Writings of Kavi Bhagathu Ji

There have been many Bhagathu’s in Sikh history: One Bhai Bhagathu Ji is a great Sikh of Dhan Dhan Guru Arjan Dev Sahib Ji Maharaj (Kainthal’s Raja Bhai Udhai Singh is Their Descendant). Another Bhai Bhagathu Ji lived in the time of Dhan Dhan Guru Gobind Singh Ji Maharaj and recited their poetry at Maharaj’s Lakhi Jungle Kavi Darbar:

ਬੇਫਿਕਰਾਂ ਨੂੰ ਫਿਕਰ ਨ ਕੋਈ, ਸਦਾ ਰਹਹਿੰ ਮਤਵਾਲੇ ।
Baephikraa[n] Noo[n] Phikar n Koee Sadhaa Rahih[ng] Mathvaalae
The Worriless have no worry, they always stay intoxicated [in Maharaj’s Love]
ਅਠੇ ਪਹਿਰ ਰਹਿਣ ਵਿਚ ਗਿਣਤੀ, ਬਹੁਤੀ ਮਾਇਆ ਵਾਲੇ ।
Attae Pahir RahiN Vich GiNathee Bahuthee Maaeiaa Vaalae
[In contrast:] For 24 hours a day, they are stuck counting, the ones who have a lot of wealth
ਇਸ ਮਾਇਆ ਤੇ ਦੂਰ ਖੜੋਤੇ; ਕੋਈ ਵਿਰਲੇ ਸਾਧ ਸੁਖਾਲੇ ।
Eis Maaeiaa Thae Dhoor Kharrhothae Koee Virlae Saadhh Sukhaalae
Standing far away from this wealth, there are some rare Saints who live at ease
ਕੰਮ ਸੁਖਾਲਾ ਤੇ ਬੇੜੇ ਭਗਤੂ, ਮੈਂਡਾ ਸਤਿਗੁਰ ਆਪਿ ਸਮਾਲੇ ॥ ੧ ॥
Ka[n]m Sukhaalaa Thae Baerhae Bhagathoo Mai[n]daa Sath[i]gur Aap[i] Samaalae
When the task became easy, Bhagathu boards Guru Sahib’s Boat, my Sat-Guru – Themself – takes care of me.

ਸਤਿਜੁਗ, ਤ੍ਰੇਤਾ, ਦੁਆਪੁਰ ਵਰਤੇ, ਵਰਤਣਗੇ ਜੁਗ ਚਾਰੇ ।
Sathijug Thraethaa Dhuaapur Varthae VarthaNagae Jug Chhaarae
Satyug, Treta, Duapur have passed, all four yugs will be used up [...So listen!]
ਦਇਆ ਬਰਾਬਰਿ ਤੀਰਥ ਨਾਹੀ, ਬ੍ਰਹਿਮਾ ਬਿਸਨੁ ਪੁਕਾਰੇ ।
Dhaeiaa Baraabar[i] Theerathh Naahee Brahimaa Bisan[u] Pukaarae
There is no Teerath (place of pilgrimage) compared to Vaheguru’s Mercy, this is what Brahma and Vishnu cry out!
ਤੀਰਥ ਨ੍ਹਾਤਿਆਂ ਇਕੁ ਫਲ ਪਾਇਆ, ਸਾਧ ਮਿਲਿਆਂ ਫਲ ਚਾਰੇ ।
Theerathh Nhaathiaa[n] Eik[u] Phal Paaeiaa Saadhh Miliaa[n] Phal Chaarae
Having bathed at a Teerath, I have received one fruit*; meeting the Saint,
I receive four fruits.
ਸਤਿਗੁਰ ਮਿਲਿਆਂ ਪੂਰਾ ਨ੍ਹਾਵਣ, ਨਦਰਿ ਕਰੇ ਨਿਸਤਾਰੇ ॥ ੨ ॥
Sathigur Miliaa[n] Pooraa nhaavaN Nadhar[i] Karae Nisthaarae
Meeting Guru Sahib is a full bath/cleansing (inner & outer), getting Guru Sahib’s Glance floats me across [this ocean of illusion]
*Phal = literally means ‘fruit’ but here refers to the reward of spiritual actions here

ਸੰਜੋਗੀ ਮਿਲਿਆ, ਏਹ ਮਾਤ ਪਿਤਾ ਸੁਤ ਭਾਈ ।
Sa[n]jogee Miliaaa Aeh Maath Pithaa Suth Bhaaee
Due to being connected in Karams we meet them [in this life], those like our mother, father, children and siblings.
ਕਿਥਹੁ ਆਇਆ ਕਿਥੈ ਜਾਸੀ, ਕਹਿਣਾ ਕਛੂ ਨ ਜਾਈ ।
Kithhah[u] Aaeiaa Kithhai Jaasee KahiNaa Kachhoo n Jaaee
Where did they come from and where did they go, don’t know what to say
ਰੋਵਣ ਪਿੱਟਣ ਛਾਰ ਉਡਾਵਣ, ਏਹੁ ਮੂਰਖ ਦੀ ਮੂਰਖਾਈ ॥ ੩ ॥
RovaN PitaN Chhaar OudaavaN Aeh[u] Moorakh Dhee Moorakhaaee
Crying, hitting yourself in grief, throwing dust in the air, this [way of mourning] is the ignorance of the agiaani

ਪੈਂਡੇ ਉਪਰਿ ਪਵਨਿ ਬਟਾਊ, ਕੋਈ ਬੰਨ੍ਹ ਨ ਬੈਠੋ ਢੇਰੀ ।
Pai[n]dae Oupar[i] Pavan[i] Bataaoo Koee Ba[n]nh n Baitto Tdaeree
Upon the path of life, we travel through the wind, no one can stop nor sit upon a hill (Manifestation is constantly changing)
ਆਇਆ ਹਰਖ ਨ ਗਇਆਂ ਦਿਲਗੀਰੀ, ਏਹਾ ਗੱਲ ਚੰਗੇਰੀ ।
Aaeiaa Harakh n Gaeiaa[n] Dhilgeeree Aehaa Gal Cha[n]gaeree
When happiness comes, the pain of detachment does not go away, this is a good thing! (In a state of Sehaj)
ਰਾਤਿ ਅੰਧੇਰੀ ਹਾਕਮ ਕਰੜਾ, ਗਾਫਲ ਚੇਤੁ ਸਵੇਰੀ ।
Raath[i] A[n]dhhaeree Haakam Kararhaa Gaaphal Chaeth[u] Savaeree
The Night is filled with Darkness, the ruler is harsh; Oh Clueless*, don’t forget that the morning is coming [don’t lose hope in Kalyug!]
(Gaaphal can also mean lazy/groggy, this pangkti could also be encouragement to maintain your Amrit Vela amidst this chaotic world)
ਕੂਚ ਨਗਾਰਾ ਥੀਆ ਭਗਤੂ, ਵਤਿ ਨ ਆਵਣ ਵੇਰੀ ॥ ੪ ॥
Kooch Nagaaraa Theeaa Bhagathoo Vath[i] n AavaN Vaeree
The Drum [of ego] has left, Oh Bhagathu, doesn’t have to incarnate again.
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~Aaeenaa