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The Ards (Punjabi: ) is a Sikh prayer that is done before performing or afterundertaking any significant task; after reciting the daily Banis (prayers); orcompletion of a service like the Paath, kirtan (hymn-singing) program or any otherreligious program. In Sikhism, these prayers are also said before and after eating.

The prayer is a plea to God to support and help the devotee with whatever he or

she is about to undertake or has done.

The Ardas is usually always done standing up with folded hands. The beginning ofthe Ardas is strictly set by the tenth Sikh Guru, Guru Gobind Singh. When it comesto conclusion of this prayer, the devotee uses word like "Waheguru please bless mein the task that I am about to undertake" when starting a new task or "Akal Purakh,having completed the hymn-singing, we ask for your continued blessings so that wecan continue with your memory and remember you at all times", etc.

Origins

The word "Ards" is derived from Persian word 'Arazdashat', meaning a request,

supplication, prayer, petition or an address to a superior authority.

Ards is a unique prayer based on the fact that it is one of the few well-knownprayers in the Sikh religion that was not written in its entirety by the Gurus. TheArds cannot be found within the pages of the Guru Granth Sahib because it is acontinually changing devotional text that has evolved over time in order for it toencompass the feats, accomplishments, and feelings of all generations of Sikhswithin its lines. Taking the various derivation of the word Ards into account, thebasic purpose of this prayer is an appeal to Waheguru for his protection and care,as well as being a plea for the welfare and prosperity of all mankind, and a meansfor the Sikhs to thank Waheguru for all that he has done.

Meaning

See detailed article Chandi di Var

The Ards is said as a reflection on everything it took for the Divine to create thepure Shabad Guru on earth and to remember all that the Sikh endured to protect itand ensure it landed in the hands of the future generation. It encompasses manySikh and Humanistic values, such as peace and understanding, as well as faith andperseverance.

(Pujio) Bhai Sahib Norang Singh Ji doing Ards

The Ards is normally said while standing with folded hands before and afterperforming any relevant task. It starts with "pritham bhagautee simar kai, GurNanak laee dhiaa-e phir Angad gur tay Amardaas, Raamdaasai hoee sahaee" andends with "Naanak naam charhdee kalaa, tayray bhaanay Sarbaht dah Phahla." It ismore than just a prayer; it is a new concept of therapy for the elevation of thehuman spirit, mind and body. Following are the main features and benefits of sayingthe ards.

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* It is a petition to God, the merciful creator of the universe* It lowers ones ego and brings calmness to the mental state* Teaches one Nimrata, Daya, and Chardikala* One is reminded of the level of dedication required to become a better humanbeing* Gives one inner strength and energy

* Links the mind with the pure ones from human history* Elevates ones spiritual state; builds ones confidence* Brings a sense of "community" to the person.

In a congregational setting, the ards is recited by one member of the assemblagewith everyone standing reverentially, hands crossed, facing the Guru Granth Sahib.Periodically throughout the recitation, the assembly as a whole repeats the wordWaheguru in order to support the idea that God, the "Wondrous Guru", is theSupreme Being capable of anything. At the completion of ards, the congregationbows down as one and places their foreheads on the floor to symbolize the fact thatthey will go as low as necessary to support Waheguru and all that He stands for; inessence, they are placing themselves as the servants of God. Upon rising, the

Sangat (congregation) proclaims "Waheguru Ji ka Khalsa, Waheguru Ji ki Fateh".Roughly translated it means "the Khalsa belongs to the Lord to whom [also] belongsthe Victory" (Singh, Inderjit). Immediately after uttering these words, one memberof the assembly states the phrase, "Bole So Nihal", or "he who pronounces thesewords shall be fulfilled" (Singh, Inderjit). In response to this statement, the entireSangat heartily shouts, "Sat Sri Akal," meaning "True is the Timeless Lord". Thecontent of the prayers serves to unite the Sangat and show the degree of faithpresent in each person.