ANTIM ARDAAS
Literally: last (Antim) prayer/prayers (Ardaas). In Sikhism, this term has come to be used for the last prayer performed for a person after his ashes have been immersed in water.
In this Ardaas, it is prayed that “may God’s Grace grant strength to the dears and nears of the departed soul, to obey His Will.” This completes all the ceremonies relating a human being.
In fact, this ardaas ought not be called ‘Antim’ (last/final) Ardaas; it should be called simply ardaas, as there is no last/final ardaas in Sikhism.
Also see: Alahanian, Saraadh.
(Dr Harjinder Singh Dilgeer)