Indore (Madhya Pradesh): All of us have suffered losses in many forms, especially in the form of lives due to coronavirus pandemic. Praying for the souls that departed from this world, Sikh community members organised a special reading of Shri Akhand Path Sahib.
For those people who lost their lives to corona, the prayer was organised in the oldest gurdwara in the city, i.e. Gurdwara Imli Sahib Ji on Sunday. Around 55 people of the community in Indore have lost their lives to corona recently. Ardas, a set special prayer, was recited in front of Shri Guru Granth Sahib Maharaj.
“In the Ardad, the first part recites the virtues of the ten Gurus of Sikhism from Guru Nanak to Guru Gobind Singh, starting with lines from Chandi di Var from the Dasam Granth. The second part recites the trials and triumphs of the Khalsa. The third salutes the divine name,” said Manjit Singh Bhatia, president of Guru Singh Sabha Indore.
General secretary of the Sabha Jasbir Singh Gandhi said, “There are many such families who lost members of their family to corona, but could not offer last prayers and complete the process of grief due to lockdown.” On request from such families and peace for the departed souls, a special Ardas was organised mentioning the names of departed souls.
People were asked to participate in the prayers via online live stream so that there is no possibility of spread of coronavirus from the Gurudwara.
Gyani Jaswant Singh said, “From June 1 to June 6, 1984, there was an attack on Akal Takht Sahib, Shri Harimander Sahib, Shri Amritsar Sahib, in which many innocent Sikhs and Sangat were martyred, they prayed at the feet of the Lord for the peace of the departed souls. And we can do the same.”
Devendra Singh Gandhi, Jagjit Singh Tuteja, Rajender Singh Hora, Surjit Singh Bedi, and Rajender Singh Kheda coordinated and managed the prayers.
Message for families suffering losses
Upon losing a loved one, it may be comforting to reflect on the transience of life and to remember that we are simply guests in this world. It may also help to reflect on concepts of humility, acceptance and graciousness. These ideas are exemplified throughout the Sikh scripture, including in this prayer from Guru Ramdas: “O Divine, you are the True Creator and my Divine Master. Whatever you please is what comes to pass, and whatever you give is what I receive.”
