Many of the principles of Sikhism are explained in simple terms by Bhai Gurdas and at times in many different ways. It explains the Sikh terms like sangat, haumai, 'Gun', Gurmukh and Manmukh, Sat, Naam, etc. The composition is a collection of detailed commentary and explanation of theology and the ethics of Sikh beliefs as outlined by the Gurus. Structure Įach of the 40 chapters of Varan Bhai Gurdas consists of a differing number of Pauris (sections, paragraphs). The SGPC officially named its publication of the work as Varan Gyan Ratnavali. Originally, the entireity of the work was simply entitled as Varan. The words Gian Ratnavali as part of a title may have once only applied to the first of forty vars rather than being part of a title to describe the entirety of the work of literature. Thus spake Bhai Gurdas Bhalla.' Another manuscript (dated to at-least 1732 or earlier) is titled simply as: Bani Bhai Gurdas Bhalley ji ki. The full title of the work given in one manuscript dated to 1782 is: Varan Gian Ratnavali Bhai Gurdas Bhalley ka Bolana, meaning 'Vars Gian Ratnavali. He did not consult the knowledge of Baba Buddha (whom had been alive when Guru Nanak was around) when he compiled the work.
Bhai Gurdas Bhalla, Gurbilas Patshahi Chhevin (1718) Compilation īhai Gurdas authored the work in the late 16th century.
