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"Antam" or "Antim" mean Final or Last

"Sanskar" means ritual, rite, ceremony, service

In Sikhism death is considered a natural process and God's will or Hukam. To a Sikh, birth and death are closely associated, because they are both part of the cycle of human life of "coming and going" ( ਆਵਣੁ ਜਾਣਾ , Aaavan Jaanaa) which is seen as transient stage towards Liberation, ( ਮੋਖੁ ਦੁਆਰੁ , Mokh Du-aar) complete unity with God. Sikhs thus believe in reincarnation. The soul itself is not subject to death. Death is only the progression of the soul on its journey from God, through the created universe and back to God again. In life, a Sikh tries always to constantly remember death so that he or she may be sufficiently prayerful, detached and righteous to break the cycle of birth and death and return to God. Sikhism (IPA: or ; Punjabi: , , IPA: ) is a religion that began in fifteenth century Northern India with the teachings of Nanak and nine successive human gurus. ... To meet Wikipedias quality standards, this article or section may require cleanup. ...

The public display of grief at the funeral such as wailing or crying out loud is discouraged and should be kept to a minimum. Cremation is the preferred method of disposal, although if it is not possible any other methods such as burial or submergence at sea are acceptable. Worship of the dead with gravestones, etc. is discouraged, because the body is considered to be only the shell, the person's soul is their real essence.

At a Sikh's death-bed, relatives and friends should read Sukhmani Sahib, the Psalm of Peace, composed by the fifth Guru Arjan Dev, or simply recite "Waheguru" to console themselves and the dying person. When a death occurs, they should exclaim 'Waheguru', 'Waheguru', 'Waheguru' ..... the Wonderful Lord. Wailing or lamentation is discouraged. Guru Arjan Dev Ji (15 April 1563 - 30 May 1606) was the fifth of the Ten Gurus of Sikhism and became Guru on 1 September 1581 following in the footsteps of Guru Ram Das ji. ... Waheguru (Punjabi: , or , ) means The Wonderful Lord in the Punjabi language. ... Waheguru (Punjabi: , or , ) means The Wonderful Lord in the Punjabi language. ... Waheguru (Punjabi: , or , ) means The Wonderful Lord in the Punjabi language. ... Waheguru (Punjabi: , or , ) means The Wonderful Lord in the Punjabi language. ...

If the death occurs in a hospital, the body is taken to the Funeral Directors or home for viewing before the funeral. In preparation for cremation (usually the day before or on the cremation), the body is first washed using yoghurt and water only while those present recite the Gurmantar Waheguru or Mool Mantar. Then the body is lovingly dressed with clean clothes complete with the Five Ks (in case of baptized Sikhs). The body once fully clothe is transferred to a coffin. Waheguru (Punjabi: , or , ) means The Wonderful Lord in the Punjabi language. ... Illuminated Adi Granth folio with nisan (Mool Mantar) of Guru Gobind Singh. ... The Five Ks, or kakaars, are five items that baptised Orthodox Sikhs wear at all times either out of respect for the tenth teacher, Guru Gobind Singh, or out of a sense of religious devotion. ...

The Day of the Cremation

On the day of the cremation, the body is taken to the Gurdwara or home where Shabads (hymns) from the SGGS, the Sikh Scriptures are recited by the congregation, which induce feeling of consolation and courage. Kirtan may also be performed by Ragis while the relatives of the deceased recite "Waheguru" sitting near the coffin. This service normally takes from 30 to 60 minutes. At the conclusion of the service, an Ardas is said before the coffin is taken to the cremation site. This article or section does not cite its references or sources. ... Shabad: Word Shabad is the term used by Sikhs to refer to a hymn or paragraph or sections of the Holy Text that appears in their several Holy Books. ... Guru Granth Sahib (Granth is Punjabi for book, Sahib is Hindi meaning master, from Arabic, meaning companion, friend, owner, or master) or Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji or SGGS for short, is more than a holy book of the Sikhs. ... Also see Bhajan for interpretation purely in connection with Hinduism Kirtan is one of the pillars of Sikhism and in that context refers to the singing of the sacred hymns from the Guru Granth Sahib to set music normally in classical Raags format. ... Waheguru (Punjabi: , or , ) means The Wonderful Lord in the Punjabi language. ... Arda (Bulgarian: Арда, Greek: Αρδας Ardas) is a river whose source lies in the Bulgarian Rhodope Mountains near the town of Smolyan, flowing 290 kilometres eastward past Kardzhali and Ivaylovgrad and through Greece in the northern portion of the Evros prefecture including Kastanies. ...

At the point of cremation, a few Shabads are sung and final speeches are made about the deceased person. Then the Kirtan Sohila, night time prayer is recited and finally Ardas called the "Antim Ardas" (Final Prayer") is offered. The eldest son or a close relative generally starts the cremation process – light the fire or press the button for the burning to begin. This service usually lasts about 30 to 60 minutes. Shabad: Word Shabad is the term used by Sikhs to refer to a hymn or paragraph or sections of the Holy Text that appears in their several Holy Books. ... This article or section is not written in the formal tone expected of an encyclopedia article. ... Arda (Bulgarian: Арда, Greek: Αρδας Ardas) is a river whose source lies in the Bulgarian Rhodope Mountains near the town of Smolyan, flowing 290 kilometres eastward past Kardzhali and Ivaylovgrad and through Greece in the northern portion of the Evros prefecture including Kastanies. ...

The ashes are later collected and disposed by immersing them in the nearest river. Sikhs do not erect monuments over the remains of the dead.

After the cremation ceremony, there may be another service at the Gurdwara, the Sikh place of worship, call the Sahaj Paath Bhog Ceremony but this is optional. This article or section does not cite its references or sources. ... The Sahaj Paath is a reading of all the pages of the Sri Guru Granth Sahib, the Sikh Scriptures, which can be done at the readers schedule. ... Bhog (which in literal etymology means pleasure or delight) is the term used in the Sikh religion for the observances that are fulfilled along with the reading of the concluding part of the Guru Granth Sahib. ...

Sahaj Paath Bhog Ceremony Bhog (which in literal etymology means pleasure or delight) is the term used in the Sikh religion for the observances that are fulfilled along with the reading of the concluding part of the Guru Granth Sahib. ...

After the death of a Sikh, the family of the deceased may undertake a non continuous reading of the entire Sri Guru Granth Sahib (Sahaj Paath). This reading (Paath) is timed to conclude within ten days of the death of the person. The reading may be undertaken at home or in the Gurdwara and usually takes place on the day of the cremation. The conclusion of this ceremony called the Bhog Ceremony marks the end of the mourning period. Guru Granth Sahib (Granth is Punjabi for book, Sahib is Hindi meaning master, from Arabic, meaning companion, friend, owner, or master) or Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji or SGGS for short, is more than a holy book of the Sikhs. ... PAATH or PATH, from the Sanskrit patha which means reading or recitation, is, in the religious context, reading or recitation of the holy texts. ... This article or section does not cite its references or sources. ... Bhog (which in literal etymology means pleasure or delight) is the term used in the Sikh religion for the observances that are fulfilled along with the reading of the concluding part of the Guru Granth Sahib. ...

Generally, all the relatives and friends of the family gather together for the Bhog ceremony on the completion of the reading of Guru Granth Sahib. Musicians sing appropriate Shabads hymns, Saloks of the ninth Guru Tegh Bahadur are read, and Ramkali Saad, the Call of God, is recited. After the final prayer, a random reading or Hukam is taken, and Karah Parshad is distributed to the congregation. Food from Guru's kitchen, Langar, is also normally served. This article or section does not cite any references or sources. ... Shabad: Word Shabad is the term used by Sikhs to refer to a hymn or paragraph or sections of the Holy Text that appears in their several Holy Books. ... This is normally the final verse in a Bani. ... Kara Parshad is a sweet flour based oily vegetarian food which is offered to all visitors to the Darbar Sahib in a Gurdwara. ... Langar (Punjabi: ) is the term used in the Sikh religion for the free, vegetarian-only food served in a Gurdwara and eaten by everyone sitting as equals. ...

The Official Rehit Maryada

The following is from the sgpc website: www.sgpc.net

a. The body of a dying or dead person, if it is on a cot, must not be taken off the cot and put on the floor. Nor must a lit lamp be placed beside, or a cow got bestowed in donation by, him/her or for his/her good or any other ceremony, contrary to Guru's way, performed. Only Gurbani should be recited or "Waheguru, Waheguru" repeated by his/her side. Sikh Holy Texts Bani is the term used by Sikhs to refer to various sections of the Holy Text that appears in their several Holy Books The important Banis are listed below: Japji Sahib 1. ...

b. When someone shuffles the mortal coil, the survivors must not grieve or raise a hue and cry or indulge in breast beating. To induce a mood of resignation to God's will, it is desirable to recite Gurbani Shabads or repeat "Waheguru". Sikh Holy Texts Bani is the term used by Sikhs to refer to various sections of the Holy Text that appears in their several Holy Books The important Banis are listed below: Japji Sahib 1. ... Shabad: Word Shabad is the term used by Sikhs to refer to a hymn or paragraph or sections of the Holy Text that appears in their several Holy Books. ... Waheguru (Punjabi: , or , ) means The Wonderful Lord in the Punjabi language. ...

c. However young the deceased, the body should be cremated. However, where arrangements for cremation cannot be made, there should be no qualm about the body being immersed in flowing water or disposed of in any other manner.

d. As to the time of cremation, no consideration as to whether it should take place during day or night should carry any weight.

e. The dead body should be bathed and clothed in clean clothes. While that is done, the Sikh symbols 5Ks - Kangha, Kachha, Karha, Kirpan - should not be taken off. Thereafter putting the body on a plank or coffin, Ardas about its being taken away for disposal be offered. The hearse or coffin should then be lifted and taken to the cremation ground. While the body is being carried to the cremation ground, Shabads or hymns that induce feelings of detachment should be recited. On reaching the cremation ground, the pyre should be laid. Then the Ardas for consigning the body to fire be offered. The dead body should then he placed on the pyre and the son or any other relation or friend of the deceased should set fire to it. Sikhs are bound to wear five items, known as the Five Ks, on them at all times. ... The Five Ks, or panj kakaar, are five items that baptised Khalsa Sikhs wear at all times at the command of the tenth Sikh Guru, Guru Gobind Singh. ... Typical Kirpan worn by modern Sikhs The Kirpan (Punjabi: ) is a ceremonial sword or dagger worn by all baptised Sikhs. ... Arda (Bulgarian: Арда, Greek: Αρδας Ardas) is a river whose source lies in the Bulgarian Rhodope Mountains near the town of Smolyan, flowing 290 kilometres eastward past Kardzhali and Ivaylovgrad and through Greece in the northern portion of the Evros prefecture including Kastanies. ... Shabad: Word Shabad is the term used by Sikhs to refer to a hymn or paragraph or sections of the Holy Text that appears in their several Holy Books. ... Arda (Bulgarian: Арда, Greek: Αρδας Ardas) is a river whose source lies in the Bulgarian Rhodope Mountains near the town of Smolyan, flowing 290 kilometres eastward past Kardzhali and Ivaylovgrad and through Greece in the northern portion of the Evros prefecture including Kastanies. ...

The accompanying congregation should sit at a reasonable distance and listen to kirtan or carry on collective singing of Shabads or recitation of detachment-inducing Shabads. When the pyre is fully aflame, the Kirtan Sohila (prescribed preretirement night Scriptural prayer) be recited and the Ardas offered. (Piercing the Skull half an hour or so after the pyre has been burning with a rod or something else in the belief that will secure the release of the soul - kapal kriya - is contrary to the Guru's tenets). The congregation should then leave. Shabad: Word Shabad is the term used by Sikhs to refer to a hymn or paragraph or sections of the Holy Text that appears in their several Holy Books. ... Shabad: Word Shabad is the term used by Sikhs to refer to a hymn or paragraph or sections of the Holy Text that appears in their several Holy Books. ... This article or section is not written in the formal tone expected of an encyclopedia article. ... Arda (Bulgarian: Арда, Greek: Αρδας Ardas) is a river whose source lies in the Bulgarian Rhodope Mountains near the town of Smolyan, flowing 290 kilometres eastward past Kardzhali and Ivaylovgrad and through Greece in the northern portion of the Evros prefecture including Kastanies. ...

Coming back home, a reading of the Guru Granth Sahib should be commenced at home or in a nearby Gurdwara, and after reciting the six stanzas of the Anand Sahib, the Ardas, offered and Karah Prashad (sacred pudding) distributed. The reading of the Guru Granth Sahib should be completed on the tenth day. If the reading cannot, or is sought not to, be completed on the tenth day, some other day may be appointed for the conclusion of the reading having regard to the convenience of the relatives. The reading of the Guru Granth Sahib should he carried out by the members of the household of the deceased and relatives in cooperation. if possible, Kirtan may be held every night. No funeral ceremony remains to be performed after the "tenth day." This article or section does not cite any references or sources. ... This article or section does not cite its references or sources. ... Anand Sahib: This Bani is part of the Nitnem or prayer which are read by Amritdhari Sikhs in the morning. ... Arda (Bulgarian: Арда, Greek: Αρδας Ardas) is a river whose source lies in the Bulgarian Rhodope Mountains near the town of Smolyan, flowing 290 kilometres eastward past Kardzhali and Ivaylovgrad and through Greece in the northern portion of the Evros prefecture including Kastanies. ... Kara Parshad is a sweet flour based oily vegetarian food which is offered to all visitors to the Darbar Sahib in a Gurdwara. ... This article or section does not cite any references or sources. ... This article or section does not cite any references or sources. ... Also see Bhajan for interpretation purely in connection with Hinduism Kirtan is one of the pillars of Sikhism and in that context refers to the singing of the sacred hymns from the Guru Granth Sahib to set music normally in classical Raags format. ...

f. When the pyre is burnt out, the whole bulk of the ashes, including the burnt bones, should be gathered up and immersed in flowing water or buried at that very place and the ground levelled. Raising a monument to the memory of the deceased at the place where his dead body is cremated is taboo.

g. Adh Marg (the ceremony of breaking the pot used for bathing the dead body amid doleful cries half way towards the cremation ground), organised lamentation by women, foorhi (sitting on a straw mat in mouming for a certain period), diva (keeping an oil lamp lit for 360 days after the death in the belief that that will light the path of the deceased), Pind (ritual donating of lumps of rice flour, oat flour, or solidified milk (khoa) for ten days after death), kirya (concluding the funeral proceedings ritualistically, serving meals and making offerings by way of Shradh, Budha Marna (waving of whisk, over the hearse of an old person's dead body and decorating the hearse with festoons), etc. are contrary to the approved code. So too is the picking of the burnt bones from the ashes of the pyre for immersing in the Ganga, at Patalpuri (Kiratpur), at Kartarpur Sahib or at any other such place. Kiratpur is a city and a municipal board in Bijnor district in the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh. ... Kartarpur is a small town located about 16 km from Jalandhar. ...