What is a ‘Sampat Paath’ and is it in accordance to Gurmat?

“Sampatt Paath” is a variation of an “Akhand Paath’ (continuous reading of entire Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji) in which the reading of every single complete ‘shabad’ (sacred hymn) of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji is followed by the reading of a pre-determined shabad or salok from Sri Guru Granth Sahib (for example on a sad occasion the shabad, “Aukie Gharee Na Dekhan De-ee” may be chosen), which is thus repeated throughout the recitation. The paaá¹­h (reading) is performed in a curtained cabin so that the reading is audible outside the cabin but the Paaá¹­hi (reader) and Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji are not in the view of the Sangat (congregation).

In the Hindu tradition, a mantra, prefixed and suffixed by another mystic word or mantra, is called ‘Sampaá¹­ Mantra’. Literally, a sampaá¹­ is a casket in which devout Hindus keep their idols or stone images called á¹­hākurs. The ‘sampaá¹­ paaá¹­h’ obviously takes double the time of an akhaṇḍ paaá¹­h, or even more.

Sampat paath is contrary to Gurmat Maryada and is a Hindu tradition used by Brahmins when reading Hanuman Chalisa, Geeta or Ramayan, adopted by Deras (sects) and self-proclaimed God-men as another money-making opportunity. Although some so-called ‘Sants’ (saints) attempted to promote this practice, it never became an accepted form and is no longer in common vogue.

BIBLIOGRAPHY

1. Sikh Rahit Maryādā. Amritsar, 1975
2. Kāhn Siṅgh, Bhāī, Gurushabad Ratnākar Mahān Kosh [Reprint]. Patiala, 1983
3. Harbans Singh, Berkeley Lectures on Sikhism. Delhi, 1983
4. Cole, W. Owen, and Piara Singh Sambhi, The Sikhs : Their Religious Beliefs and Practices. Delhi, 1978