In the first verse, the Guru talks about the ultimate material comfort—living in palaces made of pearls and precious stones. Humans spend lifetimes trying to build beautiful homes and accumulate wealth. Guru Ji warns that these physical luxuries are addictive. They create comfort for the body but trap the mind in a false sense of security, driving it away from spiritual reflection. 2. The Illusion of Sensory and Romantic Pleasures
Offers a classical approach that highlights the emotional weight of the Raga.
Mat dekh bhoola veesrai tera chit na aavai naao. ||2|| Seeing these, let me not be deceived and forget You, O Lord! May Your Name not fail to come to my mind. ||2|| Verse 3: The Illusion of Supernatural Powers (Occult)
The repeating chorus ( "Mat dekh bhoola veesrai..." ) is a plea for humility. It shows that no matter how high a human rises in society, the ultimate disaster is spiritual forgetfulness. mat dekh bhoola visre shabad lyrics
Later in the shabad, Guru Nanak Dev Ji addresses the ultimate human desire: power. He imagines becoming a supreme emperor ( Sultan ) with unstoppable armies and absolute authority. Yet, he concludes that without spiritual alignment, all political and worldly power is Sabh Vaao —nothing more than a passing gust of wind. Relevance in Modern Times
Many renowned Sikh devotional singers (Ragis) have recorded this Shabad:
of the Sri Guru Granth Sahib. It serves as a spiritual cautionary tale, warning the soul against the "dazzling illusions" of the material world that cause one to forget the Divine Name. Core Theme: The Illusion of Wealth and Power In the first verse, the Guru talks about
Mat dekh bhoola visre shabadu. Jeta kahee-ai bahuta hai thoda. Nanak ka prabhu sada vadaa-ee. Vada vada vad vekhai ko-ee. ||1||
: He speaks of attaining supernatural powers—becoming invisible, living forever, or ruling the earth. Even with these "miraculous" abilities, he warns that if the ego grows and the soul forgets the Creator, these powers are merely a trap.
Whether you chant it in Gurmukhi, read the transliteration, or simply listen to a Kirtan rendition, let this Shabad remind you: You are not judged by your mistakes, but by the endless mercy of the One who looks past them. They create comfort for the body but trap
ਮੋਤੀ ਤ ਮੰਦਰ ਊਸਰਹਿ ਰਤਨੀ ਤ ਹੋਹਿ ਜੜਾਉ ॥ ਕਸਤੂਰਿ ਕੁੰਗੂ ਅਗਰਿ ਚੰਦਨਿ ਲੀਪਿ ਆਵੈ ਚਾਉ ॥ ਹਰਿ ਬਿਨੁ ਜੀਉ ਜਲਿ ਬਲਿ ਜਾਉ ॥ ਮੈ ਆਪਣਾ ਗੁਰੁ ਪੂਛਿ ਦੇਖਿਆ ਅਵਰੁ ਨਾਹੀ ਥਾਉ ॥੧॥ ਰਹਾਉ ॥
Sri Raag is known for its majestic, serious, and deeply contemplative mood. It induces a sense of humility, awe, and a reality check regarding the temporary nature of life.
Dhartee ta heere laal jartee palagh laal jarao. Mohanee mukh manee sohai kare rang pasao. Mat dekh bhoola veesrai tera chit na aavai nao.