

Sikh Temple of Wisconsin
P.O. Box 245 Oak Creek,
WI 53154
414-764-7454
The following services are provided
to the general public by the Gurdwara Sahib, please call
414-764-7454 for Gurudwara availability and
booking:
Akhand Path
Akhand Path (akhand = uninterrupted, without break; path =
reading) is non-stop, continuous recital of the Guru Granth
Sahib from beginning to end. Such a recital must be
completed within 48 hours. The entire Holy Volume, 1430
large pages, is read through in a continuous ceremony. This
reading must go on day and night, without a moment's
intermission. The relay of reciters who take turns at saying
Scripture must ensure that no break occurs. As they change
places at given intervals, one picks the line from his
predecessor's lips and continues. When and how the custom of
reciting the canon in its entirety in one continuous service
began is not known. Conjecture traces it to the turbulent
days of the eighteenth century when persecution had
scattered the Sikhs to far off places. In those exilic,
uncertain times, the practice of accomplishing a reading of
the Holy Book by a continuous recital is believed to have
originated.
Reference - The Encyclopedia Of Sikhism

Sahej Path
Sahej Path is also recitation of Guru Granth Sahib, from beginning to
end, but it doesn't have to be continuous. A person or group of persons
can read the holy text according to their schedule and complete the reading
of Guru Granth Sahib.
Reference - The Encyclopedia Of Sikhism

Sukhmani Sahib Path
Sukhmani, titled Gauri Sukhmani in the Guru Granth Sahib after the musical measure Gauri
to which it belongs, is a lengthy composition by Guru Arjan which many include in their daily
regimen of prayers. The site, once enclosed by a dense wood, where it was composed around AD
1602-03, is still marked on the bank of the Ramsar pool in the city of Amritsar.
The word sukhmani is rendered into English as "consoler of the mind." The entire poem has been translated into
English more than once under the commonly preferred title, "Psalm of Peace" or "Song of Peace," signifying the
soothing effect it has on the nynd of the reader. Sukh literally means peace or comfort and mani mind or heart.
The Sukhmani comprises twenty-four astpadis or cantos, each comprising eight stanzas. They are composed in the
metre chaupai. A sloka or couplet precedes each astpadi. The first seven stanzas of the astpadi explore the theme
stated in the preceding sloka and the eighth sometimes sums up the astpadi but, more often, becomes a paean of praise
placing the theme in the context of an overall vision of Eternal Reality. This structure is maintained throughout and
though, from canto to canto, there may not be traceable progression of thought as in a philosophical work, there is a
continuing unity of spiritual and ethical tone. One of the fundamental texts of the Sikh faith, the Sukhmani presents a
complete scheme of the teachings of the Sikh faith. While each astpadi has a fresh vision to impart, a particular aspect
of Truth to unfold, the whole text may be regarded as the reiteration of basic themes such as Divine immanence, Divine
compassion, abundance of grace, God's succouring hand, the merit of devotion, of holy company and humility. With such
reiteration, the composition as a whole has a remarkable gripping quality reinforced by the striking imagery which in
stanza after stanza brings home to the seeker the truths he must own.
Reference - The Encyclopedia Of Sikhism

Wedding Ceremony (Anand karaj)
Anand Karaj is the prescribed form of Sikh marriage, the words literally translate as
'Blissful Union". The Sikh marriage is a very special ceremony in which two individuals are joined in a equal partnership.
It is joyous and festive event which is very family orientated and informal in it's atmosphere. Sikh marriages are usually
arranged with families acting as little more than introduction services. The ultimate choice is always left to the girl and
boy. In some cases the boy and girl choose each other first and then seek their parents consent and blessing.
The Reht Maryada which is The Official Sikh Code of Conduct specifies that no thought should be given to the perspective
spouses caste, race or lineage. As long as both the boy and girl profess the Sikh faith and no other faith they may be
joined in wedlock by the Anand Karaj ceremony. The Reht Maryada strictly forbids any sort of dowry arrangement as marriage
is not to be viewed as a business transaction. Sikhs are also discouraged from consulting horoscopes or following any other
superstitions pertaining to determining a wedding date or time. The Anand Karaj ceremony can be performed in any Gurudwara
or home where Sri Guru Granth Sahib has been respectfully installed. The religious ceremony cannot be performed in a hotel
or banquet hall. There are no restrictions as to what time the ceremony should start or what time it should end although they
are usually performed in the morning with the religious ceremony taking no more than a few hours.
Reference - www.sikhs.org/wedding

Kirtan at home Antim Ardas Ceremony
For bookings and more information please call at 414-764-7454.
The construction of new Gurudwara building begins. The ground breaking ceremony took
place on September 4, 2006.
Shri Guru Granth Sahibji at the Sikh Temple of WI
Gurcharan Singh Tohra, president of Shiromani Gurudwara Prabandhak Committee chief with President
Satwant Singh Kaleka during his visit to the Sikh Temple WI