Anand Karaj

Marriage plays a very important part in the society we live in today. A married couple aims to contribute in creating a good family which in turn contributes to a good community. This in turn builds a good society thats far reaching, with positive Sikh values that are first unified when two souls become one under the blessings of the eternal Guru – Dhan Guru Granth Sahib Ji.

Such is the importance of a good marriage not only for the Sangat but for the wider, global community. It is for this reason that Sangat Matrimonial has been established by Sangat Trust, to help you find your perfect partner for an Anand Karaj (a blissful union).

Anand Karaj is the prescribed form of a Sikh marriage. Literally, these words mean the act of Anand / Bliss. and Karaj / Ceremony. This has a very deep spiritual meaning, Guru Amar Das Ji tells us:

“They are not said to be husband and wife, who merely sit together.
Rather they alone are called husband and wife, who have one soul in two bodies.”

Anand Karaj is a very sacred and special event in the life of every Sikh, it is a joyous and festive event which is very family orientated.

The Anand Karaj ceremony is performed in a Gurdwara in the presence of Guru Granth Sahib Ji. The ceremony involves the reading and singing of the ‘laavan’ which are 4 shabads composed by the fourth Guru of the Sikhs, Guru Ram Das Ji for the occasion of his own wedding to Bibi Bhani Ji. The couple slowly walk around the Guru Granth Sahib Ji whilst the Kirtani sing the laavan. This signifies that the Guru and the message of Gurbani shall remain the central point of focus for all activities within the life of the couple.

The four Laavan describe the "journey of the soul" to meet with Waheguru. This outlines how each and everyone of us should go through the progressive stages of spiritually awakening our souls so that we may meet our true husband – Waheguru.

When we follow the message of the laavan we will be drawn closer to Waheguru and by applying this message to our daily lives, we will acheive true anand in all of our activities and relationships.