Revealed by Guru Amardas Sahib (1479-1574 CE) in Rag Ramkali, ‘Anandu’ is a composition that guides one to experience bliss and live a joyous and contented life. It is recorded on pages 917-922 of the Guru Granth Sahib. It has forty pauris.

The word ‘anand’ literally means happiness and joy, but both these words and any other such word do not represent the actual meaning of the word ‘anand.’ In this composition, the Guru states that the source of bliss is the eternal Wisdom (Guru). The seeker experiences bliss only through the eternal Wisdom. Through Wisdom, all motor and sensory organs of a seeker naturally attain a state of steadiness and discipline. In this way, the whole personality of the seeker becomes blissful.

The central idea of this composition is to achieve a blissful way of life through the eternal Wisdom (Guru). This composition depicts a state of wonder that is attained upon connecting with IkOankar. In the Sikh tradition, this composition is so important that either the entire composition or a portion of it (first five pauris and last pauri) is recited or sung to conclude all private or congregational religious ceremonies held during the occasions of joy or sorrow. Even during the recitation of ‘So Daru Rahrasi,’ a portion of this composition is recited. There is also a practice of reading this composition along with Japu, Jaapu, Tav Prasad Savaiye (Sravag Sudh), and Benti Chaupai, which is recited during the initiation (amrit sanchar) ceremony.