"pritham bhagautee simar kai, Gur Nanak laee dhiaa-e phir Angad gur tay Amardaas, Raamdaasai hoee sahaee"

 

Situated 4000 mt above sea level, Sri Hemkunt Sahib is considered as one of the most holy pilgrimage shrines for Sikhs. Covered with snow capped mountains, the Sapt-Sring, seven hills that surround the holy shrine and lake provides a mesmerizing environment.

 

With the lake’s shores covered with snow most of the year, during spring time when snows melts, the mythical Brahma Kamal blooms amidst the rocks. As one of sikkhism’s most important shrines, this holy site is considered a pilgrimage as it is associated with tenth guru of Sikhs, Guru Gobind Singh and is the best place to perform Sahaj Paath Bhog Ceremony/Ardas, a formal prayer from the side of a family for the good health & well being of the family and before embarking on important journeys.

 

"maran likhaa-ay aa-ay nahee rahnaa"…Death is pre-ordained - no one who comes can remain here.

 

SGGS Page 153, Line 15

 

Ardas -

 

Ardās means a request, a prayer, petition to the superior authority to support and help the devotee and ask for continued blessings.

 

"Waheguru please bless me in the task that I am about to undertake"

 

It is performed after reciting daily Banis (prayers) and after completion of services like the Paath, kirtan (hymn-singing) program or any other religious program. As a petition to God, the merciful creator of the universe, the main benefits of Ardas are: 

• It helps in lowering ego and bringing calmness to a person's mental state
• It teaches values of humility, compassion, fearlessness
• It provides inner strength and energy
• It elevates spiritual state and builds confidence

As one of most universal prayers in Sikh religion, Ardas maintains uniqueness because other than reading or reciting Guru’s prayers, it is an example of mortal offering up his/her own prayer to Waheguru asking for forgiveness and guidance.

 

THREE STAGES OF ARDAS/PRAYER:

 

 

The First Section of Ardas/Prayer -

 

ਅਰਦਾਸ: ੴ ਵਾਹਿਗੁਰੂ ਜੀ ਕੀ ਫਤਹਿ ॥ ਸ੍ਰੀ ਭਗੌਤੀ ਜੀ ਸਹਾਇ ॥ ਵਾਰ ਸ੍ਰੀ ਭਗੌਤੀ ਜੀ ਕੀ ਪਾਤਸ਼ਾਹੀ ੧੦॥

Ardaas, Ekh-oonkaar Vaaheguroo jee kee Fat'eh. Sree Bhagautee jee Sahaa-e; vaar Sree Bhagautee jee kee Paat'shaahee D'assveen

The recitation of ardas commences with opening stanza of the Var Sri Bhagauti Ji written by Guru Gobind Singh Ji

The Second Section of Ardas/Prayer -

 

The second portion of Ardas discusses  sacrifices made by various Sikhs throughout history. 

The Third Section of Ardas/Prayer -

It specifies – 

• Basic purpose of reciting Ardas
• Asking for forgiveness for any mistakes made during recitation of any and all prayers