Anand Karaj

In the Sikh canonical literature, the human soul is likened to a bride whose marriage (union) with Lord husband is the ultimate end of human life. The word Lavaan or Anand Karaj, is a word used for a Sikh marriage ceremony, where the couple circumambulates the holy scripture (Guru Granth Sahib) four times, accompanied by the singing of verses, which offer guidance for the couple’s new life journey.

Very briefly, the first verse is about letting go of the past and embarking on a new beginning with an emphasis on recognising the spiritual nature of marriage. The second verse states that when faith, love and devotion are at the centre of the marriage, it is filled with joy and ecstasy. The third verse gives the understanding that both love and liberation lie within the company of enlightened souls who are spiritually minded. The fourth verse is the final stage which relates to peace and harmony and the fulfillment of the goal of life, the stage when the couple becomes one soul in two bodies.

The painting has the Waheguru mantra lovingly handwritten all over it to depict the presence of blessings pouring in for the couple as they take their vows to recognise the essence of the divine message embodied in the holy scripture.

The word, Waheguru – ਵਾਹਿਗੁਰੂ – is pronounced “Wah-hay-guroo.” Wah means Infinite, hay means Thou, and Guru means Higher Self, or the Divine Teacher within each sentient being.