Sikhism·Raag Aasaa·Shabad 181
Verse 4 of 5

The Best Lamp-Worship Is Singing His Praise

ਘਟਿ ਘਟਿ ਸੰਪਟੁ ਹੈ ਰੇ ਜਾ ਕਾ ॥
ghat ghat sampat hai ray jaa kaa.
He is treasured in each and every heart.
ਅਭਗ ਸਭਾ ਸੰਗਿ ਹੈ ਸਾਧਾ ॥
abhag sabhaa sang hai saaDhaa.
The Saadh Sangat, the Company of the Holy, is His Eternal Court.
ਆਰਤੀ ਕੀਰਤਨੁ ਸਦਾ ਅਨੰਦ ॥
aartee keertan sadaa anand.
His Aartee, his lamp-lit worship service, is the Kirtan of His Praises, which brings lasting bliss.
ਮਹਿਮਾ ਸੁੰਦਰ ਸਦਾ ਬੇਅੰਤ ॥੩॥
mahimaa sundar sadaa bay-ant. ||3||
His Greatness is so beautiful, and ever limitless. ||3||

Translation by Dr. Sant Singh Khalsa

In plain words

He is treasured within every heart. The company of the holy is His court that lasts forever.

His lamp-worship is the singing of His praises. It brings lasting joy. His greatness is beautiful, and it has no end.

The most beautiful lamp-worship is simply singing the One's praises in good company.
The deeper layer

This one says the most beautiful worship is singing the One's praises together.

The One is treasured in every single heart. The Saadh Sangat, the company of good and holy people, is His court that lasts forever.

Aartee is a worship where people wave a plate of lamps. Guru Arjan says the One's true Aartee is keertan — singing His praises. That brings a joy that lasts. His greatness is beautiful and has no end.

Think of friends singing around a campfire. No one needs a stage or lights. The singing itself fills the night. That is the picture here. The finest worship is not waving a lamp, but singing about the One in good company.

A Question to Sit With

What is the difference between waving a lamp and a heart truly lit up in praise?

Translation by Dr. Sant Singh Khalsa·How we use AI

About this shabad →
Use ← → to navigate