Shaho nerhe dhan kamliye bahar kya dhundhe – Raag Tilang – Ang 722

SGGS Angg 722.

Raag Tilang M.1

The janamsakhis say Guru Nanak Ji Dev Ji crossed the Brahmaputra river and went to Assam. Guru Ji proceeded to the town known as Gauhati. It was then known as Kamrup, and it was ruled by a lady sorceress Nurshah who was adept at black magic and ridhi sidhis.

Her lady attendants tried to use their magic on Guru Ji, but nothing worked. At last Nurshah came herself, and used all her occult powers against Guru Ji. Guru Ji was untouched, and all energies hurled against him dissipated.

She flung herself at Guru Ji’s feet in defeat and despair. The janamsakhis say Guru Ji first spoke the Shabad Kuchaji (Ang 762) here, in the presence of Nurshah and a large group of people who had gathered there.

Next, Guru Ji spoke the Slok at Angg 85, “galli assi changiya achari buriya.”

Nurshah then ordered her servants to bring forward pots of gold and precious stones, and placed them before Guru Ji and Bhai Mardana Ji. She was hoping to find favor by precious gifts. Guru Ji gazed at the expensive presents, looked at Nurshah, and spoke this Shabad.

(The sakhi is given as a background. The Shabad however is Infinite and applies to all of us at all times).

The main thrust of the Shabad is the toxic danger of ahangkar, and the consequences if you fail to take to Naam. Guru Ji poses three questions in the beginning. The rest of the Shabad answers these 3 questions.

O foolish and ignorant (soul bride), why are you so proud?; in your own home resides the Lord, why do you not enjoy His Love?

“Eianrhiye maanrha kaye kareh; aapanrhe ghar Har rangho ki na maaneh.”

Your Husband Lord is so near O foolish bride, why do you search for Him outside?

“Shaho nerhe dhan kamliye bahar kya dhundhe.”

Apply the fear of God as mascara to adorn your eyes, and let love for God be your adornment; you will only be considered a devoted soul bride when the Lord showers His Love upon you.

Bhaye kiya deh salaieya naini bhav ka kar shingaro; ta Suhangan jaaniye laagi ja Sho dhare pyaro.”

What can the silly young bride do if she is not pleasing to her Husband Lord?; she may plead and implore many times but she cannot obtain entry into His Palace; without good deeds and Grace, nothing is obtained although she may run around frantically; she is intoxicated with greed, pride and egotism, and entranced by maya; the young foolish bride cannot obtain her Husband Lord in these ways.

Eiani bali kya kare ja dhan Kantt na bhave; karan plaah kare bahutere sa dhan Mahal na paave; vin karma kich paiyeh nahi je bahutera dhaave; labh lobh ahankar ki maati maya mahe samaane; eini baati Sho paaiyeh nahi bheyi kaaman eiaani.”

Go, ask the happy soul brides how to obtain your Husband Lord?; (their answer) whatever the Lord does, accept His Will as good, and renounce your cleverness and conceit; from whom you receive the Gift of Love, link your heart to His Lotus Feet (Bani); as your Husband directs, so must you act, surrender your body and mind to Him, such is the way to perfume yourself (with His Fragrance); so speak the happy soul brides O sister, in this way the Husband Lord is obtained.

“Jaaye pucho Suhagni vahe kinni baati Sho paaiyeh; jo kich kare so bhala kar maaniyeh hikmat hukam chukaiyeh; ja ke prem padarth paaiyeh tao charni chit laaiyeh; Sho kahe so kijje tann manno dijjay aisa parmal laaiyeh; eiv kahe Suhangni bhaine einni baati Sho paaiyeh.”

You have to give up your self conceit to obtain your Husband Lord, what other cleverness (can ever be needed)?; it is an auspicious day when the Husband Lord looks upon the bride with His Gracious Glance, with which she obtains the nine treasures (all blessings of Naam); she who is loved by her Husband is the truly wedded bride, the queen of all; she is drenched in His Love, intoxicated with subtle delight, day and night absorbed in His Love; such a one is beautiful, glorious and brilliant, and is known as truly wise.

“Aap gaavaiyeh ta Sho paaiyeh aur kaisi chaturayi; Sho nadar kar dekhe so din lekhe kaaman nau nidh paayi; aapne Kantt pyari sa Suhagan Nanak sa sabhrayi; aisay rang raati sahaj ki maati ahiniss bhaye samaani; sundar saye saroop bichakhan kahiye sa siyaani.”

Shabad Viakhya by Bhai Manjeet Singh Ji

Shabad Kirtan available on YouTube