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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.ย 

เจชเฉเจฐเจฅเจฎ เจฐเจนเจฟเจค เจฏเจนเจฟ เจœเจพเจจ เจ–เฉฐเจกเฉ‡ เจ•เฉ€ เจชเจพเจนเฉเจฒ เจ›เจ•เฉ‡ เฅฅ เจธเฉ‹เจˆ เจธเจฟเฉฐเจ˜ เจชเฉเจฐเจงเจพเจจ เจ…เจตเจฐ เจจ เจชเจพเจนเฉเจฒ เจœเฉ‹ เจฒเจ เฅฅย 
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)

เจชเฉ€เจตเจนเฉ เจชเจพเจนเฉเจฒ เจ–เฉฐเจกเจงเจพเจฐ เจนเฉเจ‡ เจœเจจเจฎเฉ เจธเฉเจนเฉ‡เจฒเจพเฅฅ
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).
Padd-chhed Saroop
Padd-chhed Saroop
Larivaar Saroop
Larivaar Saroop

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: เจชเจพเจคเฉเจฐ เจธเจฐเจฌ เจธเฉ เจฒเฉ‹เจน เจ•เฉ‡, เจญเฉเจ—เจคเฉ‡ เจ…เจธเจจ เจธเฉเจ†เจฆเจฟโ€ฆ เจฒเฉ‹เจน เจชเจพเจคเฉเจฐ เจฎเฉˆเจ‚ เจ›เจ•เฉˆโ€ฆ
Using utensils of sarbloh, one eats tasty foodโ€ฆone should eat inย 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: เจ—เฉเจฐเฉ‚ เจ•เจพ เจธเจฟเจ–, เจธเจฐเจฆเจพเจฐ เจนเฉ‹เจตเฉˆ, เจถเจพเจนเฉ‚เจ•เจพเจฐ เจนเฉ‹เจตเฉˆ, เจฎเฉเจธเฉฑเจฆเฉ€ เจนเฉ‹เจตเฉˆ, เจ†เจชเจฃเฉ‡ เจฒเฉฐเจ—เจฐ เจฐเจธเฉ‹เจˆ เจตเจฟเจš เจธเจฟเจ– เจฐเจ–เฉ‡ เฅฅ เจนเฉเจ•เจˆ, เจŸเฉ‹เจชเฉ€เจ†, เจญเจพเจฆเจฃเฉ€, เจšเฉ‹เจฐ, เจฏเจพเจฐ, เจœเฉ‚เจเจฌเจพเฉ›, เจ•เฉเจฐเจนเจฟเจคเฉ€เจ† เจจเจพ เจฐเจ–เฉˆ เฅฅ
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)

เจ•เฉเฉœเฉ€เจฎเจพเจฐ เจฎเจธเฉฐเจฆ เจœเฉ‹ เจฎเฉ€เจฃเฉ‡ เจ•เจพ เจชเฉเจฐเจธเจพเจฆเจฟ เจฒเจ เจœเฉ เจ‡เจจ เจ•เฉ‡ เจนเจพเจฅ เจ•เจพ เจœเจจเจฎ เจ—เจตเจพเจตเจนเจฟ เจฌเจพเจฆเฅฅเฉจเฉฆเฅฅย 
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: เจธเจคเจฟเจ—เฉเจฐ เจ†เจ—เฉˆ เจธเฉ€เจธเฉ เจญเฉ‡เจŸ เจฆเฉ‡เจ‰ เจœเฉ‡ เจธเจคเจฟเจ—เฉเจฐ เจธเจพเจšเฉ‡ เจญเจพเจตเฉˆ เฅฅ
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 (Amrit of the double-edged sword) is available to men and women, as well as people of any 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: เจœเฉ‹ เจธเจฟเจ–, เจธเจฟเจ–เจฃเฉ€ เจจเฉ‚เฉฐ เจ–เฉฐเจกเฉ‡ เจฆเฉ€ เจชเจพเจนเฉเจฒ เจจเจพ เจฆเฉ‡เจตเฉ‡, เจธเฉ‹ เจคเจจเจ–เจพเจนเฉ€เจ† เฅค
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: เจชเจพเจ‚เจš เจธเจฟเฉฐเจ˜ เจ…เฉฐเจฎเฉเจฐเจฟเจค เจœเฉ‹ เจฆเฉ‡เจตเฉˆเจ‚ เจคเจพเจ‚ เจ•เฉ‹ เจธเจฟเจฐ เจงเจฐ เจ›เจ• เจชเฉเจจ เจฒเฉ‡เจตเฉˆ เฅค
Give your head and take the Amrit that is given by the Five Singhs.
(Rehatnama Bhai Desa Singh – p. 128)

เจ‡เจ•เฉ เจธเจฟเจ–เฉ เจฆเฉเจ‡ เจธเจพเจง เจธเฉฐเจ—เฉ เจชเฉฐเจœเฉ€เจ‚ เจชเจฐเจฎเฉ‡เจธเจฐเฉเฅค
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.ย 
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: เจ•เฉฑเจ›, เจ•เฉœเจพ, เจ•เจฟเฉเจฐเจชเจพเจจ, เจ•เฉฐเจ˜เจพ, เจ•เฉ‡เจธเจ•เฉ€, เจ‡เจน เจชเฉฐเจœ เจ•เจ•เจพเจฐ เจฐเจนเจฟเจค เจงเจฐเฉ‡ เจธเจฟเจ– เจธเฉ‹เจ‡ เฅฅ
Kachhera, Karha, Kirpan, Kangha, Keski โ€“ Whoever keeps the discipline of wearing these 5Ks will be known as my Sikh.
(Bhai Chaupa Singh Rehatnama)

35. เจฆเจธเจคเจพเจฐ เจฌเจฟเจจเจพเจ‚ เจจเจนเฉ€เจ‚ เจฐเจฟเจนเจฃเจพ, เจ•เฉ‡เจธ เจจเฉฐเจ—เฉ‡ เจจเจนเฉ€เจ‚ เจฐเฉฑเจ–เจฃเฉ‡ เฅฅ
Do not stay without a turban, do not keep your hair uncovered.
(Guru Gobind Singh Ji โ€“ 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.ย 
3. Flashy, glittery, and fancy clothes are worn which are distracting to the eye.ย 
4. Gatra Kirpan worn underneath clothes (non-visible).
5. No compulsion to remove jewelry or make-up (lipstick, nail polish etc).

Reference: เจธเฉเจฐเจฎเจพเจฆเจฟเจ• เจธเจผเจฟเฉฐเจ—เจพเจฐ เจจเจนเจฟเจ‚ เจจเจนเฉ€เจ‚ เจชเจฐ เจคเจฐเฉเจจเฉ€ เจธเฉฐเจ—เจฟเฅค
Do not wear make-up or jewellery. Do not commit adultery.
(Rehatnama Bhai Daya Singh)

เจฌเจพเจฌเจพ เจนเฉ‹เจฐเฉ เจชเฉˆเจจเจฃเฉ เจ–เฉเจธเฉ€ เจ–เฉเจ†เจฐเฉ เฅฅ
เจœเจฟเจคเฉ เจชเฉˆเจงเฉˆ เจคเจจเฉ เจชเฉ€เฉœเฉ€เจ เจฎเจจ เจฎเจนเจฟ เจšเจฒเจนเจฟ เจตเจฟเจ•เจพเจฐ เฅฅเฉงเฅฅ เจฐเจนเจพเจ‰เฅฅ

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: เจ•เฉœเจพเจน เจ•เจฐเจจ เจ•เฉ€ เจฌเจฟเจงเจฟ เจธเฉเจจ เจฒเฉ€เจœเฉˆ เจคเฉ€เจจ เจญเจพเจ— เจ•เฉ‹ เจธเจฎเจธเจฐ เจ•เฉ€เจœเฉˆ เฅฅ เจฒเฉ‡เจชเจจ เจ†เจ—เฉˆ เจฌเจนเฉเจ•เจฐ เจฆเฉ€เจœเฉˆ เจฎเจพเจ‚เจœเจจ เจ•เจฐ เจญเจพเจ‚เจœเจจ เจงเฉ‹เจตเฉ€เจœเฉˆ เฅฅ เจ•เจฐ เจ‡เจธเจจเจพเจจ เจชเจตเจฟเจคเฉเจฐ เจนเฉˆ เจฌเจนเฉˆ เจตเจพเจนเจฟเจ—เฉเจฐเฉ‚ เจฌเจฟเจจ เจ…เจตเจฐ เจจ เจ•เจนเฉˆ เฅฅ เจ•เจฐ เจคเจฟเจ†เจ— เจšเฉŒเจ•เฉ€ เจชเจฐ เจงเจฐเฉˆ เจšเจพเจฐ เจ“เจฐ เจ•เฉ€เจฐเจคเจจ เจฌเจนเจฟ เจ•เจฐเฉˆ เฅฅ
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)

เจœเฉ‹ เจชเฉเจฐเจธเจพเจฆ เจ•เฉ‹ เจฌเจพเจ‚เจŸ เจนเฉˆ, เจฎเจจ เจฎเจนเจฟ เจงเจพเจฐเจนเจฟ เจฒเฉ‹เจญ เฅค เจ•เจฟเจธเฉˆ เจฅเฉ‹เฉœเจพ เจ•เจฟเจธเฉ‡ เจ…เจ—เจฒเจพ, เจธเจฆเจพ เจฐเจนเจนเจฟ เจคเจฟเจธ เจธเฉ‹เจ— เฅค
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)

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