Explore Ramkali Ki Var

The Guru Granth Sahib Project is pleased to launch the annotation of Ramkali Ki Var by Rai Balvand and Sata Dum.

‍

This Bani is composed in Ramkali, a rag (musical mode) that evokes compassion. Ramkali Ki Var is composed by Rai Balvand and Sata Dum in praise of the first five Gurus. It is a historically significant var (ballad). It describes the anointment (tika) of various Gurus to the Guruship. It is said that after this var was composed, it continued to be recited during the anointment ceremony of the successive Gurus. For these reasons, scholars have also called it ‘Tike Di Var’ (var of anointment).