Ardas

The word seems to come from Persian arzdasht, a petition to a superior. Ardas does not appear in Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji. The Encyclopaedia of Sikhism describes it as a prayer shaped by the community, with phrases added as Sikhs faced distress or gave thanks. The Sikh Rehat Maryada prints a model text, and allows it to be adapted to the occasion. However, the opening invocation and the closing phrases must not be changed.[EoS][Src]

The first part recalls God and the ten Gurus, in words taken from the opening of Var Sri Bhagauti Ji, and then turns to Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji. The second part remembers the Panj Piare, the four Sahibzade, the Forty Liberated Ones, and the men and women who endured torture and martyrdom rather than give up their faith. It then recalls the five Takhts and all gurdwaras.

The third part asks for the gifts of faith, uncut hair, discipline, discernment and trust, and for the remembrance of God. It prays for humility and wisdom, and for free access to Nankana Sahib and other gurdwaras from which the Panth has been separated. A space is left to name the purpose of the prayer. It ends by asking for the good of all people, in the phrase sarbat da bhala.[Src][EoS][EoS]

Anyone in the sangat may lead Ardas. All stand with folded hands, facing Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji if present and in any direction if not. The person in attendance waves the whisk. At set points the sangat responds with Vahiguru. At the end all bow, and then rise to say Vahiguru Ji ka Khalsa, Vahiguru Ji ki Fateh. The call Bole so nihal receives the answer Sat Sri Akal.

If the prayer is for a particular person, others need not stand. Ardas closes morning and evening nitnem, and it is also said at births, weddings, funerals, on moving into a new home or starting a new business. In the Sikh Rehat Maryada, Ardas and the recitation of Gurbani are named as the essential parts of every Sikh rite.[Src][EoS]