Re: What does charnathia mean

Summary of Question:	Re: What does charnathia mean
Date Posted:	Tuesday, 4/25/2000 1:41 PM MDT

Waheguru Jee Ka Khalsa
Waheguru Jee Kee Fateh

Charanthia means sandalwood. The context in which you have raised the inquiry is a shabad by Guru Nanak in Raag Gujri on Page 489 of Sri Guru Granth Sahib.

A bit of a historical background (to the best of my ability). It is common practise in India for the pundit to rub sandalwood on a piece of stone (ursa), and add a bit of water. This combination would give out a very fragrant smell and bits of this would be applied on the idol of God that was being worshipped.

Guru Nanak is explaining the concept of Naam Japna through the imagery of this exercise by stating in the following shabad:

Raag Goojaree, First Mehl, Chau-Padas, First House:(Page 489)

Tera Naam Kaaree Charanathia, Jee Man Ursa hoove
I would make Your Name the sandalwood, and my mind the stone to rub it on;

Karnee Kungoo Jee Raaley Ghhat Andar Pooja Hoeey
(Kungoo = Saffron)

for saffron, I would offer good deeds; thus, I perform worship and adoration within my heart.

Pooja Keejeyhay Naam Dhaayeeh Bin Naave Pooj Naa Hovvey

Perform worship and adoration by meditating on the Naam, the Name of the Lord; without the Name, there is no worship and adoration.
||1||Pause||

bahaar dev pakhaley jee Maan Dhove Koey

If one were to wash his heart inwardly, like the stone idol which is washed on the outside,

Jhoot Lehaey Jeeo Magheeyh mookh payanah hooey

his filth would be removed, his soul would be cleansed, and he would be liberated when he departs. ||2||

Please refer to Sri Guru Granth Sahib (the online edition) for a continuation of this shabad.

I trust this addresses your inquiry.

Gur Fateh

Hargurmit Singh
[email protected]

[Previous Main Document]

Re: What does charnathia mean (04/25/2000)

What does charnathia mean (04/23/2000)
[Next Main Document]

by Topic | by Category | by Date | Home Page