Command.
ਬ੍ਰਹਮੰਡ ਖੰਡ ਪੂਰਨ ਬ੍ਰਹਮੁ ਗੁਣ ਨਿਰਗੁਣ ਸਮ ਜਾਣਿਓ ॥
God fills the galaxies and realms of the universe; He is known to be the same, manifest and unmanifest.
ਜਪੁ ਕਲ ਸੁਜਸੁ ਨਾਨਕ ਗੁਰ ਸਹਜੁ ਜੋਗੁ ਜਿਨਿ ਮਾਣਿਓ ॥੯॥
KAL chants the Sublime Praises of Guru Nanak, who enjoys mastery of Yoga. ||9||”
In the final Pada (no. 10), Bhatt Ji says the nine masters of yoga sing Praises of Guru Ji, who is merged into the True Lord. Madhanta Ji, who was renowned as king of the world, Bharthar yogi, the Sage Durbhasa, king Puro, and sage Angiras also sing Praises of Guru Nanak Ji. Bhatt Kalasahar Ji concludes the Sawaiyye of Guru Nanak Dev Ji by saying, he too sings the praises of the Divine Guru Nanak Ji who lovingly permeates and pervades every heart (just like the All Pervading Lord).
“ਗੁਣ ਗਾਵਹਿ ਨਵ ਨਾਥ ਧੰਨਿ ਗੁਰੁ ਸਾਚਿ ਸਮਾਇਓ ॥
The nine masters of Yoga sing His Praises; blessed is the Guru, who is merged into the True Lord.
ਮਾਂਧਾਤਾ ਗੁਣ ਰਵੈ ਜੇਨ ਚਕ੍ਰਵੈ ਕਹਾਇਓ ॥
Maandhaataa, who called himself ruler of all the world, sings His Praises.
ਗੁਣ ਗਾਵੈ ਬਲਿ ਰਾਉ ਸਪਤ ਪਾਤਾਲਿ ਬਸੰਤੌ ॥
Bal the king, dwelling in the seventh underworld, sings His Praises.
ਭਰਥਰਿ ਗੁਣ ਉਚਰੈ ਸਦਾ ਗੁਰ ਸੰਗਿ ਰਹੰਤੌ ॥
Bhart’har, abiding forever with Gorakh, his guru, sings His Praises.
ਦੂਰਬਾ ਪਰੂਰਉ ਅੰਗਰੈ ਗੁਰ ਨਾਨਕ ਜਸੁ ਗਾਇਓ ॥
Doorbaasaa, King Puro and Angra sing the Praises of Guru Nanak.
ਕਬਿ ਕਲ ਸੁਜਸੁ ਨਾਨਕ ਗੁਰ ਘਟਿ ਘਟਿ ਸਹਜਿ ਸਮਾਇਓ ॥੧੦॥
Says KAL the poet, the Sublime Praises of Guru Nanak intuitively permeate each and every heart. ||10||”
Gurfateh
Manjeet Singh
19 November 2023.
