When reading or singing Gurbani, it is important to be aware of different words being used and what they mean. What we are used to hearing may not always be correct. A small difference in pronunciation, like the addition of a nasal sound, can completely transform the meaning of a word.

At times we do have to pronounce a particular word with nasal sound even if the bindi atop doesn’t exist. Some words are obvious; like ‘Gobid’ will have to be pronounced as ‘Gobind’. But some words may not really make it easy for the reader to decide if the word in question is to be read with nasal sound or without, particularly when both the forms appear in Gurbani.

As a specific example, I’d like to share something I recently learned about the correct pronunciation of the word ‘thaada’. I’ve heard this word being mispronounced in a lot of paath recordings and I admit having made the same mistake for years. Actually, thaada (and its variations) appear in Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji many times, but we often confuse it with thaanda –  which also appears in Gurbani, but not nearly as much as thaada. So, what is the difference? And more importantly, when to use the word with nasal sound even in the absence of the bindi?

So we are considering two pronunciation forms here. One is pronounced “taada” (with the t making the same sound as in talk” and d making the same sound as in dog). The other is the same but it has a bindi, which makes its pronunciation “taanda” – with a nasal sound.

The common mistake is to pronounce thaada always with a nasal sound, as if it had a bindi. This is probably because we’re more familiar with the word thandaa (meaning cold) from Punjabi.   Sadly, we usually don’t know the meanings of the baani we read, so we may not actually be aware of when to pronounce a word with a bindi and when not to. Sometimes we just stick it wherever it sounds right. And if one person pronounces it incorrectly, everyone who listens to him or learns from him could also start pronouncing it likewise and the mistake gets passed on. The domino effect may thus make the mispronunciation quite widespread.

Obviously the difference in pronunciation results in the corresponding difference in meaning.

The word ‘thaada’ implies standing, to stand, still etc, whereas ‘thaanda’ refers to cold, cool, soothing, peace etc.

A few examples from Gurbani will perhaps illustrate the difference better.

har ke naam kee gath thaandee || (SGGS 1219)
The Name of the Lord is cooling and soothing.

Switching the two words can totally alter the meaning of the line being read.  It should be easy for us to be aware of the difference because thaanda usually appears with a bindi when it means cool, and without one when it means to stand. Sukhmani Sahib written by Guru Arjun Dev Ji contains both words:

kal thaathee thaandaa har naao || (SGGS 288)
The Dark Age of Kali Yuga is so hot; the Lord’s Name is soothing and cool. 

sir oopar thaadaa gur sooraa || (SGGS 293)
The Brave and Powerful Guru stands over his head.

Another variation is thaad, with a siharee, which appears both with and without a bindee.

thapath maahi thaad varathaaee || (SGGS 287)
In the burning heat, a soothing coolness prevails.

This is one of those situations where, although there is no bindi here, one should still pronounce it with a bindi, because it is being used to imply “cool/sooth”. Usually the context can help tell the meaning. If there is a word such as taap, or tapat, meaning heat/burning/fever, then thaand is referring to cool.

Let us consider some other lines where this mistake is commonly made:

Bhagat Kabir Ji:

thaadaa brahmaa nigam beechaarai alakh na lakhiaa jaaee ||1|| rahaao || (SGGS 1350)
Standing at His Door, Brahma studies the Vedas, but he cannot see the Unseen Lord. ||1||Pause||

dharamaadhae thaaday darbaar || (SGGS 856)
I stand humbly at Your Court. 

Guru Raam Daas Ji:

mangat jan deen kharae dar thaaday ath tharsan ko daan deejai || (SGGS 1325)
The meek and humble beggars stand begging at Your Door. Please be generous and give to those who are yearning. 

Guru Gobind Singh Ji:

thaad bhayo mai jor kar bachan kehaa sir niaae || panth chalai thab jagath mai jab thum karahu sahaae || (Dasam Granth Sahib 132)                                                                                                          

I stood up with folded hands and bowing down my head, I said, “The Panth (the religious order of righteousness) will be established provided You support me.”

In the above shabads, the word is thaada – meaning stand, and should be pronounced without a bindi, just as it is written.

This was just a summary with some examples, but you can refer to Mahan Kosh for more details about the variations of just this one word. If we make an active effort to understand the meanings of Gurbani, hopefully we can avoid other mistakes like this. As always, I appreciate any input, comments,   or discussion.

Bhul Chuk Muaf