THE HISTORY OF BHATT JALAP

 [ THE HISTORY OF BHATT  JALAP ]

Jalap Ji – The Devotional Bard of Guru’s Glory

Bhatt Jalap Ji was one of the eleven Bhatts (devotional bards or court poets) who composed Savaiyas (laudatory verses) in praise of the Sikh Gurus, particularly Guru Ram Das Ji and Guru Arjan Dev Ji. His verses reflect deep reverence, spiritual wisdom, and an understanding of the divine nature of the Guru.

Basic Information:>

Time Period: Late 16th century CE

Region: Likely from a Brahmin Bhatt family of Kashmir, many of whom came to the Guru’s court during Guru Arjan Dev Ji’s time

Language: Wrote in a classical form of Braj Bhasha,

Role in Sikh Tradition:>

Bhatt Jalap Ji, along with other Bhatts, was part of the Guru's court.

He witnessed the spiritual authority of the Gurus and expressed it in his poetic compositions. His verses praise the Gurus as the embodiment of the Divine, and highlight the Guru’s grace as the path to liberation.

( Contribution to Guru Granth Sahib )

5 Savaiyas (laudatory verses) by Bhatt Jalap Ji are included in the Guru Granth Sahib, specifically in the Savaiyye section (Angs 1394–1409). His Savaiyas mainly glorify Guru Ram Das Ji, portraying him as a true knower of the Divine, capable of ferrying souls across the world-ocean.

Sample Thought from His Bani:

One key theme in Bhatt Jalap Ji’s verses is:

 "ਸਤਿਗੁਰੁ ਦਾਤਾ ਹਰਿ ਨਾਮ ਕਾ..."

"The True Guru is the giver of God’s Name..."This line reflects the core Sikh belief that the Guru is the channel through which one receives Naam (Divine Name) and reaches spiritual salvation.

Legacy:

Bhatt Jalap Ji’s writings affirm the supreme spiritual status of the Sikh Gurus.

His poetry is deeply embedded with bhakti (devotion), metaphysical insight, and admiration for the Guru’s mission.

Through the voice of Bhatt Jalap and other Bhatts, Guru Granth Sahib becomes not only a book of divine revelation but also a testament to the Guru’s universal light.

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***Jeetu Gill ****