Up Avtar
Following the Chaubees Avtar are 2 ballads: Brahm Avtar
(343 verses) and Rudra Avtar (498 verses). The
first of these described the egotism within Brahma and how excessive
vanity lead to his 7 incarnations on Earth: Balmik,
Kashyap, Shukra, Brahaaspati,
Vyas, Sastrodhaarak, and Kalidas.
Brahma
A textile work depicting Brahma seated upon his steed Hansavahana
(a swan) with his beloved consort Saraswati, the goddess of wisdom
and learning
Vyas
The great holy sage Vyas (right) seen here oratting
the great martial epic Mahabharat to Ganesh (the son of Shiva)
In the second section, the lives of 2 incarnations
of Rudra (also known as Shiva) are described namely,
Dattatreyaa and Parsnaath. Rudra,
as his counterpart Brahma also was the victim of excessive uncontrolled
ego and was banished to Earth (by taking the form of the 2 incarnations).
Shiva
The mighty Shiva from whom the arts of dance,
yoga, and martial arts arise seen here in a painting grindign Sukkha
(a cannabis drink)
Shabad Hazaarey Within these 10 verses, Akali Nihang Guru Gobind Singh
ji describes his philosophy and inherent beliefs of Dharam
and its perception. Speaking against mindless rituals, and beliefs
in many Gods (as opposed to belief in the One), the ballads narrate
the greatness of the Almighty. One ballad that is added to these,
known as 'Khiyaal Patshahi Dasmi' (translates to
'thoughts of the tenth Master') is said to have been written in
the deep jungles of Machhiwara.
Savaiyaa Similar in compostition to the Akal Ustat, the Guru describes
the Khalsa (army). The Almighty is once again praised to great extent,
along with the hippocrisy and vanity of self-proclaimed heads of
faiths who's actions are anything but honourable.
Khalsa Mahima This ballad commonly known by mainstream Sikhs as the 'Sikh
National Anthem' covers 4 verses. It is said that this
was narrated to Brahmin priests who had come to perform their rituals
in Guru Gobind Singh ji's presence. Within this section, the Guru
acknowledges vestment of the Guru-ship to the Khalsa.
Akali Nihang Singh Khalsa
A stylised illustration of an Akali Nihang Singh
that appeared in the Illustrated London times showing
a variety of weapons used by the Akali Nihang Singh Khalsa
