Sikh history, fully sourced. Open to all
Sikh history, fully sourced. Open to all
Sikh history, fully sourced. Open to all
The Sikh Rehat Maryada is the official code of conduct and conventions of Sikhism, approved and maintained by the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC). It is the single authoritative document that defines what it means to live as an initiated Sikh — covering daily prayer, personal conduct, ceremony, and community responsibility. This page explains it plainly, for someone encountering it for the first time as well as an initiated Sikh wanting a reference.
The Rehat Maryada is not a list of rules imposed from outside — it's a voluntary commitment made at the point of Amrit Sanchar (initiation). A Sikh who has not taken Amrit is not bound by it in the same formal way, though its values of equality, discipline, and service are considered foundational to Sikh life at every stage.
A subcommittee under the SGPC began drafting a unified code of conduct in 1927, following decades of Singh Sabha debate over inconsistent practice. After extensive community consultation, the draft was ratified by the SGPC's general body in October 1936, and the final, currently-observed version — incorporating further Advisory Committee amendments — was approved on 3 February 1945, specifically to resolve internal disagreements about practice and establish a single, caste-free standard applicable to all Sikhs globally.
An Amritdhari (initiated) Sikh's day is structured around three prayer sessions.
Amrit Vela — the ambrosial hours (3:00 AM–6:00 AM): the day begins with Ishnaan (bathing, including the hair), followed by Naam Simran (meditation on Waheguru), and the recitation of the five morning Banis:
| Bani | Composed by | Core theme |
|---|---|---|
| Japji Sahib | Guru Nanak Dev Ji | The nature of God and the path to enlightenment |
| Jaap Sahib | Guru Gobind Singh Ji | Rhythmic salutation to the Timeless Lord |
| Tav-Prasad Savaiye | Guru Gobind Singh Ji | Love and devotion, not ritual, find God |
| Benti Chaupai | Guru Gobind Singh Ji | Prayer for spiritual protection |
| Anand Sahib | Guru Amar Das Ji | The song of spiritual bliss |
The morning session concludes with Ardas (formal petition prayer).
Rehras Sahib — sunset: recited at the end of the working day to spiritually revitalise the mind after worldly activity. Includes compositions from multiple Gurus and concludes with Ardas.
Kirtan Sohila — bedtime: the final prayer of the day, recited immediately before sleep. It is also the prayer recited at Sikh funeral rites (Antam Sanskar), representing the soul's final journey — simultaneously the daily close and the sacred farewell.
An initiated Sikh wears all five articles of faith at all times, not as symbols to be put on and taken off, but as a continuous physical identity:
| K | What it is | What it represents |
|---|---|---|
| Kesh | Uncut hair | Acceptance of God's creation as given |
| Kangha | Wooden comb, kept in the hair | Discipline and cleanliness; order within the self |
| Kara | Iron or steel bracelet, right wrist | Eternity, and an unbreakable bond with God |
| Kachera | Tailored cotton undergarments | Self-control and modesty; readiness for action |
| Kirpan | Ceremonial sword | The duty to defend the oppressed; courage against injustice |
Committing any of these four acts renders an Amritdhari Sikh a Patit (apostate) — their Khalsa status considered forfeit until re-initiation:
Not every lapse is a cardinal sin. Failing in daily discipline, neglecting prayers, or social misconduct renders a person a Tankhaiya — someone who owes penance to the community. The Tankhah system is restorative, not punitive.
Major religious or political misconduct can result in a summons to the Akal Takht, where even Sikh leaders and public figures have been required to perform the same acts of humble Sewa as any ordinary Tankhaiya. The Rehat Maryada's principle of equality means no one is exempt from this accountability, regardless of status or rank.