In Gurbani, the word “Naam” appears in different forms, and each form has a slightly different meaning based on how it is written. This article primarily focuses on ਨਾਮੁ, ਨਾਮ, and ਨਾਮਿ. Other variations of Naam in Gurbani include: ਨਾਮੈ, ਨਾਮੇ, ਨਾਮੋ, ਨਾਮਹਿ. These small differences in spelling change how the word is used in a sentence. Understanding these variations helps in grasping the deeper meaning of Gurbani. This article will explain each form in simple terms with examples.

1. Meaning of ਨਾਮੁ (Naam with Aunkad)

When the word ਨਾਮੁ ends with an Aunkad (ੁ), it generally has the following characteristics:

1. It is singular.
2. It is a noun of masculine gender.
3. It appears in the Nominative Case (Karta Kaarak), meaning it acts as the subject of the sentence without any Sambandhak like “ਦਾ, ਦੀ, ਦੇ, ਨੂੰ” after it.
4. It can also appear in the Accusative Case (Karam Karak), meaning it is the object of the verb.

Examples from Gurbani:

Nominative Case (Karta Kaarak)

2. Meaning of ਨਾਮ (Naam without Aunkad – Mukta Form)

When the word ਨਾਮ appears as a Mukta (without Aunkad, Sihaari, or other vowel marks), it can have one or more of these meanings:

1. It can be a plural noun.
2. It can be in the Vocative Case (Addressing someone directly).
3. It may indicate possession (Genitive Case), meaning “Naam da,” “Naam di,” or “Naam de.”
4. Some words like ਬਿਨੁ, ਵਿਹੂਣਿਆ can cause Naam to appear as Mukta.
5. The words “ka” or “kee” (da or dee) may be implied (gupt) after “Naam.” Even in such cases, the word “Naam” remains in the Genitive Case.
6. It can be part of a compound word like “Naam Nidhan” or “Naam Dhareek” etc.

Examples from Gurbani:

Plural Noun

3. Meaning of ਨਾਮਿ (Naam with Sihaari)

When ਨਾਮਿ ends with a Sihaari (ਿ), it can have different meanings based on its grammatical case:

1. Nominative Case (Karta Kaarak): Means “Naam did something” (ਨਾਮ ਨੇ).
2. Locative Case (Adhikaran Kaarak): Means “in Naam” (ਵਿਚਿ).
3. Ablative Case (Apadaan Kaarak): Means “from Naam” (ਤੋਂ, ਉਪਰਿ).
4. Instrumental Case (Kaaran Karak): Means “through Naam” (ਰਾਹੀਂ, ਦੁਆਰਾ).
5. Can sometimes refer to Naami Vaheguru.

Examples from Gurbani:

Locative Case (Adhikaran Kaarak – ‘in Naam’)

Here, ਨਾਮਿ means “Naam has pierced the mind.“

Conclusion: The meaning of “Naam” changes based on its form:

1. ਨਾਮੁ – Singular, masculine noun (Subject or Object).
2. ਨਾਮ – Plural noun, possession, or part of a compound word.
3. ਨਾਮਿ – Used in different grammatical cases with meanings like “in Naam,” “through Naam,” or “by Naam.”

Understanding these grammatical differences helps in correctly interpreting Gurbani.