Haley yara haley yara khushkhabree – Raag Tilang – Ang 727

SGGS Angg 727

Raag Tilang – Bhagat Namdev Ji.

There is a sakhi attached to this Shabad. It is said that, Bhagat Ji met a Mughal who ordered him to carry a fresh born foal. The sakhi further says Bhagat Ji refers to the turban of the Mughal and praises him and his polished words.

The sakhi seems far fetched and does not seem to relate to the Shabad itself. The Shabad is Majestic and is focused upon God alone, not any mortal.

Bhagat Ji is speaking about the Glory of God and His Name. Bhagat Ji also stresses that God is not confined to any particular place or time, and pervades the entire Universe. He is the same One God for Hindus and Muslims alike.

(With respect, my interpretation of the Shabad is vastly different from the translated version on the net).

The Shabad starts with the Bhagat expressing joy and telling his friends (satsangis), that he has good news.

“Haley yara haley yara khushkhabree.”

He reveals his khushkhabree in the rahao.

I am a sacrifice, a devoted sacrifice, a dedicated sacrifice (am utterly grateful) to You; slavery to You is sweet and sublime, and Your Name is exalted and noble.

“Balh balh jaao hao balh balh jaao; Niki Teri bigaree aale Tera Naao.” (rahao).

Bhagat then poses some questions to God. Where did You come from, where have You been, and where will You be going to? (as we read the Shabad further, we find the Bhagat surely knows the Lord is pervading the Universe, and did not come from anywhere, nor is He going anywhere, since He was, is, and will forever be everywhere at all times).

“Kuja aamad kuja raftee kuja mehrevee.”

It is believed by some, that He took the form of an avtaar and spoke certain Truths at Dwarka, a city considered holy, due to its association with Krishan Ji. Bhagat Ji poses a further question.

“You spoke the Truth at Dwarka (only)?” (Again, it is a question posed with an air of incredulity. God is Sach everywhere at all times, not only in the city of Dwarka).

“Dwarka nagree raas bagoyee.”

Next, Bhagat Ji expresses joy and praises the Lord.

Your Path (Hukam, Bhana) is Wonderful, and Your Revelations (Naam) is so sweet; surely You are not only in the city of Dwarka or the Mughal lands?
(pagree can mean turban too, but here, pagree comes from the word “pagg,” i.e. feet. Pagree here means, the Path on which your feet tread).

“Khoob Teri Pagree mithe Tere Bolh; Dwarka nagree kahe ke Magholh.”

Now Bhagat Ji tells us where God is.

There are thousands of worlds and You are the Only King everywhere; You are the One Sable Colored Lord King I owe allegiance to.

“Chandi hajar alam Ekal Khanaa; ham chinee Patshah Sawle Barnaa.”

You, Lord are the Master of the horses and elephants, mortals and demi gods; You Lord are the One Master of the Muslims and the Hindus alike, and are the Master of Namdev.

“Aspatt Gajpatt nareh narind; Namay ke Suami Meer Mukand. “(Meer is a Muslim word for King, while Mukand is a Hindu word, meaning, Lord of Salvation).