Gurbani Teaches the Real Harmandir is within human body

The name ‘Harmandir‘ is made of two words: ‘Hari’ and ‘Mandir‘.

‘Hari‘ denotes our Mool within (call whatever name you like such as Creator, God, Karta Purakh, Akal Purakh, Rabb, Jot, Raam, Allah, Gobind, Prabh, Source, Wisdom / Virtues-ਗੁਣ etc.). And ‘Mandir‘ maening temple or abode etc. By combining these two terms (‘Hari + Mandir‘), ‘Harmandir‘ means the Akal Purakh’s Abode or Temple.

This Gurbani post will attempt to reflect on the followings in this context:

1. ‘Darbar Sahib’ or ‘Harmandir‘?
2. Gurmat’s real ‘Harmandir’ is located Within.
3. How can it be Realized?
4. Manmukhs-Saakat-Mayadhaaree cannot discern real from the unreal
5. Misinterpretation and distortion of the Gurbani

‘Darbar Sahib’ or ‘Harmandir’?

Whenever we Sikhs hear this word ‘Harmandir‘, the picture that instantly pops up to the mind is that of the shrine presently called ‘Harmandir Sahib‘ located in the city of Amritsar, Punjab, India. It’s also known as golden temple.

First off, it must be recognized that the original name is ‘Darbar Sahib’ NOT ‘Harmandir Sahib‘! Calling it ‘Harmandir Sahib‘ is to someday claim it as a Vishnu Mandir is the goal of anti-Nanak and anti-Sikhi elements, seeds of which were sown in books like Gurbilas Patshahi 6 written during the period of 1830 – 1840 by the Baanaaras-trained Nirmalas with the larger designs to co-opt the Sikhi of Guru Nanak into Brahmanism.

• ਗਲੀ ਜਿਨ੍ਹ੍ਹਾ ਜਪਮਾਲੀਆ ਲੋਟੇ ਹਥਿ ਨਿਬਗ ॥ ਓਇ ਹਰਿ ਕੇ ਸੰਤ ਨ ਆਖੀਅਹਿ ਬਾਨਾਰਸਿ ਕੇ ਠਗ ॥੧॥ : They wear rosaries around their necks, and glittering jugs in their hands. Just because of such religious paraphernalia they should not be called Sant of God — they are thugs of Baanaaras (i.e., religious conmen, cheats, robbers…). ||1|| (sggs 476).

In brief, NIRMALAS distorted and corrupted Guru Nanak’s Unique Gurmat and Universal Message of Gurbani (SGGS) through manufactured books (close to three dozens), concoctions, distorted Sikh history, untruths, lies, fabrications, unbelievable tales of miracles, using vedic and puranic slants in interpretations and translations of Gurbani etc. This barrage of untruth (ਕੂੜ੍ਹ ਮਿਥਿਹਾਸ) has destroyed the source of inspiration of Guru Nanak’s Sikhi and Sikhs.

Some of the NIRMALAS written books include Janam Sakhis, Suraj Parkash, Bansavlinama, Bhagat Maal, Sarab Loh, Gurbilas etc. NIRMALAS wrote these books in the 135-year period of 1765 till 1900 while they were in control of the Sikh Gurdwaras, Sikhi Parchaar, Sikh institutions and virtually everything connected to the Sikh psyche. Their main aim was to strip Guru Nanak’s revolutionary Sikhi of its Uniqueness by undermining and choking Sikhi and taking it back to the belief systems that existed prior to the birth of Guru Nanak in 1469.

It must be recognized that the SGGS is not talking about what is presently known as ‘Harmandir Sahib‘ located in Amritsar! In other words, the term ‘Har Mandir‘ used in the SGGS is NOT used for a building or geographical location anywhere, hence has nothing to do with ‘Harmandir Sahib‘ located in Amritsar.

Instead, the SGGS tells us that the real ‘Har Mandir‘ is located within the human body — within each one of us! And it is realized by internalizing the Enlightening spiritual Message of the Guru Shabad.

Shocking? It may indeed come shocking to the majority of us because we don’t try to read the Gurbani ourselves.

However, the truths of the Gurbani of the SGGS should be known only to those who read the SGGS themselves and thus have some unadulterated understanding of the Gurbani. Otherwise, only Manmat (ਮਨਮਤ-mind’s corrupt thinking) are considered as Gurmat by everyone! The result is that the self-serving Pujaaree-Vaad or Pujaaree system have enslaved our minds and blocked our minds from developing true understanding of the Enlightening spiritual Message of the Guru Shabad.

The Gurmat’s real ‘Harmandir’ is located Within

The Gurbani makes it very clear that deep in the Heart, there resides the same Omnipresent ‘Hari‘ or Akal Purakh (Universal Energy) in the body-temple of each and every person of the world, here and now!

• ਹਰਿ ਮੰਦਰੁ ਏਹੁ ਸਰੀਰੁ ਹੈ ਗਿਆਨਿ ਰਤਨਿ ਪਰਗਟੁ ਹੋਇ ॥ : This body is the ‘Hari Mandar’ (Hari’s Temple, but this secret) is revealed by the Jewel of the Divine Wisdom (Aatm-Giyan, Brahm Giyan…). (sggs 1346).
• ਕਾਇਆ ਹਰਿ ਮੰਦਰੁ ਹਰਿ ਆਪਿ ਸਵਾਰੇ ॥ ਤਿਸੁ ਵਿਚਿ ਹਰਿ ਜੀਉ ਵਸੈ ਮੁਰਾਰੇ ॥ : The human body is the Hari’s Temple; which he Himself embellishes it. God, the slayer of demon-like vices/Bikaar, resides in it. (sggs 1059).
• 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 human body is called the ‘Hari Mandar‘ (God’s Temple). By becoming the Gurmukh (Enlightened/God-Oriented/Guru Shabad-Oriented) if you remember the Naam, then you would realize the Jewel-like Divine Wisdom/Virtues within the body itself. O my mind, firmly enshrine God’s Naam within, only then this body, ‘Hari Mandar‘ (God’s Temple), will become very beautiful. ||11|| (sggs 952).

Put simply, the Gurbani teaches that the real Harmandir is within our body. And it can only be realized with the Guru’s Giyan-Wisdom!

• 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 ॥ : (O my mind), seeking the Grace of the Gur-Giyan (Wisdom), see that ‘Hari Mandar’ (God’s Temple) is right within you. This God’s Temple within the body can be found only through the Guru Shabad; therefore reflect on the Guru Shabad and remember God’s Naam. ||1|| O my mind, one who is imbued with the love of the Guru Shabad, gets imbued with the love of God. ||1||Pause|| (sggs 1346).

In fact, the Gurmat Wisdom of the SGGS calls this human body the pool of Amrit (‘ਅੰਮ੍ਰਿਤ ਸਰੁ’)! For we need this body to practice Wisdom / Virtues in life!

• ਕਾਇਆ ਅੰਦਰਿ ਅੰਮ੍ਰਿਤ ਸਰੁ ਸਾਚਾ ਮਨੁ ਪੀਵੈ ਭਾਇ ਸੁਭਾਈ ਹੇ ॥੪॥ : Within body is the true Amrit Sar (the true pool of Amrit); the mind (that dies through the Shabad) keeps drinking it with great Love. ||4|| (sggs 1046).
• ਕਾਇਆ ਅੰਮ੍ਰਿਤਿ ਰਹੀ ਭਰਪੂਰੇ ਪਾਈਐ ਸਬਦਿ ਵੀਚਾਰੀ ॥੧੯॥ : The Amrit (-Naam), with which the body remains fully-filled, is obtained by reflecting on the Shabad. ||19|| (sggs 911).

It’s not only strange, but also tragic and unfortunate that many Sikh writers, Pujaaree-Vaad in Sikhi, researchers, scholars, Bhais, Raagees, Kathaakaars, Parchaaraks, Deraa-Vaad, so called Jathedaar etc. either ignore or don’t emphasize this great Truth (ਸਚ) of the Gurmat Wisdom of the SGGS. Why?

Because, if people find out the Gurmat’s truth (Sach) that the true Harmandir is within everybody and that you don’t need to undertake any pilgrimages to see it, this reduces their power (corruption) and income (Golak, business-ਧੰਧਾ)! 

As time and again revealed by the SGGS, the human body is the living Harmandir. Thus, each body in the world is the Hari’s Temple, in which the Formless pervades and Realized. Guru Nanak makes it crystal clear:

• ਕਾਇਆ ਮਹਲੁ ਮੰਦਰੁ ਘਰੁ ਹਰਿ ਕਾ ਤਿਸੁ ਮਹਿ ਰਾਖੀ ਜੋਤਿ ਅਪਾਰ ॥ : The human body is the Mansion, the Temple and Home of God in which God has infused His Infinite ‘Jot’ or Light. (sggs 1256).
• 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॥ : Human body alone should be called ‘Hari Mandar‘ (the God’s Temple) where God is realized. God is realized in the human body by internalizing the the Guru’s Shabad (Upadesh, Teaching…) then the Omnipresence of God (‘Aatam Raam‘) is realized everywhere. However, the Manmukh people (Un-enlightened) don’t appreciate the worth of the human body, the ‘Hari Mandar’ (the God’s Temple); they have simply wasted their lives. (Although) the One pervades in all, but He is Realized only through the Guru Shabad. ||12|| (sggs 953).

The Gurbani reveals to us that the Jewel of the Divine Wisdom or Naam is present within for the Harmandir is also present within, but in dormant condition, awaiting to be awakened by the seeker (learner, Sikh) through Reflecting on the Guru Shabad (Shabad-Vichaar).

• ਹਰਿ ਮੰਦਰ ਮਹਿ ਨਾਮੁ ਨਿਧਾਨੁ ਹੈ ਨਾ ਬੂਝਹਿ ਮੁਗਧ ਗਵਾਰ ॥ : The treasure of the Divine Naam is within the human body, the ‘Hari Mandar’; but the idiotic fools do not understand it (sggs 1346).
• ਰਾਮ ਨਾਮੁ ਆਤਮ ਮਹਿ ਸੋਧੈ ॥ : (A true devotee) searches for the Raam Naam within his own soul. (sggs 274).

I addition to the human body, this entire Universe is also called ‘Har Mandar’ in the SGGS. Because, the Creator pervades everywhere in the Cosmos.

• ਹਰਿ ਮੰਦਰੁ ਏਹੁ ਜਗਤੁ ਹੈ ਗੁਰ ਬਿਨੁ ਘੋਰੰਧਾਰ ॥ ਦੂਜਾ ਭਾਉ ਕਰਿ ਪੂਜਦੇ ਮਨਮੁਖ ਅੰਧ ਗਵਾਰ ॥ : This whole world is ‘Hari Mandar’ (Creator’s Temple, for the Creator is All-pervading); there is only pitch darkness of ignorance without the Guru (Giyan-Wisdom of the Gurbani). But, the mentally blind and foolish Manmukhs worship the ‘second‘ (i.e. duality). (sggs 1346).

How can this Harmandir within the human body be Realized?

After defining the Harmandir and revealing it’s whereabouts, the SGGS now explains to us as to how to Realize this real Harmandir within.

The Gurbani asserts that this True Harmandir within can be revealed by Giyan-Wisdom of the Guru Shabad.

• ਹਰਿ ਮੰਦਰੁ ਏਹੁ ਸਰੀਰੁ ਹੈ ਗਿਆਨਿ ਰਤਨਿ ਪਰਗਟੁ ਹੋਇ ॥ : This body is the ‘Hari Mandir’ (Hari’s Temple, but this secret) is revealed by the Jewel of the Divine Wisdom (Aatm-Giyan, Brahm Giyan, Divine Knowledge …). (sggs 1346).

Accordingly, the Gurbani emphasizes on Naam-Kamaaee — Shabad-Vichaar, understanding the Divine Wisdom or Brahm-Giyan of the Gurbani and then constantly living it in daily life.

By living such Gurmukh–Lifestyle (Enlightened/God-Oriented/Guru Shabad-Oriented being), the mind acquires the strength to return to its Mool within (Source, Jot Saroop or True Nature... ).

• ਹਰਿ ਮੰਦਰੁ ਹਰਿ ਕਾ ਹਾਟੁ ਹੈ ਰਖਿਆ ਸਬਦਿ ਸਵਾਰਿ ॥ ਤਿਸੁ ਵਿਚਿ ਸਉਦਾ ਏਕੁ ਨਾਮੁ ਗੁਰਮੁਖਿ ਲੈਨਿ ਸਵਾਰਿ ॥ : This human body, the Hari Mandar (God’s Temple), is like a shop for trading Naam and is kept embellishes with the Guru’s Shabad. (sggs 1346).

To recapitulate, man’s inner psyche is the Temple of Hari (Harmandir) where the Universal Energy resides as Jot Saroop (Mool, Source…).

However, according to the Gurbani, most of us neither see our own Inner Being nor the other living beings as Harmandir because our material eyes suffer from the cataract of Maya; which can only perceive the layer of matter that covers our mind’s Jot Saroop. On the other hand, those who have become the Gurmukhs easily recognize the Harmandir within their body as well as others.

• ਪ੍ਰੀਤਮ ਬਸਤ ਰਿਦ ਮਹਿ ਖੋਰ ॥ : My Beloved lives in the cave of the Heart (sggs 1121).

Since a Manmukh-Saakat-Mayadhaaree does not care about the Divine Wisdom (which is to be realized through churning the Gurbani), he looks for everything outside. As a result, he does not believe that the Harmandir is inside the body.

On account of this tainted or conditioned intellect, Manmukhs are unable to discern the true from the false or real (ਸੱਤ) from the unreal (ਅਸੱਤ).

• ਮੂਰਖ ਸਚੁ ਨ ਜਾਣਨ੍ਹ੍ਹੀ ਮਨਮੁਖੀ ਜਨਮੁ ਗਵਾਇਆ ॥ : The fools do not know the Truth; these Manmukhs waste their lives. (sggs 467).

The Gurbani’s edict (ਫੈਸਲਾ) is that ONLY Internalization of the Message of the Shabad (GURMUKH-Hood State of Mind) can discern (recognize, determine, distinguish etc.) fake from true or real from the unreal etc.

• ਗੁਰਮੁਖਿ ਖੋਟੇ ਖਰੇ ਪਛਾਣੁ ॥ : The spirituality of the Shabad (i.e. Internalization of the Message of the Shabad) distinguishes between fake and true (in conscience within). (sggs 942).

Misinterpretation and distortion of the Gurbani to justify…

In the SGGS, both ‘Amrit-ਅੰਮ੍ਰਿਤ’ and ‘Sar(u)-ਸਰੁ‘ terms appear unjointed — as two terms. The SGGS makes it crystal clear that, since the Satiguru (ਸਤਿਗੁਰੁ) is the Giver of the Naam or Giyan (Divine Wisdom, Soojg-Boojh…), it is Satiguru that is said to be the SROVAR (‘ਸਰੁ-Sar’, pond or pool) of the Amrit.

Hence — according to the SGGS — Saitgur is Wisdom of Truth (ਸਚ ਦਾ ਗਿਆਨ…). Thus, the Satigur ( Wisdom of Truth-ਸਚ ਦਾ ਗਿਆਨ…) is the Srovar of Amrit (Naam, Giyan, Shabad…).

• ਸਤਿਗੁਰੁ ਹੈ ਅੰਮ੍ਰਿਤ ਸਰੁ ਸਾਚਾ ਮਨੁ ਨਾਵੈ ਮੈਲੁ ਚੁਕਾਵਣਿਆ ॥੧॥ ਰਹਾਉ ॥ : The Satiguru is the true Amrit Sar (the true pool of Amrit), bathing in it, the mind is washed clean of its filth (i.e., Bikaar-internal negatives…). ||1||Pause|| (sggs 113).
• ਸਤਿਗੁਰੁ ਪੁਰਖੁ ਅੰਮ੍ਰਿਤ ਸਰੁ ਵਡਭਾਗੀ ਨਾਵਹਿ ਆਇ ॥ ਉਨ ਜਨਮ ਜਨਮ ਕੀ ਮੈਲੁ ਉਤਰੈ ਨਿਰਮਲ ਨਾਮੁ ਦ੍ਰਿੜਾਇ ॥ : The Satiguru is the Amrit Sar (the pool of Amrit); the very fortunate ones come to bathe in this (pool of Satiguru: Naam, Shabad, Wisdom…). Their filth of the repeatedly incarnating mind is washed away, and the Immaculate Naam gets instilled within their mind. (sggs 40).

The crafty and self-serving Pujaaaree (clergy-ਪੁਜਾਰੀ ਲਾਣਾਂ) — the freeloading Deraa-Vaad, Baabaa-Vaad, Sant-Vaad, and their trained so called scholars, writers, Kathaakaar, Jathedaar, Ragis, Bhai, Parchaarak, Dhadi etc.) — intentionally or ignorantly misinterpret and distort the following Shabad:

• ਰਾਮਦਾਸ ਸਰੋਵਰਿ ਨਾਤੇ ॥ ਸਭਿ ਉਤਰੇ ਪਾਪ ਕਮਾਤੇ ॥ ਨਿਰਮਲ ਹੋਏ ਕਰਿ ਇਸਨਾਨਾ ॥ ਗੁਰਿ ਪੂਰੈ ਕੀਨੇ ਦਾਨਾ ॥੧॥ ਸਭਿ ਕੁਸਲ ਖੇਮ ਪ੍ਰਭਿ ਧਾਰੇ ॥ ਸਹੀ ਸਲਾਮਤਿ ਸਭਿ ਥੋਕ ਉਬਾਰੇ ਗੁਰ ਕਾ ਸਬਦੁ ਵੀਚਾਰੇ ॥ ਰਹਾਉ ॥ : Bathing in the Srovar of RamDas (i.e. the ‘Srovar’ or pool of Satsang, Gur-Giyan, Wisdom, Bibek), all ‘Paap’ are erased (i.e., filthy thoughts of the  mind, Bikaar such as lust, anger, greed etc.). Taking this cleansing bath (in Naam: Giyan, Wisdom, Virtues…), one becomes immaculately pure (i.e., free of the filth of Bikaar). But the gift of bathing in Naam is blessed by the perfect Guru (i.e. Giyan-Wisdom, Bibek). ||1|| That person is blessed by God with all bliss and happiness (ਆਤਮਕ ਸੁਖ ਆਨੰਦ), who Reflects on the Gur-Shabad and thus has preserved all his Divine Virtues (from the onslaught of vices or Bikaar). ||Pause|| (sggs 625).

Another verse that has been butchered by the crafty and self-serving anti-Sikhi Pujaaree is:

• ਡਿਠੇ ਸਭੇ ਥਾਵ ਨਹੀ ਤੁਧੁ ਜੇਹਿਆ ॥ ਬਧੋਹੁ ਪੁਰਖਿ ਬਿਧਾਤੈ ਤਾਂ ਤੂ ਸੋਹਿਆ ॥ ਵਸਦੀ ਸਘਨ ਅਪਾਰ ਅਨੂਪ ਰਾਮਦਾਸ ਪੁਰ ॥ ਹਰਿਹਾਂ ਨਾਨਕ ਕਸਮਲ ਜਾਹਿ ਨਾਇਐ ਰਾਮਦਾਸ ਸਰ ॥੧੦॥:  I have witnessed all places (i.e., all states of the mind dictated by vices/Bikaar), but none can compare to you (i.e. ‘Begam Puraa-ਬੇਗਮ ਪੁਰਾ’ — the state of the mind free vices/Bikaar, stress etc.). Rabb has established this state of the mind (Wisdom, Virtues-ਗੁਣ, Bibek, etc.); as a result it looks Beautiful. RamDas Pur (i.e., ‘Begam Puraa‘) is thickly populated (with Virtues), and is immensely unique and Beautiful. Nanak, bathing the mind in the pool of ‘RamDas Pur‘ (Giyan-Wisdom), sinful thoughts are washed off. ||10|| (sggs 1362).

In a nutshell, the edict of the SGGS in this context is that one has to die in the Shabad. In other words, dying in the Guru Shabad is bathing in the pool of the Amrit within! Here the SGGS is not talking about bathing the external body-frame. Instead, It is the mind that needs to bathed In the pool of Gur’s Giyan-Wisdom!

• ਸਬਦਿ ਮਰੈ ਸੋਈ ਜਨੁ ਪੂਰਾ ॥ ਸਤਿਗੁਰੁ ਆਖਿ ਸੁਣਾਏ ਸੂਰਾ ॥ ਕਾਇਆ ਅੰਦਰਿ ਅੰਮ੍ਰਿਤ ਸਰੁ ਸਾਚਾ ਮਨੁ ਪੀਵੈ ਭਾਇ ਸੁਭਾਈ ਹੇ ॥੪॥ : Perfect is that ‘Janu’ (Bhagat, Daas, Gurmukh) who dies through the Shabad. The brave Satiuru utters and proclaims this. Within body is the true Amrit Sar (the true pool of Amrit); the mind (that dies through the Shabad) keeps drinking it with great Love. ||4|| (sggs 1046).
• ਗੁਰ ਸਬਦੀ ਹਰਿ ਮਨਿ ਵਸੈ ਹਰਿ ਸਹਜੇ ਜਾਤਾ ॥ ਅੰਦਰਹੁ ਤ੍ਰਿਸਨਾ ਅਗਨਿ ਬੁਝੀ ਹਰਿ ਅੰਮ੍ਰਿਤ ਸਰਿ ਨਾਤਾ ॥ :  It is through the Guru Shabad (Giyan-Wisdom) God is naturally realized in the mind. The fire of worldly desire within gets quenched when I bathe my mind in this Divine Amrit Sar (the pool of Amrit of the Guru Shabad or Naam within). (sggs 510).

However, the crafty, selfish, greedy, and illiterate Pujaaree groups always combine these two terms ‘Amrit-ਅੰਮ੍ਰਿਤ’ and ‘Sar-ਸਰੁ‘ in order to equate it with the name of the city ‘Amritsar’ and the Sarovar at the Darbar Sahib!

In this context, some other verses are also misinterpreted and abused by the corrupt Pujaaree-Vaad.

For example, take the first verse below. The Pujaaree clique always emphasize ‘Amrit Sar Siphatee daa Ghar-ਅੰਮ੍ਰਿਤ ਸਰੁ ਸਿਫਤੀ ਦਾ ਘਰੁ’, implying as the SGGS is talking about the city of Amritsar! The truth is to the contrary — the SGGS in fact is talking about that state of the mind established in Virtues / Wisdom  within (i.e., ਗੱਲ ਅੰਦਰ ਦੀ ਹੋ ਰਹੀ ਹੈ)!

In short, just as the word ‘Harmandir’ has nothing to do with ‘Darbar Sahib Amritsar’, similarly ‘Amrit Sar Sifti da Ghar-ਅੰਮ੍ਰਿਤ ਸਰੁ ਸਿਫਤੀ ਦਾ ਘਰੁ’ has nothing to do with the city of Amritsar.

• ਲਾਹੌਰ ਸਹਰੁ ਜਹਰੁ ਕਹਰੁ ਸਵਾ ਪਹਰੁ ॥੨੭॥ : (Because of drinking, erotic activities, slaughtering of animals, tyranny of the Mughals etc.) the city of Lahore has become the embodiment of poison, this oppression took place for about 4 hours per day (late night to early morning). ||27|| (sggs 1412).
• ਲਾਹੌਰ ਸਹਰੁ ਅੰਮ੍ਰਿਤ ਸਰੁ ਸਿਫਤੀ ਦਾ ਘਰੁ ॥੨੮॥ : Lahore, which had once become an embodiment of poison, has been transformed into a Sar (reservoir) of Amrit by the propagation and emulation of  the divine praises — Wisdom/Virtues (NOTE: There is no mention of Amritsar city here). ||28|| (sggs 1412).
• ਦੁਰਮਤਿ ਭਾਗਹੀਨ ਮਤਿ ਫੀਕੇ ਨਾਮੁ ਸੁਨਤ ਆਵੈ ਮਨਿ ਰੋਹੈ ॥ ਕਊਆ ਕਾਗ ਕਉ ਅੰਮ੍ਰਿਤ ਰਸੁ ਪਾਈਐ ਤ੍ਰਿਪਤੈ ਵਿਸਟਾ ਖਾਇ ਮੁਖਿ ਗੋਹੈ ॥੩॥ ਅੰਮ੍ਰਿਤ ਸਰੁ ਸਤਿਗੁਰੁ ਸਤਿਵਾਦੀ ਜਿਤੁ ਨਾਤੈ ਕਊਆ ਹੰਸੁ ਹੋਹੈ ॥ ਨਾਨਕ ਧਨੁ ਧੰਨੁ ਵਡੇ ਵਡਭਾਗੀ ਜਿਨ੍ਹ੍ਹ ਗੁਰਮਤਿ ਨਾਮੁ ਰਿਦੈ ਮਲੁ ਧੋਹੈ ॥੪॥੨॥ : Those unfortunate persons, misguided by bad advice, are of shallow intellect; upon hearing Naam (Giyan-Wisdom, Virtues…) they feel enraged in their minds. Just as a crow gets satisfied eating filth instead of good food, similarly these evil people, forsaking Amrit of Naam, are satiated by indulging in vices. ||3|| The Satiguru (True Wisdom-ਸੱਚਾ ਗਿਆਨ), who always speaks truth, is like the pool of Giyan-Amrit, bathing in which, a crow like mind becomes immaculate like a swan (i.e. Enlightened, Virtuous). Nanak, extremely blessed and very fortunate are those who, through the Guru’s teachings (Giyan-Wisdom), wash away the filth of their Hearts with Naam realized through the Gurmat (Upadesh or Message of the Guru’s Shabad). ||4||2|| (sggs 493).

Using city of Lahore as an example, the Gurbani essentially teaches us that if we share in with the poison of vices/Bikaar (i.e., lust, anger, greed, etc.), it would result in the state of mind like the city of Lahore, which at one point was afflicted with ‘Kaharu’ (disaster, calamity, violence, distress, tumult, ਹਾਹਾਕਾਰ, ਜੁਲਮ, ਲੋਗਾਂ ਨਾਲ ਧੱਕਾ…).

On the other hand, when the mind is established in ‘Amrit Sar‘ — the Amrit-pool of Virtues (ਗੁਣ) and Wisdom (Amrit-Giyan) — it attains the higher state known as the City of ‘Begam Puraa-ਬੇਗਮ ਪੁਰਾ’ (i.e., the state of the mind beyond vices/Bikaar, worries, disaster, calamity, violence, distress, tumult, ਹਾਹਾਕਾਰ…).

• ਕਲਰ ਕੇਰੀ ਛਪੜੀ ਕਊਆ ਮਲਿ ਮਲਿ ਨਾਇ ॥ ਮਨੁ ਤਨੁ ਮੈਲਾ ਅਵਗੁਣੀ ਚਿੰਜੁ ਭਰੀ ਗੰਧੀ ਆਇ ॥ ਸਰਵਰੁ ਹੰਸਿ ਨ ਜਾਣਿਆ ਕਾਗ ਕੁਪੰਖੀ ਸੰਗਿ ॥ ਸਾਕਤ ਸਿਉ ਐਸੀ ਪ੍ਰੀਤਿ ਹੈ ਬੂਝਹੁ ਗਿਆਨੀ ਰੰਗਿ ॥ : The crow (Bikaaree or Mayaic mind…) rubs and washed itself in the pool of the saline land (pool of Bikaar: lust, anger, greed, attachment, pride etc.). (As a result) the mind and body remains polluted with demerits (Bikaar, delimited consciousness…), just as a crow’s beak always remains filled with filth. Associating with the crow-minded (i.e., Saakat: those separated from their Mool, Mayadhaaree, Manmukh …), the soul-swan (i.e. mind) did not respect the Pool of the Gur-Giyan or spiritual Wisdom). Such is the love with the Saakat. O Enlightened one! Understand (the true Way of life) through the Divine love. (sggs 1411).
• ਅੰਤਰਿ ਖੂਹਟਾ ਅੰਮ੍ਰਿਤਿ ਭਰਿਆ ਸਬਦੇ ਕਾਢਿ ਪੀਐ ਪਨਿਹਾਰੀ ॥ : Deep Within this body is the well overflowing with the Amrit; the Water-carrier (one engaged in Naam-Jap or understanding the Gur-Shabad) draws and drinks it through the Shabad (sggs 570).
• ਆਸਿ ਪਾਸਿ ਬਿਖੂਆ ਕੇ ਕੁੰਟਾ ਬੀਚਿ ਅੰਮ੍ਰਿਤੁ ਹੈ ਭਾਈ ਰੇ ॥੧॥ ਰਹਾਉ ॥ : O my brother, there are springs full of poison (attachment or hunger for Maya, worldly temptations, vices) around and in the midst you have Amrit (i.e. Naam) flowing within. ||1||Pause|| (sggs 385).
• ਨਉ ਨਿਧਿ ਅੰਮ੍ਰਿਤੁ ਪ੍ਰਭ ਕਾ ਨਾਮੁ ॥ ਦੇਹੀ ਮਹਿ ਇਸ ਕਾ ਬਿਸ੍ਰਾਮੁ ॥ : God’s Amrit Naam is like the nine treasures of the world (NOTE: Gurbani Re-defines the Pujaaree’s nine treasures here). It dwells in the human body itself. (sggs 293).

Manmukhs-Saakat-Mayadhaaree cannot discern real from the unreal

The Gurbani declares everything is within the body. There is nothing ‘there yonder’ or ‘up there’ 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 himself.

Therefore, those who search the Sublime thing such as the Omnipresent Creator or Harmandir or ‘Sarovar‘ in other places and in other things are called by the Gurbani doubt-ridden, Manmukhs-Saakat-Mayadhaaree (Unenlightened), egocentric, foolish, the follower of untruth, brain-washed by the self-serving clergy etc.

• 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 (Unenlightened beings) do not understand; but, (after becoming weary of searching outside), when they return once again to their own Inner Home, they find Naam within by becoming the Gurmukhs (Realizing the Giyan-Wisdom…) ||4|| (sggs 124).
• 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-Giyan, the Divine Wisdom of the Gurbani …), those who have Realized within are Happy (tranquil) inwardly and outwardly. ||1|| (sggs 102).

But as Manmukh-Saakat-Mayadhaaree or devoid of true understanding of the Gurbani, we get plundered — we end up searching the Truth too far away from us — in the gross objects of the world. But the Gurbani explains that it’s all Within!

• ਮਨਮੁਖ ਮੂਲੁ ਨ ਜਾਣਨੀ ਮਾਣਸਿ ਹਰਿ ਮੰਦਰੁ ਨ ਹੋਇ ॥2॥ ਹਰਿ ਮੰਦਰੁ ਹਰਿ ਜੀਉ ਸਾਜਿਆ ਰਖਿਆ ਹੁਕਮਿ ਸਵਾਰਿ ॥ : The Manmukhs (Unenlightened) do not know their Mool (Origin, Source, Root, Jot…); (on account of this ignorance, they) do not believe that the ‘Hari Mandir’ is within the human (body). ||2|| Hari has created this (human body) Har Mandir; He adorns it by His Hukam (Cosmic or Universal System-Rule-Law of Nature, ਕੁਦਰਤੀ ਨਿਯਮ). (sggs 1346).

Some Related Posts:

• Gurbani can only be Comprehended Through Gurbani Itself
• Gurbani is not Meant to Regurgitate Pre-1469 Belief System
• Gurbani Rejects any Geographical Location or Building as SACH KHAND
• Hukam is the Core of Sikhi
• Mr. God or Madam God!
• Sargun Nirgun – Visible and Invisible
• Gurbani Defines Form of God
• Realize God’s Presence Within
• Omnipresent God
• Ram of the Gurmat
• Gurbani Defines Naam