ਹਜ਼ੂਰੀਆ // Hazooria

Importance of Hazooria

Gursikhi Bana: Why Hazooria is Mandatory

Introduction

In the spiritual lifestyle of a Gursikh, external symbols are not superficial—they are windows into deep inner states of humility, discipline, and devotion. Among these, the Hazooria holds a place of quiet yet profound respect. Within the Jatha, and the entire Panth, a white Hazooria is not only a sign of respect—it is a required element of Gurmat Rehat (discipline) for anyone in the service or presence of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Jee.

The Meaning of Hazooria

The term "Hazooria" comes from the word Hazoor, which means presence. When we are in the Hazoori (divine presence) of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Jee, we are not standing before a mere scripture—we are standing before the Living Guru. A Hazooria is a cloth worn around the neck and across the chest, signifying servitude, humility, and readiness to perform seva.

Traditionally, in India, beggars would spread a cloth across their hands to show that they were dependent on others, and that they don’t have anything. In the same spirit, Gursikhs wear a Hazooria to silently declare:

“We are nothing. We have no wisdom, no wealth, no ability. We are beggars at the Charan of Guru Sahib.”

Guru Sahib’s Direct Guidance on Hazooria

The importance of Hazooria is not a mere cultural custom—it is Guru Sahib’s direct Hukam.

From Se Kinehiya by Bhai Seva Singh Jee (p. 359)

Baba Harnaam Singh Jee Rampur Khera was instructed by Guru Sahib in spiritual vision to inform the Sangat:

“The great Guru then ordered Baba Jee to tell the sangat on his behalf that, ”Whenever someone comes to pay their respects to Guru Granth Sahib Jee, then that person should have a hazooria around their neck. The old gursikhs used to keep a hazooria with them. If one is doing Ardaas with the hazooria around their neck I listen to them with great care and attention. A hazooria is a symbol of humility and servitude to the Lord Almighty. If a gursikh cannot keep a hazooria all day then he should wear it at least when coming to pay respects in front of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Jee. This pleases us.” Baba Jee related both these orders from the great Guru to the assembled congregation. The doubt about who can perform Ardaas and whose prayer is heard was dispelled.”

This is Guru Sahib’s own instruction — one that leaves no room for doubt about the spiritual power and necessity of Hazooria.

Historical Rehat of Gursikhs

In Se Kinehiya (p. 362), the daily discipline of Baba Harnaam Singh Jee is described in detail:

“Before entering the Guru’s room, he would wash his hands, face and feet carefully, wrap a hazooria around his neck and always wear a double dastaar. The rest of the sangat was advised to do the same too. These days granthi Singhs (priests) commit negligence when serving Sri Guru Granth Sahib Jee. We should all be alert about this malpractice. When reading Gurbani, we should use the hazooria to cover our mouth when coughing and conducting such actions in the presence of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Jee. Another habit people have when reading is to place their elbows on the Manji Sahib whilst reading. This should be discouraged, as it is impolite and disrespectful. The scriptures of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Jee should be turned over slowly and reverently. Lastly, we pray that the great Guru bless us all with intellect and insight to perform service of the great Guru with devotion and faith.”

It wasn’t only for personal discipline—this was the Rehat taught to the entire Sangat. Whether serving Maharaj Jee, performing Ardaas, or reading Gurbani, a Hazooria was always worn. This was not a matter of convenience but a reflection of reverence.

Use of Hazooria in Gurmat Maryada

According to Gurmukh guidance and accepted tradition in the Jatha and broader Panthic circles, the Hazooria is required during:

• Ardaas (Prayer)

• Darshan of Guru Granth Sahib Jee

• Langar Seva and Degh Seva

• Reciting Gurbani from Pothi Sahib, Gutka Sahib, or Guru Granth Sahib Jee

• Handling of Maharaj Jee’s Saroop

• Performing any Keertan or Parchaar-related Seva

Many Gursikhs choose to wear the Hazooria throughout the day as part of their full Bana, keeping themselves always ready for seva and grounded in humility.

Why It Must Be White

While Hazooria itself is important, its color and design matter deeply in Gurmat Maryada.

Tradition and Symbolism

White represents purity, humility, and neutrality—qualities that are foundational to Sikhi. Historically, all photographs and accounts of Rehatvaan Singhs from Bhai Sahib Randhir Singh Jee to Sant Gurbachan Singh Jee show them wearing plain white Hazooria.

Decorated Hazoorias with colored borders or embroidery have no place in Gurmat Maryada. These look more like fashion accessories than articles of devotion.

Some youth in the Jatha have been seen wearing Hazooria with embroidered borders or in non-white colors. While this may stem from imitation or misunderstanding, it should be corrected with loving Gurmat Veechar. As explained by Bhai Kulbir Singh Jee Toronto:

“By saying that so and so Singh used to wear non-White Hazooria does not prove anything. There are so many respectable Gursikh Kharkoos who used to wear Pant-Kameez and Nokdaar Patialashahi Pagg but that does not mean that these practices have automatically become Gurmat. Kharkoo Singhs were wonderful and very loving Gursikhs but they were not an authority on Rehit like Gurmukhs like Bhai Sahib Randhir Singh jee were.”

The Panthic tradition for Hazooria has always been White. To depart from this is to invite confusion and erosion of Rehat.

Standard Specifications

• Color: White only

• Borders: No decorative borders, lace, or patterns

• Length: 2.25m to 2.5m (Sava Doh to Tie Meter), based on height

This length matches the size of a Siropa (robe of honor) given at the Panj Takhats, though other sangat's Hazooria length may vary, and that is no problem, though it should go past the waist.

Etiquette with Hazooria

When wearing a Hazooria, certain etiquettes must be followed:

• When reading Gurbani and coughing or sneezing, use the Hazooria to cover the mouth.

• Never lean elbows on the Manji Sahib while doing Paath—this is disrespectful.

• Turn the pages of Maharaj Jee’s Saroop slowly and reverently.

• Do not use the Hazooria as a towel or for wiping sweat. It is not a utility cloth—it is a sign of humility before the Guru.

These practices are not rigid formalities—they are expressions of Bhaavna (devotion).

Final Reflection

The Hazooria is not simply an accessory. For the Gursikh, it is a declaration of:

“Guru Jee, I am your servant. I have no merit, but I stand here wrapped in surrender.”

While wearing Gursikhi Bana, the Hazooria is mandatory during all Gurmat Karams and should be worn with love, humility, and alertness to spiritual discipline. This is not about legalism—it is about Bhagti, love, and safeguarding the honor of Guru Sahib’s Darbaar.

Let us honor this sacred tradition not just in appearance, but in spirit. May we wear the Hazooria as a badge of surrender, a reminder of our place as seekers at the feet of Guru Sahib.

Here are some photos of Gurmukhs wearing Tat-Gurmat White Hazooria (not just in the Jatha):