Written by spiritual masters, the hymns of the Guru Granth Sahib reflect the journey of the soul through life in partnership with the divine. Verses in the shabads or hymns, of Gurbani mirror the emotions experienced by every individual. Sikhs turn to Gurbani for inspiration whether going through hardship or expressing joy. All of life’s important events are accompanied by the singing sacred verses appropriate to the occasion.
Hymns of Hope and Blessings for a Child
Photo © [S Khalsa]
These hymns may be sung, read or recited as a blessing, or to instill hope and dispel worry: when parents are hoping to conceive; to bless an expectant mother; on the occasion of a child’s birthday; following a complete reading of the Guru Granth Sahib; and on any occasion to express hopes and blessings for a child of any age.
The Hymns of Anand Karaj, the Sikh Wedding Ceremony
Photo © [Gurumustuk Singh Khalsa]
Several hymns are sung during the progression of the Sikh wedding ceremony. Each signifies a particular aspect of the bond between husband and wife as symbolizing a union between the soul bride and divine husband.
- "Keeta Loree-ai Kaam" - "Tell Your Wishes to the Lord"
- "Dhan Pir Eh Na Akhee-an" - "One Soul Shared by Two Bodies"
- "Pallai Taiddai Laagee" - "I Grasp Hold of Your Hem"
The Hymns of "Laav" - The Four Wedding Rounds - "Veeahu Hoa Mere Babula" - "My Marriage Has Been Performed"
- "Pooree Asa Jee Mansaa Mere Raam" - "My Desires Are Fulfilled"
Hymns of Encouragement During Hard Times
Photo © [Khalsa Panth]
Sikh hymns encourage, inspire and uplift the soul during difficulties and hard times. Gurbani instructs that pleasure is a disease, and pain the medicine, for it is when experiencing troubles that one turns to God.
Antam Sanskaar Funeral Hymns of Consolation for the Bereaved
Photo © [Nirmal Jot Singh]
Hymns sung during a Sikh funeral ceremony convey a message of resignation to the natural process. They provide comfort and solace to the bereaved by focusing on the departed soul’s mergence with the divine.
- "Jeevan Maran Sukh Ho-e"- "In Life and in Death, Peace Resides With Those Who Attain Their Guru"
- "Jot Milee Sang Jot - My Light Merges With the Supreme Light, My Labors Are Over"
- "Sooraj Kiran Milae - The Sunbeam Blends With Sunlight"
- "Oudhak Samund Salal Kee - Like Droplets of Water in an Ocean Wave I Am Immersed in the Divine"
