Gurbani Word Of The Day: paag

ਪਾਗ (paag)
Meaning: noun: Turban.

Quote:
ਟੇਢੀ ਪਾਗ  ਟੇਢੇ ਚਲੇ   ਲਾਗੇ ਬੀਰੇ ਖਾਨ॥
ṭeḍhee paag  ṭeḍhe chale   laage beere khan.
(In the conceit of their power, they) tie crooked turban, walk crooked, and start chewing betel leaves. – Bhagat Kabir, Guru Granth Sahib, 1124

Message: When the word ‘crooked’ is used to describe something or someone, it usually denotes negative or dishonest qualities. In the same way, this verse comments on the conduct of people who are not upright as they are egocentric, and tells us what their end is.

Noting the conduct and dress of men belonging to the affluent ruling class of those days, Bhagat Kabir says: ‘They sport crooked turbans, walk in a crooked (arrogant) way and are busy eating betel leaves, and when asked about their conduct they say’, “I don’t have anything to do with devotion or worship of the Divine, all I do is rule others”.

Why be so puffed up because of bodily strength, power, or riches, and waste our life in greed or conceit? Let us remember that strength, power and riches are impermanent. Instead, remember the Creator and be humble.

ਬੰਕੇ ਬਾਲ ਪਾਗ ਸਿਰਿ ਡੇਰੀ॥ ਇਹੁ ਤਨੁ ਹੋਇਗੋ ਭਸਮ ਕੀ ਢੇਰੀ॥
You make your hair beautiful, and wear a stylish turban on your head. (But you forget that even) this body will be reduced to a pile of ashes in the end. – Bhagat Ravidas, Guru Granth Sahib, 659

People with integrity walk safely, but those who follow crooked paths will slip and fall. –A Bible proverb

Etymology: From Sanskrit paggaa (headdress) → Sindhi, Kumauni, Nepali, Bengali, Bihari, and Hindi, etc. paag (turban).