ਅਰਦਾਸ
ardaas
The English phrase 'prayer' can be translated into Punjabi as ਅਰਦਾਸ (ardaas).
The word ਅਰਦਾਸ is used to describe a formal petition or request made to a higher power or authority.
Meaning: practice of communicating with one's God (noun)
Which one should you use?
ਅਰਦਾਸ is the culturally specific term for Sikh prayer, whereas ਪ੍ਰਾਰਥਨਾ is a more general term for prayer used across many Indian languages and religions.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In the Majhi dialect, the phrase ਅਰਦਾਸ ਕਰਨਾ is used for the act of saying prayer.
How do you pronounce it?
ardaas
When do people say it?
In the context of Sikhism, ਅਰਦਾਸ refers specifically to a formal prayer or petition offered to God, often performed in a Gurdwara.
Did you know?
- The Sikh ਅਰਦਾਸ is unique because it is not a scripted mantra but a structured petition that allows for the addition of specific requests for the community or the world.
- While ਅਰਦਾਸ is a spiritual prayer, in many Punjabi contexts, it can also be used to mean a formal petition or a humble request addressed to a person of high status or authority.
- In Punjabi culture, the act of ਅਰਦਾਸ ਕਰਨਾ is often seen as a way to seek 'shakti' or spiritual strength to face an injustice rather than just asking for a favor.
Examples in context
- ਓਹ ਮੇਰੇ ਰੱਬ, ਮੇਰੀ ਮਦਦ ਕਰੋOh Lord, Help Me
- ਅਰਦਾਸ ਸਭ ਤੋਂ ਉੱਪਰ ਹੈ।ardās sab tōṁ upar hai.Prayer is above all else.
- ਉਸ ਨੇ ਅਰਦਾਸ ਕੀਤੀ।us nē ardās kītī.He offered a prayer.
- ਸਵੇਰੇ ਅਰਦਾਸ ਕਰਨਾ ਚੰਗਾ ਹੈ।savērē ardās karanā caṅgā hai.It is good to pray in the morning.
Example conversation
Kiran and Aman are talking about visiting the Gurdwara.
- ਕਿਰਨ Kiranਅਮਨ, ਕੀ ਅਸੀਂ ਅੱਜ ਗੁਰਦੁਆਰੇ ਚੱਲੀਏ?Aman, ki asin ajj Gurdware challiye?Aman, shall we go to the Gurdwara today?
- ਅਮਨ Amanਹਾਂ ਕਿਰਨ, ਮੈਂ ਵੀ ਜਾਣਾ ਚਾਹੁੰਦਾ ਹਾਂ।Haan Kiran, main vi jaana chaunda haan.Yes Kiran, I want to go too.
- ਕਿਰਨ Kiranਮੈਂ ਉੱਥੇ ਜਾ ਕੇ ਅਰਦਾਸ ਕਰਨਾ ਚਾਹੁੰਦੀ ਹਾਂ।Main uthe ja ke ardaas karna chahundi haan.I want to go there and say a prayer.
- ਅਮਨ Amanਠੀਕ ਹੈ, ਅਸੀਂ ਹੁਣੇ ਚਲਦੇ ਹਾਂ।Thik hai, asin hune chalde haan.Okay, let's go right now.
