Gurbani Word Of The Day: abheech

Theme for the Week:
Do you know that Guru Amar Das undertook a journey and visited a few sacred places of Hindus like Guru Nanak did? 

Do you wonder why the Gurus visited these sacred places of Hindus and others during their journeys?

In conjunction with the day of accession of Guru Ram Das and the demise of Guru Amar Das this week, we’ll take you on a journey Guru Amar Das undertook. In the coming six days we will together explore his travels, a part of Sikh history that is not very mainstream, and try to learn from them.

Bhai Jetha (later Guru Ram Das) himself was with Guru Amar Das on his journey. Subsequently, when he was anointed as fourth Guru, he composed an account of the journey and the extraordinary incidents that occurred on this tour. The verses of this week are from this hymn of historical significance.

ਅਭੀਚੁ (abheech)
Meaning: noun: The 21st lunar asterism, a special muhurat called abhijit in Hinduism, supposedly auspicious for any work.

Quote:
ਨਾਵਣੁ ਪੁਰਬੁ ਅਭੀਚੁ   ਗੁਰ ਸਤਿਗੁਰ ਦਰਸੁ ਭਇਆ॥
naavaṇ purab abheech   gur satigur daras bha-i-aa.
The fruits of ritual bathing and abhijit muhurat were naturally obtained when the blessed vision of the Guru, the true Guru, i.e., the spiritual guidance from the Guru was received
– Guru Ram Das Sahib, Guru Granth Sahib, 1116

Photo: By Carol (Flickr)

Message: Sikh Gurus visited the places of pilgrimage during some special occasions when a large number of people would gather to take part in the event.  They did this to reach out and share their message to as many people as could be possible. When Guru Amar Das stopped at a place called Kurukshetra, it was an occasion of abhijit, and people were having a dip in the water.

Abhijit muhurat, based on the lunar calendar, is considered an auspicious period during midday, which approximately lasts for 48 minutes. It is believed to destroy sins and is considered a good time to start work. 

The verse reveals to us that those who had the opportunity of meeting the Guru and listening to his teachings would have realised the true meaning of cleansing and that all times are equally ‘auspicious’ and significant.

Only through the internalisation of divine wisdom will the darkness of our ignorance and the filth of our false beliefs and evil inclinations be removed.

We experience divinity within our beings once we have cleansed ourselves of our vices.  Our spiritual link with the Almighty will help and strengthen us to overcome our fallacies, fears and pains.

Etymology: From Sanskrit abhijeet or abhijit (victorious or conqueror), the Sanskrit name for Vega, the brightest star in the northern constellation of Lyra. In Hinduism, abhijit muhurat refers to a period of 48 minutes which is considered a good time to commence any task.

 

 

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