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Summary of Question:	Ardaas Meaning
Category:	General Sikhism
Date Posted:	Tuesday, 9/24/2002 10:10 PM MDT

sat sri akaal ji,

i just wanted to know that if the literal meaning of ardaas is to pray then why can't we just pray what we want to and why is there a pre written ardaas that we do.

(REPLY) Sat Nam. Ardas means "PRAYER" not "to pray" It is specific for a reason. The value of using traditional prewritten words -- is not only that they invoke the primal power, call upon our Gurus and remind us of the history of sacrifice and courage of Sikh men and women, but by many thousands of people reciting the same words thousands of times, it increases the effectiveness of the prayer. Thoughts have power. Words have power! And when many, many people share the same words, they carry much more weight. It is always permitted to add in your own words and pray for whatever you want after uttering the traditional opening lines. It is really only the first few lines that are "required" (i.e. ending with "The light of the Ten Guru's, the living Guru, the word of God and Truth of Truth, the Siri Guru Granth Sahib, by meditating on its words all sufferings vanish...") So there can be a "short Ardaas. That is often done at the beginning weddings, with a more complete recitation at the end. Think about the meaning of the words in Ardas whenever you you recite it, or listent to it, and you will find it powerful, beautiful, inspiring, and important in your life! Blessings, SP