sikhism

sikhism

● Originated in the Punjab region of India

● Founded by Guru Nanak Dev Ji (1469-1539)

● Believers are called ‘Sikhs’

● 5th among the World’s Largest Religions

● Does not believe in Avtarvada

GURU

‘gu’ meaning ‘dispeller of ignorance’; ‘ru’ meaning ‘bringer of light

10th Guru

Guru Gobind Singh

Last Living Guru

Guru Granth Sahib (Sikh’s Holy Book)

Guru Nanak

● was born in 1469

● founder of Sikhism

● He comes from a Hindu family, married with children

● He had miraculous experiences with God

● Nanak died in 1539

● Before he died, he passed on his authority and work to his chosen disciples

● The first of a line of ten Sikh gurus (spiritual leaders)

● “Accept all human beings as your equals and let them be your only sect” — Guru

Nanak

SIKH

student”,“disciple of the Guru” or “learner”

GURDWARA

temple of worship for Sikhs

GURU GRANTH SAHIB

holy scripture of the Sikhs

“Ik Onkar”

“There is only one God”

“Waheguru”

wondrous lord

THE DIVINE: AKAL MURAT

● “akal” meaning ‘timeless’ or ‘beyond time’

● “murat” meaning ‘form’ or ‘image’

● God exists forever and is beyond time

● Came from the Mool Mantar (Sikh prayer by Guru Nanak)

AMRITSAR

● ‘Amrit’ meaning ‘nectar’ or ‘immortal’; ‘Saras’ meaning ‘lake’ or ‘pool’

● Translates to “Pool of Nectar” or “Lake of Immortality”

● The main cultural place of Sikhism

● Founded by the fourth guru; Guru Ram Das

● Home to the Golden Temple or Harmandir Sahib (holiest site for Sikhs)

● The city’s name is connected to the name of one sacred tank called “Amrit Sarovar”

AMRIT SAROVAR

A sacred tank surrounding the Golden Temple (Harmandir Sahib)

GURU NANAK DEV JI

● Travelled extensively to spread the message of One God

● Rejected rituals and idol worship

● Established the principles of Naam Japna, Kirat Karni, and

Vand Chakna

GURU ANGAD DEV JI

● Developed the Gurmukhi script (standard Punjabi writing

system)

● Collected hymns of Guru Nanak

● Encouraged physical wellness and Mal Akhara (wrestling)

GURU AMAR DAS JI

● Established Langar (community kitchen) to promote

equality

● Opposed sati (widow burning) and purdah (veil system

for women)

● Conferred equal status of men and women

GURU RAM DAS JI

● Founded Amritsar, the holiest city of Sikhs

● Started the making of Santokhsar Sarovar (later

expanded to the Golden Temple)

● Wrote important hymns like Anand Karaj (for a Sikh

marriage ceremony)

GURU ARJAN DEV JI

● Compiled the Adi Granth (1st version of Guru Granth

Sahib)

● Built the Golden Temple (Sri Harmandir Sahib) in Amritsar

● Martyred for refusing to convert to Islam

GURU HARGOBIND JI

● Introduced Miri-Piri (spiritual & worldly responsibilities)

● Two swords that symbolized political and religious

authority

● Raised a Sikh army to fight against oppression

GURU HAR RAI JI

● Promoted environmental awareness and herbal medicine

● Established hospitals and free medical care

● Helped the sick, including Mughal Prince Dara Shikoh

GURU HAR KRISHAN JI

● Became Guru at the age of five (also known as ‘Child

Guru’)

● Helped people suffering from smallpox and cholera

● Soon caught the disease and died at the young age of

eight in Delhi

GURU TEGH BAHADUR JI

● Defended religious freedom and opposed forced

conversions

● Martyred for protecting Hindus and Sikhs

● His martyrdom is commemorated at Delhi

GURU GOBIND JI

● Founded the Khalsa (Sikh warrior community)

● Introduced the Five Ks

● Declared Guru Granth Sahib as the eternal Guru before

his passing

KESH (Uncut Hair)

Hair is left uncut to show respect and commitment to God

. KANGA (Wooden Comb)

Hair is left uncut to show respect and commitment to God

KARA (Iron Bracelet)

A symbol of strength; do good deeds with one’s hands

. KACHERA (Cotton Underwear)

Represents self-control, modesty, and readiness to act

. KIRPAN (Small Sword)

A symbol of bravery; protect the weak and stand for justice

NAAM JAPNA

Remembering God’s name with every breath

KIRAT KARNI

To work and earn by the sweat of the brow in an honest way, to live life, and

practice truthfulness and honesty in all things

VANDE KE CHAKNA

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