AMRIT

“I have made this body and mind a sacrifice, a sacrificial offering to the Lord. Dedicating my body and mind, I have crossed over the terrifying world-ocean, and shaken off the fear of death.” (Guru Arjan, Chant, pg. 576)

• This ceremony is called the Amrit ceremony. This is an important event in a Sikh’s life.  This initiation and its successful follow up makes a Sikh a true Sikh. 

• Sikhs undertake the Amrit ceremony when they are ready to do so and understand the commitment that they are making to the religion.

• The ceremony is held in the presence of the Guru Granth Sahib.

• The ceremony is conducted by five amritdharis (baptized) Sikhs, called Panj Pyare, who wear the five Sikh symbols.

• The five Sikhs prepare the Amrit (holy water) in a round iron-vessel containing fresh water and sweets called Patasas.

• They recite the five Banis (Japji Sahib, Jaap Sahib, Ten Swayyas, Chaupai Sahib and Anand Sahib) and stir the water with a double-edged sword, called a Khanda.

• After preparation, the Amrit is drunk by the initiation candidates and then sprinkled on their eyes and face.

• The ceremony concludes with the eating of the ceremonial karah parshad.

This ceremony signifies the Pure (Khalsa) Belong to God and Victory to God. Amrit Ceremony is next followed by an explanation of the code of conduct and discipline required for a Khalsa.

The Khalsa is required to wear the 5K’s and abstain from 1) cutting hair, 2) eating halal meat, 3) cohabiting with a person other than ones spouse and 4) using intoxicants such as tobacco.

Check out the Amrit Sanchar (Baptism) process