Sikhism is a monotheistic religion founded in the 15th century in the Punjab region of India by Guru Nanak. It emphasizes equality, service, and devotion to one God.

Key Beliefs

  • Monotheism: Belief in one, formless God, referred to as Waheguru.
  • Equality: All human beings are equal, regardless of caste, gender, or race.
  • Service (Seva): Selfless service to humanity and the community.
  • Honest Living (Kirat Karni): Earning an honest livelihood through hard work.
  • Sharing (Vand Chakna): Sharing with those in need and practicing generosity.
  • Remembrance of God (Naam Japna): Constant remembrance and meditation on God’s name.

Sacred Texts

  • Guru Granth Sahib: The central religious scripture of Sikhism, considered the eternal Guru. It contains the teachings of Sikh Gurus and other saints.
  • The Dasam Granth: A secondary scripture composed by the 10th Guru, Guru Gobind Singh, containing poetry and philosophical writings.

Key Figures

  • Guru Nanak: The founder of Sikhism and the first of the ten Sikh Gurus.
  • The Ten Gurus: The spiritual leaders of Sikhism, starting with Guru Nanak and ending with Guru Gobind Singh, who established the Guru Granth Sahib as the eternal Guru.
  • Guru Gobind Singh: The 10th and final human Guru, who established the Khalsa and passed spiritual authority to the Guru Granth Sahib.

The Five Ks (Kakkars)

Symbols worn by initiated Sikhs (Khalsa members):

  1. Kesh: Uncut hair, representing acceptance of God’s will.
  2. Kangha: A wooden comb, symbolizing cleanliness and order.
  3. Kara: A steel bracelet, symbolizing unity with God and the community.
  4. Kachera: Cotton undergarments, representing modesty and self-control.
  5. Kirpan: A ceremonial sword, symbolizing the duty to protect the weak and uphold justice.

Major Practices

  • Langar: A community kitchen offering free meals to all, regardless of background.
  • Gurdwara: Sikh place of worship, open to everyone. The most famous is the Golden Temple (Harmandir Sahib) in Amritsar.
  • Amrit Sanskar: The initiation ceremony into the Khalsa, a community of committed Sikhs.
  • Daily Prayers: Sikhs recite prayers from the Guru Granth Sahib as part of their daily devotion.
  • Naam Simran: Meditation on God’s name to cultivate spiritual awareness.

Core Values

  • Selfless Service (Seva): Helping others without any expectation of reward.
  • Social Justice: Standing up against oppression and inequality.
  • Humility and Modesty: Leading a simple, humble life while respecting others.
  • Community (Sangat): Coming together in fellowship and collective worship.

Places of Worship

  • Gurdwaras: Sikh temples where congregational prayers, community gatherings, and langar are held.
  • The Golden Temple: The holiest site in Sikhism, located in Amritsar, India.

Symbols

  • Khanda: The main symbol of Sikhism, consisting of a double-edged sword, a circular chakkar, and two single-edged swords.
  • Nishan Sahib: A triangular flag with the Khanda symbol, often seen outside gurdwaras.

Holidays and Festivals

  • Vaisakhi: Celebrates the formation of the Khalsa in 1699.
  • Guru Nanak Gurpurab: Celebrates the birth of Guru Nanak.
  • Guru Gobind Singh Gurpurab: Honors the birth of Guru Gobind Singh, the 10th Guru.
  • Bandi Chhor Divas: Commemorates the release of Guru Hargobind from imprisonment.

History of Sikhism

  • Origins: Founded in the 15th century by Guru Nanak, who preached equality and devotion to one God.
  • Ten Gurus: The line of spiritual leaders who guided the Sikh community from Guru Nanak to Guru Gobind Singh.
  • Khalsa: Established by Guru Gobind Singh in 1699 to strengthen the Sikh community’s commitment to faith, service, and defense of justice.

The Sikh Way of Life

  • Meditation (Naam Japna): Focusing on God’s name in daily life.
  • Earning a Living (Kirat Karni): Engaging in honest work and avoiding exploitation of others.
  • Sharing (Vand Chakna): Supporting the community and those in need.