Why Do We Emerse Our Ashes At Kiratpur Sahib?

[Singhballer]

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My uncle raised a very good question to which I had no answer. He said that taking peoples ashes to Kiratpur is just a Pakhand.. <_< it was never done even 50 years ago. People would take ashes to Hardwar. So my question is Why do we as Sikhs today emerse our Ashes at the River at Kiratpur Sahib ?

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[gsathwal]

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My uncle raised a very good question to which I had no answer. He said that taking peoples ashes to Kiratpur is just a Pakhand.. <_< it was never done even 50 years ago. People would take ashes to Hardwar. So my question is Why do we as Sikhs today emerse our Ashes at the River at Kiratpur Sahib ?

WJKK WJKF

I think it is just a ritual, its not required but people start copying each other. Sant Ranjit Singh said there is no religious reason behind it but because people are very upset when they do it maybe that is the time it clicks to them and they become religious

[harsimran kaur]

this is a bit off topic.. but related to the original question anyway..

Are there some guidelines in Sikhi in general what to do with the ashes of dead person? Could they be scattered anywhere or does it have to be a river or something similar?

[SaRpAnCh]

There is no signifigance its just tradition the area also is very peaceful and you can sit down and reflect, its better then going to a river anywhere and scattering ashes at Kiratpur Sahib you have a Gurdwara on the banks of the water, around the corner is Anandpur Sahib so if say a weak hearted person who is very very shocked at the death of a loved one goes there - the peacefullness/quiteness of Kiratpur Sahib will calm that person down and they can draw inspiration from that to improve there own lives as well as reflect on the loved ones life, if say the person goes to any old river he/she might not get the inspiration and strength to get over the death as you do at Kiratpur with the home of the Khalsa right next door ,- that could be another reason as Anandpur Sahib is the home of the Khalsa - it would be a personal journey for someone.

Im not saying its a must you scatter ashes at Kiratpur you can do that anywhere but there are no ritualistic reasons for going there only tradition and inspiration those of you that have been there will know what i mean by a peacefull place

[simer_169]

i think sarpanch is right.....

[Singhballer]

Thanks for the replies .

So theres no Historical Significance?

I did read that Siri Guru Har Krishan Sahib Ji's ashes were brought from Delhi and emersed at Kiratpur Sahib.

[guptveer1469]

Maybe because there was no Gurughar in Delhi with a river? So that after or before the ashes are immersed, a ardaas could be performed at an Gurughar?

Bhul Chuk Maaf,

WJKK WJKF

[big5abi]

Besides experiencing peace of mind upon witnessing beautiful gardens and heaven-like scenery, there is a sensation of ambrosial dew-drops that permeate the soul there.

My Brother there is much historical significance related to the land of Kiratpur.

At the location of Gurudwara Patal Puri, Sri Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji, Sri Guru Har Rai Ji and the Mother of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji, Mata Nanaki were cremated there and their ashes were dispersed into the river as were Sri Guru Har Krishan Jis.

The place in which the Gurudwara Charan Kanwal is today, used to be the home of a pandit named Peenju. He had heard from the villagers and from travelers that there is a Pir by the name of Nanak, who gives sight to the blind and speech to the dumb. In his heart the pandit had adopted Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji as his Guru, and had practiced prema-bhakti for his darshan.

During their travels, Guru Nanak had come upon the home of Peenju and had blessed their bhagat. At that very spot Guru Nanak had begun kirtan with Mardana and had remained immersed in it for three hours until Mardana had stopped playing his rabab, which caused Guru Nanak to open their lotus eyes and question Mardana as to why he had stopped. Mardana said "either make me as thyself or at least ask if I am hungry once in a while". Guru Ji were very pleased with his innocent answer and had blessed him with the sound of the unstruck melodies. After Mardana had remained immersed in the anhad shabad for hours, Guru ji lay their hand on top of Mardanas head and had brought his consciousness back to its normality. Mardana had praised His Guru and had tried to explain the overflow of bliss he had experienced.

Mardana had then asked Guru Ji the significance of this land as he had had experienced such celestial fortune upon it. Guru Nanak being pleased with his question had said that "you are my sevak and I will not hide anything from you." Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji went on explaining that "In the coming years when I assume my 6^th form I will construct this land and name it Kiratpur. This place had been an oasis of penance in satjug where many Rishis and Munis had meditated. Also, underneath this sacred land flows the Ganges waters of the netherworld." Guru Ji went on saying "Vashisht, the master of Ramchander had spent many years meditating here and the kingdom of Bali, the Charitable King from Satjug was also located at this very spot." Upon hearing this Mardana was in wonderment and had praised his Guru.

Gurudwara Patal Puri was constructed by Sant Darbara Singh Ji of Lopon. When Sant Ji had returned to India from England, many English folk were intrigued by his discourse on Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji and had decided to come with him and witness the sacred temples and Gurudwaras. Upon reaching Kiratpur Sahib the Englishmen were told of the significance of Kiratpur of how ashes of the deceased are poured into the river, but the English were astonished at the fact that why such a holy place had not been constructed and why it lays amidst jungle and forest. After hearing the disappointment in their voices Sant Ji had witnessed the parthak darshan of Sri Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji. Understanding this vision as a sign to commence construction of the Gurudwara, Sant Ji had announced the plans to construct Gurudwara Patal Puri to the Sangat, in Ludhiana on the 18^th of May, 1976. The Jathedar of the S.G.P.C.at that time was Mohan Singh Turh, who was called to Lopon to pass the regulatory provisions in order to begin construction. This Gurudwara was constructed and was given to the sangat and S.G.P.C. upon completion.

I am aware of these facts as my grandfather who is still alive was one of the chief sevadars in construction of the Gurudwara. Inside the Gurudwara there is a list of some of the chief sevadars who were involved in the construction. The very first name on the list is my grandfather's, Karnail Singh.

[Singhballer]

Thank You very Much

I really appreciate you passing all this upon me .

I'm more than satisfied.

[Inderjitcaur]

Waheguru Ji, is it true that there is no flowing water for these last rites. Khalsa ji I need to know urgently as my father passed on and we desire to take his ashes to India only for this reason. 
A prompt reply is appreciated