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Summary of Question:	Why Perkarma Around Guru/Sarovar?
Category:	Gurdwara
Date Posted:	Tuesday, 7/10/2001 4:06 AM MDT

why people do parikarma of sarovar?

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REPLY
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Sat Siri Akaal. I am glad you asked this, for I have learned a bit more about our practices by researching the answer. Since Guru Nanak, when followers of Guru visited Guru for His darshan, they always circled the Guru. Guru sat on a spot placed in such a way that the devotee could circle the Guru. Among other things, it was and is considered a sign of respect to do such perkarma.

The symbolism of the circle around Guru or sarovar at a Gurdwara is that it is a commitment of Self. Like the wedding Lavan, where the couples circle the Guru to make their commitment, Sikhs circling the Guru are commiting their lives, surrendering their egos and their heads, to Guru. This circling of Guru is distinct to Sikhi, because to surrender ourselves, we put ourselves IN Guru's presence; we do it to His face, so to speak.

So, at Sri Darbar Sahib, the perkarma surrounds the Golden Temple. Devotees often do 2 perkarmas, once when they circle the Temple itself, and a second when they circle the Guru IN the Golden Temple.

Guru ang sang,
-DKK