Akal Ustat

Akal Ustat is the name given to the second Bani in the second holy scriptures of the Sikhs called the Dasam Granth. This text spans from page 33 to page 94 of the 2326 pages of this holy book of the Sikhs at www.sridasam.org. (Original text is printed over 1428 pages). It is composed of 271 verses, and is largely devotional in nature.

The word "Akal" mean the "timeless primal being" and the word "Ustat" means "praise". So together, the words "Akal Ustat" mean "the praise of the Almighty God". In it, Guru Gobind Singh, the tenth Sikh Guru writes that God is worshipped by various peoples in many different ways, and with varying names and methods:

Quotation| He is an Inconceivable Entity, External and Attire-less. He is without attachment, colour, form and mark. He distinct from all others of various colours and signs. He is the Primal being, Unique and Changeless.(3) He is without colour, mark, caste and lineage. He is the without enemy, friend, father and mother. He is far away from all and closest to all. His dwelling is within water, on earth and in heavens.(4)|(Guru Gobind Singh, Akal Ustat, verse 3 to 4)

In the Akal Ustat, Guru Gobind Singh with his knowledge of Sanskrit describes God by making use of texts from the Vedas with metaphysical references, imaginative language and image-creating phases. Extended similes and comparisons are also employed, addressing directly the expression of the deity in the Vedic tradition. "There are millions of Indras and incarnations of Brahma, Vishnu and Krishna. But, without worship of God, none are accepted in His Court." (stanza 38)

The scripture is also notable for its unalloyed disavowal of the caste system, and of cultural elitism in general. At various points in this composition, Guru Singh speaks out against the belief that some people are superior to others, by virtue of belonging to a particular religion, region, history, culture, colour or creed. Instead, he clearly and firmly states that "all human beings are one":

References

* The Wondrous Play, Dr. Jodh Singh.
* The Life and Ideals of Guru Gobind Singh by Surindar Singh Kohli, 1986, Munshiram Manoharlal

External links

* [http://www.gobindsadan.org/dasamgranth/library/1897_report/ Authentication, contents and Scripture of the Dasam Granth]
* [http://www.sridasamgranth.com Sri Dasam Granth Sahib Ji website]
* [http://www.sridasam.org/dasam?Action=Page&p=33 Sri Dasam Granth – Akal Ustat]
* [http://www.sikhnet.com/hemkuntsahib/myth.htm Hemkunt]