Pataasey
(Sugar crystals) and water were stirred & mixed
with the Khanda (double edge sword) in a Batta.
In
order to receive Amrit or ‘Naam Dan’, the very first step was to give up the
pride and then pray with humility to the Guru for blessings. The Gurus blessed
the humble devotees with Amrit. The process of blessing Amrit involved for
devotees to take few drops of the water touched by Guru’s feet called Charan-Amrit
(crxwimRq). Bhai
Gurdas Ji has mentioned in his composition “Upon hearing the panic call from
the people of earth, Merciful Lord sent Guru Nanak Dev Ji to save them from
sufferings. Guru Nanak Dev Ji taught the human beings to erase their self-pride
by starting the practice of Charan-Amrit” :
suxI pukwir dwqwr pRBu, guru nwnk jg mwih pTwieAw ] crn Doie rihrwis kir, crxwimRqu isKW pIlwieAw ]
Suni Pukar Datar Prabh, Gur Nanak Jug Mahe putthaeya, Charan Dhoye Rehras Kar, Charan-Amrit Sikhan peelaeya.
Although, a touch or a merciful glance of the Gurus could enlighten anyone spiritually but the Charan-Amrit prepared by a touch of Guru’s feet symbolised utter humility & forsaking one’s pride.
Guru
Harkrishan Ji prepared a small pool of Charan-Amrit (crxwimRq)
to save people from an
epidemic of chickenpox / Cholera in Delhi. The Gurdwara Bangla-Sahib stands
there in the remembrance. Even today, the Sikhs take Charan-Amrit from the pool
to take Guru’s blessing.
Guru Gobind Singh Ji was the
last amongst the 10 human living Gurus. Since, the Guruship was to be entrusted
to the Shabad (Word) Guru, Guru Granth Sahib (the existing Sikh Guru), the
method of blessing of Amrit had to be redefined. It may be noted that Guru
Gobind Singh Ji nominated Guru Granth Sahib as the living Shabad Guru of Sikhs,
9 years after the 1699 Vaisakhi, in 1708 three days before His heavenly abode.
Charan-Amrit was changed to
“Khande Bate Da Amrit” (also known as “Pahul”
pwhul)
in 1699 as described below:
Pataasey
(Sugar crystals) and water were stirred & mixed
with the Khanda (double edge sword) in a Batta.
Pataasey represent humility & sweetness. Water is the energy & key life element for the living beings. Iron bowl represents strength. Khanda represents Spiritual & Temporal powers of the Omnipotent Waheguru. Overall, all the articles used represent the virtues a Sikh should have including the Divine Knowledge that is imparted through recitation of the Five Banis.
Guru Gobind Singh Ji gave Amrit to the first Five-Beloved Sikhs one by one to drink from the batta. Then, sprinkled some in their eyes (see good) & head whilst uttering the slogan
"Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa, Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh"
Then Guru Ji asked them to bless him with Amrit in the same way. From then on, Panj Piyare were given authority on behalf of the Guru to give Amrit to the Sikhs. Amrit Process is performed in the presence of Guru Granth Sahib (The Shabad Guru). All the Sikhs bow to Guru Granth Sahib and vow is taken to abide by the code-of-conduct. A thanks-giving Ardaas (prayer) is performed in the end.
Author : The information in this web has been published with inspiration and wisdom imparted by Immortal, Almighty Wonderful Lord to the Author(s) of SATNAM NETWORK Team (Sikh Assets Teachings News And Mission). Regards, Amar Deep Singh
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Date (First Published) :11 March 2000
Date (Modified) : 26 March 2008