Key Terms in Sikhism

Adi Granth

Sikh holy text, more commonly known as the Guru Granth Sahib

Akhand Path

Continuous reading of the holy text during gurpurab

Amrit

A special mixture of sugar and water used during certain ceremonies and rituals

Amritsar

A holy city of Sikhs

Anand Karaj

Sikh wedding ceremony

Anand Sahib

Sikh prayer for thanksgiving

Ardas

Prayers said at the end of worship

Bhai Ji

Male or female responsible for ceremonial tasks, most importantly bringing the Sikh holy text to the main room of the gurdwara before worship

Daswandh

The giving of charitable donations

Granthi

The person who reads from the Guru Granth Sahib

Gurbani

The hymns of the Gurus in the Guru Granth Sahib

Gurdwara

A Sikh house of worship

Gurmukhi

Script in which the Guru Granth Sahib is written

Guru

A spiritual guide, leader, or religious teacher

Guru Granth Sahib

The Sikhs most holy book, formerly known as the Adi Granth

Gutka

A book containing a selection of important Sikh hymns

Karah Parshad

A sacred sweet pudding made of whole wheat flour, sugar and butter that is given to all visitors and attendees at the gurdwara to show hospitality and equality

Karma

Totality of actions in one's life that determines your next life

Khalistan

The name of the independent country some Sikhs hope to establish

Khalsa

A specially dedicated group within the Sikh community

Khanda

The symbol of Sikhism

Kirat Karni

To earn one's living by honest means

Kirpan

A small sword or dagger that is one of the 5 K's and requirements of the Khalsa

Kirtan

The singing of hymns

Langar

The free meal at the end of Sikh worship

Mukti

Release from constant rebirth

Nam Karam

The naming ceremony in Sikhism

Nishan Sahib

The Sikh flag hanging outside the Gurdwara; it is replaced each year at Baisakhi

Pandit

A holy man

Panj Pyares

The first 5 members of the Khalsa, the 'Cherished Ones'

Purdah

A veil worn by Muslim women; no veils are allowed in Sikhism

Ragis

Singers

Romala

Embroidered material

Seva

Serving others, an important virtue in Sikhism; One way is through Langar

Sikh

A student or learner

Suttee

Also known as sati, it is the Hindu custom of a widow burning herself to death on her husband's funeral pyre; it is outlawed in Sikhism

Takhat

The throne on which the Guru Granth Sahib is placed in the Gurdwara

Turban

A head covering worn by Sikhs, often by those in the Khalsa. It is not one of the 5 K's but helps keep uncut hair - Kesh - neat and tidy. Cleanliness is an important virtue in Sikhism, both physically and spiritually

Waheguru

One of the Sikh names for God, meaning 'Wonderful Lord'