All About Sikh Wedding Ceremony and Marriage Customs

All About Anand Karaj and Sikh Matrimonial Rites

Anand Karaj, the Sikh marriage ceremony, emphasizes the spiritual nature of physical union. Sikh wedding hymns describe the wedded state of the soul bride with the divine groom. Marital bliss and family harmony is exemplified by the Sikh gurus, who entered matrimony and fathered children.

Sikh matrimonial customs, dos and don'ts, outlined in Sikh Reht Maryada (SRM), the code of conduct, include wedding ceremony rites, love and romance, arranged marriage, child brides, dowry, widow remarriage and ritual taboos.

Matrimonial quizzes test your understanding of wedding protocol and the concept of marriage in Sikhism.

Sikh Marriage and Wedding Ceremony Customs

Bride And Groom Stand Before Guru Granth Sahib
Bride And Groom Stand Before Guru Granth Sahib. Photo © [Gurumustuk Singh Khalsa]

The Anand Karaj sikh wedding ceremony takes place in the presence of Guru Granth Sahib, Sikhism's holy scripture, with bride groom, family members, and wedding guests present in the gurdwara or suitable wedding hall.

More:

Sikh Wedding Hymns Words and Meanings

Sikh Bride and Groom Sing At Their Wedding
Sikh Bride and Groom Sing At Their Wedding. Photo © [Gurumustuk Singh Khalsa]

Marriage in Sikhism is a spiritual affair. The Sikh wedding hymns describe the longing and fulfillment of the soul bride as she merges in divine union with her beloved groom:

  • "Shabad Ratee Sohaaganee" - "Hymn of The Happy Soul Bride"

Precluding hymns:

  • " - "Tell Your Wishes to the Lord"
  • " - They Are Not Husband and Wife Because They Sit Together"
  • "Pallai Taiddai Lagee" - "I Grasp Your Hem"

Hymns of "Laav" the four rounds of the wedding ceremony:

Concluding hymns:

  • "Anand Sahib" - "Song of Bliss"
  • "Veeahu Hoa Mere Babula" - "My Marriage Has Been Performed"
  • - "My Hopes and Desires Are Fulfilled O Lord"

Love, Romance, Relationships and Marriage in Sikhism

Wedded Bride and Groom
Wedded Bride and Groom. Photo © [Gurumustuk Singh Khalsa]

Sikhism marriages are often arranged. Regardless of the body's gender, its soul is considered to have the feminine aspect of soul bride which corresponds with the male aspect of divine groom. Only within the sanction of marriage does the spiritual bond manifest in physical union of bride and groom. All other relationships are that of soul sisters.

The Soul Bride and Spiritual Love in Sikhism:

Love, Romance and Marriage in Sikhism:

Sikh Matrimonial Dos and Don'ts

Sikh Bride and Groom Seated Before Guru Granth Sahib in Anand Karaj Wedding Ceremony
Sikh Bride and Groom Seated Before Guru Granth Sahib in Anand Karaj Wedding Ceremony. Photo © [Gurumustuk Singh Khalsa]

The Sikhism code of conduct (SRM) is very specific about wedding ceremony protocol and marriage as to what is permissible and what is not:

Sikh Matrimonial Quizzes

Sikhism Wedding
Sikhism Wedding. Photo © [Gurumustuk Singh Khalsa]

Quizzes are a fun and enlightening way to increase your knowledge. Take these Sikh matrimonial quizzes to challenge your understanding of Sikh wedding customs.

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Your Citation
Khalsa, Sukhmandir. "All About Sikh Wedding Ceremony and Marriage Customs." Learn Religions, Aug. 26, 2020, learnreligions.com/sikh-wedding-ceremony-and-marriage-customs-2993547. Khalsa, Sukhmandir. (2020, August 26). All About Sikh Wedding Ceremony and Marriage Customs. Retrieved from https://www.learnreligions.com/sikh-wedding-ceremony-and-marriage-customs-2993547 Khalsa, Sukhmandir. "All About Sikh Wedding Ceremony and Marriage Customs." Learn Religions. https://www.learnreligions.com/sikh-wedding-ceremony-and-marriage-customs-2993547 (accessed March 19, 2024).