The calligraphy in this painting replicates the handwriting of the original hand-written Guru Nanak Janamsakhi (life story) authored by Bhai Mani Singh. It retains the larivaar script style, where words are written in an unbroken sequence.

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For clarity, here is the text in Gurmukhi-Braj with the words separated:

 

ਜਾ ਏਹ ਸਬਦ ਬਾਬੇ ਕਹਿਆ ਤਾੰ ਵੈਦ ਬੋਲਿਆ ਏ ਕਾਲੂ ਤੇਰੇ ਪੁਤ੍ਰ ਨੂ ਰੋਗ ਕੋਈ ਨਾਹੀ ਤੂੰ ਸੰਸਾ ਨਾ ਕਰਿ ॥ ਏਹ ਸਾਂਈ ਦਾ ਭਗਤਿ ਪੈਦਾ ਹੋਇਆ ਹੈ ॥

 

This passage recounts an episode where Guru Nanak’s father, Kalu, concerned by his 13-year-old son’s spiritually profound words, called a doctor to examine him. The writing represents the doctor’s diagnosis after conversing with Guru Nanak. The doctor reassures Kalu, explaining that his son is not afflicted by any illness but is, in fact, a Saint of the Creator.

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This piece was created during a residency at TAP Centre for Creativity through the Forest City Gallery, London ON.