The Mul Mantra or Mool Mantra is the most important composition contained within the Sri Guru Granth Sahib the holy scripture of the Sikhs. It is the basis of Sikhism.
The word “Mool” means “main”, “root” or “chief” . The word “Mantar” means “magic chant” or “magic portion“. Together the words “Mool Mantar” means the “Main chant” or “root verse“. It’s importance is emphasised by the fact that it is the first composition to appear in the Holy Granth of the Sikhs.
The Mool Mantar is said to be the first composition uttered by Guru Nanak Dev. Being the basis of Sikhism it encapsulates the entire theology of Sikhism. When a person begins to learn Gurbani this is the first verse that he would learn.
The Mul Mantra
Ek Onkar- There is one God
Satnam- Eternal Truth is his/her name
Karta Purakh- Creator of all things
Nirbhau- Without fear
Nirvair- Without enmity
Akal Murat- Timeless, immortal, never incarnated
Ajuni- Beyond the cycle of birth and death
Saibha- Self-created, self-existent
Gurparsad- Known by the grace of the God
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The opening phrase of the Mul Mantra summarises the fundamental belief of Sikhs. The word ‘Ek Onkar’ emphasise the oneness of God. God is also believed to be the creator from whom the universe has emanated. God is beyond the qualities of male and female. They are attributes of creation, not the creator. As God is believed to be Ajuni , he/she does not experience birth or die. God having no particular gender further signifies the unity and equality of humankind. Since God is without any form, colour, mark or lineage, God cannot be installed as an idol. God is regarded as eternal truth without beginning and without end. The notion of permanence only applies to God, who will remain the divine truth forever.
The Mul Mantra has religious, social, political, logical, martial and eternal implication for human existence, a truly humanitarian and global concepts of the Supreme power for all to understand and appreciate. This Mantar encompasses concepts which have been evaluated and proven over many eras or yugs and known to be flawless beyond any ambiguity what so ever. It is said the rest of the Guru Granth Sahib is a detailed amplification of the Mool Mantar.
