In Gurbani, the word ‘Ram’ is used as one of the Kirtam Naams of Waheguru. Gurmat describes Ram as the omnipresent, all-pervading Lord. However, occasionally, it is also used in reference to Ram Chandar, the king of Ayodhya.
In Guru Granth Sahib Ji, words like ‘Har’ and ‘Raam’ in Gurbani are used to refer to Waheguru, not to any deities (unless the Bani is specifically referring to them, of course). This has also been clarified by Bhagat Kabeer Ji.
ਕਬੀਰ ਰਾਮ ਕਹਨ ਮਹਿ ਭੇਦੁ ਹੈ ਤਾ ਮਹਿ ਏਕੁ ਬਿਚਾਰੁ ॥
ਸੋਈ ਰਾਮੁ ਸਭੈ ਕਹਹਿ ਸੋਈ ਕਉਤਕਹਾਰ ॥੧੯੦॥
ਕਬੀਰ ਰਾਮੈ ਰਾਮ ਕਹੁ ਕਹਿਬੇ ਮਾਹਿ ਬਿਬੇਕ ॥
ਏਕੁ ਅਨੇਕਹਿ ਮਿਲਿ ਗਇਆ ਏਕ ਸਮਾਨਾ ਏਕ ॥੧੯੧॥
Kabeer, it does make a difference, how you chant the Lord’s name, ‘Raam’. This is something to consider.
Everyone uses the same word for the son of Dasrath and the wondrous Lord.
Kabeer, use the word ‘Raam’, only to speak of the all-pervading Lord. You must make that distinction.
One ‘Raam’ is pervading everywhere, while the other is contained only in himself. ||191||
– Guru Granth Sahib 1374
ਨਾਨਕ ਨਿਰਭਉ ਨਿਰੰਕਾਰੁ ਹੋਰਿ ਕੇਤੇ ਰਾਮ ਰਵਾਲ॥
O Nanak, the Lord is fearless and formless; myriads of others, like Rama, are mere dust before Him.
– Guru Granth Sahib 464
In the verse “ਨਾਨਕ ਨਿਰਭਉ ਨਿਰੰਕਾਰੁ ਹੋਰਿ ਕੇਤੇ ਰਾਮ ਰਵਾਲ॥” Guru Nanak Dev Ji tells us that Waheguru is fearless and formless, and that many others, like the Ram Chandar, are insignificant compared to Him.
This verse clearly highlights the difference between Hindu incarnations and the One Supreme God, who is beyond and above all. This is why Guru Sahib chose to use names like Ram, Hari, and Govind for the Almighty rather than limiting them to specific Hindu deities, who are described as “mere dust” before Him.
ਕਿਤੇ ਕ੍ਰਿਸਨ ਸੇ ਕੀਟ ਕੋਟੈ ਬਨਾਏ ॥
Somewhere He hath created millions of the servants like Krishna. !
ਕਿਤੇ ਰਾਮ ਸੇ ਮੇਟਿ ਡਾਰੇ ਉਪਾਏ ॥
Somewhere He hath effaced and then created (many) like Rama !
– Guru Gobind Singh Ji in Sri Dasam Granth
In the verses “ਕਿਤੇ ਕ੍ਰਿਸਨ ਸੇ ਕੀਟ ਕੋਟੈ ਬਨਾਏ” and “ਕਿਤੇ ਰਾਮ ਸੇ ਮੇਟਿ ਡਾਰੇ ਉਪਾਏ” Guru Gobind Singh Ji reminds us of Waheguru’s immense power and authority. He tells us that Waheguru has created countless beings like Krishna and Rama and has the power to destroy and recreate them at will.
These lines highlight that even great figures like Krishna and Rama are ultimately under the control of the One Supreme Lord. Waheguru’s creative power is so vast that He can create and destroy countless beings, even those who are revered in history. This emphasizes the idea that no individual, no matter how great, can match the limitless power and greatness of Waheguru. Guru Gobind Singh Ji is conveying that Waheguru alone is the eternal and all-powerful Creator, while others are just His creations, who come and go according to His will.