Akal Ustat
Akal Ustat: This is the name given to the second Bani in the second holy scriptures of the Sikhs called the Dasam Granth. This text spans from page 33 to page 94 of the 2326 pages of this holy book of the Sikhs at www.sridasam.org. (Original text is printed over 1428 pages). It is composed of 271 verses, and is largely devotional in nature.
The word "Akal" mean the "timeless primal being" and the word "Ustat" means "praise". So together the words "Akal Ustat" means the "praise of the Almighty God" Guru Gobind Singh, the tenth Sikh Guru writes praises of God with love and dedication saying that God is worshiped by various peoples in many different ways and with varying names and methods thus:
He is an Inconceivable Entity, External and Attire-less. He is without attachment, colour, form and mark. He distinct from all others of various colours and signs. He is the Primal being, Unique and Changeless.(3) He is without colour, mark, caste and lineage. He is the without enemy, friend, father and mother. He is far away from all and closest to all. His dwelling is within water, on earth and in heavens.(4)
-(Guru Gobind Singh, Akal Ustat, verse 3 to 4)
In the Akal Ustat, the Guru describes the Almighty God in all His glory by making use of metaphysical references and the masterful use of imaginative language and image creating phases. The extended similes and comparisons are so lucid and clear that the reader gets riveted to what is been narrated. "There are millions of Indras and incarnations of Brahma, Vishnu and Krishna. But, without worship of God none are accepted in His Court." (stanza 38)
At various points, in this composition Guru ji has spoken out against the caste system. Perhaps no other writer has so boldly and fearlessly negated caste distinctions, the name of Guru Gobind Singh will always stand out in history for this courageous and bold attack on the caste system.
The false belief of some people that by virtue of belonging to a particular religion, region, history, culture, colour or creed they are superior to others is strongly refuted by the Guru. Instead, he has very clearly and firmly stated that "all human beings are one" thus:
Someone is Hindu and someone a Muslim, then someone is Shia, and someone a Sunni, but all the human beings, as a species, are recognized as one and the same.
-(Guru Gobind Singh, Akal Ustat, Verse 85-15-1)
The summary of this Bani is narrated by Gobin Sadan at:
| www.gobindsadan.org |
| "The second piece of writing included in the Dasam Granth is called the Akaal Ustat. Herein a major myth has been removed and proved wrong by Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji. The false belief that some people by virtue of belonging to a particular religion, region, history, culture, colour or creed are superior to others is strongly refuted. Instead, he has very clearly and firmly stated that all human beings are one.
In this literary work the various forms of God as perceived by man are described and the spiritual, the philosophical and the social beliefs have been clearly elucidated. In the Akaal Ustat, the Almighty God has been described in all his glory by making use of metaphysical references and the masterful use of imagery. The extended similes and comparisons are so lucid and clear that the reader gets riveted to what he is reading. At various points, in this composition Guru ji has spoken out against the caste system. Perhaps no other writer has so boldly and fearlessly negated caste distinctions, the name of Guru Gobind Singh Ji will always stand out in history for this courageous and bold attack on the caste system. On the whole, the picture of God that emerges through the Akaal Ustat is complete-He is the Perfect, Ommipotent, Omniscient Lord who treats kings and papers, elephants and ants alike. He is All Pervading. He is the Creator, The Preserver and the Destroyer. Instead of getting caught up in petty trivialities of life, one should reach out to this All-benevolent God in pure love so as to gain spiritual insight into the reality of God." |
References
- The Wondrous Play, Dr. Jodh Singh.
- The Life and Ideals of Guru Gobind Singh by Surindar Singh Kohli, 1986, Munshiram Manoharlal
External links
- ॥ਪਾਤਸ਼ਾਹੀ10॥.Org: The most intensive and influential website on Sri Dasam Granth Sahib
- Learn more about the Sri Dasam Granth
- Sri Dasam Granth – Akal Ustat
- Hemkunt
| Banis: | Jaap | Akal Ustat | Bachitar Natak | Chandi Charitar Ukat(i) Bilas | Chandi Charitar 2 | | Chandi di Var | Gyan Parbodh | Chobis Avatar | Brahm Avtar | Rudar Avtar | Shabad Hazarey | 33 Swaiyey | Swayyae| Shastar Nam Mala | Charitropakhyan | Zafarnama | Hikayats |
| History: | Historical References · Guru Gobind Singh · Paonta Sahib · Bhai Mani Singh · Mata Sundri |
| Philosphy: | Idol Worship · Pilgrimages · Chandi · Triya · Shastar · Waheguru |
| Sikh Scholars About Dasam Bani: | Singh Sabha Lahore · Bhai Kahn Singh Nabha · Professor Sahib Singh · Bhai Veer Singh · Jarnail Singh Bhindrawale · Anti Dasam Bani Movement |
