Publisher's Synopsis
Once Mr. Rabindranath Tagore, India's first Noble laureate, was asked that in line with the Indian National Anthem "Jan Gan Man ..." composed by him, he could also write a song that may serve as international anthem for the whole world. Rabindranath Tagore responded by saying that such a composition already stands rendered by GURU NANAK which is not only international but for the entire universe. The composition that Tagore was referring to is a rendering incorporated in the scripture of Sikh Religion Shri GURU GRANTH Sahib. It was pronounced by Guru Nanak on seeing the aarti (devotional song) being performed by the priests - with a platter, embedded with costly jewels & pearls, carrying items such as lighted lamps, flowers, incense sticks etc. - in praise of Lord Jagannath, the deity of the temple at Puri in the State of Odisha in eastern part of India. The composition depicts how the entire creation is acting in complete coordination & harmony with each other as well as in entirety as a group. This rendering is commonly known as 'Aarti' and is sung in all gurdwaras as part of the evening prayers. It is also part of 'Sohila' the prayer which every Sikh recites at night before retiring to sleep. This rendering of Guru Nanak brings to notice the fact of this creation being the manifestation of Almighty Himself. It also highlights the human form being a premier part of this cosmic existence and that one has got this life for a purpose. The purpose is to avail the opportunity to achieve the unification of one's soul with the Super-soul called Almighty.
