Greatest Poems of Bulleh Shah (Punjabi with English Translation)

Selected Poems Of Baba Bulleh Shah (Punjabi Text with English Translations)

I was able to obtain a few books on Baba Bulleh Shah poetry. Unfortunately, the translation by R. A. Nicholson, according to my opinion, sometimes distorts the meaning in an effort to rhyme the verses. At the same time, I do acknowledge that the translation of Bulleh Shah’s Punjabi is no ordinary feat. For instance, take the poem ‘Sab Ikko Rung Kapaa Da Hai’. It literally means that all the cotton forms i.e. thread, cotton-balls have the same colour. However, the essence reflects more on the reflection of God in every form and being. The actual language of the verse in Punjabi when translated in English loses beauty of the message.

 

 

 

Unfortunately, Punjabi literature such as Baba Bulleh Shah, Heer Waris Shah and Sultan Bahoo is becoming endangered as fewer and fewer people read and understand the language anymore. I could not find any authentic English translation of Baba Bulleh Shah so I’ve included Prof. Nicholson translation as it is since it is still a commendable endeavour. If someone can suggest a better translation by any other academic, I will be very happy to publish it with compliments.

 

Selected Baba Bulleh Shah Poetry with English Translation by Prof Nicholson

• Apna Das Tikaana  [Let me know my native place] – Kalam Bulleh Shah with Translation

 

• Amma Babe di Bhulyai  [Mother! Due to Adam’s actions, We are reaping consequences] – Punjabi Kalam by Bulleh Shah

 

• Bulleh Keh Janaa Main Kon [Bulleh, Who knows Who am I?] – Punjabi Kalam by Bulleh Shah

 

• Ik Alif Parho [Recite Alif it is release of all pains] – Punjabi Kalam by Bulleh Shah

 

• Ik Nukte Wich Gal Mukdi He [everything in the universe goes back to one single point] – Punjabi Kalam by Bulleh Shah

 

• Sab Ikko Rang Kappaa Da Ae [Everything is a reflection of true Creator] – Punjabi Kalam by Bulleh Shah

 

• Aapay Paiyaan Kundiaayn – You have entangled me in hooks, so I cannot flee  – Punjabi Kalam by Bulleh Shah

 

• Ilmoon Bas Karin o Yaar – Leave all Knowledge, All you need is Alif – Punjabi Kalam by Bulleh Shah

 

• Ranjha Ranjha Kar Di Ni Main, Aape Ranjha Hoyi – I have become Ranjha myself, calling Ranjha Ranjha – Punjabi Kalam by Bulleh Shah

 

• Tu Nahin Hain, Main Nahin We Sajna – You are the existence, I am non-existent – Punjabi Kalam by Bulleh Shah

 

• Uth Chalay Guwandhon Yaar – My Neighbour is breathing his last – Punjabi Kalam by Bulleh Shah

 

• Tere Ishq Nachaya – Your Love has made me dance romance – Full Punjabi Text with English Translation