Gurbani for Kids

Gurbani is the word of the Guru, written in Guru Granth Sahib Ji. Here are some of the first lines many Sikh children learn, with what they mean.

🙏 Gurbani is treated with great respect. Many people cover their head when they read or recite it.

Mool Mantar

Ang 1

From: Japji Sahib — the very first words of Guru Granth Sahib Ji · Written by Guru Nanak Dev Ji

ੴ ਸਤਿ ਨਾਮੁ ਕਰਤਾ ਪੁਰਖੁ ਨਿਰਭਉ ਨਿਰਵੈਰੁ ਅਕਾਲ ਮੂਰਤਿ ਅਜੂਨੀ ਸੈਭੰ ਗੁਰ ਪ੍ਰਸਾਦਿ ॥

How to say it: ikOankaar sat naam karataa purakh nirabhau niravair akaal moorat ajoonee saibha(n) gur prasaadh ||

👆 Tap a word to see what it means.

💡 What it means for us

The Mool Mantar tells us who God is: there is only One God, whose name is Truth. God made everything, is afraid of no one and hates no one, was never born and will never die — and we come to know God through the Guru’s grace.

Published translation

One Universal Creator God. The Name Is Truth. Creative Being Personified. No Fear. No Hatred. Image Of The Undying, Beyond Birth, Self-Existent. By Guru's Grace

Aad Sach

Ang 1

From: Japji Sahib · Written by Guru Nanak Dev Ji

ਆਦਿ ਸਚੁ ਜੁਗਾਦਿ ਸਚੁ ॥

How to say it: aadh sach jugaadh sach ||

ਹੈ ਭੀ ਸਚੁ ਨਾਨਕ ਹੋਸੀ ਭੀ ਸਚੁ ॥੧॥

How to say it: hai bhee sach naanak hosee bhee sach ||1||

💡 What it means for us

God was true at the very beginning, has been true through all the ages, is true right now — and will always be true. Things around us change, but God never changes.

Published translation

True In The Primal Beginning. True Throughout The Ages.

True Here And Now. O Nanak, Forever And Ever True. ||1||

Pavan Guru

Ang 8

From: Japji Sahib (the Salok at the end) · Written by Guru Nanak Dev Ji

ਪਵਣੁ ਗੁਰੂ ਪਾਣੀ ਪਿਤਾ ਮਾਤਾ ਧਰਤਿ ਮਹਤੁ ॥

How to say it: pavan guroo paanee pitaa maataa dharat mahat ||

💡 What it means for us

Nature is like our family: air is like a teacher that gives us breath, water is like a father, and the earth is like a great mother who feeds us. So we should look after nature.

Published translation

Air is the Guru, Water is the Father, and Earth is the Great Mother of all.

Too Thakur

Ang 268

From: Sukhmani Sahib · Written by Guru Arjan Dev Ji

ਤੂ ਠਾਕੁਰੁ ਤੁਮ ਪਹਿ ਅਰਦਾਸਿ ॥

How to say it: too Thaakur tum peh aradhaas ||

ਜੀਉ ਪਿੰਡੁ ਸਭੁ ਤੇਰੀ ਰਾਸਿ ॥

How to say it: jeeau pi(n)dd sabh teree raas ||

💡 What it means for us

Our life and our body are gifts from God. We can talk to God in prayer (Ardas) at any time, about anything.

Published translation

You are our Lord and Master; to You, I offer this prayer.

This body and soul are all Your property.

Sabh Ko Meet

Ang 671

From: Raag Dhanasri · Written by Guru Arjan Dev Ji

ਸਭੁ ਕੋ ਮੀਤੁ ਹਮ ਆਪਨ ਕੀਨਾ ਹਮ ਸਭਨਾ ਕੇ ਸਾਜਨ ॥

How to say it: sabh ko meet ham aapan keenaa ham sabhanaa ke saajan ||

💡 What it means for us

I see everyone as my friend, and I am a friend to everyone. A Sikh treats every person kindly, whoever they are.

Published translation

I am a friend to all; I am everyone's friend.

Gurbani text and transliteration from BaniDB. English translation: Sant Singh Khalsa. Punjabi and Hindi translations: Prof. Sahib Singh (Sri Guru Granth Sahib Darpan). The “What it means for us” notes are simple explanations for children — for deeper understanding, please ask at your Gurdwara.