Indian Classical Music And Sikh Kirtan by Gobind Singh Mansukhani (M.A., LL.B, Ph.D.) © 1982 Guru Angad (1504-52) |
| Guru Angad (1504-52) During the last few days of his life, Guru Nanak instructed his successor-Guru Angad- to start the traditio of kirtan of Asa-di-var. Rababis-Bhai Balwand and Satta have written fine verses about the second Guru in their Var. “Then the true Guru (Angnad), the son of Pheru, came to live in the village Khadoor. Meditation, hard service and self-discipline abide with you, O my true Guru, while great pride abides with others..... O my Guru, You are that peace whose depth cannot be found. You are brimful with the nine treasures of the wealth of the Name” [13]. These Rababis have stated that in addition to the customary langar, the kitchen of the Divine Name continued from which Nam was distributed to all the followers. The Lord’s praises were sung together and thus the disciples were knit in a spiritual fraternity. Mascauliffe has mentioned the daily routine in the following words: “It was Guru Angad’s practice to rise three hours before day, bathe in cold water, and engage in mediation and introspection. Meanwhile, the musicians sang As-di-var. After this, he used to hold court, when Balwand and Satta- the latter was the former’s son according to some, and his brother according to others-two famous minstrels of the time, entertained the company with vocal and instrumental music. The Sodar was then repeated and food distributed as in the morning. After that, followed singing of sacred hymns, and then the Guru and his disciples retired to rest” [4]. There were some other musicians who also performed kirtan at Guru Angnad’s court at Khadoor Sahab. Bhai Deepaand Bhai Buddha were amongst them. There are only sixty-two salokas of Guru Angnad under ten ragas in Guru Granth Sahab. Guru Angnad was a great singer and an expert in seasonal ragas like Basant and Malar/Malhar. In Suhi raga, he sings his appreciation of the spring season in symbolic terms: “Nanak, they in whose home their Spouse abides enjoy the spring season” [15] “Meditate on Him who comes earlier than the spring season”[16] In Malar raga, Guru Angad comments on the month of Sawan-the period of rainfall. Rain brings joy and fulfilment of devotees: “The month of Sawan has come. O my companion, think of your Groom”[17]. “The month of Sawan has come. O my friend the clouds have burst forth” [18]. |