GURUDWARA SERVICES
Akhand Paaths
An akhand paath is a continuous recitation of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji, from beginning to end, which usually takes 48 hours.
Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji was first compiled by the 5th Guru, and contains the sacred teachings from 36 contributors including Hindu and Muslim bhagats (wise poet-saints). In 1708, the 10th Guru conferred the scripture as the eternal ‘living’ Guru of the Sikhs.
As a body of sacred teachings, it brings to life Guru Nanak’s famous words, ‘shabad guru, surat dhun chelā’ (Sri Guru Granth Sahib, ang 942) – that, ultimately, the Guru, or source of all wisdom, is the Divine word (shabad); the disciple, who enacts this wisdom, is one’s consciousness, as it aligns to the meaning and vibration of the message.
Listening to and engaging with the Guru’s teachings is a form of spiritual education for Sikhs.
FAQs
For akhand paaths at Guru Nanak Nishkam Sewak Jatha Birmingham (UK) please read the below FAQs.
For all other GNNSJ gurudwaras, please contact the relevant gurudwara directly.
What happens during an akhand paath?
An akhand paath is a 48 hour continuous reading of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji. At GNNSJ gurudwaras, akhand paaths begin and end at 5am.
The akhand paath is proceeded by an ardas (supplication) and hukamnama (edict) from Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji.
Parshad is also distributed to the sangat (congregation).
When the reading is completed, another ardas (supplication) is carried out and another hukamnama (edict) is received from Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji.
This is followed by the bestowing of a rumala sahib and haar on Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji, after which aarti kirtan is recited.
Parshad is also distributed to the congregation at this point.
What is the role of the family who is requesting the akhand paath?
The family for whom the akhand paath is being carried out are requested to be present at the Gurudwara throughout the recitation.
Rooms are provided for family members to stay, and they are encouraged to carry out sewa in the kitchen and langar hall, as well as listen to the paath being recited.
Can GNNSJ help with arranging rumala sahibs that we wish to present to Guru Ji?
Yes. When booking, ask the sewadar to arrange for a rumala sahib to be made available on the day of the bhog.
Do we need to provide the haar to present to Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji?
The gurudwara will provide the haar for the bhog of the akhand paath sahib.
How do I book an akhand paath?
Please contact the gurudwara office directly and check availability.
As the demand for akhand paath bookings at Guru Nanak Nishkam Sewak Jatha (Birmingham (UK)) tends to be very high, please book as early as possible.