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Sikhism
Sikhism is the fifth largest religion practiced in the world today. Sikhs worship one universal God, and practice disciplined meditation in the name of God.
2,320 Questions
Who is the Sikhism leader of worship?
Sikhs don't worship any person as their leader. Their faith was founded by "Shri Guru Nanak Dev Ji" who taught people three basic principals of sikhism:
(1)Earn your livelihood being honest.
(2)Remember God at all times.
(3)Share your earnings with the needful.
He taught people that no religion is good or bad but these are the deeds of a person which make him good or bad. His Ideology was carried forward by his fellow Gurus (Sikhs had ten gurus). Their tenth guru (Guru Gobind Singh Ji) ordered them before his death that they will no longer have a mortal person as their guru, instead they should start following the holy book "Shri Guru Granth Sahib Ji" (also known as Adi Granth) as their guru or leader. This holy book was compiled by the fifth Sikh Guru "Shri Guru Arjun Dev Ji" and it's a masterpiece with 1430 pages of wise sayings and hymns from 6 of the Gurus & 35 other Bhagats from different religions and casts. Choosing persons from different religions also reflects the religious tolerance of the Gurus. Sikhs consider this holy book above all earthly things and people. It's the "Sacha Patshah"(The real king) of the whole world. Sikhs worship "Guru Granth Sahib Ji" in their worship places called Gurudwaras. Every Gurudwara has at least one copy of Shri Guru Granth Sahib Ji & every Sikh bows his/her head in front of "Shri Guru Granth Sahib Ji" only. So Sikhs have only one leader at the time "Shri Guru Granth Sahib Ji".
What kind of food is served in Langar?
Langar (Sikhism) === ===
Langar (Punjabi: ਲੰਗਰ) is the term used in the Sikh religion for the free, vegetarian-only food served in a Gurudwara. At the Langar, only vegetarian food is served to ensure that all people, regardless of their dietary restrictions, can eat as equals. Langar is open to Sikhs and non-Sikhs alike. The exception to vegetarian langar is when Nihangs (in India) serve meat[1] on the occasion of Holla Mohalla, and call it Mahaprashad. There are also variation on the Vegetarian Langar, for example at Hazur Sahib[2][3]. Langar is also a common term used across various units in the Indian Army, when referring to a mess[citation needed], especially when there is no building and the food is served in open air (or through temporary arrangements like tents). The Sikh Langar or free kitchen was started by the first Sikh Guru, Guru Nanak. It is designed to uphold the principle of equality between all people of the world regardless of religion, caste, colour, creed, age, gender or social status. In addition to the ideals of equality, the tradition of Langar expresses the ethics of sharing, community, inclusiveness and oneness of all humankind. "..the Light of God is in all hearts."[4] The institution of Guru ka Langar has served the community in many ways. It has ensured the participation of Sikhs in a task of service for mankind, even Sikh children help in serving food to the people (Pangat). Langar also teaches the etiquette of sitting and eating in a community situation, which has played a great part in upholding the virtue of equality of all human beings and provides a welcome, secure and protected sanctuary. People from all classes of society are welcome at the Gurudwara. Food is normally served twice a day, on every day of the year. Recent reports say some of the largest Sikh community dining halls in Delhi prepare between 50,000 and 70,000 meals per day.[5] Each week one or more families volunteer to provide and prepare the Langar. This is very generous, as there may be several hundred people to feed, and caterers are not allowed. All the preparation, the cooking and the washing-up is also done by voluntary helpers, known as Sewadars. Besides the Langars attachment to gurdwaras, there are improvised open-air Langars during festivals and gurpurbs. These langars are among the best attended community meals anywhere in the world; upwards of 100,000 people may attend a given meal during these langars. Wherever Sikhs are, they have established their Langars. In their prayers, the Sikhs seek from the Almighty the favour: "Loh langar tapde rahin-may the hot plates of the langars remain ever in service." Langar
by Kulwant Singh Budwal In this life
fuelled by fleshly pleasures
in the pursuit of
materialistic comfort
I sit on the floor and eat
humbly, with rows of my people
for today I am in my Guru's house # ^www.singhsabha.com/holla_mohalla.htm # ^http://www.worldsikhnews.com/21%20January%202009/Goat%20Sacrifice%20at%20Hazur%20Sahib%20%20Myth%20&%20Truth.htm The Myth of goat Sacrifice and Hazur Sahib # ^http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=8G8gUr9fIKc Jhatka at Hazur Sahib Sikh Gurudwara # ^ Guru Granth Sahib pg. 282 # ^Vera, Barry. "Old Delhi". Feast: India. 2005. No. 3, season 1.
Why is sharing food so important to Sikhs?
Langar (Sikhism) === ===
Langar (Punjabi: ਲੰਗਰ) is the term used in the Sikh religion for the free, vegetarian-only food served in a Gurudwara. At the Langar, only vegetarian food is served to ensure that all people, regardless of their dietary restrictions, can eat as equals. Langar is open to Sikhs and non-Sikhs alike.
The exception to vegetarian langar is when Nihangs (in India) serve meat[1] on the occasion of Holla Mohalla, and call it Mahaprashad. There are also variation on the Vegetarian Langar, for example at Hazur Sahib[2][3]. Langar is also a common term used across various units in the Indian Army, when referring to a mess[citation needed], especially when there is no building and the food is served in open air (or through temporary arrangements like tents). The Sikh Langar or free kitchen was started by the first Sikh Guru, Guru Nanak. It is designed to uphold the principle of equality between all people of the world regardless of religion, caste, colour, creed, age, gender or social status. In addition to the ideals of equality, the tradition of Langar expresses the ethics of sharing, community, inclusiveness and oneness of all humankind. "..the Light of God is in all hearts."[4] The institution of Guru ka Langar has served the community in many ways. It has ensured the participation of Sikhs in a task of service for mankind, even Sikh children help in serving food to the people (Pangat). Langar also teaches the etiquette of sitting and eating in a community situation, which has played a great part in upholding the virtue of equality of all human beings and provides a welcome, secure and protected sanctuary. People from all classes of society are welcome at the Gurudwara. Food is normally served twice a day, on every day of the year. Recent reports say some of the largest Sikh community dining halls in Delhi prepare between 50,000 and 70,000 meals per day.[5] Each week one or more families volunteer to provide and prepare the Langar. This is very generous, as there may be several hundred people to feed, and caterers are not allowed. All the preparation, the cooking and the washing-up is also done by voluntary helpers, known as Sewadars. Besides the Langars attachment to gurdwaras, there are improvised open-air Langars during festivals and gurpurbs. These langars are among the best attended community meals anywhere in the world; upwards of 100,000 people may attend a given meal during these langars. Wherever Sikhs are, they have established their Langars. In their prayers, the Sikhs seek from the Almighty the favour: "Loh langar tapde rahin-may the hot plates of the langars remain ever in service." Langar
by Kulwant Singh Budwal In this life
fuelled by fleshly pleasures
in the pursuit of
materialistic comfort
I sit on the floor and eat
humbly, with rows of my people
for today I am in my Guru's house # ^www.singhsabha.com/holla_mohalla.htm # ^http://www.worldsikhnews.com/21%20January%202009/Goat%20Sacrifice%20at%20Hazur%20Sahib%20%20Myth%20&%20Truth.htm The Myth of goat Sacrifice and Hazur Sahib # ^http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=8G8gUr9fIKc Jhatka at Hazur Sahib Sikh Gurudwara # ^ Guru Granth Sahib pg. 282 # ^Vera, Barry. "Old Delhi". Feast: India. 2005. No. 3, season 1.
What are some religious Symbols for Sikhs?
THE KHANDA
The Khanda is the symbol of the Sikhs, as the Cross is to Christians or the Star of David is to Jews. It reflects some of the fundamental concepts of Sikhism. The symbol derives its name from the double-edged sword (also called a Khanda) which appears at the centre of the logo. This double-edged sword is a metaphor of Divine Knowledge, its sharp edges cleaving Truth from Falsehood. The right edge of the double-edged sword symbolises freedom and authority governed by moral and spiritual values. The left edge of the double-edged sword symbolises divine justice which chastises and punishes the wicked oppressors. The circle around the Khanda is the Chakar. The Chakar being a circle without a beginning or an end symbolises the perfection of God who is eternal. The Chakar is surrounded by two curved swords called Kirpans. These two swords symbolise the twin concepts of Meeri and Peeri - Temporal and Spiritual authority introduced by Guru Hargobind. They emphasise the equal emphasis that a Sikh must place on spiritual aspirations as well as obligations to society. On the left side is the sword of spiritual sovereignty, Peeri; on the right side is the sword of political sovereignty, Meeri.
NISHAN SAHIB
Nishan Sahib is the name given to the flag which is seen flying outside every Sikh Gurdwara (Temple). It is a triangular piece of ochre or saffron coloured cloth with the Khanda emblem in the middle. The flag post also has a khanda or spear on top and is usually covered with the same cloth as the flag. The use of the Nishan Sahib was first introduced by Guru Hargobind. Sikhs show great respect to their flag as it is, indeed, the symbol of the freedom of the Khalsa. It is this Nishan Sahib that is referred to in the daily prayer of the Sikhs for its immortality. When we study the verses of the bards that form an integral part of the Guru Granth Sahib, we learn that there was a practice of hoisting of the flag during the divine ministry of Guru Amar Das, Guru Ram Das and Gur Argan Dev ji. The colour underwent a change, from white to saffron, in the hands of Guru Hargobind and it was first time hoisted at the Akal Takht Sahib in the year 1609.
THE STORY OF VAISAKHI DAY
Vaisakhi is celebrated with joyous music and dance. It is Punjab's New Year's
Day. It falls on April 13, though once in 36 years it occurs on April 14th. The
Sikhs celebrate this festival as a collective birthday of the tenth Sikh Guru, Guru
Gobind Singh, who founded the Khalsa (the Sikh brotherhood) in 1699. Here is
the story.
Picture 1
Guru Gobind Singh, the tenth and last human Guru of Sikh's, called together a
huge crowd of over 50,000 Sikhs to join him for a meeting on Vaisakhi Day,
March 30, 1699. When all were expecting to hear words of comfort and
consolation from the lips of their Guru, they were troubled to see him with a
drawn sword in his hand and crying, ' If there is anyone here who would lay down
their lives, dedicate themselves to God, defend their faith and care for the poor
and the helpless, let them come forward.' There was a big silence, but the Guru
went on repeating his demand. Twice more the Guru issued his invitation to the
crowd. Then one man came forward. Guru Gobind Singh took him into his tent.
After a while he came out by himself and in his hand was a sword apparently
covered in blood! The crowd gasped and started to disperse. Then the Guru asked
again and amazingly another man stepped forward and went into the tent with the
Guru. Yet again the Guru came out of the tent alone, with blood on his sword.
Another man stepped forward and went into the tent, and then another. When a
fifth man stepped forward and went into the tent with the Guru, the crowd
wondered how many men must die.
Picture 2
The fifth time to everyone's joy, the Guru came out of the tent with his sword
and the five men walking behind him, still alive! 'This was a test,' the Guru
explained, 'to see who was brave and willing enough to dedicate themselves to
God, to defend their faith and to care for the poor.' The Guru, after dressing
the five in handsome clothes, brought them from the assembly. They were then
knighted as Singh's, as the Five beloved ones or the Panje Pyare (Panje means Five
and Pyare means beloved ones), the first members of the Order of the Khalsa
(Sikh).
2
Picture 3
The Guru put water in a bowl for sprinkling over the five in a simple initiation
ceremony, said prayers and stirred the water with a short steel sword
symbolising the need for strength. The Guru's wife, Mata Sundri, also placed
some sugar crystals into the holy water or amrit as a reminder that strength
must always be balanced by sweetness of temperament. After completing his
prayers, the Guru sprinkled the amrit over the five. He asked them to give him
some of the amrit too to show that although he was the Guru all people were
equal in God's eyes. That day amrit was given to people in the crowd who said that
they believed in one God, and that all people were equal. In a move to end social
divisions the five dropped their surnames, that linked to caste or occupation, and
were given new last names to show that they now belonged to one big family -
women were given the name Kaur meaning 'princess' to emphasise dignity and men
were given the name Singh, which means lion, a reminder of the need for courage.
The Guru declared the five to be the first members of a new community of
equals, to be called the Khalsa which would defend the Sikh faith and care for
the poor and helpless, whoever they were and whatever they believed. They were
to be dedicated to the service of others and the pursuit of justice for all people
of all faiths
Picture 4
The Panje Pyare or beloved five were asked to wear five distinctive symbols of
their new identity:-
Kes - uncut hair
Kanga - a small comb in the hair, a reminder of the importance of
cleanliness
Kara - a steel bracelet, a reminder of a link to God and godly ideals
Kirpan - a sword for self-defense and the protection of the weak
Kaccha - a modest and specially designed cotton undergarment
From this time, people have gathered in Gurdwaras (temples) on Vaisakhi Day,
usually 13th April. A new Sikh flag is put in place and the flag pole washed. There
are shared meals called Langar and celebrations. Sikhs have their own holy
scripture, Guru Granth Sahib. Written, composed, and compiled by the Sikh Gurus
themselves, the Guru Granth Sahib serves as the ultimate source of spiritual
guidance for Sikhs. Men and women from 16 or 18 years of age can be initiated
What are The Five Defining Essentials of Sikhism?
Shri Guru Guru Gobind Singh Ji, the tenth guru, the founder of Sikhism declared that all baptized Sikhs would wear the five K's as a symbol to all of their faith. The five Sikh articles of faith are as follows:-
Kesh is ones hair. Baptized Sikhs are to keep unshorn hair as a symbol of faith and neutrality.
The kanga is a small comb used to keep ones unshorn hair neat and tidy. It openly reminds them to keep their lives in order and "comb" away impure thoughts.
The kara is a steel bangle worn on the right arm. It is a closed circle with no beginning and no end, as with God there is no beginning and no end. It is a reminder to behave well, keep faith and restrain from wrong doing. Wearing it will remind a Sikh of his or her duties.
The last two are a reminder that Sikhs are warriors and always fight for righteousness.
The kaccha is similar to a soldier's undershorts, a loose, white, cotton undergarment symbolising a high moral character and spiritual freedom. Obviously as any family would be sensitive the Sikh family do not really like their undergarments on display to the world. This garment is made in the style of, but not a genuine article. When it was introduced by the Guru is was a knee length garment but recently it is shorter more like western boxer shorts. All baptised Sikhs wear a similar item, they are loose fitting and so cool in a hot climate, and remind Sikhs of their lifelong battle to do right.
The kirpan is the warriors sword. These days very tiny ones are worn as a symbol of dignity and self respect. It demonstrates power and reminds Sikhs that they must fight a spiritual battle, defend the weak and oppressed, uphold the truth, fighting for justice.
There are many deities in Hinduism. If you start researching each deity, you will realize they all belong to avatars of particular deity or the relatives of 3 Major Gods.
Creator - Lord Brahma
Protector - Lord Vishnu
Destroyer - Lord Shiva
You have to be truly devoted to the religion in order to become a Sikh. Mostly you need to understand the religion. You then drink "amrit", holy water, and then you start wearing the 5 Kakars which are Kes (hair... non cut) Kanga (a comb placed in your hair and then covered with a turban) (Kachera) a knee length under garment, Kara( a steel bracelet) Kirpan ( its a sort of a small sword but not used in a harmful way its just a religious showing)
Clarification: In order to become a Sikh you drink holy water called 'Amrit' from a Gurdwara (Sikh temple.) But you have to follow the Sikh rules of conduct, or it is considered a sin.
Why do people respect Guru Nanak?
Sikhs DO NOT worship Guru Nanak. They worship the Divine Light of God that is in Guru Nanak. Guru Nanak is NOT a deity in the Sikh religion, he is a teacher. Sikhs still bow today to Guru Granth Sahib. That does not mean they worship it, it means they revere the Divine Knowledge that it contains.
What happens in the diwan hall?
it is a diwan hall in a gurdwara where the men sit on one side the women on the other and the children can choose which side they sit on!!!!!!
Do all Sikhs have to wear the 5ks?
well its required more for men but if women want to they can wear it but as i said it is required more from men
so does that answer your question
What did guru nanak want to achieve?
Guru Nanak believes in One God who has infinite names and qualities and who is the same for all religions. Guru Nanak believes in equality of all human beings irrespective of color,gender,origin,race etc. Guru Nanak believes in inward devotion to God through one's heart rather than external rituals and ceremonies.
The above are few of the things Guru Nanak believes in.
He taught others to believe in the above things to.
Where was Guru nanak before he disappeared?
There would be no information about what one can say what Guru Nanak heard or saw when he disappeared.
What we can know is what he said after he reappeared.
After his reappearance, when he was asked by his family members as well from village people, he would give only one answer to whatever question was posed to him:
"There is no Hindu, there is no Muslim.Then whose path shall I follow, I shall follow God's Path"
To my knowledge as being the person who is answering this question, I have come to know two interpretations of this statement by Guru Nanak which I would now follow, but please note this interpretations are the one which I have found.But the actual information and knowledge contained in those words only Guru Nanak knows as he uttered them, for us we are only left with interpretations.
1.This is the most common interpretation, by saying there is no Hindu, there is no Muslim. Guru Nanak Dev Ji brought the idea that we are all one and that one's superficial identification with particular religion only creates differences and hence, there is no Hindu, there is no Muslim but all is the same and the one.
2.The second interpretation brings with itself the idea of how Sikhism came into being.
By saying there is no Hindu, there is no Muslim. Then whose path shall I follow, I shall follow God's path. Guru Nanak Dev Ji pointed out that the level of superstitious, rituals, blind faith, caste system and corruption in society had come to a point that no Hindu call be called Hindu as he/she is not following what he/she is supposed to follow as per the Vedas and no Muslim call be called Muslim as he/she had come to a point where he/she had stopped following the way as Koran instructs. Thus, there is no Hindu, there is no Muslim.
And this is where Guru Nanak Dev Ji gave birth to Sikhism and thus Sikhism was founded and Guru Nanak Dev Ji said, " I shall follow God's path".
What do Sikhs have to do when they enter a Gurdwara?
It is really simple, if you want to enter in Gurdwara, you just have to wash your hands and your feet, also cover up the top of your head.
Sikhism as a religion does not have any priestly class.Though there is a person in every Gurudwara (Sikh place of worship).He/She acts more like a caretaker(Granthi), making sure everything is in place.Since that person is the in charge therefore,every time there is any function or worship he/she usually leads it.But as mentioned above he/she is not seen as a priest.Everybody can participate in the worship and certainly everybody participates.
The Guru Granth Sahib ਗੁਰੂ ਗ੍ਰੰਥ ਸਾਹਿਬ or Adi Granth is the final Guru of the Sikhs. It has 1430 angs or pages which is composed during the period of Sikh Gurus from 1469 to 1708. It is a collection of shabad or hymms which describes the qualities of God and why one should meditate on God's Name. Guru Gobind Singh (1666 - 1708), the tenth of the Sikh Guru, affirmed the sacred text Dasam Granth as his successor and elevating the book to Guru Granth Sahib. The text remained the holy scripture of the Sikhs, regarded as the teaching of the Ten Gurus. The role of the Adi Granth, as a source or guide of prayer is pivotal in Sikhism.
What are the rules of Sikhism?
Although there are no "Set rules", here is some info on Amrit and the Khalsa path.
The Five Ks, or panj kakaar/kakke, are five items of faith that baptised Khalsa Sikhs wear at all times at the command of the tenth Sikh Guru, Guru Gobind Singh who so ordered at the Baisakhi Amrit Sanchar in 1699. The Five Ks are not merely symbols but articles of faith which collectively form the external visible symbols to identify and clearly and outwardly advertise and display one's commitment. The Khalsa Sikhs who don all the Five Ks are known as Amritdhari (as they have participated in the Amrit Sanchar ceremony), while the Sikhs who have not donned all the Five Ks are known as Sahajdhari.
1. Kesh Uncut hair on any part of the body for men and women is mandatory and can be considered the most important "K" 2. Kanga Wooden comb for hygiene and maintenance of the Kesh. 3. Kara Iron bracelet: - Physical reminder that a Sikh is bound to the Guru. 4. Kachera Specially designed cotton underwear:- Naturally comfortable and dignified attire reflective of modesty and high moral character. 5. Kirpan Strapped sword: - Worn to defend one's faith and protect the weak, reminding one of his or her duty as a Khalsa. It is worn to show bravery, not a mere weapon.
- Singh
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What is it like inside the gurdwara?
As for outside features, There is the flagpole that they keep flying outside at all times. Once a person is in the Gurdwara, he or she should keep his/her head covered at all times. If a person wishes to visit the Darbar where Guru Granth Sahib Ji is present he or she should bow down and take his/her place.Have no intoxicating substances like alcohol, taboco etc in or around Gurudwara.
What miraculous event happened to guru Nanak?
The first one, he was sleeping with his feet towards the Ka'ba, when he was found by Kazi Rukan-ud-din. He shouted, "How dare you God's place by turning your feet towards Him?!". Then he kicked Guru Nanak. Guru Nanak replied quietly, "I am tired. Turn my feet in any direction that God's place is not." So Kazi Rukan-ud-din took his feet and turned them in the opposite direction. The mosque moved in the direction of Guru Nanak's feet. Kari was struck with awe. He finally recognised the glory of Guru Nanak.
The second one, he was visiting a friend called Hassan Abdal. He sat at the foot of a hill underneath a Peepul tree. At the top of the hill lived a saint called Vali Quandhari, next to a spring. Guru Nanak's companion, Mardana often used the spring to get water. As Guru Nanak's fame grew, the saint became jealous. He forbade Mardana to use water from the spring. Mardana told Guru Nanak about this. He replied, "O Mardana! Do not be afraid. God will send water down to us soon." As soon as he had said this the spring on the hill dried up. At the place where Guru Nanak stood, another sprang. This angered Vali Quandhari even more. He hurled a huge rock down to the place where Guru Nanak was sitting. He stopped the falling rock with his hand (the impression it left is still there now). Seeing this, the saint rushed down and begged forgiveness. Guru Nanak pardoned him. There is now a shrine saying 'Punja Sahib next to the spring.
Why do Sikhs remove their shoes and cover their hair?
To show they loyal to their guru. And it's a sign of loyalty wearing a turban. ---- Sikhism believes that hair is the part of the creation of human body, therefore, Sikh are not suppose to cut their hair, Male and Female both. Since, not all can adhere to the teachings of Gurus depending on their own reasons, so the ones who have cut their hair, cover their head especially when they visit Gurudwara (Sikh place of worship). ----
Clarification: Sikhs cover their heads as a sign of respect/loyalty.
Sikhism was founded by Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji in the 15th Century. There was chaos all around, people were being butchered by rulers of the country, common gentry were oblivious of the religion, there was nothing in the name of religion. People were being deceived by Bhramins and Kajis. Guru Nanak Dev ji was the first Guru in the universe who preached equality of all humans. He denounced untouchability, caste system, and affactations of Hinduism. He started Common kitchen (Langar) for the whole community. It was opened for all irrespective of their colour, caste, creed and religion. He preached that no one is Muslim no Hindu. All all Gods human being. What sort of work in Gurudwara has been asked. In Gurudwara all the Sikhs work together. All put in their efforts to prepare kitchen and then the same is served by them. A person who is qualified to read and maintain Sri Guru Granth Sahib is detailed for this purpose, any one who can handle this assignment can be detailed for this post.
Why was Guru Hargobind in prison?
Seeing the reconciliation of Jahangir and Guru ji, Chandu was very angry, he wanted to break their friendship, one day Jahangir got very hungry, even after a lot of treatment, his hunger was cured. If it did not happen, Chandu called an astrologer, gave him 500 rupees, and taught him that you should tell Patshah Jahangir that if a pious man prays for your good health by sitting in solitude in the Gwalior fort for 40 days, then this hunger can cure you. Yes, after listening to this astrologer, Jahangir asked his servant to find a great man, then Chandu said, Jahapana, Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji is eligible for this work, if you pray to him and send him to the fort of Gwalior for 40 days. Your suffering will definitely go away, then Jahangir told the whole thing to Guru ji, Guru ji knew the future, even after accepting it, Guru ji entered the Gwalior fort with 5 Sikhs.
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