A satsangèe who has been attending sanggat at Damansara Darbar Sahib for a long time posed this question.
Q: Wanted to know for Asa Ki Var, Is there any specific reason that Pauri’s are sung by Ragi and Read again?
Bhai Ji’s reply:
Not only Asa Ki Vaar.
Any Vaar. When you read the Pauri it is part of Gurmat Kirtan maryada that the Pauri is sung and then read.
Listen to any Kirtan especially during Basant Raag at Harmandir Sahib. The Vaar (SGGS Ji Ang 1193) is short. First it is sung, then read.
At the end of Kirtan Chaunki the ragis will normally conclude by reading Pauri 18 Ramkali Ki Vaar Mehla 5.
“Vaddi hu Vadda Apaar Tera Martaba..”( Ang 965).
This Pauri is sung first, then read, to conclude the Kirtan Chaunki.
Vaars are normally sung about heroes/Kings who win some battle.
These Vaars are sung in chorus by ministrels. Not all in the crowd gathered can sing along. For emphasis, the ministrels will then read the Pauri to allow it to sink into the crowd.
In Gurbani the biggest Jodha, Mahabali, Surma is the Satguru. The Satguru gives Naam in the form of Shabads which are absorbed by Gurmukhs. Thus Vaars in Gurbani sing of the Glory of the Satguru, Naam, Gurmukhs, Nirankar Ji.
The Pauris are sung, then read to allow the sanggat to follow closely the flow/larhi of the Pauris in the Vaar until the end.
Gurfateh
Manjeet Singh
December 12, 2024.
