Bhog

Bhog (which in literal etymology means 'pleasure' or 'delight') is the term used in the Sikh religion for the observances that are fulfilled along with the reading of the concluding part of the Guru Granth Sahib. The reading of this holy scripture is done on a day-to-day basis with a staff of readers at a major centre for worship. The community generally relates 'Bhog' to an uninterrupted and complete reading of the book. This usually takes days to complete through a relay of readers who work round-the-clock to come to its end. This is also called the Akhand Path. This type of path and hence the 'Bhog' as it comes to its end, can be performed in conjunction with weddings, obsequies, anniversaries and other occasions, when a family or a worship community might consider such reading to be appropriate.

Bhog in the Hindu religion is a ritual of sacrifice to the Gods. [http://banglapedia.search.com.bd/HT/F_0116.htm] [http://www.deccanherald.com/deccanherald/feb122006/finearts185932006210.asp] [http://www.hinduism.co.za/prasad.htm]

'Bhog' also takes place when a family or a community decides to go for a slower reading of the holy scripture (Sahaj Path). The reading is done as and when the circumstances permit. No time-limit applies in this case. The 'Bhog' comes at its end and has to be recited in a single session, without a break. Another variation is the Saptahik Path, in which the reading of the scripture has to be completed within a week. The Sahaj Path may stretch on for months.

'Bhog' is a derivative from the Sanskrit word "Bhoga" and as a verb it means 'to end' or 'to conclude'. It is generally used to denote a funeral service [http://www.tribuneindia.com/2005/20051228/main7.htm] . The Karah Prasad that is distributed at the end of any congregational service might also be termed as 'Bhog'. An occasion of joy or sorrow, would prompt a Sikh householder to follow the path of the Holy Book, preferred by himself or joinly his family. If this is not possible, then Pathis or scripture-readers are invited for this purpose. The assignation of the time period is often announced at a local Gurudwara during the Sangat. Notices might be placed in the newspapers.

In the case of Saptahik Paths, the reader would complete the reading of the Holy Book except for the last five pages. This is when the Karah Prasad is prepared. The unread portion would be continued after the 'inaugural hymns'. The Pathi would start slowly and would read Guru Teg Bahadur's 57 couplets, "Mundavani" and a "Sloka" (or a hymn) by Guru Arjan. The Ragamala follows after this.

The "Mundavani" is an essential part and is like a seal to the scripture. It reiterates the essentials of the teachings of the book - "Sat(ya)" (the truth), "santokh" (contentment), "vichar" (wisdom) and the remembrance to the Holy name (Nam).

The Ardas is read after the reading is completed. Ardas has its own powerful associations which are now brought into bhog. These include recalling of the glorious past of the Sikhs, their heroism, devotion, martyrdom, and marking the present Khalsa in its venerable might.

After the Ardas, the Hukam or command for the day is obtained by reading out the hymn offered by the text which is naturally interpreted in the context of the intention of the path, that is, as the word of the Guru to those receiving it at that point, with their purposes particularly in mind, be it a family event, a funeral, a wedding, or invocation for blessing on a new venture.

External links and References

* [http://www.thesikhencyclopedia.com The Sikh Encyclopedia]
* [http://www.allaboutsikhs.com All About Sikhs]
* [http://www.sikhnet.com The Sikh Home Page]
* [http://www.gurmat.info The Sikh Missionary Society]