sikhism test

Guru Nanak

founder of Sikhism (1469–1539), taught devotion to one God, equality, and service

10 Gurus

lineage of spiritual teachers who led Sikhism from Guru Nanak to Guru Gobind Singh

Punjab

region in northwestern India where Sikhism originated and remains centered

Amritsar

holy city founded by Guru Ram Das, home of the Golden Temple

lineage

succession of the ten Sikh Gurus continuing the spiritual mission

panth

the Sikh community or collective body of followers

Baisakhi

festival celebrating the formation of the Khalsa in 1699 and the Sikh New Year

Adi Granth

first compiled Sikh scripture by Guru Arjan, basis for Guru Granth Sahib

Guru Granth Saheb

the final and eternal Guru, sacred scripture containing divine hymns

Kabir

15th-century poet-saint whose devotion and unity teachings influenced Guru Nanak

Akal Purakh

“timeless being,” Sikh name for God who is formless and eternal

Nam

divine name, remembrance of God through meditation and repetition

Shabad

“divine word,” the eternal truth of God expressed through scripture

Sikh

follower of Sikhism, meaning “disciple” or “learner”

gurdwara

Sikh place of worship where prayers, singing, and langar occur

diwan

congregational worship service in a gurdwara

kirtan

singing of devotional hymns from scripture

katha

religious discourse or sermon explaining Sikh teachings

ardas

formal prayer recited during Sikh worship

langar

free communal meal open to all, symbolizing equality and service

khalsa

“pure order” of initiated Sikhs founded by Guru Gobind Singh in 1699

Kaur

surname for Sikh women in the Khalsa meaning “princess”

Singh

surname for Sikh men in the Khalsa meaning “lion”

Sants

holy mystics in Bhakti-Sufi tradition emphasizing devotion and unity with God

Kesh

uncut hair symbolizing respect for creation and spiritual strength

Kanga

wooden comb symbolizing cleanliness and order

Katchera

undergarment symbolizing modesty and moral discipline

Kara

iron bracelet symbolizing restraint and unity with God

Kirpan

dagger symbolizing courage and defense of trut