-|Gur Purab Lai Vadhaiyan - Celebrating Gur Purab|-

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Amaya Rishikesh

@Seraphina231

Rocker

+ 2

Posted: 8 years ago

Sikhism is the religion that questioned from its very core, the inherent falsity of the society and spoke undauntedly of equality among all beings that exist in this world of the Almighty.

No doubt remains when we look to Guru Nanak - the man behind the revolution. He had set up, by his unadulterated dedication and determination, a society apart from the rest based on equality, fraternal love, goodness, and virtue.

Guru Nanak Jayanti, the day of appearance of the Guru, is one of the most important festivals among the adherents of Sikhism.

Guru Nanak was born on April 15, 1469 in Rai-Bhoi-di Talwandi in the present Shekhapura District of Pakistan, now Nankana Sahib.

Celebrations for the day, it being one the most important festival of the Sikh, take place in Sikh communities all over the world.

In first hours of the day devotees take out Prabhat Pheris singing hymns in praise of the Guru, and the Almighty. Akhand Patha or a 48 hours' continuous chanting of the Guru Granth Sahib takes place in all major Gurudwaras.

A procession called Nagarakirtana is led by the Panj Pyaras (Five Beloved Ones). They head the procession carrying the Nishaan Sahib, the religious flag, and a Palki carrying the Guru Granth Sahib. They are followed by singers and brass bands singing various hymns. Gatka teams display their swordsmanship through various martial art displays and mock battles using the traditional weapons.

The Langar, a special community lunch, is arranged at the Gurudwaras by volunteers. The idea behind the free communal lunch is that everyone, irrespective of caste, class or creed, should be offered food in the spirit of service and loyalty to mankind.In some Gurudwaras, around sunset the Rehras or the evening prayers are recited, followed by Kirtana or the singing of hymns.

The congregation begin singing the Gurbani at about 1:20 a.m., which is considered to be the actual time of birth of Guru Nanak.

The thought behind the day, is to thank the Guru for having successfully demonstrated that there can exist a society in the long run which does not have to have monarchs or tyrants to find order in their lives.

Edited by Shrinika13 - 8 years ago

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Frequent Posters

Revelio

@Revelio

Dazzler

+ 4

Posted: 8 years ago

The sacred literature of Sikhism is called Gurbani which means the Guru's word. The message is in the form of songs.

Nitnem is 'daily practice' and is a collaboration of different baani.

The Nitnem baani usually include the Panj bania (5 bani) which are read in the morning between 3:00 am and 6:00 am and Rehras Sahib in the evening at 6 pm and Kirtan Sohila at night before sleeping.

The five morning Baani are - Japji Sahib, Jaap Sahib, Tva Prasad, Kabiobach Benti Chaupai and Anand Sahib.

Evening Baani - Rehiras Sahib is the evening prayer and Kirtan Sohila is the night time prayer said by all Sikhs before they go to sleep.

Is there any point doing Gurbani paaht if I do not understand the meanings?

Sri Guru Arjan Dev Ji Maharaj said;

Pathith paavan har biradh sadhaaeae eik thil nehee bha(n)nai ghaalae

It is the Lord's natural way to purify sinners; He does not overlook even an iota of service.

Whoever daily reads the Guru's hymns shall assuredly obtain peace. Even though he does not fully understand them, Waheguru will undoubtedly assist him.

It is further explained -

Jo saranee aavai sarab sukh paavai thil nehee bha(n)nai ghaaliaa

One who comes to His Sanctuary, finds absolute peace; not even a bit of his work goes unnoticed.

That is, even though you may not understand the meaning, God will accept your prayers. God never in the slightest degree ignores a good act, so how could the daily recitation of our hymns be wasted?

Does it mean that we should not try to understand Gurbani?

baanee biralo beechaarasee jae ko guramukh hoe

Only a rare person contemplates on Gurbani and such a person can do so only if he is a Gurmukh.

Eih baanee mehaa purakh kee nij ghar vaasaa hoe ||40||

This Bani of the Supreme Being; is such that who ever contemplates on it, one dwells within the home of his inner being. The above reference from Gurbani leaves no doubt that an effort should be made to understand Gurbani.

There will always be benefits even if one recites without understanding the meaning. But there will be a greater benefit if one contemplates the advice/meanings of Gurbani and the biggest benefit is following the advice of Gurbani. It is important to make an effort to understand the meanings of Gurbani.

Nanak Nich kahe vichaar,

Waria na jaava ek waar,
Jo tud bhave sai bhali kaar,
Tu sada salamat nirankaar
Gurpurb Dee Lakh Lakh Wadai!

Wahe Guru ji ka Khalsa
Wahe Guru ji ki fateh.

Edited by ..Ramya.. - 8 years ago

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-|Gur Purab Lai Vadhaiyan - Celebrating Gur Purab|-

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