HARMANDIR

The name "Harmandir" is made of two Sanskrit words: Hari and Mandir.

Hari is one of the names of the All-pervading Lord, literally meaning "He who removes all obstacle to Spiritual Life or Aatmic-Jeevan ". Mandir means "abiding-place, habitation, dwelling, house, palace, temple, abode", and so on.

By combining these two words, "Harmandir" means the "Abode of the Divine" or simply the "Temple of God", through which the full Spiritual Unfoldment is experienced. Now, where is this God's Abode located, and how can it be Realized?

Many people in the world know about the shrine Sri Harmandir Sahib, which is located in the city of Amritsar (Punjab, India). On account of its golden coating done by the king Ranjit Singh, the English speaking world also knows it as Golden Temple . Also known as Darbar Sahib - pronounced Darbaar Saahib - this temple complex was supposed to be the place of purity, humility, simplicity, piety and the Gurmukhs. Currently, whether or not Sri Harmandir Sahib is occupied by such True Beings is altogether a different subject, which is beyond the scope of this Gurbani Reflection. But the history reports that the ninth Guru was refused entry into the complex by the greedy, corrupt and selfish Pujaaree-group; which was under the control of Harji, grandson of the troublemaker to the Gurus, Prithi Chand (elder son of the fourth Guru - Guru Ramdaas Sahib). Subsequently, it never got visited by the tenth Master, Guru Gobind Singh Sahib (son of the ninth Master - Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib).

The Gurbani, however, reveals to us that the "Harmandir" is within the human body. He explains that deep in the Heart, there resides the same Lord in the body-"Harmandir" of each and everyone of us, here and now.

It's not only strange, but also tragic and unfortunate that many Sikh writers, researchers, scholars (Pundits), Bhais, Raagees, Kathaakaars, etc., ignore this very valuable Truth of the Gurbani. Baabaa Nanak says:

• ਹਰਿ ਮੰਦਰੁ ਸੋਈ ਆਖੀਐ ਜਿਥਹੁ ਹਰਿ ਜਾਤਾ ॥ ਮਾਨਸ ਦੇਹ ਗੁਰ ਬਚਨੀ ਪਾਇਆ ਸਭੁ ਆਤਮ ਰਾਮੁ ਪਛਾਤਾ ॥ ਬਾਹਰਿ ਮੂਲਿ ਨ ਖੋਜੀਐ ਘਰ ਮਾਹਿ ਬਿਧਾਤਾ ॥ ਮਨਮੁਖ ਹਰਿ ਮੰਦਰ ਕੀ ਸਾਰ ਨ ਜਾਣਨੀ ਤਿਨੀ ਜਨਮੁ ਗਵਾਤਾ ॥ ਸਭ ਮਹਿ ਇਕੁ ਵਰਤਦਾ ਗੁਰ ਸਬਦੀ ਪਾਇਆ ਜਾਈ ॥੧੨॥: That alone (i.e., within the body) is the "Harmandir" — Hari's Temple — in which "Hari" is Realized. (The human body is "Harmandir" because) in the human body, by following the Gur-Bachan (Divine Wisdom of the Gurbani, Upadesh, Teaching, Utterance, Gur-Giaan...), Mool is Realized, and the "Aatam Raam" (Mool) is seen pervading in all. So, don't look outside this body, because the Creator resides within the Heart. However, the Manmukhs (the self-willed, followers of falsehood or untruth, etc.) don't appreciate the Essence "Harmandir" (which is within the body, but by following their Manmukhtaa) they waste away their lives. (Although) the One (Mool) pervades in all, but He is Realized only through the Gur-Shabad (Divine Wisdom of the Gurbani, Brahm-Giaan...) ||12|| (sggs 953).

ਹਰਿ ਮੰਦਰੁ ਸੋਈ ਆਖੀਐ ਜਿਥਹੁ ਹਰਿ ਜਾਤਾ ॥: As indicated above, the body is the living "Harmandir" made not by the human hands but by the Creator. Thus, each body in the world is the Lord's Temple, in which the Formless pervades and Realized.

• ਹਰਿ ਕਾ ਮੰਦਰੁ ਆਖੀਐ ਕਾਇਆ ਕੋਟੁ ਗੜੁ ॥ ਅੰਦਰਿ ਲਾਲ ਜਵੇਹਰੀ ਗੁਰਮੁਖਿ ਹਰਿ ਨਾਮੁ ਪੜੁ ॥ ਹਰਿ ਕਾ ਮੰਦਰੁ ਸਰੀਰੁ ਅਤਿ ਸੋਹਣਾ ਹਰਿ ਹਰਿ ਨਾਮੁ ਦਿੜੁ ॥ ਮਨਮੁਖ ਆਪਿ ਖੁਆਇਅਨੁ ਮਾਇਆ ਮੋਹ ਨਿਤ ਕੜੁ ॥: The fortress of the body is called the Temple of Hari (Harmandir ). By becoming the Gurmukh (a person who is hungry for the Divine Wisdom of the Gurbani, etc.) pursues or understands the Naam, realizes the Rubies and Gems (of the Divine Virtues, Divine Wisdom, Aatm-Giaan...) within it. The body, the Harmandir, becomes very Beautiful, when the Hari Naam (Brahm-Giaan, the Divine Wisdom of the Gurbani...) is consummated. Manmukhs boil continuously in attachment to Maya and (thus) ruin themselves. ||11|| (sggs 952).
• ਹਰਿ ਮੰਦਰੁ ਏਹੁ ਸਰੀਰੁ ਹੈ ਗਿਆਨਿ ਰਤਨਿ ਪਰਗਟੁ ਹੋਇ ॥: This body is the "Harmandir" (Hari's Temple, but this secret) is revealed by the Jewel of the Divine Wisdom (Aatm-Giaan, Brahm Giaan, Divine Knowledge ...). (sggs 1346).
• ਕਾਇਆ ਹਰਿ ਮੰਦਰੁ ਹਰਿ ਆਪਿ ਸਵਾਰੇ ॥ ਤਿਸੁ ਵਿਚਿ ਹਰਿ ਜੀਉ ਵਸੈ ਮੁਰਾਰੇ ॥: The body is the Hari's Temple; Hari Himself adorns it. Hari dwells within it. (sggs 1059).
• ਹਰਿ ਮੰਦਰੁ ਏਹੁ ਜਗਤੁ ਹੈ ਗੁਰ ਬਿਨੁ ਘੋਰੰਧਾਰ ॥ ਦੂਜਾ ਭਾਉ ਕਰਿ ਪੂਜਦੇ ਮਨਮੁਖ ਅੰਧ ਗਵਾਰ ॥: This whole world is "Harmandir" (Hari's Temple, for Hari is All-pervading); there is only pitch darkness of ignorance without the Gur (Gur-Giaan, Wisdom of the Gurbani). But, the (mentally) blind and foolish Manmukhs worship the "second" (i.e., duality). (sggs 1346).
• ਹਰਿ ਮੰਦਰੁ ਹਰਿ ਜੀਉ ਸਾਜਿਆ ਮੇਰੇ ਲਾਲ ਜੀਉ ਹਰਿ ਤਿਸੁ ਮਹਿ ਰਹਿਆ ਸਮਾਏ ਰਾਮ ॥: Hari Mandaru hari jeeou saajiaa ... (sggs 542).

ਮਾਨਸ ਦੇਹ ਗੁਰ ਬਚਨੀ ਪਾਇਆ ਸਭੁ ਆਤਮ ਰਾਮੁ ਪਛਾਤਾ ॥: By constantly Reflecting on the Gur-Shabad (Shabad-Vichaar), one's separate identity banishes and then he abides in his Joti-Svaroopa (Mool, Source...) within.

• ਤਨੁ ਮਨੁ ਖੋਜੇ ਤਾ ਨਾਉ ਪਾਏ ॥: Search your body and mind, and find the Naam (sggs 110).
• ਰਾਮ ਨਾਮੁ ਆਤਮ ਮਹਿ ਸੋਧੈ ॥: (A true devotee) searches for the Raam Naam within his own soul (sggs 274).
• ਹਰਿ ਮੰਦਰ ਮਹਿ ਨਾਮੁ ਨਿਧਾਨੁ ਹੈ ਨਾ ਬੂਝਹਿ ਮੁਗਧ ਗਵਾਰ ॥: The treasure of the Divine Naam is within (the body) "Harmandir"; but the idiotic fools do not understand it (sggs 1346).
• ਅੰਤਰਿ ਖੂਹਟਾ ਅੰਮ੍ਰਿਤਿ ਭਰਿਆ ਸਬਦੇ ਕਾਢਿ ਪੀਐ ਪਨਿਹਾਰੀ ॥: Deep Within this body is the well overflowing with the Amrit; the Water-carrier (Naam Japist or Spiritual Being) draws and drinks it through the Shabad (sggs 571).
• ਮਨ ਰੇ ਥਿਰੁ ਰਹੁ ਮਤੁ ਕਤ ਜਾਹੀ ਜੀਉ ॥ ਬਾਹਰਿ ਢੂਢਤ ਬਹੁਤੁ ਦੁਖੁ ਪਾਵਹਿ ਘਰਿ ਅੰਮ੍ਰਿਤੁ ਘਟ ਮਾਹੀ ਜੀਉ ॥: O my mind! Remain steady (within) and wander not any where. By searching around on the outside, you will only suffer great pain; Amrit is found Within the Heart (sggs 598).
• ਮਨ ਤਨ ਅੰਤਰਿ ਹਰਿ ਹਰਿ ਮੰਤ ॥: Mann tann antari hari hari mant (sggs 802).
• ਹਰਿ ਮੰਦਰ ਮਹਿ ਹਰਿ ਵਸੈ ਸਰਬ ਨਿਰੰਤਰਿ ਸੋਇ ॥: Hari mandar mahi hari vasai (sggs 1346).

ਬਾਹਰਿ ਮੂਲਿ ਨ ਖੋਜੀਐ ਘਰ ਮਾਹਿ ਬਿਧਾਤਾ ॥: Everything is within the body, declares the Gurbani. There is nothing "there yonder" which is not in our bosom. The Absolute Truth is not an object of perception so that it may be shown by one to another. It must be Realized by the seeker within the body by him. Therefore, those who search the Sublime thing such as God in other places and in other things are called by the Gurbani "deluded by doubts".

• ਸਰੀਰਹੁ ਭਾਲਣਿ ਕੋ ਬਾਹਰਿ ਜਾਏ ॥ ਨਾਮੁ ਨ ਲਹੈ ਬਹੁਤੁ ਵੇਗਾਰਿ ਦੁਖੁ ਪਾਏ ॥ ਮਨਮੁਖ ਅੰਧੇ ਸੂਝੈ ਨਾਹੀ ਫਿਰਿ ਘਿਰਿ ਆਇ ਗੁਰਮੁਖਿ ਵਥੁ ਪਾਵਣਿਆ ॥੪॥: Those who search for the Divine outside the body will not receive the Naam; consequently, they will suffer the terrible pains of sense-slavery. (The mentally) blind Manmukhs (self-willed, etc.) do not understand; but, (after becoming weary of searching outside), when they return once again to their own (Inner) Home-Heart, they find (Naam) within by becoming the Gurmukhs (Realizing the Gur-Giaan, Wisdom...) ||4|| (sggs 124).
• ਗੁਰ ਪਰਸਾਦੀ ਵੇਖੁ ਤੂ ਹਰਿ ਮੰਦਰੁ ਤੇਰੈ ਨਾਲਿ ॥ ਹਰਿ ਮੰਦਰੁ ਸਬਦੇ ਖੋਜੀਐ ਹਰਿ ਨਾਮੋ ਲੇਹੁ ਸਮ੍ਹ੍ਹਾਲਿ ॥੧॥ ਮਨ ਮੇਰੇ ਸਬਦਿ ਰਪੈ ਰੰਗੁ ਹੋਇ ॥ ਸਚੀ ਭਗਤਿ ਸਚਾ ਹਰਿ ਮੰਦਰੁ ਪ੍ਰਗਟੀ ਸਾਚੀ ਸੋਇ ॥੧॥ ਰਹਾਉ ॥: By the Grace of the Gur (Gur-Giaan, the Divine Wisdom) see that Hari's Temple ("Harmandir") is within you. Find this "Harmandir" (within the body) through the Shabad; (therefore) hold up the Naam (Shabad, Hukam, Wisdom...). ||1|| O my mind! By becoming attuned to the Shabad, get dyed with the color (of Bhagti-understanding of the Divine Wisdom of the Gurbani...). True is that Bhagti, and True is that "Harmandir" (body); True is the Glory that becomes apparent. ||1||Pause|| (sggs 1346).
• ਗੁਰਮੁਖਿ ਹੋਵੈ ਸੁ ਕਾਇਆ ਖੋਜੈ ਹੋਰ ਸਭ ਭਰਮਿ ਭੁਲਾਈ ॥: One who becomes the Gurmukh searches within his body; all others just wander around in confusion (sggs 754).
• ਸਭ ਕਿਛੁ ਘਰ ਮਹਿ ਬਾਹਰਿ ਨਾਹੀ ॥ ਬਾਹਰਿ ਟੋਲੈ ਸੋ ਭਰਮਿ ਭੁਲਾਹੀ ॥ ਗੁਰ ਪਰਸਾਦੀ ਜਿਨੀ ਅੰਤਰਿ ਪਾਇਆ ਸੋ ਅੰਤਰਿ ਬਾਹਰਿ ਸੁਹੇਲਾ ਜੀਉ ॥੧॥: (The Divine Virtues, Wisdom, Spiritual tranquility, Naam, Shabad, Amrit, Prabh, ਆਤਮਕ ਸੁਖ...) all that is within the Heart-Home; not outside. Who searches outside is deluded by doubts. By "Gur Parasaadee" (i.e., by the Grace of the Gur-Giaan, the Divine Wisdom of the Gurbani ...), those who have Realized within are Happy (tranquil) inwardly and outwardly. ||1|| (sggs 102).
• ਪ੍ਰਭੁ ਹਰਿਮੰਦਰੁ ਸੋਹਣਾ ਤਿਸੁ ਮਹਿ ਮਾਣਕ ਲਾਲ ॥ ਮੋਤੀ ਹੀਰਾ ਨਿਰਮਲਾ ਕੰਚਨ ਕੋਟ ਰੀਸਾਲ ॥ ਬਿਨੁ ਪਉੜੀ ਗੜਿ ਕਿਉ ਚੜਉ ਗੁਰ ਹਰਿ ਧਿਆਨ ਨਿਹਾਲ ॥੨॥: Prabhu harimandaru sohnaa tis mahi maanak laal... (sggs 17).

ਮਨਮੁਖ ਹਰਿ ਮੰਦਰ ਕੀ ਸਾਰ ਨ ਜਾਣਨੀ ਤਿਨੀ ਜਨਮੁ ਗਵਾਤਾ ॥: Opposite of the Gurmukh is the Manmukh. Attached to the love of duality (Maya, delusion, two-ness, etc.), he has no spiritual understanding (Aatm-Giaan). Without the Spiritual Wisdom, as Manmukhs, we end up searching the Truth too far away from us — in the gross objects of the world. But it's all within, explains the Gurbani!

• ਮਨਮੁਖ ਮੂਲੁ ਨ ਜਾਣਨੀ ਮਾਣਸਿ ਹਰਿ ਮੰਦਰੁ ਨ ਹੋਇ ॥2॥ ਹਰਿ ਮੰਦਰੁ ਹਰਿ ਜੀਉ ਸਾਜਿਆ ਰਖਿਆ ਹੁਕਮਿ ਸਵਾਰਿ ॥: The Manmukhs do not know their Mool (Origin, Source, Root...); (on account of this ignorance, they) do not believe that the "Harmandir" is within the human (body). ||2|| "Hari" has created this (human body) "Harmandir"; He adorns it by His Hukam (sggs 1346).
• ਵਿਣੁ ਕਾਇਆ ਜਿ ਹੋਰ ਥੈ ਧਨੁ ਖੋਜਦੇ ਸੇ ਮੂੜ ਬੇਤਾਲੇ ॥ ਸੇ ਉਝੜਿ ਭਰਮਿ ਭਵਾਈਅਹਿ ਜਿਉ ਝਾੜ ਮਿਰਗੁ ਭਾਲੇ ॥੧੫॥: Those who search for this Treasure (of the Naam) outside of the body, in other places, are foolish and unharmonious. They wander around in the wilderness of doubt, like the deer who (not knowing that the musk is ever present in his own body) searches for the musk in the bushes ||15|| (sggs 309).
• ਮਨਮੁਖੁ ਮੁਗਧੁ ਬੂਝੈ ਨਾਹੀ ਬਾਹਰਿ ਭਾਲਣਿ ਜਾਈ ॥: Manmukhu mugadhu boojhai naahee... (sggs 754).
• ਮਨਮੁਖੁ ਅਗਿਆਨੀ ਅੰਧੁ ਅੰਧਾਰਾ ॥: Manmukhu agiaanee andhu andhaaraa (sggs 1067).

ਸਭ ਮਹਿ ਇਕੁ ਵਰਤਦਾ ਗੁਰ ਸਬਦੀ ਪਾਇਆ ਜਾਈ ॥੧੨॥ After defining the "Harmandir" and revealing it's whereabouts, Baabaa Nanak now explains to us as to how to Realize it. For oneself to experience the "Harmandir" within the body, the Gurbani emphasizes on Naam-Kamaaee (Shbad-Vichaar, Gur-Giaan...). By constantly reflecting on the Naam (Shabad...) the mind acquires the strength to return to its Mool (Source, Joti-Svaroopa) within. 

• ਹਰਿ ਮੰਦਰੁ ਹਰਿ ਕਾ ਹਾਟੁ ਹੈ ਰਖਿਆ ਸਬਦਿ ਸਵਾਰਿ ॥ ਤਿਸੁ ਵਿਚਿ ਸਉਦਾ ਏਕੁ ਨਾਮੁ ਗੁਰਮੁਖਿ ਲੈਨਿ ਸਵਾਰਿ ॥: This body "Harmandir" is the Hari's Shop; (Hari) embellishes it with the Shabad. In this shop is the merchandise of the One Divine Naam; by becoming the Gurmukh, adorn yourself with it (sggs 1346).

To recapitulate, man's inner psyche is the temple or "Harmandir" where the Ultimate Reality resides as Joti-Svaroopa (Mool, Source...). Baabaa Nanak says: "Preetam basat rid mahi khor". As explained in the Gurbani, however, the reason most of us (over 99.9 percent - the Manmukhs) neither see our own body nor the body of other living beings as "Harmandir" is because of our material eyes suffe from the cataract of Maya; which can only perceive the layer of matter, covering the Joti-Svaroopa within. On the other hand, those who are Spiritually developed (the Gurmukhs) can easily recognize the Divine Presence within the body temple.

• ਪ੍ਰੀਤਮ ਬਸਤ ਰਿਦ ਮਹਿ ਖੋਰ ॥: My Beloved lives in the cave of my Heart (sggs 1121).
• ਜਿਨੀ ਆਤਮੁ ਚੀਨਿਆ ਪਰਮਾਤਮੁ ਸੋਈ ॥: Those who understand their own Soul, are themselves the Supreme Soul (sgg 421).
• ਆਤਮ ਮਹਿ ਰਾਮੁ ਰਾਮ ਮਹਿ ਆਤਮੁ ਚੀਨਸਿ ਗੁਰ ਬੀਚਾਰਾ ॥: Aatam mahi Raamu Raam mahi aatamu cheenasi Gur beechaaraa (sggs 1153).

— T. Singh
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