Nehra hai durr na jaaneiyo nitt sarey samaleh – Raag Gujri – Ang 489

SGGS Angg 489.

Raag Gujri M.1

Guru Ji looks at Hindu idol worship. Lots of effort is made to appease the deva idol.
It is common to grate sandalwood, and rub it on the idol, as it has strong fragrance. Saffron or kesar is used as it gives a strong vermillion red color, and devotees doused in red are considered to have great destiny. When the abhishekam or bathing ceremony is done, a curtain is pulled over, and the pujaris wash the idol according to the Shastras.

The Gurus and Bhagats did not believe in idol worship or prayer to images. The teaching is to use Naam only, and,

“Ustatt mann me kar Nirankaar”

i.e. prayer should be to a Formless Lord. With Gur Parsad you can be blessed with Darshan of His Jote, or in any manner He chooses.

In the Shabad herein, Guru Ji uses the imagery of idol worship and replaces with Naam as the items of worship for God (not of any deva).

I would make Your Name the sandalwood, and my mind would be the grating stone; good deeds would be the saffron, and devotional worship would be in my heart.

“Tera Naam kari chananathia je mann ursaa hoye; karni kungoo je raley ghat antar puja hoye.”

Perform worship and meditate upon Naam. Without Naam, there can be no worship and adoration.

“Puja kichay Naam dhiaaiyeh binn Naveh pujj na hoye.” (rahao).

The stone idol is washed on the outside. If only one would inwardly wash his mind; his filth would be removed, his inner being cleansed, and he would receive liberation.

“Bahar dev pakhaliyeh je mann dhove koye; juth laheh jio maanjiyeh mokh bheyana hoye.”

Even the beasts get blessings when they eat simple grass and give nourishing milk (i.e. when things are done internally, the result is precious); without Naam, the mortal’s life is cursed, as are the actions he performs.

“Passu mileh changiayaah kharh khave Amrit deh; Naam vihuney aadmi dhrig jeevan karam kareh.”

The Lord is near at hand, do not think He is far away. Daily, He cherishes all; whatever He gives (food, sorrow or joy) you have to eat. Nanak says, that is the Truth.

“Nehra hai durr na jaaneiyo nitt sarey samaleh; jo devay so khaavna kaho Nanak Sacha he.”

Shabad Viakhya by Bhai Manjeet Singh Ji

Shabad Kirtan available on YouTube