What is the Significance of Raag in Gurbani?

Question: What is the Significance of Raag in Gurbani?

The poetic hymns of Guru Granth Sahib, Sikhism' holy scripture, are written in raag, or raga, a kind of traditional classic Indian Music system which classifies tunes according to the mood they inspire, the time of day they are sung, and the season in which they are performed. The Sikh code of conduct advises that kirtan be performed in raag according to Sikh tradition. How many raag appear in Gurbani? What significance is given to each of the raag featured in Guru Granth Sahib?

Answer:

Guru Granth Shaib is compiled from hymns of 43 authors composed in 31 raags. The classic raag, or raga, of Gurbani correspond to a *three hour block of time, six seasons, and 12 months of the Nanakshahi Calendar. Raag are arranged grouped in sequence by page (respectful term Ang):

1. Sree Raag ~ Ang 14-93.
   • A supreme raag representing death and rebirth.
   • Inspires meditative magnificence.
   • Time of day to sing is 6 pm to 9 pm.
   • Winter season Him mid January up to mid March.
2. Raag Maajh ~ Ang 94-150.
   • A cultural raag.
   • Inspires longing for the Beloved Divine.
   • Time of day to sing is 3 pm to 6 pm.
   • Rainy season Warkha mid July up to mid September.
3. Raag Gourree ~ Ang 141-346.
   • An important raag with 12 sub variations.
   • Inspires contemplation.
   • Time of day to sing is 3 pm to 6 pm.
   • Fall season Sisar mid November up to mid January.
4. Raag Asa ~ Ang 347-488.
   • A rare raag.
   • Inspires spiritual devotion in the cool mystic hours before dawn.
   • Time of day to sing is 3 am to 6 am.
   • Winter season Him mid January up to mid March.
5. Raag Gujree ~ Ang 489-536.
   • An old time raag.
   • Inspires deep soulful and heartfelt thought.
   • Time of day to sing is 9 am to 12 noon.
   • Rainy season Warkha mid July up to mid September.
6. Raag Daev Gandharee ~ Ang 527-536.
   • An ancient raag.
   • Inspires fervent appeal.
   • Time of day to sing is 6 am to 9 am.
   • Fall season Sisar mid November up to mid January.
7. Raag Bihagra ~ Ang 537-556.
   • A contemporary raag.
   • Inspires spiritual serenity.
   • Time of day to sing is 9 pm to 12 midnight.
   • Winter season Him mid January up to mid March.
8. Raag Vadhans ~ Ang 557-594.
   • A rare raag.
   • Inspires gentle sensitivity.
   • Time of day to sing is 12 noon to 3 pm.
   • Fall season Sisar mid November up to mid January.
9. Raag Sorath ~ Ang 595-659.
   • A pleasant raag.
   • Inspires enlightened cheer.
   • Time of day to sing is 9 pm to 12 midnight.
   • Autumn season Sarad mid September up to mid November.
10. Raag Dhanasaree ~ Ang 660-695.
    • A cheery raag.
    • Inspires joyful adoration.
    • Time of day to sing is 12 noon to 3 pm.
    • Fall season Sisar mid November up to mid January.
11. Raag Jaitsree ~ Ang 696-710.
    • An ancient raag.
    • Inspires meditative surrender to the mystery of the Divine.
    • Time of day to sing is 6 pm to 9 pm.
    • Fall season Sisar mid November up to mid January.
12. Raag Todee ~ Ang 711-718.
    • A foremost raag.
    • Inspires adoring praise.
    • Time of day to sing is 9 am to 12 noon.
    • Fall season Sisar mid November up to mid January.
13. Raag Bairaree ~ Ang 719-720.
    • A regional raag.
    • Inspires gentle compassion.
    • Time of day to sing is 6 pm to 9 pm.
    • Autumn season Sarad mid September up to mid November.
14. Raag Tilang ~ Ang 721-727.
    • A favored Raag.
    • Inspires quiet pleasure.
    • Time of day to sing is 3 pm to 6 pm.
    • Rainy season Warkha mid July up to mid September.
15. Raag Soohee ~ Ang 728-794.
    • A favored morning raag.
    • Inspires happy fulfillment.
    • Time of day to sing is 9 am to noon.
    • Warm spring season Basant mid March up to mid May.
16. Raag Bilaval ~ Ang 795-858.
    • A basic raag.
    • Inspires devotional tranquility.
    • Time of day to sing is 9 am to 12 noon.
    • Warm spring season Basant mid March up to mid May.
17. Raag Gond ~ Ang 859-875.
    • A regional raag.
    • Inspires solemn contemplation.
    • Time of day to sing is 9 am to 12 noon.
    • Winter season Him mid January up to mid March.
18. Raag Ramkalee ~ Ang 876-974.
    • A raag of foremost importance.
    • Inspires elevated thinking.
    • Time of day to sing is sunrise 6 am to 9 am.
    • Warm spring season Basant mid March up to mid May.
19. Raag Nat Narayan ~ Ang 975-983.
    • A stirring raag.
    • Inspires a crusading spirit.
    • Time of day to sing is 9 pm to 12 midnight.
    • Rainy season Warkha mid July up to mid September.
20. Raag Malee Goura ~ Ang 984-988.
    • An antiquated raag.
    • Inspires joyful content.
    • Time of day to sing is 6 pm to 9 pm.
    • Autumn season Sarad mid September up to mid November.
21. Raag Maroo ~ Ang 989-1106.
    • Inspires rapture.
    • Time of day is to sing 12 noon to 3 pm.
    • Fall season Sisar mid November up to mid January.
22. Raag Tukharee ~ Ang 1107-1117.
    • A popular raag of old.
    • Inspires gratitude.
    • Time of day to sing is 3 pm to 6 pm.
    • Autumn season Sarad mid September up to mid November.
23. Raag Kaedara ~ Ang 1118-1124.
    • An ancient healing raag.
    • Inspires plaintive longing for the Divine.
    • Time of day to sing is 6 pm to 9 pm.
    • Summer season Garikhame mid May up to mid July.
24. Raag Bhairou ~ Ang 1125-1167.
    • A significant ancient raag.
    • Inspires awe.
    • Time of day to sing is sunrise 6 am to 9 am.
    • Autumn season Sarad mid September up to mid November.
25. Raag Basant ~ Ang 1168-1196.
    • A very ancient raag.
    • Inspires ecstatic serenity.
    • Sing at any time of day or 6 pm to 9 pm.
    • Warm spring season Basant mid March up to mid May.
26. Raag Sarang ~ Ang 1197-1253.
    • An old important raag.
    • Inspires calming peace.
    • Time of day to sing is 9 am to 12 noon.
    • Rainy season Warkha mid July up to mid September.
27. Raag Malaar ~ Ang 1254-1293.
    • A favored raag of old.
    • Inspires joyous thanks.
    • Sing any time but particularly 9 pm to 12 midnight.
    • Rainy season Warkha mid July up to mid September.
28. Raag Kaanrraa ~ Ang 1294-1318.
    • An olden day raag still popular.
    • Inspires majestic serenity.
    • Time of day to sing is 9 pm to 12 midnight.
    • Summer season Garikhame mid May up to mid July.
29. Raag Kaliaan ~ Ang 1319-1326.
    • A complex raag.
    • Inspires receptive reliance on Divine prosperity.
    • Time of day to sing is 6 pm to 9 pm.
    • Rainy season Warkha mid July up to mid September.
30. Raag Parbhatee ~ Ang 1327-1351.
    • A prevalent raag.
    • Inspires dignity and calm.
    • Time of day to sing is 6 am to 9 am.
    • Warm spring season Basant mid March up to mid May.
31. Raag Jai Javantee ~ Ang 1352-1359.
    • A important raag of riveting magnificence.
    • Inspires spiritual longing.
    • Time of day to sing is 9 pm to 12 midnight.
    • Summer season Garikhame mid May up to mid July.

Raag Mala ~ Ang 1429-30.

• The final entry in Guru Granth Sahib is not itself a raag, but rather an index of raag and corresponding declinations.
• Controversial and in dispute as to its author and origin, therefore not required to be included in an Akhand paath, a complete reading of scripture.
• May not be left out of any hand written or printed volume of Siri Guru Granth Sahib.

*In Gurbani, the 24 hour day is divided into four sections of three hours. No raag corresponds with 12 midnight to 3 am as that is the time for sleep, however Basant Raag may be sung anytime and is appropriate for Rain sabaee kirtan. Sikh tradition differs from Hindu tradition. Research discrepancies make it difficult to substantiate time certain raag are sung. Times given here are as sung by the late Bhai Avtar Singh Ragi.