A Humble Journey Begins: Interpreting the Sukhmani Sahib

The Beginning, an Introduction.

Interpreting the Sukhmani Sahib

With folded hands and a spirit filled with humility, I embark on a deeply personal and spiritual journey — to offer my humble interpretation and translation of Sukhmani Sahib, one Pauri at a time. This sacred Bani, composed by the fifth Guru, Sri Guru Arjan Dev Ji, around 1602-1603 at the banks of Ramsar Sarovar in Amritsar, is revered across the Sikh world and beyond for its spiritual serenity and transformative wisdom.

In this endeavour, I intend to write one article on each Pauri of the 24 Ashtpadis (cantos) that constitute Sukhmani Sahib — thus, a total of 192 short reflections. I propose to share one or two such articles daily, God willing, in the hope that this rhythm sustains both the writer’s resolve and the reader’s interest.

May Waheguru bless me with clarity, grace, and humility in this effort.

This exercise is not merely meant for the Sikh sangat, but for all spiritual seekers across the globe. The divine names used throughout — Ram, Hari, Prabh, Gobind, Murari — all point toward the Akal Purakh, the Formless, Timeless, All-pervading Creator. Similarly, the mention of holy souls — Brahmgyanis, Sants, Saadhs — reflect spiritual excellence that transcends labels and religious boundaries.

I am not a trained scholar in Sikh Studies or religious studies, in general. I have no claims of mastery or authority. What I offer is a seeker’s voice — a servant’s humble attempt to understand the depths of the divine wisdom encapsulated in these sacred lines. Should I make any mistake, misinterpretation, or omission, I beg for unqualified forgiveness in advance from the Guru and the readers.

About Sukhmani Sahib: A Brief Background

Author: Guru Arjan Dev Ji, the fifth Guru of the Sikhs
Year of Composition: Circa 1602–1603 CE
Place of Composition: Ramsar Sahib, Amritsar, near the now-famous Harmandir Sahib (Golden Temple)
Context: Composed during a spiritually fertile period before the compilation of the Adi Granth, Sukhmani Sahib is one of the cornerstone compositions of Sikh devotional literature.

Purpose and Essence

The term Sukhmani can be translated as “Jewel of Peace” (Sukh = peace, Mani = jewel). True to its name, the Bani serves as a timeless fountain of:

• Spiritual serenity

• Inner balance and contemplation

• Divine remembrance

• Liberation from suffering and fear

It addresses the seeker directly, urging them toward a life of humility, devotion, and awareness of the One Formless Lord.

Recitation and Practice

• Sukhmani Sahib is often recited by Sikhs daily, sometimes once or even twice a day, as part of personal or congregational meditation (Simran).

• Unlike Japji Sahib (traditionally recited at dawn) and Rehras Sahib (recited at sunset), Sukhmani Sahib is not bound by any specific time of day. It can be read whenever the heart desires peace, be it morning, noon, evening, or late at night.

• There is no obligation to complete the entire composition in one sitting. While some may choose to recite the entire Bani at once, it is perfectly acceptable to:

  • Read one Ashtpadi (canto) at a time.

  • Reflect even on a single Pauri (stanza) with reverence and depth.

• That said, since each Ashtpadi is a self-contained spiritual unit, ideally it should be read in its entirety when possible — as it presents a cohesive thought or theme through its 8 Pauris.

Sukhmani Sahib is more than a prayer — it is a meditative voyage, a dialogue with the Divine, and a guide to righteous living, written not just for the Sikhs but for all who seek the Eternal Truth.

Structure of Sukhmani Sahib

• 24 Ashtpadis (Cantos)

• Each Ashtpadi contains:

  • 1 Salok (introductory verse)

  • 8 Pauris (stanzas)

  • Each Pauri consists of 10 lines

• Total Pauris: 24 × 8 = 192

Musical Foundation: Raag Gauri

Sukhmani Sahib is composed in Raag Gauri, a raga known for its calm and introspective nature. The Raag is ideally sung during the fourth prahar of the day — from 3 PM to 6 PM but, as submitted before, the Sukhmani Sahib can be recited at any time of the day or night by the devotee.

Key Features:

• Thaat: Bhairav

• Aroh: Sa Re Ga Re Ma Pa Ni Sa

• Avroh: Sa Ni Dha Pa Ma Ga Re Sa

• Vadi/Samvadi: Re and Pa respectively

• Mood: Introspective, promotes abhiniv (effort without ego)

Raag Gauri urges the mind toward effort, discipline, and quiet contemplation — an ideal musical setting for the sublime teachings of Sukhmani Sahib.

An Invitation

To my fellow seekers, friends, and lovers of divine wisdom,

I invite you to join me in this shared journey of reflection, learning, and spiritual growth. Let us walk together on the sacred path illuminated by the divine poetry of Guru Arjan Dev Ji.

If you resonate with this calling, I warmly encourage you to subscribe to my free newsletter, "The KBS Chronicle." Simply enter your email address, and the episodes—each unfolding one pauri at a time—will be gently delivered to your inbox twice daily at 2:30 AM and 5:00 PM, allowing space for contemplation in the quiet hours of the day.

Your privacy is sacred. Email addresses and subscriber identities are never shared or publicly disclosed, and you may unsubscribe at any time—no questions asked.

Your support, your reflections, and your prayers are deeply cherished.

Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa,
Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh.