SGGS Academy

Supremacy of the True Guru in the Words of Bhai Gurdas Ji

ਜਾਹਰ ਪੀਰ ਜਗਤੁ ਗੁਰੁ ਬਾਬਾ

The words ‘Jaahar Peer Jagat Gur Baba’ occupy a foundational position in the Sikh school of thought and literature. Bhai Gurdas Ji, widely regarded within the Sikh tradition as the premier interpreter of Gurbani, articulates in this brief yet profound statement a comprehensive reality: that Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji is the manifest, omni-present, universal and supreme authority – Waheguru Himself.

This articles examines the phrase philologically, theologically and historically to demonstrate how Bhai Gurdas Ji establishes the doctrinal principle that the True Guru is singular, supreme and incomparable. When Bhai Sahib Ji calls Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji Jaahar (manifest, evident, forever-present), Peer (spiritual master) and Jagat Gur (Guru of the entire creation), Bhai Sahib Ji affirms that the True Guru is not confined by geography, caste, creed or era – the True Guru is in fact above any and all worldly classifications.

The term Jaahar signifies visibility, accessibility and openness. In Sikh theology, the ultimate truth, Sat is not abstract or concealed but becomes accessible through the Guru. The True Guru is not hidden in mystery nor accessible only to ascetics or scholars – the Guru is accessible to the lay people. The Guru does not require vast donations or years of service, He outweighs all offerings whether physical or figurative with the offering of pure and sincere love. Unlike philosophers who speculate about truth, the Guru embodies Truth. His life itself becomes the guiding light and his actions pave the path to oneness. The Guru’s mere presence itself becomes liberation for those around Him. This manifestation establishes the True Guru’s supremacy for what greater authority can there be than the truth itself walking among humanity? Those who witnessed Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji, saw the creator walk in His own creation.

Before the rain falls, the earth feels heavy and tired. Before the sun rises, the night feels endless. In the same way, before the coming of Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the world was wandering – searching, questioning and hoping. Hearts longed for truth the way dry soil longs for water. Then, when the time of Katak Sudi Puranmasi, 1526 Bikarmi came, Waheguru did not remain hidden. He appeared openly, clearly for all to see before their very eyes. Hence Bhai Gurdas Ji captured that moment in the words ‘Jaahar Peer Jagat Gur Baba’.

Jaahar – The earth was waiting, just like it waits for rain. When the clouds gather, the sky does not argue, it simply pours. In the same way, when the world longed for truth, the very form of truth appeared. Bhai Gurdas Ji’s words feel like rain after drought. The Guru was not invisible anymore. He was clear; and He was for everyone. Present like the sun that does not need to be introduced. When it rises, darkness quietly leaves. No debate, no resistance – just light. The people of the world had wandered long in confusion but when Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji stood among them, they could see. Not just with their eyes but with their hearts too. It was as if happiness could now be seen, not only felt.

Peer – the true spiritual guide. Many may call themselves teachers. Many speak about God, but the True Guru does not only speak – he transforms. When someone wishes for a direction, Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji does not only show him the way but holds his hand to walk him through. When someone like the leper in Deepalpur cries in pain, the Guru listens. Waheguru listens to everyone and everything ,even down to the leaves, the trees and animals. Through Waheguru’s physical form, Sri Guru Nanak Dev ji, the listening becomes visible. It is as if every soul felt heard with the coming of Guru Sahib Ji. The Guru does not only make one aware of ignorance but takes it upon Himself to eradicate ignorance from its very roots.

Jagat Gur – the Guru of the entire creation. Not of one village, not of one religion, not of one group. The entire creation belongs to Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji. The kings rule lands, scholars rule words but the Guru rules hearts – incomparable and the highest of all.

During the Parkash of Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji, it felt as if no one has anything against anyone. Ego loosened its grip and the air felt lighter. Every species felt joy because the creator Himself had come. Just as the sky cleared on the full moon night before Guru Sahib Ji’s Parkash, the clouds moved aside. It is as though they had done their duty and now it was time for the greater light to shine on this earth.

When Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji arrived in Talwandi, the world did not receive an ordinary child. This child came smiling. Guru Sahib did not cry like an ordinary child because Guru Sahib Ji had come to take away cries of the tormented people. Daultan Daai (the midwife who first held Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji) could not even open her eyes properly – the light was too bright. The endless joy she experienced having a first glimpse of the creator made her forget her usual duties. She forgot herself as in that moment, nothing else mattered.

Bhai Gurdas Ji therefore did not exaggerate when saying ‘Jaahar Peer Jagat Gur Baba’. Bhai Sahib Ji described what happens when the truth walks among people. The Guru is not one teacher among many – He is The Teacher, none compare to even an iota of what the Guru is.

Where the True Guru stands, sorrows begin to leave. Where the Guru speaks, confusion and doubt melt. Where the Guru looks, the hearts soften. Others may teach; Others may preach; but only the True Guru changes the direction of the world. And this is why, none can compare to Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji.

Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji Academy

28 February 2026