Question

What does the hymn, ‘Ek ONKAR SATNAM, KARTA PURAKH, NIRBHAU, NIRVAIR, AKAL MURAT, AJUNI SAIHUNG II GUR PRASAD’ contain?
A. Life story of Guru Nanak Dev Ji
B. Udasi of Guru Nanak Dev Ji
C. Gist of Concept of God
D. All of the above

Answer 1

Hint: Opening words of the Guru Granth Sahib form the main doctrine of Sikhism, and are often found in inscriptions in Gurudwaras. The hymn also talks about how God was devoid of negative and destructive feelings.

Complete answer:
Option A. Guru Nanak was born in Rai Bhoi di Talwandi in which was then the Delhi Sultanate and now is the state of Punjab. His birthday is celebrated as Gurupurab. His childhood was characterised by his possession of divine knowledge, that was indicative of his spiritual significance. His teachings are in the form of 934 sayings. His life story however, is a wrong answer for this question.
Option B. Udasi was born from the teachings of the son of Guru Nanak. It is a term also used for a sect of sadhus whose preaching has contributed to many people converting into Sikhism in the 1700s and 1800s. It is, however, an incorrect option.

The correct answer is option C, gist of the concept of God. It is formless but can be understood by those whose sole pursuit is permeating in this Oneness. Waheguru is often the term used, which translates to ‘Wonderful Lord’

Note: Written in Gurmukhi (the official script of Punjabi), it is the principle of monotheistic supreme reality. The script was promulgated by the second Guru, Guru Angad Dev Ji. It is an abugida or alphasyllabary system, like Hindi and Burmese.