The four prayers (laavan) of the sikh wedding ceremonY

First Laav

In the first prayer of the marriage ceremony, the couple is led to begin their spiritual journey together. They are reminded to:

  • Embrace righteousness and truth

  • Meditate on the Naam (Name of God)

  • Let go of ego and selfishness

 “By meditating on the Name of the Lord, you shall be honored. True are the instructions of the Guru – dwell upon them in your mind. Walk in the way of the Lord’s Will – this is your command. Dedicate yourself to loving God, and the marriage of your soul and spirit shall be blessed.”

Second Laav

In the second prayer of the marriage ceremony, the couple progresses deeper into spiritual awareness and devotion. They are encouraged to:

  • Develop deep love for the Divine

  • Let go of doubts and fears

“The Lord leads you to meet the True Guru, the Word of the Shabad (prayer) is revealed. Within your heart, the Divine Love is awakened, and the darkness of ignorance is dispelled. The Lord’s Name is delightful to the mind; through the Guru’s teachings, the soul finds peace. This is the second prayer of the marriage ceremony.”

Third Laav

In the third prayer of the marriage ceremony, there reflects intense spiritual longing and connection with the Creator. The couple is encouraged to:

  • Detach from worldly desires

  • Live in contentment, focusing only on the Divine

“The mind is filled with Divine Love and detachment from the world. Day and night, one sings the praises of the Lord. Through the Guru’s guidance, the soul becomes absorbed in the Lord. This is the third round of the marriage ceremony.”

Fourth Laav

In the fourth and final prayer of the marriage ceremony, the soul has achieved union with the Divine. The couple:

  • Is now spiritually one with God

  • Has reached a state of bliss and completeness

 “The divine Joy is revealed, and peace has come to dwell in the soul. Through the Guru’s Word, the soul merges with the Lord. The soul is adorned with eternal love and sings in bliss. This is the fourth round of the marriage ceremony.”

Conclusion – Anand Sahib

After the four Laavan, the Anand Sahib is recited – a hymn of spiritual joy – followed by the Ardas (prayer) and a final blessing from the Guru Granth Sahib.