- Sikhism is an Indian Dharmic religion, similar to Hinduism, Buddhism and Jainism.
- It is the world’s fifth largest religion, originating from the Punjab Region and dating from the end of the 15th century CE.
Guru Nanek (1469-1539 CE)
- Guru Nanek was the first Guru and spiritual teacher of Sikhism.
Guru Granth Sahib
- This is the holy text of Sikhism and is named the 11th Guru. The text contains the teachings of the ten previous Gurus.
- The text is written in a language called Sant Bhasa, which is related to Hindi and Punjabi.
Waheguru
- This is the name of God in Sikhism and means ‘Extraordinary Teacher’. Waheguru is considered to be invisible, timeless and the creator.
- Waheguru is close to the concept of monotheism in western religions, because of the emphasis on only one God.
The Gurdwara
- The Gurdwara is the Sikh Temple.
- The Golden Temple or Harmandir Sahib, located in Amritsar in the Punjab, is the mother Temple of Sikhism.
The Three Principles of Sikhism
- Kirat Karni, earning an honest living.
- Vand Chakna, sharing with others.
- Naam Japna, devotion to God by meditation.
The Granthi
- There are no priests in Sikhism. Instead, there are ceremonial readers of the Guru Granth Sahib known as Granthis.
Sikh customs
- Sikhism believes in equality and has no caste system.
- Hair cutting or hair removal is forbidden.
- Men and women are allowed to wear the Turban, primarily to contain their long hair, but it also acts to identify themselves as Sikhs although this is not essential.
- Vegetarianism is encouraged, but left to the individual to decide.
- Gambling and the consumption of intoxicants is forbidden.
- After Death, Sikhs usually cremate the body, although burial is also accepted.
Golden Temple, Amritsar