ਲਖ (lakh)
Meaning: numeral adjective: Lakhs of, hundreds of thousands.
Quote:
ਪਾਤਾਲਾ ਪਾਤਾਲ ਲਖ ਆਗਾਸਾ ਆਗਾਸ॥
paataalaa paataal lakh aagaasaa aagaas.
There are hundreds of thousands of nether worlds and hundreds of thousands of skies (in the universe). – Guru Nanak Sahib, Guru Granth Sahib, Page 05
Message: Continuing on the theme of creation from the previous pauri, Guru Nanak shares his cosmology, which, although expressed over 500 years ago, is strikingly in tune with contemporary scientific notions of an expanding universe with billions of galaxies, stars, and planets.
The Guru asserts that there are uncountable clusters of nether worlds and limitless skies above. We need to take the cue that even the four Vedas were not able to fully comprehend the extent. The Semitic scriptures talk about different planes of existence. They are countless, and no one will be able to record them. Only the Almighty knows the extent of creation.
Guru Nanak’s cosmology cultivates the sense of wonder, which is the foundational quality for spiritual progress in Sikhi. It expands our mental capacities by developing in us an appreciation of the vastness of creation. This realization also helps to shatter one’s self-centered pride (haumai).
Etymology: From Sanskrit laksh (stake, prize) → Pali lakkh (mark, target, stake in gambling; 100,000) → Prakrit lakkh (100,000) → Sindhi lakhu, Lahndi lakh, Punjabi lakh (100,000).
