X. Selection of Panj Piaras
(ਪੰਜਾਂ ਪਿਆਰਿਆਂ ਦੀ ਚੋਣ)
The names of five Gursikhs are suggested from amongst the Sangat (holy congregation). Their suitability is ascertained in camera (a separate room or enclosure) in the presence of Guru Granth Sahib after making sure that the individuals are leading their lives as prescribed by Guru Gobind Singh for them.
A priest (ਗ੍ਰੰਥੀ) for the occasion is also selected in the like manner. Thus their selection is finalised. Thereafter they put on special robes and cross-examine all seekers one by one for their suitability for initiation into Sikhism.
XI. Preparation of Holy Water (Amrit)
(ਅੰਮ੍ਰਿਤ ਦੀ ਤਿਆਰੀ)
With Sri Guru Granth Sahib on the throne and a priest in attendance the Panj Piaras take clean water in a wrought iron bowl, add some fresh-made hollow sugar sweets (ਪਤਾਸੇ) in it and sit in a circle around the bowl with left knee down and right knee up. 1st of the Panj Piaras holds a wrought iron double-edged sword (ਖੰਡਾ) in his right hand with its tip resting in the bowl – all remaining hands of the Panj Piaras resting on the edge of the bowl and their eyes set on the water in the bowl.
With the permission of the priest (ਗ੍ਰੰਥੀ ਸਾਹਿਬ) preparation of the Holy Water starts with the fore and aft movement of the double-edged sword in rubbing contact of the bowl while saying Jap Ji Sahib (ਜਪੁ ਜੀ ਸਾਹਿਬ). After this the sword is passed on to the right hand of the 2nd Piara for similar operation while saying Jaap Sahib (ਜਾਪ ਸਾਹਿਬ). The 3rd, the 4th ad the 5th Piaras give similar performance by saying Sudha Savaiye (ਸੁਧਾ ਸਵਈਯੇ), Benti Chaupai Sahib (ਬੇਨਤੀ ਚੌਪਈ ਸਾਹਿਬ) and Anand Sahib (ਅਨੰਦ ਸਾਹਿਬ) respectively in the same manner.
Then the Panj Piaras stand up supporting the bowl in their hands and one of them says the Prayer (ਅਰਦਾਸਾ) invoking Guru’s blessings and seeking his permission to administer it to the seekers. This completes the preparation of the Holy Water (ਅੰਮ੍ਰਿਤ).
To be continued...
