Pura niaoo kare Kartar; Apne dass ko Rakhanhaar – Raag Gauree – Ang 199

 SGGS Angg 199

Raag Gauree (Gauri) M.5

Sikh tradition holds that this Shabad was recited by Guru Arjun Dev Ji, relating to events surrounding Sulhi Khan.

Guru Ji’s elder brother Prithi Chand set up a rival “gurgaddi” at village Heea. He even made a makeshift replica of Harmandar Sahib. But no Sikh sanggat used to come there, as they knew the Saintly Guru Arjun Dev Ji was rightfully anointed as Guru by Guru Ramdas Ji.

In frustration, Prithi Chand met his friend, Sulhi Khan, a Mughal revenue official. Prithi’s main complaint was, as the elder brother he should be on the Gurgaddi. Sulhi Khan was delighted with the complaint, as it gave him an excuse to ransack Amritsar. He had about 500 troops with him to enforce payment of taxes.

As he left Lahore, he decided to visit Prithi Chand first. He was a haughty man and strutted about on his horse. A bird flew nearby and startled the horse. It broke into a run and jumped over a fence into a smouldering brick kiln. Both rider and horse were reduced to cinders within minutes.

The Sakhi is given for illustration purposes and to connect with Sikh history. The Shabad is eternal and applies in every situation to everyone.

To pull someone’s beard is a big insult. Guru Ji says anyone who tugs at the beard (insults, belittles) of an innocent person (my translation is different from that on the net); will be burnt in fire by the Supreme Lord.

“Gariba upar jo khinjay darhi; Parbrahm sa aggan me sarhi.”

The Creator administers Perfect Justice; He always Protects His humble servants.

“Pura niaoo kare Kartar; Apne dass ko Rakhanhaar.” (rahao).

From the beginning, and throughout the ages, His Glory is manifest; the slanderer dies after contracting a deadly fever.

“Aad jugaad pargat partaap; nindak muaa upjj vadh taap.”

He was killed by Him, from whom none can save; here and hereafter, his reputation is soiled.

“Tin mareya je rakhe na koye; aage pache mandi soye.”

The Lord holds His slaves close in His Embrace; Nanak has taken His Sanctuary and meditates upon His Name.

“Apne dass rakhe kanth laaye; Sharan Nanak Har Naam dhiaaye.”

Shabad Viakhya by Bhai Manjeet Singh Ji

Shabad Kirtan available on YouTube