BANI BHAGATAN SATIX

BANI BHAGATAN SATIX (satik = exegesis or commentary) by Pandit Tara Singh Narotam (q.v.) is an exposition of the bani or hymns of the bhaktas or saints (here the word implies contributors to the Guru Granth Sahib other than the Gurus). The work was, according to inner evidence, completed in 1939 Bk/AD 1882 and the scribe was one Sundar Singh. It was published in AD 1907 by Rai Sahib Munshi Gulab Singh and Sons, Lahore. The book is divided into two parts the first part (pp. 386) covering the compositions of the bhaktas included in Sikh Scripture up to Raga Gujari and the second (pp. 522) covering the rest of them.

The book opens with an Introduction in which the author states that bhakta bani, as included in the Guru Granth Sahib, was composed by Guru Arjan himself on behalf of the different saints and sufis. Tara Singh Naro tarn`s exposition is very detailed, even prolix. For instance, the exegesis of a sabda by Kabir in Raga Gauri runs into 15 pages (pp. 3953), the author quoting in the process profusely from old Hindu scriptures. His interpretations are coloured by his Vedantic training and background.

References :

1. Shergill, Surinder Singh, Pandat Tara Singh Narotam: Jivan te Rachana. Patiala, 1985