PARYAI ADI SRI GURU GRANTH SAHIB JI DE

PARYAI ADI SRI GURU GRANTH SAHIB JI DE is a lexicon of the Guru Granth Sahib prepared by Sant Sute Prakash. The year of its completion as recorded in the colophon is 429 Nanakshahi (AD 1898). The work comprises 1440 pages of which 110 are devoted to a commentary on the fapu (jl). It is stated by the author in the introduction that the Japu(ji) was composed by Guru Nanak at the Sumer mountain, and that its different stan zas were meant as replies to various questions put to him by the Siddhas there. The author has explicated the text of the Japu(fi) in the question answer style, posing questions on hebalf of the Siddhas and explaining stanzas of the Japu(ji) as Guru Nanak`s answers to them.

After this detailed exposition of the Japu(jl), the work assumes the style of a lexicon, though not exactly in the format of a modern dictionary or glossary. The order is not alphabetical. The lexical unit, that is, a word or phrase is picked from the text as it reads on. It is followed by two zeroes in the form of a colon signifying the beginning of the explication of the entry. The meaning given is that of a single term at places; at others of a phrase or even of a complete verse, though the lexical entry recorded is mostly a single word or a couple of words.

Mythological, historical and legendary stories are introduced to explain the background or meaning of a hymn or of a whole composition.The lexical units required to be explained are not arranged in columns, as is done in a dictionary; rather they arc written in continuous lines. Only the colonlike zeroes provide a hint that a new entry has begun. A full stop conies only after all the lexical units of a hymn have been explained. The serial number of the hymn as given in the Guni Granth Sahib is appended here, followed by a full stop, after which the heading of the next hymn, sloka, pauri, astapadi, etc., is mentioned.

There is no paragraphing, nor are the pages of the Guru Granth Sahib mentioned. Upon the conclusion of Sri Raga, the name of the Raga to which the hymns belong as well as their authorship are indicated on the top of each page.In the latter portion of the work the connotations become more concise; in most cases only simple meanings of the word or phrase are provided. The system of punctuation also improves, though no other mark except the traditional full stop, in the form of two vertical strokes, is employed. Multiple meanings of the verses of the bdm abound.

One particular verse of the Japu(jt) has been explained in fifteen different ways. This was in keeping with the traditional style of expounding religious texts.The author is well acquainted with Hindu mythology and leans heavily on it in his exposition of Sikh terms and thought. His language is Sadh Bhasha. Entries from three additional compositions which are not included in the Guru Granth Sahib are appended at the end. These are: Haqiqat Rah Mukdm Sivandbh Rdje JG, Bdt A (ay and Ratan Maid. The manuscript was published at WaziriHind Press, Amritsar, in two parts in 1898.