India has been a land of different faiths for thousands of years. Many of the world’s largest organized religions originated here. Sikhism, too, was born in this land some five hundred years ago and gave the world its unique divine scriptures and progressive beliefs. Sikhs have always been appreciated as a hardworking, honest and brave community.
This article will apprise you with some interesting and informative facts about this relatively young religion, which has almost 30 million followers around the world and is one of the most respected.
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1. Origin of Sikhism
The religion has its roots in the Punjab region of northern Indian subcontinent. It was established in the late 15th century by Guru Nanak, the first Sikh Guru. Sikhism is one of the world’s youngest and 5th largest organized major religion.
When Hinduism and Islam, the main religions of the time, were at conflict, Sikhism evolved as an alternate path for Indians and eventually for others around the world.
2. Who is a Sikh?
The term ‘Sikh’ has its origin in the Sanskrit word “Shishya”, meaning a Disciple or a Student. A Sikh is a disciple of the Guru and is a seeker of knowledge. A Sikh is one who faithfully believes in “One Immortal Being” and follows the writings and teachings of all the Sikh Gurus.
3. The Sikh Gurus
Sikhism was established by ten Gurus over a period from 1500 CE to 1708 CE. Each Guru reinforced and added to the teachings of the earlier Gurus. Born in Talwandi (now known as Nankana Sahib in Pakistan), Guru Nanak Dev (1469-1539) was the first Guru and founder of Sikhism.
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Guru Angad Dev (1504-1552) was the second Guru followed by Guru Amar Das (1479-1574), Guru Ram Das (1534-1581), Guru Arjan Dev (1563-1606), Guru Hargobind (1595-1644), Guru Har Rai (1630-1661), Guru Harkrishan (1656-1664), Guru Tegh Bahadur (1621-1675) and Guru Gobind Singh (1666-1708) who was the tenth and last Guru in human form. He then instructed the Sikhs to follow Guru Granth Sahib as the Guru after him.
4. Belief in God
Sikhism is a monotheistic religion, with a strong belief in One God. It’s called “Ik Onkar” in Gurumukhi script. ‘Ik’ means “One and only One” and ‘Onkar’ means “Eternal sound of God”. Guru Nanak believed in ‘Nirguna, Parabrham Paramtama – One and Only One Formless Supreme Being’ and gave Sikhism ‘Ik Onkar’ as its true symbol. God is also referred as ‘Akal Purakh’ meaning “The Timeless Eternal Being”.
5. The primary principles of Sikhism
The duties that a Sikh must carry out are guided by the 3 main Principles, namely:
‘Naam Japna’ – Pray and keep God in mind at all times.
‘Kirat Karo’ – Earn an honest income with honorable means.
‘Vand Chhako’ – Share and consume together. The spirit of Giving is paramount.
6. The Guru Granth Sahib is mainly made up of music and poetry
Revered by the Sikhs as “The Eternal Living Guru”, Guru Granth Sahib is the sacred scripture written in Gurmukhi script. Guru Arjan Dev compiled the first rendition called the Adi Granth, comprising collections of holy hymns and religious writings by his predecessors along with compositions of contemporary saints from Hinduism and Islam.
In 1704 CE, Guru Gobind Singh added the compositions of his father Guru Tegh Bahadur to the Adi Granth thus finalizing the compilation. Before passing away Guru Gobind Singh ruled that Sikhs were to regard the Granth Sahib as their next and everlasting Guru.
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7. Mool Mantar (Main Chant)
The Guru Granth Sahib begins with the word ‘Ik Onkar’. From this word to the tenth word, ‘Gur Prashad’, is called the Mool Mantar. Mool means Main or Root and Mantar means Chant or Verse, which together means “Main Chant” or “Root Verse”.
Its importance is emphasized from the fact that it is the first composition to appear on the holy Granth. It is said to be the first composition uttered by Guru Nanak upon his enlightenment.
8. The five Ks of Sikhism
The Five Ks are the five Sikh symbols of dress and physical appearance, given to Sikhs by Guru Gobind Singh. Kesh (uncut hair covered by Turban) symbolizing spiritual devotion, Kara (steel bracelet) symbolizing strength, Kanga (wooden comb) symbolizing cleanliness, Kachha (cotton underwear) symbolizing chastity and Kirpan (ceremonial dagger) symbolizing readiness to protect the weak.
9. Khalsa – the Saint Soldier
The word Khalsa comes from the Arabic or Persian word ‘Khalisa’ which means “Pure”. Guru Gobind Singh initiated the Khalsa tradition after his father (Guru Tegh Bahadur) was beheaded by the Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb for resisting religious persecution of non-Muslims and refusing to convert to Islam.
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Thus the Khalsa was created as a warrior with a duty to protect the oppressed from any religious torture. Every baptized Khalsa has to wear the five K’s: Kesh, Kangha, Kachhera, Kara and Kirpan. A male Khalsa is given the title of Singh (Lion) while female Khalsa is given the title of Kaur (Princess).
10. The Sikh symbol
The emblem of Sikh faith is the ‘Khanda’. It consists of three symbols: a double edged sword (Khanda) in the center with a Chakar (Circular disc), both flanked by two single edge kirpans.
The current shape of Khanda got formalized in the first decade of the 20th century, signifying the dual responsibility of the Khalsa to provide food and protection for the needy.
11. Sat Sri Akaal
Though usage of “Sat Sri Akaal” is done by Sikhs when greeting each other, it is actually the second half of the Clarion call given by Guru Gobind Singh, which goes as “Bole So Nihal, Sat Sri Akaal” (one will be blessed eternally who says that God is the ultimate truth).
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A more traditional Sikh greeting goes as “Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa, Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh’ (The Khalsa belongs to the God, The victory belongs to the God).
12. Gurudwara – The first Gurudwara was built in Kartarpur
Literally meaning the “Door to the Guru” a Gurudwara is a place of worship for Sikhs. Every Gurudwara has a main hall called Darbar Sahib, where the holy Guru Granth Sahib is placed on a throne in a prominent position. Men and Women sit on separate sides, equidistant from the Guru Granth Sahib, as a sign of equality.
There are four doors in a Gurudwara symbolizing that people from all points of the compass are welcome. All visitors to the Gurudwara should remove their shoes and cover their heads before entering the main hall. The first Gurudwara was built in Kartarpur (now in Pakistan) by Guru Nanak Dev in the year 1521 CE.
13. Langar – Free food kitchen
In every Gurudwara there is a Langar (community kitchen) where free vegetarian meal is served to all without any bias of gender, caste, creed or economic status. Everyone sits on the floor and eats together as equals. It is believed that Guru Nanak started the Sikh Langar. Langars are regularly organized all over the world to feed the needy.
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Recommended read: 15 Amazing Facts About The Langar At The Golden Temple World’s Largest Free Kitchen
14. Gender equality
Sikhs believe that men and women have equal status before God. The Gurus advocated that everyone has direct access to God. Women can participate in all religious, social and cultural activities, even lead religious gatherings. Women in Sikhism have even led battles.
The Sikh Gurus did much to ensure equal status for women in the society. Guru Amar Das discouraged the use of veil by women, preached against the custom of Sati and raised voice against female infanticide.
15. The Golden Temple
The holiest of Sikh Gurudwara, The Golden Temple is the most revered and important pilgrimage site of Sikhism. Located in the city of Amritsar, Punjab (in India), its also known as Sri Harmandir Sahib. Built between 1574 CE and 1604 CE, Guru Arjan Das placed a copy of Adi Granth in the temple.
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The temple was destroyed many times by invading Afghans and the Mughal Empire, but was always rebuilt by the Sikhs. Maharaja Ranjit Singh rebuilt the temple in marble and covered the shrine with gold foil. Thus the name Golden Temple.
16. Panj Takht – The five thrones
The literal meaning of Takht or Takhat is a “Throne of Authority”. In Sikhism, there are five Takhts, which are five Gurudwaras, which hold a very special significance. The first and most important one is called the “Akal Takht” (Throne of the Timeless One).
It is situated opposite the gate of Golden Temple and serves as the supreme decision making center of Sikhism. The other Takhts are “Takht Sri Keshgarh Sahib” in Anandpur Sahib, “Takht Sri Damdama Sahib” in Talwandi Sabo near Bhatinda, “Takht Sri Patna Sahib” in Patna, Bihar and “Takht Sri Hazur Sahib” in Nanded, Maharashtra.
17. Karma, reincarnation and liberation
Sikhism retains the concepts of Reincarnation and Karma, as is instituted in Hindu and Buddhist beliefs. Guru Nanak’s teachings are about the spiritual union with “The Akal” (Timeless Immortal), which results in salvation while alive.
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Guru Gobind Singh also states that human life is precious and is obtained with great fortune, hence through one’s deeds (Karma) one should make the most of this life.
18. Baptism
The ceremony of initiation into the Sikh religion is called the Amrit ceremony. The ritual is conducted by five baptized Sikhs, called “Panj Pyare” (The Five Beloved Ones), who wear the five Sikh symbols, which have both practical and symbolic purposes.
19. No superstitious beliefs
Sikh faith condemns empty rituals and superstitions, as believing in any such practices will not bring one closer to God or make one a better human being. Sikhism does not prescribes fast, pilgrimage for obtaining salvation, idol worship, or animal sacrifice.
20. The truth behind 12 o’clock reference
The real reason for the “12 o’clock” association with Sikh comes from Nadir Shah’s invasion of India. After looting and plundering Delhi, his troops took hundreds of Hindu women as captives. As his army passed through Punjab, the Sikhs decided to attack Naidr Shah’s camp and free the captive women.
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Being less in numbers, they decided to attack at midnight, which they did and rescued all women. Today many ‘smart alecs’ use that reference to mock the Sikhs, which is shameful and condemnable. Hopefully after reading this everyone would desist from making this derisive joke on the community.
21. Sikhs don’t cut their hair as a religious observance
They allow the hair to grow naturally to respect the perfection of God’s creation.
I hope these educating facts would give us all a slightly deeper and better understanding of Sikhism.
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