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The challenges will be held in privacy, in the presence of the Panj Piaray, the Granthi and the Siri Guru Granth Sahib. First the Granthi is challenged, then each one of the Panj Piaray and finally, anyone wishing to re-take their Amrit vows.
Sudai of the Granthi
The Panj Piaray stand with swords drawn, while the Granthi presents him/herself before the Guru for questioning. (Someone has replaced the Granthi behind the Guru during the Granthi’s Sudai.) The Head Piara, or any one of the Panj, does the questioning. The Granthi is addressed by name, and answers these questions:
- "Do you keep your five K’s?"
- "Do you read your five Banis daily?"
- "Have you committed any of the kurehits?"
- "Have you ever betrayed the Khalsa, in thought, word or deed?"
If the Granthi is found to be fit, the Head Piara greets him or her with, Wahe Guru Ji Ka Khalsa, Wahe Guru ji ke Fateh!
The Granthi now bows before the Siri Guru Granth Sahib, with the prayer to experience and live the purity which is Khalsa. The Granthi then takes his/her place behind the Guru.
Sudai of the Panj Piaray
The Granthi now calls upon each Piara. The questions above are addressed to each Piara individually. When each Piara is found to be worthy of serving in the Amrit ceremony, s/he bows to the Siri Guru Granth Sahib, standsand proclaims: Wahe Guru Ji ka Khalsa, Wahe Guru Ji ke Fateh!
Ardas is offered, asking for the blessings upon the Panj Piaray and the Amrit ceremony which is about to begin. A Hukam is taken and translated.
Sudai of Those Re-taking Their Vows
Kurehits are actions which, when taken, invalidate one’s Amrit vows. They include:
- " cutting any hair from the body
- " committing adultery, or having sex outside of marriage
- " eating meat
- " use of tobacco, alcohol or narcotic drugs
Amrit transforms a person so completely, that it is only needed once in a lifetime. However, the kurehits will be like spots on one’s purity, and to re-establish one’s identity as Khalsa, the cleansing power of the Amrit ceremony is needed again. This opportunity should not be misused. Amrit is not like Confession and Atonement in the Catholic religion in which one sins and is absolved.
When someone has committed a kurehit and wishes to renew his or her vows, s/he will need to meet privately with the Panj Piaray on the morning of the Amrit ceremony. During this meeting, which is held in private, the kurehit is confessed. The Panj Piaray then have the opportunity to question the person about his or her attitude regarding the kurehit and his or her commitment to the renewed vows.
To re-establish the understanding of the principles of Khalsa, the Panj Piaray may give the person special meditations, Banis or Seva such as: cleaning the Gurdwara, washing the feet of those who come to Gurdwara, serving Lungar, etc. A forty day period is often given. This Seva is given as a way to consolidate and confirm outwardly the commitment made internally. It is not a punishment.
Sudai of the Amrit Candidates
The candidates are then brought into the Gurdwara one by one, where they bow to the Guru, make their offerings and are individually challenged. One of the Panj Piaray asks such questions as:
- "Are you willing to keep your rehit after today?"
- "Are you willing to consider that your head belongs to the Guru?"
- "Are you willing to accept the advice the Panj Piaray will give today?"
After each candidate is found to be eligible to receive Amrit, he or she is led out and the next candidate is brought in. This procedure is followed for all of the Amrit Candidates.
The Amrit candidates and the general sangat are now invited into the Gurdwara. Ardas is offered, asking for blessings upon the ceremony.
Bolay so nihaal...Sat siri akal is not proclaimed at this time. A Hukam is taken and the translation is read.
