The Sky is your platter Summary
It is an English adaptation of Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s Aarti, a sacred composition from the Sikh scripture, Sri Guru Granth Sahib (SGGS). Guru Nanak Dev Ji composed the Aarti during his visit to the Jagannath Puri Temple in Odisha, India, in the early 16th century. At the temple, he witnessed priests performing a traditional Hindu Aarti (worship with lamps, incense, and offerings) to the deity Jagannath. Instead of participating in the ritual, Guru Nanak was inspired by the grandeur of nature itself and composed his own universal Aarti, describing how the entire cosmos is already engaged in divine worship.
This Aarti is a spiritual masterpiece that moves beyond physical rituals and emphasizes that the sun, moon, stars, and winds naturally serve as offerings to the Divine. The poem also highlights the formlessness of God—He is present everywhere yet remains beyond human perception.
Guru Nanak’s Aarti is recorded in the Sri Guru Granth Sahib (SGGS), the holy scripture of Sikhism, on Page 663. It is written in Raag Dhanasri, a melodic scale in Indian classical music.
When the fifth Sikh Guru, Guru Arjan Dev Ji, compiled the first version of Guru Granth Sahib in 1604, he included Guru Nanak’s Aarti along with hymns from other Sikh Gurus and saints like Bhagat Ravidas, Bhagat Kabir, and Bhagat Sain, making it part of the official Sikh Aarti recitation.
Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s Aarti is a beautiful and spiritual hymn that describes how the entire universe worships God naturally, without the need for human rituals. Instead of traditional Aarti, where lamps, incense, and flowers are used in prayer, Guru Nanak explains that the sky itself is like a huge platter for offering worship to God.
The sun and moon act as divine lamps, the stars in the sky shine like pearls, and the wind spreads fragrance like incense. The entire forest becomes the flowers offered to the Divine. Guru Nanak shows that the whole world is already engaged in praising and worshipping God in its own way.
He then describes how God is beyond human understanding. God has thousands of eyes, yet none; thousands of hands and feet, yet none. This means that God is everywhere and in everything, but we cannot see Him with our normal eyes. He takes many forms but remains beyond physical existence.
Guru Nanak further explains that God’s light (wisdom and knowledge) is what truly brightens the world. People can only realize this truth through the Guru’s guidance, which removes ignorance and fills the heart with divine understanding.
Towards the end of the hymn, Guru Nanak humbly compares himself to a small, thirsty bird who is longing for a drop of water. In the same way, he prays for just a little bit of God’s grace, which will bring him peace and help him remember God’s name.
Key Points
Author
The poem is composed by Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the founder of Sikhism and the first Guru of the Sikhs.
It is included in Sri Guru Granth Sahib (SGGS), Page 663, under Raag Dhanasri.
Guru Nanak composed this hymn during his visit to Jagannath Puri Temple, Odisha, where he observed ritualistic Aarti (worship with lamps and incense) and instead described how nature itself performs divine worship.
Form (Rhyme Scheme & Structure)
The poem is written in free verse with musical flow, following the structure of Raag Dhanasri, a classical melody in Indian music.
It does not follow a fixed rhyme scheme but maintains a rhythmic and lyrical quality when sung.
The structure follows a continuous praise of the Divine, emphasizing metaphorical and spiritual imagery.
Speaker
The speaker is Guru Nanak Dev Ji, expressing his vision of divine worship beyond rituals.
He speaks from the perspective of a humble devotee, marveling at God’s infinite power and expressing deep longing for divine grace.
Setting
The setting is universal and cosmic—the entire universe is described as performing Aarti (worship).
The sky is the platter, the sun and moon are lamps, the stars are pearls, and the wind spreads fragrance.
This setting reflects Guru Nanak’s spiritual realization that God is beyond physical temples and rituals—He is worshipped by the natural world itself.
Theme
a) Universal Worship of God
Guru Nanak replaces traditional Aarti with the natural elements performing divine service.
The sun, moon, stars, wind, and forests act as offerings, showing that nature itself glorifies God.
b) God’s Omnipresence and Formlessness
God is beyond human perception—He has thousands of eyes, feet, and forms, yet none.
This highlights His presence in all creation while remaining beyond physical form.
c) Divine Grace and Spiritual Thirst
Guru Nanak compares himself to a thirsty bird longing for a drop of water, symbolizing a devotee’s deep yearning for God’s grace.
Even a single drop of divine mercy is enough to bring eternal peace.
d) The Role of the Guru
True spiritual enlightenment comes through the Guru’s guidance, who reveals the real Light (spiritual wisdom).
The Guru removes ignorance and leads the soul toward divine realization.
e) Rejection of Rituals, Focus on Naam Simran (Remembering God’s Name)
Guru Nanak shifts the idea of worship from ritualistic offerings to meditative remembrance of God (Naam Simran).
True Aarti is not about lamps and incense but about chanting and living in God’s Name.
Plot
Nature as Worship – The sky is the platter, the sun and moon are the lamps, and the stars are pearls. This establishes the idea that nature is already engaged in divine Aarti.
God’s Omnipresence – He has thousands of eyes, forms, and feet, yet none, highlighting His transcendence.
God’s Light Enlightens All – Only through the Guru’s grace can one attain true knowledge.
The Real Aarti – What pleases God is not physical rituals but sincere devotion.
Longing for Divine Grace – Guru Nanak compares himself to a thirsty bird seeking a drop of water, symbolizing the soul’s deep yearning for divine connection.
Tone
Reverential and Devotional – The poem is an expression of deep spiritual awe toward God’s greatness.
Humility and Longing – Guru Nanak expresses a humble yearning for divine grace, comparing himself to a thirsty bird.
Philosophical and Mystical – The paradoxes of God’s nature (having thousands of eyes but none) add a profound mystical tone.
Style
a) Poetic Devices Used:
Metaphor – “The sky is Your platter,” “The stars are pearls,” “God’s Light enlightens all.”
Personification – “The wind propels the fragrance,” “The thirsty bird asks for a drop of water.”
Paradox – “You have thousands of eyes, yet not one is yours.”
Symbolism – Water symbolizes divine grace; Light symbolizes spiritual knowledge.
b) Musical and Lyrical Flow:
The hymn is meant to be sung in Raag Dhanasri, giving it a melodious and devotional quality.
c) Repetition for Emphasis:
The repetition of “Light” and “Naam” (God’s Name) reinforces the central idea of divine enlightenment.
Message
God is beyond human understanding—He is omnipresent, formless, and infinite.
Nature itself performs Aarti (divine worship); rituals are not necessary for devotion.
True spiritual enlightenment comes through the Guru’s grace, not external ceremonies.
Naam Simran (remembering God’s Name) is the real Aarti that pleases God.
The soul must yearn for divine grace, just like a thirsty bird seeks water.
Shri Guru Nanak Dev Ji
Introduction
Guru Nanak Dev Ji (1469–1539) was the founder of Sikhism and the first Guru of the Sikhs.
He emphasized equality, service, devotion to one God, and rejection of caste-based discrimination.
His teachings laid the foundation of Sikh philosophy, which was later expanded by the nine successive Sikh Gurus.
Birth and Early Life
Born: 15 April 1469, in Talwandi (now Nankana Sahib, Pakistan).
Parents: Father Mehta Kalu Ji (a village revenue officer) and Mother Mata Tripta Ji.
He was deeply spiritual from a young age and questioned religious rituals and social injustices.
As a child, he refused to participate in meaningless rituals and caste-based discrimination, showing signs of his divine wisdom.
Spiritual Awakening & Udasis (Journeys)
At the age of 30, Guru Nanak had a spiritual revelation at the Kali Bein River, where he declared:
“Na Koi Hindu, Na Koi Musalman”
(There is neither Hindu nor Muslim, all are equal before God.)
He traveled extensively across India, Tibet, Sri Lanka, Mecca, Baghdad, and Persia to spread his message.
These travels, known as Udasis, lasted for about 24 years, during which he challenged superstitions, idol worship, and social inequalities.
Core Teachings of Guru Nanak
Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s philosophy is based on One God, equality, and selfless service. His key teachings include:
a) Ik Onkar – One God
There is only one universal Creator who is formless, omnipresent, and beyond human understanding.
He rejected the worship of idols and emphasized direct connection with God through devotion and good deeds.
b) Naam Japna (Remembering God’s Name)
Continuous meditation and remembrance of God (Naam Simran) leads to spiritual enlightenment.
c) Kirat Karni (Honest Living)
One should work hard and earn a truthful livelihood, avoiding dishonesty, greed, and exploitation.
d) Vand Chakna (Sharing with Others)
Selfless service (Seva) and sharing wealth with the needy is the highest form of devotion.
e) Equality and Social Justice
He rejected the caste system, untouchability, and gender inequality.
Women were given equal status and the right to participate in religious and social life.
f) Langar (Community Kitchen)
Guru Nanak established the tradition of Langar, where food is served free to all, irrespective of caste, religion, or status.
This tradition continues in all Sikh Gurdwaras today.
Major Literary Contributions
Guru Nanak composed 974 hymns, which were later included in the Sri Guru Granth Sahib (SGGS).
His most famous hymns include:
Japji Sahib – A spiritual discourse on the nature of God.
Aarti – A hymn describing the universe as a natural form of worship.
Asa Di Var – A collection of hymns promoting righteousness and equality.
Establishment of Kartarpur and Final Years
Guru Nanak settled in Kartarpur (now in Pakistan) in 1522, where he preached his message of love, devotion, and equality.
Successor: Before his passing in 1539, Guru Nanak appointed Guru Angad Dev Ji as his successor.
Legacy: The town of Kartarpur Sahib remains a significant Sikh pilgrimage site today.
Legacy and Impact
Guru Nanak’s teachings laid the foundation of Sikhism, which was later expanded by his successors.
His principles of equality, unity, and devotion remain relevant even today.
The Sikh Gurus continued his mission, leading to the establishment of Sikh scriptures, traditions, and institutions.
