Meaning & Translation
Sanskrit
ਗੁਰੂ ਗੁਰੂ ਵਾਹਿਗੁਰੂ ਗੁਰੂ ਰਾਮ ਦਾਸ ਗੁਰੂ
Transliteration
Guru Guru Wahe Guru, Guru Ram Das Guru
Pronunciation
Full Translation
*Guru* is the one who carries us from darkness (Gu) to light (Ru); *Wahe Guru* is the ecstatic expression of the indescribable Divine; *Guru Ram Das* honors the fourth Sikh Guru, whose name means "servant of God." The mantra projects the mind to infinity and then calls in his protective, healing grace.
Spiritual Significance
A mantra of humility, relaxation, and self-healing. It surrounds the one who chants with a soothing, protective energy, dissolves the grip of the ego, and reconnects the finite self to the Infinite.
Cultural Context & History
One of the most widely chanted mantras in Kundalini Yoga for emotional healing and comfort, recorded by many sacred-chant artists; this radiant version is by Mirabai Ceiba.
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
Bm
Tempo & feel
Devotional mid-slow rock (~66 bpm); tender rather than driving
Chord Chart
Strumming & rhythm (4/4)
D = downstrum, U = upstrum, · = let it ring. tender rock: warm 1, rising back half of the bar; dynamics stay low.
Call & Response Structure
Two mirrored lines over a Bm home: the first answers with D and F#m, the second lifts through G and a major F# turnaround that pulls the melody back to Bm. Call and response share the same chords — the F# is the emotional peak of each cycle.