Ardas Sahib is an important prayer in Sikhism. It is performed in Gurdwaras, homes, schools, and during many important events. While many people know Ardas as a prayer, not everyone understands its structure.

Ardas Sahib can be divided into three main parts. Each part has a different purpose. Together, these sections create a complete prayer that includes remembrance, gratitude, history, and hopes for the future.

Understanding these three parts helps people better understand the meaning and message of Ardas Sahib.

Overview of the 3 Parts of Ardas Sahib

The three main parts are:

The Opening Part – Remembering God, the Gurus, and Sikh foundations
The Historical Part – Remembering Sikh sacrifices and achievements
The Closing Part – Asking for guidance and the well being of all

Each section has its own role and message.

Let us look at them one by one.

Part 1: The Opening Part

What Is the Opening Part?

The first section begins with “Pritham Bhagauti Simar Kai.” This is the opening of Ardas Sahib.

In this part, important figures and foundations of Sikh history are remembered. It begins by focusing attention on God and then remembers the Sikh Gurus who helped build and guide the Sikh community.

This section creates the foundation for the rest of the prayer.

Remembering the Ten Gurus

One of the main features of the opening section is the remembrance of the ten Sikh Gurus.

These are:

Guru Nanak Dev Ji
Guru Angad Dev Ji
Guru Amar Das Ji
Guru Ram Das Ji
Guru Arjan Dev Ji
Guru Hargobind Ji
Guru Har Rai Ji
Guru Har Krishan Ji
Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji
Guru Gobind Singh Ji

Each Guru contributed something important to Sikh history.

By remembering them, people are reminded of their teachings and leadership.

Remembering Guru Granth Sahib

The opening section also remembers Guru Granth Sahib.

Guru Granth Sahib serves as the central religious scripture of Sikhism. It contains the teachings of Sikh Gurus and other respected contributors.

This reminder encourages people to stay connected with the teachings found within the scripture.

Why Is the Opening Part Important?

The opening section helps people focus before moving into the rest of the prayer.

It reminds them of:

Sikh teachings
Important leaders
Community foundations
Shared values

Without this introduction, the prayer would lose much of its historical and educational value.

Part 2: The Historical Part

What Is the Historical Part?

The second section focuses on Sikh history.

This is one of the most unique parts of Ardas Sahib because it remembers important events, sacrifices, and achievements of Sikhs throughout history.

Many prayers in different religions focus mainly on personal requests. Ardas is different because it also preserves historical memory.

Remembering the Panj Pyare

This section remembers the Panj Pyare, also known as the Five Beloved Ones.

They played an important role during the formation of the Khalsa in 1699.

Their commitment and courage became an important example for future generations.

Remembering them helps keep their contribution alive in public memory.

Remembering the Four Sahibzade

The prayer also remembers the Four Sahibzade, the sons of Guru Gobind Singh Ji.

Their lives and sacrifices hold an important place in Sikh history.

By including them in Ardas, the Sikh community ensures that future generations continue learning about their role and contribution.

Remembering Sikh Martyrs

Throughout history, many Sikhs faced difficult situations and made significant sacrifices.

This section remembers those individuals.

The purpose is not only historical remembrance but also learning from their determination and commitment.

This part teaches that values often require courage and responsibility.

Remembering Community Service

The historical section also remembers people who worked for the community.

These individuals helped establish Gurdwaras, protected Sikh institutions, and supported others during challenging times.

Their efforts helped strengthen the Sikh community over many generations.

Why Is the Historical Part Important?

This section serves several purposes.

It Preserves History

Without remembrance, important historical events can be forgotten over time.

Ardas helps keep these stories alive.

It Teaches New Generations

Young people learn about Sikh history through regular exposure to these names and events.

It Builds Community Identity

Remembering shared history helps strengthen a sense of belonging.

People understand that they are part of a larger story that extends across many generations.

Part 3: The Closing Part

What Is the Closing Part?

The final section focuses on the present and the future.

After remembering Sikh history and important figures, the prayer moves toward current needs and hopes.

This section includes requests for guidance, good conduct, wisdom, and the welfare of all people.

Asking for Strength and Good Judgment

The closing section asks for help in making good decisions.

Life often involves challenges and choices.

People may face questions about education, work, family, or personal behavior.

This part encourages thoughtful and responsible decision making.

Praying for the Sikh Community

The prayer includes wishes for the growth and well being of the Sikh community.

This does not focus on material success alone.

It also includes hopes for unity, cooperation, and positive conduct.

The message encourages people to work together and support one another.

Remembering the Needs of Others

An important feature of the closing section is that it goes beyond personal concerns.

The prayer does not focus only on individual goals.

Instead, it encourages people to think about the wider community and society.

This broader perspective is one reason why Ardas remains meaningful for many people.

The Meaning of “Sarbat Da Bhala”

One of the best known lines in Ardas Sahib is:

“Nanak Naam Chardi Kala, Tere Bhane Sarbat Da Bhala.”

The phrase “Sarbat Da Bhala” means the welfare or well being of everyone.

This idea encourages people to think beyond their own needs.

Rather than wishing only for personal success, the prayer includes concern for all people.

This message reflects a community centered approach.

Personal Prayer at the End

After the formal part of Ardas ends, many people quietly think about personal matters.

These may include:

Family concerns
Education goals
Career plans
Health issues
Important decisions

This personal moment allows individuals to connect the broader message of Ardas with their own lives.

Why Is the Closing Part Important?

The final section makes Ardas practical and relevant to everyday life.

It encourages:

Responsibility
Good decision making
Gratitude
Community awareness
Concern for others

It connects historical remembrance with present day actions.

How the Three Parts Work Together

Each part of Ardas Sahib serves a different purpose.

The first part focuses on foundations and leadership.

The second part focuses on history and sacrifices.

The third part focuses on present needs and future hopes.

Together they create a complete structure.

Part One Teaches

It reminds people of the Gurus and Sikh teachings.

Part Two Remembers

It preserves historical events and sacrifices.

Part Three Guides

It encourages positive actions and concern for everyone.

Because all three sections support one another, Ardas becomes more than a simple prayer. It also serves as a lesson in history, community values, gratitude, and responsibility.

Conclusion

Ardas Sahib can be understood through its three main parts. The opening part remembers God, the Gurus, and Sikh foundations. The historical part remembers important events, sacrifices, and contributions from Sikh history. The closing part focuses on guidance, personal growth, community welfare, and the well being of all people.

Each section has a specific purpose, and together they create a balanced prayer that connects the past, present, and future. Understanding these three parts helps beginners better appreciate the structure and message of Ardas Sahib while also gaining a clearer understanding of Sikh history and values.