ਆਦਿ ਗੁਰੇ ਨਾਮੇ | ਜੁਗਾਦਿ ਗੁਰੇ ਨਾਮੇ | ਸਤਿ ਗੁਰੇ ਨਾਮੇ | ਸ੍ਰੀ ਗੁਰੂ ਦੇਵੈ ਨਾਮੇ
Aad Guray Nameh
Aad Guray Nameh, Jugaad Guray Nameh, Sat Guray Nameh, Siri Guru Dayve Nameh
Listen & Chant Along
Listen & chant along — performed by Snatam Kaur
"A Sikh mantra of protection — bowing to the primal, eternal, and true wisdom"
Meaning & Translation
Sanskrit
ਆਦਿ ਗੁਰੇ ਨਾਮੇ | ਜੁਗਾਦਿ ਗੁਰੇ ਨਾਮੇ | ਸਤਿ ਗੁਰੇ ਨਾਮੇ | ਸ੍ਰੀ ਗੁਰੂ ਦੇਵੈ ਨਾਮੇ
Transliteration
Aad Guray Nameh, Jugaad Guray Nameh, Sat Guray Nameh, Siri Guru Dayve Nameh
Pronunciation
Full Translation
Known as the Mangala Charan Mantra: "I bow to the primal wisdom; I bow to the wisdom true through the ages; I bow to the True Wisdom; I bow to the great, unseen Wisdom (the Divine Teacher)." It is a fourfold bow to the Guru — understood not only as a person but as the light of guiding wisdom itself.
Spiritual Significance
Traditionally chanted at the start of practice to clear and center the mind and to surround oneself with a protective field of light. It grounds the practitioner in humility, calling on guidance from the wisdom within rather than the ego.
For Leaders
Chords and structure for leading this chant on harmonium or guitar — transcribed from the linked recording. New to leading? Read our guide to leading kirtan →
Original key
A
Tempo & feel
Steady protective walking pulse (~80 bpm); calm, not rushed
Chord Chart
Strumming & rhythm (4/4)
D = downstrum, U = upstrum, · = let it ring. the classic kirtan strum, kept soft; let the bass note walk on 1 and 3.
Call & Response Structure
Four short lines sung in unison waves rather than strict call-and-response. The first two lines rock A–E; the third dips to F#m–D for warmth before the closing line returns home through E. Keep the rocking even — this is a shield chant, sung like slow breathing.