जो बोले सो निहाल — सत श्री अकाल — Word-by-Word Meaning
जो बोले सो निहाल — सत श्री अकाल
Every Sanskrit word explained in English
Word-by-Word Breakdown
जो बोले
Jo Bole
Whoever utters (the Name of the Lord)
सो निहाल
So Nihal
shall be blessed, fulfilled, in bliss
सत श्री अकाल
Sat Sri Akal
True is the Great Timeless One — the Eternal, Deathless God (Akal)
Complete Translation
'जो (प्रभु-नाम) बोले, वह निहाल हो जाएगा — सत्य है वह महान कालातीत (अकाल) प्रभु!' यह सिखों का जयकारा है — संगत द्वारा उठाई जाने वाली आनंद व विजय की उद्घोषणा। एक जन 'जो बोले सो निहाल' पुकारता है और सब उत्तर देते हैं 'सत श्री अकाल'।
Origin & History
Source: Sikh tradition — the jaikara of the Khalsa
Author: Sikh tradition (Khalsa)
Period: From the time of Guru Gobind Singh (late 17th century) onward
The jaikara — a 'shout of victory' — became the rallying affirmation of the Khalsa, the community of the committed founded by Guru Gobind Singh. 'Jo bole so nihal' promises blessing to all who remember God; 'Sat Sri Akal' salutes the Timeless, Deathless Lord in whom the Sikh takes refuge. Raised by the whole sangat with one voice, it carries both devotion and the fearless spirit of chardi kala.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'Jo Bole So Nihal, Sat Sri Akal' mean?▼
'Whoever utters (the Lord's name) shall be blessed and fulfilled — True is the Timeless, Eternal Lord.' It affirms that remembering God brings blessing, and salutes Akal Purakh, the Deathless God beyond time.
When is the Sikh jaikara raised?▼
It is raised at the end of the Ardas (the Sikh prayer), in the sangat, at weddings and celebrations, in processions, and in moments of difficulty to invoke chardi kala — an ever-rising, fearless spirit. It is always a call-and-response between a leader and the congregation.
What does 'Sat Sri Akal' mean as a greeting?▼
Sikhs also use 'Sat Sri Akal' as a daily greeting. It means 'True is the Timeless Lord' (Sat = truth/eternal, Sri = honourable/great, Akal = the Timeless, Deathless One), a remembrance of the eternal God in every meeting.
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