On the 16th of July is the day of Sangrand of Sawan. On this day is the start of a new month, and is known as Sangrand of Sawan (ਸੰਗਰਾਂਧ – the first day of the month), Sawan (ਸਾਵਣ – July-August in the Nanakshahi calendar) as we say in Punjabi or as Gurbani teaches Sawan (ਸਾਵਣ).

You can view the list of all Sangrand dates for each month in the current year. You can also see the English calendar dates for Sangrand in January, February, March, April, May, June, August, September, October, November, and December for the current year.

Teachings of Guru Arjan Dev Ji During Sangrand of Sawan

Sawan Sarasi Kamani, Charan Kamal Siopyaar (ਸਾਵਣ ਸਰਸੀ ਕਮਨੀ, ਚਰਣ ਕਮਲ ਸਿਉ ਪਿਆਰ) – that is the first teaching that Sahib Sri Guru Arjan Dev Sahib Ji gives us in the Bani of Baarah Maah (ਬਾਰਹ ਮਾਹ – the twelve months), as we are told how to live out this month.

Understanding the Month of Sawan During (Sangrand of Sawan)

Sawan (ਸਾਵਣ) is the name of the month, as our language, the Punjabi language, has developed. We now call this month Sawan (ਸਾਵਣ ਦਾ ਮਹੀਨਾ month of Sawan). After the intense summer months, we have the rainy season in Sawan, which cools us down.

The Meaning of Sarasi Kamani

Sawan Sarasi Kamani (ਸਾਵਣ ਸਰਸੀ ਕਮਨੀ). If we split that word up, Sarasi (ਸਰਸੀ) – Sahan Ras (ਸਹਿਤ ਰਸ – with bliss), with Ras (ਰਸ – pleasure), with Anand (ਆਨੰਦ – bliss), without any duality. Kamani (ਕਮਨੀ).

Kamani: The Soul-Bride’s Desire

Kamana (ਕਮਨਾ) is a masculine word, and Kamani (ਕਮਨੀ) is a feminine word; both mean to have desire. But because Kamani (ਕਮਨੀ) is feminine, it’s like Sri Guru Arjan Dev Sahib Ji is giving us a teaching as we are female. So we are the soul-brides of our husband, Lord Akal Purakh Vaheguru (ਅਕਾਲ ਪੁਰਖ ਵਾਹਿਗੁਰੂ – Timeless Being and Wonderful Lord).

The Soul-Bride’s Complete Bliss

So the soul-bride Kamani (ਕਮਨੀ) is with complete Ras (ਰਸ), with complete bliss, with Anand (ਆਨੰਦ), Saheta Ras (ਸਹਿਤ ਰਸ – with pleasure), Sarasi (ਸਰਸੀ) in this month of Sawan (ਸਾਵਣ) or during Sangrand of Sawan. The soul-bride, all her desires are complete because Kamana(ਕਮਨਾ), Kamani (ਕਮਨੀ) can also be translated to desire. So the soul-bride in this month of Sawan (ਸਾਵਣ) is in complete bliss Sarasi (ਸਰਸੀ) because all her desires are complete.

Focused Love on Charan Kamal

What are those desires, and why are all her desires and wants given to her? Because of her love, her Pyaar (ਪਿਆਰ – love) is focused on her husband, Lord’s Charan Kamal (ਚਰਣ ਕਮਲ – lotus feet).

Respectful Language for the Divine

Charan (ਚਰਣ) is a respectful word for feet because our husband Lord’s feet are not just referred to as feet; we use a respected word. In Punjabi, we use the word Pair (ਪੈਰ – feet) for our feet, and like we use Hath (ਹੱਥ – hands) for our hands. Still, in Gurbani or Guru Sahib Ji’s language, we don’t use those words because we use a respectful word. The respectful word is Charan (ਚਰਣ).

Kamal (ਕਮਲ) stands for the lotus flower. In English translation, sometimes we see the lotus feet of our Guru when we see this word or these words, Charan Kamal (ਚਰਣ ਕਮਲ).

The Power of Charan Kamal

So the soul-bride who has complete love for the lotus feet of the blessed feet of her husband Lord Akal Purakh Vaheguru(ਅਕਾਲ ਪੁਰਖ ਵਾਹਿਗੁਰੂ) is in complete bliss. All her desires have been given to her and blessed by her husband, Lord, in this month of Sawan (ਸਾਵਣ) during Sangrand of Sawan. Why? Because she has complete love. She has sacrificed everything and only has a passion for her Lord.

Complete Love and True Devotion

And as we know from the Bani of Guru Gobind Singh Sahib Ji, those who love the Almighty Lord, those who show complete love towards the Almighty Lord with steadfast devotion, they are the ones who find Akal Purakh Vaheguru (ਅਕਾਲ ਪੁਰਖ ਵਾਹਿਗੁਰੂ), and complete love is when they give up love for absolutely everything else, all types of materialism, and their passion is only focused on unconditional love to Akal Purakh Vaheguru (ਅਕਾਲ ਪੁਰਖ ਵਾਹਿਗੁਰੂ) and only Akal Purakh Vaheguru (ਅਕਾਲ ਪੁਰਖ ਵਾਹਿਗੁਰੂ).

The Role of Charan Kamal

So Charan Kamal (ਚਰਣ ਕਮਲ), having love, having Prem (ਪ੍ਰੇਮ – love) for the Charan Kamal (ਚਰਣ ਕਮਲ), how does that help us for the blessed feet? The power is all in the Charan (ਚਰਣ) of Akal Purakh Vaheguru (ਅਕਾਲ ਪੁਰਖ ਵਾਹਿਗੁਰੂ).

A Lesson from Guru Nanak Dev Ji During Sangrand of Sawan

And Sahib Sri Guru Nanak Dev Sahib Ji, when they were on their tours preaching Gur Sikhi (ਗੁਰ ਸਿੱਖੀ – Guru’s teachings), on their Udasis (ਉਦਾਸੀਆਂ – missionary journeys), during one such Udasi (ਉਦਾਸੀ), we know they went to a Mandir (ਮੰਦਰ – temple), known as a temple in Hinduism. As they were lying down, their Charan Kamal (ਚਰਣ ਕਮਲ) were pointing towards the shrine. The shrine is the Hindu gods where our Hindu brothers and sisters go and worship.

The Miraculous Movement of the Shrine

One Hindu came to Sri Guru Nanak Dev Sahib Ji, grabbed Sahib Sri Guru Nanak Dev Sahib Ji’s Charan (ਚਰਣ), and moved them to the other side because they said, “Your feet are pointing towards our god, the shrine.” And Sri Guru Nanak Dev Sahib Ji said, “Is the shrine over there where you have moved my feet to, or where you moved my feet from?” And as that Hindu looked up, he saw that the shrine had moved in position and in the direction that the Charan(ਚਰਣ) had been moved.

So, if you will, 180 degrees that he had dragged Guru Nanak Dev Sahib Ji’s Charan Kamal (ਚਰਣ ਕਮਲ blessed feet) to the other side, 180 degrees that the shrine had moved to the opposite side because Sri Guru Nanak Dev Sahib Ji was giving the teaching at that specific point that God Akal Purakh Vaheguru(ਅਕਾਲ ਪੁਰਖ ਵਾਹਿਗੁਰੂ) exists everywhere. They don’t just exist in a particular place, in one specific stone in this world.

The Omnipresence of Akal Purakh

Akal Purakh Vaheguru (ਅਕਾਲ ਪੁਰਖ ਵਾਹਿਗੁਰੂ) exists everywhere, and we find them from within ourselves. They are also being blessed by Akal Purakh Vaheguru (ਅਕਾਲ ਪੁਰਖ ਵਾਹਿਗੁਰੂ), their formless form, showing the people of that area that they are the proper form of Akal Purakh Vaheguru (ਅਕਾਲ ਪੁਰਖ ਵਾਹਿਗੁਰੂ) on this earth. So that is the power that the Charan Kamal (ਚਰਣ ਕਮਲ) of our Guru has.

Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s Teachings During the Sangrand of Sawan

But those days were when our Gurus were on this earth in their human form. Our Guru Nanak is Sri Guru Nanak Dev Sahib Ji in the form of the Shabad (ਸ਼ਬਦ – word of God). So what are the Charan (ਚਰਣ) of Akal Purakh Vaheguru (ਅਕਾਲ ਪੁਰਖ ਵਾਹਿਗੁਰੂ)? We have to take Sikhya (ਸਿੱਖਿਆ – teaching) from Sri Guru Nanak Dev Sahib Ji to understand what the Charan Kamal (ਚਰਣ ਕਮਲ) is now.

Meditating on the Lord’s Feet During Sangrand of Sawan

Harke Charan Aradiyah hai (ਹਰਿ ਕੇ ਚਰਣ ਅਰਾਧੀਅਹੈ – meditate on the Lord’s feet). Har (ਹਰਿ – God) Akal Purakh Vaheguru (ਅਕਾਲ ਪੁਰਖ ਵਾਹਿਗੁਰੂ) ke Charan (ਚਰਣ – blessed feet) Aradiyah hai (ਅਰਾਧੀਅਹੈ – reside on their blessed feet). How do we reside on their blessed feet?

The Shabad: The Form of Charan Kamal

Guru Sahib Ji continues by telling us what their blessed feet, their lotus feet, are in this form. Harke Charan Aradiyah hai (ਹਰਿ ਕੇ ਚਰਣ ਅਰਾਧੀਅਹੈ). Then, they go on to describe that their Shabad (ਸ਼ਬਦ divine word), the Shabad Gurbani (ਸ਼ਬਦ ਗੁਰਬਾਣੀ word of the Guru), is the form of their Charan Kamal (ਚਰਣ ਕਮਲ) at this time. So the Charan Kamal (ਚਰਣ ਕਮਲ) currently in Guru Sahib Ji’s form is the Shabad (ਸ਼ਬਦ).

The Path to True Devotion During Sangrand of Sawan

To Radhna (ਰਧਨਾ – worship) of the Shabad (ਸ਼ਬਦ) is to love the Charan Kamal (ਚਰਣ ਕਮਲ) of Akal Purakh Vaheguru (ਅਕਾਲ ਪੁਰਖ ਵਾਹਿਗੁਰੂ). So we must recite the name of the Lord in this month of Sawan(ਸਾਵਣ) or during Sangrand of Sawan. When we recite the name of the Lord and develop love, we recite the name with true love and devotion. Then, all our desires will be blessed to us. Then we will have complete bliss as we are the soul brides because our husband, the Lord, will grant all our wishes to us.

The Symbolism of the Lotus

Kamal (ਕਮਲ – lotus flower), a lotus flower, also when floating on a river, rises to the top. It is Neera (ਨੀਰਾ – separate); it is individual. So Charan Kamal (ਚਰਣ ਕਮਲ), Guru Sahib Ji’s teaching towards us, is when we recite with true devotion the name of the Lord.

Separation from Materialism

Then we also have to become Neera (ਨੀਰਾ – detached). Just as Akal Purakh Vaheguru’s (ਅਕਾਲ ਪੁਰਖ ਵਾਹਿਗੁਰੂ) Charan (ਚਰਣ) are Neera (ਨੀਰਾ), they are separate from the materialistic world because they are not part of the materialistic world. They exist, the Shabad Akal Purakh Vaheguru (ਸ਼ਬਦ ਅਕਾਲ ਪੁਰਖ ਵਾਹਿਗੁਰੂ – the Word of the Timeless Being) exists in their creation, but they are also separate from materialism. They have no black mark. The worldly way does not give them any Dosh (ਦੋਸ਼ – blame), any blame. They have no black mark by being existent in the world also.

The Blessed Charan Kamal

So that is the blessed Charan Kamal(ਚਰਣ ਕਮਲ) that we are devotionally worshipping. If we worship the Shabad(ਸ਼ਬਦ), then we will also be blessed in this month of Sawan (ਸਾਵਣ) or during the Sangrand of Sawan, and we will get complete bliss, and all our desires will be blessed to us.

FAQs Releated to Sangrand of Sawan

Sangrand of Sawan or the month of Sawan (ਸਾਵਣ) is significant in Sikhism because it represents a time of spiritual renewal and devotion. During this month, devotees are encouraged to focus on their love and devotion to Akal Purakh Vaheguru (ਅਕਾਲ ਪੁਰਖ ਵਾਹਿਗੁਰੂ), seeking spiritual bliss and fulfillment by meditating on the divine. The teachings of Guru Arjan Dev Ji in the Baarah Maah (ਬਾਰਹ ਮਾਹ) guide followers on how to live spiritually enriched lives during this month.

“Charan Kamal” (ਚਰਣ ਕਮਲ) translates to “lotus feet” and symbolizes the divine presence and grace of Akal Purakh Vaheguru (ਅਕਾਲ ਪੁਰਖ ਵਾਹਿਗੁਰੂ). It represents the focus of devotion and love that devotees should have towards the divine. By meditating on and revering the “Charan Kamal,” devotees can achieve spiritual bliss and fulfillment, as the lotus flower symbolizes purity and detachment from the material world.

The story of Guru Nanak Dev Ji and the shrine demonstrates the concept of God’s omnipresence by illustrating that the divine is not confined to any specific location or object. When Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s feet were moved away from the shrine, the shrine itself miraculously moved to align with his feet, teaching that Akal Purakh Vaheguru (ਅਕਾਲ ਪੁਰਖ ਵਾਹਿਗੁਰੂ) exists everywhere. This story emphasizes that God is present in all places and can be found within ourselves through devotion and introspection.

The “Shabad” (ਸ਼ਬਦ) is the divine word and teachings of the Gurus, which serve as the spiritual guidance for Sikhs. In the context of Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s teachings, the “Shabad” represents the current form of the Charan Kamal (ਚਰਣ ਕਮਲ) and is a means of connecting with the divine. Through recitation and meditation on the “Shabad,” devotees can cultivate true love and devotion, leading to spiritual fulfillment and bliss.

The lotus flower metaphor, associated with “Charan Kamal” (ਚਰਣ ਕਮਲ), signifies spiritual detachment in Sikhism. Just as the lotus rises above the water, remaining untouched by the mud and water below, devotees are encouraged to rise above materialism and worldly desires. The metaphor emphasizes living a life of spiritual purity and remaining focused on divine love and devotion to Akal Purakh Vaheguru (ਅਕਾਲ ਪੁਰਖ ਵਾਹਿਗੁਰੂ), transcending the distractions of the material world.