Paanch Naam in Sikhism

In Sikhism, the concept of "Paanch Naam" (Five Names) or "Panch Shabad" (also Panj shabad) is integral to spiritual practice and the journey toward liberation but it is something which is missing from the mainstream Sikhism currently. These five names refer to the meditative recitation of the divine names, which are meant to purify the mind and connect the devotee with the divine. The repetition of these names is believed to help the individual transcend the material world and attain spiritual enlightenment.

The Guru Granth Sahib, the central religious scripture in Sikhism, emphasizes the importance of remembering and chanting these divine names as a path to salvation. While specific names are not universally standardized across different interpretations, the practice is rooted in the Sikh belief that God's true nature can be experienced through constant remembrance and devotion, aligning the soul with divine will and leading to ultimate liberation.

The concept of "Paanch Naam" or "Five Names" is interpreted differently by various Sikh scholars, and it is often associated with the spiritual teachings within Sikhism that emphasize the remembrance of God's names. However, there isn't a specific verse in the Guru Granth Sahib that explicitly lists the "Paanch Naam" as a defined set of five names. Instead, the Guru Granth Sahib speaks extensively about the importance of Naam Simran (the meditative remembrance of God's Name) in general and mentions the concept of paanch naam in some verses.

Panj Naam in Guru Granth Sahib

The importance of "Panch Shabad" (Five Sounds) is significant in Sikh spiritual teachings and can be found referenced in multiple verses within the Guru Granth Sahib. A few of those are listed below.

Bani Guru Nanak Dev Ji - Sri Guru Granth Sahib Page 3

ਪੰਚ ਪਰਵਾਣ ਪੰਚ ਪਰਧਾਨੁ ॥ (Panch parvan panch pardhan)
ਪੰਚੇ ਪਾਵਹਿ ਦਰਗਹਿ ਮਾਨੁ ॥ (Panche pavahi dargah maan)
ਪੰਚੇ ਸੋਹਹਿ ਦਰਿ ਰਾਜਾਨੁ ॥ (Panche sohahi dar raajaan)
ਪੰਚਾ ਕਾ ਗੁਰੁ ਏਕੁ ਧਿਆਨੁ ॥ (Pancha ka gur ek dhian)

Guru Nanak Dev has indicated towards Panch (panj) naams in his bani. These panch (panj) shabad are of the panch pradhans residing in our human body. Because Guru Nanak Dev Ji had met Supreme God Kabir Sahib, he had the knowledge of the Panch naams and also of Satnaam. Guru Nanak Dev Ji had gained this knowledge and naam from his Guru, Saheb Kabir, so detalied knowledge about the panch naam and satnaam has been given in detail in bani of Kabir Ji. These paanch naams are for the deities residing in our body chakras or kamals. One has to repay the debt of these deities before one can transcend to Sachkhand. Read more on body chakra.

Shalok, First Mehla, Page 1291 - Guru Granth Sahib

ਘਰ ਮਹਿ ਘਰੁ ਦੇਖਾਇ ਦੇਇ ਸੋ ਸਤਿਗੁਰੁ ਪੁਰਖੁ ਸੁਜਾਣੁ ॥ (Gar meh ghar dekhaye dae so satguru purakh sujaan)
ਪੰਚ ਸਬਦ ਧੁਨਿਕਾਰ ਧੁਨਿ ਤਹ ਬਾਜੈ ਸਬਦੁ ਨੀਸਾਣੁ ॥ (Panch sabad dhunikaar dhun tah baajai sabad nisaan)

The True Guru is the All-knowing Primal Being; He shows us our true home within the home of the self. The Panch Shabad, the Five mantras, resonate and resound within; the insignia of the Shabad is revealed there, vibrating gloriously.

Guru Granth Sahib Page 917:

"Vaje panch shabad tit ghar sabhaagai, Ghar sabhaagai shabad vaajay kalaa jit ghar Dhaaree-aa."

Translation: "The five primal sounds (five shabad i.e mantras) resonate in that blessed house; through reflection on the Shabad, the house becomes beautiful."

Ang 17 - Panch Shabad:

Ang 17, Shabad:

"Gurmukh panch shabad vajay; sabad gavan ayk dhun."

Translation: The Gurmukh (one who obtains mantras from a Guru) hears the five shabads (mantras), and the melody of the Shabad resonates as one sound.

This verse highlights that for liberation, one needs to obtain five names or panch shabad from a Guru.

Ang 354 - Panch Naam

Ang 354, Shabad:

"Panch naam prabh diye tin jam ki trasa miti."

Translation: God has given the five Names; by this, the fear of death is dispelled.

Here, "Panch Naam" refers to the divine names or spiritual mantras given by God that protect the devotee from the messenger of death and lead to liberation.

Ang 359 - Panch Naam

Ang 359, Shabad:

"Panch naam uchray sukh bhogay."

Translation: Those who chant the five Names enjoy peace and comfort.

This line reinforces the importance of meditating on the divine names for attaining peace and spiritual contentment.

Original Naam Mantra in Sikhism including Paanch Naam.

Now watch this video which mentions the paanch naam mantras. 

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