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Darshan is a Punjabi word which means "viewing" or "meeting". I woke up earlier than usual on darshan day.
The time must have been a little after midnight. Something seemed different that day. With difficulty I lifted my head and peeped out of the small window of my hut.
Although I could not see anything due to the pitch darkness of the night, I sensed some activity in the trees.
I closed my eyes and listened carefully. To my surprise I sensed the trees were in the same jovial mood as they were when spring was approaching. Winter had just started; it would be months before even the slightest hint of spring.
I lay down my head back on the pillow and realised that I too was in a jovial mood - my heart too hinted some hope and excitement. That was quite a change from the past few years of my miserable and painful existence. .....More
In Sikhism, the holy scriptures have clearly stated that the Sikh woman must always be regarded as an equal with man and has all the rights and privileges enjoyed by a man.
She is considered to have the same soul as man and has same right to grow spiritually.
In this faith since about 1499, the Sikh woman is allowed to lead religious congregations, to take part in:
- Akhand Path (the continuous recitation of the holy scriptures),
- to perform kirtan – Sikh spiritual hymn singing set to music,
- to work as Granthi (priest) or preacher and
- to participate freely in all religious, cultural, social, political and secular activities.
Sikh women have played a glorious part in Sikh history and have proven themselves as equal in service, devotion, sacrifice and bravery. Examples of their moral dignity, Sewa (service) and self sacrifice are and will remain an ever-lasting source of inspiration for all the peoples of the world.
Women are the backbone of the history of the Sikhs; their culture, their values and their traditions - yet there is little written about the huge contribution by the Sikh women to the great history of this religion. .....More
- ..... that the word Singh from Sanskrit "sinha" which means Lion and is an essential component of the name for a Sikh male.
- ..... that the Sikh concept of Sarbaht dah Phahla which means "Blessings for Everyone" or literally "May everyone Prosper" is a new concept for many people and is not common knowledge for many followers of the Sikh religion.
- .....that Guru Ram Das ji was born at Chuna Mandi Bazaar, Lahore on 9 October 1534 and spent the first seven years of his life here and that his name before obtaining Guruship was Bhai Jetha which means the first born.
 The Guru and Sangat crossing the Sarsa River "When the Mughal forces laid siege around Anandpur Sahib, many Singhs deserted the Guru, including the 40 Singhs who later became the 40 Muktas. Guru Gobind Singh asked Bibi Basant Kaur if she wanted to leave the fort, as there would be terrible hardships in the coming months. However Bibi Jee politely declined, saying that she would not leave her Guru whatever the circumstances.
After some months of real difficulties and hunger, Guru Gobind Singh Jee decided to leave Anandpur Sahib at the request of his Sikhs. Evading the Mughal forces, the Guru and his Sikhs reached the River Sirsa. It was the winter months, and due to the cold weather and fast flowing river current, the Sikhs got scattered. Guru Gobind Singh Jee, Sahibzada Ajit Singh and Sahibzada Jujhar Singh got separated from Mata Gujjer Kaur (Mata Gujri), Sahibzada Zorawar Singh and Sahibzada Fateh Singh.
Bibi Basant Kaur was with Mata Gujjer Kaur at this critical time, leading Mata Jee's horse through the River Sarsa. Mata Jee's horse led her to the other side of the river, but Bibi Basant Kaur got swept away by the cold but rapidly flowing river water. As the river carried her for some distance, she fell unconscious due to the horrendously cold water. Finally her body was washed up on the side of the riverbank. ....More
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Sikhi Helpline: If you have any queries or you have any problems or you require help with any issues relating to Sikhi principles or a more deeper understanding of Sikh values or any other matter connected with this faith, we are happy to help you with any issues that concern you in this respect - just click here.
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Daulat Rai, an Arya Samajist was living in India during the late 1800's and the early part of 1900's.
He was so disturbed by the publication of books by some Hindu activists whose writings maligned the Sikh Gurus that he was forced to pick up the pen himself. The now famous book: "Sahib-e-Kamal (par excellence) Guru Gobind Singh" was written by him.
In his book he reminded Punjabi and Hindus of the humiliation and degradation to which their ancestors were subjected under Mughal rule before the Khalsa liberated them. Quoting various historical sources, he wrote:
- Not only did Mughal invaders kill Hindus by the thousands, looted their properties and carried away men and women as slaves in the thousands, but also under some Muslim rulers Hindus were not allowed even the comforts of life like -- good clothes, good food, ride horses, wear turbans or keep good homes or valuables or even beautiful children or wives. .....More
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| Apunė jīa janṯ parṯipārė. Jio bārik māṯā sammārė...
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| He cherishes all His beings and creatures, as the mother cares for her children...
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| Guru Granth Sahib page 105
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Smethwick could be set for Sikh ethos free school
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The West Midlands could be set for another Sikh ethos free school after parents and teachers revealed proposals for a new school for four to 19-year-olds. A consortium of parents, teachers and other education professionals are preparing to submit an application to the..... → read more
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Sikh-Briton World War II Hero Laid To Rest
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Harnam Singh distinguished himself through his bravery as a tank gunner with the 8th King George V Own Light Cavalry during the Burmese campaign during World War II. Described as a pillar of the community, both in Leicester and his native Punjab, Harnam died last month, aged 84..... → read more
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Special train to Sikh holy places to be launched
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Eyeing to tap the large number of domestic and foreign tourists interested in Sikh shrines, the Indian railways will shortly launch a special train for the pilgrims. Officials of IRCTC, the catering and tourism corporation of the railways, Friday said the train will cover the famous Takhts..... → read more
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Dr. Arvinder Singh Soin: Miracle Worker
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Liver Plant Surgeon Dr. Arvinder Singh has performed nearly 1000 liver transplants, more than any one else in the subcontinent. The liver transplantation team working under him at Medanta currently performs 25 live donor liver transplants every month with 95% success results;..... → read more
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Sikh taxi drivers are inspiring artist Dan Connell
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In becoming an artist the course I have taken is perhaps circuitous. Though I create what is accepted as artworks in the traditional understanding it is my interaction with communities that most profoundly informs my art practice. An honours degree in Spanish and Latin American studies,..... → read more
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Incidental Happiness
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Problems and bad news are in plenty and everywhere; but wisdom lies in taking note of small incidents of joy that too could bring happiness and touch our lives every now and then. Why not enjoy these moments of joy to douse the fire of sorrows...... → read more
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My Special K
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When a "karra" was slipped onto my wrist at the Golden Temple, I didn’t expect the steel bangle with Gurmukhi prayers etched onto it to develop its own presence. My friend Lucky explains that the karra - an article of faith - reminds Sikhs that..... → read more
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Potatoes lower BP: USDA study
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Potatoes lower blood pressure in people with obesity and hypertension without increasing weight. Researchers at the 'Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry', say that the decrease, although seemingly small, is sufficient to potentially reduce the risk of several forms of heart disease...... → read more
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