Guru Nanak reached Jagannath Puri in June 1510 A.D.
His stay there, lasting about six weeks, is vividly described in the Janam Sakhis (biographies of the Guru). During this time, he recited two celebrated shabads (hymns), including “Gagan Mein Thaal...” and “Bhav Khandana Teri Aarti Hoai.” Both hymns are enshrined in the Guru Granth Sahib and continue to be recited by Sikhs worldwide during Akhand Path. The circumstances in which these hymns were composed shed deep light on the philosophy and vision of Guru Nanak Dev Ji.
Historical Significance
In Sikhism, Gagan Mai Thaal is considered the first Aarti, which was composed by Guru Nanak Ji. He recited it during his journey to the eastern part of India, specifically at the Jagannath Temple in Puri, around 1506 or 1508. Today, it is sung in Gurdwaras after Rehraas Sahib and Ardās, including at Darbar Sahib, Amritsar, and other major Sikh sites.
Certain Sikh groups, such as the Nihangs, perform an extended form of the Aarti using lamps, flowers, incense, conch shells, and bells, often preceded by “Aarta,” a collection of prayers from the Dasam Granth. This ceremonial version is also practiced at Patna Sahib, Hazur Sahib, and in Ravidassia Gurdwaras, reflecting its lasting spiritual influence.
The Cosmic Imagery
Guru Nanak Ji described nature as offering continuous devotion to God:
Gagan Mai Thaal Rav Chand Deepak Baney, Tarika Mandal Janak Moti
The sky is like a plate, with the sun and moon as lamps; stars and constellations shine like pearls.
Dhoop Malyanlo Pavan Chavro Kare, Sagal Banraye Phulant Jyoti
The wind carries the fragrance of flowers and sandalwood like incense, and flowers bloom across the earth as offerings.
Kaisi Aarti Hoye Bhavkhandna Teri Aarti, Anhata Shabad Vaajant Bheri
The sounds of the universe resonate like temple drums, creating a divine melody.
Through these lines, he shows that the entire universe is participating in worship. The sky, stars, flowers, and breeze become instruments and symbols in a cosmic ritual, inviting humans to recognize the sacred in ordinary life.
Aarti as a Universal Prayer
Over a period of time, the Aarti was enriched by other saints such as Bhagat Ravi Dass, Sant Kabir, Sant Sain, and Bhagat Dhanna, with further contributions from Guru Gobind Singh Ji. Despite these additions, the central message remains the same: nature itself offers an unending tribute to the divine. The sun rises, the moon shines, stars sparkle, and flowers bloom—not for one religion or culture, but for all beings.
Tagore’s Recognition
The universal appeal of Gagan Mai Thaal impressed Nobel laureate Rabindranath Tagore. He saw it as a hymn that transcended religious boundaries and captured the unity of all life. Tagore suggested that it could serve as a global anthem, representing humanity’s shared participation in the rhythm and harmony of the cosmos.
Relevance Today
In a world often divided by religion, culture, and nationality, Guru Nanak’s Aarti reminds us of our shared connection to nature. The same sun warms everyone, the same stars shine for all, In Sikhism, Gagan Mai Thaal is considered the first Aarti, which was composed by Guru Nanak Ji.
Guru Nanak Dev Ji once experienced a moment of deep spiritual insight where he saw the universe as a grand, living expression of the divine. He described the natural world as a magnificent display, orchestrated by God, and expressed his gratitude through a hymn known today as Gagan Mai Thaal. This Aarti celebrates the harmony and beauty of creation and encourages us to see divinity in everything around us.
Guru Nanak’s Mission
In the closing years of the 15th century, Guru Nanak emerged as a messenger of compassion and universal love. In 1497 A.D., he set out from Punjab to share the message of One God and the brotherhood of all humanity in every direction. The journeys he undertook, the places he visited, and the people of diverse faiths he engaged with remain truly remarkable. Wherever he traveled, he awakened minds, urged people to break free from spiritual bondage, and left a lasting imprint on their lives.
Guru Nanak Dev Ji undertook four Udasis (long journeys) across different regions. The first and longest took him to Jagannath Puri, a destination chosen with great care. Established in the 7th century by Shankaracharya as one of the four Dhams, Puri had, by Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s time, become a major center of the Vamachari sect, where the pursuit of salvation had deteriorated into indulgence in worldly pleasures. After passing through Kamrup Desh, covering present-day Assam, Bengal, and Orissa, and the fragrance of flowers is universal. Gagan Mai Thaal teaches us to find the sacred in our surroundings and to live in harmony with the environment and one another.
The hymn shows that devotion does not require rituals alone. Worship can be found in recognizing God in the light of the stars, the flowing wind, and the blooming flowers. It invites us to participate in a continuous celebration of life and to respect all forms of creation.
Conclusion
Gagan Mai Thaal is more than a hymn. It is more like a vision of cosmic worship and universal devotion. Guru Nanak Ji’s words remind us that every element of the universe, especially the sun, moon, stars, and flowers, is offering praise. This Aarti teaches us to embrace spirituality in daily life, see the divine in nature, and participate in the eternal act of worship that the universe itself performs. It is a timeless message of unity, reverence, and awareness of the sacred in every aspect of life.
Reference Links:
Progressive Hindu Dialogue - The Universal Appeal of Guru Nanak’s Aarti
https://progressivehindudialogue.com/2024/10/21/the-universal-appeal-of-guru-nanaks-aarti/
Explores Guru Nanak’s Aarti as a universal form of worship, highlighting its cosmic vision and relevance beyond ritual, including its influence on thinkers like Rabindranath Tagore.
SikhiWiki - Guru Nanak at Puri
https://www.sikhiwiki.org/index.php/Guru_Nanak_at_Puri
Describes Guru Nanak’s visit to Puri, highlighting local traditions, miracles, and his encounters with spiritual leaders.
Wikipedia - Gagan mein thaal
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gagan_mein_thaal
Covers Gagan Mein Thaal as a Sikh devotional prayer by Guru Nanak, its worship practices, and spiritual significance.