ISHNAAN
Ishnaan literally: to have a shower i.e. to clean one’s body.
But, in Hindu religion it means having bath at sacred places and river (especially like Ganges, Yamuna, Godavari etc).
In Sikhism, the idiom Naam Daan Ishnaan has special significance.
Naam is to meditate upon the Name (of God);
Daan is giving (making contribution in order to be a useful member of society, one must spend a part of his earning for social welfare. In Sikhism there is institution of daswandh i.e. tithe. Daan, in Sikhism, does not mean alms-giving.
Ishnaan (i.e. one must take care of one’s body, mind and soul).The Sikh concept of Ishnaan is not limited to physical cleanliness; it comprises purification of body, conduct, morale, environment etc. Ishnaan should grant a sickness-free being i.e. freedom from bodily, mental and psychological sickness (Aadh, biaadh and upaadh).
Another meaning of Ishnaan is having a dip in the Name (the Word).
Also see: Naam.
(Dr Harjinder Singh Dilgeer)