introduction

‘Var Sat’ (seven days) is commonly known as ‘Satvar’ or ‘Satvara.’ Satvara is a classical and popular poetic form based on the seven days of the week. In this poetic form, each stanza begins with a particular day of the week and describes an idea, sentiment, or superstitious belief associated with that day. In the Guru Granth Sahib, the term ‘Var Sat’ is used for this same poetic form. The compositions revealed in this form include those by Bhagat Kabir Ji (birth 1398 CE) in Rag Gauri and Guru Amardas Sahib (1479-1574 CE) in Rag Bilaval. Sufi poet Bulleh Shah used the word ‘Athvara’ (ath+vara, a poetry composition based on ‘eight’ days) because Jummah (Friday) is mentioned twice in it. For this reason, it is called Athvara (eight days) in ...