Satnaam

Satnaam is a Sanskrit and Punjabi term meaning “True Name” or “True God.” It is a central concept in various spiritual traditions, most notably in Sikhism, where it refers to the one indivisible and eternal reality. In Sikh scripture, Guru Nanak, the founder of Sikhism, emphasized that the Satnaam is the essence of all creation, transcending human-made distinctions of caste, creed, and gender.

In Sikh practice, remembrance of the Satnaam is cultivated through the daily recitation of the “Naam Japna” mantra, which involves silently repeating phrases such as “Sat Naam, Khalsa, Kaive? Kaive baisa.” This meditation is believed to purify the heart and bring the practitioner into communion with the divine. The Satnaam is also invoked during the various Sikh prayers, including the Ardas, to remind worshipers of the oneness of God.

Beyond Sikhism, the idea of a “true name” appears in certain yogic traditions, where the divine is referred to as Om or Shabad. In Sufi mysticism, masculine and feminine aspects are sometimes described as the “true name” of God. Despite the varied contexts, the Satnaam concept consistently points to an ultimate, ineffable truth that transcends human language and social boundaries.

The term has also influenced artistic and literary expressions within Indian culture, where invocation of the Satnaam is symbolised in hymns, poems, and musical compositions.