“Ik Onkar” translates to “There is only one God.” It is the opening line of the Mul Mantar, one of the most important Sikhism teachings. It teaches us that everything originates with God, who is one
Ik Onkar: Meaning, Origin, and Script
“Onkar” means the creator, and “Ik” means one. It is written as “ੴ” in Gurmukhi. It combines the Onkar symbol with the number 1. It demonstrates how God is both the source and the one.
Ik (੧): Meaning of ‘One’
“੧” (Ik) indicates that there is only one eternal God, not several. Since it is the cornerstone of the Sikh belief system, this idea is extremely significant in Sikhism. It highlights how the Creator is all-encompassing, formless, and timeless. Guru Nanak Dev Ji solidified the notion that all creation comes from a single, all-encompassing source by beginning the Mool Mantar with “੧.”
Onkar (ੳੰਕਾਰ): Origins and Relation to Om
“Onkar” is derived from the sound “Om,” but in Sikhism, it refers to the creator and sustainer of all things, God. Unlike in some other religions, Sikhs believe this God is formless and without birth or death.
Mul Mantar and Position in Japji Sahib
“Ik Onkar” is the first line of the Mul Mantar, which signals the start of the Japji Sahib, the opening prayer of the Guru Granth Sahib, the primary text of Sikhism. The fundamental tenet of the Sikh religion—that there is only One Supreme Reality—is introduced in this stirring statement. It establishes the spiritual underpinnings of Sikh teachings, which are based on oneness, unity, and the everlasting presence of God. It also sets the tone for the entire Guru Granth Sahib.
Translation of Full Mul Mantar
| Gurmukhi | Transliteration | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| ੴ (ਇਕ ਓਅੰਕਾਰ) | Ik Onkar | There is only One God |
| ਸਤਿਨਾਮ | Satnam | His Name is Truth |
| ਕਰਤਾ ਪੁਰਖ | Karta Purakh | He is the Creator |
| ਨਿਰਭਉ | Nirbhau | He is without fear |
| ਨਿਰਵੈਰ | Nirvair | He is without hatred |
| ਅਕਾਲ ਮੂਰਤ | Akaal Moorat | He is timeless and immortal |
| ਅਜੂਨੀ | Ajooni | He is beyond birth and death |
| ਸੈਭੰ | Saibhang | He is self-existent |
| ਗੁਰ ਪ੍ਰਸਾਦਿ | Gur Prasaad | He is realized by the Guru’s grace |
Translation of Full Mul Mantar
- Ik Onkar (ੴ): Stresses God’s unity. God is the eternal truth underlying all existence and there are only one God, not many.
- God’s real name, Satnam, is timeless and unalterable. Truth is not merely a moral principle; it is God’s essence.
- Karta Purakh: Everything, both visible and invisible, was created by God. He is the source of all creation.
- Nirbhau: God has no fear. Being the supreme power, He has no fear of anything or anyone.
- Nirvair: God has no animosity or hatred. He is compassionate and equal to all living things.
- Akaal Moorat: God is eternal and unaffected by aging, change, or deterioration.
- Ajooni: God is neither born nor dies. The cycle of life and death does not apply to him.
God is self-created and not derived from anything else, according to Saibhang. - Gur Prasaad: It is only by the Guru’s grace that one can comprehend or realize God.
Philosophical Significance of Ik Onkar
God is present everywhere, not only in temples or among particular individuals, according to Ik Onkar. It encourages humility, kindness, and equality.
God’s Attributes Expressed through Ik Onkar
God is one
God has no form
God is beyond birth and death
God is loving and kind
God lives in everyone
Historical Development and Symbol
The founder of Sikhism, Guru Nanak Dev Ji, introduced the symbol “ੴ.” The Guru Granth Sahib has it written at the top.
Ik Onkar vs. Om: Differences and Clarifications
In Hinduism, “Om” can refer to a variety of gods or forms of energy. According to Guru Nanak, “Ik Onkar” refers to a single God who exists outside of space and time.
Social and Ethical Teachings Derived from Ik Onkar
We are all equal because we are all descended from the same God, according to Ik Onkar. Therefore, we shouldn’t fight over caste, religion, or race.
Ik Onkar in Sikh Practice and Meditation
“Ik Onkar” is recited by Sikhs during Naam Simran, or meditation. It enables them to remember God’s presence in their day-to-day lives and to feel closer to Him.
Common Misconceptions about ik onkar
“Ik Onkar” does not mean many gods
It’s not just a symbol—it’s a deep spiritual truth
It’s not the same as “Om” in Hinduism
Faq : Meaning of ik onkar
What is meant by onkar?
एक ओंकार का हिंदी में क्या अर्थ है?
Is Ik Onkar the same as Om?
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