Interesting that, Goddess Durga finds reference and is honored by the Sikh religion as much as she is revered for her strength, grace and valor in the Hindu traditions. Much as we would hardly anticipate, but the Sikh traditions also offer due respect and inspirations from the Divine feminine.
The Dasam Granth (Gurmukhi: ਦਸਮ ਗ੍ਰੰਥ, lit. "the Book of the Tenth Guru"), also called the Dasven Pādśāh kā Graṅth, (Gurmukhi: ਦਸਮ ਗ੍ਰੰਥ), is a holy book in Sikhism with compositions attributed to Guru Gobind Singh. It is a controversial religious text considered to be the second scripture by some Sikhs, and of disputed authority by other Sikhs. The standard edition of the text contains 1,428 pages with 17,293 verses in 18 sections. These are set in the form of hymns and poems mostly in the Braj language (Old western Hindi), with some parts in Avadhi, Punjabi, Hindi and Persian. The script is almost entirely the Gurmukhi script except for the letter of the Sikh Guru to Aurangzeb – Zafarnama, and the Hikayat in the Persian alphabet.
The Dasam Granth includes hymns, mythological tales from Hindu texts, a celebration of the feminine in the form of goddess Durga, erotic fables, an autobiography, letters to others such as the Mughal emperor, as well as reverential discussion of warriors and theology. It is a religious text, separate from the Guru Granth Sahib, one considered as Sikhism's second scripture in its history. It is controversial, of disputed authorship, and seldom recited in full within Sikh gurdwaras (temples) in the contemporary era. Parts of it are popular and sacred among Sikhs, recited during Khalsa initiation and other daily devotional practices by devout Sikhs.
In his religious court at Anandpur Sahib, Guru Gobind Singh had employed 52 poets, who translated several classical texts into Braj Bhasha. Most of the writing compiled at Anandpur Sahib was lost while the Guru's camp was crossing the Sirsa river before the Battle of Chamkaur in 1704. There were copiers available at the Guru's place who made several copies of the writings. Later, Bhai Mani Singh compiled all the available works under the title Dasam Granth.
The traditional scholars claim that all the works in Dasam Granth were composed by the Guru himself, based on Bhai Mani Singh's letter. But the veracity of the letter has been examined by scholars and found to be unreliable. An example of varying style can be seen in the sections 'Chandi Charitar' and 'Bhagauti ki War'.
Some interesting sections of this scripture:
1. Chandi Charitra Ukti Bilas
A discussion of the Hindu goddess, Durga in the form of Chandi; this section of the Dasam Granth declares that it is based the Sanskrit text Markandeya Purana; it glorifies the feminine with her fighting the mythical war between good and evil after the gods have admitted their confusion and weakness, she anticipating and thus defeating the evil that misleads and morphs into different shapes. a retelling of the story of the Hindu goddess, Durga again in the form of Chandi; it again glorifies the feminine with her fighting the war between good and evil, and in this section, she slays the buffalo demon Mahisha, all his associates and supporters thus bringing an end to the demonic violence and war .
2. Chandi di Var
The ballad of the Hindu goddess, Durga, in Punjabi; this section of the Dasam Granth states that it is based on the Sanskrit text Durga Saptasati; The opening verses from this composition, have been a frequently recited ardas petition or prayer in Sikh history, it is also a source of controversy within Sikhism, as the opening verse states "First I remember Bhagauti, then I turn my attention to Guru Nanak"; the dispute has been whether one should interpret of the word "Bhagauti" as "goddess" or a metaphor for "sword"
Thus, it is not unreal that the GODDESS has been given a place for worship and is honored by all traditions worldwide. The divine feminine is a concept that has been accepted and respected by every religion.
Post submitted by : Dr Pallavi Kwatra who is an entrepreneur, spiritual traveler, advanced Reiki healer, medical doctor, publisher & author of 12 published books. She heads Tabeer Publishing, is an active partner at her company, SAANS SOLUTIONS LLP & the founder of Adhyatmik Charitable Trust, India. She can be reached out at [email protected] and her websites can be visited at www.drpallavikwatra.com/www.saansmart.com
