Gurbani is the guiding light of a Sikh’s life. Living according to its teachings is the true purpose of a Sikh. However, to fully grasp its wisdom, we must understand its meanings, and for that, correct pronunciation is essential. Proper pronunciation ensures accurate comprehension, making it crucial to learn Gurbani’s written form and pronunciation rules.

Pronouncing Gurbani correctly means ensuring accuracy in the following aspects:

➡️ Each letter is pronounced clearly.
➡️ Laga Matra (vowel sounds) are spoken correctly.
➡️ Words are joined and recited properly.
➡️ Proper pauses are observed within verses.
➡️ The recitation flows melodiously and rhythmically.

Beyond pronunciation, the true power of Gurbani comes from reciting it with a pure heart and deep devotion.

The Importance of Correct Pronunciation

These two historical incidents highlight the significance of proper pronunciation:

1. Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji and Bhai Gopala Ji – After hearing Bhai Gopala Ji recite Shudh Ucharan (Correct pronunciation) of Sri Japji Sahib, Guru Sahib blessed him with the best horse, emphasizing the importance of accurate pronunciation.
2. Guru Gobind Singh Ji’s Correction – Guru Sahib scolded a Sikh for mispronouncing ‘ਕੈ’ as ‘ਕੇ’ in the verse:
   ਕਰਤੇ ਕੀ ਮਿਤਿ ਕਰਤਾ ਜਾਣੈ ਕੈ ਜਾਣੈ ਗੁਰੁ ਸੂਰਾ ॥
   This illustrates that incorrect pronunciation is unacceptable to Guru Ji.

Reasons for Mispronunciation

1. Carelessness – Not paying attention to Laga Matra.
2. Lack of Understanding – Ignorance of Gurbani’s meanings and grammatical rules.

Common Pronunciation Mistakes

1. Changing Laga Matra

• ਹੁਕਮੀ ਹੋਵਨਿ ਆਕਾਰ ਹੁਕਮੁ ਨ ਕਹਿਆ ਜਾਈ ॥ (Japji Sahib)
  ❌ Incorrect: ਅਕਾਰ
  ✅ Correct: ਆਕਾਰ
• Words like ਦਾਤਾਰੁ, ਸਾਲਾਹਣ, ਪਾਤਾਲ, ਆਗਾਸ must retain their correct vowel sounds.

2. Mispronouncing Sihari (ਿ) and Bihari (ੀ)

• ਸੁਣਿਐ ਸਿਧ ਪੀਰ ਸੁਰਿ ਨਾਥ ॥ (Japji Sahib)
  ❌ Incorrect: ਸੁਣੀਐ
  ✅ Correct: ਸੁਣਿਐ
• Similar mistakes occur with words like ਪਇਐ, ਮੰਨਿਐ, ਬੋਲਿਐ, ਸੇਵਿਐ.

3. Changing Bihari (ੀ) to Sihari (ਿ)

• ਗਾਵੈ ਕੋ ਵਿਦਿਆ ਵਿਖਮੁ ਵੀਚਾਰੁ ॥ (Japji Sahib)
  ❌ Incorrect: ਵਿਚਾਰ
  ✅ Correct: ਵੀਚਾਰੁ
• Other words: ਵੀਸਰਹਿ, ਦਰੀਆਉ, ਦਰੀਆ, ਹਥੀਆਰ.

4. Mispronouncing Dulaava (ੱ)

• ਮੰਨੈ ਸੁਰਤਿ ਹੋਵੈ ਮਨਿ ਬੁਧਿ ॥ (Japji Sahib)
  ❌ Incorrect: ਮੰਨੇ
  ✅ Correct: ਮੰਨੈ
• Similar errors occur in ਸੋਚੈ, ਚੁਪੈ, ਹੋਈਐ, ਕੂੜੈ.

5. Ignoring Sihari (ਿ) Sound

• ਅਨਿਕ ਭਾਂਤਿ ਕਰਿ ਸੇਵਾ ਕਰੀਐ ॥ (Ang 391)
  ❌ Incorrect: ਅਨਕ
  ✅ Correct: ਅਨਿਕ
• Similar errors: ਮਾਣਿਕ, ਬਾਰਿਕ, ਪੰਡਿਤ, ਲੋਭਿਤ.

6. Omitting Aukad (ੁ) Sound

• ਤੁਮ ਦਾਤੇ ਠਾਕੁਰ ਪ੍ਰਤਿਪਾਲਕ ਨਾਇਕ ਖਸਮ ਹਮਾਰੇ ॥ (Ang 674)
  ❌ Incorrect: ਠਾਕਰ
  ✅ Correct: ਠਾਕੁਰ
• Other words: ਅਸੁਰ, ਪਛੁਤਾਇ, ਮਧੁਰਾੜੀ.

Why Reading Transliterations Isn’t Ideal

Transliterations can be tricky because some Gurmukhi letters don’t have a direct match in the Roman alphabet. For example, letters like ਝ, ਛ, ਧ, ੜ, ਘ, ਣ, ਢ sound different in Gurmukhi than when written in Roman letters. Try reading a Gurmukhi Pangti and its transliteration, and you’ll notice the sounds don’t quite match up. It’s not easy to find Roman letters that sound just right for every Gurmukhi letter.

Let’s all try to learn Gurbani Santhiya together. Taking this step will bring us closer to understanding and cherishing our Guru.