Bhagat Beni

SGGS-61 Bhagat Beni makes a severe denunciation of the Hindu rituals and austerities of Hatha Yoga so that common man learns of the real motive of true religion i.e. cultivation of the Divine Name.

[2] He has three hymns on this subject included in the Guru Granth Sahib under Siri Raag (P.93), Ramkali (974) and Prabhati (1351) musical measures.

The Divine Light kindles within him the four-pronged lamp, a musical measure which comprises five instruments begins to play in his mind.

Thus, in this hymn, Bhagat Beni lays emphasis on discarding ritualism and on developing unity with the Lord through the feeling of devotion.

On an analysis of the language of this hymn, some scholars opine that Beni has denounced 'the limbs smeared with sandalwood paste and tulsi leaves placed on the forehead yet the heart be like one holding knife in hand (SGGS 1351).

Thus, this hymn is said to stand in binary opposition to the Sikh precepts, but the fact is that he makes a categorical statement that the state of mystical unity with the Lord includes the fruits of Yoga practices and pilgrimages.

The hymn included under Prabhati measure paints a true picture of a man caught in a life of rituals and sham.

Beni says: " You besmear your body with sandalwood paste and put tulsi leaves on your forehead, but in the hand of your heart you have a sharp dagger.

However, it remains an accepted fact that he has through his pious and enlightened utterances, set new paths for a devotee to realize the spiritual essence.