Sikhism

sikhism flash cards

Naam Japo

Meditation

Kirat Karni

Honest work

Vand Chakko

Sharing

• Founder of Sikhism; taught the message of one God ("Ik Onkar") and equality.

• Started the tradition of Langar (free community kitchen).

• Preached against discrimination, caste restrictions, and rituals.

(Guru Nanak) Sahib Ji

• Formalized the Punjabi script, Gurmukhi, for writing hymns.

• Systematized the institution of Langar and opened schools for children.

• Introduced the tradition of Mall Akhara (physical exercise).

Guru Angad Dev Ji

• Introduced the Anand Karaj (Sikh marriage ceremony).

• Abolished the practices of Sati (widow burning) and Purdah (veil) among Sikhs.

• Strengthened the community by creating 22 dioceses known as Manji.

Guru Amar Das Ji

• Founded the holy city of Amritsar (originally Ramdaspur).

• Started the construction of the Harmandir Sahib (Golden Temple).

Guru Ram Das Ji

• Compiled the Adi Granth, the first sacred scripture of Sikhism.

• Completed the construction of the Harmandir Sahib in Amritsar.

• Became the first Sikh martyr, having been tortured to death.

Guru Arjan Dev Ji

• Militarized the Sikh community to defend against Mughal oppression, adopting two swords—Piri and Miri (spiritual and temporal authority).

• Built the Akal Takht (the Throne of the Timeless One) in 1606.

• Founded the city of Kiratpur.

Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji

• Focused on spreading the faith, developing the army, and maintaining a large zoo/nature preserve.

• Associated with kindness towards animals and caring for the environment.

Guru Har Rai Ji

• Installed as Guru at the age of five and recognized for his profound spiritual wisdom at a young age.

• Served and healed people suffering from a plague epidemic in Delhi

Guru Har Krishan Ji

• Martyred while defending the religious freedom of Kashmiri Brahmins (Hindus) against forced conversion.

• Founded the city of Anandpur Sahib.

Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji

• Created the Khalsa (the community of initiated Sikhs) in 1699.

• Passed the Guruship to the scripture, declaring the Guru Granth Sahib as the eternal Guru.

• Compiled the Dasam Grant

Guru Gobind Singh Ji

Kesh

(Uncut Hair) Symbolizes respect for God’s creation, acceptance of His will, and the adoption of a simple life, connecting Sikhs to the appearance of their Guru.

Kanga

(Wooden comb) Represents cleanliness, discipline, and the need to keep one's mind and body organized, ensuring a disciplined lifestyle.

Kara

(Steel bracelet) A symbol of an unbreakable bond with God, restraint, and the commitment to use one's hands for righteousness rather than evil.

Kachera

(Cotton undergarment) Represents self-control, chastity, modesty, and high moral character.

Kirpan

(Small Sword) Represents the soldier-saint commitment to defend the weak, protect the oppressed, and fight against injustice, acting as a reminder of duty.

Naming ceremony, conducted at a Gurdwara once the mother is in good health. At times the Hukamnama is used where the first letter of the Hukam is used as the first letter of the child’s name.

Naam Karan

 Initiates Sikhs into Khalsa brotherhood.

Amrit Sanskar

The couple is married and walks 4 clockwise rounds (Lavan) around the Guru Granth Sahib, symbolizing the union of their souls with the divine. Usually held at Gurdwara.

Anand Karaj

Antam Sanskar (AKA Antyeshi)

 (Funeral ritual) Typically involves cleaning the body, cremation, and scattering ashes in a sacred river, usually within 1–2 days of death, emphasizing detachment and the soul’s journey toward liberation.

Japji Sahib

(Morning prayer) summarizing of Sikh philosophy

Jaap Sahib

(Prayer of praise) to Vahi Guru

Tav Prasad Sawaiya

(Prayer of praise) to Vahi Guru

Rehras Sahib

(10 core principles) statement

Sohila Sahib

(evening prayer) prayer of praises