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Summary of Question:	Use Of Amrit?
Category:	General Q's from Non-Sikhs
Date Posted:	Sunday, 2/02/2003 6:12 AM MST

I am studying Sikhism in school and have been asked when amrit is used and why? I understand that the simple description is sugar and water but I still do not know much about it.

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REPLY
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Sat Nam. The word "Amrit" means ambrosia or nectar. The very first Amrit ceremony as practiced today was held on Baisakhi in 1699. 10th Guru Gobind Singh stirred water with a 2-edged blade called a khanda. He asked his wife Mata Sahib to taste it. She found it bitter and told him to add sugar to it. This he did. He then administered it to the first 5 Sikhs to take Amrit, the Panj Piaray or 5 Beloved Ones. The khanda in the water infused it with the strength of steel (discipline, courage, purpose) and the sugar in the water represents the sweetness of life and the sweetness of the Naam or Holy Name.

Today Amrit is the Sikh 'sacrament' that is equal to 'baptism'; one who takes Amrit is 'Amritdhari'. It is not mandatory for Sikhs to be baptized, because it represents a level of commitment to God & Guru that should not be taken lightly or toyed with. Amritdhari Sikhs take vows to worship ONLY God & Guru, to keep the 5 Ks, to avoid toxic/addictive substances including 'recreational' drugs, alcohol & tobacco, and to serve others before self. For a full description of the Amrit ceremony, Baisakhi (also spelled Vaisakhi) and the 5 Ks, search this full sikhnet site (not just this Forum) and also use those keywords at www.sikhseek.com. Thanks.
God bless you,
-DKK