Guru Arjan Sahib’s composition in Rag Malar brings to life the profound emotional experience of longing and fulfillment, set against the backdrop of the monsoon rains. Malar, the rag associated with cleansing and renewal, evokes relief from the first rains after months of unbearable heat. It symbolizes the joy of reunion and the deep yearning during separation, making it a fitting expression of the Sabad’s spiritual yearning and fulfillment.

In this Sabad, the rain is a natural phenomenon and a metaphor for the Divine’s grace. The Guru pleads for the rain—symbolic of the Divine presence and love—to descend upon their scorched heart. The imagery of drought and rain echoes the spiritual thirst for the Beloved’s presence, where only the Divine can provide the refreshment and relief needed to sustain the spirit. The rain brings bliss, and with it, the mind becomes excited and fulfilled, illustrating the profound peace and joy experienced in the presence of the Divine.

The Guru expresses a deep dependency on the Divine, akin to a bride longing for her spouse. Without the Husband-Divine, the maiden, symbolic of the human spirit, feels incomplete. This longing is not just for comfort but for the wholeness and beauty of union with the Divine. The absence of this union leaves the being restless and unadorned, underscoring the essential and irreplaceable role of the Divine in one’s life.

Ultimately, the Sabad concludes with the fulfillment of this longing. When the plea is heard, the Divine comes swiftly, bestowing grace and uniting with the being. The wedding union symbolizes the ultimate spiritual fulfillment, where honor, beauty, and virtue are gifted by the Divine’s grace. The Sabad jubilantly celebrates the joy of spiritual union, where the being finds its true beauty and purpose in connection with the All-Pervasive.

We are finite; our understanding is finite. Our understanding was different yesterday and may evolve tomorrow as we deepen our relationship with the Sabad. In this trans-creation, we have chosen to keep the repeating words in the Sabad same. We aspire to learn and retain the Divine attribute used in the original Sabad and avoid terms like God or Lord.