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Summary of Question:	Why Wave "Chaur" Over Siri Guru Granth Sahib Ji?
Category:	General Sikhism
Date Posted:	Saturday, 10/13/2001 4:20 PM MDT

There are many practices in Sikhism that are performed routinely but most of us do not pay any attention to them unless someone asks us a pointed question. The practice of doing "chaur" on the Guru Granth Sahib is very common. I was at a loss when a student from a local school (school children regularly visit Gurudwaras in Montreal to learn about Sikhism) asked me about the specific reason as to why we do "chaur"? I wasn't satisfied with the answer that I gave to the student. Could someone please explain the real reason (historical/religious/social etc.) for this practice?

Your response will be very much appreciated.
Thanks
Harjeet Singh

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REPLY
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Sat Siri Akaal Ji.

In old India, when the king or other supreme authority held a public audience, a horsetail whisk ('chaur') was always waved over/around him; it was done to show respect. This practice continues to day when Sikhs hold Gurdwara: they wave the chaur over the Siri Guru Granth Sahib. Siri Guru Granth Sahib is the Supreme Guru of the Sikhs, and during Gurdwara we wave the chaur to show respect.

Guru rakha,
-DKK