Preparation

Anand

Happiness / Blissful

Karaj

Act / Union

As stated by Sahib Sri Guru Amar Das Ji on Ang 788 in the Raag of Suhi (Suhi Raag is meant to express devotion and the undying love towards Akaal Purkh):

ਧਨ ਪਿਰੁ ਏਹਿ ਨ ਆਖੀਅਨਿ ਬਹਨਿ ਇਕਠੇ ਹੋਇ ॥
ਏਕ ਜੋਤਿ ਦੁਇ ਮੂਰਤੀ ਧਨ ਪਿਰੁ ਕਹੀਏ ਏਹਿ ਸੋਇ ॥੩॥

A husband and wife are not called husband and wife if they only sit together; they become husband and wife once they follow the spiritual path together towards Akaal Purkh and become one Jot (light / soul).

— Sahib Sri Guru Amar Das Ji, Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji Ang 788

What is Anand Karaj?

The blissful union of Anand Karaj created by Maharaj to signify a deep, spiritual connection between two souls is one of the first steps on the path towards becoming One with Akaal Purkh.

Sahib Sri Guru Ram Das Ji beautifully describes the process of the two Aatmas (souls / Jot) immersing with Akaal Purkh in the bani of Laavan on Ang 773. Each Laav is a step on a staircase of the spiritual journey together towards Akaal Purkh, beginning from the first step in married life, Pehli Laav (First Laav).

Pehli Laav (First Laav)

ਹਰਿ ਪਹਿਲੜੀ ਲਾਵ ਪਰਵਿਰਤੀ ਕਰਮ ਦ੍ਰਿੜਾਇਆ ਬਲਿ ਰਾਮ ਜੀਉ ॥

When the couple does mathatek (bow), stands, and takes the first step in their spiritual journey together for the first time in front of Akaal Purkh, Guru Ram Das Maharaj Ji, through Pehli Laav (First Laav), explains that this Laav helps the couple begin their journey by seeking Gurbani and instill Waheguru in their conscious during each task after marriage.

Dooji Laav (Second Laav)

ਹਰਿ ਦੂਜੜੀ ਲਾਵ ਸਤਿਗੁਰੁ ਪੁਰਖੁ ਮਿਲਾਇਆ ਬਲਿ ਰਾਮ ਜੀਉ ॥

In Dooji Laav (Second Laav), Guru Ram Das Maharaj Ji explains to the couple the importance of renouncing their past augun (bad deeds) by making them realize that Akaal Purkh is deep within their soul and all around them as well. As the couple continues to walk around Guru Granth Sahib Maharaj Ji, they are walking away from their past egos and towards the light of Akaal Purkh.

Teeji Laav (Third Laav)

ਹਰਿ ਤੀਜੜੀ ਲਾਵ ਮਨਿ ਚਾਉ ਭਇਆ ਬੈਰਾਗੀਆ ਬਲਿ ਰਾਮ ਜੀਉ ॥

After understanding the first two steps in blissful wedded life with Akaal Purkh as a central foundation, Guru Ram Das Maharaj Ji, in Teeji Laav (Third Laav), explains the deep longing and love towards Akaal Purkh that grows in the couple's heart through Sangat (positive influential environment through Saints) and singing of His hymns.

Chauthi Laav (Fourth Laav)

ਹਰਿ ਚੌਥੜੀ ਲਾਵ ਮਨਿ ਸਹਜੁ ਭਇਆ ਹਰਿ ਪਾਇਆ ਬਲਿ ਰਾਮ ਜੀਉ ॥

When the couple does mathatek (bow), stands, and takes the fourth and final step in front of Akaal Purkh, Guru Ram Das Maharaj Ji, through Chauthi Laav (Fourth Laav), explains that through spiritual awakening of connection with Jots and reciting of sweet hymns, the mind has become pure. The blissful journey in aiding each other to reach Akaal Purkh and become one with Him has begun, and without His light, this union would be incomplete. The jewel of Naam Bani is gifted to the couple through these Laavs and this spiritual path to Akaal Purkh is completed through this fourth and final step.