The spiritual song "Aar Nanak Paar Nanak" (transliterated as Aar Nānak Pār Nānak ) is a contemporary devotional track performed by Diljit Dosanjh . The title and central refrain translate to Nanak is on this side, Nanak is on that side
signifying the omnipresence of Guru Nanak Dev Ji as a manifestation of the one divine light. English Translation Summary The lyrics, written by Harmanjeet Singh (author of ), focus on the following themes: The Times of India Omnipresence (The Chorus): "Aar Nanak, Paar Nanak, Sab Thaan Ik Onkar Nanak" Translation:
Nanak is here, Nanak is there (beyond); in every place, the One Creator (Ik Onkar) is Nanak. Divine Presence on Earth:
The song describes the earth and sky as being blessed by the Guru’s arrival, which ends all sorrows. It notes that in places where he set foot, the tradition of "Deg" (serving food to the hungry) continues today. Light and Truth:
Nanak is portrayed as a "fountain of light" and a "line of many lights". The lyrics emphasize that his court is the only truth, while everything else is a fleeting illusion. Legacy of the Ten Gurus:
Some versions include verses about the "tenth form" (Guru Gobind Singh Ji) picking up the sword (
), illustrating the Sikh belief that the same spiritual light ( ) resided in all ten Gurus. Key Song Information Diljit Dosanjh Harmanjeet Singh Manpreet Singh Music Director: Release Date:
Originally released in November 2018 for Guru Nanak’s 550th Prakash Parv; a Lo-Fi version was released in 2024. The Times of India full stanza-by-stanza English translation for a specific part of the song?
"Aar Nanak Paar Nanak" is a spiritual song popularized by artist Diljit Dosanjh that celebrates the omnipresence of the almighty through the spirit of Guru Nanak Dev Ji. The title phrase metaphorically suggests that the divine presence is found both on "this side" (Aar) and "that side" (Paar) of existence—essentially everywhere. Core Meaning and Translation
The central theme of the song is Ik Onkar—the oneness of God who resides in all of creation.
"Aar Nanak, Paar Nanak, Sab Thaan Ik Onkar Nanak": Translated as "Nanak is on this side, Nanak is on that side, Nanak is everywhere; there is only one Creator, Nanak".
Omnipresence: It emphasizes that the supreme creator is not confined to one space but resides in everything and everyone, much like the ocean and its waves are one.
The "Nanak" Spirit: In Sikh philosophy, the spirit of Guru Nanak is believed to have passed through all ten subsequent Gurus, representing a single continuous divine light. Lyrics & Key Verses (English Translation) aar nanak paar nanak english translation updated
The lyrics, penned by Harmanjeet Singh, use rich imagery to describe the Guru's grace:
Divine Grace: "Hethan chaanan da dareya wagay, Utton mehar da barse megh baba" translates to "Below flows the river of light, and from above, the clouds of your mercy rain down, O Guru".
Sacred Footsteps: "Jina thaawan te paaye pair tusi, Othay ajj vi varte deg baaba" refers to the belief that wherever the Guru stepped, his blessings (symbolized by deg or the community kitchen) still provide for everyone today.
True Court: "Ek tera hi darbar sacha, baki sab bharm bhulekha ae" means "Only your court (the divine presence) is true; everything else is a mere illusion or misunderstanding". Context and Significance
Song Release: Released in November 2018 under White Hill Music to coincide with the 550th birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev Ji.
Musical Style: Features music by Gurmoh and is often categorized as a non-traditional spiritual track rather than a traditional Gurbani Shabad, though its themes are deeply rooted in Sikh theology.
Universal Message: While centered on Sikh teachings, listeners of various backgrounds have noted the song's "soulfulness" and its message of peace and equality.
Title: Aar Nanak Paar Nanak: A Spiritual Journey - English Translation and Meaning
Introduction:
"Aar Nanak Paar Nanak" is a revered Sikh prayer that has been a source of spiritual guidance and inspiration for millions of devotees worldwide. The prayer, also known as "Aar Nanak Paar Nanak Gurmukh Chanjh", is a beautiful expression of the Sikh faith, invoking the blessings of the Almighty and seeking spiritual growth. In this blog post, we will provide the English translation of "Aar Nanak Paar Nanak" and explore its meaning and significance.
English Translation:
Aar Nanak Paar Nanak Gurmukh Chanjh Ji Aar Nanak Paar Nanak Gur Nanak Chanjh Ji The spiritual song "Aar Nanak Paar Nanak" (transliterated
( Repeat as above )
Meaning:
Come, Nanak (soul), cross over (the ocean of existence) Under the guidance of the Guru (true spiritual teacher)
Detailed Explanation:
The prayer "Aar Nanak Paar Nanak" is a call to the soul to embark on a spiritual journey, seeking guidance from the Guru. The phrase "Aar Nanak" means "come, Nanak" or "come, O soul", while "Paar Nanak" means "cross over, Nanak" or "cross over, O soul". The word "Paar" implies crossing over the ocean of existence, which is a metaphor for the cycle of birth and death.
The second line, "Gurmukh Chanjh Ji", emphasizes the importance of the Guru's guidance on this spiritual journey. The word "Gurmukh" means "one who is guided by the Guru" or "one who faces the Guru". The phrase "Chanjh Ji" is an expression of humility and devotion, meaning "I pray" or "I seek".
Significance and Interpretation:
The prayer "Aar Nanak Paar Nanak" holds deep significance for Sikhs and spiritual seekers worldwide. It serves as a reminder of the soul's journey towards self-realization and union with the divine. The prayer:
Conclusion:
"Aar Nanak Paar Nanak" is a sacred Sikh prayer that inspires spiritual growth, protection, and guidance. The English translation of this prayer provides a glimpse into the profound meaning and significance of this beautiful invocation. As we reflect on the prayer, may we be guided by the wisdom of the Guru and may our souls cross over the ocean of existence, attaining spiritual liberation.
Recitation and Reflection:
Take a moment to recite and reflect on the prayer "Aar Nanak Paar Nanak". Repeat the phrase with devotion and sincerity, allowing its meaning to sink into your heart. May this prayer bring you peace, guidance, and spiritual growth. Invokes spiritual growth: The prayer invites the soul
Here is the English translation and explanation of the line "Aar Nanak Paar Nanak" from the Sikh hymn (Shabad) in Raag Asa (Guru Granth Sahib, Ang 397-398), updated for contemporary clarity.
In an era of fragmentation—where people feel a disconnect between their spiritual life and secular work—"Aar Nanak Paar Nanak" is a healing mantra. The updated translation reminds the modern reader that work is worship, and that the supermarket is as holy as the gurdwara.
Furthermore, for English-speaking Sikhs of the diaspora, older translations felt archaic. This updated English translation uses present, active verbs ("is," "pervades") rather than static descriptions, making the verse usable in kirtan (devotional singing) and daily ardas (prayer).
"Atal Nanak" Updated Translation: Unmoving and eternal is Nanak (the unstruck divine melody).
| Phrase | Meaning | |--------|---------| | Aar Nanak | On this shore (the world of form, illusion, or the beginning of creation) – God resides. | | Paar Nanak | On the far shore (the realm of truth, liberation, or the unmanifest) – God also resides. | | Duhee Nanak naal hai | The same Divine Presence accompanies both states. There is no duality; God is both the means and the destination. |
Key Takeaway (Updated for modern seekers):
“On this side is Nanak, on the other side is Nanak.
In both places, Nanak alone exists.”
Before we analyze the translation, we must understand the source. This couplet is not from the Guru Granth Sahib (the primary Sikh scripture), but rather from the Sri Sarbloh Granth, traditionally attributed to the tenth Sikh Guru, Guru Gobind Singh. It appears within the "Khalsa Mahima" (The Praise of the Khalsa).
The full couplet is:
"Aar Nanak Paar Nanak, Atal Nanak Akaal Nanak."
Historically, simpler translations rendered this as: "This side Nanak, the other side Nanak; Unchanging Nanak, Undying Nanak." While not incorrect, these older versions lose the directional, almost cartographic theology of the original.
"Here is the Divine Master, there is the Divine Master; the One Master is present on both sides."
(In Sikh theology, "Nanak" here refers to the formless, omnipresent Divine (Waheguru), not the human Guru Nanak.)