The 4 pheras in Anand Karaj have spiritual meanings of their own in Sikhism. The earliest phera (walk) around Guru Granth Sahib instructed a couple to follow up the pathway of (dharma) Almighty. During the second phera, the couple is advised to follow up the path of true Guru. During the third phera, the soul is believed to be divinity and love, by the grace of Almighty. The fourth and final phera signify union with God and peace of mind.
Sikh pre-wedding rituals involve the togetherness of spiritual vows, cultural richness, and familial bonds. All the rituals are true and deep rooted in tradition and pave the manner for the union of two souls through marriage. Every ritual carries its unique significance and add on a celebration of commitment and love. Here are few of the vibrant pre-wedding ceremonies at the Sikh wedding:
Like every other Indian marriage, Sikhism marriage has its pheras. The pheras in the Sikh wedding are denoted as ‘laavan’ and are counted to be 4 in number. The word ‘laavan’ is a spiritual word used for the union of the ‘Parmatma’ (Groom) with Atma (Bride). Each phera has a verse connected with it which describes the various stages of the importance of a wedding and of marital love. We at WebAbout will share the meaning and significance of each phera(Laavan) in the Sikh wedding: Here’s the great meaning of Sikh wedding pheras.
First Laavan
The first verse is “Har pahl di lav par virti karam dridaya BalRam jio
The initial verse is sung in Raag Suhi which was as cool as a cucumber by the Guru Ram Das Ji. The initial phera proclaimed the beginning of the marriage ceremony. It states the spirituality of the marriage ceremony. The verse told the groom and bride to stay on the pathway of dharma. The real happiness is in exploring the truth and following what the real guru says. Meditate almighty name and understand the true identity.
Second Laavan
The second verse is, “Har dooj di lav Satgur purakh milaya Bal Ram jio….”
It told the couple to put aside the materialistic things and search ego for the true guru. The guru who had a universal is everywhere. It is the inner side of yours and in each space you check up the outside. He is the master of the universe and is the supreme soul. You will sing his songs and praised to pleased him. Prophet Nanak proclaimed that the music of the spheres resounding 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 description of pure love for Almighty. The bride accepted that she met the divine saint who shaped her love, the absolute being. She narrated that I have founded the almighty and I sing its praise. I speak in a slowing language of the infinite, the naming of my true Almighty. The pious name of the divine har har har resonating in my head and making me complete. In this verse, Guru Nanak Ji proclaimed that the heart of the couple should be filled with the divine love of the Almighty.
Fourth laavan
The fourth verse: “Har chauth di lav man sahaj bhiya Harpaiya Bal Ram jio….”
The fourth phera explained that the couple has found the equilibrium and peace of the mind as they have reached the god with awesome ease. The almighty sum up with the heart of the bride and at present it blooms with its name. Guru Nanak Ji proclaimed that now finally the divine is achieved.
And finally “Vivah hoa mere Babulla…” a Shabad sung in Raag Sri Mahall said that the ceremony is completed and the groom is all ready to leave her parents to be with her in-laws and the bride is now associated with the Almighty. At this time, every eye is filled up with tears while commanding goodbye to the bride. However, nowadays the Anand Karaj is followed by the luxurious lunch, lots of Punjabi dance and music.
Kurmai
The ceremony after Roka is Kurmai. In this Sikhism ceremony, the engagement is getting more organized. It is conducted at the Gurudwara of Guru Granth Sahib in its presence, seeking protection and involves prayers for the couple’s future life together. The families of both groom and bride exchange rings, and presents marking the commitment.
Anand Karaj is the awesome union of a couple, as per Sikhism. It takes place in a Gurudwara in the Almighty presence. And like Hindu weddings, pheras are an integral chunk of Anand Karaj and are denoted as laavan phere. There are 4 hymns of laavan phere and every verse describing a spiritual stage of married life.
