ਰਖੇ ਰਖਣਹਾਰਿ ਆਪਿ ਉਬਾਰਿਅਨੁ ॥ | ਗੁਰ ਕੀ ਪੈਰੀ ਪਾਇ ਕਾਜ ਸਵਾਰਿਅਨੁ ॥ | ਹੋਆ ਆਪਿ ਦਇਆਲੁ ਮਨਹੁ ਨ ਵਿਸਾਰਿਅਨੁ ॥ | ਸਾਧ ਜਨਾ ਕੈ ਸੰਗਿ ਭਵਜਲੁ ਤਾਰਿਅਨੁ ॥
Rakhe Rakhanhar
Rakhe Rakhanhar Aap Ubarian, Gur Ki Pairi Pai Kaaj Savarian, Hoa Aap Dayal Manhu Na Visarian, Sadh Jana Kai Sang Bhavjal Tarian
Listen & Chant Along
Listen & chant along — performed by Satkirin Kaur Khalsa
"The Protector saves and uplifts us through all of life — a mantra of refuge and protection."
Meaning & Translation
Sanskrit
ਰਖੇ ਰਖਣਹਾਰਿ ਆਪਿ ਉਬਾਰਿਅਨੁ ॥ | ਗੁਰ ਕੀ ਪੈਰੀ ਪਾਇ ਕਾਜ ਸਵਾਰਿਅਨੁ ॥ | ਹੋਆ ਆਪਿ ਦਇਆਲੁ ਮਨਹੁ ਨ ਵਿਸਾਰਿਅਨੁ ॥ | ਸਾਧ ਜਨਾ ਕੈ ਸੰਗਿ ਭਵਜਲੁ ਤਾਰਿਅਨੁ ॥
Transliteration
Rakhe Rakhanhar Aap Ubarian, Gur Ki Pairi Pai Kaaj Savarian, Hoa Aap Dayal Manhu Na Visarian, Sadh Jana Kai Sang Bhavjal Tarian
Pronunciation
Full Translation
A salok of Guru Arjan Dev, the fifth Sikh Guru, from the Guru Granth Sahib (Ang 517): "The Saving Lord has Himself protected and saved us. Falling at the Guru's feet, our affairs are resolved. He has become merciful and does not forget us from His mind. In the company of the holy, we are carried across the world-ocean."
Spiritual Significance
Chanted as a prayer of protection and surrender — a reminder that the Divine itself shields and carries the devotee safely through every difficulty.
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
E
Tempo & feel
Steady reassuring stride (~76 bpm); a protection shabad sung with confidence
Chord Chart
Strumming & rhythm (4/4)
D = downstrum, U = upstrum, · = let it ring. confident stride: firm downs, brightening ups; a protection song sung standing tall.
Call & Response Structure
The recording holds an E-major center (most of every cycle) with C#m darkening the second phrase and an A–B lift carrying each line back home. Sung as continuous unison verses rather than call-and-response; keep E ringing underneath — it is the anchor.