Sikh Funeral Hymns

In Sikhism, the funeral service, known as "Antam Sanskar," is a time for reflection, remembrance, and the affirmation of the soul's journey back to God.

Sikh funeral hymns, drawn from the Guru Granth Sahib, play a crucial role in providing comfort and spiritual solace to the bereaved, emphasising the impermanence of life and the importance of remembering God at all times.

Selecting Hymns for a Sikh Funeral

The hymns selected for a Sikh funeral are meant to evoke peace, reinforce the cyclical nature of life, and help the family find solace in their faith. Ask your funeral director for assistance if you need any help picking out funeral hymns. 

These hymns, known as Shabads or Kirtan, are usually chosen for their relevance to the themes of life's purpose and the soul's liberation. Here are several key hymns often sung or recited at Sikh funerals:

1. "Jo Mange Thakur Apne Te"

This Shabad asks for the blessing of being forever in the sanctuary and remembrance of God, seeking His support in life and death.

Lyric: "Jo maange thakur apne te, soee soee deve."

2. "Antam Sanskar Shabad"

This set of hymns is specifically recited during the funeral ceremony, helping to guide the soul of the departed toward liberation and peace.

Lyric: "Keeta loreai kam so har pe akhiyai."

3. "Koi Bole Ram Ram, Koi Khuda"

A Shabad that emphasises the unity of God and the diversity of His names, illustrating the Sikh belief in the universality of God beyond human distinctions.

Lyric: "Koi bole Ram Ram, koi Khuda."

4. "Hey Gobind Hey Gopal"

A prayer to God as the protector and caretaker, asking for His grace to overcome difficulties, especially poignant during times of mourning.

Lyric: "Hey gobind hey gopal, hey dayal lal."

5. "Tera Kiya Meetha Lage"

This Shabad expresses surrender to God's will, affirming that everything God does is just and sweet, helping mourners accept the departure of their loved one.

Lyric: "Tera kiya meetha lage, naam padarath nanak mange."

6. "Tu Thakur Tum Peh Ardas"

A hymn of appeal and prayer to the Almighty as the only eternal patron, seeking His care and presence.

Lyric: "Tu thakur tum peh ardas."

7. "Aakhan Jeeva Visrai Mar Jao"

This hymn reflects on the pain of separation from God and the death it brings to the soul, stressing the importance of constant remembrance of God.

Lyric: "Aakhan jeeva visrai mar jao, aakhan okha saacha naao."

8. "Mittar Pyare Nu"

A poignant hymn written by Guru Gobind Singh during his separation from his family, expressing a deep longing for God in the metaphor of ultimate friendship and solace.

Lyric: "Mittar pyare nu haal mureedan da kehna."

9. "Deh Shiva Bar Mohe Ehai"

A prayer asking for the courage to do good and face challenges with bravery, reflecting the Sikh ethos of living and dying with dignity.

Lyric: "Deh Shiva bar mohe ehai, shubh karman te kabhu na taroon."

10. "Lakh Khushian Patshahian"

This hymn offers a vision of the joyous blessings awaiting those who live in accordance with divine will, comforting mourners with the promise of eternal joy for the departed.

Lyric: "Lakh khushian patshahian je satgur nadar kare."