Bhog
Encyclopedia
Bhog is a term used in Hinduism
and Sikhism
.
religion is a ritual of sacrifice to the Gods.http://www.deccanherald.com/content/26082/golden-jubilee-durga-pooja-bengalee.htmlhttp://www.hinduism.co.za/prasad.htm
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 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.
Hinduism
Hinduism is the predominant and indigenous religious tradition of the Indian Subcontinent. Hinduism is known to its followers as , amongst many other expressions...
and Sikhism
Sikhism
Sikhism is a monotheistic religion founded during the 15th century in the Punjab region, by Guru Nanak Dev and continued to progress with ten successive Sikh Gurus . It is the fifth-largest organized religion in the world and one of the fastest-growing...
.
In Hinduism
Bhog in the HinduHindu
Hindu refers to an identity associated with the philosophical, religious and cultural systems that are indigenous to the Indian subcontinent. As used in the Constitution of India, the word "Hindu" is also attributed to all persons professing any Indian religion...
religion is a ritual of sacrifice to the Gods.http://www.deccanherald.com/content/26082/golden-jubilee-durga-pooja-bengalee.htmlhttp://www.hinduism.co.za/prasad.htm
In Sikhism
The term Bhog used in the SikhSikh
A Sikh is a follower of Sikhism. It primarily originated in the 15th century in the Punjab region of South Asia. The term "Sikh" has its origin in Sanskrit term शिष्य , meaning "disciple, student" or शिक्ष , meaning "instruction"...
religion for the observances that are fulfilled along with the reading of the concluding part of the Guru Granth Sahib
Guru Granth Sahib
Sri Guru Granth Sahib , or Adi Granth, is the religious text of Sikhism. It is the final and eternal guru of the Sikhs. It is a voluminous text of 1430 angs, compiled and composed during the period of Sikh gurus, from 1469 to 1708...
. 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
Akhand Path
Akhand Path is the common practise of continuous recitation of sacred religious texts in Hinduism and Sikhism.-Sikhism:...
. 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 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
Guru Granth Sahib
Sri Guru Granth Sahib , or Adi Granth, is the religious text of Sikhism. It is the final and eternal guru of the Sikhs. It is a voluminous text of 1430 angs, compiled and composed during the period of Sikh gurus, from 1469 to 1708...
, 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
Sangat
Sangat is a Sikh term with its origin in the Sanskrit word 'sangh', which means company, fellowship and association. In Sikh vocabulary, the word has a special connotation. It stands for the body of men and women who meet religiously, especially in the presence of the Guru Granth Sahib...
. 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
Guru Teg Bahadur
Guru Tegh Bahadur became the 9th Guru of Sikhi on 20 March 1665, following in the footsteps of his grand-nephew, Guru Har Krishan. Guru Tegh Bahadur was executed on the orders of Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb in Delhi....
'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
Ardas
The Ardās is a Sikh prayer that is done before performing or after undertaking any significant task; after reciting the daily Banis ; or completion of a service like the Paath , kirtan program or any other religious program. In Sikhism, these prayers are also said before and after eating...
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
Khalsa
+YouWebImagesVideosMapsNewsMailMoreTranslateFrom: ArabicTo: EnglishEnglishHindiEnglishAllow phonetic typingHindiEnglishArabicAssumptionGoogle Translate for Business:Translator ToolkitWebsite TranslatorGlobal Market Finder...
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.