Distinct Sikh Ceremonies and Signs
Beloved Hindu Brother! Above we have gone through 13 different aspects of religious traditions/rules from which we see that Sikhs have a day-and-night difference compared to Hindu’s. Instead of the Sikh faith sharing symbols with the Hindu traditions, they are against them. We do our 4 Sanskaars (1. Birth ceremony, 2. Amrit Ceremony, 3. Anand Karaj/Marriage Ceremony, 4. Final Rites) as per Guru Sahib’s Maryada. The Sanskaar’s have no interference from Hindu traditions. So, let us reflect based on all of these conversations whether it is appropriate to say: ‘Ham Hindu Nahee[n]/We are not Hindu’.
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Hindu: You have forcefully made your own ceremonies. Guru Sahib did not command their Sikhs to not do their ceremonies based on Hindu traditions and have made your own ‘Gur Maryada’. And the ‘Chhanth’, ‘Ghorreeaa[n]’, Laavaan’, among other Gurbani you read during marriages - they are only speaking about spiritual teachings and not for practical worldly settings.
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Sikh: This is your ignorance. Everything that a Sikh does - is based on Guru Sahib’s Hukam. There is nothing man-made. We will show Guru Sahib’s Hukam in terms of the four ceremonies:1) When Guru Amardaas Sahib Ji’s grandson was born then Anand Sahib was recited and that Sikhs were given a command that when a child is born then to read this Gurbani. And so, Sri Guru Arjan Dev Sahib Ji continued this Gur Maryada when Sri Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji were physically born, which can be proved by this Shabad:
ਦਸੀ ਮਾਸੀ ਹੁਕਮਿ ਬਾਲਕ ਜਨਮੁ ਲੀਆ ॥
Dhasee Maasee Hukam[i] Baalak Janam[u] Leeaa
Through Vaheguru Ji’s Hukam, after 10 months within the womb (conception starts from the existence of the egg; since last period before pregnancy) the baby takes birth...
ਮਿਟਿਆ ਸੋਗੁ ਮਹਾ ਅਨੰਦੁ ਥੀਆ ॥
Mitiaa Sog[u] Mahaa Ana[n]dh[u] Thheeaa
Suffering ends and supreme bliss come to be...
ਗੁਰਬਾਣੀ ਸਖੀ ਅਨੰਦੁ ਗਾਵੈ ॥
GurBaaNee Sakhee Ana[n]dh[u] Gaavai
Oh Friend, Gurbani is sung blissfully...
ਸਾਚੇ ਸਾਹਿਬ ਕੈ ਮਨਿ ਭਾਵੈ ॥੨॥
Saachae Saahib Kai Man[i] Bhaavai
This pleases the True Master
ਵਧੀ ਵੇਲਿ ਬਹੁ ਪੀੜੀ ਚਾਲੀ ॥
Vadhhee Vael[i] Bah[u] Peerree Chaalee
The vine grows longer and the lineage continues...
ਧਰਮ ਕਲਾ ਹਰਿ ਬੰਧਿ ਬਹਾਲੀ ॥
Dhharam Kalaa Har[i] Ba[n]dhh[i] Bahaalee
We are bound to The Power of Vaheguru Ji’s Divine Laws
(Dhan Dhan Sri Guru Arjan Dev Sahib Ji in Raag Aasaa, Ang 396)
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And in your traditions, people are given Gaumutra (cow urine) and Panch-Gavya (cow dung, milk, ghee, curd, and urine mixed) for purity. We can make a comparison to how Sikhs see cow urine and dung. Karraah Prasaadh cannot be prepared in a place which has a cow dung boundary made around it. And this is not just a modern phenomenon but from the times of our Guru Sahib’s[, we can understand that we are distinct and different] (See proof of this in 8 contexts)
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1) During the time of the first 9 Guru’s, Charan-Amrit (practice where the Sikhs drank the water which was washed from the feet of Guru Sahib) was given to the Sikhs (which challenged the ceremony of wearing a Janeyoo). This ceremony is against your traditions because all four varna’s drink the Charan-Amrit equally. Which Bhai Gurdaas Ji share a bachan:
ਚਰਨ ਧੋਇ ਰਹਰਾਸਿ ਕਰਿ ਚਰਣਾਮ੍ਰਿਤੁ ਸਿਖਾਂ ਪੀਲਾਇਆ ।...
Charan Dhho-i Rah-raas[i] Kar[i] CharNaaamrith[u] Sikhaa[n] Peelaa-iaa...
Washing Guru Sahib’s Lotus Feet and recite Rehraas Sahib,The Sikhs were made to drink Guru Sahib’s Charan Amrit
ਚਾਰੇ ਪੈਰ ਧਰਮ ਦੇ ਚਾਰਿ ਵਰਨ ਇਕ ਵਰਨੁ ਕਰਾਇਆ।....॥੨੩॥
Chaarae Pair Dhharam Dhae, Chaar[i] Varan Ik Varan[u] Karaa-iaa
All Four Legs of Dharam are kept stable as all four Varna’s have been made into (First Vaar)
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We don’t accept that Guru Sahib has any castes but your thinking says that Guru Sahib were [limited to] a Chhathree (Khatri). According to your Dharam Shaastra’s, a Brahmin never drinks Charan-Amrit and in order to change this and take out the ego of the Brahmin, this was created. Then this Charan-Amrit ceremony turned in to the ‘Khanday-Dhae-Amrit’ (Amrit of the Double Edged Sword) and what Guru Sahib taught us during the Amrit Sanchaar, we can clearly understand that the Sikh community is a different community.
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2) The custom of the Anand Karaj existed from Sri Guru Raam-daas Sahib Ji. Guru Sahib recited Chhandh, Ghorreaan, Laavan Gurbani for this purpose. The delusion you have where this Gurbani is only spiritual. This statement is not correct. Gurbani mentions both spiritual and worldly (enjoyment, liberation) teachings. And the following Shabads tell us that these Shabads were made for the purpose of the Anand [Kaaraj] ceremony, as per:
ਹਮ ਘਰਿ ਸਾਜਨ ਆਏ ॥
Ham Ghar[i] Saajan Aa-ae
Our Beloved has come to our Home...
ਸਾਚੇ ਮੇਲਿ ਮਿਲਾਏ ॥
Saachai Mael[i] Milaa-ae
The True Union and Meeting...
(Dhan Dhan Sri Guru Nanak Dev Sahib Ji in Raag Soohee, Ang 764)
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ਸਾਹਾ ਗਣਹਿ ਨ ਕਰਹਿ ਬੀਚਾਰੁ ॥
Saahaa GaNah[i] na Karah[i] Beechaar[u]
You count the days but don’t reflect...
(Dhan Dhan Sri Guru Nanak Dev Sahib Ji in Raag Raam-kalee, Ang 904)
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ਧਨ ਪਿਰੁ ਏਹਿ ਨ ਆਖੀਅਨਿ ਬਹਨਿ ਇਕਠੇ ਹੋਇ॥
Dhhan Pir[u] Ae-h[i] na Aakheean[i] Bahan[i] Ikattae Ho-i
Don’t refer to them as wife and husband who sit together...
ਏਕ ਜੋਤਿ ਦੁਇ ਮੂਰਤੀ ਧਨ ਪਿਰੁ ਕਹੀਐ ਸੋਇ ॥
Aek Joth[i] Dhu-i Moorthee Dhhan Pir[u] Kaheeai So-i
They are One Light in two forms/bodies; refer to them as wife and husband...(Dhan Dhan Sri Guru Amar-daas Ji in Soohee Kee Vaar, Ang 788)
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ਹੋਰਿ ਮਨਮੁਖਿ ਦਾਜੁ ਜਿ ਰਖਿ ਦਿਖਾਲਹਿ,
Hor[i] Man-mukh[i] Dhaaj[u] Ji Rakh[i] Dhikhaalah[i]
Any other self-willed dowry is kept and shown...
ਸੋ ਕੂੜੁ ਅਹੰਕਾਰੁ ਕਚੁ ਪਾਜੋ ॥
So Koorr[u] Aha[n]kaar[u] Kach[u] Paajo
It is really false, egotistic, and spiritually raw(Dhan Dhan Sri Guru Raam-daas Sahib Ji in Siree Raag, Ang 79)
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ਕਹੁ ਨਾਨਕ ਮੈ ਵਰੁ ਘਰਿ ਪਾਇਆ ਮੇਰੇ ਲਾਥੇ ਜੀ ਸਗਲ ਵਿਸੂਰੇ ॥
Kah[u] naanak Mai Var[u] Ghar[i] Paa-iaa Maerae Laathhae Jee Sagal Visoorae
Guru Sahib: I have found wedding in my house,All of my suffering has been lifted...
(Dhan Dhan Sri Guru Arjan Dev Sahib Ji in Raag Vad-Hans, Ang 577)
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And for proof of the Anand Kaaraj ceremony, see Gur Prathaap Sooraj Prakaash’s 3rd Raas, 38th Adhiyaye. It describes Sri Guru Gobind Singh Sahib Ji having a Sikh’s daughter married to Kaahn Singh. At this marriage, the Laavan Sahib Gurbani was recited. And, the Leader of the Panj Pyaare - Bhai Daya Singh Ji - write the following in their Rehitnaamay:Not to start a family without the Anand Kaaraj
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3) The Departure Ceremony (Death rites) etc. is separate from Hindu’s, from which we can see the proof:
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a) Sri Guru Nanak Dev Sahib Ji command us to recite the following Shabad as part of a Sikh’s final rites:ਧੰਨੁ ਸਿਰੰਦਾ ਸਚਾ ਪਾਤਿਸਾਹੁ ਜਿਨਿ ਜਗੁ ਧੰਧੈ ਲਾਇਆ ॥ Dhha[n]n[u] Sira[n]dhaa Sachaa Paathishaah[u] Jin[i] Jag[u] Dhha[n]dhhai Laa-iaa
Blessed are the Designer-Vaheguru Ji, the True Emperor -
Who has caused everyone to be entangled with the world...
ਮੁਹਲਤਿ ਪੁਨੀ ਪਾਈ ਭਰੀ ਜਾਨੀਅੜਾ ਘਤਿ ਚਲਾਇਆ ॥
Muhalath[i] Punee Paaee Bharee Jaaneearraa Ghath[i] Chalaa-iaa...
When our time is up and we’ve filled up our time in this world;
Then the soul is taken and goes [to the afterlife]...
ਸਾਹਿਬ ਸਿਮਰਹੁ ਮੇਰੇ ਭਾਈਹੋ ਸਭਨਾ ਏਹੁ ਪਇਆਣਾ ॥
Saahib[u] Simrah[u] Maerae Bhaaee-ho Sabhnaa Aeh[u] Pa-iaaNaa
Oh my brothers, Remember the Master-Vaheguru Ji! Everyone has to go through this [physical death]
ਏਥੈ ਧੰਧਾ ਕੂੜਾ ਚਾਰਿ ਦਿਹਾ ਆਗੈ ਸਰਪਰ ਜਾਣਾ ॥
Aethhai Dhha[n]dhhaa Koorraa Chaar[i] Dhihaa Aagai Sarpar JaaNaa...
Here is only the false things which last for four days, we have to surely move on from here...
ਰੋਵਣੁ ਸਗਲ ਬਿਕਾਰੋ ਗਾਫਲੁ ਸੰਸਾਰੋ ਮਾਇਆ ਕਾਰਣਿ ਰੋਵੇ ॥
RovaN[u] Sagal Bikaaro Gaaphal[u] Sa[n]saaro Maa-iaa KaaraN[i] Rovai
It’s pointless to cry; the careless world cries for the sake of Maya...
ਚੰਗਾ ਮੰਦਾ ਕਿਛੁ ਸੂਝੈ ਨਾਹੀ ਇਹੁ ਤਨੁ ਏਵੈ ਖੋਵੈ ॥
Cha[n]gaa Ma[n]dhaa Kichh[u] Soojhai naahee Ih[u] Than[u] Aevai Khovai
No one realizes what is good and bad; they lose this human body..
ਐਥੈ ਆਇਆ ਸਭੁ ਕੋ ਜਾਸੀ ਕੂੜਿ ਕਰਹੁ ਅਹੰਕਾਰੋ ॥
Aithhai Aa-iaa Sabh[u] Ko Jaasee Koorr[i] Karah[u] Aha[n]kaaro
Whoever comes here will indeed have to go,It is pointless to have ego
ਨਾਨਕ ਰੁੰਨਾ ਬਾਬਾ ਜਾਣੀਐ ਜੇ ਰੋਵੇ ਲਾਇ ਪਿਆਰੋ ॥
naanak ru[n]naa Baabaa JaaNee-ai Jae Rovai Laa-i Piaaro
Guru Sahib: Appropriate crying is if someone cries for Their Beloved...
(Dhan Dhan Sri Guru Nanak Dev Sahib Ji in AlaahNeeaa, Ang 578)
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b) Sri Guru Nanak Dev Sahib Ji distributed Karraa Prashaad after completing Bhai Mardaanaa Ji’s Final Rites (refer to the Janam Sakhi’s)
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c) In Bhagat Rathnaavalee, Bhai Mani Singh Ji write that the Hindu’s (Brahmins, etc) used to rationalize with the Sikhs by saying:‘You [Sikhs] do ardaas and eat Karraa Prashaad instead of the final rites [that Hindu’s conduct]...’(From the Sakhi about Dhesi and Jodhh)
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d) Bhai Chaupaa Singh write the following in their Rahith-naamay:‘When a [Sikh]’s body ends then sing Kirtan, along with distributing Prashaadh...’
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e) In the 5th Adhiyaye of Gur[u] Sobha, there is a bachan shared:
ਭੱਦਨ ਤਯਾਗ ਕਰੋ, ਹੇ ਭਾਈ ।
Bhadhan Thyaag Karo, Hae Bhaaee
Do not sacrifice/make offerings, Oh Brothers!
ਸਭ ਸਿੱਖਨ ਯਹਿ ਬਾਤ ਸੁਨਾਈ ॥੨੧॥੧੩੭॥...
Sabh Sikhan Yah[i] Baath Sunaaee
All of the Sikhs were made to hear this...
ਸੰਗਤ ਭੱਦਨ ਮਤ ਕਰੋ, ਛੁਰਾ ਨ ਲਗਾਓ ਸੀਸ ।
Sa[n]gath Bhadhan Math Karo, Chhuraa na Lagaa-O Sees
The Sangat should not make any ritual offerings/sacrifice nor bring a blade to your head [to shave head]
ਮਾਤ ਪਿਤਾ ਕੋਊ ਮਰੇ ਸਤਗੁਰ ਕਰੀ ਹਦੀਸ ॥੨੪॥੧੪੦॥
Maath Pithaa Ko-oo Marae, Sath-Gur Karee Hadhees
If a mother or father (parent) dies then follow the tradition of our True Guru Sahib
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From all of this evidence, you can see that the ceremonies as carried out by Sikhs today are not made-up or man-made but in fact, are followed from the beginning of the time of the Guru’s and from Guru Sahib’s Hukam.
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Hindu: We can agree that ceremonies are done as per Guru Sahib’s Hukam and different/distinct from the Hindu traditions but the Kaes, Kachh, etc - the symbols of your faith... these were prescribed by Guru Gobind Singh Sahib for a special time when a war was occurring. They did not aim to have Sikhs keep these for the rest of time and the first 9 Guru’s did not keep their Kesh/Kes (Kaes).
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Sikh: How do you get to know the aims of Guru Sahib? Do you think they did not keep Kes, Kirpaan, Kachh, etc. during times of peace? What pieces of evidence do you have in regards to this topic? If we listen to what you say and suggest that Guru Sahib only kept the 5K’s for the time of war then what makes you think that there can’t be a chance of war soon? Look! No one could have dreamed about the great wars of Europe and then it happened suddenly [TN: This was written before World War I and World War 2. So this likely referred to the series of wars in Europe in the second half of the 1800s: Crimean war, Italian Wars of Independence, Austro-Prussian war, Franco-Prussian war, Russo-Turkish war]. My beloved Hindu brother! Even now, there are more than 100,000 of Khalsa Sikhs protecting the country serving as soldiers. They are all Amritdhari as per the Khalsa Dharam’s rules and regulations. They know war strategy and wield swords as well. They are great warriors! And it is false to say that the first 9 Guru Sahib’s did not keep their Kesh. All of our 10 Guru’s kept Their Kesh, none of them ever cut their hair. Look! Gurbani proves this about the Kesh here:
ਕੇਸਾ ਕਾ ਕਰਿ ਬੀਜਨਾ ਸੰਤ ਚਉਰੁ ਢੁਲਾਵਉ ॥
Kaesaa Kaa Kar[i] Beejnaa Sa[n]th Cho[u]r[u] Dtulaavou[u]
I make my hair into a fan and wave it over the saints...
(Dhan Dhan Sri Guru Arjan Dev Sahib Ji in Raag Soohee, Ang 745)
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ਕੇਸਾ ਕਾ ਕਰਿ ਚਵਰੁ ਢੁਲਾਵਾ ਚਰਣ ਧੂੜਿ ਮੁਖਿ ਲਾਈ ॥
Kaesaa Kaa Kar[i] Chavar[u] Dtulaavaa CharaN Dhhoorr[i] Mukh[i] Laaee
Make Your Hair into a Chaur Sahib (Fly-Whisk) and wave it over the Guru’s Servants...Then put the Dust of the Feet [of the GurSikhs) on your face...
(Dhan Dhan Sri Guru Arjan Dev Sahib Ji in Raag Soohee, Ang 749)
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ਟਹਲ ਕਰਉ ਤੇਰੇ ਦਾਸ ਕੀ ਪਗ ਝਾਰਉ ਬਾਲ ॥
Tahal Karo[u] Thaerae Dhaas Kee Pag Jhaaro[u] Baal
Do seva by dust the Feet of Your Servant with my hair...
(Dhan Dhan Sri Guru Arjan Dev Sahib Ji in Raag Bilaaval[u], Ang 810)
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ਕੇਸ ਸੰਗਿ ਦਾਸ ਪਗ ਝਾਰਉ ਇਹੈ ਮਨੋਰਥ ਮੋਰ ॥
Kaes Sa[n]g[i] Dhaas Pag Jhaaro[u] Ihai Manorathh Mor
With my hair I wash the feet of Your Slave, this is my purpose...
(Dhan Dhan Sri Guru Arjan Dev Sahib Ji in Raag Goojaree, Ang 500)
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ਹਰਿ ਹਰਿ ਨਾਮੁ ਦ੍ਰਿੜਾਇਓ ਗੁਰਿ ਮੀਠਾ ਗੁਰ ਪਗ ਝਾਰਹ ਹਮ ਬਾਲ ॥
Har[i] Har[i] naam[u] Dhrirraa-iO Gur[i] Meettaa Gur Pag Jhaarah Ham Baal
Engrain Vaheguru Ji’s Name within, I dust the Feet of my Sweet Guru with my hair...(Dhan Dhan Sri Guru Raam-daas Sahib Ji in Raag Prabhaathee, Ang 1335)
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My respected Hindu brother! Can the Bodhi (Brahmin’s bald head with just one tuft of hair) do the role of the Chaur (Fly-whisk) or a Fan? And You don’t have any such evidence that can prove that Sikh Guru’s did not keep their Kesh.
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