This beautiful bhajan in Raga Bhairavi "Jo bhaje Hari ko sada," is a profound spiritual hymn that guides the seeker toward the path of devotion, humility, and self-realization. Rooted in the timeless teachings of bhakti (devotion), it emphasizes that true connection with the Divine cannot be achieved merely through external rituals or symbols. Instead, it calls for the cleansing of the heart, the renunciation of worldly attachments, and the cultivation of unwavering faith and love for God. By surrendering to the wisdom of the Guru and meditating on the name of Hari (God), one can transcend the cycle of birth and death and attain the ultimate state of spiritual liberation.
Lyrics
Jo bhaje hari ko sada So hi param pad payega
Deh ke mala tilak aur chhap nahi kichhuu kam ke Prem bhakti ke bina nahi naath ke man bhaye ga
Dil ke darpan ko saaf kar door kar abhiman ko Khak ho guru ke kadam ki to prabhu mil jayega
Chhod duniya ke maze sab baithkar ekant mein Dhyan dhar Hari ke charan ka phir janam nahi aayega
Dridh bharosa man mein karkey jo jape Hari naam ko Kahataa hai Bramhanand beechamein samaayagaa
Meaning
Jo bhaje hari ko sada, So hi param pad payega
Whoever constantly worships or remembers Hari (God) will attain the highest spiritual state (param pad), meaning liberation or ultimate union with the Divine.
Deh ke mala tilak aur chhap nahi kichhuu kam ke, Prem bhakti ke bina nahi naath ke man bhaye ga
Merely wearing religious symbols like beads, tilak (sacred mark), or insignia won’t suffice for spiritual growth. Without pure love and devotion (prem bhakti), one cannot win the heart of the Lord.
Dil ke darpan ko saaf kar door kar abhiman ko, Khak ho guru ke kadam ki to prabhu mil jayega
Clean the mirror of your heart by removing pride (abhiman). When you surrender to the dust of the Guru's feet (a metaphor for deep humility and reverence for the spiritual teacher), you will find God.
Chhod duniya ke maze sab baithkar ekant mein, Dhyan dhar Hari ke charan ka phir janam nahi aayega
Renounce worldly pleasures and sit in solitude, meditating on Hari’s feet (symbolizing surrender and devotion). Through such deep meditation, one can break the cycle of birth and death (reincarnation).
Dridh bharosa man mein karkey jo jape Hari naam ko, Kahataa hai Bramhanand beechamein samaayagaa
With firm faith in your heart, chant the name of Hari (God). Brahmanand (the saint) says that through such devotion, you will ultimately merge with the Divine.
In summary, the bhajan emphasizes that external rituals or symbols alone are not enough. True spiritual progress requires inner purity, humility, faith, and deep devotion to God. By surrendering to the Guru and renouncing worldly attachments, one can attain liberation and union with the Divine.