How did 'Garab Ganjani' come to existence?

For the previous section, please see here
ਟੀਕਾ ਰਚਨ ਦੀ ਵਿਥਯਾ:
Teekaa Rachan Dhee Vithhyaa
The manner in which this Teeka came to be written:

ਚੌਪਈ ॥ Chaupaee
Chaupaee is a type of chhand [poetic form]
It follows these general rules: Four lines. Each line is 15-17 Matras each depending on which source of rules consulted.
This chhand is also referred to as Jaikaree.
Note: There are offshoots of the chaupaee that are referred to by different names.
ਉਦੇ ਸਿੰਘ ਬਡ ਭੂਪ ਬਹਾਦੁਰ ।
Oudhae Si[n]gh Bad Bhoop Bahaadhur
Word-by-word:
Bad = Vadaa = Great, Grand | Bhoop = Bhoo-path[i] = Protector, Honour of the Land = King | Bahaadhur = Brave, Courageous |
Oudhae Si[n]gh Bad Bhoop Bahaadhur
Udhai Singh, the great brave king...
ਕਵਿ ਬੁਲਾਇ ਰਾਖ੍ਯਾ ਢਿਗ ਸਾਦਰ।
Kav[i] Bulaae[i] Raakhyaaa Tdig Saadhar
Word-by-word:
Kav[i] = Kavee = Poet [Santokh Singh Ji] | Bulaae[i] = called | Raakhyaa = Kept | Tdig = Nearby | Saadhar = With Respect, Honoured |
... summoned this Kavi, honoured me and cherished my presence.
ਸ੍ਰੀ ਗ੍ਰੰਥ ਸਾਹਿਬ ਗੁਰਬਾਨੀ।
Sree Gra[n]thh Saahib Gurbaanee
[Among all] of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji’s Gurbani...
ਸਰਬ ਸ਼ਿਰੋਮਨਿ ਜਪੁਜੀ ਜਾਨੀ॥੧੪॥
Sarab Shiroman[i] Japujee Jaanee
Word-by-word:
Sarab = All | Shiroman[i] = Shiromanee = Highest, Ultimate, Supreme | Jaanee = Know/Knew, Understand/Understood,
... [Kavi Ji, Raja Ji, or both] know the [Most] Supreme Bani to be Japji Sahib
ਅਰਥ ਗੰਭੀਰ ਮਹਾਨ ਮਹਾਨੇ ।
Arthh Ga[n]bheer Mahaan Mahaanae
Word-by-word:
Arthh = Meaning | Ga[m]bheer = Profound, Deep | Mahaan = Great, Grand |
Having quite profound meanings, [Sri Japji Sahib] is the Grandest among the Grand [masterpiece scriptures].
ਅਸ ਲਖਿ ਕਵਿ ਸੋਂ ਬਚਨ ਬਖਾਨੇ।
Word-by-word:
Lakh[i] = Lakhee = saw/seen | Kav[i] = Kavee | So[n] = Oh, Vah = That, Them, to refer to a particular subject | Bachan = Words, Command, Instructions, Teachings | Bakhaanae = Spoke |
As Lakh[i] Kav[i] So[n] Bachan Bakhaanae
The [following] is what was understood to be instructed to Kavi Ji by the king:
ਅਲੰਕਾਰ ਯੁਤ ਟੀਕਾ ਰਚੀਏ।
Ala[n]kaar Yuth Teekaa Racheeae
Word-by-word:
Ala[n]kaar = lit. Decoration, Ornaments, or Literary/Poetic Devices | Yuth = Including, Along with | Teekaa = Steek = Commentary | Rachee-ae = Develop, Create |
Write a Teeka (Commentary) including Alankaars (Poetic Devices)
ਨਿਰਨੈ ਅਰਥ ਧਰਹੁ ਮਤਿ ਖਚੀਏ ॥੧੫॥
Nirnai Arthh Dharah[u] Math[i] Khacheeae
Word-by-word:
Nirnai = Discussion, Investigation, Analysis | Dhharah[u] = Take on, Accept | Math[i] = Mathee = Mindset, Lens | Khacheeae = Khicheeae = Let’s Pull, Gather, Connect, Purify |
Let [the Teeka] explore the meanings and connect [the mind] towards the Guru’s Way of Thinking.
ਹੋਤ ਅਸ਼ੰਕਾ ਯਾ ਮਹਿ ਜੇਤੀ।
Hoth Asha[n]kaa Yaa Mah[i] Jaethee
Word-by-word:
Hoth = Become | Asha[n]kaa = A-Shankaa = Without Doubt | Yaa Mah[i] = Due to this, Because of this | Jaethee = Jithnee = Whoever |
Any doubts that may have existed [many of which caused by Anandghan’s Teeka]...
ਬੁਧਿ ਬਲ ਕਰਹੁ ਹਰਹੁ ਅਬ ਤੇਤੀ।
Budhh[i] Bal Karah[u] Karah[u] Ab Thaethee
Word-by-word:
Buddh[i] = Budhhee = Decision making faculty, Perceiving part of mind | Bal = Strength, Power | Karah[u] = Make, Do | Ab = Now | Thaethee = How many ever, As much as there exists |
...remove as many [the doubts] using your strong budhhi
ਸੁਨਿ ਕਰਿ ਬਚਨ ਨ੍ਰਿਪਤਿਕੋ ਨੀਕਾ।
Sun[i] Kar[i] Bachan nripathiko neekaa
Word-by-word:
Sun[i] = Sunee = Listened | Kar[i] = Karee = Did/Made | Bachan = Words, Command, Instructions, Teachings | nripath[i]-ko = of the King | neekaa = Good, Positive |
Listening to the wise words of the king...
ਕਵਿ ਨੇ ਰੁਚਿਕ ਰਚਯੋ ਜਪੁ ਟੀਕਾ ॥੧੬॥
Kav[i] nae Ruchik Rachyo Jap[u] Teekaa
Word-by-word:
Nae = Did | Ruchik = With Eagerness | Rachayo = Developed | Jap[u] = Jap[u]jee Sahib |
...Kavi Ji willingly developed this Teeka of Japji Sahib

ਦੋਹਰਾ॥ [Dhoharaa]
ਸ੍ਰੀ ਜਪੁਜੀ ਕੋ ਅਰਥ ਪਰਿ ਪਰਬਤੌਂ ਹਿਤ ਸਾਥ
Sree Japujee Ko Arthh Par[i] Parbathau[n] Hith Saathh
Word-by-word:
Par[i] = Paree = Task, On Top | Parbathau[n] = Mountains | Hith = Heart, Bosom | Saathh = With |
To take on the task of explaining the meanings of Sri Japji Sahib, feels like being among the mountains [such a great task, seems so difficult]...
ਕਥੌਂ ਤਥਾ ਹੈ ਜਥਾ ਮਤਿ, ਬਿਘਨ ਮਥਹਿ ਗੁਰ ਨਾਥ॥੧੭॥
Kathhau[n] Thathhaa Hai Jathhaa Math[i] Bighan Mathhah[i] Gur naathh
Word-by-word:
Kathhau[n] = Tell, Narrate | Thathhaa = Like This | Hai = Is, Are | Jathhaa = Yathhaa = In the same way | Bighan = Obstacle | Mathhah[i] = Churn, Grind, Destroy | naathh = Master |
Explaining this task as such... in the same thought... [I ask] for Guru Sahib – my Master – to remove any obstacles [which would prevent me from completing this task].

ਸ੍ਰੀ ਨਾਨਕ ਮਾਨਿਕ ਸਰਸ ਉਰ ਧਾਰੇ ਦੁਤਿ ਪਾਇ।
Sree Naanak Maanik Saras Our Dhhaarae Dhuth[i] Paae[i]
Word-by-word:
Maanik = Red Jewel = Ruby | Saras = With Bliss | Ur = Heart | Dhhaarae = Takes on, Accepts | Dhuth[i] = Shine, Radiance, Glory, Lightwave | Paae[i] = Paaee = Receive |
Dhan Guru Nanak Dev Ji Maharaj are the Ruby of Bliss,
if we keep Maharaj in our hearts then we will shine/radiate [Infinite Love]
ਜਿਨ ਕੇ ਸ਼ਬਦ ਸੁ ਸਿੰਧ ਮੈ ਅਰਥ ਸੁਧਾ ਦਰਸਾਇ॥੧੮॥
Jin Kae Shabadh Su Si[n]dhh Mai Arthh Sudhhaa Dharsaae[i]
Word-by-word:
Jin Kae = Jis Dhae = Who’s | Su = Positive Connotation, Good | Si[n]dhh = Ocean | Mai = Essence, Within | Sudhhaa = Pure | Dharasaae[i] = Dharasaaee = Shows, Presents, Displays |
Whose Shabads are like a Beautiful Ocean from which pure arths are found.
ਜਹਾਂ ਪ੍ਰਸ਼ਨ ਸੰਸੇ ਸਨੇ ਹਨਿਹੌਂ ਉੱਤਰ ਲੇਖ।
Jahaa[n] Prashan Sa[n]sae Sanae Hanihau[n] Outhar Laekh
Word-by-word:
Jahaa[n] = Where | Prashan = Questions | Sa[n]sae = Doubts, Constant Change of Thoughts | Sanae = With | Hanihau[n] = Destroy | Outh’r = Answers | Laekh = Written, Wrote |
Wherever there are doubtful questions, [Maharaj] destroyed them through the answers written [in Gurbani].
ਦੂਖਨ ਦੇਉਂ ਦਿਖਾਇਕੈ ਭੂਖਨ ਹੈਂ ਸੁ ਬਿਸ਼ੇਖ॥੧੯॥
Dhukhan Dhaeou[n] Dhikhaaeikai Bhookhan Hai[n] Su Bishaekh
Word-by-word:
Dhookhan = Dosh = Faults, Mistakes, Bad qualities | Dhikhaae[i]kai = Showed, Displayed, Presented | Bhookhan = Bhooshan = referring to Alankaars = Jewels | Bishaekh = Vishesh = Particular, Specific |
Showing them their mistaken [perceptions], Gurbani is full of rare jewels/alankaars (poetic devices)
ਗੁਰ ਸ਼ਰਧਾ ਉਰ ਊਰ ਜੇ ਸੁਨਤ ਸਪੂਰਨ ਹੋਇ।
Gur Shardhhaa Our Oor Jae Sunath Sapooran Hoe[i]
Word-by-word:
Shardhhaa = Faith, Trust | Our = Heart, Bosom, Mind, To Go
| Oor = Almost Full | Jae Sunath = If Listened | Sapooran = Sampooran = Complete, Fulfilled | Hoe[i] = Hoee = Become, Became |
If our hearts are filled with faith in Sri Guru Granth Sahib then listening [and following Shabad] will lead you to become fulfilled.
ਬਹੁਰ ਨ ਸੰਸੈ ਸੋਚਹੀਂ ਪਠਹਿ ਗੁਨਹਿ ਇਹ ਜੋਇ॥੨੦॥
Bahur n Sa[n]sai Sochahee[n] Pattah[i][n] Gunah[i][n] Eih Joe[i]
Word-by-word:
Bahur n = Not Again | Sa[n]sai = Doubts | Sochahee[n] = Thoughts | Pattah[i] = Learns | Gunah[i] = Qualities, Virtues, Attributes | Eih = These | Joe[i] = Joee = Whoever |  
There will be no more doubtful thoughts for whoever learns [and gains] the qualities [like shardhhaa]
ਬਯੰਗ ਲੱਛਨਾ ਬਹੁਰ ਧੁਨਿ ਨੀਕੇ ਦੇਉਂ ਦਿਖਾਇ।
Bya[n]g Lachhanaa Bahur Dhhun[i] neekae Dhaeou[n] Dhikhaae[i]
Word-by-word:
Byu[n]g = Worth-Knowing | Lachlan = Attributes, Qualities, Characteristics | Bahur = Again | Dhhun[i] = Sounds, Poetic Devices | Neekae = Plural reference of Neekaa = Positive Connotation, Good | Dhaeo[u]n = Given | Dhikhaae[i] = Shown, Presented, Displayed |
These qualities are worth knowing and come from many dhuni’s.
the greatest of which are given and presented [in this Teeka]
(footnote states ‘dhuni’ here refers to poetic devices)
ਅਲੰਕਾਰ ਸਭ ਤੁਕਨਿ ਕੇ ਲਿਖ ਪਰਖਿ ਬਨਾਇ ॥੨੧॥
Ala[n]kaar Sabh Thukan[i] Kae Likh Parakh[i] Banaae[i]
Word-by-word:
Sabh = All, Every | Thukan[i] = Plural of Thuk = Line | Kae = Of | Likh = Write/Written | Parakh[i] = Parakhee = Analyzed | Banaae[i] = Made, Done |
The poetic devices of each line are written and analyzed
ਏਕ ਦੋਇ ਤ੍ਰੈ ਚਾਰ ਤੇ ਰੈਂ ਅਰਥ ਮਤਿ ਜੋਇ।
Aek Dhoe[i] Thrai Chaar Thae Rai[n] Arthh Math[i] Joe[i]
Word-by-word:
Aek = One, 1 | Dhoe[i] = Two, 2 | Thrai = Three, 3 | Chaar = Four, 4 | Thae = Of, From |
One, two, three, four... arths are presented [for each line] based on Kavi Ji’s Knowledge... If there are any left
ਜੇ ਸਿਖਯਨ ਤੇ ਸ਼੍ਤ ਸੁਨੇ ਸਰਬ ਲਿਖੋਂ ਮੈਂ ਸੋਇ॥੨੨॥
Jae Sikhyn Thae Shrath Sunae Sarab Likhyo[n] Mai[n] Soe[i]
Word-by-word:
Jae = If | Sikhyan = Sikhs | Shrath = Divine Truth | Sunae = Listened to | Sarab = All, Every | Likhyo[n] = Written | Mai[n] = I | Soe[i] = Soee = Them |
As I heard [further arths] from [other] Gursikhs,
I have [also] written them all down.
ਸ਼੍ਰੀ ਗੁਰਬਾਨੀ ਕੇ ਬਿਖੈ ਕਾਵ੍ਯ ਰੀਤਿ ਸਭਿ ਆਹਿ।
Shree Gurbaanee Kae Bikhai Kaavy Reeth[i] Sabh[i] Aah[i]
Word-by-word:
Bikhai = Within | Kaavy = Poetry | Reeth[i] = Tradition, Style | Aah[i] = Fall Within |
All of Gurbani is written in poetry
ਕਿਨਹੁ ਪ੍ਰਗਟ ਨਾ ਕਰੀ ਜਗ ਅਸ ਪਿਖਿ ਮਮ ਭਈ ਚਾਹਿ॥੨੩॥
Kinahu Pragat naa Karee Jag As Pikh[i] Mam Bhae-ee Chaah[i]
Word-by-word:
Kinah[u] = Who | Pragat = Made Visible | Naa = Negative connotation | Karee = Done/Made | Jag = Universe/World | Pikh[i] = Analyze, To Look Into | Mam = I | Bhae-ee = Formed | Chaah[i] = Desire, Eagerness |
No one in the world has yet analyzed and presented this aspect, realizing this [fact]…
I had a desire to [analyze in the lens of traditional poetry]

ਧਰਨੀ ਹੀਰਨਿ ਕੀ ਸਰਸ ਗੁਰਬਾਨੀ ਮਤਿ ਮੋਲ।
Dhharanee Heeran[i] Kee Saras Gurbaanee Math[i] Mol
Word-by-word:
Dhharanee = Earth | Heeran[i] = Diamonds | Kee = Of, From | Saras = Glory, Bliss | Mol = Worth |
Just like the earth’s worth is given by diamonds, in the same way the mind is given worth by Gurbani
ਖਨਵਾਰੀ ਜਯੋਂ ਖੋਜਿ ਕੈ ਅਰਥ ਦਿਖਾਊਂ ਅਮੋਲੁ ॥੨੪॥
Khanvaaree Jayo[n] Khoj[i] Kai Arthh Dhikhaaoo[n] Amol[u]
Word-by-word:
Khanvaaree = Miner | Khoj[i] Kai = Dig, Searches | Amol = Priceless | Like a miner, I will show you the Priceless-Treasures of meanings of Gurbani
–
Please point out any mistakes, omissions, corrections etc.
Forgive for any mistakes.
Guru Panth Ka Daas,
Aaeenaa