“Mat Dekh Bhoola Visre” (literally, “Do Not Look at the Forgotten One”) is a contemporary Punjabi devotional/folk composition that blends Sufi‑inspired mysticism with everyday colloquialism. This paper argues that the song functions simultaneously as a personal confession of spiritual longing and a collective lament for cultural erosion. By foregrounding motifs of memory, blindness, and redemption, the lyricist constructs a layered narrative that resonates with diaspora experiences and the ongoing renegotiation of Punjabi identity. The analysis proceeds through three stages: (1) a thematic synopsis, (2) an examination of formal poetic strategies, and (3) a contextual reading that situates the piece within modern Punjabi music and Sufi‑Poetic traditions.
ਮਤ ਦੇਖਿ ਭੂਲਾ ਵਿਸਰੇ ਸਬਦੁ ॥ ਮਤ ਹਉ ਵਿਚਿ ਆਪੁ ਬਿਸਥਾਰੁ ਕਰਦਾ ॥ (Accompanied by common preceding lines in context) ਬਿਨੁ ਬੋਲੇ ਸਭ ਕਿਛੁ ਜਾਣਦਾ ॥ ਸਭੁ ਕਿਛੁ ਜਾਣੈ ਮੇਰਾ ਗੁਰੂ ॥
Note: The precise composition varies by musical rendering (Shabad Kirtan). The core line is often repeated:
ਮਤ ਦੇਖਿ ਭੂਲਾ ਵਿਸਰੇ ਸਬਦੁ ॥ ਮਤ ਹਉ ਵਿਚਿ ਆਪੁ ਬਿਸਥਾਰੁ ਕਰਦਾ ॥ mat dekh bhoola visre shabad lyrics
Unlike sins committed with malicious intent, Guru Arjan Dev Ji uses the word Bhoola—one who has simply forgotten. In Sikh theology, the human condition is not one of "original sin" but of visar (forgetfulness of God). The Shabad argues that God should not judge the soul based on its amnesia but on His own nature, which is Gun (virtue/mercy).
Here is the content for the lyrics of "Mat Dekh Bhoola" (also known as Visre Shabad), a popular Punjabi devotional hymn (Shabad).
Since this is a traditional hymn from Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji (Ang 726), there is no single "original singer." It has been sung by numerous artists including Bhai Harjinder Singh Sri Nagar Wale, Bhai Ravinder Singh, and Jagowala Jatha. “Mat Dekh Bhoola Visre” (literally, “Do Not Look
Below are the complete lyrics in Gurmukhi (Punjabi), a Romanized (Hindi/English) phonetic version, and a simple translation.
The phrase "Mat Dekh Bhoola Visre" translates from Punjabi and old Braj dialects to: "Do not look at my mistakes, O Lord, for I have forgotten."
This Shabad is a heartfelt confession of human imperfection. Written by Guru Arjan Dev Ji, the fifth Sikh Guru, it appears on Ang (Page) 253 of the Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji in the Raag Gauri. It is a prayer of the bhoola (the mistaken one) who, despite knowing the right path, has wandered away due to spiritual amnesia (visre). The phrase "Mat Dekh Bhoola Visre" translates from
The vast ocean of Sikh scripture, Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji, is filled with hymns that act as spiritual lifelines for humanity. Among these, the Shabad (hymn) beginning with "Mat Dekh Bhoola Visre" holds a special place for those seeking guidance through confusion and moral failure. This article provides the complete lyrics of the Mat Dekh Bhoola Visre Shabad, alongside its English translation, transliteration, and deep spiritual meaning.
Likely meaning: a poetic injunction—“Don’t look at the forgotten” —usable as a refrain to evoke neglect, memory, or consolation, with multiple plausible readings depending on address and dialect.
Here are the lyrics for the popular Shabad "Mat Dekh Bhoola Visre".
This Shabad is written by Guru Arjan Dev Ji and appears in Raag Gauri on Ang 188 of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji.