Although the Punjabi Sikh community in Malaysia is relatively small in terms of its population, it has consistently maintained its deeply rooted spiritual and cultural traditions. This is true, especially during the time of death, when they pay respect to the deceased. The funeral rites of the Punjabi Sikh religion became a religious duty for the community and a means for families to express respect, love, and remembrance. By the way, the design of these rites aligns with the local Malaysian culture and legal customs.
The Sikh Approach to the Final Journey
According to Sikhism, death marks the beginning of the soul’s journey to a natural world. The teachings of the primary holy text of the Sikh religion, the Guru Granth Sahib, have an impact on funeral customs.
At the time of a close relative’s death, the body is initially cleaned and dressed in clean and modest clothes, which are often white, symbolising purity. The Ardas prayer service is held, which is either at home or at the Gurdwara, where the soul is prayed for peace and eternal rest.
The Cremation Process in Malaysia
In Malaysia, cremation is the preferred method of final rites among the Sikh community. Why? Because it symbolises the soul’s release from the physical body to move toward a higher spiritual dimension.
Cremation is ordered from licensed crematoriums that are well-acquainted with Sikh customs and beliefs. The Kirtan Sohila – a bedtime prayer sung while the body is being cremated in the crematory – is a way of assisting the deceased in the journey of the soul after leaving the body. Ordinarily, the remains are thrown into the river, demonstrating the conviction that a human being comes back to the earth like nature.
Antim Ardas: The Final Prayer
Among the most significant settings of the Sikh funeral tradition is the Antim Ardas, which is also known as the final prayer. This service, which the locals believe to be the last five purgatory days of the soul of the departed, comes off mostly, that is, on the tenth day after death.
Sikh Funeral Services in Malaysia, Selangor and KL
Eternity Funeral Services in Malaysia is one of the firms that provide families with experienced funeral directors to guide them through these difficult rituals, respecting the culture and emotions of the family.
There are four different types of after prayers in a Sikh funeral, which include Ardas, Path of Sukhmani Sahib, Anand Sahib And Hukamnama and Shadab Kirtan. These are an integral part of the Sikh funeral.
Four Key Prayers in Sikh Funerals
Sikh funeral services in KL include the four main kinds of prayers, each of which bears its spiritual weight and form:
1. Ardas
- Meaning: It is the main Sikh prayer intended to ask the Almighty for blessings, guidance, and forgiveness.
- Reasons for This: This is a prayer that is always going to be involved in any Sikh ceremony; it gives the grieving person strength and peace.
Formality: Said during all main rites—before and after cremation and at Bhog (final service).
2. Path of Sukhmani Sahib
- Definition: A prayer song that was composed by Guru Arjan Dev Ji and has deep peace as its aim.
- Why Pick This: It is a very soothing and spiritualising thing for the family, and it also helps the ghost of the deceased to ascend to a higher level of existence.
- Mechanics: It is the standard way for the family members of the deceased or the professional priests (Granthis) to sing the prayers throughout a certain number of days.
3. Anand Sahib and Hukamnama
- Definition: Anand Sahib is the “Hymn of Bliss”, and Hukamnama is the direct command or guidance received from the Guru Granth Sahib.
- Choice of: The message they contain expresses the satisfaction of spiritual marriage and shows how the Guru’s decisions are made.
- Mechanics: Performed on the 9th day after cremation, the entire Anand Sahib is chanted, and the Hukamnama is the speaker of God’s word through the Guru Granth Sahib Sri.
4. Shabad Kirtan
- Definition: Devotional hymns praising the Divine.
- Why Pick This: Brings comfort and elates the soul with sacred music.
- Mechanics: On the 8th day at the Gurdwara, universal participation and live singing are the programme’s essential features.
Timeline of Events After Cremation
●Day 1–7: Akhand Path – Continuous recitation of the Guru Granth Sahib (~48 hours).
●Day 8: Shabad Kirtan – Devotional singing session.
●Day 9: Anand Sahib & Hukamnama – Celebrating spiritual bliss and receiving divine command.
●Day 10: Antim Ardas & Bhog – Final prayer and food distribution to complete the ceremony.
●Ardas is recited every day throughout this period.
Preserving Tradition, Embracing Local Culture
The Punjabi Sikhs’ funerals in Malaysia are a perfect example of a tradition that has changed but not lost its real meaning. The fundamentals of the soul, community participation, and spiritual growth are basic to society. It is possible to find the core values blended with the Malaysian multicultural and legal situation.
The adaptability factor not only enables Malaysian Sikhs to stand by their forefathers’ side but also to carefully keep their rituals up-to-date, which is like playing with local customs. It is more than just burying the dead; it is the bridge of culture—an old-new bond.
For assistance with funeral planning and arrangements, contact us at: 📞 +6017-9377982 / +6012-9331462
Rest Easy; We’ve Got Your Back.
