The Sikh Marriage Handbook: https://sharecharityuk.com/product/sikhi-marriage-handbook/
The Anand Karaj is a joyous Sikh wedding ceremony, it symbolizes the union of two souls together and with Waheguru in the presence of Guru Granth Sahib Ji.
The Anand Karaj is made up of four hymns called the Laavan, these laavan describe the stages of marriage and in other words is he four vows of the marriage. Each verse is first read by the Granthi, the Raagis then sing it in the form of kirtan. During the singing of each verse, the couple bows to the Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji, and then gets up and walks around(clockwise) the Guru, and at the time they arrive back at their seats in front of the Guru, the singing of the verse is complete. This is repeated for the second, third and fourth round, and each time the couple bows to the Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji.
The first verse of the laavan is in Raag Suhi composed by Guru Ram Das Ji: “Har pahldi lav parvirti karam dridaya Bal Ram jio…”
The first verse of Laavan is about letting go of the past and embarking on a new beginning. It stresses that the center of the marriage is spiritual and that the success of the marriage rests on the couple having a daily spiritual practice.
The second verse is, “Har doojdi lav Satgur purukh milaya Bal Ram jio….”
The second verse states that the Guru is the centre of the marriage and that such a marriage is filled with joy and ecstasy.
The third verse is: “Har teejdi lav man chao bhiya bairagiya Bal Ram jio….”
The third verse gives the understanding that both love and liberation lie within the Sadhsangat – the company of those who do sadhana and gather together for worship. It is through this that we realize our destiny.
The fourth verse is: “Har choutdi lav man sahaj bhiya Har paiya Bal Ram jio….”
The fourth verse is the final stage which relates to Sahaj Avastha (stage of harmony) and the fulfillment of the goal of life. It is the stage of union when married life is completely blended with love for God. This is the stage when the couple becomes one Soul in two bodies.
At the conclusion of the ceremony, a random verse (Hukamnama) is read from Guru Granth Sahib. It’s considered a divine order or guidance for the couple’s future life together.
The Anand Karaj signifies the equality, love, and commitment between the couple, and the importance of shared values, mutual respect, and spiritual growth within the marriage.
