ਪ੍ਰੀਤਮੁ (preetam)
Meaning: noun: Beloved.
Quote:
ਮਾਈ ਮੋਹਿ ਪ੍ਰੀਤਮੁ ਦੇਹੁ ਮਿਲਾਈ॥
ਸਗਲ ਸਹੇਲੀ ਸੁਖ ਭਰਿ ਸੂਤੀ ਜਿਹ ਘਰਿ ਲਾਲੁ ਬਸਾਈ॥
maaee mohi preetam dehu milaaee.
sagal sahelee sukh bhar sootee jih ghar laal basaaee
O mother/friend! Please lead me to union with my Beloved. All my friends in whose hearts the Beloved dwells sleep in complete peace
– Guru Arjan Sahib, Guru Granth Sahib, 1267
Message: Sometimes a devotee wants to regard the Divine as his or her divine love, a soulmate. It is the most intimate of all connections or relationships and is hence considered the highest form of devotion.
A lover loves tenderly. He or she dotes on their loved one, longs for their company, spends time deep in thoughts of their loved one and is guided by utmost love and devotion to the lover. The lover and beloved are like two bodies, but with one soul. They are separate yet united by the bonds of love, enjoying the peace and bliss of togetherness.
Similarly, a devotee is immersed in the devotion of the Divine. He or she is immersed in His love and enjoy a strong bond with the Beloved. The love for the Divine and His wonderful creation is the driving force of such people.
ਹਰਿ ਸਾ ਪ੍ਰੀਤਮੁ ਅਵਰੁ ਨ ਕੋਇ॥ ਸਾਰਿ ਸਮਾਲੇ ਸਾਚਾ ਸੋਇ॥
There is no other Beloved like the Divine. That true Divine looks after and takes care of all. -Guru Arjan Sahib, Guru Granth Sahib, 1151
Etymology: From Sanskrit priyatam (dearest, beloved).
