Adi means first, Adi Granth is the name of the first edition of Sri Guru Granth Sahib ji that was compiled by Guru Arjun Dev ji in 1604 (AD).
Ahankar
Hankar. I-am-ness; egohood; Haumai.
Akaal Purkh
It means One who is beyond the limits and influence of time. It is used as a name of God (Waheguru).
Akal
Beyond the limits and influence of time; deathless; immortal.
Akhand Path
An uninterrupted, continuous recitation of the entire Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji performed by a team of readers called the "Pathis". It takes approximately 48 hours.
Amrit
Amrit
Literally, to taste the Amrit, to take the sikh baptism of the double-edged sword (i.e. Khande Bate da Amrit)..After this the initiater is to observe the Rehat Maryada. Any five Singhs can initiate, in the presence of Sri Guru Granth Sahib, the others to the order of the Khalsa.
Amrit Bani
A term applied to the Sikh Scriptures, meaning the words that are as sweet and immortalizing as nectar (Amrit).
Amrit Sanchar
The initiation of a person or persons into the Khalsa Phanth. A Sikh when baptized becomes Khalsa. This is done by the Panj Piaras (the five beloveds, i.e. the five singhs chosen for the purpose), in the presence of Sri Guru Granth Sahib.
Amrit Vela (Ambrosial Hours)
The ambrosial time, the early morning hours before dawn. This is considered an appropriate time for meditation.
Amritdhari
A Sikh who has taken the baptism of the double-edged sword and has been formally initiated into the Khalsa Panth.
Anand
A state of bliss which is beyond description.
Anand Karaj
The Sikh wedding ceremony. This ceremony takes place in the presence of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji. The couple to be married present themselves before Sri Guru Granth Sahib and in the presence of the congregation (Sangat) take four rounds ( Lavan ) around Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji to the accompaniment of the singing of the four stanzas (know as Lavan), composed by Guru Ram Das Ji.
Anand Sahib
A long composition by Sri Guru Amar Das ji, the third Guru Nanak contained in Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji. It is comprised of 40 stanzas. Six stanzas (the first five and last one) of this bani are recited before the congregation .
Antim Ardas
The prayer performed as the last of the funeral rites of the Sikhs.
Anubhav Prakash
The experience of the existence and presence of God, when one is at wish of divine feelings. The enlightened perception of reality which is enjoyed by a person who has become a Gurmukh.
Artha
Literally means Wealth. A Sikh may acquire wealth by honest means, but the acquisition of wealth should not become the sole purpose of his life.
Asa Di Var
Bani which is sung at dawn. It is sung in a special way ( Us Raja Dhun).
Atma
Avtar
Babar Vani
Baisakhi
Baisakhi or Vaisakhi is celebrated every year on April 13th. Guru Amardas Ji had initiated the annual gathering of the Sikhs at Goindwal in 1567 on the occasion of Baisakhi. Guru Gobind Singh Ji founded the Khalsa order on the Baisakhi day in 1699 (the 29th march o f 1699).
Bani
This word is applied to the utterances and writings of the Gurus and the Bhagats which are recorded in Sri Guru Granth Sahib. It is thus, an abbreviated form of Gurbani or Bhagat Bani.
Barahmaha
Barahmah is the name of composition in Sri Granth Sahib which mention the twelve months(indian names) in a calendar year.Some famous Baramaha have been composed byGuru Arjan Dev Ji in Raga Majh and by Guru Nanak Dev Ji in Raga Tukhari.
Benati
An humble prayer or earnest entreaty, an appeal for assistance, a supplication.
Bhagat Bani
The compositions of the Bhagats included by Sri Guru Arjun Dev Ji, in Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji.
Bhog
Conclusion of the reading of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji, generally followed by recitation of Gurbani and always followed by the Ardas. The conclusion of a Sikh congregation.
Bole So Nihal
The first part of the Sikh victory slogan (jaikara) which means `Anyone who speaks will be happy `
Chandoa
The canopy which is hung above Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji.
Chaupada
A poetical composition consisting of four stanzas.
Chaupai
A four line stanza form used by some of the Gurus.
Chaur
Yak hair or Man-made fiber embedded in a metal placed in a wooden handle. It is ceremonially waved over Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji as a symbol of respect.
Chela
A disciple of the Guru.
Chola
Clothing of the Guru Sahiban. Also applied to the coverings of the Nishan Sahib at a Gurudwara and the dress of the Nihangs.
