The term Ardâas (ਅਰਦਾਸ) comes from the Persian word 'Arazdashat,' which means a request or prayer to a higher power. In Sikhism, Ardaas is a prayer performed at various times: before starting a task, during daily prayers, and before or after meals. It is a way for Sikhs to seek divine support and guidance.

 

When performing Ardaas, people typically stand with their hands folded. The practice of Ardaas was established by the tenth Sikh Guru, Guru Gobind Singh Ji. When the prayer concludes, devotees often say:

 

"Waheguru" to ask for blessings before beginning something new.
"Akal Purakh" to ask for continued blessings after reciting hymns, so they can always remember and honor the divine.

Unlike other prayers by the Gurus, Ardaas is not fully recorded in the Guru Granth Sahib. It evolves over time to reflect the experiences of all Sikh generations. The essence of Ardaas is to request Waheguru’s protection, wish well for everyone, and express gratitude for all that has been received.

 

Structure of Ardaas

 

The Ardaas is composed of three main sections, each focusing on different aspects of the prayer. It often includes excerpts from the Guru Granth Sahib and is structured as follows:

 

First Section

The Ardaas begins with the opening stanza of the Var Sri Bhagauti Ji, written by Guru Gobind Singh Ji and found in the Dasam Granth. This section emphasizes the importance of meditating on Waheguru above all else and requests protection from all the Gurus.

 

"Ekh-oonkaar Waheguru jee kee Fat'eh. Sree Bhagautee jee Sahaa-e; vaar Sree Bhagautee jee kee Paat'shaahee D'assveen" translates to:

"One God, victory belongs to Waheguru. The sacred Bhagauti prevails; Ode to the Bhagauti by the tenth master."

After invoking the divine power, the Ardaas continues by recalling the first Guru, Guru Nanak, and then the subsequent Gurus: Guru Angad, Guru Amar Das, Guru Ram Das, Guru Arjan, Guru Hargobind, Guru Har Rai, Guru Har Krishan, Guru Tegh Bahadur, and finally Guru Gobind Singh Ji. The prayer seeks their guidance and protection.

 

Second Section

The second section of the Ardaas highlights the sacrifices made by Sikhs throughout history. This part remembers the courage and suffering of Sikhs who gave their lives for their faith and the protection of their religion.

 

"Let's keep in mind all those Sikh men and women who, for the sake of Dharma and the freedom of everyone's religion and spirit, gave up their lives..."

This section recounts the bravery of Sikh martyrs who faced severe torture and death but remained steadfast in their faith. It includes the story of Sikh children, women, and men who suffered and died while adhering to their beliefs, always remembering their commitment to Sikh principles.

 

Third Section

The third part varies slightly in different prayers but generally includes the following elements:

 

Asking for blessings on Prashaad and Guru’s Langar (community meal), as well as those who prepared and consumed it.
Requesting guidance and inspiration to follow the Gurmat (teachings of the Guru) as shown through Gurbani (sacred hymns).
Seeking forgiveness for any mistakes made and asking for help to stay pure amidst life’s challenges.

"Please bless this Prashaad and Guru's Langar... Please forgive our sins, and mistakes, and help us stay pure amidst life's challenges..."

 

References in Ardaas

 

The Ardaas often refers to significant events and figures in Sikh history. Here are some key references:

 

Panj Pyare
The Panj Pyare (Five Beloved Ones) were the first members of the Khalsa, a collective of dedicated Sikhs. On April 13, 1699, Guru Gobind Singh Ji introduced the Khalsa during a grand assembly. He urged Sikhs to uphold their faith and fight against injustice, leading to the establishment of this esteemed group.

 

Four Sahibzada
The four sons of Guru Gobind Singh Ji, known as Chaar Sahibzaade, were martyred at a young age by the Mughals. Their sacrifice is remembered for its profound impact on Sikh history and their unwavering commitment to their faith.

 

Bhai Taru Singh
Bhai Taru Singh was a revered Sikh martyr who refused to abandon his faith, even under severe pressure. When asked to cut his hair, he chose to die rather than compromise his religious beliefs.

 

Courageous Sikh Women
Sikh women also faced brutal persecution. They endured torture and hardship but remained steadfast in their faith. Their sacrifices are honored and remembered in the Ardaas.

 

Bhai Mani Singh
Bhai Mani Singh was a dedicated Sikh who was executed for his efforts to protect Sikh congregations from Mughal oppression. His martyrdom is a testament to his unwavering dedication to Sikh values.

 

Baba Deep Singh
Baba Deep Singh Ji was a courageous Sikh leader who fought valiantly against the Mughal invaders. His determination and bravery are celebrated in Sikh history, symbolizing the spirit of sacrifice.

 

Banda Singh Bahadur
Banda Singh Bahadur led the Sikh resistance against the Mughal Empire after Guru Gobind Singh Ji’s death. His efforts to establish Sikh sovereignty are remembered for their significant impact on Sikh history.

 

Five Takhats
The Five Takhats are the five sacred seats of authority in Sikhism, located in Amritsar, Patna, Anandpur, Nanded, and Talwandi Sabo. These centers play a crucial role in guiding the Sikh community and addressing secular and religious matters.

 

The Significance of Ardaas in Daily Sikh Life

 

Ardaas is not just a formal prayer; it is a fundamental aspect of daily Sikh practice. It serves as a bridge between the devotee and Waheguru (God), ensuring that every action, from mundane to significant, is undertaken with divine blessings.

 

Here’s how Ardaas fits into the daily life of a Sikh:

 

Morning Rituals: Sikhs often begin their day with Ardaas, seeking guidance and protection for the day ahead. This morning Ardaas is a way to center oneself spiritually and prepare for the day’s activities with a clear mind and positive intentions.

Meal Times: Ardaas is recited before and after meals to express gratitude for the sustenance provided and to seek blessings for the food consumed. This practice reinforces the concept of living a life of humility and appreciation.

Special Occasions: Whether it's a family gathering, personal achievement, or any special occasion, Sikhs offer Ardaas to invoke divine blessings and ensure that their celebrations are filled with spiritual significance.

Challenges and Difficulties: During times of personal or collective challenges, Ardaas provides solace and strength. Sikhs turn to Ardaas to seek divine intervention and support in overcoming obstacles, trusting that Waheguru’s guidance will lead them through hardships.

 

The Role of Ardaas in Sikh Ceremonies

 

Ardaas plays a central role in various Sikh ceremonies, signifying its importance in marking life’s milestones. Here’s a look at how Ardaas is integrated into these significant events:

 

Naming Ceremonies (Naam Karan): At the time of a child’s naming ceremony, Ardaas is performed to seek Waheguru’s blessings for the newborn. It is a way to ask for a prosperous and spiritually guided life for the child.

Engagements and Marriages (Anand Karaj): In Sikh marriages, Ardaas is performed at several points, including before the commencement of the ceremony and after the completion of the wedding rites. It seeks divine blessings for a harmonious and fulfilling marital life.

Funerals and Memorial Services: Ardaas is recited during funeral rites to honor the departed soul and seek Waheguru’s grace for their journey to the afterlife. It provides comfort to the grieving and reaffirms faith in the cycle of life and death.

Amrit Sanchar (Initiation into Khalsa): During the Amrit Sanchar ceremony, Ardaas is recited as part of the initiation process into the Khalsa Panth. It marks a significant transformation in a Sikh’s life and serves as a reminder of the spiritual commitment involved.

 

Personal Reflections and Community Impact

 

Ardaas is not just a collective prayer; it also has a profound personal impact and influences the Sikh community in various ways:

 

Personal Reflection: For individual Sikhs, Ardaas is a moment of personal reflection and connection with Waheguru. It offers a time to introspect on one’s actions, seek forgiveness for shortcomings, and reaffirm commitment to Sikh values.

Community Unity: Ardaas gives a sense of community and collective identity among Sikhs. By reciting Ardaas together, Sikhs reinforce their shared values and collective faith, strengthening the bonds within the community.

Educational Value: Ardaas serves as a means of imparting Sikh teachings and values to younger generations. Through the recitation and understanding of Ardaas, children and new Sikhs learn about the history, sacrifices, and principles of Sikhism.

Cultural Preservation: By maintaining the practice of Ardaas, the Sikh community preserves its cultural and spiritual heritage. It ensures that the teachings and values of Sikhism continue to be upheld and transmitted across generations.

 

Contemporary Practices and Adaptations

 

In modern times, Ardaas has adapted to various contexts while retaining its core significance:

 

Virtual and Remote Practices: With the advent of technology, Ardaas can be performed virtually during online services and gatherings. This adaptation allows Sikhs to participate in Ardaas even if they cannot attend a physical Gurdwara.

Integration with Modern Life: Sikhs today integrate Ardaas into their busy lives by setting aside specific times for its recitation. This reflects the adaptability of Sikh practices in maintaining spiritual connection amidst contemporary challenges.

Educational Institutions and Workplaces: Ardaas is sometimes performed in schools and workplaces, especially within Sikh communities, to seek blessings for collective success and harmony in professional and educational settings.

Global Sikh Diaspora: For Sikhs living outside of their traditional homelands, Ardaas serves as a link to their cultural roots. It helps maintain a sense of identity and belonging within the global Sikh diaspora . 

 

Conclusion

 

Ardaas is not just a prayer; it is the spiritual heartbeat of the Sikh community, uniting individuals in faith, gratitude, and humility. It serves as a powerful reminder of the Sikh values of selflessness, resilience, and connection to the divine. By reciting Ardaas, Sikhs worldwide express their collective hopes and acknowledge the sacrifices of their ancestors. This prayer continues to guide and inspire, strengthening the bond between the Sikh community and their spiritual journey.

 

 

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