Word Of The Day: maan Sarovar

ਮਾਨ ਸਰੋਵਰ (maan sarovar)
Meaning: The Lake of Maan-sarovar, a freshwater lake in the Tibetan Autonomous Region.

Myth has it that one who bathes in the lake and drinks water from it is cleansed of all sins and goes to the abode of Shiva (one of the three gods in Hinduism) after death. Gurbani doesn’t believe in such a myth as there are also other freshwater lakes around the world and none of them is more special than the other.

Quote:
ਗੁਰੁ ਸਰਵਰੁ ਮਾਨ ਸਰੋਵਰੁ ਹੈ   ਵਡਭਾਗੀ ਪੁਰਖ ਲਹੰਨਿ॥
gur sarvar maan sarovar hai   vaḍbhaagee purakh lahaňnh.
The pool of the Guru’s wisdom is the true Maan-sarovar, which the very fortunate ones find.
– Guru Amar Das Sahib, Guru Granth Sahib, Page 757

Message: The verse here gently disapproves outward shows of spirituality and ritual practices that promise a ticket to heaven. Only the Guru – the Guru’s words of wisdom (Gurbani) – is the true pool or lake.

The Divine is subtle and inaccessible. How then can we meet Him and cleanse ourselves of the dirt we carry? It is through the words of Gurbani that the light of wisdom dawns. It takes away all darkness and delusion. All evil is dispelled. Divinity sets in.

We are enlightened about the omnipresence of the Divine through Gurbani as we apply the lessons taught in our lives. This is how the true cleansing occurs and our minds are rid of delusions and false beliefs.

ਤੁਮ ਜਲ ਨਿਧਿ ਹਰਿ ਮਾਨ ਸਰੋਵਰ   ਜੋ ਸੇਵੈ ਸਭ ਫਲਣੇ॥
O Divine! You are the ocean of pure water, the true Maan-sarovar Lake; whoever serves you obtains all fruits.
– Guru Ram Das Sahib, Guru Granth Sahib, Page 977

Etymology: From Sanskirt manasarovar, a blend of manas (mind) + sarovar (pool, lake).

According to the Hindu mythology, the lake was first created in the mind of Lord Brahma (one of the three gods in Hinduism) before it manifested on Earth.

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