Antim Ardas is the prayer recited during the final rites of a Sikh person. It forms the conclusion part of the rituals held during a cremation.
Antim Ardas involves the complete reading of the Guru Granth Sahib, the holy book of Sikhs. This reading is called Sahaj Path, and it is supposed to take about 10 days in its completion. The reading provides spiritual support and consolation to the family members of the deceased person. Blessings for the departed soul are prayed upon. On completion of the reading, holy verses are sung. It is followed by chants dedicated to Guru Tegh Bahadur, the ninth Sikh guru, and the recital of ‘ramkali saad’, meaning ‘call of the God.’ A ‘hukam’ (order) is taken from the Guru Granth Sahib and ‘karah parshad’ (holy offerings) are distributed to the people present.
