15-04-2006, 10:56 PM
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#10 (permalink)
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| | Re: ~(¨`v´¨)~SpIrItUaL eVoLuTiOn~(¨`v´¨)~
~(¨`v´¨)~
Akhand Path
This is the non-stop cover to cover reading of Sri Guru Granth Sahib which is undertaken to celebrate any joyous occasion or in times of hardship, such as birth, marriage, death, moving into a new house, and Gurpurbs. The non stop reading takes approximately 48 hours and is carried out be family members, or professional readers in the presence of the family. The reading must be clear and correct so that it can be understood by all listeners. After the completion of the reading the Bhog ceremony takes place. A Hukam is taken by randomly turning to any page and reading the hymn on that page. Karah parshad (sacred pudding) is also distributed to all present. This ceremony evolved in the mid 18th century when there were few hand written copies of Sri Guru Granth Sahib. Sikhs were fighting for their lives at this time and hiding in jungles. They would all gather to hear whatever portion of a reading that they could before Sri Guru Granth Sahib would me moved to another location for another audience. Performance of Akhand Path as a blind ritual is highly disrespectful to Sri Guru Granth Sahib and contrary to the teachings of the Gurus. Gurpurbs Important anniversaries associated with the lives of the Gurus are referred to as Gurpurbs. These are usually marked at gurdwaras with Akand Path (continuos cover to cover reading of Sri Guru Granth Sahib) concluding on the specific day. There is also kirtan (musical recitation of hymns from Sri Guru Granth Sahib) as well as katha (lectures on Sikhism). Some places also have nagar kirtan, where there is a procession with Sri Guru Granth Sahib led by 5 Sikhs carrying Nishan Sahibs (the Sikh flag). Free sweets and langar are also offered to the general public outside some gurdwaras. Among the larger Gurpurb celebrations are:
* First installation of Sri Guru Granth Sahib in da Golden Temple by Guru Arjan Dev
*Birth of Guru Nanak (traditionally celebrated in November) *Birth of Guru Gobind Singh *Martyrdom of Guru Arjan Dev *Martyrdom of Guru Tegh Bahadur *Martyrdom of The Sahibzadas (the sons of Guru Gobind Singh) | | |
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