Essay Type Questions
Write the critical appreciation of the poem.
Introduction
Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s Aarti is a spiritual masterpiece found in Sri Guru Granth Sahib (SGGS), Page 663, under Raag Dhanasri. It was composed at Jagannath Puri Temple, Odisha, where Guru Nanak witnessed the traditional Aarti being performed with lamps, incense, and ritualistic offerings. Instead of engaging in the physical ritual, Guru Nanak composed a universal and cosmic Aarti, describing how nature itself worships God continuously. The hymn emphasizes God’s omnipresence, the role of the Guru in enlightenment, and the rejection of ritualistic worship in favor of true devotion.
Central Idea
The central idea of Guru Nanak’s Aarti is that the entire universe is engaged in the worship of God, making human rituals unnecessary. He explains that the sky is the platter (Thaal), the sun and moon are the lamps, the stars are pearls, and the wind carries divine incense. Guru Nanak highlights that God is formless, beyond physical perception, and present in everything. He also emphasizes that true spiritual enlightenment comes through the Guru’s grace, and real Aarti is performed by meditating on God’s Name (Naam Simran) rather than engaging in external rituals.
Structure & Rhyme Scheme
The poem follows a rhythmic and lyrical style suitable for singing in Raag Dhanasri (a classical Indian melody).
It does not have a fixed rhyme scheme, but the flow of ideas and repetition of key phrases create a harmonious and poetic effect.
The hymn is written in free verse, focusing more on spiritual depth rather than rigid poetic structure.
It progresses from describing nature’s worship, to God’s formlessness, to the necessity of divine grace and true devotion.
Theme
a) Universal Worship of God
Guru Nanak redefines Aarti as a cosmic phenomenon, where the sun, moon, stars, and wind continuously glorify God.
He teaches that true worship is not about physical rituals but about recognizing God’s presence everywhere.
b) God’s Omnipresence and Formlessness
God is beyond human comprehension—He has thousands of eyes, feet, and forms, yet none.
This expresses the Sikh belief in Ik Onkar (One God), who is Nirankar (Formless) and present in all creation.
c) Divine Grace and Spiritual Thirst
Guru Nanak compares himself to a thirsty bird longing for a drop of water, symbolizing the soul’s deep desire for God’s grace.
Even a single drop of divine mercy is enough to bring spiritual fulfillment.
d) The Role of the Guru in Enlightenment
True knowledge (spiritual light) manifests only through the Guru’s grace.
Without the Guru, one remains trapped in ignorance and ego.
e) Rejection of Rituals, Focus on Naam Simran
Guru Nanak shifts the focus from external rituals to meditative remembrance of God’s Name (Naam Simran).
He teaches that God is pleased not by material offerings but by sincere devotion, humility, and truthful living.
Style
Simple yet profound language that conveys deep spiritual truths in an accessible manner.
Use of free verse, making it adaptable to musical rendition in Raag Dhanasri.
Imagery-rich descriptions that create a vivid picture of nature’s cosmic worship.
Use of short, powerful lines to convey spiritual wisdom in a concise form.
Poetic Devices
a) Metaphor
“The sky is Your platter” → Sky is compared to a Thaal (offering plate).
“The stars are pearls” → Stars are compared to divine pearls in the sky.
“Your Light enlightens all” → Light represents God’s wisdom and spiritual enlightenment.
b) Personification
“The thirsty bird asks for a drop of water” → The bird symbolizes a devotee longing for divine grace.
c) Paradox
“You have a thousand eyes, but not one is yours” → God sees everything but has no physical eyes.
“You have several forms, yet not one is yours” → God exists in all forms yet remains formless.
d) Symbolism
Sky = Universal offering platter
Sun & Moon = Divine lamps
Stars = Pearls (beauty of creation)
Water = God’s Grace
Critical Commentary
Rabindranath Tagore, the Nobel Laureate, was deeply moved by Guru Nanak’s Aarti and translated it into Bengali. He called it “a hymn beyond religion, embracing all humanity”.
Sikh scholars describe this hymn as a revolution against ritualism, highlighting that true devotion is internal, not external.
Modern spiritual thinkers appreciate its universal appeal, as it promotes equality, humility, and inner worship rather than sectarian practices.
Message
God is omnipresent and worshipped by the entire universe.
True devotion is in remembering God’s Name (Naam Simran), not in rituals.
Spiritual enlightenment is attained only through the Guru’s grace.
Humility and longing for God’s presence bring ultimate peace.
The real Aarti is performed by nature itself, showing that worship is not confined to religious boundaries.
Conclusion
Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s Aarti is a poetic and spiritual masterpiece that redefines the meaning of divine worship. It moves beyond rituals and ceremonies, presenting the universe itself as an eternal act of devotion. The hymn conveys a message of unity, divine grace, and the power of Naam Simran. Its poetic beauty, deep spiritual meaning, and timeless wisdom make it one of the most profound hymns in Sikh literature.
Long note on themes of the poem.
1. Universal Worship of God
Guru Nanak rejects ritualistic Aarti with lamps and incense.
He explains that nature itself worships God—the sky is the platter, the sun and moon are lamps, and the stars are pearls.
Worship is not confined to temples but exists in the entire universe.
2. God’s Omnipresence and Formlessness
God has thousands of eyes, feet, and forms, yet none, meaning He exists in all beings but has no physical form.
This reflects the Sikh belief in One God (Ik Onkar), who is beyond human perception.
God is present everywhere and is not limited to any religion.
3. Divine Grace and Spiritual Thirst
Guru Nanak compares himself to a thirsty bird longing for a drop of water, symbolizing the soul’s deep desire for God’s grace.
Even a single drop of God’s mercy is enough to bring peace and fulfillment.
True devotion comes from seeking God with humility and sincerity.
4. The Role of the Guru in Enlightenment
Spiritual wisdom (Light) is attained only through the Guru’s grace.
The Guru removes ignorance and leads people toward divine knowledge.
Without the Guru’s guidance, one remains trapped in worldly illusions and ego.
5. Rejection of Rituals, Focus on Naam Simran (Remembering God’s Name)
True Aarti is not about lamps, flowers, or incense, but about meditating on God’s Name (Naam Simran).
God is pleased by true devotion, humility, and a righteous life rather than physical offerings.
Guru Nanak shifts the focus from external rituals to inner spirituality and remembrance of God.
