Translation

(1) Mai hu ādi anādi ā to sarve upādhi

Sadguru Nishkulanand Swami

Nishkulanand Swami was a reputable carpenter named Lalji Suthar prior to renunciation. He renounced his life at a slight command by Shriji Maharaj, just as easily as a snake sheds its skin. When the village folk learned he became a sadhu, they gathered to remind him of his familial responsibilities and social obligations. However, Nishkulanand Swami was firm in his renunciation and steadfast in following Maharaj’s command. This kirtan, which shows his superior understanding, was his answer to the village folk.

Mai hu ādi anādi, ā to sarve upādhi;

I am inherently eternal. All of this (worldly life) is trouble.

(Nishkulanand Swami is saying he is the ātmā, which is eternal (and blissful), while worldly life is troublesome.)

Sadguru miliyā anāḍī, mīṭ gaī sarve upādhi...

I attained a sadguru (Shriji Maharaj) and my troubles have ended.

Kahā kāshṭ ne kahā kuhāḍā, kahā hai ghaḍnanhārā;

Where is the wood and where is the axe; where is the carpenter?

(Since Nishkulanand Swami was a carpenter, he uses the carpentry tools as imagery to represent the troublesome worldly life. He does not see those tools anymore as they are a distant memory now.)

Jabte moye sadguru miliyā, mīṭ gayā sarve chārā... mai hu 1

Ever since I met Maharaj, all of those troubles have ended.

Koṇ kuḷ ne koṇ kuṭumbī, koṇ māt ne tāt;

Who is one’s family and who is one’s family member? Who is one’s mother and father?

Koṇ bhāī ne koṇ bhaginī, brahma hamārī jāt... mai hu 2

Who is one’s brother and sister? Our true self is brahman.

(Swami is saying the ātmā is eternal and does not have any relationships that are attributed to the body.)

Nahi rahyā mai nahi gayā mai, nahi sudharyā nahi bigḍā;

I have not remained nor have I left. I have not become better nor become worse.

Hame hamārā kul sambhāryā , mat karnā kou jhagḍā... mai hu 3

I remembered my [true] family. So do not quarrel.

Pānīmese purush banāyā, malmutra kī kyārī;

All human bodies are created from water; the [body] is a puddle of feces and urine.

Milyā Rām ne saryā kām, ab nā rahī kouse yārī... mai hu 4

I met Maharaj and my goal was achieved. I no longer have friendship with anyone else.

Āge tapsī tapsā kartā, rahī gaī kinchit kāmā;

In the past when performing austerities, a slight shortcoming remained.

(Nishkulanand Swami is considered the incarnation of Bharatji, who while performing austerities, became fond of a deer and was reborn as a deer. )

Te kāraṇ ā nartan dhariyo, so jānat hai rāmā... mai hu 5

For that reason, I have attained this human birth and everyone knows this.

Je kāraṇ ā nartan dhariyo, te sariyu chhe kām;

The purpose of this human birth has been fulfilled.

Nishkuḷānand kahe pragaṭ maḷyā mohe, ṭaḷyu nām ne ṭhām... mai hu 6

Nishkulannad Swami says, “I have attained the manifest God and I am no longer bound to a name or place.”