In Chapter 13, Article 24, point h) of the Sikh Rehat Maryada instructs the use of a Sarbloh, pure iron (also translated as pure steel) utensil for the preparation of the Amrit Sanchaar. As Sarbloh or pure iron, is used for creating the baptismal water for the initiation ceremony, pure iron utensils have a special reverence and regard in the Sikh tradition. Guru Gobind Singh Ji, the tenth Guru, showed so much respect and reverence for Sarbloh that he called God – ‘Sarbloh’ – in his prayer of Akaal Ustat in Dasam Granth:
ਅਕਾਲ ਪੁਰਖ ਕੀ ਰਛਾ ਹਮਨੈ ॥ ਸਰਬ ਲੋਹ ਕੀ ਰਛਿਆ ਹਮਨੈ ॥
ਸਰਬ ਕਾਲ ਜੀ ਦੀ ਰਛਿਆ ਹਮਨੈ ॥ ਸਰਬ ਲੋਹ ਜੀ ਦੀ ਸਦਾ ਰਛਿਆ ਹਮਨੈ ॥
ਆਗੈ ਲਿਖਾਰੀ ਕੇ ਦਸਤਖਤ ॥
“Akaal Purakh (The Timeless Lord) is my Protector. The Pure-Iron Lord is my Protector. The All-Destroying Lord is my Protector. The Pure-Iron Lord is ever my Protector. Then the signatures of the Author (Guru Gobind Singh).”
(Dasam Granth, p. 33)
Historical and major Gurdwaras cook Prashad (holy offering) and Langar (holy meal) in Sarbloh utensils. This is a traditionally used utensil for cooking and for eating since the time of the early Sikh Gurus. Furthermore, the Panj Kakkaar (Sikh articles of faith) – the Karha and Kirpan – also have to be made of Sarbloh in accordance to the Sikh Rehat Maryada.
‘Sarbloh Bibek’ or the all iron quality is a strict Rehat (discipline) practised by strict Sikhs and Akali Nihangs. It is one of the paramount definitions of the Khalsa Panth and involves the consumption of edibles strictly from Sarbloh utensils. In Sikh tradition, Sarbloh (all-iron) is prized above other metals due to it being multi-functional and a scientifically beneficial element. It inhibits the food placed in it and adds minerals to it which not only nourish but strengthen the body. Often the historic Sikhs, who strictly paid adherence to this Rehat were described as having bodies like of rock. Eating from Sarbloh reminds one of their birthday every time they eat. The Sarbloh Baattaa they are eating from is the same Sarbloh which gave them life and made them reborn as the Khalsa.
There is historical proof provided in Bhai Daya Singh’s Rehitnama (ethical code of conduct) which supports the Gursikh tradition of cooking and eating out Sarbloh (iron utensils):
ਪਾਤ੍ਰ ਸਰਬ ਸੁ ਲੋਹ ਕੇ, ਭੁਗਤੇ ਅਸਨ ਸੁਆਦਿ ਲੱਕੜੀ ਕੋ ਭੋਜਨ ਭਖੇ, ਨੀਲ ਬਸਤ੍ਰ ਮਿਰਜਾਦ…ਲੋਹ ਪਾਤ੍ਰ ਮੈਂ ਛਕੈ…
(ਭਾਈ ਦਯਾ ਸਿੰਘ ਜੀ ਰਹਿਤਨਾਮਾ, ਪੰਨਾ 75 – ‘ਰਹਿਤਨਾਮੇ’, ਸੰਪਾਦਕ ਪਿਆਰਾ ਸਿੰਘ ਪਦਮ)
“Using utensils of sarbloh, one eats tasty food…one should eat in Sarbloh utensils”
(Rehitnama Bhai Daya Singh Ji – Piara Singh Padam, pg. 75)
Groups like Damdami Taksaal, Nihung Dals, and Akhand Kirtani Jatha promote Sarbloh Rehat (discipline). If Sarbloh isn’t a Rehat, then why must Amrit Sanchaars be done using a Sarbloh baatta (bowl) and Khanda (double-edged sword) only? Isn’t this proof in itself? Who can do an Amrit Sanchaar in plastic bucket? No one! Only in Sarbloh. If one chooses not to follow Sarbloh Rehat, then it is up to them but the least they can do is not mock or belittle those Gursikhs who maintain such discipline.
Puraatan (old) langars all made food in Sarbloh. Look at Sri Harmander Sahib (Amritsar) or Sri Hazoor Saahib: big Sarbloh cauldrons are still there today. If the Rehat of Sarbloh is not followed, does this mean it’s not a Rehat? Many in the Panth believed women didn’t need to wear kachheras until it was formally resolved in 1915. At the time when women didn’t wear kachheras, did it mean that it was not part of Rehat?
‘Sarblohi Singhs’ (Gursikhs who cook and eat out of iron utensils) will eat from a Langar that is prepared in Sarbloh made by Gursikhs who recite GurMantar or Gurbani whilst cooking, as per the puraatan (traditional) Rehit. If Langar is not prepared according to maryada (code of conduct), then they will not eat it. Is this so objectionable? Even the Langar in Sri Harimander Sahib has a sign outside saying only Amritdharis may prepare food there. If proper Langar maryada is followed, any Singh or Singhni and any ordinary person can eat there.
What are “gurmat nihangs”? I know of the various Nihang Dals/Sampardaas, was not aware of a group being known specifically as the Gurmat Nihangs
Gurmat Nihangs refers to Nihang Singhs who adhere and practice the Guru’s Teachings. In the past whenever heard about Nihang Singhs they had a positive impression of role model Gursikhs. However, nowadays Nihang Singh’s name and image has been tarnished by people wearing Nihang dress and being drunk on marijuana, eating meat, taking over people’s property and other anti-Gurmat practices. Fort this Gurmat Nihangs means those Nihang Singhs who still maintain the Guru’s Rehat (discipline) and live in accordance to Gurmat.
Did sarbloh utensils helps to increase iron as well can somebody have any knowledge regarding that.
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Is rejecting langar made by a non Amrit Dhari Sikh who maybe striving to become a gursikh not good enough for all? I do not think Sri Guru Granth sahib ji would agree with this concept as it has no compassion in my view. If someone wishes to eat in an Iron dish for his/her personal reasons fine but rejecting langar from another is what i have an issue with. Put it this way if a Amrit Dhari Sikh is so powerful he would not be affected by food not made in an Iron dish because there is nothing more powerful than Sri Guru Granth Sahib Jis BANI. VJKK VJKF.
Maryada is Maryada. With the logic you suggest, if an Amritdhari Sikh removed their Kashera and other Kakkars there would be no issue because Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji is more powerful.
Regarding compassion and respect of others. Respect and compassion doesn’t mean one compromises their principles and commitment made to the Guru.
Does iron protect against black magic? Saw a video on youtube of a Singh in Kenya, someone tried to do black magic on him & was unsuccessful. Voo doo man shocked that his voo doo never worked approached Singh & revealed all, that he had been paid to do it & wanted to know why it didn’t work. When he saw Singhs Iron kara the voo doo man refered to it as the reason for his magic being unsuccessful.