n this article, we will discuss the greatness of the Amrit Baani Sri Sukhmani Sahib bestowed upon us by the 5th Guru, Sri Guru Arjan Dev Ji. 

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The Creation of Sri Sukhmani Sahib

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Guru Arjan Dev Ji, at Gurdwara Sri Ramsar Sahib, thought that in the age of Kalyug, we are engaged in various tasks and often find life to be very busy. In such a scenario, it is tough for people to do Bhagti (loving devotion) 24/7 and remember Vaheguru. 

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Guru Sahib Ji thought of writing a Bani that, by reading, could destroy the cycle of reincarnation, make every breath fruitful, and bring ultimate peace. Devout Gursikhs Baba Buddha Ji and Bhai Gurdas Ji also requested Guru Sahib Ji for such a Bani, one that could make every breath, out of the 24,000 we take in a day, fruitful even if we don't have time for continuous Simran. Consequently, Guru Sahib Ji wrote Sukhmani Sahib at Gurdwara Sri Ramsar Sahib, and said that whoever reads this Paath with loving devotion will attain liberation, and their 24,000 breaths in a day will become Safal (successful). 

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The Munshi of Vrindavan

The following story illustrates the greatness of Sri Sukhmani Sahib, as narrated by Baba Sham Singh Ji in the Haree Bhagat Prem Prakash Granth (Sakhi written in Amolak Rattan, Sri Sukhmani Sahib Steek by Sant Giani Surjeet Singh Ji Sevapanthi). 

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In Mathura Vrindavan, a Munshi resided who had learned Gurmukhi and memorized Jap Ji Sahib and Sukhmani Sahib. One day, he asked a saint, “What is the Vidhi (method) to read these two Baanis?”

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The saint replied, “Wake up at Amrit Vela (early hours before dawn), bathe, sit in a clean place, and with single-minded focus, recite the Bani. Then, meditate on the lotus feet of Guru Nanak Dev Ji and offer an Ardaas.”

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The Brahmin Cook

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The Munshi followed this routine daily. He had a Brahmin cook who fell ill one day with diarrhea and couldn’t get up from bed. The Munshi informed him, “If you need anything, let me know now, as I am going to start my Paath and will not speak to anyone.” The cook replied that he didn’t need anything.

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When the Munshi completed the 15th Ashtpadi (part of Sri Sukhmani Sahib) and was about to begin the 16th Ashtpadi, he thought to himself, “I should check if my cook is still alive, as he is not moving.” Upon checking, he found the cook already deceased. He thought, “Since he died on the bed, he might become a ghost and not attain liberation,” as it was believed in those times that dying on one's bed would lead to becoming a ghost.

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However, due to listening to Sri Sukhmani Sahib, the Brahmin had already attained salvation and ascended to Vishnu Lok to Bhagvan Vishnu.

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The Conversation with Vishnu Ji

Vishnu Ji laughed and spoke to the Brahmin, “You have attained salvation by listening to Sri Sukhmani Sahib, but your master thinks you have become a ghost and will not be liberated. Go and inform him that you are not a ghost but have attained salvation, thus removing his doubt.”

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The Brahmin traveled to the human realm on a Paalki (chariot) to meet Munshi Ji. When Munshi Ji saw the heavenly chariot descending, he stopped as he spotted the Brahmin.

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The Brahmin said, “Master, recognize me. I am your cook. I listened to Sri Sukhmani Sahib and attained liberation, embodying the truth. Have no doubt about this. Because you have been reciting Sukhmani Sahib daily, your ancestors have also reached Sachkhand, and you too will surely attain liberation. There is no doubt in this.”

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Upon hearing this, the Munshi was delighted and began reciting Sri Sukhmani Sahib with even more love and faith. Eventually, he too departed from this world and ascended to Sachkhand.

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-Sakhi told by Baba Sham Singh Ji in Haree Bhagat Prem Prakash- 

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As Sikhs of Guru Arjan Dev Ji, we too, should make the effort to read Sri Sukhmani Sahib as often as possible, and also understand the meanings of the Paath. This is where the key to peace and true fulfillment lies. 

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ਸੁਖਮਨੀ ਸੁਖ ਅੰਮ੍ਰਿਤ ਪ੍ਰਭ ਨਾਮੁ ॥

Sukhmani: Peace of Mind, the Nectar of the Name of God.

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ਭਗਤ ਜਨਾ ਕੈ ਮਨਿ ਬਿਸ੍ਰਾਮ ॥ ਰਹਾਉ ॥

The minds of the devotees abide in a joyful peace. ||Pause||

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Watch the English Katha of Sri Sukhmani Sahib Here! 

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