Sukhmani Sahib (Ashtpadi 7, Salok, Pauri 1)
Seventh Ashtapadi – Pauri 1
ਸਲੋਕੁ – Shalok (Prefatory Verses)
Introduction to Ashtapadi 7
This Ashtapadi begins with a salok that glorifies the ineffable and unfathomable nature of Parbrahm—the Supreme God. Guru Arjan Dev Ji emphasizes that speaking of the Divine brings liberation. The focus then turns to the transformative power of associating with the Saadh Sangat (Company of the Holy). In the company of spiritually enlightened souls, one’s life is purified, ego shed, and wisdom awakened. This pauri captures how divine association propels the seeker toward realization, virtue, and inner harmony.
Slok – Prelude
ਅਗਮ ਅਗਾਧਿ ਪਾਰਬ੍ਰਹਮੁ ਸੋਇ ॥
अगम अगाधि पारब्रहमु सोइ ॥
Agam agaaḋh paarbrahm soé.
Translation: Unapproachable and Unfathomable is the Supreme Lord God;ਜੋ ਜੋ ਕਹੈ ਸੁ ਮੁਕਤਾ ਹੋਇ ॥
जो जो कहै सु मुकता होइ ॥
Jo jo kahai so muktaa hoé.
Translation: Whoever speaks of Him shall be liberated.ਸੁਨਿ ਮੀਤਾ ਨਾਨਕੁ ਬਿਨਵੰਤਾ ॥
सुनि मीता नानकु बिनवंता ॥
Sun meetaa Naanak binvanta.
Translation: Listen, O friend! Nanak offers his humble prayer:ਸਾਧ ਜਨਾ ਕੀ ਅਚਰਜ ਕਥਾ ॥੧॥
साध जना की अचरज कथा ॥१॥
Saadh janaa kee acharaj kathaa. ||1||
Translation: The wondrous story of the saints. ||1||
Pauri 1 – Line-by-Line
ਸਾਧ ਕੈ ਸੰਗਿ ਮੁਖ ਊਜਲ ਹੋਤ ॥
साध कै संगि मुख ऊजल होत ॥
Saadh kai sang mukh oojal hot.
Translation: In the Company of the Holy, one’s face becomes radiant.ਸਾਧਸੰਗਿ ਮਲੁ ਸਗਲੀ ਖੋਤ ॥
साधसंगि मलु सगली खोत ॥
Saadhsang mal saglee khot.
Translation: In the Company of the Holy, all inner filth is washed away.ਸਾਧ ਕੈ ਸੰਗਿ ਮਿਟੈ ਅਭਿਮਾਨੁ ॥
साध कै संगि मिटै अभिमानु ॥
Saadh kai sang mitai abhimaan.
Translation: In the Company of the Holy, egotism is eliminated.ਸਾਧ ਕੈ ਸੰਗਿ ਪ੍ਰਗਟੈ ਸੁਗਿਆਨੁ ॥
साध कै संगि प्रगटै सुगिआनु ॥
Saadh kai sang pargataai sugiaan.
Translation: In the Company of the Holy, true wisdom is revealed.ਸਾਧ ਕੈ ਸੰਗਿ ਬੁਝੈ ਪ੍ਰਭੁ ਨੇਰਾ ॥
साध कै संगि बुझै प्रभु नेरा ॥
Saadh kai sang bujhai prabh nera.
Translation: In the Company of the Holy, one realizes God is near.ਸਾਧਸੰਗਿ ਸਭੁ ਹੋਤ ਨਿਬੇਰਾ ॥
साधसंगि सभु होत निबेरा ॥
Saadhsang sabh hot nibera.
Translation: In the Company of the Holy, all affairs are resolved.ਸਾਧ ਕੈ ਸੰਗਿ ਪਾਏ ਨਾਮ ਰਤਨੁ ॥
साध कै संगि पाए नाम रतनु ॥
Saadh kai sang paae naam ratan.
Translation: In the Company of the Holy, the jewel of Naam is obtained.ਸਾਧ ਕੈ ਸੰਗਿ ਏਕ ਊਪਰਿ ਜਤਨੁ ॥
साध कै संगि एक ऊपरि जतनु ॥
Saadh kai sang ek oopar jatan.
Translation: In the Company of the Holy, one’s effort is directed to the One Lord.ਸਾਧ ਕੀ ਮਹਿਮਾ ਬਰਨੈ ਕਉਨੁ ਪ੍ਰਾਨੀ ॥
साध की महिमा बरनै कउनु प्रानी ॥
Saadh kee mahimaa barnai kaun praanee.
Translation: What mortal can describe the glory of the saints?ਨਾਨਕ ਸਾਧ ਕੀ ਸੋਭਾ ਪ੍ਰਭ ਮਾਹਿ ਸਮਾਨੀ ॥੧॥
नानक साध की सोभा प्रभ माहि समानी ॥१॥
Nanak saadh kee sobhaa prabh maahi samaanee. ||1||
Translation: O Nanak! The glory of the saints merges in God Himself. ||1||
Essence of Pauri 1
This pauri offers a powerful insight into the transformative influence of the Saadh Sangat—the Company of the Holy. Association with saints does not merely refine external behavior but purifies the inner self—washing away ego, doubt, and impurity. It aligns all effort towards divine truth, unlocks the treasure of Naam, and illuminates the soul with God-consciousness. Yet, Guru Arjan Dev Ji humbly submits that the majesty of such souls cannot be described—it merges into the unfathomable greatness of God Himself. This is both a teaching and an invitation to seek out the company of the enlightened.
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 🙏🙏🙏