Aar Nanak Paar Nanak English Translation Updated 2021
The phrase echoes the Mool Mantar’s definition of the Divine as Akal Moorat (Beyond Time) and Ajooni (Beyond Birth and Death).
Penned by Harmanjeet Singh , the lyrics emphasize that Guru Nanak is "on this side and that side" ( Aar and Paar ), symbolizing his presence everywhere ( Sab Thaan Ek Onkar ).
The old translation made Nanak a traveler crossing a river. The makes Nanak the river, both banks, and the water itself.
To fully appreciate the updated translation, we must break down the key Punjabi words and their spiritual metaphors: aar nanak paar nanak english translation updated
The original composition of "Aar Nanak Paar Nanak" is deeply rooted in the mystical and philosophical traditions of the Indian subcontinent. Written in a classical form of Punjabi, the hymn weaves a poetic and musical spell that transcends linguistic barriers. For centuries, devotees have sung these verses as a prayer, a meditation, and a source of solace. However, to make this sacred text accessible to a broader audience, an updated English translation has been crafted, preserving the original's spiritual fervor and poetic beauty.
The prayer "Aar Nanak Paar Nanak" is a call to the soul to embark on a spiritual journey, seeking guidance from the Guru. The phrase "Aar Nanak" means "come, Nanak" or "come, O soul", while "Paar Nanak" means "cross over, Nanak" or "cross over, O soul". The word "Paar" implies crossing over the ocean of existence, which is a metaphor for the cycle of birth and death.
A common misconception is that Sikhs worship Guru Nanak as God Himself. This phrase corrects that notion perfectly. The line "Sab Kar Nirankar" attributes all creation and action to the Formless God. Guru Nanak is the divine channel, but the ultimate authority rests with Nirankar . 3. Redirection to Ek Onkar The phrase echoes the Mool Mantar’s definition of
Some versions include verses about the "tenth form" (Guru Gobind Singh Ji) picking up the sword (
On this side of reality, Nanak. On the other side of reality, Nanak. Everything, everywhere, is only Nanak— Which is only the One Divine (Har, Har, Har).
"ਤੂ ਥਾਨ੍ਹ੍ਹਡਾ ਤੂ ਥਾਨੰਤਰਾ ਜੇਹੇ ਕੰਮਿ ਹਰਿ ਲਾਇਆ ਤੇਹੇ ਕੋ ਕਰਮ ਕਮਾਇਆ ॥" (You are here, and You are there. As You engage human beings, so do they perform their deeds.) Psychological and Spiritual Impact of the Chant The makes Nanak the river, both banks, and the water itself
This poetic juxtaposition creates a visual of a river or a vast, treacherous ocean (often referred to in Sikh scripture as the Bhavsagar or world-ocean). Saying Guru Nanak is on both sides means His divine presence is omnipresent. He is the anchor where you stand now, and He is the destination waiting to receive you.
Would you like the full Shabad translation as well?
represents our current state—bound by ego, attachment, and illusion.
"Nanak is on this side, Nanak is on the other side. Everywhere, Nanak is the One Creator." 2. Philosophical & Spiritual Interpretation
The song describes the earth and sky as being blessed by the Guru’s arrival, which ends all sorrows. It notes that in places where he set foot, the tradition of "Deg" (serving food to the hungry) continues today. Light and Truth: