Sikh Marriage: The eternal Vows
You will find elegance and purity in Sikh weddings. This wedding is also known as Anand Karaj, it is organized in a Gurudwara in the presence of the holy book. You will find some common things in the Sikh marriage and other Indian weddings. In a traditional Sikh Weddings, even the smallest of rituals hold deep significance on the whole ceremony. So grab your cup of coffee, sit back, and prepare yourself to indulge in yet another piece of wedding gyaan for Sikh marriage vows.
There are pheras called Laavan and they are four in number. This word has a spiritual meaning, which means the union of bride and groom. Every phera has a specific verse to recite at that stage. In this article, you will come to know about the meaning of the verses, which are recited at Sikh marriage vows.
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Meaning of the 4 Pheras
Like every other Indian marriage, Sikh marriage also has its share of pheras. The pheras in a Sikh wedding are known as ‘laavan’ and the count to be four in number. The word ‘laavan’ is a spiritual term used for the union of ‘Atma’ (Bride) with the ‘Parmatma’ (Groom). Each phera has a verse associated with it that describes the various stages of marital love and the importance of a wedding. We at WarPaint Journal will share the importance and meaning of each phera(Laavan) in the Sikh wedding:
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First Laavan
The first verse is “Har pahl di lav par virti karam dridaya Bal Ram jio”
It is sung in Raag Suhi which was composed by Guru Ram Das Ji. The first phera proclaims the start of the marriage ceremony. It states the piousness of the marriage ceremony. The verse tells the bride and the groom to stay on the path of dharma. The real happiness is in finding the truth and following what the real guru says.
Meditate guru’s name and know your true identity.
In all, the axis of the marriage is spiritual meditation and the couple must practice the same in order to have a happy married life.
Second Laavan
The second verse is, “Har dooj di lav Satgur purukh milaya Bal Ram jio….”
It tells the couple to put aside the ego and other materialistic things and search for the true guru. The guru who has an omnipresence is everywhere. It is inside you and in every space, you see outside. He is the supreme soul and is the master of the universe. One must sing his praise and songs to please him.
Guru Nanak Ji proclaims that the music of the spheres resounds with the second phera.
Third Laavan
The third verse is: “Har teej di lav man chao bhiya bairagiya Bal Ram jio…
The third phera is the representation of true love for god. The bride accepts that she has met the divine saint who made her love the absolute being. She narrates that I have found the almighty and I sing his praise. I speak in a slow language of the infinite, the name of my true god.
The pious name of the divine har har har resonates in my head and makes me complete. In this verse, Guru Nanak Ji proclaims that the heart of the couple must be filled with the divine love of the lord.
Fourth Laavan
The fourth verse: “Har chouth di lav man sahaj bhiya Harpaiya Bal Ram jio….”
The fourth phera explains that the couple has found the peace and equilibrium of their mind because they have reached the god with great ease. The god blends with the heart of the bride and now it blossoms with his name.
Guru Nanak Ji proclaims that now finally the divine is attained.
And finally “Vivah hoa mere Babulla…”
A Shabad sung in Raag Sri Mahall declares that the ceremony is completed and the bride is now connected with God and the groom and all ready to leave her parents to be with her in-laws. At this time, every eye is filled with tears while bidding goodbye to the bride.
Nowadays, the Anand Karaj is followed with luxurious lunch, loads and lots of punjabi music and dance.
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