Sukhmani Sahib (Ashtpadi 13, Pauri 6)
We attempt to publish sequentially “pauri-wise” translation of each ashtapadi of Sukhmani Sahib, at 3:00 AM IST everyday.
ਅਸਟਪਦੀ ੧੩ – ਪਉੜੀ ੬ (Ashtapadi 13 – Pauri 6)
Introduction
In this pauri, Guru Arjan Dev Ji uses striking imagery to describe the internal torment and outer downfall of a slanderer of the saints. The similes — of a fish flailing out of water, a fire never quenched by fuel, and a barren sesame stalk in the field — evoke a vivid picture of the spiritual devastation suffered by one who harbours malice against the virtuous. This pauri teaches that such suffering is not arbitrary but flows from the moral fabric of the cosmos: one's actions bear fruit, and the divine will governs all outcomes.
ਪਉੜੀ ੬ (Pauri 6)
ਸੰਤ ਕਾ ਦੋਖੀ ਇਉ ਬਿਲਲਾਇ ॥
संत का दोखी इउ बिललाइ ॥
Sanṫ kaa ḋokʰee i▫o billaa▫é.
The slanderer of the Saint bewails like this—
ਜਿਉ ਜਲ ਬਿਹੂਨ ਮਛੁਲੀ ਤੜਫੜਾਇ ॥
जिउ जल बिहून मछुली तड़फड़ाइ ॥
Ji▫o jal bihoon machʰulee ṫaṛafṛaa▫é.
Like a fish writhing in agony, out of water.
ਸੰਤ ਕਾ ਦੋਖੀ ਭੂਖਾ ਨਹੀ ਰਾਜੈ ॥
संत का दोखी भूखा नही राजै ॥
Sanṫ kaa ḋokʰee bʰookʰaa nahee raajæ.
The slanderer of the Saint remains ever hungry, never satisfied,
ਜਿਉ ਪਾਵਕੁ ਈਧਨਿ ਨਹੀ ਧ੍ਰਾਪੈ ॥
जिउ पावकु ईधनि नही ध्रापै ॥
Ji▫o paavak eeḋʰan nahee ḋʰaraapæ.
Like a fire that is never satisfied by fuel.
ਸੰਤ ਕਾ ਦੋਖੀ ਛੁਟੈ ਇਕੇਲਾ ॥
संत का दोखी छुटै इकेला ॥
Sanṫ kaa ḋokʰee chʰutæ ikélaa.
The slanderer of the Saint is left in utter isolation,
ਜਿਉ ਬੂਆੜੁ ਤਿਲੁ ਖੇਤ ਮਾਹਿ ਦੁਹੇਲਾ ॥
जिउ बूआड़ु तिलु खेत माहि दुहेला ॥
Ji▫o boo▫aaṛ ṫil kʰéṫ maahi ḋuhélaa.
Like a barren sesame stalk, dry and useless in the field.
ਸੰਤ ਕਾ ਦੋਖੀ ਧਰਮ ਤੇ ਰਹਤ ॥
संत का दोखी धरम ते रहत ॥
Sanṫ kaa ḋokʰee ḋʰaram ṫé rahaṫ.
The slanderer of the Saint is bereft of dharma (righteousness).
ਸੰਤ ਕਾ ਦੋਖੀ ਸਦ ਮਿਥਿਆ ਕਹਤ ॥
संत का दोखी सद मिथिआ कहत ॥
Sanṫ kaa ḋokʰee saḋ miṫʰi▫aa kahaṫ.
The slanderer always speaks falsehood.
ਕਿਰਤੁ ਨਿੰਦਕ ਕਾ ਧੁਰਿ ਹੀ ਪਇਆ ॥
किरतु निंदक का धुरि ही पइआ ॥
Kiraṫ ninḋak kaa ḋʰur hee pa▫i▫aa.
The destiny of the slanderer has been inscribed since the primal beginning.
ਨਾਨਕ ਜੋ ਤਿਸੁ ਭਾਵੈ ਸੋਈ ਥਿਆ ॥੬॥
नानक जो तिसु भावै सोई थिआ ॥६॥
Naanak jo ṫis bʰaavæ so▫ee ṫʰi▫aa. ||6||
O Nanak! That alone happens which pleases His Will. ||6||
ਅਰਥ / Essence
This pauri exposes the psychological torment and spiritual disconnection of the slanderer. His suffering is compared to a fish gasping for life, or a fire endlessly consuming — yet never fulfilled. He is abandoned, without company, moral direction, or inner peace. But Guru Ji reminds us of the divine design: all such outcomes stem from one’s karma and unfold under the sovereignty of God’s Will. Ultimately, it is not man’s desire but Divine Hukam (command) that governs all destinies.
If you feel this humble piece could offer even a small measure of peace to someone you know, please do share it.
NOTE: 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 have made any mistake, misinterpretation, or omission, I beg for unqualified forgiveness in advance from the Guru and the readers.
ਵਾਹਿਗੁਰੂ ਜੀ🙏🙏🙏