January 4, 2024

Sikh personal laws and the concept of Kirtan Sohila in Marriage

This article is written by Tanaya Devadhe, a 3rd year BALLB student from ILS Law College, Pune.

 

Abstract

This essay explores the intricate connection between Sikh personal laws and the profound significance of the Kirtan Sohila hymn in the context of Sikh marriages. Sikhism, a religion founded on principles of equality and devotion, guides its followers through the teachings of the Guru Granth Sahib in matters of marriage and family life. The marriage ceremony, known as Anand Karaj, incorporates spiritual rituals, with Kirtan Sohila holding a special place. This abstract provides a glimpse into how the recitation of Kirtan Sohila serves as a spiritual foundation, fostering reflection, unity, and sanctity in Sikh marriages. The essay delves into the spiritual blessings sought, the contemplative nature of the hymns, and the symbolic role Kirtan Sohila plays as a witness to the sacred vows, ultimately highlighting the holistic and enriching foundation it creates for Sikh couples along with reference to the Code of conduct (Reht Maryada) of the Sikhs for marriages.

 

Keywords: Sikh Marriages, Kirtan Sohila, Anand Karaj, Anand Marriage Act, 1909, Reht Maryada

 

Introduction

​Kirtan Sohila is a set of five hymns composed by Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the founder of Sikhism. The hymns are sung every evening as part of the Sikh religious practice of Nitnem. The five hymns are recited in order, followed by a sixth hymn, Japji Sahib, which is recited before going to bed.

Kirtan Sohila plays an important role in Sikh personal law. The hymns are recited at the time of the Anand Karaj, or Sikh marriage ceremony. During the Anand Karaj, the couple is seated on a mattress in front of the Guru Granth Sahib Ji, the holy book of the Sikhs. The hymns are recited by the five Sikhs who act as witnesses to the marriage.

The first hymn, Mool Mantar, is recited by the head priest. This hymn is a affirmation of Sikh beliefs, and it states that there is only one God, who is eternal and cannot be seen or known. The second hymn, Jaap Sahib, is recited by the second witness. This hymn is a prayer for strength and courage in the face of adversity. The third hymn, Chaupai Sahib, is recited by the third witness. This hymn is a prayer for protection from evil. The fourth hymn, Anand Sahib, is recited by the fourth witness. This hymn is a prayer for happiness and peace. The fifth and final hymn, Rehras Sahib, is recited by the fifth witness. This hymn is a prayer for guidance and salvation.

After the five hymns are recited, the couple exchange marital vows, pledging their love and fidelity to each other. The Anand Karaj is a joyous occasion, and it is said that those who partake in it are blessed with a happy and prosperous life together.

 

Role of the Anand Marriage Act of 1909 in Sikh personal laws

​The Anand Marriage Act of 1909 was an Act of the Parliament of the United Kingdom which legalized Hindu marriages in British India. The Act was passed on 3 July 1909, and came into force on 1 September 1909. The Act does not expressly govern Sikh marriages as much as it provides for registration and legal validity of these marriages. The Anand Marriage Amendment Bill 2012 was enacted by both chambers of the Indian Parliament in 2012. This law legalised Sikh traditional weddings by revising the Anand Marriage Act of 1909 and adding a mechanism for Anand marriage registration. Couples who register their weddings under the updated Anand Marriage Bill would not be required to register their nuptials under any other legislation, according to the amended Anand Marriage Bill.

 

What is Kirtan Sohila?

​Kirtan Sohila is a devotional song composed by Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the founder of the Sikh faith. The song is recited every evening by Sikhs before going to bed. It is also recited during the Amrit Sanchar, a Sikh baptism ceremony.

The word “kirtan” comes from the Sanskrit verb kirt, meaning “to sing.” Sohila means “succor” or “helper.” Together, Kirtan Sohila means “the song that provides succor.”

The five stanzas of Kirtan Sohila provide guidance and comfort for living a good life and staying on the path of righteousness. The first stanza is a prayer for God’s protection during the dark hours of the night. The second stanza is a plea for forgiveness of past sins. The third stanza is a request for strength to resist temptation and do good deeds. The fourth stanza is a prayer for knowledge and wisdom. The fifth stanza is a prayer for the welfare of all beings.

Kirtan Sohila is recited every evening by Sikhs before going to bed. It is also recited during the Amrit Sanchar, a Sikh baptism ceremony. The purpose of reciting Kirtan Sohila is to cleanse the mind and body of worldly concerns and prepare oneself for meditation on the divine name.

Sikhism teaches that reciting and listening to Kirtan Sohila brings peace and contentment to the mind and soul. The practice of reciting Kirtan Sohila is an important part of a Sikh’s daily spiritual routine.

 

The Role of Kirtan Sohila in a Sikh Marriage

​Sikh marriages are a joyous and special occasion, made all the more so by the recitation of Kirtan Sohila. Kirtan Sohila is a set of five hymns that are recited every night before going to bed. The hymns praise Waheguru, the Sikh God, and ask for his protection and guidance.

Kirtan Sohila plays an important role in a Sikh marriage. Not only is it a way to bond with your spouse and create a deeper connection, but it is also a way to connect with Waheguru and ask for his blessings. The hymns are a way to show your devotion to Waheguru and to ask for his guidance as you embark on this new chapter in your life.

Kirtan Sohila is also a reminder of the importance of marriage in Sikhism. The institution of marriage is held in high esteem in Sikhism, and Kirtan Sohila reminds us of that. It is a way to start your married life on the right foot, with the blessings of Waheguru.

 

The Significance of Kirtan Sohila in Sikhism

​Kirtan Sohila is a compilation of five hymns, which are recited every night before going to bed by Sikhs. It is a very important part of the Sikh faith, as it helps to instill religious values and principles in the mind of the individual.

The word ‘kirtan’ means ‘praise’, and ‘sohila’ means ‘night’. Therefore, Kirtan Sohila can be translated as ‘praise of the night’.

This compilation of hymns was compiled by the fifth Sikh Guru, Guru Arjan Dev Ji. He included hymns from his predecessors, Guru Nanak Dev Ji and Guru Amar Das Ji, as well as from his own compositions.

The hymns in Kirtan Sohila praise the Creator, and instill a sense of humility and surrender in the individual. They teach that all beings are equal in the eyes of God, and that we should live our lives accordingly.

Reciting Kirtan Sohila every night before going to bed is a very important part of Sikhism. It helps us to remember our religious values and principles, and ensures that we start our day on the right foot.

 

Differences in Matrimonial Practices

​There are a variety of matrimonial practices around the world. Some cultures place a great deal of importance on arranged marriages, while others allow for more freedom in choosing a partner. Here, we will take a look at some of the key differences in matrimonial practices across cultures.

In some cultures, arranged marriages are the norm. This means that parents or other relatives will choose a partner for their child, often with the help of a matchmaker. The couple may not have met before their wedding day, and they may not have a say in the matter. Arranged marriages are still common in many parts of the world, including parts of Asia, Africa, and the Middle East.

Other cultures, such as those in the West, place more emphasis on love and romance. Couples often choose their own partners, and they may date for a time before getting married. Love marriages are more common in the West, but they are beginning to become more common in other parts of the world as well.

There are also some key differences in the wedding ceremonies themselves. In some cultures, weddings are very elaborate affairs, with hundreds or even thousands of guests. The ceremonies can last for days, and they often involve a lot of traditional rituals and customs. In other cultures, weddings are much more low-key affairs, with only close family and friends in attendance.

 

Impact of Sikh Reht Maryada on Marriage Rituals

​The Sikh Reht Maryada, or the code of Sikh conduct and conventions, is a document that regulates the social, personal and religious lives of Sikhs. It was first codified by the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) in 1930, and amended in 1973. The code of conduct covers a wide range of topics, from personal hygiene to diet, from marriage to funerals.

The Sikh Reht Maryada has had a profound impact on the Sikh marriage ceremony. Prior to the codification of the Reht Maryada, there was no standardized marriage ceremony within the Sikh community. Sikh marriages were conducted according to the regional customs and traditions of the families involved. While some of these customs and traditions are still observed in Sikh marriages today, the Reht Maryada has provided a framework for conducting Sikh marriages that is followed by Sikhs all over the world.

The Sikh marriage ceremony, known as Anand Karaj, is conducted in the presence of the Guru Granth Sahib, the holy book of the Sikhs. The Reht Maryada stipulates that Anand Karaj can only be conducted in a gurdwara, or Sikh place of worship. The four laavan, or wedding hymns, are recited during the ceremony, and the couple takes four rounds around the Guru Granth Sahib while these hymns are recited.

The Anand Karaj is a solemn and sacred occasion, and it is customary for the bride and groom to dress in simple, yet elegant, clothing. The bride usually wears a white salwar kameez, or traditional Indian dress, and the groom wears a sherwani, a traditional Indian coat. The bride and groom exchange flower garlands during the ceremony, and they are also blessed with water from the holy tank of the gurdwara.

After the Anand Karaj ceremony is completed, the couple is proclaimed husband and wife according to Sikh law. They then proceed to the reception, where they are congratulated by their families and friends.

The impact of the Sikh Reht Maryada on marriage rituals has been far-reaching and profound. The Anand Karaj ceremony is a beautiful and sacred occasion that is a cherished part of Sikh weddings all over the world.

 

Eligibility Requirements for Marriage under Sikh Reht Maryada

​The Sikh Reht Maryada, or code of conduct, is a set of guidelines that Sikhs are expected to follow. One of the most important aspects of the Sikh code of conduct is marriage. In order to be eligible for marriage under Sikh law, there are a few requirements that must be met.

First and foremost, both parties must be Sikhs. If either party is not a Sikh, they are not eligible to be married under Sikh law. Additionally, both parties must be of age. The Sikh code of conduct does not specify an exact age, but generally, Sikhs are considered of age when they turn 18.

Another important requirement for marriage under Sikh law is that neither party can be married already. If either party is already married, they are not eligible to be married under Sikh law.

Lastly, both parties must be of sound mind. This means that they must be of mentally and physically sound mind and body. If either party is not of sound mind, they are not eligible to be married under Sikh law.

These are just a few of the requirements that must be met in order to be eligible for marriage under Sikh law. The Sikh code of conduct is a very important part of Sikhism, and marriage is a very important part of the Sikh code of conduct. If you are thinking about getting married, be sure to take the time to learn about the Sikh code of conduct and make sure that you meet all of the requirements.

 

Benefits of Kirtan Sohila in Marital Relationships

​1. Spiritual Blessings:

Kirtan Sohila is recited to seek spiritual blessings and guidance for the newlywed couple. The hymns contained in Kirtan Sohila are rich in wisdom and convey the essence of Sikh philosophy, emphasizing the importance of love, humility, and devotion in marital life. The recitation of Kirtan Sohila serves as a spiritual foundation for the couple as they embark on their journey together.

  1. Reflection and Contemplation:

The verses of Kirtan Sohila encourage reflection and contemplation, allowing the couple to ponder upon the significance of their union. This introspective aspect of the prayer aids in fostering a deeper understanding of the spiritual dimension of marriage, transcending the material aspects.

  1. Unity and Oneness:

Kirtan Sohila reinforces the concept of oneness and unity in Sikh philosophy. The hymns emphasize the idea that, in the eyes of the divine, the individual souls merge into a single, unified consciousness. This notion is particularly relevant to the marital union, emphasizing the unity of the couple as they embark on a shared spiritual journey.

  1. Sanctity of Marriage Vows:

The recitation of Kirtan Sohila during the Anand Karaj ceremony symbolizes the sanctity of the marriage vows. The hymns act as a witness to the promises made by the couple, reinforcing the sacred nature of their commitment.

 

Conclusion:

Sikh personal laws are intricately connected to the teachings of Sikhism, and the incorporation of Kirtan Sohila in the context of marriage adds a profound spiritual dimension to the union. The recitation of Kirtan Sohila serves as a reminder of the core values of Sikhism, guiding the couple on their marital journey with wisdom, reflection, and a sense of divine unity. In essence, Sikh personal laws and the concept of Kirtan Sohila in marriage converge to create a holistic and spiritually enriching foundation for Sikh couples.

 

References

 

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