The Tradition, Discipline, and Contemporary Expansion of Ardaas: A Critical Study

Abstract: Ardaas, a sacred supplicatory prayer in Sikhism, holds immense spiritual and communal importance. This study examines the traditional structure, prescriptive discipline, and the evolving forms of Ardaas as observed in contemporary Gurdwaras and Sikh practices. It assesses how deviations from its original format-through personalized additions and lengthened recitations-pose challenges to its sanctity and effectiveness. Drawing upon the Sikh Rehat Maryada and Gurbani references, this paper underscores the theological, ritualistic, and communal implications of such changes, while also reflecting on the diverse expressions of reverence during Ardaas through physical gestures such as folding hands.

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Introduction

In Sikh religious life, Ardaas (prayer) is a sacred and structured spiritual act performed at the beginning or conclusion of nearly every religious service-be it recitation of scriptures, congregational singing (Kirtan), or community meals (Langar). The original form of Ardaas is attributed to Bhai Sahib Bhai Giani Gian Singh Ji. Over time, it has become an integral part of Sikh daily praxis, imbued with both historical consciousness and personal devotion.

The Tripartite Structure of Ardaas

Traditionally, the Ardaas is composed of three primary segments:

1. From "Ik Oankar Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh..." to "Dassan Patshahiyan di Jot..."-a fixed, inviolable opening invoking the divine and the lineage of the Ten Gurus.

2. A historical section, recalling the sacrifices and struggles within Sikh history, such as references to Bandi Chhor, martyrs, massacres (Ghallugharas), and the liberators (Muktay).

3. The concluding segment, which accommodates individual or collective petitions, such as:

- Prayers for universal welfare (Sarbat da Bhala)

- Blessings for good leadership

- Supplications relevant to particular rites or gatherings.

Expansion of Ardaas in Contemporary Practice

In many modern Gurdwaras, a trend has emerged where the standard format of Ardaas is extended with:

- Detailed descriptions of events or individuals.

- Personal intercessions (e.g., "grant long life to such a family" or "bless Bhai Jarnail Singh with a job” etc).

- Overly descriptive elaboration of minor details.