CHARAN AMRIT, CHARAN PADUKA, CHARAN PAHUL
Charan Amrit literally means: ‘water in which (thumb of) foot (usually right foot) has been dipped or bathed/washed’. In some cults and faiths, it is a tradition to drink Charan Amrit of the chief in order to join the faith. They believe that this water is ‘purified’ and ‘pious’.
Charan Pahul too is synonymous with Charan Amrit (literally: pious water in which foot has been dipped).
In Sikh literature, this word is used as a token of respect for the Guru. It has been preached that the institution of Charan Amrit was prevalent among the Sikhs before Guru Gobind Singh started the Khande Di Pahul (the Sikh initiation). But, this is not true; such a ceremony was never a part of the Sikh world.
In Sikhism, Charan Amrit term is used for the ‘Word of the Guru’ and drinking Charan Amrit means ‘understanding the Word and making efforts to live one’s life according to the teachings of the Guru’.
Another term Charan Paduka is also a part of the Sikh culture. It means the place where the Guru had placed his foot.
(Dr Harjinder Singh Dilgeer)