Preserving the Sanctity of Amrit Sanchaar: Traditional Practices vs. Modern Changes

January 25, 20250 Comments

Preserving the Sanctity of Amrit Sanchaar: Traditional Practices vs. Modern Changes

The Amrit Sanchaar ceremony is one of the most important ceremonies in Sikhi, marking the spiritual rebirth of individuals into the Khalsa Panth. Over time, however, some changes have been made to how this sacred ritual is performed, moving away from the original practices passed down by the Gurus. This article looks at the differences between the traditional ways of conducting Amrit Sanchaar and the modern changes.

ਪ੍ਰਥਮ ਰਹਿਤ ਯਹਿ ਜਾਨ ਖੰਡੇ ਕੀ ਪਾਹੁਲ ਛਕੇ ॥ ਸੋਈ ਸਿੰਘ ਪ੍ਰਧਾਨ ਅਵਰ ਨ ਪਾਹੁਲ ਜੋ ਲਏ ॥
To drink the Ambrosial Nectar of the Khanda (Amrit) is the primary instruction for the Sikh. He who abandons all other initiations is truly a great Sikh.
(Rehatnama Bhai Desa Singh)

ਪੀਵਹੁ ਪਾਹੁਲ ਖੰਡਧਾਰ ਹੁਇ ਜਨਮੁ ਸੁਹੇਲਾ॥
Drink the Amrit nectar of double edged Khanda sword, accomplish the worth of your birth.
(Bhai Gurdas Singh Vaaran)

1. Lareevaar vs. Pad-Chhed

Historical Gur Maryada: Parkaash of Lareevaar Saroop (i.e., the original form of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji, which is written with joined-up, continuous words in accordance with what has been passed down by our Gurus).

Changed/Modified Maryada: Parkaash of Pad-Chhed Saroop (i.e., the changed format of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji that became prevalent in the late 1950s, in which the words were broken up according to personal interpretation for convenience).

Larivaar represents the original and unaltered form of Gurbani as it was written by Guru Sahib. The original Bir of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji, which Guru Gobind Singh Ji endowed with Gurta-gaddi in 1708, is written in Larivaar.

2. Sarbloh Rehat and Modern Changes

Historical Gur Maryada: Baataa (bowl), Khanda (double-edged sword), and all utensils used for Amrit Sanchaar are made of Sarbloh (pure iron).

Changed/Modified Maryada: Stainless steel and other materials used for the Baataa (bowl), Khanda (double-edged sword), and other utensils used for the Amrit Sanchaar.

Reference: ਪਾਤ੍ਰ ਸਰਬ ਸੁ ਲੋਹ ਕੇ, ਭੁਗਤੇ ਅਸਨ ਸੁਆਦਿ… ਲੋਹ ਪਾਤ੍ਰ ਮੈਂ ਛਕੈ…
Using utensils of sarbloh, one eats tasty food…one should eat in sarbloh utensils.
(Rehitnama Bhai Daya Singh)

3. Traditional Pataasey vs. Commercial Practices

Historical Gur Maryada: Homemade Pataasey (sugar wafers) made in Sarbloh (pure-iron) utensils by a Rehatvaan (disciplined) Amritdhari Gursikh are used for the Amrit Sanchaar.

Changed/Modified Maryada: Pataasey (sugar wafers) bought from a shop where possible smokers, drinkers, etc., have handled them, are used for Amrit Sanchaar.

Reference: ਗੁਰੂ ਕਾ ਸਿਖ, ਸਰਦਾਰ ਹੋਵੈ, ਸ਼ਾਹੂਕਾਰ ਹੋਵੈ, ਮੁਸੱਦੀ ਹੋਵੈ, ਆਪਣੇ ਲੰਗਰ ਰਸੋਈ ਵਿਚ ਸਿਖ ਰਖੇ ॥ ਹੁਕਈ, ਟੋਪੀਆ, ਭਾਦਣੀ, ਚੋਰ, ਯਾਰ, ਜੂਏਬਾਜ਼, ਕੁਰਹਿਤੀਆ ਨਾ ਰਖੈ ॥
A Sikh of the Guru, whether they are a chief, merchant, or an administrator, they should keep only a Sikh in their Langar and kitchen. Smokers, hat-wearers, shaven people, thieves, those who engage in wrong relationships, gamblers, and those who have committed a ‘Kurehat (transgression in Rehat) should not be kept [to work in the Langar or kitchen].
(Rehatnama: Bhai Chaupa Singh Ji)

ਕੁੜੀਮਾਰ ਮਸੰਦ ਜੋ ਮੀਣੇ ਕਾ ਪ੍ਰਸਾਦਿ ਲਏ ਜੁ ਇਨ ਕੇ ਹਾਥ ਕਾ ਜਨਮ ਗਵਾਵਹਿ ਬਾਦ॥੨੦॥
Do not eat food made by those who are excommunicated from the Panth. The life of those who take from their hands will go avail.
(Rehatnama Bhai Desa Singh)

4. Discernment vs. Relaxed Standards

Historical Gur Maryada: Amrit is given to candidates who after being questioned by the Panj Pyaare and deemed suitable to receive Amrit.

Changed/Modified Maryada: Amrit is given without questioning or checking Kakkaars.

Reference: ਸਤਿਗੁਰ ਆਗੈ ਸੀਸੁ ਭੇਟ ਦੇਉ ਜੇ ਸਤਿਗੁਰ ਸਾਚੇ ਭਾਵੈ ॥
I place my head in offering before the True Guru, if it truly pleases the True Guru.
(Guru Granth Sahib, Ang: 1113)

5. Equality vs. Restrictions

Historical Gur Maryada:Khande-Di-Pahul (the Amrit of the double-edged sword) is accessible to all individuals, regardless of gender, caste, color, or creed.

Changed/Modified Maryada: Certain Amrit Sanchars bar women from receiving Khande-Di-Pahul and instead give them Kirpan Amrit. Other Amrit Sanchars do not give full Amrit or Khande-Di-Pahul to certain castes.

Reference: ਜੋ ਸਿਖ, ਸਿਖਣੀ ਨੂੰ ਖੰਡੇ ਦੀ ਪਾਹੁਲ ਨਾ ਦੇਵੇ, ਸੋ ਤਨਖਾਹੀਆ ।
One who does not give Khande-Di- Pahul (Amrit) to women is liable for a religious penalty.
(Tankhahnama Bhai Chaupa Singh)

6. Panj Pyaare Tradition vs. Modified Practice

Historical Gur Maryada: Panj Pyaare (i.e. all of the Five Beloved Ones) gives Amrit to the Amrit candidates, i.e. each candidate receives Amrit from the hands of each of the Pyare.

Changed/Modified Maryada: Ek Pyara (i.e. only one of the Five Beloved Ones) gives Amrit to the Amrit candidate.

Reference: ਪਾਂਚ ਸਿੰਘ ਅੰਮ੍ਰਿਤ ਜੋ ਦੇਵੈਂ ਤਾਂ ਕੋ ਸਿਰ ਧਰ ਛਕ ਪੁਨ ਲੇਵੈ ।
Give your head and take the Amrit that is given by the Five Singhs.
(Rehatnama Bhai Desa Singh – p. 128)

ਇਕੁ ਸਿਖੁ ਦੁਇ ਸਾਧ ਸੰਗੁ ਪੰਜੀਂ ਪਰਮੇਸਰੁ।
One is a Sikh, two make congregation, and in five resides God.
(Bhai Gurdas Ji – Vaar 13, Pauri 19)

7. Traditional Kakkaars vs. Modified Practices

Historical Gur Maryada: The Kakkaars worn are:
1. Sarbloh bladed Kirpan held in a Gatra, which is usable and practical in size.
2. White Kachhera with a Nala (cord string).
3. Kangha is made of wood and kept in the hair on the top of the head. It is usable and practical in size.
4. Kara is made of Sarbloh and has no dents or patterns.
5. Double dastaar is worn.

Changed/Modified Maryada: The Kakkaars worn include:
1. Kirpan is made of stainless steel or a miniature size worn around the neck.
2. Different colour Kachheras, and Kachheras with elastic.
3. Kangha is made of plastic and miniature Kangha is worn around the neck which is not usable.
4. Kara is made of stainless steel and Kara has dents or patterns.
5. Wearing a single Dastaar or no Dastaar. Also wearing a Bandana or hair in a ponytail.

Reference: ਕੱਛ, ਕੜਾ, ਕਿ੍ਰਪਾਨ, ਕੰਘਾ, ਕੇਸਕੀ, ਇਹ ਪੰਜ ਕਕਾਰ ਰਹਿਤ ਧਰੇ ਸਿਖ ਸੋਇ ॥
Kachhera, Karha, Kirpan, Kangha, Keski – Whoever keeps the discipline of wearing these 5Ks will be known as my Sikh.
(Bhai Chaupa Singh Rehatnama)

35. ਦਸਤਾਰ ਬਿਨਾਂ ਨਹੀਂ ਰਿਹਣਾ, ਕੇਸ ਨੰਗੇ ਨਹੀਂ ਰੱਖਣੇ ॥
Do not stay without a turban, do not keep your hair uncovered.
(Guru Gobind Singh Ji – 52 Hukams)

8. Amrit Sanchaar Dress Code: Tradition vs. Modern Practices

Historical Gur Maryada: Dress code for Amrit Sanchaar for both Panj Pyaare and candidates:
1. Singhs don’t wear pajamas or trousers.
2. Singhs wear long Kurta/Chola.
3. Both men and women wear simple clothes.
4. Gatra Kirpan worn on top.
5. No jewellery or make-up.

Changed/Modified Maryada: Dress code for Amrit Sanchaar for both Panj Pyaare and candidates:
1. Panj Pyaare/ male candidates wear pajamas /trousers, or shorts over Kachera.
2. Male candidates wear a shirt or T-shirt.
3. Flashy, glittery, and fancy clothes are worn which are distracting to the eye.
4. Gatra Kirpan worn underneath clothes (non-visible).
5. No compulsion to remove jewelry or make-up (lipstick, nail polish etc).

Reference: ਸੁਰਮਾਦਿਕ ਸ਼ਿੰਗਾਰ ਨਹਿਂ ਨਹੀਂ ਪਰ ਤਰੁਨੀ ਸੰਗਿ।
Do not wear make-up or jewellery. Do not commit adultery.
(Rehatnama Bhai Daya Singh)

ਬਾਬਾ ਹੋਰੁ ਪੈਨਣੁ ਖੁਸੀ ਖੁਆਰੁ ॥
ਜਿਤੁ ਪੈਧੈ ਤਨੁ ਪੀੜੀਐ ਮਨ ਮਹਿ ਚਲਹਿ ਵਿਕਾਰ ॥੧॥ ਰਹਾਉ॥
O Baba, the pleasures of other clothes is false; wearing which is unhealthy for the body and corrupts the mind with vices.
(Siree Raag M:1, 16)

9. Private Amrit Sanchaar vs. Public Broadcasting

Historical Gur Maryada: Amrit Sanchaar is conducted privately, away from public view, and guarded by a Pehradar or guard to ensure that no unwarranted person enters the area.

Changed/Modified Maryada: Amrit Sanchaar is broadcast on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, etc. Photos or videos are taken while the Amrit Sanchaar is taking place.

When Guru Gobind Singh Ji blessed the Panj Pyare with Amrit in 1699, the ceremony took place inside a tent. If Guru Ji had wished, he could have conducted it in the open. The choice of a tent was deliberate, signifying that the creation of the Khalsa was a deeply spiritual and sacred event, not meant for public spectacle.

10. Karah Parshad: Traditional Preparation vs. Modified Practices

Historical Gur Maryada: Karah Parshad for Amrit Sanchaar:
1. Fresh Parshad is made for Amrit Sanchaar.
2. The person making it should be a Rehatvan (disciplined) Gursikh who is vetted and given permission by the Panj Pyare.
3. The Parshad is prepared, stored, and served in Sarbloh (pure iron) utensils.
4. The Parshad is strictly made of whole wheat flour and natural ingredients.

Changed/Modified Maryada: Karah Parshad for Amrit Sanchaar:
1. Parshad made earlier in the day is used for Amrit Sanchaar, i.e., not fresh.
2. The Parshad is made by anyone without strict criteria.
3. The Parshad is prepared in aluminum or steel and then stored and served in steel or aluminum.
4. The Parshad is made of suji (semolina), salted butter, etc.

Reference: ਕੜਾਹ ਕਰਨ ਕੀ ਬਿਧਿ ਸੁਨ ਲੀਜੈ ਤੀਨ ਭਾਗ ਕੋ ਸਮਸਰ ਕੀਜੈ ॥ ਲੇਪਨ ਆਗੈ ਬਹੁਕਰ ਦੀਜੈ ਮਾਂਜਨ ਕਰ ਭਾਂਜਨ ਧੋਵੀਜੈ ॥ ਕਰ ਇਸਨਾਨ ਪਵਿਤ੍ਰ ਹੈ ਬਹੈ ਵਾਹਿਗੁਰੂ ਬਿਨ ਅਵਰ ਨ ਕਹੈ ॥ ਕਰ ਤਿਆਗ ਚੌਕੀ ਪਰ ਧਰੈ ਚਾਰ ਓਰ ਕੀਰਤਨ ਬਹਿ ਕਰੈ ॥
Listen to the method of making Krah Parshaad. Take three equal quantities of sugar, butter and flour. Clean the utensils and bowl. Take a cleansing bath, repeat ‘Vaheguru’ while preparing. Stay focused while making the Parshaad and sing the Guru’s Hymns.
(Rehatnama Bhai Nand Laal)

ਜੋ ਪ੍ਰਸਾਦ ਕੋ ਬਾਂਟ ਹੈ, ਮਨ ਮਹਿ ਧਾਰਹਿ ਲੋਭ । ਕਿਸੈ ਥੋੜਾ ਕਿਸੇ ਅਗਲਾ, ਸਦਾ ਰਹਹਿ ਤਿਸ ਸੋਗ ।
One who distributes Prashaad and in their mind they have greed. They give some little and others more, they will remain sorrowful.
(Thankhahnama: Bhai Nand Lal Ji, p. 57)