The hymn “Keeta Lorri-ai Kaam”, composed by Guru Nanak, initiates the Sikh wedding ceremony called Anand Karaj. It is sung on behalf of the couple to be wed as an entreaty for success in their married life. The hymns stresses that a living with an attitude of service while focused on the contemplation of God insures success in all ventures. It offers assurances of commitment based on truth as a way of life to the new couple as they embark together into the state of marriage. It is a reminder to the newly wedded pair that the material world is temporary and places emphasis on the spiritual nature of marriage by likening it to being wed with God.
The hymn is from the scripture of Guru Granth Sahib. The verse is sung in the original Gurmukhi. The words here and are spelled out phonetically to aid in pronunciation and may differ slightly from accepted short form spellings used in the title.
Keetaa lo-rree-ai kanm su har peh aakhee-ai||
Whatever work you wish to accomplish, tell it to the Lord.
Kaaraj da-e savaar satigur sach saakhee-ai||
Your affairs will be resolved the True Guru gives his guarantee of truth.
Santaa sang nidhaan anmrit chaakhee-ai||
In the society of saints, you shall taste the treasure of the ambrosial nectar.
Bhai bhanjan miharvaan daas kee raakhee-ai||
The Lord, who is the merciful destroyer of fear, preserves and protects those who serve him.
Naanak har gun gaa-e alakh prabh laakhee-ai||20||
O Nanak, singing the glorious praises of God, one sees the unseen Lord. ||20|| SGGS||91
