The Ards (Punjabi: ) is a Sikh prayer that is done before performing or after undertaking any significant task; after

reciting the daily Banis (prayers); or completion of a service like the Paath, kirtan (hymn-singing) program or any other religious program. In Sikhism, these prayers are also said before and after eating. The prayer is a plea to God to support and help the devotee with whatever he or she is about to undertake or has done.

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The Ardas is usually always done standing up with folded hands. The beginning of the Ardas is strictly set by the tenth Sikh Guru, Guru Gobind Singh. When it comes to conclusion of this prayer, the devotee uses word like "Waheguru please bless me in the task that I am about to undertake" when starting a new task or "Akal Purakh, having completed the hymn-singing, we ask for your continued blessings so that we can continue with your memory and remember you at all times", etc. Origins The word "Ards" is derived from Persian word 'Arazdashat', meaning a request, supplication, prayer, petition or an address to a superior authority. Ards is a unique prayer based on the fact that it is one of the few well-known prayers in the Sikh religion that was not written in its entirety by the Gurus. The Ards cannot be found within the pages of the Guru Granth Sahib because it is a continually changing devotional text that has evolved over time in order for it to encompass the feats, accomplishments, and feelings of all generations of Sikhs within its lines. Taking the various derivation of the word Ards into account, the basic purpose of this prayer is an appeal to Waheguru for his protection and care, as well as being a plea for the welfare and prosperity of all mankind, and a means for the Sikhs to thank Waheguru for all that he has done. Meaning See detailed article Chandi di Var The Ards is said as a reflection on everything it took for the Divine to create the pure Shabad Guru on earth and to remember all that the Sikh endured to protect it and ensure it landed in the hands of the future generation. It encompasses many Sikh and Humanistic values, such as peace and understanding, as well as faith and perseverance. (Pujio) Bhai Sahib Norang Singh Ji doing Ards The Ards is normally said while standing with folded hands before and after performing any relevant task. It starts with "pritham bhagautee simar kai, Gur Nanak laee dhiaa-e phir Angad gur tay Amardaas, Raamdaasai hoee sahaee" and ends with "Naanak naam charhdee kalaa, tayray bhaanay Sarbaht dah Phahla." It is more than just a prayer; it is a new concept of therapy for the elevation of the human spirit, mind and body. Following are the main features and benefits of saying the ards.

* It is a petition to God, the merciful creator of the universe * It lowers ones ego and brings calmness to the mental state * Teaches one Nimrata, Daya, and Chardikala * One is reminded of the level of dedication required to become a better human being * Gives one inner strength and energy * Links the mind with the pure ones from human history * Elevates ones spiritual state; builds ones confidence * Brings a sense of "community" to the person. In a congregational setting, the ards is recited by one member of the assemblage with everyone standing reverentially, hands crossed, facing the Guru Granth Sahib. Periodically throughout the recitation, the assembly as a whole repeats the word Waheguru in order to support the idea that God, the "Wondrous Guru", is the Supreme Being capable of anything. At the completion of ards, the congregation bows down as one and places their foreheads on the floor to symbolize the fact that they will go as low as necessary to support Waheguru and all that He stands for; in essence, they are placing themselves as the servants of God. Upon rising, the Sangat (congregation) proclaims "Waheguru Ji ka Khalsa, Waheguru Ji ki Fateh". Roughly translated it means "the Khalsa belongs to the Lord to whom [also] belongs the Victory" (Singh, Inderjit). Immediately after uttering these words, one member of the assembly states the phrase, "Bole So Nihal", or "he who pronounces these words shall be fulfilled" (Singh, Inderjit). In response to this statement, the entire Sangat heartily shouts, "Sat Sri Akal," meaning "True is the Timeless Lord". The content of the prayers serves to unite the Sangat and show the degree of faith present in each person.