Sikh Rehat Maryada

Sikh Rehat Maryada, also known as the Sikh Code of Conduct, is a comprehensive document that outlines the rules, guidelines, and principles to be followed by Sikhs in their daily lives. It serves as a guide for Sikh individuals and the Sikh community as a whole, providing a framework for religious practices, social conduct, and spiritual discipline. The Sikh Rehat Maryada was first compiled and published by the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) in 1945 and has since undergone revisions.

The Sikh Rehat Maryada covers various aspects of Sikh life, including beliefs, worship, rituals, ceremonies, community affairs, and personal conduct. It emphasizes the core principles of Sikhism, such as the belief in one God, the importance of the Guru Granth Sahib (the Sikh holy scripture), and the practice of the Sikh code of conduct.

Some key aspects and guidelines outlined in the Sikh Rehat Maryada include:

• Beliefs: The Sikh Rehat Maryada affirms the belief in the oneness of God, the teachings of the ten Sikh Gurus, and the Guru Granth Sahib as the eternal Guru of the Sikhs.
• Daily Practices: It outlines the importance of daily prayers, meditation, and recitation of Gurbani (hymns from the Guru Granth Sahib) as part of a Sikh's routine.
• Code of Conduct: The Sikh Rehat Maryada provides guidelines on personal conduct, emphasizing virtues such as honesty, humility, equality, and selfless service. It encourages Sikhs to lead an honest and righteous life.
• Gurdwara Protocol: It lays out the rules and protocols for visiting and participating in Gurdwara activities, including the proper way to show respect to the Guru Granth Sahib, the roles of Granthi (Gurdwara caretaker), and the conduct during religious ceremonies.
• Sikh Ceremonies: The Sikh Rehat Maryada describes the procedures for various Sikh ceremonies, including birth, marriage, and death rituals, ensuring that these ceremonies are conducted in accordance with Sikh principles and traditions.

The Sikh Rehat Maryada acts as a unifying code for Sikhs around the world, promoting consistency and uniformity in Sikh practices while respecting the diversity within the Sikh community. It serves as a valuable resource for Sikhs seeking guidance on religious, social, and personal matters, fostering a sense of identity, discipline, and spirituality among Sikh individuals and communities.