Sar Bacan

work by Siva Dayal Saheb

Written by

The Information Architects of Encyclopaedia Britannica

Last updated

July 13, 2026

Quick Summary

Sar Bacan is a collection of writings by Shiva Dayal Saheb, the founder of the Radha Soami Satsang sect. Saheb, a Hindu banker from Agra, India, revealed himself as a spiritual teacher in 1861 and authored two books titled Sar Bacan—one in prose and one in verse. These works contain his "Essential Utterances" and form a core part of the teachings for his followers, who are found among both Hindus and Sikhs. The Radha Soami Satsang emphasizes the repetition of God's name or sound (shabda or nam) as a path to spiritual perfection and union of the soul with God.12

Summary created from Britannica articles using AI. AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.

2 Britannica Sources

Ask Britannica AI about this topic

Britannica doesn't have a full article on this topic, so we've curated a list of our relevant coverage.

Shiva Dayal Saheb
…one in verse, both titled Sar Bacan (“Essential Utterances”). Shiva Dayal Saheb’s ashes are entombed in a sacred garden (Dayal Bagh) near Agra, which is still a principal headquarters of the sect.
Read More
…one in verse, both titled Sar Bacan (“Essential Utterances”). Shiva Dayal Saheb’s ashes are entombed in a sacred garden (Dayal Bagh) near Agra, which is still a principal headquarters of the sect.
Read More