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Revision as of 20:41, 4 February 2012
Weekly featured article archive
2007 -
2008 -
2009 -
2010 -
1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5 - 6 - 7 - 8 - 9 - 10 - 11 - 12 - 13 - 14 - 15 - 16 - 17 - 18 - 19 - 20 - 21 - 22 - 23 - 24 - 25 - 26 - 27 - 28 - 29 - 30
31 - 32 - 33 - 34 - 35 - 36 - 37 - 38 - 39 - 40 - 41 - 42 - 43 - 44 - 45 - 46 - 47 - 48 - 49 - 50- 51 - 52 - 53 - 54 - 55
Today is Wednesday, June 5, 2024; it is now 03:34 UTC
- Week 1
Did you know...
- .....that Akal Takhat is one of five takhats or Seat of Authority of the Sikhs and is the highest political institution of the Sikhs. "Akal" means "The Timeless One" - another term for God. "Takhat" means "throne" in Persian. This Takhat is an impressive building that sits directly in front of the causeway leading to the Golden Temple in Amritsar, Punjab, India. What are the names of the other four Takhats?
- .....that the Sikhs believe that all life, including human life, comes from God. God is the Creator of the universe and the force that keeps it in existence.
- .....that for the Sikhs, the final goal of life is to reunite or merge with God (Mukti). The Sikh Gurus taught that to achieve this goal it was important to work hard at developing positive human qualities which lead the soul closer to God.
- .... that the Guru Granth Sahib provides guidance for Muslims!; Yes, no other historical Islamic verse holds such strong contempt for Muslims who fail to carry out the daily Nimaz as can be attributed to Hazrat Baba Sheikh Farid as recorded in the Shri Guru Granth Sahib.
- Week 2
Did you know...
- ....that Seva also spelt as 'Sewa' is short for the word Karseva and refers to "selfless service"; work or service performed without any thought of reward or personal benefit. In the Punjabi language the person performing such service is called a Sevadar. All Sikhs are encouraged by their Guru (Guru Granth Sahib) to perform Seva or Selfless Service.
- ..... that the Kashmiri Brahmins came to Guru Tegh Bahadar at Anandpur in May 1675 for protection against atrocities of Aurangzeb. Kirpa Ram led this group of Kashmiri Pandits driven to dire straits by State Persecution.
- ....that Tarn Taran (31°27'N, 74°56'E) is an important centre of Sikh pilgrimage 24 km south of Amritsar, which was founded by Guru Arjan in 1596. Six years earlier, on 13 April 1590, he had inaugurated the conversion of a natural pond lying along the Delhi Lahore highway into a rectangular tank.
- ....that the Panj Piare (five beloved ones) is the name given to the five Sikhs, Bhai Daya Singh, Bhai Dharam Singh, Bhai Himmat Singh, Bhai Mukham Singh and Bhai Sahib Singh who took Amrit in 1699...
- Week 3
Did you know...
- that Naam and Naam Japo or Naam Japna is the remembrance of God by repeating and focussing the mind on His name or identity. In Sikhi, the names given to God reflect the attributes of the Almighty and His various qualities. "Remember God in your mind, with each and every breath." (Guru Granth Sahib page 191)
- .... that Langar is a Sikh free kitchen which was started by the first Sikh Guru, Guru Nanak Dev Ji in the fifteenth century. It is designed to uphold the principle of equality between all people of the world regardless of their religion, caste, colour, creed, age, gender or social status. In addition to the ideals of equality, the tradition of Langar expresses the ethics of sharing, community, inclusiveness and oneness of all humankind. "..the Light of God is in all hearts", said Guru Nanak (sggs 282)
- .... that Bani (Punjabi (Punjabi: ਬਾਣੀ)) is short for Gurbani (Punjabi (Punjabi: ਗਰਬਾਣੀ)) and is the term used by Sikhs to refer to various sections of the Holy Text that appears in their several Holy Books. These Banis are often found in small Gutkas or Small Books containing sections of Gurbani.
- ..... that Siropa is a term adopted from Persian sar-o-pa (head and foot) or sarapa (head to foot) meaning an honorary dress and is used in Sikh vocabulary for a garment, scarf or a length of cloth bestowed on someone as a mark of honour.
- Week 4
Did you know...
- .....that Takhat Damdama Sahib is one of five takhats or Seat of Authority of the Sikhs. This takhat is situated at Batinda in Punjab, India and is the place where Guru Gobind Singh, the tenth Guru of the Sikhs prepared the full version of the Sikh Scriptures called Sri Guru Granth Sahib in 1705. What are the names of the other four Takhats?
- .....that the Sikhs believe that all life, including human life, comes from God. God is the Creator of the universe and the force that keeps it in existence.
- .....that for the Sikhs, the final goal of life is to reunite or merge with God (Mukti). The Sikh Gurus taught that to achieve this goal it was important to work hard at developing positive human qualities which lead the soul closer to God.
- .... that the Guru Granth Sahib provides guidance for Muslims!; Yes, no other historical Islamic verse holds such strong contempt for Muslims who fail to carry out the daily Nimaz as can be attributed to Hazrat Baba Sheikh Farid as recorded in the Shri Guru Granth Sahib.
- Week 5
Did you know...
- ..... that on the 5 January 2008, the Sikhs worldwide celebrated the 340th anniversary of the birth of Guru Gobind Singh.
- .... that Langar is a Sikh free kitchen which was started by the first Sikh Guru, Guru Nanak Dev Ji in the fifteenth century. It is designed to uphold the principle of equality between all people of the world.
- .... that Bani (Punjabi (Punjabi: ਬਾਣੀ)) is short for Gurbani (Punjabi (Punjabi: ਗਰਬਾਣੀ)) and is the term used by Sikhs to refer to various sections of the Holy Text that appears in their several Holy Books. These Banis are often found in small Gutkas or Small Books containing sections of Gurbani.
- .... that the Panj Granthi is a pothi or small book containing five chosen texts, from the Guru Granth Sahib. The word "panj" means "five" and "granthi" is the diminutive form of "granth" (holy book)
- Week 6
Did you know...
- .....that at Gurdwara San Sahib situated in the village of Basarke in Amritsar District, Punjab, India, Baba Buddha made a hole in the wall so as not to go against the Guru's note on the door that said, "He who opens this door is no Sikh of mine, nor am I his Guru."
- .....that the Sikhs believe that all life, including human life, comes from God. God is the Creator of the universe and the force that keeps it in existence.
- .....that for the Sikhs, the final goal of life is to reunite or merge with God (Mukti). The Sikh Gurus taught that to achieve this goal it was important to work hard at developing positive human qualities which lead the soul closer to God.
- ..... 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.
- Week 7
Did you know...
- .....that Takhat Damdama Sahib is one of five takhats or Seat of Authority of the Sikhs. This takhat is situated at Batinda in Punjab, India and is the place where Guru Gobind Singh, the tenth Guru of the Sikhs prepared the full version of the Sikh Scriptures called Sri Guru Granth Sahib in 1705. What are the names of the other four Takhats?
- ..... 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.
- Week 8
Did you know...
- ..... that Hazrat Mian Mir was a famous Muslim Sufi saint who is highly respected by the Sikhs. He was a close friend of the Sikh leader Guru Arjan Dev, upon whose invitation he laid the foundation stone of the famous Sikh Golden Temple in Amritsar on 3 January 1588.
- ....that Anandpur Sahib (City of Bliss) is one of the holiest places of the Sikhs, second only to Amritsar.
- ....that the Panj Piare (five beloved ones) is the name given to the five Sikhs, Bhai Daya Singh, Bhai Dharam Singh, Bhai Himmat Singh, Bhai Mukham Singh and Bhai Sahib Singh who took Amrit in 1699...
- ....that the Makindu Sikh Temple is located about 100 miles (160km) from Nairobi on the main Nairobi-Mombasa Road and that it was built in 1926 by the Sikhs who were working on the construction of the railway line from the coast (Mombasa) inland to Lake Victoria and beyond to Uganda.
- Week 9
Did you know...
- ....that the Sikh wedding ceremony is called Anand Karaj and that it basically translated to "Blissful Occasion" - Also that a true partnership in marriage is made between those who are united in spirit as well as in mind and body.
- ..... that Siropa is a term adopted from Persian sar-o-pa (head and foot) or sarapa (head to foot) meaning an honorary dress and is used in Sikh vocabulary for a garment, scarf or a length of cloth bestowed on someone as a mark of honour.
- ..... that the Kashmiri Brahmins came to Guru Tegh Bahadar at Anandpur in May 1675 for protection against atrocities of Aurangzeb. Kirpa Ram led this group of Kashmiri Pandits driven to dire straits by State Persecution.
- ....that Tarn Taran is an important centre of Sikh pilgrimage 24 km south of Amritsar, which was founded by Guru Arjan in 1596. Six years earlier, on 13 April 1590, he had inaugurated the conversion of a natural pond lying along the Delhi Lahore highway into a rectangular tank.
- Week 10
Did you know...
- .....that there are five sarovars (pools) in the Sikh holy city of Amritsar and that the city actually derives its name from the main sarovar which is also called Amritsar; the others four pools are: Santokhsar, Ramsar, Kaulsar and Bibeksar.
- .... that Bhagat Sain whose Bani is included in the Guru Granth Sahib was an Indian saint who was influenced by the Bhagti Movement; He was barber at the court of King Raja Ram of Rewa and one of 12 main disciples of Bhagat Ramanand. He promoted Ram Naam (The name of God) and the abolishment of the caste system.
- .... that the Guru Granth Sahib provides guidance for Muslims!; Yes, no other historical Islamic verse holds such strong contempt for Muslims who fail to carry out the daily Nimaz as can be attributed to Hazrat Baba Sheikh Farid as recorded in the Shri Guru Granth Sahib.
- that .... 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.
- Week 11
Did you know...
- .... that Nankana Sahib is named after Guru Nanak (1469-1539), the founder of the Sikh faith. Guru Nanak was born here on Baisakh day on 15 April 1469. Nankana town is part of Nankana Sahib District in the Punjab province of Pakistan
- .... that Matha taykna or "Matha take" is the act of bowing down and touching the floor with one’s forehead as a sign of respect for Gurbani. It terms of body language, it is a position of extreme submission and humility.
- .... that Baba Gurditta (1613 - 1638), was the eldest son of the sixth Sikh Guru, Guru Hargobind and Mata Damodari; he was also an elder brother of Guru Tegh Bahadur, the ninth Sikh Guru and that he and his wife Mata Nihal Kaur were the parents of Guru Har Rai and Dhir Mall.
- .... that in the last two world wars, 83,005 turban wearing Sikh soldiers were killed and 109,045 were wounded....
- Week 12
Did you know...
- .... that Gurdwara Bangla Sahib is situated in the heart of New Delhi's Connaught Place area and originally was the bungalow (haveli or "bangla") of Mirza Raja Jai Singh, hence the name Bangla Sahib.
- .... that when Guru Amar Das, the third Sikh Guru-to-be came to meet Guru Angad Dev, Guru Amar Das was 62 years old and Guru Angad Dev was 37 year of age.
- .... that Bhai Jivan Singh (1649 - 1705) was the name given to Bhai Jaita after he had received the rites of initiation at the hands of Guru Gobind Singh in 1699; it was he who had risked his life to recover and return the severed head of Guru Tegh Bahadur to Anandpur Sahib in 1675.
- that in Sikhi, cruelty is not permitted; cruelty is an aspect of human understanding that has been addressed very clearly by the Sikh Gurus. "Cruelty, material attachment, greed and anger are the four rivers of fire. Falling into them, one is burnt, O Nanak!" (SGGS p 147).
- Week 13
Did you know...
- .... that Dara Singh (born November 19, 1928) is a Punjabi wrestler and film actor from the Sikh holy city of Amritsar, Punjab in India. He was a well-known wrestler before he started acting in Hindi films in 1962.
- .... that Gurdwara Patti Sahib (‘Patti’ means ‘alphabet’) is located at the site where young Guru Nanak learned the various different languages then used in the Punjab, each with its own distinct alphabet.
- .....that the Sikhs believe that all life, including human life, comes from God. God is the Creator of the universe and the force that keeps it in existence.
- .... that Salok Mahala 9 are the saloks by the ninth Sikh Guru, Guru Tegh Bahadur which form the concluding portion of the Guru Granth Sahib. They precede Guru Arjan's Mundavani and appear from page 1426 to page 1429 of the Sikh holy Granth.
- Week 14
Did you know...
- .....that Bibi Amro, daughter of Guru Angad Dev, the second Master and Mata Khivi was the noble woman who deserves the credit of attracting Amar Das, an idol worshipper, to Sikhism and showing him the way to become Guru Amar Das, the 3rd Master.
- .... that Guru Nanak is believed to be the second most travelled person in the world. The founder Sikh Guru is believed to have travelled more than 28,000 kms in five major tours of the world during the period from 1500 to 1524. The record for the most travelled person is held by Ibn Battuta of Morocco.
- .... that the first Gurdwara in the whole of America was built in 1908 in Vancouver British Columbia, Canada under the management of the Khalsa Diwan Society. This Gurdwara Sahib served the Greater Vancouver Sikh community until new Gurdwara Sahib was occupied on April 25th, 1970.
- .... that the first Gurdwara in the whole of USA was purchased and built in 1912 in Stockton, California, USA. It is called the Sikh Gurdwara Sahib Stockton...
- Week 15
Did you know...
- .... that Pandit Kirpa Ram was at the head of the group of Kashmiri Brahmins who came to see Guru Tegh Bahadar at Anandpur sahib in May 1675 for protection against the atrocities of Aurangzeb. Also that Pandit ji was Guru Gobind Singh's Sanskrit teacher.
- .....that the word Ardas is derived from the Persian word 'Arazdashat', meaning a request, a supplication, a prayer, a petition or an address to a superior authority.
- .... that Guru Amar Das became Sikh Guru at the age of 73 and lived to the ripe old age of 95 years.
- .... that Bhagat Kabir (Gurmukhi: ਭਗਤ ਕਬੀਰ) (1441-1518) was a saint born in Bharat, present day India and Pakistan. 500 verses of Bhagat Ji’s Bani are included in the Guru Granth Sahib.
- ....the Guru Granth Sahib is the eleventh Sikh Guru and perpetual Guru of the Sikhs to guide the Sikhs and others to eternity.
- Week 16
Did you know...
- ....that Anand Karaj is the name given to the Sikh wedding ceremony, literally translated as "Blissful Occasion". Sikhs regard marriage as a sacred bond of mutual dependence between a man and a woman.
- .... that the three requirements of a Sikh are: Naam Japo - Rise in the Amrit Vela and meditate on God's Name; Kirat Karo - Earn one's living righteously by the sweat of the brow or the industry, effort and conscientiousness of the mind and Vandh Chako - Share what one has with others.
- .....that one of the five forts in Anandpur Sahib built by Guru Gobind Singh was called Keshgarh Fort.
- .... that Baba Atal Rai was born in 1619 AD at Amritsar to Guru Hargobind Sahib, the sixth Sikh Guru and Mata Mahadevi, daughter of Bhai Daya Ram Marwah of Mandeala.....
- Week 17
Did you know...
- .... that Akhand Jaap - is a movement instigated by the youth as a "World Prayer for Peace". It involves the continuous repetition of the word "Waheguru" (Wonderful Lord) which is sung continuously from 1 to 24 hours; It is continuous meditation without interruption. The sangat (congregation) is led by various groups of 'Kirtanias' or Ragis (musicians) in succession and the whole of the congregation join in.
- ..... that Siropa is a term adopted from Persian sar-o-pa (head and foot) or sarapa (head to foot) meaning an honorary dress and is used in Sikh vocabulary for a garment, scarf or a length of cloth bestowed on someone as a mark of honour.
- .... that the Guru Granth Sahib provides guidance for Muslims!; Yes, no other historical Islamic verse holds such strong contempt for Muslims who fail to carry out the daily Nimaz as can be attributed to Hazrat Baba Sheikh Farid as recorded in the Shri Guru Granth Sahib.
- Week 18
Did you know...
- ... that the tenth Sikh Guru, Guru Gobind Singh spent 25 years at Anandpur sahib and to protect the community from the growing animosity of the hill Rajas and their Mughal allies, the Guru began the construction of five defensive Qilas (Persian for forts). One central fort with four others encircling the town....
- .... that Alahunian is the name given to the Bani by Guru Nanak. It is a composition in measure Vadahans in the Guru Granth Sahib on page Page 578 and refers to a dirge (funeral song) wailingly sung in chorus by women mourning the death of a close relation. Etymologically, the word means an "utterance in praise of a departed person".
- ...that only one of the Guru's wife is mentioned in the Guru Granth Sahib; it is the second master, Guru Angad Dev's wife Mata Khivi.
- ....that in the Guru Granth Sahib, Barahmaha is written twice, once by Guru Nanak in Raag Tukhari and a second time by Guru Arjun in Raag Majh.
- Week 19
Did you know...
- .... that when Guru Amar Das came to meet Guru Angad Dev, Guru Amar Das was 62 years old and Guru Angad Dev was 37 year of age.
- .....that the Sikhs believe that all life, including human life, comes from God. God is the Creator of the universe and the force that keeps it in existence.
- .....that for the Sikhs, the final goal of life is to reunite or merge with God (Mukti). The Sikh Gurus taught that to achieve this goal it was important to work hard at developing positive human qualities which lead the soul closer to God.
- .... that 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 composition, 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.
- Week 20
Did you know...
- .... that according to Sikh history, Gurgadi was passed from Guru to Guru in following way:
- Guru Nanak to Guru Angad (No Family Relation)
- Guru Angad to Guru Amar Das (Father to Daughter's father-in-law)
- Guru Amar Das to Guru Ram Das (Father-in-law to Son-in-law)
- Guru Ram Das to Guru Arjun (Father to son)
- Guru Arjun to Guru Hargobind (Father to Son)
- Guru Hargobind to Guru Har Rai (Grandfather to Grandson)
- Guru Har Rai to Guru Harkrishan (Father to Son)
- Guru Harkrishan to Guru Tegh Bahadur (Great nephew to Great uncle)
- Guru Tegh Bahadur to Guru Gobind Singh (Father to Son)
- Guru Gobind Singh to Guru Granth Sahib (Never done before!)
- Week 21
Did you know...
- ..... that Hazrat Mian Mir was a famous Muslim Sufi saint who is highly respected by the Sikhs. He was a close friend of the Sikh leader Guru Arjan Dev, upon whose invitation he laid the foundation stone of the famous Sikh Golden Temple in Amritsar on 3 January 1588.
- ..... 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 24th September 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.
- Week 22
Did you know...
- ..... that Gurdwara Dukh Nivaran Sahib Patiala marks the place where Guru Tegh Bahadur visited village Lehal on 24 January 1672 and stayed under a banyan tree by the side of a pond. Soon the sickness in the village subsided. The site where the Guru had sat came to be known as "Dukh Nivaran" literally meaning Eradicator of suffering.
- .....that one of the five forts in Anandpur Sahib built by Guru Gobind Singh was called Keshgarh Fort.
- .... that Baba Atal Rai was born in 1619 AD at Amritsar to Guru Hargobind Sahib, the sixth Sikh Guru and Mata Mahadevi, daughter of Bhai Daya Ram Marwah of Mandeala.....
- ....that Guru Gobind Singh had four adopted sons and the one of them was also called Zoravar Singh Palit - (palit means adopted). These four adopted sons were Baba Charan Singh, Baba Punjab Singh, Baba Ajaipal Singh and of course, Baba Zoravar Singh Palit.
- Week 23
Did you know...
- .... that Matha taykna or "Matha take" is the act of bowing down and touching the floor with one’s forehead as a sign of respect for Gurbani. It terms of body language, it is a position of extreme submission and humility.
- .... that Baba Gurditta (1613 - 1638), was the eldest son of the sixth Sikh Guru, Guru Hargobind and Mata Damodari; he was also an elder brother of Guru Tegh Bahadur, the ninth Sikh Guru and that he and his wife Mata Nihal Kaur were the parents of Guru Har Rai and Dhir Mall.
- .... that in the last two world wars, 83,005 turban wearing Sikh soldiers were killed and 109,045 were wounded....
- .....that for the Sikhs, the final goal of life is to reunite or merge with God (Mukti). The Sikh Gurus taught that to achieve this goal it was important to work hard at developing positive human qualities which lead the soul closer to God.
- Week 24
Did you know...
- .... that Bhai Jivan Singh (1649 - 1705) was the name given to Bhai Jaita after he had received the rites of initiation at the hands of Guru Gobind Singh in 1699; it was he who had risked his life to recover and return the severed head of Guru Tegh Bahadur to Anandpur Sahib in 1675.
- that in Sikhi, cruelty is not permitted; cruelty is an aspect of human understanding that has been addressed very clearly by the Sikh Gurus. "Cruelty, material attachment, greed and anger are the four rivers of fire. Falling into them, one is burnt, O Nanak!" (SGGS p 147).
- .....that the Sikhs believe that all life, including human life, comes from God. God is the Creator of the universe and the force that keeps it in existence.
- .....that for the Sikhs, the final goal of life is to reunite or merge with God (Mukti). The Sikh Gurus taught that to achieve this goal it was important to work hard at developing positive human qualities which lead the soul closer to God.
- Week 25
Did you know...
- .... that the first Gurdwara in the whole of America was built in 1908 in Vancouver British Columbia, Canada under the management of the Khalsa Diwan Society. This Gurdwara Sahib served the Greater Vancouver Sikh community until new Gurdwara Sahib was occupied on April 25th, 1970.
- .... that the first Gurdwara in the whole of USA was purchased and built in 1912 in Stockton, California, USA. It is called the Sikh Gurdwara Sahib Stockton...
- .... that Pandit Kirpa Ram was at the head of the group of Kashmiri Brahmins who came to see Guru Tegh Bahadar at Anandpur sahib in May 1675 for protection against the atrocities of Aurangzeb. Also that Pandit ji was Guru Gobind Singh's Sanskrit teacher.
- .... that Guru Amar Das became Sikh Guru at the age of 73 and lived to the ripe old age of 95 years.
- .... that Bhagat Kabir (Gurmukhi: ਭਗਤ ਕਬੀਰ) (1441-1518) was a saint born in Bharat, present day India and Pakistan. 500 verses of Bhagat Ji’s Bani are included in the Guru Granth Sahib.
- Week 26
Did you know...
- ... that the tenth Guru spent 25 years at Anandpur sahib and to protect the community from the growing animosity of the hill Rajas and their Mughal allies, the Guru began the construction of five defensive Qilas (Persian for forts). One central fort with four others encircling the town....
- .... that Alahunian is the name given to the Bani by Guru Nanak. It is a composition in measure Vadahans in the Guru Granth Sahib on page Page 578 and refers to a dirge (funeral song) wailingly sung in chorus by women mourning the death of a close relation. Etymologically, the word means an "utterance in praise of a departed person".
- .... that Akhand Jaap - is a movement instigated by the youth as a "World Prayer for Peace". It involves the continuous repetition of the word "Waheguru" (Wonderful Lord) which is sung continuously from 1 to 24 hours; It is continuous meditation without interruption. The sangat (congregation) is led by various groups of 'Kirtanias' or Ragis (musicians) in succession and the whole of the congregation join in.
- ..... that Siropa is a term adopted from Persian sar-o-pa (head and foot) or sarapa (head to foot) meaning an honorary dress and is used in Sikh vocabulary for a garment, scarf or a length of cloth bestowed on someone as a mark of honour.
- Week 27
Did you know...
- .....that Akal Takhat is one of five takhats or Seat of Authority of the Sikhs and is the highest political institution of the Sikhs. "Akal" means "The Timeless One" - another term for God. "Takhat" means "throne" in Persian. This Takhat is an impressive building that sits directly in front of the causeway leading to the Golden Temple in Amritsar, Punjab, India. What are the names of the other four Takhats?
- .....that the Sikhs believe that all life, including human life, comes from God. God is the Creator of the universe and the force that keeps it in existence.
- .....that for the Sikhs, the final goal of life is to reunite or merge with God (Mukti). The Sikh Gurus taught that to achieve this goal it was important to work hard at developing positive human qualities which lead the soul closer to God.
- .... that the Guru Granth Sahib provides guidance for Muslims!; Yes, no other historical Islamic verse holds such strong contempt for Muslims who fail to carry out the daily Nimaz as can be attributed to Hazrat Baba Sheikh Farid as recorded in the Shri Guru Granth Sahib.
- Week 28
Did you know...
- ....that Seva also spelt as 'Sewa' is short for the word Karseva and refers to "selfless service"; work or service performed without any thought of reward or personal benefit. In the Punjabi language the person performing such service is called a Sevadar. All Sikhs are encouraged by their Guru (Guru Granth Sahib) to perform Seva or Selfless Service.
- ..... that the Kashmiri Brahmins came to Guru Tegh Bahadar at Anandpur in May 1675 for protection against atrocities of Aurangzeb. Kirpa Ram led this group of Kashmiri Pandits driven to dire straits by State Persecution.
- ....that Tarn Taran (31°27'N, 74°56'E) is an important centre of Sikh pilgrimage 24 km south of Amritsar, which was founded by Guru Arjan in 1596. Six years earlier, on 13 April 1590, he had inaugurated the conversion of a natural pond lying along the Delhi Lahore highway into a rectangular tank.
- ....that the Panj Piare (five beloved ones) is the name given to the five Sikhs, Bhai Daya Singh, Bhai Dharam Singh, Bhai Himmat Singh, Bhai Mukham Singh and Bhai Sahib Singh who took Amrit in 1699...
- Week 29
Did you know...
- that Naam and Naam Japo or Naam Japna is the remembrance of God by repeating and focussing the mind on His name or identity. In Sikhi, the names given to God reflect the attributes of the Almighty and His various qualities. "Remember God in your mind, with each and every breath." (Guru Granth Sahib page 191)
- .... that Langar is a Sikh free kitchen which was started by the first Sikh Guru, Guru Nanak Dev Ji in the fifteenth century. It is designed to uphold the principle of equality between all people of the world regardless of their religion, caste, colour, creed, age, gender or social status. In addition to the ideals of equality, the tradition of Langar expresses the ethics of sharing, community, inclusiveness and oneness of all humankind. "..the Light of God is in all hearts", said Guru Nanak (sggs 282)
- .... that Bani (Punjabi (Punjabi: ਬਾਣੀ)) is short for Gurbani (Punjabi (Punjabi: ਗਰਬਾਣੀ)) and is the term used by Sikhs to refer to various sections of the Holy Text that appears in their several Holy Books. These Banis are often found in small Gutkas or Small Books containing sections of Gurbani.
- ..... that Siropa is a term adopted from Persian sar-o-pa (head and foot) or sarapa (head to foot) meaning an honorary dress and is used in Sikh vocabulary for a garment, scarf or a length of cloth bestowed on someone as a mark of honour.
- Week 30
Did you know...
- .....that Takhat Damdama Sahib is one of five takhats or Seat of Authority of the Sikhs. This takhat is situated at Batinda in Punjab, India and is the place where Guru Gobind Singh, the tenth Guru of the Sikhs prepared the full version of the Sikh Scriptures called Sri Guru Granth Sahib in 1705. What are the names of the other four Takhats?
- .....that the Sikhs believe that all life, including human life, comes from God. God is the Creator of the universe and the force that keeps it in existence.
- .....that for the Sikhs, the final goal of life is to reunite or merge with God (Mukti). The Sikh Gurus taught that to achieve this goal it was important to work hard at developing positive human qualities which lead the soul closer to God.
- .... that the Guru Granth Sahib provides guidance for Muslims!; Yes, no other historical Islamic verse holds such strong contempt for Muslims who fail to carry out the daily Nimaz as can be attributed to Hazrat Baba Sheikh Farid as recorded in the Shri Guru Granth Sahib.
- Week 31
Did you know...
- .....that Bibi Amro, daughter of Guru Angad Dev, the second Master and Mata Khivi was the noble woman who deserves the credit of attracting Amar Das, an idol worshipper, to Sikhism and showing him the way to become Guru Amar Das, the 3rd Master.
- .... that Guru Nanak is believed to be the second most travelled person in the world. The founder Sikh Guru is believed to have travelled more than 28,000 kms in five major tours of the world during the period from 1500 to 1524. The record for the most travelled person is held by Ibn Battuta of Morocco.
- .... that the first Gurdwara in the whole of America was built in 1908 in Vancouver British Columbia, Canada under the management of the Khalsa Diwan Society. This Gurdwara Sahib served the Greater Vancouver Sikh community until new Gurdwara Sahib was occupied on April 25th, 1970.
- .... that the first Gurdwara in the whole of USA was purchased and built in 1912 in Stockton, California, USA. It is called the Sikh Gurdwara Sahib Stockton...
- Week 32
Did you know...
- ..... that on the 5 January 2008, the Sikhs worldwide celebrated the 340th anniversary of the birth of Guru Gobind Singh.
- .... that Langar is a Sikh free kitchen which was started by the first Sikh Guru, Guru Nanak Dev Ji in the fifteenth century. It is designed to uphold the principle of equality between all people of the world.
- .... that Bani (Punjabi (Punjabi: ਬਾਣੀ)) is short for Gurbani (Punjabi (Punjabi: ਗਰਬਾਣੀ)) and is the term used by Sikhs to refer to various sections of the Holy Text that appears in their several Holy Books. These Banis are often found in small Gutkas or Small Books containing sections of Gurbani.
- .... that the Panj Granthi is a pothi or small book containing five chosen texts, from the Guru Granth Sahib. The word "panj" means "five" and "granthi" is the diminutive form of "granth" (holy book)
- Week 33
Did you know...
- .....that at Gurdwara San Sahib situated in the village of Basarke in Amritsar District, Punjab, India, Baba Buddha made a hole in the wall so as not to go against the Guru's note on the door that said, "He who opens this door is no Sikh of mine, nor am I his Guru."
- .....that the Sikhs believe that all life, including human life, comes from God. God is the Creator of the universe and the force that keeps it in existence.
- .....that for the Sikhs, the final goal of life is to reunite or merge with God (Mukti). The Sikh Gurus taught that to achieve this goal it was important to work hard at developing positive human qualities which lead the soul closer to God.
- ..... 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.
- Week 34
Did you know...
- .....that Takhat Damdama Sahib is one of five takhats or Seat of Authority of the Sikhs. This takhat is situated at Batinda in Punjab, India and is the place where Guru Gobind Singh, the tenth Guru of the Sikhs prepared the full version of the Sikh Scriptures called Sri Guru Granth Sahib in 1705. What are the names of the other four Takhats?
- ..... 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.
- Week 35
Did you know...
- ..... that Hazrat Mian Mir was a famous Muslim Sufi saint who is highly respected by the Sikhs. He was a close friend of the Sikh leader Guru Arjan Dev, upon whose invitation he laid the foundation stone of the famous Sikh Golden Temple in Amritsar on 3 January 1588.
- ....that Anandpur Sahib (City of Bliss) is one of the holiest places of the Sikhs, second only to Amritsar.
- ....that the Panj Piare (five beloved ones) is the name given to the five Sikhs, Bhai Daya Singh, Bhai Dharam Singh, Bhai Himmat Singh, Bhai Mukham Singh and Bhai Sahib Singh who took Amrit in 1699...
- ....that the Makindu Sikh Temple is located about 100 miles (160km) from Nairobi on the main Nairobi-Mombasa Road and that it was built in 1926 by the Sikhs who were working on the construction of the railway line from the coast (Mombasa) inland to Lake Victoria and beyond to Uganda.
- Week 36
Did you know...
- ....that the Sikh wedding ceremony is called Anand Karaj and that it basically translated to "Blissful Occasion" - Also that a true partnership in marriage is made between those who are united in spirit as well as in mind and body.
- ..... that Siropa is a term adopted from Persian sar-o-pa (head and foot) or sarapa (head to foot) meaning an honorary dress and is used in Sikh vocabulary for a garment, scarf or a length of cloth bestowed on someone as a mark of honour.
- ..... that the Kashmiri Brahmins came to Guru Tegh Bahadar at Anandpur in May 1675 for protection against atrocities of Aurangzeb. Kirpa Ram led this group of Kashmiri Pandits driven to dire straits by State Persecution.
- ....that Tarn Taran is an important centre of Sikh pilgrimage 24 km south of Amritsar, which was founded by Guru Arjan in 1596. Six years earlier, on 13 April 1590, he had inaugurated the conversion of a natural pond lying along the Delhi Lahore highway into a rectangular tank.
- Week 37
Did you know...
- .....that there are five sarovars (pools) in the Sikh holy city of Amritsar and that the city actually derives its name from the main sarovar which is also called Amritsar; the others four pools are: Santokhsar, Ramsar, Kaulsar and Bibeksar.
- .... that Bhagat Sain whose Bani is included in the Guru Granth Sahib was an Indian saint who was influenced by the Bhagti Movement; He was barber at the court of King Raja Ram of Rewa and one of 12 main disciples of Bhagat Ramanand. He promoted Ram Naam (The name of God) and the abolishment of the caste system.
- .... that the Guru Granth Sahib provides guidance for Muslims!; Yes, no other historical Islamic verse holds such strong contempt for Muslims who fail to carry out the daily Nimaz as can be attributed to Hazrat Baba Sheikh Farid as recorded in the Shri Guru Granth Sahib.
- that .... 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.
- Week 38
Did you know...
- .... that Nankana Sahib is named after Guru Nanak (1469-1539), the founder of the Sikh faith. Guru Nanak was born here on Baisakh day on 15 April 1469. Nankana town is part of Nankana Sahib District in the Punjab province of Pakistan
- .... that Matha taykna or "Matha take" is the act of bowing down and touching the floor with one’s forehead as a sign of respect for Gurbani. It terms of body language, it is a position of extreme submission and humility.
- .... that Baba Gurditta (1613 - 1638), was the eldest son of the sixth Sikh Guru, Guru Hargobind and Mata Damodari; he was also an elder brother of Guru Tegh Bahadur, the ninth Sikh Guru and that he and his wife Mata Nihal Kaur were the parents of Guru Har Rai and Dhir Mall.
- .... that in the last two world wars, 83,005 turban wearing Sikh soldiers were killed and 109,045 were wounded....
- Week 39
Did you know...
- .... that Gurdwara Bangla Sahib is situated in the heart of New Delhi's Connaught Place area and originally was the bungalow (haveli or "bangla") of Mirza Raja Jai Singh, hence the name Bangla Sahib.
- .... that when Guru Amar Das, the third Sikh Guru-to-be came to meet Guru Angad Dev, Guru Amar Das was 62 years old and Guru Angad Dev was 37 year of age.
- .... that Bhai Jivan Singh (1649 - 1705) was the name given to Bhai Jaita after he had received the rites of initiation at the hands of Guru Gobind Singh in 1699; it was he who had risked his life to recover and return the severed head of Guru Tegh Bahadur to Anandpur Sahib in 1675.
- that in Sikhi, cruelty is not permitted; cruelty is an aspect of human understanding that has been addressed very clearly by the Sikh Gurus. "Cruelty, material attachment, greed and anger are the four rivers of fire. Falling into them, one is burnt, O Nanak!" (SGGS p 147).
- Week 40
Did you know...
- .... that Dara Singh (born November 19, 1928) is a Punjabi wrestler and film actor from the Sikh holy city of Amritsar, Punjab in India. He was a well-known wrestler before he started acting in Hindi films in 1962.
- .... that Gurdwara Patti Sahib (‘Patti’ means ‘alphabet’) is located at the site where young Guru Nanak learned the various different languages then used in the Punjab, each with its own distinct alphabet.
- .....that the Sikhs believe that all life, including human life, comes from God. God is the Creator of the universe and the force that keeps it in existence.
- .... that Salok Mahala 9 are the saloks by the ninth Sikh Guru, Guru Tegh Bahadur which form the concluding portion of the Guru Granth Sahib. They precede Guru Arjan's Mundavani and appear from page 1426 to page 1429 of the Sikh holy Granth.
- Week 41
Did you know...
- .....that Bibi Amro, daughter of Guru Angad Dev, the second Master and Mata Khivi was the noble woman who deserves the credit of attracting Amar Das, an idol worshipper, to Sikhism and showing him the way to become Guru Amar Das, the 3rd Master.
- .... that Guru Nanak is believed to be the second most travelled person in the world. The founder Sikh Guru is believed to have travelled more than 28,000 kms in five major tours of the world during the period from 1500 to 1524. The record for the most travelled person is held by Ibn Battuta of Morocco.
- .... that the first Gurdwara in the whole of America was built in 1908 in Vancouver British Columbia, Canada under the management of the Khalsa Diwan Society. This Gurdwara Sahib served the Greater Vancouver Sikh community until new Gurdwara Sahib was occupied on April 25th, 1970.
- .... that the first Gurdwara in the whole of USA was purchased and built in 1912 in Stockton, California, USA. It is called the Sikh Gurdwara Sahib Stockton...
- Week 42
Did you know...
- .... that Pandit Kirpa Ram was at the head of the group of Kashmiri Brahmins who came to see Guru Tegh Bahadar at Anandpur sahib in May 1675 for protection against the atrocities of Aurangzeb. Also that Pandit ji was Guru Gobind Singh's Sanskrit teacher.
- .....that the word Ardas is derived from the Persian word 'Arazdashat', meaning a request, a supplication, a prayer, a petition or an address to a superior authority.
- .... that Guru Amar Das became Sikh Guru at the age of 73 and lived to the ripe old age of 95 years.
- .... that Bhagat Kabir (Gurmukhi: ਭਗਤ ਕਬੀਰ) (1441-1518) was a saint born in Bharat, present day India and Pakistan. 500 verses of Bhagat Ji’s Bani are included in the Guru Granth Sahib.
- ....the Guru Granth Sahib is the eleventh Sikh Guru and perpetual Guru of the Sikhs to guide the Sikhs and others to eternity.
- Week 43
Did you know...
- ....that Anand Karaj is the name given to the Sikh wedding ceremony, literally translated as "Blissful Occasion". Sikhs regard marriage as a sacred bond of mutual dependence between a man and a woman.
- .... that the three requirements of a Sikh are: Naam Japo - Rise in the Amrit Vela and meditate on God's Name; Kirat Karo - Earn one's living righteously by the sweat of the brow or the industry, effort and conscientiousness of the mind and Vandh Chako - Share what one has with others.
- .....that one of the five forts in Anandpur Sahib built by Guru Gobind Singh was called Keshgarh Fort.
- .... that Baba Atal Rai was born in 1619 AD at Amritsar to Guru Hargobind Sahib, the sixth Sikh Guru and Mata Mahadevi, daughter of Bhai Daya Ram Marwah of Mandeala.....
- Week 44
Did you know...
- .... that Akhand Jaap - is a movement instigated by the youth as a "World Prayer for Peace". It involves the continuous repetition of the word "Waheguru" (Wonderful Lord) which is sung continuously from 1 to 24 hours; It is continuous meditation without interruption. The sangat (congregation) is led by various groups of 'Kirtanias' or Ragis (musicians) in succession and the whole of the congregation join in.
- ..... that Siropa is a term adopted from Persian sar-o-pa (head and foot) or sarapa (head to foot) meaning an honorary dress and is used in Sikh vocabulary for a garment, scarf or a length of cloth bestowed on someone as a mark of honour.
- .... that the Guru Granth Sahib provides guidance for Muslims!; Yes, no other historical Islamic verse holds such strong contempt for Muslims who fail to carry out the daily Nimaz as can be attributed to Hazrat Baba Sheikh Farid as recorded in the Shri Guru Granth Sahib.
- Week 45
Did you know...
- ... that the tenth Sikh Guru, Guru Gobind Singh spent 25 years at Anandpur sahib and to protect the community from the growing animosity of the hill Rajas and their Mughal allies, the Guru began the construction of five defensive Qilas (Persian for forts). One central fort with four others encircling the town....
- .... that Alahunian is the name given to the Bani by Guru Nanak. It is a composition in measure Vadahans in the Guru Granth Sahib on page Page 578 and refers to a dirge (funeral song) wailingly sung in chorus by women mourning the death of a close relation. Etymologically, the word means an "utterance in praise of a departed person".
- ...that only one of the Guru's wife is mentioned in the Guru Granth Sahib; it is the second master, Guru Angad Dev's wife Mata Khivi.
- ....that in the Guru Granth Sahib, Barahmaha is written twice, once by Guru Nanak in Raag Tukhari and a second time by Guru Arjun in Raag Majh.
- Week 46
Did you know...
- .... that when Guru Amar Das came to meet Guru Angad Dev, Guru Amar Das was 62 years old and Guru Angad Dev was 37 year of age.
- .....that the Sikhs believe that all life, including human life, comes from God. God is the Creator of the universe and the force that keeps it in existence.
- .....that for the Sikhs, the final goal of life is to reunite or merge with God (Mukti). The Sikh Gurus taught that to achieve this goal it was important to work hard at developing positive human qualities which lead the soul closer to God.
- .... that 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 composition, 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.
- Week 47
Did you know...
- .... that according to Sikh history, Gurgadi was passed from Guru to Guru in following way:
- Guru Nanak to Guru Angad (No Family Relation)
- Guru Angad to Guru Amar Das (Father to Daughter's father-in-law)
- Guru Amar Das to Guru Ram Das (Father-in-law to Son-in-law)
- Guru Ram Das to Guru Arjun (Father to son)
- Guru Arjun to Guru Hargobind (Father to Son)
- Guru Hargobind to Guru Har Rai (Grandfather to Grandson)
- Guru Har Rai to Guru Harkrishan (Father to Son)
- Guru Harkrishan to Guru Tegh Bahadur (Great nephew to Great uncle)
- Guru Tegh Bahadur to Guru Gobind Singh (Father to Son)
- Guru Gobind Singh to Guru Granth Sahib (Never done before!)
- Week 48
Did you know...
- ..... that Hazrat Mian Mir was a famous Muslim Sufi saint who is highly respected by the Sikhs. He was a close friend of the Sikh leader Guru Arjan Dev, upon whose invitation he laid the foundation stone of the famous Sikh Golden Temple in Amritsar on 3 January 1588.
- ..... 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 24th September 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.
- Week 49
Did you know...
- ..... that Gurdwara Dukh Nivaran Sahib Patiala marks the place where Guru Tegh Bahadur visited village Lehal on 24 January 1672 and stayed under a banyan tree by the side of a pond. Soon the sickness in the village subsided. The site where the Guru had sat came to be known as "Dukh Nivaran" literally meaning Eradicator of suffering.
- .....that one of the five forts in Anandpur Sahib built by Guru Gobind Singh was called Keshgarh Fort.
- .... that Baba Atal Rai was born in 1619 AD at Amritsar to Guru Hargobind Sahib, the sixth Sikh Guru and Mata Mahadevi, daughter of Bhai Daya Ram Marwah of Mandeala.....
- ....that Guru Gobind Singh had four adopted sons and the one of them was also called Zoravar Singh Palit - (palit means adopted). These four adopted sons were Baba Charan Singh, Baba Punjab Singh, Baba Ajaipal Singh and of course, Baba Zoravar Singh Palit.
- Week 50
Did you know...
- .... that Matha taykna or "Matha take" is the act of bowing down and touching the floor with one’s forehead as a sign of respect for Gurbani. It terms of body language, it is a position of extreme submission and humility.
- .... that Baba Gurditta (1613 - 1638), was the eldest son of the sixth Sikh Guru, Guru Hargobind and Mata Damodari; he was also an elder brother of Guru Tegh Bahadur, the ninth Sikh Guru and that he and his wife Mata Nihal Kaur were the parents of Guru Har Rai and Dhir Mall.
- .... that in the last two world wars, 83,005 turban wearing Sikh soldiers were killed and 109,045 were wounded....
- .....that for the Sikhs, the final goal of life is to reunite or merge with God (Mukti). The Sikh Gurus taught that to achieve this goal it was important to work hard at developing positive human qualities which lead the soul closer to God.
- Week 51
Did you know...
- .... that Bhai Jivan Singh (1649 - 1705) was the name given to Bhai Jaita after he had received the rites of initiation at the hands of Guru Gobind Singh in 1699; it was he who had risked his life to recover and return the severed head of Guru Tegh Bahadur to Anandpur Sahib in 1675.
- that in Sikhi, cruelty is not permitted; cruelty is an aspect of human understanding that has been addressed very clearly by the Sikh Gurus. "Cruelty, material attachment, greed and anger are the four rivers of fire. Falling into them, one is burnt, O Nanak!" (SGGS p 147).
- .....that the Sikhs believe that all life, including human life, comes from God. God is the Creator of the universe and the force that keeps it in existence.
- .....that for the Sikhs, the final goal of life is to reunite or merge with God (Mukti). The Sikh Gurus taught that to achieve this goal it was important to work hard at developing positive human qualities which lead the soul closer to God.
- Week 52
Did you know...
- .... that the first Gurdwara in the whole of America was built in 1908 in Vancouver British Columbia, Canada under the management of the Khalsa Diwan Society. This Gurdwara Sahib served the Greater Vancouver Sikh community until new Gurdwara Sahib was occupied on April 25th, 1970.
- .... that the first Gurdwara in the whole of USA was purchased and built in 1912 in Stockton, California, USA. It is called the Sikh Gurdwara Sahib Stockton...
- .... that Pandit Kirpa Ram was at the head of the group of Kashmiri Brahmins who came to see Guru Tegh Bahadar at Anandpur sahib in May 1675 for protection against the atrocities of Aurangzeb. Also that Pandit ji was Guru Gobind Singh's Sanskrit teacher.
- .... that Guru Amar Das became Sikh Guru at the age of 73 and lived to the ripe old age of 95 years.
- .... that Bhagat Kabir (Gurmukhi: ਭਗਤ ਕਬੀਰ) (1441-1518) was a saint born in Bharat, present day India and Pakistan. 500 verses of Bhagat Ji’s Bani are included in the Guru Granth Sahib.
- Week 53
Did you know...
- ... that the tenth Guru spent 25 years at Anandpur sahib and to protect the community from the growing animosity of the hill Rajas and their Mughal allies, the Guru began the construction of five defensive Qilas (Persian for forts). One central fort with four others encircling the town....
- .... that Alahunian is the name given to the Bani by Guru Nanak. It is a composition in measure Vadahans in the Guru Granth Sahib on page Page 578 and refers to a dirge (funeral song) wailingly sung in chorus by women mourning the death of a close relation. Etymologically, the word means an "utterance in praise of a departed person".
- .... that Akhand Jaap - is a movement instigated by the youth as a "World Prayer for Peace". It involves the continuous repetition of the word "Waheguru" (Wonderful Lord) which is sung continuously from 1 to 24 hours; It is continuous meditation without interruption. The sangat (congregation) is led by various groups of 'Kirtanias' or Ragis (musicians) in succession and the whole of the congregation join in.
- ..... that Siropa is a term adopted from Persian sar-o-pa (head and foot) or sarapa (head to foot) meaning an honorary dress and is used in Sikh vocabulary for a garment, scarf or a length of cloth bestowed on someone as a mark of honour.
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Today is Wednesday, June 5, 2024; it is now 03:34 UTC