ਉਧਰਣ (udhraṇ)
Meaning: noun: Saving, deliverance.
Quote:
ਤੀਰਥ ਉਦਮੁ ਸਤਿਗੁਰੂ ਕੀਆ ਸਭ ਲੋਕ ਉਧਰਣ ਅਰਥਾ॥
teerath udam satiguroo keeaa sabh lok udhraṇ arthaa
The true Guru endeavoured to go to the places of pilgrimages, for the sake of saving all the people
– Guru Ram Das Sahib, Guru Granth Sahib, 1116
Message: Many Sikhs accompanied Guru Amar Das on his preaching tour. An atmosphere of divine wonder and awe prevailed throughout the journey as the praises of the Divine were lovingly sung and reflected upon together.
It appeared as if the entire world had gathered to see the Guru. Those who listened to the Guru and sought his divine advice were spiritually enlightened. They experienced the Divine within and around them.
Lest we draw a wrong conclusion that the Guru went on a pilgrimage to sacred places of Hindus and that pilgrimages are recommended by him, Guru Ram Das has clarified the purpose of his visit.
The verse above tells us that the aim of the Guru’s travel was to disseminate divine knowledge and enlighten people that ritualistic dips in ‘holy waters’ during any auspicious period whatsoever have no spiritual significance unless the dips were internal. Being mindful of the Divine presence and serving mankind should be the goal of our life.
Etymology: From udhaari (to save, deliver) from Sanskrit uddhaarayati (raises) → Sindhi udharaṇu and Punjabi/Hindi udhaaranaa.
