- Composed by
- Guru Arjan Dev Ji
- Source
- Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji, Ang 262–296
- Structure
- 24 ashtpadis in Raag Gauri, each introduced by a salok
- Recited
- Other Banis for study & Paath
Read Sukhmani Sahib
ਸੁਖਮਨੀ ਸੁਖ ਅੰਮ੍ਰਿਤ ਪ੍ਰਭ ਨਾਮੁ ॥ ਭਗਤ ਜਨਾ ਕੈ ਮਨਿ ਬਿਸ੍ਰਾਮ ॥ ਰਹਾਉ ॥
Sukhmanee sukh amrit prabh naam. Bhagat janaa kai man bisraam.
The Divine Name is the jewel of peace, a nectar of comfort; it rests in the minds of the devoted.
ਰੱਬ ਦਾ ਨਾਮ ਸ਼ਾਂਤੀ ਦਾ ਰਤਨ ਹੈ, ਸੁਖ ਦਾ ਅੰਮ੍ਰਿਤ ਹੈ; ਇਹ ਭਗਤਾਂ ਦੇ ਮਨਾਂ ਵਿੱਚ ਵੱਸਦਾ ਹੈ।
The opening of this Bani.
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Context and purpose
Sukhmani Sahib is in Raag Gauri. Each of its 24 ashtpadis opens with a salok and contains eight stanzas. It returns again and again to one claim: peace is not found in wealth, status or cleverness, but in remembrance (simran) of the Divine Name and in the company of the truthful.
One of its best-known ashtpadis describes the Brahmgiani, the God-conscious person — pure, free of enmity and equal towards all — not as a distant saint but as what a human being can become when ego gives way to the Naam.
According to tradition, Guru Arjan Dev Ji composed Sukhmani Sahib at Ramsar in Amritsar. It is widely read for comfort in illness, grief and difficulty, and many Sikhs read it daily or weekly, or in Sangat at family occasions.
When it is recited
Sukhmani Sahib is not part of the Nitnem set out in the Sikh Rehat Maryada, but many Sikhs read it daily or weekly by choice, and it is commonly read in Sangat at homes and gurdwaras for comfort, gratitude and family occasions. It takes around an hour or more to read in full; some read one or a few ashtpadis at a time.
How it is structured
- Ashtpadis 1–3 — The power and fruits of simran — remembrance of the Name.
- Ashtpadis 4–7 — The human condition, ingratitude, the Divine as giver, and the company of the holy.
- Ashtpadi 8 — The Brahmgiani — a description of the God-conscious person.
- Ashtpadis 9–23 — Surrender, humility, the Guru, selfless service and the vastness of the Divine.
- Ashtpadi 24 — A closing celebration of the perfect Divine and the fruits of Sukhmani itself.
Key themes
Simran brings peace
Remembering the Divine Name removes inner strife and fear.
Humility and surrender
All we have is a gift; accepting the Divine will with a bowed head brings peace.
The God-conscious person
The Brahmgiani is described as pure, fearless, humble and kind to all.
Selfless service
Service without desire for reward is presented as a way to the Divine.
Lines to reflect on
ਸਿਮਰਉ ਸਿਮਰਿ ਸਿਮਰਿ ਸੁਖੁ ਪਾਵਉ ॥ ਕਲਿ ਕਲੇਸ ਤਨ ਮਾਹਿ ਮਿਟਾਵਉ ॥
Simarau simar simar sukh paavau. Kal kales tan maahi mittaavau.
I remember, and keep remembering, and find peace; the strife and anguish within my body are erased.
ਮੈਂ ਸਿਮਰਦਾ ਹਾਂ, ਵਾਰ-ਵਾਰ ਸਿਮਰਦਾ ਹਾਂ, ਅਤੇ ਸੁਖ ਪਾਉਂਦਾ ਹਾਂ; ਮੇਰੇ ਤਨ ਅੰਦਰਲੇ ਕਲੇਸ਼ ਅਤੇ ਦੁੱਖ ਮਿਟ ਜਾਂਦੇ ਹਨ।
ਤੂ ਠਾਕੁਰੁ ਤੁਮ ਪਹਿ ਅਰਦਾਸਿ ॥ ਜੀਉ ਪਿੰਡੁ ਸਭੁ ਤੇਰੀ ਰਾਸਿ ॥
Too thaakur tum peh ardaas. Jeeo pind sabh teree raas.
You are the Master; to You I offer my prayer. This body and soul are all Your gift.
ਤੂੰ ਮਾਲਕ ਹੈਂ; ਤੇਰੇ ਅੱਗੇ ਮੇਰੀ ਅਰਦਾਸ ਹੈ। ਇਹ ਸਰੀਰ ਅਤੇ ਜਿੰਦ ਸਭ ਤੇਰੀ ਦਾਤ ਹਨ।
ਜਿਸ ਕੀ ਬਸਤੁ ਤਿਸੁ ਆਗੈ ਰਾਖੈ ॥ ਪ੍ਰਭ ਕੀ ਆਗਿਆ ਮਾਨੈ ਮਾਥੈ ॥
Jis kee basat tis aagai raakhai. Prabh kee aagiaa maanai maathai.
When one places a thing back before its Owner, and accepts the Divine command with a bowed head —
ਜਦੋਂ ਮਨੁੱਖ ਕੋਈ ਚੀਜ਼ ਉਸ ਦੇ ਮਾਲਕ ਅੱਗੇ ਵਾਪਸ ਰੱਖ ਦਿੰਦਾ ਹੈ, ਅਤੇ ਰੱਬੀ ਹੁਕਮ ਨੂੰ ਸਿਰ ਝੁਕਾ ਕੇ ਮੰਨ ਲੈਂਦਾ ਹੈ —
ਸੇਵਾ ਕਰਤ ਹੋਇ ਨਿਹਕਾਮੀ ॥ ਤਿਸ ਕਉ ਹੋਤ ਪਰਾਪਤਿ ਸੁਆਮੀ ॥
Sevaa karat hoe nihakaamee. Tis kau hot paraapat suaamee.
One who serves without desire for reward attains the Master.
ਜੋ ਫਲ ਦੀ ਇੱਛਾ ਤੋਂ ਬਿਨਾਂ ਸੇਵਾ ਕਰਦਾ ਹੈ, ਉਹ ਮਾਲਕ ਨੂੰ ਪਾ ਲੈਂਦਾ ਹੈ।
Difficult words explained
Practical reflections
- Where am I looking for peace that cannot give it?
- What have I been treating as 'mine' that is really a gift I can hold more lightly?
- What service could I do this week with no wish for recognition?
Audio recitation
A verified recitation will be added once a recording with clear rights is available. Audio & video library.
References & sources
- Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji, Ang 262–296
- BaniDB Gurbani database
- Sikh Rehat Maryada, SGPC