Planning to seek blessings at the Golden Temple? Want to know the exact ardas timings to plan your visit accordingly? Golden Temple Ardas Timings may vary according to months and weather conditions. It is a prayer offered by the devotees and the sewadars present in the Gurudwara Sahib to the eleventh sikh guru namely, Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji. This prayer was first composed by the tenth Sikh guru, Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji and it consists of three parts. 

Also, during the recitation of the prayer, the devotees often stand up with folded hands, some with bowed heads in front of the Guru Sahib. The ardas hold great significance in the Sikhism religion and are conducted by the sewadars by following all the guidelines and maintaining the proper order. 

In this blog, you get to explore the actual timings of the Ardas, its meaning, historical significance and more!  

Sikh Ardas: A Sacred Invocation  

Ardas is a set prayer in Sikhism commonly offered by the devotees with whole-heartedly and pure intentions to the Guru Sahib to seek blessings and guidance. It is mainly performed in Gurudwaras and also during the Sikh ceremonies as well as gatherings.

At the Golden Temple, the ardas is recited throughout the day during specific times and is led by a designated religious leader or Granthi who acts as a facilitator for the congregation. The prayer is recited in the Gurmukhi Language and all the devotees stand up with folded hands and bowed heads. 

It is a significant prayer in Sikhism, serving as a form of supplication, petition and gratitude offered by the Sikhs to Waheguru Ji and Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji. It was first composed by the tenth Sikh guru namely, Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji and it majorly consists of three parts. 

According to the orders of the tenth Sikh guru, the first and third parts of the Ardas is not allowed to be altered or modified, but the second part can be changed while reciting a short ardas. 

The first part is strictly set by the tenth guru and it appears as the opening passage of Var Sri Bhagauti Ji Ki including the virtues of other Sikh Gurus. The second part consists of several paragraphs including the important sikh symbols, places of worship and values connected to the Khalsa. The third part salutes the divine name. 

Understanding the Importance of the Sikh Ardas

The Sikh Ardas is a sacred prayer that connects Sikhs with Waheguru, the divine. It honours Sikh Gurus and martyrs, fostering unity and collective identity among Sikhs worldwide. Through gratitude and seeking guidance, it embodies Sikh values of inclusivity, compassion, and humility. The Ardas preserves Sikh heritage and inspires future generations, making it a profound expression of Sikh spirituality and community solidarity.

The Sikh Ardas is very important in Sikhism for several reasons:

• Connecting with Waheguru: Ardas help Sikhs make a spiritual connection with Waheguru directly, asking for help and blessings in their journey.
• Honouring Sikh Gurus and Martyrs: In Ardas, Sikhs remember and honour their Gurus and martyrs, keeping alive their teachings and sacrifices.
• Bringing Sikhs Together: When Sikhs recite Ardas together, it helps them feel united and connected, no matter where they are from.
• Saying Thanks and Asking for Help: Ardas lets Sikhs say thank you for the good things in life and ask for help when they face tough times.
• Including Everyone and Being Kind: Ardas isn’t just for Sikhs, it’s for everyone and it teaches the Sikhs to care for everyone and to be kind as well as helpful to others.

Insights on the Ardas Timings in Golden Temple 

At the Golden Temple, one of the holiest Sikh shrines located in Amritsar, India, Ardas is performed at specific times throughout the day. These Ardas timing in Golden Temple are meticulously observed to accommodate the large number of devotees who visit the temple daily to offer their prayers and seek blessings.

Timings of the prayers offered throughout the day listed as below: 

Brief explanation of the six ardas prayers offered at the Golden Temple: 

1. First Ardas: The first Ardas takes place after the Prakash (illumination) of Shri Guru Granth Sahib and the reading of the first hukamnama (divine order) in the early morning at 6:00 am. This Ardas allows the devotees to offer their prayers and seek blessings from the Guru, while the use of a mike ensures that their voices are heard clearly by all present. The timings of this ardas change according to the months and weather. 
2. Second Ardas: The second Ardas is recited at 7:00 am after the completion of Asa Di Vaar and the second Hukmnama. This Ardas provides an opportunity for the congregation to collectively express their gratitude, seek guidance and offer their prayers to the Guru. 
3. Third Ardas: The third Ardas is conducted after the daily recitation of Anand Sahib, a sacred hymn, precisely at 12 pm. However, on special occasions or Gurupurab Diwas (the birth anniversary of a Guru), the timing may be adjusted to 11:40 am. This Ardas, performed using a mike, allows the devotees to come together and offer their prayers, expressing their devotion and seeking spiritual blessings from the Guru.
4. Fourth Ardas: The fourth Ardas is performed daily at 3 pm, after the Charan Kamal Chonki. This Ardas holds a special significance as it is conducted at a fixed time and remains unaffected by changes in weather or months. It allows devotees to present their prayers and seek Guru’s blessings, nurturing devotion and a connection beyond the physical realm.
5. Fifth Ardas: The fifth Ardas takes place at 6:10 pm after the completion of the Rehras Sahib Path, a daily evening Sikh prayer. Due to variations in the timing of the Rehras Sahib Path caused by changes in weather conditions, the timing of this Ardas may also change accordingly. This Ardas allows the congregation to collectively express their gratitude, seek guidance and offer their prayers to the Guru, creating a sacred atmosphere of devotion and reverence. The timing of this ardas varies due to changes in weather and months.
6. Sixth Ardas: The sixth ardas timing in Golden Temple is 9:40 pm, recited by the granthi after taking hukamnama at night from Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji. After this ardas, the sewadars prepare for the departure of the palki sahib for sukhasan sahib sewa. The timing of this prayer varies depending on the month and weather. 

In conclusion, a visit to this holy Gurudwara is a unique experience for every devotee as they capture the essence of spirituality, unity as well as profound devotion. The Golden Temple Amritsar Timings change every four months by 15 minutes anticlockwise. Also, the main complex adorned with gleaming gold, resonates with the serene melodies of hymns and the selfless service of the community leaves an indelible impression on your soul.