Asa Di Vaar - Sikh Prayer

Asa Di Vaar was composed by Guru Nanak Dev ji with many 'shaloks' of Guru Angad ji later inserted by Guru Arjan Dev ji . It's theme focuses on how a man can elevate himself for union with God. Asa-di-var----means "A ballad of hope;" it is one of the basic sacred compositions for the Sikhs and is sung every morning in congregation in Gurudwaras. The Var is an heroic ode which describes the brave deeds of a hero. It is generally sung to inspire armies going to battle or to inspire people with martial spirit. The Asa-di-var is normally sung in the Ass raga. It consists of 24 stanzas (Pauris) and 44 Staves (Salokas) and was originated by Guru Nanak later, Guru Angad added another 15 staves of his own. In congregation, the musicians sing this var along with Chhants (quatrains) of Guru Ramdas. The stanzas express the ideas in general, while the staves clarify them by example and detail. Social and religious issues are then related, to ordinary life.