Araz Ul Alfaz

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Araz ul Alfaz, (lit. breadth or scope of words) is a versified composition, in Persian, by Bhai Nand Lal Goya, a noted poet and devout follower of Guru Gobind Singh. Arz is a long poem of 1,346 couplets of much literary as well as spiritual import.

Etymology of the Title

In the Persian language arz may mean (breadth or scope) while alfaz may mean (words, address, petition or request). Each word has many meanings, as can be found in both old and new lexicons. These are the disciplines spread by scholars of intellect and vision. (3,4)

That the poet intended the title to mean "breadth (or scope) of words" is clear from the introductory couplets:

Thousands are the praises and thanksgivings owed to the court of that Holy and Fearless Judge, who blessed the composition of these words with completion and illuminated the thoughts enshrined therein like the Sun. (1,2)


The Deeper meaning of Poetry

Which are the kinds of "k" and "y", which are particles and prepositions, which the nouns related to "t"? Many words of spiritual, mathematical and physical content are given in this (book) with discriminative care. (5,6)

Which are the six kinds of knowledge and two kinds of wisdom from either of which there grow three meanings for for each word? Then there are plural words and plurals of plurals; for the purpose of this work they are free from extraneous consideration. (7,8)

Description of this kind is a virtuous task, because every task and capability to perform it is from Him. Therefore, it is proper to commence this book in the name of God, the Creator of the universe. (9.10)

After the introductory couplets begins the laudation of the Almighty panegyrizing His many attributes. The book ends with verbal annotations and interpretations.

Bhai Nand Lal, who had the honour of enjoying the patronage of Guru Gobind Singh at Anandpur, also served in the imperial courts of Aurangzeb and Prince Mu'azzam (later Emperor Bahadur Shah).


OTHER SIKH SCRIPTURES

Ganjnama ♦♦ Bansavalinama Dasan Patshahian Ka ♦♦ Bavanja kavi ♦♦ Bhagat Ratanavali ♦♦ Bhera Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji Ka ♦♦ Chalitar Joti Samavane ki ♦♦ Chaturbhuj Pothi ♦♦ Haqiqat Rah Muqam Raje Shivnabh Ki ♦♦ Hazarnamah ♦♦ Kabitt Savaiye ♦♦ Karni Namah ♦♦ Nasihat Namah ♦♦ Amarnama ♦♦ Ani Rai ♦♦ Araz Ul Alfaz ♦♦ Baba Mohan Valian Pothian ♦♦ Bala Janam Sakhi ♦♦ Panj Sau Sakhi ♦♦ Pothi ♦♦ Pothi Sachkhand ♦♦ Prem Abodh Pothi ♦♦ Prem Sumarag ♦♦ Sukhmam Sahansarnama