GHARU, pronounced ghar, is a term used in the titles of many of the hymns in the Guru Granth Sahib. The final “u” is only of grammatical significance indicating masculine gender and singular number. Gharu appears after the name of the rdga (musical measure) and the indication with regard to the author, and is followed by a numeral. For instance, the first hymn in the Siri Raga is entitled “Ragu Siri Ragu Mahala Pahila 1 Gharu I”. As in the case of Mahala the numeral following Gharu is pronounced as first, second, third, and so on, and not as one, two, three, etc.
Gharu, ordinarily an equivalent of “house “or “home”, here indicates a variant or style of a rdga corresponding to variation in metre, pitch, rhythm and lai. Lai (Sanskrit laya) is a term in Indian musicology signifying timing or speed, Lai figures in three varieties, viz. druta (quick), madhya (mean or moderate) and vilambita (slow). Interestingly, the Sanskrit lay a also means “rest, repose” as well as “a place of rest, residence, house, dwelling,” the latter being synonymous with ghar`m Hindi and Punjabi. This explains the use of gharfor musical variations in the Sikh Scripture. In Iranian music, the Persian word gdh (time, place) is used for various musical notes such as dugdh and sihgdh in the same sense.
In Sikh musicology, Gharu (or Ghar) is a musical term that appears in the Guru Granth Sahib. It provides specific instructions to the raagis (musicians) on how to perform the hymns. The term Ghar literally means “house” or “scale,” and it indicates the rhythmic structure or musical clef for the composition.
Significance of Gharu in Gurbani
- Musical Guidance: Gharu serves as a directive for the tempo, beat, and style of the hymn’s rendition. It ensures that the hymns are performed in a manner that aligns with their spiritual essence.
- Connection to Raags: Each hymn in the Guru Granth Sahib is associated with a specific raag and ghar. The ghar further refines the musical framework, guiding the performer on the nuances of the melody.
- Interpretation: While the exact meaning of ghar can vary among scholars, it is generally understood as a way to standardize the musical presentation of hymns, ensuring consistency and preserving the original intent of the Gurus.
