Raag Kaanraa, Shabad, Mehl 5 (Guru Arjan)

You are my very best friend; and You Yourself are the greatest gift.

The Arc

The rahau: the devotee is in love with the One — my friend, my best friend, everything is in Your home. The first verse: I bring You all my wishes, for honor, strength, plenty, and dear ones. The close: You Yourself are the freedom, the way, the perfect joy, the treasure beyond treasures; in loving wonder my heart lights up, and I give myself to You forever.

Key Vocabulary

• saajno too meet mayraa — You are my friend
• garihi tayrai sabh kayhu — everything is in Your home
• mukat jugat bhugat pooran parmaanand — liberation, way, fulfillment, perfect bliss
• bhai bhaa-ay bhagat nihaal — in loving awe, the heart is lit up

Themes and Cross-Connections

Friendship with the One, and the turn from asking for gifts to treasuring the Giver. The greatest gift is not what is given but the One who gives.

For Raag Kaanraa

Kaanraa's love speaks as friendship — intimate, trusting, and finally content with the Beloved alone.

Translation Notes

bhai (often rendered fear of God) is read here as reverent awe and loving wonder rather than dread.