According to the writing style of the Gurbani written in Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji, there is no use of the Adhak symbol in the text. However, during recitation, the use of Adhak is common. If Adhak is not pronounced where needed, it can lead to incorrect meanings and pronunciation.
Below are a few examples:

1. ਮੇਰੋ ਸੁੰਦਰੁ ਕਹਹੁ ਮਿਲੈ ਕਿਤੁ ਗਲੀ॥ (Ang 527)
2. ਗਲੀ ਜਿਨੑਾ ਜਪਮਾਲੀਆ ਲੋਟੇ ਹਥਿ ਨਿਬਗ ॥ (Ang 476)
3. ਗਲੀ ਭਿਸਤਿ ਨ ਜਾਈਐ ਛੁਟੈ ਸਚੁ ਕਮਾਇ॥ (Ang 141)

In the given verses, the pronunciation of the word ‘ਗਲੀ’ varies based on its meaning and context:

1. In verse 1:

   • The word ‘ਗਲੀ’ means “a street, path”
   • Here, the pronunciation does not involve the use of Adhak.
   • Correct pronunciation: ਗਲੀ
   • Meaning of verse: Tell me – on what path will I find my Beauteous Lord?

2. In verse 2:

   • The word ‘ਗਲੀ’ means “around the neck.”
   • During pronunciation, Adhak is not applied, but the bihari of ਲ along with bindī is pronounced.
   • Correct pronunciation: ਗਲੀਂ
   • Meaning of verse: They have rosaries around their necks, and they carry glittering jugs in their hands.

3. In verse 3:

   • The word ‘ਗਲੀ’ means “by/due to talking, by mere words.”
   • Here, during pronunciation, both Adhak and the bihari of ਲ along with bindī must be pronounced.
   • Correct pronunciation: ਗੱਲੀਂ
   • Meaning of verse: By mere talk, people do not earn passage to Heaven. Salvation comes only from the practice of Truth.

If we do not use Adhak at the required places, it will result in incorrect pronunciation of the recitation, leading to a distortion of the meanings as well. Many such words appear in Gurbani, where the word structure might look the same, but the application of Adhak varies. This difference changes both the pronunciation and the meaning. For instance:

• ਸਤ (truth) vs. ਸੱਤ (seven)
• ਮਤਾ (opinion) vs. ਮੱਤਾ (intoxicated)
• ਸਦ (always) vs. ਸੱਦ (call)
• ਸਿਖ (learn) vs. ਸਿੱਖ (Sikh)
• ਪਗ (step) vs. ਪੱਗ (turban)
• ਖਟ (six) vs. ਖੱਟ (earning)
• ਮਲ (dirt) vs. ਮੱਲ (wrestler)
• ਕਲ (power/Kal-Yug) vs. ਕੱਲ੍ਹ (yesterday)

These examples illustrate how the presence or absence of Adhak not only alters pronunciation but also significantly impacts the meaning, making it essential to recite Gurbani with precision.

By incorrectly applying Adhak to words that should not have it, many people distort the correct form and meaning of those words. For example:

• ਖਤੇ (sin/mistake) should not be pronounced as ਖੱਤੇ
• ਨਿਹਤੇ (floored) should not be pronounced as ਨਿਹੱਤੇ
• ਕੁਹਥੀ (filthy/dirty) should not be pronounced as ਕੁਹੱਥੀ
• ਮਣਕੜਾ (filthy/dirty) should not be pronounced as ਮਣੱਕੜਾ

These incorrect pronunciations lead to distortion and render the recitation ashudh (inaccurate). Therefore, avoiding applying Adhak in such cases is important to preserve both the pronunciation and the meaning.