Gao Gao Ri Dulhani - Translation of Kabir's "Dulhani"

Translation of Dulhani (A song written by Kabir, Sung in Raag Asa)

In the Hindu Marriage ceremony, the couple takes 7 circles around the sacred fire. The word used by Kabir is "Bhaavar" - likening the marriage to a bee circles a flower - the word used in current Hindi is "Phera" or "circle.

The word "Pun" is sometimes translated as "again," but that is wrong.  Pun is the plural of "Punu" which comes from Sanskrit and means good deads.  The words used for again in Gurbani is "Phun."  Professor Sahib Singh explains this in his punjabi teeka of the Guru Granth Sahib and I agree with this definition. In Sohela we also sing a shabad in raag Gauri Purbi where we say, "Kar Sadhu Anjuli Pun wadda hay, Kar Dandaut Pun Wadda Hay" - it is a virtuous deed to bow to the "Sadhus" or the ones who have achieved inner peace.

Gur Arjan Dev says, "Among all religions, the best religion is to remember the Name and do good deeds" in Sukhmani Sahib: "Sarab Dharam mai Srestha Dharam, Har ko Naam Jap Nirmal Karam"

* Note: According to old scriptures, Brahma, the creator (also the God of knowledge) sits on the lotus that grows from the Navel of Vishnu. Lotus obviously also reminds the reader of purity despite maligned surroundings. Brahma is also credited to first having "recited" the "Vedas" -- some of the oldest scriptures written in human history. There is a temple in India (near Thanesar) called "Kamal Naabhi" or "Lotus Navel" where Brahma was born from the Navel of Vishnu.