Raag Maaroo
Commentary

Raag Maaroo, Du-Padas, Mehl 5 (Guru Arjan)

Even when we forget, the One reaches out a hand.

The Arc

The Name washes clean whoever has stumbled and is a Master for the masterless — a raft in the deep water of the world. The Pause holds the shabad's tenderest line: many go under without the Name, and yet even when someone forgets the One completely, the One still reaches out a hand and holds them up. In good company one sings the praises and walks the sweet path; simply hearing of the One brings the singer alive.

Key Vocabulary

  • Patit paavan — purifier of those who have stumbled
  • Anaath ko naath — Master of the masterless
  • Tulho — a raft
  • De kar raakhai haath — reaches out a hand and saves

Themes and Cross-Connections

Grace that is not earned — help extended even to the one who forgets — is the raag's most reassuring note, close kin to the "no one turned away empty-handed" of the longer shabads.

For Raag Maaroo

Rescue offered before it is deserved; buoyancy in deep water.

Translation Notes

"Sinners" is softened to those who have stumbled, and "terrifying world-ocean" to the wide, deep water; the accent falls on buoyancy and belonging.

Last updated: 2026-07-09

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