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| PLEASE NOTE: This message is being posted on all websites by Amar Jit Singh Anand with DUE and FULL authorization from the writer of this Article, Singh Sahib Giani Jagtar Singh 'Jachak', Granthi Sahib, Gurdwara Mata Sahib Kaur, Glen Cove, New York. YOU MAY KINDLY EMAIL YOUR ESTEEMED RESPONSES DIRECTLY TO GIANI JI at : jachakji@aol.com In addition to kindly e~mailing your esteemed views to Giani Ji, ALSO, kindly post your replies HERE on this site for the benefit of all viewers. Thanks. * The issue of Anand Karaj is currently in the Court of The Sikh Panth. * Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa, Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh. * In Sikhism, the marriage ceremony of Anand Karaj is considered to be very sacrosanct and significant, due to the fact that the institution of marriage is strongly emphasized upon by the Gurus. * It is specified in the Rehat Maryada that when a girl or boy comes of age, and is ready and willing, as per body, mind and finances, she or he should be found a compatible Sikh match, and married as per Anand Karaj rites. * In the first week of April, my daughter’s wedding is being solemnized through Anand Karaj. As a Gurmat preacher, when I was reading portions from the Rehat Maryada in reference to Anand Karaj, my children (daughter and her would-be-husband) raised quite a few issues which I have failed to resolve. I could not present appropriate and satisfying answers in the light of Gurbaani, so as to convince him. * The Rehat Maryada states thus : During the Anand Karaj ceremony, ‘Saadh-Sangat’ the holy congregation assembles in the Holy presence of Sri Guru Granth Sahib; the ‘Raagis’ (minstrels) recite verses from the SGGS; the bride and groom sit in reverence before the Guru (page 19) and the person sitting in Guru’s attendance ‘Taabiya’ must recite the ‘Laavan’ from Soohi Mahla 4 (page 20); that after each ‘Laanv’ is recited the bride follows the groom, while circumambulating (making the Parikrama) around the Guru (page 20). * Based on this, the following questions were raised : 1. Why must the bride only sit to the left of the groom and not to the right? Why this special directive ? 2. Why must the girl’s father or an elderly relative (guardian) hand over the ceremonial ‘Palla’ to the girl ? Why must the girl hold the Palla ? 3. Why must the bride always follow the groom and not vice-versa, while circumambulating (making the Parikrama) around the Guru ? * The youth say clearly that all of these directives and traditions are contrary to the Hukam of Sri Guru Granth Sahib. * Therefore the BIG question : aren’t all of these not an affront and insult to the Sikh woman ? - Don’t these depict and present the Sikh woman as inferior, weak, and dependant upon the Sikh man ? - Is this not a mere reaffirmation of male dominance, in accordance with the Brahminical practices ? - Is the particular Shabad only specified for the purpose of conducting Anand Karaj ceremony ? - In Gur-Itihaas (history pertaining to life and times of the ten Gurus) is there any reference to marriages being conducted in similar fashion, as we do today, and as prescribed in the Rehat Maryada ? * It is my earnest desire to find answers, and so I submit this humble request to all Sikh academia, historians, writers, intelligentsia to illumine me on this score, as and when they find relevant references citing appropriate Gurbaani quotations, so as to satisfy the inquisitiveness of the Sikh youth, thereby fortifying their faith in the Guru, and cementing their resolve in panthic maryada. By doing so, we shall be able to prevent our youth from neglecting and nullifying the sanctity of the Anand Karaj. * I believe that if we succeed in finding adequate material to convince the youth, it shall be a great Sewa to the Guru. * In the Sewa of the Guru & Panth, Jagtaar Singh ‘Jachak’ jachakji@aol.com 100 Lattingtown Road, Glen Cove, NY 11542. |
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