The Sky is your platter,
The sun and moon are the lamps
The Stars in the sky are the pearls
The Dhoop (Incense) is the fragrance,
That the wind propels, the whole forest is Your flowers
Of What a wonderful Aarti, this is
You are a destroyer of Fear,
The sound of Your Name, which is so subtle, that it goes unheard, Resounds endlessly
You have a thousand eyes, but not one is yours
You have several forms, yet not one is yours
You have feet, noses….. And you have none….
I am charmed by you
Your Light enlightens all!
It is by the Grace of the Guru that the real Light (Knowledge) Manifests.
What pleases the Almighty is this Aarti
Nanak is like the thirsty bird that asks,
For a drop of water, From You O Lord!
That drop (Grace) will make Nanak find comfort, In the uttering of Your Name.
The Sky is Your Platter: Video Explanation
The Sky is your platter Analysis
The Sky is your platter,
The sun and moon are the lamps
The Stars in the sky are the pearls
The Dhoop (Incense) is the fragrance,
That the wind propels, the whole forest is Your flowers
Reference to Context:
These lines are from the Aarti composed by Guru Nanak Dev Ji, which is included in the Sri Guru Granth Sahib (SGGS) on Page 663 under Raag Dhanasri. Guru Nanak composed this hymn during his visit to Jagannath Puri Temple in Odisha, where he witnessed a traditional Aarti (a ritual involving lamps, incense, and offerings). Instead of following the ritualistic worship, Guru Nanak described how the entire cosmos is already engaged in a divine Aarti, praising God through the elements of nature.
This hymn is an expression of universal spirituality, showing that God’s divine presence is worshipped naturally by the sun, moon, stars, wind, and forests. It shifts the idea of worship from man-made rituals to nature’s continuous and eternal glorification of the Divine.
Explanation:
“The Sky is your platter, The sun and moon are the lamps”
Here, Guru Nanak presents the sky as an offering platter (Thaal), similar to the brass or silver platter used in Hindu Aarti rituals.
Instead of physical lamps, the sun and moon act as eternal divine lamps, giving light to the universe.
“The Stars in the sky are the pearls”
The stars twinkling in the vast sky are compared to shimmering pearls placed on the offering plate.
This symbolizes the beauty and majesty of the cosmos, highlighting that God’s creation itself is a form of worship.
“The Dhoop (Incense) is the fragrance, That the wind propels, the whole forest is Your flowers”
In traditional Aarti, incense (Dhoop) is lit to create a fragrant atmosphere. Guru Nanak instead suggests that the wind itself carries nature’s fragrance, making natural incense.
The entire forest becomes an offering of flowers, symbolizing how nature continuously worships the Divine.
“Of What a wonderful Aarti, this is”
Guru Nanak marvels at the grandeur of God’s natural Aarti, showing that the entire universe is already engaged in divine worship.
This line expresses wonder and admiration for the vast, eternal praise offered by nature itself.
Poetic devices:
Metaphor:
“The Sky is your platter” → The sky is metaphorically compared to a platter used in worship.
“The sun and moon are the lamps” → The sun and moon are metaphorically described as divine lamps.
“The Stars in the sky are the pearls” → Stars are compared to precious pearls, highlighting their beauty and glow.
Imagery:
The entire stanza creates a vivid picture of a cosmic Aarti by describing:
The vast sky (platter)
The glowing sun and moon (lamps)
The twinkling stars (pearls)
The fragrant wind (incense)
The beautiful forest (flowers)
This rich visual imagery makes the reader imagine a grand celestial offering, emphasizing nature’s worship of the Divine.
Of What a wonderful Aarti, this is
You are a destroyer of Fear,
The sound of Your Name, which is so subtle, that it goes unheard, Resounds endlessly
Reference to Context:
These lines are from Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s Aarti, found in the Sri Guru Granth Sahib (SGGS), Page 663, under Raag Dhanasri. Guru Nanak composed this divine hymn at Jagannath Puri Temple, where he expressed that the entire cosmos is already performing Aarti (worship) for God.
In this stanza, Guru Nanak marvels at the grandeur of God’s divine Aarti, stating that God is the destroyer of fear and that His Name (Naam) is an eternal, subtle sound that continuously resounds throughout the universe.
Explanation:
“Of What a wonderful Aarti, this is”
Guru Nanak expresses awe and amazement at the cosmic Aarti performed by nature.
Unlike human rituals, where lamps and incense are used, this divine Aarti is grander, infinite, and naturally created by the universe.
“You are a destroyer of Fear”
Fear represents suffering, ignorance, and worldly attachments. Guru Nanak emphasizes that God removes all fears—fear of life, death, pain, and rebirth.
In Sikhism, God is called Nirbhau (Fearless), and those who remember Him (Naam Simran) are freed from fear and suffering.
This line conveys assurance and divine protection, implying that devotion to God brings inner peace and courage.
“The sound of Your Name, which is so subtle, that it goes unheard, Resounds endlessly”
Here, Guru Nanak refers to the Naam (God’s Name), which is beyond normal hearing yet is ever-present.
Naam is eternal and vibrates throughout creation—it is not a physical sound but a divine presence that is constantly resonating.
The phrase “so subtle, that it goes unheard” means that only through deep spiritual realization can one perceive this divine vibration.
The repetition of God’s Name (Naam Simran) leads to enlightenment and union with the Divine.
Poetic Device:
Metaphor:
“The sound of Your Name… Resounds endlessly” → The continuous divine vibration represents the eternal presence of God.
“You are a destroyer of Fear” → God is compared to a force that eliminates fear and suffering.
Personification:
“The sound of Your Name, which is so subtle, that it goes unheard” → The Naam is given a human-like quality, as if it is softly speaking but not heard by all.
Paradox:
“Which is so subtle, that it goes unheard, Resounds endlessly” → The contradiction here highlights a deep spiritual truth:
God’s Name is always present, yet not everyone perceives it.
Those who are spiritually awakened can experience it.
Imagery:
The line “The sound of Your Name… Resounds endlessly” creates an image of a vast, infinite vibration filling the universe, emphasizing God’s ever-present and unending divine energy.
You have a thousand eyes, but not one is yours
You have several forms, yet not one is yours
You have feet, noses….. And you have none….
I am charmed by you
Reference to Context:
These lines are from Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s Aarti, which is found in Sri Guru Granth Sahib (SGGS), Page 663, under Raag Dhanasri. This hymn was composed at Jagannath Puri Temple, where Guru Nanak described how the entire universe naturally worships God.
In these lines, Guru Nanak conveys the incomprehensible nature of God, emphasizing that He is beyond physical form and cannot be limited by human perception.
Explanation:
“You have a thousand eyes, but not one is yours”
This line describes how God sees everything but is beyond a physical form.
“Thousand eyes” symbolize God’s omniscience (all-knowing nature)—He observes the entire universe.
“Not one is yours” means that God does not have a single physical eye like humans; instead, He sees through all living beings.
“You have several forms, yet not one is yours”
God is present in all living beings and elements of nature, yet He Himself has no fixed form.
This highlights God’s omnipresence (existing everywhere) and transcendence (beyond human understanding).
It also aligns with Sikh beliefs—God is Nirankar (formless) yet manifests in all creation.
“You have feet, noses….. And you have none….”
This poetic expression reinforces the paradox of divine existence.
God is present in all living beings (who have feet and noses), but He Himself does not have a physical body.
This emphasizes that God is beyond human attributes, existing both within creation and beyond it.
“I am charmed by your…”
Guru Nanak expresses deep admiration and devotion to the Divine.
He acknowledges that God’s mystery and vastness are beyond human comprehension, yet he is deeply drawn to His divine presence.
Poetic Device:
Paradox:
“You have a thousand eyes, but not one is yours” → God sees everything but does not have a physical eye.
“You have several forms, yet not one is yours” → God is present in all but has no fixed form.
“You have feet, noses….. And you have none….” → God is within all beings yet beyond physical existence.
These paradoxes help explain the divine mystery of God’s omnipresence and formlessness.
Metaphor:
“You have a thousand eyes” → Symbolizes God’s all-seeing nature.
“You have several forms” → Represents God’s presence in all creation.
Your Light enlightens all!
It is by the Grace of the Guru that the real Light (Knowledge) Manifests.
What pleases the Almighty is this Aarti
Reference to Context:
These lines are from Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s Aarti, found in Sri Guru Granth Sahib (SGGS), Page 663, under Raag Dhanasri. Guru Nanak composed this hymn at Jagannath Puri Temple, emphasizing that nature itself is engaged in divine worship and that true enlightenment comes not from rituals, but through divine knowledge (spiritual wisdom) granted by the Guru.
In these lines, Guru Nanak explains that God’s Light (divine wisdom) illuminates all beings, and only through the Guru’s grace can one attain true spiritual knowledge.
Detailed Explanation:
“Your Light enlightens all!”
“Light” here symbolizes divine wisdom, truth, and spiritual realization.
God’s presence is like a universal light that shines upon all beings, guiding them toward truth and righteousness.
This line conveys that spiritual enlightenment is available to everyone, regardless of caste, religion, or status.
“It is by the Grace of the Guru that the real Light (Knowledge) Manifests.”
While God’s Light is everywhere, people remain ignorant due to their attachments and ego.
It is only through the Guru’s wisdom (Gur Prasad) that one can recognize and experience this divine light.
In Sikhism, the Guru is not just a teacher, but a divine guide who removes ignorance and connects individuals with the truth.
This aligns with the Sikh belief that “Satguru” (True Guru) is essential for spiritual realization—without a Guru, one cannot fully understand God’s presence.
“What pleases the Almighty is this Aarti.”
Here, Guru Nanak redefines Aarti—it is not about lamps, incense, or rituals, but about understanding and remembering God’s Name.
The real Aarti that pleases God is inner devotion, selflessness, and the pursuit of divine knowledge.
Instead of performing physical Aarti with material offerings, one should perform Aarti of the soul—through meditation, selfless service, and truthful living.
Poetic Device:
Metaphor:
“Your Light enlightens all!” → Light is a metaphor for divine wisdom and spiritual truth.
“It is by the Grace of the Guru that the real Light Manifests.” → The Guru’s teachings are compared to a light that removes darkness (ignorance).
Symbolism:
Light = Truth, Knowledge, Enlightenment
Darkness = Ignorance, Ego, Material Attachments
Personification:
“Your Light enlightens all” → Light is given human-like qualities of illuminating and guiding people to0ward truth.
Nanak is like the thirsty bird that asks,
For a drop of water, From You O Lord!
That drop (Grace) will make Nanak find comfort, In the uttering of Your Name.
Reference to Context:
These lines are from Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s Aarti, which is found in Sri Guru Granth Sahib (SGGS), Page 663, under Raag Dhanasri. In this hymn, Guru Nanak describes how nature itself performs divine worship, and that true enlightenment comes not through rituals, but through divine grace and devotion to God’s Name (Naam Simran).
In these lines, Guru Nanak humbly compares himself to a thirsty bird, expressing his deep longing for God’s grace. He conveys that just a single drop of divine grace will bring him peace and fulfillment, allowing him to find comfort in God’s remembrance.
Detailed Explanation:
“Nanak is like the thirsty bird that asks, For a drop of water, From You O Lord!”
Guru Nanak compares himself to a small, thirsty bird longing for water.
In Indian poetry and mysticism, the “Chaatrik” (Pied Cuckoo bird) is believed to drink only raindrops from the sky, symbolizing an intense yearning for something divine and pure.
Here, water symbolizes God’s grace (blessings and mercy).
Just as a thirsty bird constantly cries out for a single drop of water, Guru Nanak expresses his deep longing for divine connection.
“That drop (Grace) will make Nanak find comfort, In the uttering of Your Name.”
Guru Nanak acknowledges that he does not seek material wealth or possessions—all he desires is God’s grace.
Just one drop of divine grace is enough to bring eternal peace and spiritual satisfaction.
He finds true comfort and joy in uttering God’s Name (Naam Simran)—which means remembering, meditating, and chanting the divine presence.
This highlights the importance of humility, devotion, and complete surrender to God.
Poetic Device:
Simile:
“Nanak is like the thirsty bird” → Guru Nanak compares himself to a bird longing for water, symbolizing his deep spiritual thirst for God’s grace.
Metaphor:
“That drop (Grace) will make Nanak find comfort” → A single drop of divine grace is compared to life-giving water that quenches spiritual thirst.
Symbolism:
Thirsty bird = Devotee longing for God’s presence
Water = God’s grace and mercy
Naam (God’s Name) = The ultimate source of peace and comfort
