Sukhasan Sahib

Growing up in a Gursikh family, certain truths were ingrained in us as the very fabric of life. Just like eating, sleeping, waking up in the morning, and retiring at night, one fundamental truth was always present: our Guru, our guide, our constant companion—“The Guru Granth Sahib.” To us, it wasn’t just a book, a collection of pages or scriptures; it was alive. We believed with all our hearts that all the answers to life, and the mysteries of the beyond, lay within its sacred verses. Yesterday, that belief was not just reaffirmed—it was deepened.

It was a long-overdue trip to Amritsar, a gift from my parents and sister. The purpose was simple: visit the Golden Temple, spend the night, and return to Chandigarh the next day.

As we made our way toward the holy city, stories of previous visits—many of them for my parents and sister—flooded the car. During these conversations, the names of Prakash Sahib and Sukhassaan Sahib were mentioned with such reverence and emotion that my heart began to race. I knew I wanted to witness these ceremonies, but the circumstances seemed unfavorably aligned. Yet, as we all know, when He calls, He provides, and in His own time, the impossible often becomes reality.

Upon reaching the hotel, we checked in and rested briefly. What was meant to be a short break turned into a longer pause. After changing and getting ready as if to meet someone of the highest importance, we set off for the Gurudwara. My sister, who often visits Amritsar for darshan, wisely opted for a cab—navigating through the narrow streets would be easier that way.

During the ride, we were all enveloped in a quiet reverence. It is said that you come to Him only when He calls you, when He decides the moment is right. As we drove toward the Golden Temple, the excitement was palpable, but there was also a profound sense of gratitude filling the car, each of us lost in our own prayers and thoughts.

The cab dropped us at the entrance of the Gurudwara, right in front of the Akal Takht Sahib. We made our way into the long line for Darshan. The atmosphere was thick with devotion. The air was filled with the sounds of prayer, chanting, and kirtan, each voice harmonizing in reverence. It was almost impossible to describe—people from every walk of life, every corner of the world, gathered there to connect with the sacred Bir Sahib. Some came with hearts full of gratitude, others with prayers for healing, some seeking answers, and others simply there to feel His presence.

As we neared the Takht Sahib, my heart began to race. The energy in the air was electric, but serene. My family split into two groups, with my mother and daughter first in line. When they came out, my daughter was visibly upset; she hadn’t received her Prasad, which was meant to be a blessing for her as she was about to sit for her board exams. So, we joined a smaller line and patiently waited again. This time, we received the Prasad, and my daughter’s face lit up with joy and relief.

We continued our journey around the Gurudwara, our senses overwhelmed by the sight of the Golden Temple. It was not just the gold that shimmered; it was the divine light that surrounded it. It wasn’t the physical structure that captivated us—it was something much deeper, something beyond words.

As we reached another part of the Gurudwara, we realized that we couldn’t get containers for Amrit. My daughter, feeling anxious, whispered to me that we would leave empty-handed. But we’ve always believed that no one leaves His doorstep without a blessing. And true to that belief, we were given not one, but three containers of Amrit, right at His doorstep. This moment, this blessing, was beyond anything we could have ever imagined.

As we began to leave, we were told that the exit was temporarily closed for preparations for Sukhasan Sahib, although an alternate way out was provided. My parents and sister, sensing an opportunity, decided we should stay and witness this sacred ceremony. My father, ever the pillar of patience, sat on the cold stairs, so I could be a part of the experience. My mother, ever graceful, accompanied us. My sister and daughter who had witnessed it before eagerly supporting me and excited for me. We were led to a different location, where we could see the entire procedure unfold.

And then, before me, appeared the Palki Sahib, shining in gold, surrounded by a serene aura of purity. The Sevadaars gently prepared it, changing the bedding to a beautiful pink and blue quilt, as though preparing a bed for a living being. It was a moment of pure reverence. The sevadaars worked in perfect harmony, their chanting resonating through the walls of the Gurudwara. Slowly, they adorned the Palki Sahib with fresh flowers, a divine offering to the Bir Sahib.

And then, the Palki Sahib was lifted onto the shoulders of the sevadaars, carried with the utmost care and respect, as chanting filled the air. The procession moved gracefully toward the Sukhassaan Sahib room, where the Bir Sahib would rest for the night. Devotees lined up along the way, hoping to be chosen to carry the Palki Sahib for a few steps, a moment they would cherish forever.

I stood there, watching the procession, my heart overwhelmed. It wasn’t just the Palki Sahib that moved; it was the hearts of everyone present. Every step taken, every prayer whispered, every chant that echoed through the corridors of the Gurudwara—it was as if the very fabric of life itself was being woven with divine love.

This sight will remain etched in my soul forever. The Prakash ceremony takes place early in the morning, when the doors are opened at around 3 a.m., and the same ceremonial steps are followed to bring the Bir Sahib to the Takht Sahib. Perhaps, in time, I will be granted the privilege of witnessing that as well.

Faith is a powerful emotion, one that grows infinitely with each experience. My belief is stronger than ever, and I now feel that I truly understand—it is not just a belief; it is a living, breathing force.

This trip to the holy city has only solidified my conviction: He is alive, watching, guiding, and protecting us, always.

With deep reverence and gratitude

---

Preparation and Procession of the Palki Sahib

As we approached the sacred space, my gaze was drawn to the resplendent Palki Sahib, its golden surface gleaming with divine radiance. The sevadaars, embodiments of devotion, moved with reverence, preparing the bedding for the Bir Sahib. They transformed the bedding into a serene haven, draping it in delicate pink and blue hues, as if cradling a cherished child. Each pillow, quilt, and sheet was arranged with meticulous care, reflecting the profound respect and love they held for the Guru Granth Sahib.

Under the guidance of a single leader, a dedicated group of 20 to 25 sevadaars began their sacred task. Their voices united in harmonious chanting, infusing the atmosphere with a palpable sense of devotion. They adorned the Palki Sahib with fresh, fragrant flowers, each petal a testament to their unwavering faith. The sight was nothing short of breathtaking; every inch of the Palki Sahib was enveloped in a tapestry of blossoms, creating a vision of purity and grace.

With reverent hands, the sevadaars lifted the Palki Sahib onto their shoulders, their movements synchronized in a dance of devotion. They proceeded toward the Akal Takht, the sacred throne of the Timeless One, to bring the Bir Sahib. The air was thick with the resonance of their chanting, each syllable vibrating through the very walls of the Gurudwara Sahib, enveloping all in its spiritual embrace.

The Bir Sahib was carried with the utmost respect, placed upon the Palki Sahib, and gently guided to its resting place. The chanting reverberated through the walls, carried on the sarovar, and into the hearts of every devotee present, instilling hope and faith in their souls.

Devotees lined up, eager to participate in the sacred procession, to lift the Palki Sahib and carry the Bir Sahib to the Sukhasan room. Envision a golden Palki, adorned with exquisite flowers, borne upon the shoulders of at least 20 sevadaars. As they moved, they exchanged the honor of carrying the Palki, each step a testament to their devotion. The procession moved with unwavering purpose, heads bowed in reverence, as it made its way to the Sukhasan room, embodying the dignity and grace befitting the presence of the Divine.

This sacred ritual, known as Sukhasan Sahib, is a profound expression of the Sikh faith, honoring the Guru Granth Sahib as the eternal Guru. The ceremony reflects the deep reverence and love that devotees hold for their spiritual guide, treating the scripture with the utmost respect and devotion. The Palki Sahib, adorned with flowers and carried with reverence, symbolizes the journey of the Guru Granth Sahib from the sanctum to its resting place, embodying the spiritual journey of the soul.

Experiencing this ceremony is a deeply moving and spiritual experience, offering a glimpse into the profound devotion and faith that permeate the Golden Temple. It serves as a reminder of the enduring presence of the Divine in our lives and the importance of devotion, humility, and service in the Sikh faith.