What Is Amrit Ceremony ?

Amrit ceremony is the Sikh ceremony of initiation or baptism. This practice has been in existence since the times of Guru Nanak Dev Ji (1469 - 1539). During that time-period, this ceremony was known as Charan Amrit or Charan Phul or the Pag Pahul, the words Charan and Pag both signifying the feet of the teacher. During that time-period, the neophytes poured water over Guru's feet to be initiated into the fold. A reference to initiation by Charan Amrit occurs in Bhai Gurdas Ji’s, Varan, born 12 years after the passing of Guru Nanak Dev Ji. The water was poured on Guru's feet and then the devotees would drink it and seek blessings of the Guru. The Guru would guide the Sikhs about the Sikh teachings and instruct them to adopt Sikhi as a way of life .

Khande di Pahul (Amrit ceremony) was initiated in the times of Guru Gobind Rai Ji when Khalsa was inaugurated at Sri Anandpur Sahib on the day of Baisakhi in 1699. Guru Gobind Rai Ji asked a gathering of Sikhs, who was prepared to die for God? At first, the people hesitated, and then one man by the name of Daya Ram stepped forward, who was taken on to the stage and beheaded. After some time, Guru Gobind Rai Ji came forward, with blood dripping from his Kirpan. He asked the same question again, this time a man called Dharam Das came forward. Guru Ji did the same with this man as he did with the 1st. Guru Ji did this another 3 times, each time someone out the sangat came forward, respectively they were: Himmat Rai, Mohkam Chand and Sahib Chand.

Guru Ji then mixed the heads of these men and put them back on different bodies, dressed them all like himself and with the Kirpa of Akhal Purkh, these men were brought back to life. Guru Ji presented them on the stage as the sangat watched in amazement; these five men came to be known as Panj Pyare or the Beloved Five. These five were initiated into the Khalsa by receiving Amrit that Guru Ji himself had made from water, sugar puffs (added by mata sahib kaur), a iron Bata (bowl) and iron Khanda (double edged sword that represents death) and most importantly the 5 Bani’s (Japji Sahib, Jaap Sahib, Tavprasad Saviyas, Chopai Sahib and Anand Sahib (40 verses). These five now became Bhai Daya Singh, Bhai Dharam Singh, Bhai Himmat Singh, Bhai Mukham Singh and Bhai Sahib Singh.

PLEASE NOTE, THERE WILL BE NO ONE LIKE GURU GOBIND SINGH JI AGAIN ON THIS EARTH. WE SHOULD BE PRIVILEGED AND HONORED TO TAKE THAT SAME AMRIT THAT OUR GURU GAVE US AND TOOK HIMSELF.

Khande Di Pahul not only embodies the primary objects of Sikh faith and the promises connected therewith, but also is itself a promise to lead a pure and pious life to unite with Almighty Lord. It is about inward cleansing of the conscience and seeking unity with Supreme Lord through His Grace.

Code of conduct after taking Amrit:

1) Keep uncut hair on all your body.

2) Not to take intoxicants i.e tobacco or alcohol.

3) Not to eat meat, eggs or fish or anything that comes from them i.e. animal gelatin.

4) Not to give into the 5 thieves: Kaam, Karodh, Lobh, Moh, Hankaar (Lust, Anger, Greed, Attachment and Ego).

5) Recite the morning Nitnem (Japji Sahib, Jaap Sahib, Tavprasad Saviyas, Chopai Sahib, Anand Sahib and Ardas) after a full body wash in the early hours of the day.

6) Recite the evening Nitnem (Rehras Sahib and Ardas) after washing the hands, face and feet in the later part of the day (around 6pm).

7) Recite Kirtan Sohila before going to sleep.

8) Perform Seva (any form) and Simran (meditation) in the day when you have free time.

On the day of the Amrit Sanchar, you will need:

1) Your washed hair tied up in a juraa (bun on top of head) with a Kanga in them.

2) A Turban to cover your hair.

3) A Kirpan strapped across your body.

4) A Iron Kara (bangle) on your wrist.

5) A Kashera (special underware)

6) A Bana (optional)