AOW 100 to 199
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100
Sikhism and ritualism
Image courtesy of Buzzle
The Sikh faith condemns empty rituals and superstitions. The practice of blind rituals, worshiping of idols and inanimate objects, participating in religious fasts, pilgrimage to holy places, offering of food to sadhus (religious leaders), or believing in any other such rituals, superstitions or fads, will not bring one closer to God or make one a better human being. In all societies round the world, through fear and uncertainty, members undertake in ritualistic and worthless behaviour at times of worry, uncertainty or trouble. These poor people, wrongly believe that undertaking these empty customs and penances will bring them special assistance from Waheguru or some other higher power.
Superstition is an irrational belief arising from ignorance or doubt. Many people all around the world are gripped by various superstitions and they live their lives in fear and uncertainty. Most of these fears are irrational and superfluous but they still cannot unbind themselves from these evil and false notions. Some common and well-known examples of superstitions are:
- "When a black cat crosses one's path, something will happen if one crosses the line where the cat passed. To "undo" either wait for someone who didn't know about the black cat to cross the path or think of another route."
- "If you wash your hair on the first day of the month you will have a short life."
- "13 in the western world is considered an unlucky number. This double-digit represents Judas, who was the guest at the Last Supper who betrayed Jesus. As a result it is also thought to be unlucky to have a dinner party with 13 guests. Many hotels are missing a thirteenth floor or have omitted the number from their room doors. Friday the 13th of any month is said to be an unlucky day."
But the SGGS says "The mind is diseased with doubt, superstition and duality." (SGGS p416)and also "High and low, social class and status - the world wanders lost in superstition." (SGGS p1243). Superstition is like a disease for the mind it brings confusion and fear and takes you away from reality. ....Continued.
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101
Sukhmani Sahib
Sukhmani or Sukhmani Sahib is the title given to the Gurbani in raga Gauri Sukhmani in the Guru Granth Sahib which in turn appears in the major musical measure Raga Gauri to which it belongs. It is a lengthy masterpiece, written by Guru Arjan Dev, the fifth Sikh Guru. The sacred prayer spans 35 pages from page 262 to page 296 of the Guru Granth Sahib. Surprisingly, many ardent Sikhs include the recitation of this Bani in their daily regimen of Nitnem. The physical site where, around AD 1602-03, the Guru composed this Gurbani was once enclosed by a dense wood. The location is still marked on the bank of the Ramsar pool in the city of Amritsar, near the famous Golden Temple or Harimandir Sahib.
It is said that Baba Sri Chand, elder son of Guru Nanak and founder of the Udasi order, came to Amritsar to meet Guru Arjan, then engaged in composing this Bani. The Guru who had by that time completed sixteen astpadis, or cantos, requested him to continue the composition. Baba Sri Chand, out of humility, only recited the salok of Guru Nanak following the Mool Mantra in the Japji — “adi sachu, jugadi sachu; hai bhi sachu, Nanak hosi bhi sachu” — "True in the beginning, True through the ages; True even now; Nanak say, Shall remain ever True" (SGGS p285). This salok was thereupon repeated by Guru Arjan at the head of the seventeenth astpadi.
The word Sukhmani is rendered into English as “consoler of the mind.” The entire poem has been translated into English more than once under the commonly preferred title, “Psalm of Peace” or “Song of Peace”, signifying the soothing effect it has on the mind of the reader. Sukh literally means peace or comfort and mani means mind or heart.
The couplet, "Sukẖmanī sukẖ amriṯ parabẖ nām. Bẖagaṯ janā kai man bisrām. Rahāo." which translates to "Sukhmani: Peace & pure ambrosial Nectar are in God's Name. The devotees mind abide in bliss and calm peace. ||Pause||" constituting rahau, the only one in the composition, which means pause or rest and which is an equivalent of the Hebrew word selah occurring in the Psalms, sums up the most characteristic feature of this bani. According to this couplet, Sukhmani is the bringer of the bliss of the Lord’s name; it dwells in the hearts of those who love Him. ....Continued.
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102
Laava
The laava (singular laav) are the four Shabads (sacred hymns) of the Anand Karaj (Sikh wedding ceremony). They form the central part of the marriage ceremony. The "four rounds" ("char phaara") as they are sometimes called, form the main part of this auspicious occasion. The four Shabads are from the Guru Granth Sahib, the Sikh holy scriptures and appear on pages 773 to 774 of the total of 1430 page of the holy Granth.
Guru Ram Das, the fourth Sikh Guru tells us on page 788 of the Sri Guru Granth Sahib about the meaning of marriage to a Sikh couple – Effectively, the Guru defines a Sikh marriage in these 2 lines: "They are not said to be husband and wife who merely sit together. Rather they alone are called husband and wife, who have one soul in two bodies." Thus the partnership of marriage is given a special meaning - a new dimension. For a union of marriage to be successful, the two personalities have to merge into one – a spiritual bonding through understanding and love.
The Guru through the four laava give the Sikh couple further spiritual guidance for their life together. The Guru tell the Sikhs of the four golden rules of married life. These rules start very clearly to define the path to be treaded together in this sacred union. The Shabads inform us how the couple as a team have to first begin by following the path of righteousness and sinless-ness. The primary golden rule of "blissful union" is to be truthful and sinless in our conduct first to each other and then to others. The rest of the Laav then tells us how one can be truthful and keep away from falsehood. You can only tread the path of Dharm and righteousness if you remember God through His Name or Naam – Recite His name and you will keep to the straight and narrow and temptation will diminish. ....Continued.
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103
Gurdwara Nanak Piao
Photo by Sifar
Gurdwara Nanak Piao is a historic Gurdwara located in north Delhi in India. This Gurdwara sahib is dedicated to the first Sikh Guru, Sri Guru Nanak Dev. Gurdwara Nanak Piao was built at the site, in the garden where Guru Nanak Dev camped when he visited Delhi in 1505 during the reign of Sultan Sikander Shah Lodhi. It is situated on Rana Pratap Road (also known as Grand Trunk Road or GT Road). It is said that people flocked to the revered prophet and offered him and Bhai Mardana precious gifts and offerings. Guru Nanak used to distribute all these offerings to the poor and needy. Besides this, he used to offer food and water to the hungry and thirsty, hence the name of the shrine. The word "Piao" mean to "offer liquid to drink" and refers to the offering of water to all the thirsty who visited this shrine.
Even today, the well used by the Guru is preserved and one can still see the well from which Guru Nanak served water at the shrine. Consequently, over time Gurdwara Nanak Piao attained a status of a holy and revered historical shrine. Guru Nanak was an apostle of peace, brotherhood, non-violence and amity. His sermons created very uplifting and healthy impact on the people who bowed before him as respect for his spiritual guidance. The garden surrounding the Gurdwara became a place of pilgrimage for the people from all over Delhi. This is where they received the message of spiritual deliverance.
A story goes that during his stay in Delhi, rumours spread that Guru Nanak by the grace of God had revived a dead elephant. Emperor Sikander Shah Lodhi came to know about this holy man who had won the admiration of all the Hindu and Muslim divines of Delhi and had brought a dead elephant to life. It is said that when one of his favourite royal elephants died, he sent for the Guru and requested him to revive his elephant too. But the Guru refused to oblige him. Consequently the Guru was immediately imprisoned. In the prison his deep compassion for the suffering of prisoners had a great moral and spiritual influence on the prison officials. They informed the Emperor that Guru Nanak was not an idolater and that as a saint he was greatly respected all the people including Hindus and Muslims. ....Continued.
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104
Gurdwara Panja Sahib
Gurdwara Panja Sahib is situated at Hasan Abdal, 48 km from Rawalpindi in Pakistan. This is one of the most holy places of Sikhism because it marks the spot where the founder of the faith, Guru Nanak Dev visited and instilled an important lesson for his adherents. Still visible is the sacred rock with the hand print of Guru Nanak. Many thousands of faithful Sikhs from all over the Globe visit this shrine every year. However, twice a year, during special celebrations, an enormous number of Sikh pilgrims attend this Gurdwara from every corner of the world. Special visas are allocated by the Pakistan government to cater for the increased demand.
Guru Nanak along with Bhai Mardana reached Hasan Abdal in Baisakh Samwat 1578 B.K. corresponding to 1521 A.D. in the summer season. Under a shady cool tree, Guru Nanak and Bhai Mardana started reciting Kirtan and their devotees gathered around. This annoyed Wali Qandhari but he was helpless. According to legend, Bhai Mardana was sent three times to Wali Qandhari so that he could obtain some water to quench his thirst. Wali Qandhari refused his request and was rude to him. In spite of this, Mardana still very politely stuck to his demand. The Wali ironically remarked : "Why don't you ask your Master whom you serve?" Mardana went back to the Guru in a miserable state and said "Oh Master ! I prefer death to thirst but will not approach Wali the egoist". The Guru replied "Oh Bhai Mardana ! Repeat the Name of God, the Almighty; and drink the water to your heart's content". The Guru put aside a big rock lying nearby and a pure fountain of water sprang up....Continued.
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105
On June 16 every year, the Sikhs worldwide celebrate - yeah, Celebrate! - the great sacrifice of Guru Arjan, their fifth Guru. In 1601, after completing the construction of the beautiful Harimandir Sahib and then the successful compilation of the voluminous sacred Sikh Scripture called the Adi Granth in 1604, the Guru embarked on teaching the Sikhs his ultimate lesson - In 1606, the Guru, by example, showed the Sikhs the way and the manner in which to die in the name and in the Hukam (will) of God. Guru ji was the first Sikh martyr ever and by this event, the Guru set a precedence and an example for the people of the world. He demonstrated how one should lay down one's life without fear, with dignity, honour and how not to be intimidated by thugs and terrorist.
This extraordinary Man who gave Sikhi two of its greatest gifts ... the Guru Granth Sahib and the Harimandir Sahib ... was in the prime of his life, a mere 39 years old, when his spiritual activities were deemed a threat to institutionalized religion by the ruler of the land. Refusing to waver from his faith, he was tortured until his body succumbed. ....More
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106
Seva in Sikhism
Seva is the essence of Sikhism. If there is one solitary word to sum up the Sikh religion, I would unhesitatingly pick seva as the operative word. Seva is the voluntary service to fellow beings without any expectation of reciprocation. It is deeply ingrained in the collective psyche of the Sikhs. Seva is what shines in Sikhism above all. I can say it without any exaggeration or the fear of contradiction that the extent of seva that is found among the Sikhs is rarely found in any other religion. The accent is upon the word, `Voluntary'. That makes the Sikhs unique.
It has often been seen in India that whenever there is any natural calamity on a large scale, the Sikh organizations are the first to reach there to provide succour to the affected people. After the devastating earth-quake in Katchh in the Gujarat State of India in 2001, the Sikhs had put up some of the biggest camps to provide free food to the quake-affected people. The contributions to run those camps were voluntary. The Sikhs from all over India came forward to foot the bill to run those camps. On such occasions, their largesse is not bound and constricted by the thoughts of serving only the Sikhs. They serve the needy. That is but one of the examples. There are far too numerous examples of their wonderful spirit.
During our travels of North America, my wife and I had seen numerous examples of seva. From small things to big things - the philosophy behind seva is always there among all Sikhs. We choose one of the examples of the many that we came across.....More
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107
Nawab Kapur Singh Virk (1697-1753) is considered one of the most revered, pivotal and legendary figures in Sikh history, under whose leadership, decisions and courage,the tiny Sikh community traversed through some the darkest periods of its history. The founding father of the Sikh Confederacy & Sikh Empire, he was also the founder of the Dal Khalsa. Alongside Banda Bahadur, he laid the foundations of the Sikh Empire. Today, he is regarded by Sikhs to be of equal importance to Banda Singh Bahadur.
The period, starting from the massacre in Delhi of Banda in 1716 and his seven hundred followers, was followed by severe action against the Sikhs, including massacres of young men, women and children. However, every fresh adversity only stimulated their will to survive, planned and led by Nawab Kapur Singh. Many Sikh scholars have predicted that had it not been for the leadership of Nawab Kapur Singh, the tiny Sikh community of the time would not have survived and would have been massacred. Today, significant number of Sikhs commemorate and celebrate his birthday as a debt of gratitude and deep respect. .....More
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108
Mata Tripta was Guru Nanak's mother. The history of Sikh women has to start with her. She was the person who brought Guru Nanak, the founder of the Sikh religion into the world. In the annals of world history, the greatness of Mata Tripta, deserves to be celebrated for bringing to the world a soul who offered much spiritual and moral guidance and a solid and creditable foundation for a new world religion.
Mata Tripta and her husband Mehta Kalu lived in Talwandi, Punjab, which is now part of Pakistan. Weary saints and 'fakirs' would take rest here, and Mata Tripta would welcomed and serve all these passers-by. Their dedication for service of others was finally rewarded when Nanak was born in 1469. Thus, Mata Tripta was blessed with the honour of giving birth to God's messenger, Guru Nanak, whose mission was to redeem mankind.
No poet has ever been able to convey the ethereal beauty attained by Mata Tripta when she was expecting Nanak. Of the many prophets that have visited the earth, many of their mothers were unable to celebrate in the joy of rearing such wondrous offspring. For example; in Hinduism, Mata Devaki, the mother of Krishan, was unable to fulfil her maternal role as she languished in jail. She yearned for her child, and he too missed the love of his mother. In Christianity, Mary, the mother of Jesus, endured disbelief and prejudice, as a result of the 'immaculate conception' and 'virgin birth' of Jesus. Buddha's mother died on the day of his birth, and he was reared by his mother's sister. Trishula, the mother of Mahavir, was constantly tormented by nightmares before his birth. .....More
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109
Most people in the west who wear the turban are Sikhs. All Sikhs, but particularly male Singhs are required to don the Dastaar due to the pronouncement in 1699 by the tenth Sikh master Guru Gobind Singh. Dastaar, is the native Punjabi term used to refer to this headdress. Even 300 years on, it is in compliance to the Hukam (or order) of this supreme Sikh leader that all Sikhs today wear the dastaar. It is in honour and obedience to this one person! The Sikh prime minister of India, Dr Manmohan Singh, displays his sky blue trademark turban out of respect for the Sikh Guru; the famous record breaking, 95-year-old marathon runner, Fauja Singh proudly wears his dastaar in honour of the tenth Sikh teacher; Bhagat Puran Singh the humble humanist and philanthropist used to don a simple turban in respect of the Sikh master. Why do the Sikhs go to all this trouble so many years after the diktat?
The dastaar comes in many different colours and styles and to the keen eye, each turban is different. Some are simple but regal; others may be bright and sporty; yet others may be stylish and extravagant – each one has it own special and unique statement. Every morning, most Sikh man and many Sikh women, spend some 5 to 20 minutes to comb their long hair and then carefully handicraft the link to their Gurus – a daily reminder of their heritage and its responsibilities. .....More
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110
Baba Gurditta (1613-1638), was the eldest son of the sixth Sikh Guru, Guru Hargobind. He was born on 15 November 1613 to Mata Damodari at Daroli Bhai, District Firozpur in Punjab, India. He was also an elder brother of Guru Tegh Bahadur, the ninth Sikh Guru and the father of Guru Har Rai and Dhir Mall. He was married to Mata Nihal Kaur. He had his training in religious lore and in the martial arts under the supervision of his father.
A beautiful Gurdwara stands at this site called Gurdwara Daroli Bhai, Dist. Firozpur. This Gurdwara marks the birthplace of Baba Gurditta, who was a great saint. The family of Guru Hargobind's wife Mata Damodari still live here and are custodians of some rare personal belongings of the sixth Sikh Guru, Guru Hargobind as well as a handwritten copy of Sri Guru Granth Sahib bearing the personal seal of Guru Gobind Singh. Similarly there is also an another Gurudwara at Anandpur Sahib of Baba Gurdita on a small hill nearby.
He was married on 17 April 1621 to Ananti alias Natti, daughter of Bhai Rama of Batala, an ancient town in Gurdaspur district. According to "Gurbilds Chhevm Pdtshdhi", relations from Darauli, Mandiali, Goindval and Khadur Sahib accompanied the marriage party. Baba Buddha and Bhai Gurdas, however, stayed behind in Amritsar to look after Harimandar Sahib and the Akal Takhat. On returning to Amritsar, the family and the guests offered thanksgiving Ardas and prashad first at Akal Takht and then at Harimandar sahib. From 1626-27, Baba Gurditta lived at Kartarpur in Jalandhar district as directed by his father.
Baba Gurdita, the son of Guru Hargobind along with Bhai Bidhi Chand commanded the defensive action when the Sikhs were besieged in Kartarpur. Guru Sahib himself took part in this action. .....More
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111
Baba Banda Singh Bahadur (1670-1716) (Lachhman Dev alias Madho dass Bairagi) , originally from the Jammu region, is revered as one of greatest Sikh warriors as well as a most hallowed martyrs of the Khalsa Army. The Khalsa were engaged in a prolonged fight against the cruel Mughals, who were practising their tyranny and terrorism. His confrontation with the Mughal administration in Northern India, though brief, was strong and vigorous enough to shake the foundations of this evil empire. The agrarian uprising that he led in the Punjab was the underpinning on which the Dal Khalsa, the Sikh Misls and Maharaja Ranjit Singh built the edifice which finally culminated with Ranjit Singh capturing Lahore in 1799 and establishing the Sikh Kingdom of the Punjab. The resulted in the end of a dark period in the history of India.
Banda was born in a Minhas Rajput family on October 16, 1670 at Rajouri in the Jammu region of Jammu and Kashmir. He was named Lachman Dev. Wrestling, horseback riding, and hunting were his major hobbies. He was a very active and energetic child. However, as a young man, he shot a doe and was shocked to watch the mother and her aborted fawn writhing in pain and dying. After this gloomy scene, he had a change of heart. This experience moved him so much that the completely changed his outlook to life. He left his home and became a recluse. Soon, he met a Bairagi Sadhu, Janaki Das an becam his disciple. The Sadhu gave him the name, Madho Das. In the company of the Sadhus he travelled through Northern India and finally arrived at Nanded (in present-day Maharashtra), situated on the bank of the river Godavari, where he built a hut to meditate upon God. .....More
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112
Gurdwara Pehli Patshahi meaning the "Gurdwara of the first master" is situated at Lakhpat, Gujarat, India - A town in Gujarat, visited by Guru Nanak sahib during his second and fourth missionary journeys (Udasis) in 1506-1513 AD and 1519-1521 AD respectively. Gurdwara Guru Nanak Sahib has been built to preserve the memory of these visits of revered Guru during the early 1500s. Guru Nanak is believed to have visited this site while he was on his way to Mecca during the Fourth Udasi. Few of his rare personal possessions are retained here.
In the course of Guru Nanak Dev ji's travels, he visited Gujarat and onto Lakhpat. In old times, Lakhpat was part of Sind (now in Pakistan). Lakhpat is 170 kms from Gandhidham, Gujarat, India. In the sixteenth century Lakhpat was known as "Basta Bander". Lakhpat used to be a rich rice growing area and was also a popular port. However, due to an earthquake in 1819 A.D., the area became barren and crops withered away due to a lack of water as the river disappeared after the earthquake.
To commemorate Guru Nanak Dev ji's visit to Lakhpat, a Gurudwara was built in the early years of nineteenth century. A vast tract of land was bestowed to the Gurudwara to make up expenses for maintenance and to look after the visitors. From the revenue from the land and the crops grown there, the Gurdwara was sustained. Lakhpat is about 20 kms from Korini village where there is a big Sarovar in memory of the visit by Guru Nanak Dev ji to this area. From Lakhpat, Guru ji crossed to Somiani port in Sind for his famous onward journey to Mecca and Medina in Saudi Arabia. .....More
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113
"Sangat" is congregation. "Sadh" is saint. "Sat" is true.
All these three words refer to a gathering of, or a meeting with, God-oriented people. The company may come together to say prayers to God, sing kirtan, listen to kathas or discuss spirituality and religious matters. They may meet in a Gurdwara, the Sikh place of worship, or at home, or anywhere else. Most commonly, sangat would gathers in the presence of Guru Granth Sahib - the Sikh holy book. Wherever people gather to sing the praise of the Lord, or to talk about Him, they are referred to as "Sat Sangat" or "Sadh Sangat" – "holy gathering". Sangat is any gathering, but within the field of a religious faith, it refers to a true, wise or holy gathering.
Man is known by the company (or sangat) that he keeps. Man is the result of his environment. Kabir says: ਜੋ ਜੈਸੀ ਸੰਗਤਿ ਮਿਲੈ ਸੋ ਤੈਸੋ ਫਲੁ ਖਾਇ ॥ Jo jaisī sangaṯ milai so ṯaiso fal kẖāė. According to the company one keeps, so are the fruits that one eats (SGGS p 1369). So the company that one keeps is a great force and it plays a big role in shaping the person. Those who live in the company of thieves, robbers and evil persons, acquire evil ways of life and are bound to become thieves, robbers, etc. Those who keep the company of saintly people are shaped in the saintly mould and destined to follow the path of spirituality.
The Sikh Gurus laid great emphasis on attending on holy assembly. The congregation influences the personality and character of the devotees. Sat Sangat produces divine harmony and internal bliss. It helps in the attainment of Truth but sangat only becomes available with the blessing of God. The society of the truthful is not available without good fortune and His Grace. .....More
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114
Gurdwara Nanak Mata is a historical Sikh shrine in a town also named Nanak Mata (often pronounced Matta) in district Udham Singh Nagar, Uttarakhand in northern India. Uttarakhand state borders Tibet to the north, Nepal to the east, and the states of Himachal Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh to the west and south respectively. The provisional capital of Uttarakhand is Dehradun which is also a rail-head and the largest city in the region.
The town is associated with Guru Nanak Dev and Guru Hargobind. It is situated on the bank of Deoha stream, which has since been dammed into a reservoir named Nanak Sagar. The Gurdwara is located 15 kilometres west of Khatima Railway Station on the Pilibhit-Tanakpur metre-gauge section of North-Eastern Railway. The holy shrine is near the town of Sitarganj.
Gurdwara Sri Nanak Mata Sahib is associated with the first Guru, Guru Nanak Dev ji who went there during his third Udasi in 1514 A.D. At that time, Gurdwara Sri Nanak Mata Sahib was the abode of the devotees of Guru Gorakhnath and it was called "Gorakhmata". The yogis who lived there did not want the local people to become learned enough to challenge his superiority. Therefore, by using their occult power, they successfully exploited the poor people and obtain advantage due to their ignorance. .....More
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On 15 November 2007 at 4.30pm IST (Indian standard time) (11 am GMT and 6am EST-USA;) the Takhat Sachkhand Sri Hazoor Sahib Gurdwara will begin the countdown to the 300th year of guruship of Guru Granth Sahib in October 2008. To mark this occasion, the Gurdwara is asking all Sikhs to recite the Mool Mantar for 15 minutes at this time. The organisers have stated that: "MEDITATE, PARTICIPATE, CELEBRATE: Over 15 million Sikhs across the world will celebrate Simran Divas. An auspicious occasion that will flag off the year long celebrations marking 300 years of "GURTA GADDI' at Nanded in October,2008. Share your love and devotion by reciting the "Mool Mantar" wherever you may be. Let us meditate, participate, celebrate together 300 saal guru dey naal"
The tercentenary celebration of the Guruship of Sri Guru Granth Sahib is to be undertaken on a massive scale towards the end of next year at Takhat Sachkhand Shri Hazur Abchalnagar Sahib in Nanded, Maharashtra, India. The historic town of Nanded is an important place in Sikhi because it is where Takht Sri Hazur Sahib, one of the five temporal thrones or seats of authority (Takhats) is located. This is where Guru Gobind Singh, the Tenth Teacher, is known to have meditated on the banks of river Godavari and where he spent his final days. .....More
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116
On November 24, 2007 many millions of spiritually inclined people around the planet will celebrate the 538th birth anniversary of the most widely respected of saints in the world, Baba Nanak. Baba ji was born in 1469 and brought a universal message of peace, love, unity, mutual respect, service and dedication to all of humankind. He turned people from violence to peace; he converted tyrants into compassionate beings; and he changed painful societies' into blissful communities. People of all faiths listened to his message and all gained from his wise and sacred words.
Out of respect for his wisdom and fascination for his beautiful poetry, many thousands of followers heeded his words and changed their way of life. Today in these violent and turbulent times, many millions continue to gain from his spiritual insight and lead a tranquil and peaceful existence treading on the path that he established – his teaching enshrined in the Guru Granth Sahib are a beacon to many millions in the world. He never asked anyone to change their religion; all he said was "If you desire eternal bliss, O Nanak, ever remember the Lord in meditation" (p714). He asked all to mend their ways, to remember God and do good deeds. .....More
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117
Gurdwara Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib - This famous Gurudwara is situated in the heart of the Dhubri Town on the bank of the mighty Brahmaputra river in far north-west India. Guru Nanak the first Sikh Guru visited this place in 1505 and met Srimanta Sankardeva (the founder of the Mahapuruxiya Dharma) as the Guru travelled from Dhaka to Assam.
This historic shrine, Sri Gurdwara Guru Tegh Bahadur or Damdama Sahib at Dhubri in Assam was built in memory of the visit of Guru Nanak. Hence it has great importance for Sikh community. Guru Tegh Bahadur established this Gurdwara during his 17th century visit to the area. Sikh devotees from all over India and the world assemble in this Gurdwara every year in the month of December to mark the martyrdom of Guru Tegh Bahadur with due solemnity and ceremony. Sikh devotees call this festival Sahidee Guru Parav.
It was during his stay in Dhubri, that the ninth Guru received the news that a son was born to him at Patna. This son was Gobind Rai who later became the most respected tenth Guru popularly known as Sri Guru Gobind Singh. He succeeded to the Guru Gaddi after the execution of his father in Chandni Chowk, Delhi by the order of Emperor Aurangzeb in 1675. .....More
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(picture by Kanwar Singh Dhillon)
Several months before March 1699, Guru Gobind Singh invited his followers from all over India to a special congregation at Anandpur on Vaisakhi Day, 30 March 1699. As a result, on that particular day many hundreds of devotees and onlookers had gathered at Anandpur Sahib. Many had come as a sign of respect for the Guru and in accordance to his invitation while some had just come out of curiosity. On the appointed day, the Guru addressed the congregants with a most stirring oration on his divine mission of restoring their faith and preserving Dharam (righteousness).
After his inspirational discourse, he flashed his unsheathed sword and said that every great deed was preceded by equally great sacrifice. He asked, with a naked sword in his hand, "Is there any one among you who is prepared to die for the their faith?" When people heard his call, they were taken aback. Some of the wavering followers left the congregation, while other began to look at one another in amazement. .....More
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photo courtesy bbc
Yesterday, February 5, 2008, a UK judge Sir Michael Harrison in Court 18 at the Royal Court of Justice in London decided not to allow a Sikh girl, Sarika Watkins-Singh to wear her Kara, one of the five articles of faith to school before the case is heard in full at a hearing in several months time.
The deputy High Court judge decided that the 14-year-old Sikh girl cannot wear her kara to school pending a full legal battle over her cultural and religious rights. This is surprising as in 1983 the House of Lords, the supreme court in the UK decided that a school had violated the rights of a student, Gurinder Singh Mandla when he was not allowed to enter the school because of his turban which he used to cover his kesh (uncut hair), which is one of the 5ks or Articles of faith. (see the full judgement Mandla v Dowell Lee).
In what appears an unbelievable statement, the judge ruled: "Whilst I accept there will be detriment to the claimant (Sarika) if she is not able to wear the Kara in the interim, it does not seem to me that is anything like as significant as the detriment to the school if she were allowed to wear it." This surprised a lot of Sikhs as it appears to encourage other organisations to freely discriminate and break the law as the "detriment to the claimant" may be less significant than to the opposite party. .....More
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(click on picture to enlarge)
In the last month from 6 November to 6 December 2007, over 72,000 visits were made to SikhiWiki. That is a record!! Click on the adjacent picture to see the exact details. Are you included in the figure of 72,008?
Are all your friends connecting with Sikhi through this site. If not, why not! Tell your friends about this site and let them also learn about Sikhi. We believe that this is the most comprehensive site for learning about Sikhism and the Sikhs - It is free to access and new items are added every day. .....More
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The word "Sikhism" is derived from "Sikh", which is a Punjabi word that means a "dedicated" and "devoted" disciple or student. It is estimated that there are about 25 million Sikhs worldwide, making Sikhism or Sikhi, the 5th largest religion in the world.
Of these 25 million Sikhs, approximately 20 million Sikhs live in India, primarily in the state of Punjab in the north west part of the sub-continent. Outside the Punjab, large populations of Sikhs can also be found in the United Kingdom, Canada, and the United States. Sikhs are a significant minority in Malaysia, Singapore and Australia. In most of the foreign countries, they have faced hardships because of their appearance but are respected for their hard work and skills.
Sikhism was founded by Guru Nanak, who was born in 1469. Nine other Gurus followed him from 1539 to 1708. The Gurus preached the same message to all the peoples of the world. They urged people of all religions or of no religion to work together in friendship. The taught that religion was a way to unite people of diverse backgrounds in the knowledge that we are all children of the same one Almighty God, the Creator, Sustainer and Destroyer. .....More
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On February 21, the Sikh sangat worldwide will remember the sacrifices made during Saka Nankana Sahib. This event forms a very important part of Sikh history. In political significance, it comes next only to Jallianwala Bagh massacre of April 1919. The saka (demonstration or agitation) constitutes the core of the Gurdwara Reform Movement started by the Sikhs in early twentieth century. The interesting part of this saka is the unprecedented discipline, self-control and exemplary patience displayed by the peaceful Sikh protesters even in the face of extreme barbarism. Even the national leaders like Mahatama Gandhi had to acknowledge in no ambiguous terms the glory and the prestige which the peaceful and passive resistance of the Sikhs had brought to the India's Struggle for freedom.
In October 1920 A.D., a large meeting was held at Dharowal, District Sheikhupura for the reform of Gurdwara Nankana Sahib. At this meeting, the leaders of the event revealed to the large gathering of Sangat, that great misdeeds were being committed inside the Gurdwara by the Mahant who was managing the holy shrine. Gurdwara Nankana Sahib was highly revered as it was the birth place of Guru Nanak; a city named Nankana Sahib grew up around the Gurdwara which is now in Pakistan. At meeting, it was unanimously resolved that the Mahant be asked to mend his ways. .....More
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12 O'clock Joke: For all of you who thought of the '12 o Clock joke' as a slam against Sardars, just read the following story.
I was standing at railway Station (New Delhi) when my attention went towards a Sikh youth standing near me wearing a black turban having a long beard and wearing a kirpan over his shirt looking similar to what some people might think of as a terrorist.
After a while, one local train arrived, which was totally packed. The Sikh youth tried to board the train but failed to do so. Just then a voice was heard from the back coach, 'Sardarji Barah Baj gaye' (Sir it's 12 o'clock!)
The Sikh youth turned to look at the person who had said the words, who to me seemed a young mischievous type of person, but instead of showing any anger the young Sikh made a knowing smile towards him.
The smile he made was so enigmatic that it seemed as if some type of truth lay behind it. Not able to resist my temptation to ask the young man a question, I walked towards him and asked why he had smiled at the person who had teased him. The Sikh youth replied, "He was not teasing me but was asking for my Help". .....More
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This Gurdwara is situated at Kiratpur in district Rupnagar. It has been built on the banks of the river Sutlej and is situated across the railway tracks and is the place where many Sikhs take the ashes of their dead to be immersed in the river here. Guru Hargobind in 1644 as well as Guru Har Rai in 1661 were cremated here. The ashes of Guru Harkrishan were brought from Delhi and immersed here in 1664.
The Gurdwara is located in a large plot of land measuring over 1km square and houses a large darbar sahib with a langar hall located near by. A small sarovar is located near the toilet and shower facilities. A footbridge is located to connect the devotees to the bank of the river. Ample car parking space is available on the Gurdwara grounds. The main entrance to the Gurdwara is from behind the main building. Gardens and living rooms are located to the right of the main building. .....More
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The Sikh scriptures are unique among the religious "Holy Books" of the world in that they don't just offer spiritual guidance for the Sikhs alone but impart guidance and assistance for all the peoples and religions of the world.
The Siri Guru Granth is a supreme treasure for all mankind. It is the true and permanent spiritual guide of the Sikhs. Guru Granth Sahib transcends creed and caste, cant and convention. It does not belong to the Sikhs alone. It consecrates the sayings of 11 Hindu bhagats and as many bard poets and seven Muslim saints, along with the teachings of six Sikh gurus. No other religion has included in its holy book the sayings of others, however revered. The Guru Granth Sahib provides unique and unequalled guidance and advice to the whole of the human race. It is the torch that will lead humanity out of Kaljug, (the dark era) to a life in peace, tranquillity and spiritual enlightenment for all the nations of the world. .....More
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Sat Sri Akal - a Hindi movie, is the name of a unique upcoming socio-religious family entertainment movie to be released in April-2008 to commemorate 300th anniversary of Gurgaddi Divas of Guru Granth Sahib ji.
The movie, production of Mata Tripta Ji Charitable Trust is a story revolving around the love, sentiments and faith towards Sri Guru Granth Sahib. The narrative of the movie affirms and reiterates that Almighty God always stands by the ones who are drenched in His love and have full trust in Him. Based on true happenings, the movie is a live account of a family having immense belief in Waheguru, a story splendidly told amongst heart rending gurbani/shabads sung by legends like Jagjit Singh, Alka Yagnik, Kavita Krishnamurty, Abhijit, Sadhna sargam and one sweet-romantic, another foot-tapping song by Sunidhi Chauhan ...
Starcast: Kimi verma, Manpreet Singh, Vivek Shauq, Aron Bali, Dolly Minhaas, Neelu Kohli, Manmeet Singh. .....More
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The Chittisinghpura Massacre refers to the cold blooded murder of 35 Sikhs, which occurred on the evening of March 20, 2000 at small Jammu and Kashmir village called "Chittisinghpura". The massacre was carried out by about 20 unidentified terrorists though a member of the Islamic fundamentalist militant group Lashkar-e-Toiba ("LeT") has confessed to their involvement in the massacre. According to Amnesty International, the massacre was linked to other massacres in the region where the people have doubted the government's account of the story. 1
Several witnesses have said that about 20 men, clad in olive green combat fatigues, arrived in the village at 7-15 p.m. They told the people that they were Indian soldiers, and ordered the men out to be questioned. The captors spoke Urdu. The village men were lined up in two groups, a few hundred metres from each other. One of the captive men who had been lined up recognised someone among the gunmen. He asked, "Chattiya, tu idhar kya kar raha hai?" ("Chattia, What are you doing here?"). The person he spoke to immediately opened fire. At the same time all captors began firing. As they started firing, the gunmen shouted 'Jai Mata Di' and 'Jai Hind'. In theatrical fashion, one of them took swigs from a bottle of rum even as the killing went on. While leaving, one of the men called out to his associates: "Gopal, chalo hamare saath" ("Gopal, Come with us"). .....More
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The Sikh Gurus believed in giving the individual complete freedom to choose his or her spiritual path. They believed that there should be no compulsion or force used when an individual makes this choice. Most of the disciples of the Gurus became their followers after listening to the Gurus' sermons and then voluntarily following the guidance provided by the Gurus. The spiritual masters made no promises of heaven or paradise to entice these Sikhs to follow the path of Dharma. The disciples were not told that because they were Sikhs and followers of the Gurus, only they would be welcomed by God. The Guru made it clear that only by following the path of truth and by undertaking righteous actions can one become dear to the Lord thus:
"One who practices truth, righteous living, charity and good deeds,
has the supplies for God's Path. Worldly success shall not fail him.(2)" SGGS Page 743
Bhai Mardana was a life long companion of Guru Nanak, the founder of Sikhi. Bhai Mardana was a Muslim from birth and remained as such until his last day. In fact, it is believed that the Guru, carried out Bhai sahib’s last rites in accordance with the Muslim faith. It is a fact that although Bhai sahib remained with the Guru for most his life, he remained a Muslim for all his life while many thousands became Sikhs and disciples of the Guru. However, due to his merit, the Guru still honoured Bhai sahib ji by including one of his verse (Shabad) in the Guru Granth Sahib, the Sikh holy scripture. The Guru did not force or compel his followers into following his ideology; complete freedom of choice was given to the sangat (community). .....More
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A Gurdwara dedicated to a Noble Man - Perhaps, this is the first and last Gurdwara, named after a person other than the Sikh Gurus.
Gurdwara Dr. Diwan Singh is a Sikh shrine located in the heart of Port Blair in the Andaman Islands. This Gurdwara was established in 1937 by Dr. Diwan Singh Kalapani a well known independence martyr. This Gurdwara is built with wood on a foundation of iron pillars. This is one of the oldest Gurdwaras in Port Blair. The Gurdwara is in the Aberdeen Bazaar and caters to the Punjabi community of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
The Gurdwara's foundation was laid by the local Panj Piare on 1st August 1937, at first it was refered to simply as the "New Gurdwara". The whole community of Port Blair, that's right -- not just the Sikhs!, but citizens - whether Christian, Hindu or Muslim, joined the five respected Sikhs and their Sikh brothers and sisters in the building of the Gurdwara. Practically everyone who lived in Port Blair devoted their time, energy and resources to complete this 'New Gurdwara'. Even the Military Police denoted a sum of Rs. 500/- towards the construction fund. .....More
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"The Lord infused His Light into the dust, and created the world, the universe. The sky, the earth, the trees, and the water - all are the Creation of the Lord. ||1||" SGGS page 723
The Sikh scripture called the Guru Granth Sahib, declares that the purpose of human beings is to achieve a blissful state and to be in harmony with the earth and all of God's creation. It seems, however, that humans have drifted away from that ideal. For today, the earth is today saturated with problems. It is agonizing over the fate of its inhabitants and their future! It is in peril as never before. Its lakes and rivers are being choked, killing its marine life. Its forests are being denuded. A smoky haze envelops the cities of the world. Human beings are exploiting fellow human beings.
The Sikh Gurus showed the world the way to live in harmony with the environment and all their constructions adhered to this principle. Guru Har Rai, the seventh Sikh Guru developed Kiratpur Sahib as a town of parks and gardens. Located on the banks of tributary of the Sutlej, he planted flowers and fruit bearing trees all over the area. This created a salubrious environment, attracting beautiful birds to the town and turning it into an idyllic place to live in. .....More
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by Bhupinder Singh
Mata Ganga asked her husband Guru Arjan for the gift of a son, for he had granted the wishes of so many Sikhs, surely he would answer hers as well. Guru Arjan told Mata Ganga to go and seek Baba Budha’s blessing. Mata Ganga got her helpers to prepare a huge amount of lavish food and took a large procession on chariot to see Baba Budha. When Mata Ji asked Baba Ji’s for his blessing, Baba Ji replied that he was a simple grass cutter and didn’t have such noble ability. Mata Ji left the scene disappointed. On her return, she narrated the events to her husband. Guru Arjan explained that if she wanted blessings, she should have gone to see Baba ji on foot; in a small group; and she should have lovingly cooked a simple meal herself.
She did exactly that the next day. Obviously, Baba ji was very pleased. He took hold of an onion in his left palm and said; “Your son will be the Master of Masters, he will be the King of his people and he will break the rule of the tyrants as I break this onion under my fist.” - smash!!
At the age of 11, young Guru Har Gobind was nominated by his father, Guru Arjan as the next Guru. The Sikhs celebrate this auspicious day, every year, on July 5th. Before Guru Arjan depart from this earth, he sent a message to his son;
“Let him sit fully armed on the throne and maintain an army to the best of his ability” .....More
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Zafarnama means "Declaration of Victory" and is the name given to the letter sent by the tenth Sikh Guru, Guru Gobind Singh in 1705 to the Emperor of