Sikh funerals, or Antim Sanskar (Final Rites), honor the soul’s journey back to God, embracing the principles of love, humility, and eternal truth. Prayer plays a central role in Sikh funerals, providing spiritual guidance and comfort to the family while reflecting the belief in the immortality of the soul. Below are Sikh prayers often recited during funerals, with the text, translations, and interpretations included.
Mool Mantra
Text
“Ik Onkar, Satnam, Karta Purakh, Nirbhao, Nirvair, Akaal Moorat, Ajooni, Saibhang, Gurprasad.”
Translation
“There is one God. Eternal is His Name; He is the Creator, Fearless, Without Hate, Timeless, Without birth, Self-existent, Realized by the Guru’s Grace.”
Interpretation
The Mool Mantra serves as the foundational statement of Sikh faith, emphasizing the oneness and eternal nature of God. It reminds the mourners to anchor their grief in the divine truth that the soul merges with the Creator.
Japji Sahib (Opening Lines)
Text
“Ek Onkar, Satnam, Karta Purakh, Nirbhao, Nirvair, Akaal Moorat, Ajooni, Saibhang, Gurprasad. Jap. Aad Sach, Jugaad Sach, Hai Bhi Sach, Nanak Hosi Bhi Sach.”
See also: Full text
Translation
“There is one God, Eternal Truth is His name. He is the Creator, without fear, without hate, timeless, beyond birth and death, self-existent, realized by the Guru’s grace. True in the beginning, true through the ages, true even now, Nanak says He will forever be true.”
Interpretation
These lines highlight the eternal truth of God’s existence, encouraging mourners to accept the transient nature of human life while focusing on the immortality of the soul.
Anand Sahib (First Verse)
Text
“Anand bhaiaa meri maae, Satguru mai paaiaa. Satguru ta paaiaa, sahaj seti man vajiaa Vaadhaiyaan.”
See also: Full text
Translation
“I am in bliss, O my mother, for I have found my True Guru. I have found the True Guru, and my mind vibrates with divine melodies of joy.”
Interpretation
This prayer celebrates the bliss of uniting with the divine, reassuring the grieving family that the departed soul has achieved eternal harmony and peace.
Kirtan Sohila (Excerpt)
Text
“Raag gauree deepakee, ghar 1 Ik Onkar Satgur prasad. Jai ghar kirtan saadh sangat, vai ghar gavo sohila.”
See: Full text
Translation
“In the house where the holy congregation gathers to sing divine praises, sing the song of celebration. In this house, God’s grace abides eternally.”
Interpretation
This hymn brings focus to divine remembrance and emphasizes the protective presence of God during challenging times.
Ardas (Excerpt)
Text
“Ek Onkar, Waheguru ji ki Fateh. Bhagauti ji sahaai. Vahe guru ji ka Khalsa, Vahe guru ji ki Fateh!”
See: Full text
Translation
“One Universal Creator, Truth is His Name. Victory belongs to the Almighty. May the Divine Mother be our protector. The Khalsa belongs to the Lord, and the victory belongs to the Lord.”
Interpretation
Ardas is a congregational prayer seeking God’s blessings for the soul’s eternal peace and the family’s strength to cope with their loss.
Sukhmani Sahib (Opening Verse)
Text
“Adh gavan kari aarti raam ki. Karun kripa dhare dhyan har naam ki.”
See: Full text
Translation
“I perform the aarti (divine worship) of the Lord, and with His mercy, I meditate on His name.”
Interpretation
This prayer provides comfort and brings peace to the soul, highlighting the eternal nature of God’s grace and the meditative connection with the divine.
Salok Mahalla 9
Text
“Re man aiso kar sanyasa. Ban se jogi bhaya, taji mahal banau asa.”
Translation
“O mind, live detached like a renunciate. Leave behind worldly attachments and live in the forest of meditation.”
Interpretation
This prayer reflects on the impermanence of worldly life, encouraging the family to embrace the eternal truths of detachment and divine remembrance.
Raag Asa Di Vaar (Excerpt)
Text
“Satnaam karta purakh, nirbhao nirvair. Akaal moorat ajooni saibhang gurprasad.”
See full text
Translation
“The Name of God is Truth, Creator, Fearless, Without Hate, Timeless, Unborn, Self-Existent, and realized through the Guru’s grace.”
Interpretation
This prayer emphasizes the eternal and fearless nature of God, encouraging faith and surrender to the divine will during times of loss.
Waheguru Simran
Text
“Waheguru, Waheguru, Waheguru, Waheguru.”
Translation
“Wonderful Lord, Wonderful Lord, Wonderful Lord, Wonderful Lord.”
Interpretation
The repetitive chanting of Waheguru brings peace and focus, connecting the mourners to the divine and calming the mind during times of loss.
