In Gurbani, Raag conveys a feeling, while Shabad conveys a message. A Raag has the power to touch the heart with emotions such as joy, sorrow, detachment, or devotion. On studying the structure of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji, it becomes clear that Shabads relating to certain broad themes are generally grouped under each Raag. When these themes are overlaid with the emotions evoked by the Raags, a clear rationale emerges behind the classification of Shabads under the 31 Raags.
Common Themes of Shabads under Each Raag
Soohi – Being away from home; the soul’s longing for the House of the Lord and the joy of meeting the True Husband.
Bilaaval – Beautification of the soul; happiness.
Gaund – Separation, union, and surprise.
Sri – Maya and detachment.
Maajh – Yearning to merge with the Lord; giving up negative values.
Gauri – Principles, seriousness, thoughtfulness, and composure.
Aasa – Hope.
Gujri – Prayer (Pooja).
Devgandhari – Merging with the spouse; self-realization.
Bihaagra – Yearning from separation and happiness upon meeting the Lord.
Sorath – Merits of God.
Dhanasari – Mixed themes.
Jaitsree – Stability.
Todi – Maya and separation.
Bairagi – Motivation to sing praises of the Lord.
Tilang – Sadness, beautification, and use of words of Islamic origin.
Raamkali – To give up the life of a wandering Jogi.
Nat Narayan – Joy of meeting the Lord.
Maali Gaura – Happiness.
Maaru – Bravery.
Tukhari – Separation and union with the Lord.
Kedara – Love.
Bhairav – Human state of suffering or Hell.
Basant – Happiness.
Sarang – Thirst to meet God.
Malar – State of separated and united soul.
Jaijawanti – Vairag (detachment).
Kalyan – Bhakti (prayer) rasa.
Vadhans – Vairag (detachment).
Parbhati – Bhakti (prayer).
Kanra – Bhakti (prayer).
Feelings Communicated by Each Raag
Soohi – Joy and separation.
Bilaaval – Happiness.
Gaund – Strangeness, surprise, and beauty.
Sri – Satisfaction and balance.
Maajh – Loss and beautification.
Gauri – Seriousness.
Aasa – Effort and perseverance.
Gujri – Softness of heart, satisfaction, and sadness.
Devgandhari – Softness; gentle mood.
Bihaagra – Beautification.
Sorath – Motivation.
Dhanasari – Inspiration and motivation.
Jaitsree – Softness, satisfaction, and sadness.
Todi – Flexible Raag capable of expressing multiple emotions.
Bairagi – Sadness; used to convey Bhakti.
Tilang – Beautification and yearning.
Raamkali – Calmness.
Nat Narayan – Happiness.
Maali Gaura – Happiness.
Maaru – Courage and giving up cowardice.
Tukhari – Beautification and longing.
Kedara – Love and beautification.
Bhairav – Seriousness; brings stability of mind.
Basant – Happiness.
Sarang – Sadness and longing.
Malar – Separation and union.
Jaijawanti – Vairag (detachment).
Kalyan – Bhakti (prayer).
Vadhans – Vairag and loss (used for mourning, e.g., Alahniya).
Parbhati – Bhakti and seriousness.
Kanra – Bhakti and seriousness.
It is evident that Guru Sahib carefully selected Raags to enhance the impact of the Shabad on the mind and heart. By pairing the message of the Shabad with the complementary emotions of a Raag, Guru Sahib was able to touch the heart and deepen the spiritual experience of the listener.
