YUGAS/AGE

Four Yugas have been described, in the eastern mythology, and as well as in AGGS, which cycle perpetually. As the ages proceed from Satya to Kali, religion and the good quality of men gradually decline. The period of 4 Yugas is 12000 Divine years, and each Divine year is composed of 360 days. One thousand of these Yugas equal one day of Brahma, which is called a Kalpa. Brahma's lifespan is 100 years of his time. The 12000 Divine years are to be multiplied by 360 X 1000 to get the human years in four Yugas= 4,320,000 years. In each Yuga there is a specific process of self-realization (Yuga dharma). 

Scientific Age of the Universe:

There are at least 3 ways that the age of the Universe can be estimated:

• The age of the chemical elements.
• The age of the oldest star clusters.
• The age of the oldest white dwarf stars.

The age of the Universe can also be estimated from a cosmological model based on the Hubble const

The age of the Universe can also be estimated from a cosmological model based on the Hubble constant and the densities of matter and dark energy.

Three-age system:

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia:

The three-age system refers to the periodization of human prehistory into three consecutive time periods, named for their respective predominant tool-making technologies:

• The Stone Age
• The Bronze Age
• The Iron Age

The system is most apt in describing the progression of European society, although it has been used to describe other histories as well. The system has been criticized for being too technologically determinist.

 The four eastern Yugas make up a cycle called divya-yuga, which lasts 4,320,000 years.

ਚਹੁ ਜੁਗਿ ਮੈਲੇ ਮਲੁ ਭਰੇ ਜਿਨ ਮੁਖਿ ਨਾਮੁ ਨ ਹੋਇ ॥

ਭਗਤੀ ਭਾਇ ਵਿਹੂਣਿਆ ਮੁਹੁ ਕਾਲਾ ਪਤਿ ਖੋਇ ॥
Chahu Jug Mailay Mal Bharay Jin Mukh Naam Na Ho-ay, Bhagtee Bhaa-ay Vihooni-aa Muhu Kaalaa Pat Kho-ay.

Those who do not have the Naam in their mouths are filled with pollution; they are filthy throughout the four ages. Without loving devotion to God, their faces are blackened, and their honor is lost.-----Guru Nanak, Siri Raag, AGGS, Page, 57-15

The distribution of these Yugas of the years follows:

SATYA YUGA - (sometimes also called Krta/Krita-Yuga): the golden age lasts 1,728,000 years. The process of self-realization in this Yuga is meditation on God. During this Yuga the majority of the population is situated in the mode of goodness and the average life span at the beginning of the Yuga is 100,000 years.

In the Golden Age of Sat Yuga, everyone embodied contentment and meditation; religion stood upon four feet.

                       
a) Kindness.

b) Alms giving.

c) Penance.

d) Truth (Naam).

   ਨਾਨਕ ਮੇਰੁ ਸਰੀਰ ਕਾ ਇਕੁ ਰਥੁ ਇਕੁ ਰਥਵਾਹੁ ॥

ਜੁਗੁ ਜੁਗੁ ਫੇਰਿ ਵਟਾਈਅਹਿ ਗਿਆਨੀ ਬੁਝਹਿ ਤਾਹਿ ॥

ਸਤਜੁਗਿ ਰਥੁ ਸੰਤੋਖ ਕਾ ਧਰਮੁ ਅਗੈ ਰਥਵਾਹੁ ॥
Nanak Mayr Sareer Kaa Ik Rath Ik Rathvaahu, Jug Jug Fayr Vataa-ee-ah Gi-aanee Bujheh Taahi, Satjug Rath Santokh Kaa Dharam Agai Rathvaahu.

O Nanak, the soul of the body has one chariot and one charioteer, In age after age they change; the spiritually wise understand this. In the Golden Age of Sat Yuga, contentment was the chariot and righteousness the charioteer.-----Guru Nanak, Raag Asa, AGGS, Page, 470-2

ਸਤਜੁਗਿ ਸਤੁ ਸੰਤੋਖੁ ਸਰੀਰਾ ॥

ਸਤਿ ਸਤਿ ਵਰਤੈ ਗਹਿਰ ਗੰਭੀਰਾ ॥

ਸਚਾ ਸਾਹਿਬੁ ਸਚੁ ਪਰਖੈ ਸਾਚੈ ਹੁਕਮਿ ਚਲਾਈ ਹੇ ॥
Satjug Sat Santokh Sareeraa, Sat Sat Vartai Gahir Gambheeraa, Sachaa Saahib Sach Parkhai Saachai Hukam Chalaa-ee Hay.

In the Golden Age of Truth, Truth and contentment filled the bodies. Truth was pervasive, Truth, deep, profound and unfathomable. The True God appraises the mortals on the Touchstone of Truth, and issues Its True Command.-----Guru Nanak, Raag Maru, AGGS, Page, 1023-13

ਸਤਜੁਗਿ ਸਭੁ ਸੰਤੋਖ ਸਰੀਰਾ ਪਗ ਚਾਰੇ ਧਰਮੁ ਧਿਆਨੁ ਜੀਉ ॥

ਮਨਿ ਤਨਿ ਹਰਿ ਗਾਵਹਿ ਪਰਮ ਸੁਖੁ ਪਾਵਹਿ ਹਰਿ ਹਿਰਦੈ ਹਰਿ ਗੁਣ ਗਿਆਨੁ ਜੀਉ ॥
Satjug Sabh Santokh Sareeraa Pag Chaaray Dharam Dhi-aan Jee-o. Man ṯan har gāvahi param sukẖ pāvahi har hirḏai har guṇ gi▫ān jī▫o.

Persons during this age will sing God's praises and enjoy perfect bliss of life; as their mind was enlightened with divine knowledge. They would perceive the same God pervading every where and were imbued with the four qualities. With mind and body, they sang of God, and attained supreme peace. In their hearts was the spiritual wisdom of the God's Glorious Virtues.-----Guru Ram Das, Raag Asa, AGGS, Page, 445-8

ਸਤਜੁਗੁ ਤ੍ਰੇਤਾ ਦੁਆਪਰੁ ਭਣੀਐ ਕਲਿਜੁਗੁ ਊਤਮੋ ਜੁਗਾ ਮਾਹਿ ॥
Satjug Taraytaa Du-aapar Bhanee-ai Kalijug Ootmo Jugaa Maahi, Ah Kar Karay So Ah Kar Paa-ay Ko-ee Na Pakrhee-ai Kisai Thaa-ay.

The Golden Age of Sat Yuga, the Silver Age of Treta Yuga, and the Brass Age of Dwaapar Yuga are good; but the best is the Dark Age, the Iron Age, of Kali Yuga. As we act, so are the rewards we receive; no one can take the place of another.-----Guru Arjun, Raag Asa, AGGS, Page, 406-7

ਸਤਜੁਗਿ ਸਤੁ ਤੇਤਾ ਜਗੀ ਦੁਆਪਰਿ ਪੂਜਾਚਾਰ ॥

ਤੀਨੌ ਜੁਗ ਤੀਨੌ ਦਿੜੇ ਕਲਿ ਕੇਵਲ ਨਾਮ ਅਧਾਰ ॥
Satjug Sat Taytaa Jagee Du-aapar Poojaachaar, Tinou Jug Tinou Dirhay Kal Kayval Naam Adhaar.

In the Golden Age of Sat Yuga, was Truth; in the Silver Age of Treta Yuga, charitable feasts; in the Brass Age of Dwaapar Yuga, there was worship. In three ages, people held to three ways. But in the Iron Age of Kali Yuga, the Name of the God is your only Support.-----Bhagat Ravi Das, Gauri Bairagan, AGGS, Page 346-11

TRETA YUGA - also called the silver age, lasts 1,296,000 years and the process of self realization is the performance of opulent Yajnas (sacrifices). The average life span is 10,000 years and the godly qualities decrease one fourth compared to the Satya Yuga. It is during this age that Varna-Asrama-dharma is introduced.

ਤ੍ਰੇਤੈ ਰਥੁ ਜਤੈ ਕਾ ਜੋਰੁ ਅਗੈ ਰਥਵਾਹੁ ॥
Taraytai Rath Jatai Kaa Jor Agai Rathvaahu.

In the Silver Age of Treta Yuga, celibacy was the chariot and power, the charioteer.-----Guru Nanak, Raag Asa, AGGS, Page, 470-2

                             

                           ਤੇਤਾ ਜੁਗੁ ਆਇਆ ਅੰਤਰਿ ਜੋਰੁ ਪਾਇਆ ਜਤੁ ਸੰਜਮ ਕਰਮ ਕਮਾਇ ਜੀਉ ॥

                             ਪਗੁ ਚਉਥਾ ਖਿਸਿਆ ਤ੍ਰੈ ਪਗ ਟਿਕਿਆ ਮਨਿ ਹਿਰਦੈ ਕ੍ਰੋਧੁ ਜਲਾਇ ਜੀਉ ॥

Taytaa Jug Aa-i-aa Antar Jor Paa-i-aa Jat Sanjam Karam Kamaa-ay Jee-o, Pag Cha-uthaa Khisi-aa Tarai PagTiki-aa Man Hirdai KroDh Jalaa-ay Jee-o.    

Then came the Silver Age of Treta Yuga; men's minds were ruled by power, and they practiced celibacy and self-discipline. The fourth foot of religion dropped off, and three remained. Their hearts and minds were inflamed with anger. True religion was now based on three pillars (3 legs, one being lost):                                                                                                           

a) Kindness.

b) Almsgiving.

c) Penance.

With the result that anger became prominent during this age. Now the rulers start quarrelling and fighting resulting in misery all around. This further gave rise to egoism with stress on "I-am ness”. But the Guru minded persons were relieved of the ego by remembering God's Name. So during this age, when man developed all the virtues of Treta he was possessed by dual-mindedness and other misgivings, and started practicing celibacy and controlling the senses.   -----Guru Ram Das, Raag Asa, AGGS, Page, 445-11

DVAPARA YUGA - or the Bronze Age, lasts 864,000 years and the process of self realization is the worship of the deities within temples. Godly qualities are reduced to 50% by now and the average life expectancy is only 1000 years.

ਦੁਆਪੁਰਿ ਰਥੁ ਤਪੈ ਕਾ ਸਤੁ ਅਗੈ ਰਥਵਾਹੁ ॥
Du-aapur Rath Tapai Kaa Sat Agai Rathvaahu.

In the Brass Age of Dwaapar Yuga, penance was the chariot and truth the charioteer.-----Guru Nanak, Raag Asa, AGGS, Page, 470-3

ਦਇਆ ਦੁਆਪੁਰਿ ਅਧੀ ਹੋਈ ॥

ਗੁਰਮੁਖਿ ਵਿਰਲਾ ਚੀਨੈ ਕੋਈ ॥

ਦੁਇ ਪਗ ਧਰਮੁ ਧਰੇ ਧਰਣੀਧਰ ਗੁਰਮੁਖਿ ਸਾਚੁ ਤਿਥਾਈ ਹੇ ॥

Ḏa▫i▫ā ḏu▫āpur aḏẖī ho▫ī. Gurmukẖ virlā cẖīnai ko▫ī. Ḏu▫e pag ḏẖaram ḏẖare ḏẖarṇīḏẖar gurmukẖ sācẖ ṯithā▫ī he. 

In the Brass Age of Dwaapur Yuga, compassion was cut in half. Only a few, as Guru oriented, remembered the God. Righteous faith upholds and supports the earth, had only two feet; Truth was revealed to the Guru oriented. -----Guru Nanak, Raag Maru, AGGS, Page, 1023-19

ਦੁਆਪੁਰਿ ਦੂਜੈ ਦੁਬਿਧਾ ਹੋਇ ॥

ਭਰਮਿ ਭੁਲਾਨੇ ਜਾਣਹਿ ਦੋਇ ॥

ਗੁਰਮੁਖਿ ਹੋਵੈ ਤ ਨਾਮੁ ਦ੍ਰਿੜਾਏ ॥

Ḏu▫āpur ḏūjai ḏubiḏẖā ho▫e. Bẖaram bẖulāne jāṇėh ḏo▫e. Ḏu▫āpur ḏẖaram ḏu▫e pair rakẖā▫e. Gurmukẖ hovai ṯa nām driṛ▫ā▫e. 

In the Brass Age of Dwaapur Yuga, duality and double-mindedness arose. Deluded by doubt, they knew duality. In this Brass Age, Righteous Faith was left with only two feet. Those who became Guru oriented implanted the Naam deep within. |-----Guru Amar Das, Raag Ramkali, AGGS, Page 880-5

ਜੁਗੁ ਦੁਆਪੁਰੁ ਆਇਆ ਭਰਮਿ ਭਰਮਾਇਆ ਹਰਿ ਗੋਪੀ ਕਾਨ੍ਹ੍ਹੁ ਉਪਾਇ ਜੀਉ ॥

ਤਪੁ ਤਾਪਨ ਤਾਪਹਿ ਜਗ ਪੁੰਨ ਆਰੰਭਹਿ ਅਤਿ ਕਿਰਿਆ ਕਰਮ ਕਮਾਇ ਜੀਉ ॥

Jug Du-aapur Aa-i-aa Bharam Bharmaa-i-aa Har Gopee KaanH Upaa-ay Jee-o, Tap Taapan Taapeh Jag Punn Aarambheh At Kiri-aa Karam Kamaa-ay Jee-o.

The Brass Age of Dwaapar Yuga came, and people wandered in doubt. The God created the Gopis and Krishna. The penitents practiced penance, they offered sacred feasts and charity, and performed many rituals and religious rites. This resulted in removing two pillars (two legs) and people started depending on two virtues of:

a) Penance.

b) Alms giving in their spiritual pursuit.-----Guru Ram Das, Raag Asa, AGGS, Page, 445-15 7 19

So the reign of worldly love based on sexual desires prevailed and created duality in the minds of people. But the Guru Willed persons were bestowed with Lord's Name to overcome these desires and ego.

KALI YUGA - the iron age of hypocrisy and quarrel lasts 432,000 years. The process of self realization is the chanting of the Holy Names of the God. God consciousness is reduced to 25% of the population and life expectancy is only 100 years. By now already 5000 years of Kali Yuga have passed and it is predicted that by the end of this Yuga people will hardly be older than 20 years and their only food will be meat.

ਕਲਜੁਗਿ ਰਥੁ ਅਗਨਿ ਕਾ ਕੂੜੁ ਅਗੈ ਰਥਵਾਹੁ ॥

Kaljug Rath Agan Kaa Koorh Agai Rathvaahu.

In the Iron Age of Kali Yuga, fire is the chariot and falsehood the charioteer.-----Guru Nanak, Raag Asa, AGGS, Page, 470-4

ਕਲ ਮਹਿ ਰਾਮ ਨਾਮੁ ਸਾਰੁ ॥

ਅਖੀ ਤ ਮੀਟਹਿ ਨਾਕ ਪਕੜਹਿ ਠਗਣ ਕਉ ਸੰਸਾਰੁ ॥
Kal Meh Raam Naam Saar, Akhee Ta Meeteh Naak Pakrheh Thagan Ka-o Sansaar.

In this Dark Age of Kali Yuga, God's Name is the most sublime. Some people try to deceive the world by closing their eyes and holding their nostrils closed.-----Guru Nanak, Raag Dhanasari, AGGS, Page, 662-18

ਕਲਿਜੁਗੁ ਹਰਿ ਕੀਆ ਪਗ ਤ੍ਰੈ ਖਿਸਕੀਆ ਪਗੁ ਚਉਥਾ ਟਿਕੈ ਟਿਕਾਇ ਜੀਉ ॥ 

ਗੁਰ ਸਬਦੁ ਕਮਾਇਆ ਅਉਖਧੁ ਹਰਿ ਪਾਇਆ ਹਰਿ ਕੀਰਤਿ ਹਰਿ ਸਾਂਤਿ ਪਾਇ ਜੀਉ ॥
Kalijug Har Kee-aa Pag Tarai Khiskee-aa Pag Cha-uthaa Tikai Tikaa-ay Jee-o, Gur Sabd Kamaa-i-aa A-ukhaDh Har Paa-i-aa Har Keerat Har SaaNt Paa-ay Jee-o.

God  ushered in the Dark Age, the Iron Age of Kali Yuga; three legs of religion were lost, and only the fourth leg remained intact. Acting in accordance with the Word of the Guru's Sabd, the medicine of the Its Name is obtained. Singing the Sabds of Go's Praises, divine peace is obtained. So in this present age the world is based on one pillar of Truth and True Name and is the only means to get----Guru Ram Das, Raag Asa, AGGS, Page 445-446

ਪ੍ਰਥਮੇ ਵਸਿਆ ਸਤ ਕਾ ਖੇੜਾ ॥

ਤ੍ਰਿਤੀਏ ਮਹਿ ਕਿਛੁ ਭਇਆ ਦੁਤੇੜਾ ॥

ਦੁਤੀਆ ਅਰਧੋ ਅਰਧਿ ਸਮਾਇਆ ॥

ਏਕੁ ਰਹਿਆ ਤਾ ਏਕੁ ਦਿਖਾਇਆ ॥
Parathmay Vasi-aa Sat Kaa Khayrhaa, Taritee-ay Meh Kichh Bha-i-aa Dutayrhaa, Dutee-aa ArDho AraDh Samaa-i-aa, Ayk Rahi-aa Taa Ayk Dikhaa-i-aa.

In the first age, the Golden Age, the village of truth was inhabited. In the Silver Age of Treta Yuga, things began to decline. In the Brass Age of Dwaapur Yuga, half of it was gone. Now, only one leg of Truth remains, and the One God is revealed.-----Guru Arjun, Raag Ramkali, AGGS, Page, 886

ਚਹੁ ਜੁਗ ਮਹਿ ਅੰਮ੍ਰਿਤੁ ਸਾਚੀ ਬਾਣੀ ॥

ਪੂਰੈ ਭਾਗਿ ਹਰਿ ਨਾਮਿ ਸਮਾਣੀ ॥
Chauh Joug Meh Anmrit Saachee Baani, Poorai Bhaag Har Naam Samaanee.

In all the four ages, the True Bani (Divine hymns) is the ambrosia. By perfect destiny, one is absorbed in the True Name.-----Guru Amar Das, Raag Dhanasari, AGGS, and Page 665-17

ਆਵਹੁ ਸੰਤ ਮਿਲਹੁ ਮੇਰੇ ਭਾਈ ਮਿਲਿ ਹਰਿ ਹਰਿ ਕਥਾ ਕਰਹੁ ॥
ਹਰਿ ਹਰਿ ਨਾਮੁ ਬੋਹਿਥੁ ਹੈ ਕਲਜੁਗਿ ਖੇਵਟੁ ਗੁਰ ਸਬਦਿ ਤਰਹੁ ॥
Aavhu Sant Milhu Mayray Bhaa-ee Mil Har Har Kathaa Karahu, Har Har Naam Bohith Hai Kaljug Khayvat Gur Sabd Tarahu.

Come, O Saints, and join together, O my Siblings of Destiny; let us tell the Stories of the Eternal God, is the boat in this Dark Age of Kali Yuga; the Word of the Guru's Sabd is the boatman to ferry us across. -----Guru Ram Das, Raag Bilawal, AGGS, Page, 799-18

ਕਲਜੁਗ ਮਹਿ ਕੀਰਤਨੁ ਪਰਧਾਨਾ ॥
ਗੁਰਮੁਖਿ ਜਪੀਐ ਲਾਇ ਧਿਆਨਾ
ਆਪਿ ਤਰੈ ਸਗਲੇ ਕੁਲ ਤਾਰੇ ਹਰਿ ਦਰਗਹ ਪਤਿ ਸਿਉ ਜਾਇਦਾ ॥
Kaljug Meh Keertan ParDhaanaa, Gurmukh Japee-ai Laa-ay Dhi-aanaa, Aap Tarai Saglay Kul Taaray Har Dargeh Pat Si-o Jaa-idaa.

In this Dark Age of Kali Yuga, the Kirtan of the God's Praises are most sublime and exalted. Become Gurmukh, chant and focus your meditation. You shall save yourself, and save all your generations as well. You shall go to the Court of the God with honor.-----Guru Arjun, Raag Maru Sohlay, AGGS, Page, 1075-9

ਕਲਮੈ ਮੁਕਤਿ ਨਾਮ ਤੇ ਪਾਵਤ ਗੁਰੁ ਯਹ ਭੇਦੁ ਬਤਾਵੈ॥
ਕਹੁ ਨਾਨਕ ਸੋਈ ਨਰੁ ਗਰੂਆ ਜੋ ਪ੍ਰਭ ਕੇ ਗੁਨ ਗਾਵੈ ॥
Kal Mai Mukat Naam Tay Paavat Gur Yeh Bhayd Bataavai, Kaho Nanak So-ee Nar Garoo-aa Jo Parabh Kay Gun Gaavai.

In this Dark Age of Kali Yuga, liberation comes from the Naam. The Guru has revealed this secret, Says Nanak; he alone is a great man, who sings the Praises of God.-----Guru Tegh Bahadur, Raag Bilawal, AGGS, Page, 831-6

ਜਿਨੀ ਨਾਮੁ ਧਿਆਇਆ ਗਏ ਮਸਕਤਿ ਘਾਲਿ ॥
ਨਾਨਕ ਤੇ ਮੁਖ ਉਜਲੇ ਕੇਤੀ ਛੁਟੀ ਨਾਲਿ ॥
Jinee Naam Dhi-aa-i-aa Ga-ay Maskat Ghaal, Nanak Tay Mukh Ujlay Kaytee Nhhutee Naal.

Those who meditated on Naam, and departed after having worked by the sweat of their brows have radiant faces in the Court of the God, and many are saved along with them. O, Nanak.----- Guru Angad, Japji, AGGS, 8-12

Conclusion:

"All metaphysical discussion is profitless unless it causes us to seek within the Self for the true reality. All controversies about liberation/moksha, the purpose of God, etc., are useless and are not conducive to our true understanding of the teachings of Sabd Guru. People try to find out about things which are outside of them before they try to find out about Self?”

The earliest description of the origin of Universe, Creation, 3 demi gods, and Vedas is described by Guru Nanak:

ਸਾਮ ਵੇਦੁ ਰਿਗੁ ਜੁਜਰੁ ਅਥਰਬਣੁ ॥ 
ਬ੍ਰਹਮੇ ਮੁਖਿ ਮਾਇਆ ਹੈ ਤ੍ਰੈ ਗੁਣ ॥
saam vayd rig jujar atharban, barahmay mukh maa-i-aa hai tarai gun.

The Saam Veda, the Rig Veda, the Jujar Veda and the Atharva Veda came out from the mouth of Brahma; they speak of the three Gunas, the three qualities of Maya.-----Guru Nanak, Raag Maru, AGGS, Page, 1038-1

Liberation as described by Vedas and Sabd Guru;

1.      Sama-Veda (The Book of Song during Satjug ) by melodies and chants used by priests during sacrifices.

ਸਾਮ ਕਹੈ ਸੇਤੰਬਰੁ ਸੁਆਮੀ ਸਚ ਮਹਿ ਆਛੈ ਸਾਚਿ ਰਹੇ ॥
saam kahai saytambar su-aamee sach meh aachhai saach rahay.

The Sama Veda says that the God Master is robed in white; in the Age of Truth, everyone desired Truth, abided in Truth.-Guru Nanak, Raag Asa, AGGS, Page, 470-4                                                                    

2.      Rig-Veda (The Book of Mantra during Trayta Yug) by sacred songs or hymns of praise.

ਰਿਗੁ ਕਹੈ ਰਹਿਆ ਭਰਪੂਰਿ ॥
rig kahai rahi-aa bharpoor.

The Rig Veda says that God is permeating and pervading everywhere.-----Guru Nanak, Raag Asa, AGGS, Page, 470-4                                                                                     

3.      Yajur-Veda (The Book of Ritual during Duapur Yug) by sacrificial formulae.

ਜਜਿ ਕਾਜਿ ਵੀਆਹਿ ਸੁਹਾਵੈ ਓਥੈ ਮਾਸੁ ਸਮਾਣਾ ॥
aj kaaj vee-aahi suhaavai othai maas samaana.

It is featured in sacred feasts and marriage festivities; meat is used in them.-----Guru Nanak, Raag Malar, AGGS, Page, 1290-5

Ravidas in Gauri Bairagan confirms the way of liberation as described above in the three Yugas.

4.      Atharva veda (The Book of Spell) by spells, charms, and exorcist chants.

ਕਲਿ ਮਹਿ ਬੇਦੁ ਅਥਰਬਣੁ ਹੂਆ ਨਾਉ ਖੁਦਾਈ ਅਲਹੁ ਭਇਆ ॥
kal meh bayd atharban hoo-aa naa-o khudaa-ee alhu bha-i-aa.

In the Dark Age of Kali Yuga, the Atharva Veda became prominent; Allah became the Name of God.-----Guru Nanak, Raag Asa, AGGS, Page, 470-7

ਬਾਣੀ ਬ੍ਰਹਮਾ ਬੇਦੁ ਅਥਰਬਣੁ ਕਰਣੀ ਕੀਰਤਿ ਲਹਿਆ ॥
banee barahmaa bayd atharban karnee keerat lahi-aa.

The Guru's Sabds have taken the place of Brahma's Veda, and the singing of the God’s Praises is good deeds.-----Guru Nanak, Raag Ramkali, AGGS, Page, 903-2

The Aranyakas and Upanishads deny that ritual sacrifice is the only means to liberation, and introduce monistic doctrine. Sabd Guru as referred above states that Gurbani was the mode of liberation in all four Yugas and is most important in the present age as confirmed by Guru Nanak and Guru Amar Das in Raag Dhanasari, Guru Ram Das & Guru Tegh Bahadur in Raag Bilawal, and Guru Arjun in Maru Sohlay.

Finally Sabd Guru has no where pointed out that liberation/self realization can be accomplished by wearing religious symbols or dresses but quite the opposite by only and through Gurbani.

ਸਾਸਤ੍ਰ ਬੇਦ ਸੋਧਿ ਸੋਧਿ ਦੇਖੇ ਮੁਨਿ ਨਾਰਦ ਬਚਨ ਪੁਕਾਰੇ ॥ 
ਰਾਮ ਨਾਮੁ ਪੜਹੁ ਗਤਿ ਪਾਵਹੁ ਸਤਸੰਗਤਿ ਗੁਰਿ ਨਿਸਤਾਰੇ ॥
saastar bayd soDh soDh daykhay mun naarad bachan pukaaray, raam naam parhahu gat paavhu satsangat gur nistaaray.

I searched and searched through the Shaastras and the Vedas; Nard the silent sage proclaimed these words as well. Chanting God's Name, salvation is attained; the Guru saves those in the Sat Sangat, the True Congregation.-----Guru Ram Das, Raag Nut, AGGS, Page, 983-12