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Significance of the 'Anand Karaj' - Sikh Holy Matrimony
Dya Singh (Australia)
'Dhan pir eh naa aakhian behan ekatthay hoay, Aik jot doay moorti dhan pir kahiay soay' (SGGS)
(They are not said to be wife and husband, who merely sit together. Rather they are called wife and husband who have one soul in two bodies.)
The Sikh marriage rite called 'Anand Karaj' is a sacred ceremony signifying not only the enjoining of a man and woman in holy matrimony, but more significantly the enjoining of the couple in a solemn oath to follow the path to God the Sikh way - the ultimate marriage/union.

In brief, the four 'lavan' (circumambulations) of the Guru Granth Sahib, which is the main part of a Sikh marriage signify, firstly the three elements which go to make up our 'being', namely, the body, mind and spirit. The fourth and final circumambulation celebrates the journey, collectively as a couple, through body, mind and spirit to ultimate union with Waheguru. Hence the significance of the phrase from gurbani - 'Aik jyot doe moorti' - two bodies but one soul. Husband and wife, even though two separate physical bodies, find one soul within themselves to affect ultimate union with God.

First circumambulation - BODY
The first hymn (circumambulation) signifies the physical and materialistic aspects of wedded bliss. Setting up house, as a new 'family unit'. The physical attraction to each other as a couple, which, as one knows, brings forth children into this world but, diminishes with time, as the body ages. Earning a living to enjoy the trappings of materialism. The coming of children and raising them. This circumambulation also signifies the enjoining of the couple, as a female entity, to Waheguru, the male entity, the 'Akaal Purakh'.This is also the start of ones true spiritual journey. This is the reason why there is no religious (dharmic) divorce in Sikhism because it effectually means that you are divorcing yourself from God! The true approach to God is, as a married couple, as a householder, in 'Grahast Marg' (the married path).
The second circumambulation - MIND
The second hymn (circumambulation) signifies the use of ones intellect to set up house. What sort of environment do you want within your home? The discipline to follow the Sikhi path, for example - doing Nitnam as a family. Ensuring that there is a spiritually uplifting environment within the household. So, therefore, the bringing up of ones offsprings, in the Sikhi way. Bringing 'gurbani' into the home. Ideally, 'Babay-dha-Parkash' ( a special room or spot within the home for the Sri Guru Granth Sahib); the daily recitation of Nitnam and 'path'. The hearing of kirtan, and self research into Gurmatt and Sikhi. While both husband and wife (mum and dad) are immersed in this 'hobby', it also leaves a good impression on the children so that they are drawn to the Sikhi way. Therefore, the second circumambulation signifies the 'mental' preparation for the 'Sikhi marg' (Sikh path).
The third circumambulation - SPIRIT/SOUL
The third hymn (circumambulation) is the physical, materialistic and mental 'letting go'. Allowing ones off-springs who are now drawing of age, to make their own decisions; getting married (or maybe not!) and moving on with their lives. Perhaps moving into a smaller home as the children will now start their own lives. The third circumambulation sets the tone for 'detachment' from the physical and materialistic aspects of married life, which is the theme of the first circumambulation, and progressively greater attachment to Waheguru Ji.The hymn describes the joy of enlightenment - the inner awareness. With Guru Ji's grace, the true purpose of life,(the ultimate union with Waheguru,) becomes clear.
The fourth circumambulation - UNION WITH WAHEGURU
'Bheyi prapat manukh dehoria, Gobind milan ki eho teri beria' (Rehraas Sahib). You have attained human form. This is your opportunity to seek union with your creator - Waheguru.

The fourth and final hymn (circumambulation) signifies total detachment from earthly living and union with Waheguru Ji. The bliss of this life is when husband and wife discover one soul within their two physical bodies (aik jote doay moorti ) and find bliss in union with God - the ultimate marriage.


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Dya Singh (Australia)


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