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{{Did_you_know}} | {{Did_you_know}} | ||
==Previous entries== | |||
* that .... '''[[Gurdwara Lakhpat Sahib|Gurdwara Pehli Patshahi]]''' meaning the "Gurdwara of the first master" is situated at {{wiki|Lakhpat}}, [[Gujarat]], [[India]] - A town in Gujarat, visited by [[Guru Nanak]] Sahib during his [[Second Udasi|second]] and [[Fourth Udasi|fourth missionary]] journeys ([[Udasis]]) in 1506-1513 AD and 1519-1521 AD respectively. | * that .... '''[[Gurdwara Lakhpat Sahib|Gurdwara Pehli Patshahi]]''' meaning the "Gurdwara of the first master" is situated at {{wiki|Lakhpat}}, [[Gujarat]], [[India]] - A town in Gujarat, visited by [[Guru Nanak]] Sahib during his [[Second Udasi|second]] and [[Fourth Udasi|fourth missionary]] journeys ([[Udasis]]) in 1506-1513 AD and 1519-1521 AD respectively. | ||
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*....that '''[[Pearl S Buck]]''', Nobel Laureate, when writing about the '''[[Sri Guru Granth Sahib by Dr Gopal Singh|English translation]]''' of [[Guru Granth Sahib]] said: ''"I have studied the scriptures of other great religions, but I do not find elsewhere the same power of appeal to the heart and mind as I find here in these volumes...."'' | *....that '''[[Pearl S Buck]]''', Nobel Laureate, when writing about the '''[[Sri Guru Granth Sahib by Dr Gopal Singh|English translation]]''' of [[Guru Granth Sahib]] said: ''"I have studied the scriptures of other great religions, but I do not find elsewhere the same power of appeal to the heart and mind as I find here in these volumes...."'' | ||
[[Image:Laava6-M3.jpg|150px|left]] | |||
*....that '''[[Anand Karaj]]''' is the name given to the [[Sikh]] wedding [[Sanskar|ceremony]], literally translated as "Blissful Occasion". Sikhs regard [[Anand karaj|marriage]] as a sacred bond of mutual dependence between a man and a woman. | *....that '''[[Anand Karaj]]''' is the name given to the [[Sikh]] wedding [[Sanskar|ceremony]], literally translated as "Blissful Occasion". Sikhs regard [[Anand karaj|marriage]] as a sacred bond of mutual dependence between a man and a woman. | ||
*....that the [[Sikh]] wedding [[Sanskar|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 the '''[[Sikh name]]''', '''Ajit''' or '''Ajeet''' means ''"Invincible"'' or ''"unconquerable"'' in [[Punjabi]]. DO you know the meaning of ''"Amardev"'' or ''"Satpreet"''?. Why not explore our database of over 1000 Sikh names '''[[Sikh names|here]]''' | *....that the '''[[Sikh name]]''', '''Ajit''' or '''Ajeet''' means ''"Invincible"'' or ''"unconquerable"'' in [[Punjabi]]. DO you know the meaning of ''"Amardev"'' or ''"Satpreet"''?. Why not explore our database of over 1000 Sikh names '''[[Sikh names|here]]''' | ||
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*.... 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 [[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"''. | ||
{{pm|File:Harimandir Sahib aerial v1.jpg|[[Harmandar Sahib]]}} | |||
* .....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 [[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 [[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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*.... that '''[[Bani]]''' ([[Punjabi]] {{pa|ਬਾਣੀ}}) is short for '''[[Gurbani]]''' (Punjabi {{pa|ਗਰਬਾਣੀ}}) and is the term used by [[Sikh]]s to refer to various sections of the [[Holy Text]] that appears in their several [[Holy Book]]s. These [[Bani]]s are often found in small [[Gutka]]s or Small Books containing sections of [[Gurbani]]. | *.... that '''[[Bani]]''' ([[Punjabi]] {{pa|ਬਾਣੀ}}) is short for '''[[Gurbani]]''' (Punjabi {{pa|ਗਰਬਾਣੀ}}) and is the term used by [[Sikh]]s to refer to various sections of the [[Holy Text]] that appears in their several [[Holy Book]]s. These [[Bani]]s are often found in small [[Gutka]]s or Small Books containing sections of [[Gurbani]]. | ||
*.... that the [[Basic Tenets of Sikhism|three requirements]] of a Sikh are: [[Naam Japo|Nam Japna]] - Rise in the Amrit Vela and meditate on God's Name; [[Kirat Karo|Dharam Di Kirt Karna]] - Earn one's living righteously by the sweat of the brow or the industry, effort and conscientiousness of the mind and [[Vandh Chako|Vand Chhakna]] - Share what one has with others | *.... that the [[Basic Tenets of Sikhism|three requirements]] of a Sikh are: [[Naam Japo|Nam Japna]] - Rise in the Amrit Vela and meditate on God's Name; [[Kirat Karo|Dharam Di Kirt Karna]] - Earn one's living righteously by the sweat of the brow or the industry, effort and conscientiousness of the mind and [[Vandh Chako|Vand Chhakna]] - Share what one has with others | ||
*.... 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) | *.... 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) | ||
{{ps|File:Bhagatsaina-sml.JPG|'''[[Bhagat Sain]]'''}} | |||
* .... 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 [[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 [[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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*....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 '''[[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 '''[[Anandpur Sahib]]''' ('''City of Bliss''') is one of the holiest places of the [[Sikh]]s, second only to [[Amritsar]]. | *....that '''[[Anandpur Sahib]]''' ('''City of Bliss''') is one of the holiest places of the [[Sikh]]s, second only to [[Amritsar]]. | ||
*....that the '''[[Panj Piare]]''' ('''five beloved ones''') is the name given to the five [[Sikh]]s, [[Bhai Daya Singh]], [[Bhai Dharam Singh]], [[Bhai Himmat Singh]], [[Bhai Mukham Singh]] and [[Bhai Sahib Singh]] who took [[Amrit]] in [[1699]]... | *....that the '''[[Panj Piare]]''' ('''five beloved ones''') is the name given to the five [[Sikh]]s, [[Bhai Daya Singh]], [[Bhai Dharam Singh]], [[Bhai Himmat Singh]], [[Bhai Mukham Singh]] and [[Bhai Sahib Singh]] who took [[Amrit]] in [[1699]]... | ||
{{pm|Image:Gurudwara_Shri_San_Sahib_05.jpg|'''[[Gurdwara San Sahib]], [[Basarke]]'''}} | |||
*.....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 [[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 [[Sikh]]s who were working on the construction of the railway line from the coast (Mombasa) inland to Lake Victoria and beyond to Uganda. | *....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 [[Sikh]]s who were working on the construction of the railway line from the coast (Mombasa) inland to Lake Victoria and beyond to Uganda. | ||
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*.....that for the [[Sikh]]s, 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 for the [[Sikh]]s, 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's guidance for Muslims|Guru Granth Sahib provides guidance for Muslims]]!'''; Yes, no other historical [[Islam|Islamic]] verse holds such strong contempt for [[Muslim]]s who fail to carry out the daily [[Nimaz]] as can be attributed to [[Sheikh Farid|Hazrat Baba Sheikh Farid]] as recorded in the [[Shri Guru Granth Sahib]]. | |||
{{system}} | {{system}} |
Revision as of 15:02, 18 October 2010
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.
Previous entries
- 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.
- .... 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....
- .... that Gurdwara Bangla Sahib is situated in the heart of New Delhi's Connaught Place area and originally was the bungalow (haveli) of Mirza Raja Jai Singh, hence the name Bangla Sahib.
- .... 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 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 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 1429 of the Sikh holy Granth.
- .....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.
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- .... 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.
- ....the Guru Granth Sahib is the eleventh Sikh Guru and perpetual Guru of the Sikhs to guide the Sikhs and others to eternity.
- .....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 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: Nam Japna - Rise in the Amrit Vela and meditate on God's Name; Dharam Di Kirt Karna - Earn one's living righteously by the sweat of the brow or the industry, effort and conscientiousness of the mind and Vand Chhakna - Share what one has with others
- .... 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 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 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 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 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.
- .... 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!)
- ... that Sikhi and Hinduism have many parallels. Hindu belief is that "It cannot be said that Sikhism, Hinduism, Buddhism and Jainism are separate religions. All these four faiths and their offshoots are one". Sikhi belief is in pluralism....
- ....the Significance of Vaisakhi - For many 1000's of years, April has been the time when farmers have put their sickles to harvest and collected the precious life saving crops...
- ..... 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.
- ..... 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.
- .... that the ninth Guru, Guru Tegh Bahadur on his way to Patna in east India visited Agra. A devout Sikh disciple lady invited Guru Tegh Bahadur to her house where he stayed for a day or two. Her name was Mai Jassi. The site of house has become a shrine and is known as Gurudwara Mai Than, Agra....
- .... that Gurudwara Bhagat Dhanna was constructed by Sant Baba Shisha Singh to facilitate devotees on their travels to and from the city the world knows as Nanded. Sikhs call the city Abichalnagar as the city is sacred to the memory of Guru Gobind Singh who left for his heavenly abode there....
- .... that Maharaja Duleep Singh (Lahore, 6 September 1838 - Paris, 22 October 1893) was a Sikh ruler of the sovereign state of Punjab, and the Sikh Empire. He was the last Maharaja of Lahore during the Sikh Raj of Punjab and was the youngest son of the legendary Lion of the Punjab (Maharaja Ranjit Singh) and the Messalina of the Punjab (Maharani Jind Kaur).....
- .... that Guru Gobind Singh marg is the journey which started in December 1705 of the tenth Sikh master from Anandpur Sahib to Talwandi Sabo a distance of about 588 kilometres. Every place on this journey is sacred and has sanctity and is marked by the holy presence of this great personality....
- ... that Tarna Dal, the army of the youth, was one of the two main divisions of Dal Khalsa, the confederated army of the Sikhs during the eighteenth century, the other one being the Buddha Dal (army of the elders)....
- .... 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 on the day - 30 March 1699 when the Khalsa was inaugurated....
- .... that it was at the place where the holy shrine, Takhat Sachkhand Sri Patna Sahib stands in Bihar India, that Guru Gobind Singh, the tenth Sikh Guru was born in 1666....
- .... that the history of the Ramgarhia bunga is inseparable from the history of the Golden Temple because its very existence is dependent on the latter. During the reign of the Mughal Emperors the temple was damaged or destroyed no less then seven times. But each time it was rebuilt by the Sikhs.
- ....that Sundri the movie is the third movie by Vismaad Pte Ltd, a Singapore based computer animation company. The film is based on a novel by the same name - Sundri by the famous Punjabi writer, Bhai Vir Singh (1872-1957). This movie like the other two previous ones is a high resolution 2D computer animation with stereo sound and will be available as a DVD and also for theatrical release which are scheduled from May 08....
- .... that Gurdwara Nanak Shahi Dhaka in Dhaka is one of the seven known Gurdwaras in Bangladesh. It is the most important historic Gurdwara in this country, commemorating the visit of Guru Nanak in 1506-1507. This Gurdwara is said to have been built in 1830.
- ....that there are 240 million Nanakpanthis in the world! Most of them live in Sindh (Pakistan), Uttar Pradesh, Bihar and other remote parts of India. They are being neglected by our own 'mainstream' Sikhs and many are converting to other religions due to lack of Parchar by Sikh religious body.
- ....the Significance of Vaisakhi - For many 1000's of years, April has been the time when farmers have put their sickles to harvest and collected the precious life saving crops...
- ....that 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....
- ....that you can locate the kirtan of thousands of Gurbani shabads by visiting the Kirtan websites listed at SikhiWiki. And also that you can add your favourite kirtan site here!
- ....that the 12 O'clock joke is not a slam against Sardars; just read the following story here and here.
- ....that the Jagriti Yatra procession to celebrate the 300 years of Guruship of Guru Granth Sahib was scheduled to visit Kathua on 7th of April, but could not reach on time but finally arrived a full day late on 8th April 2008....
- ....that the Guru has pronounced that Kirtan is the magical formula that keeps the human soul afloat in the dark era of Kaljug provided the devotee sings with his mind focussed thus: "Kaljug meh kīrṯan parḝẖĝnĝ. Gurmukẖ japīai lĝė ḝẖiĝnĝ. In this Dark Age of Kaljug, Kirtan is supreme when the devotee sing with focus"
- ....that Bhai Baghel Singh (d. 1802), who in 1765 succeeded Karora Singh as leader of the Karor singhia misl or chiefship, is celebrated in Sikh history as the vanquisher of Mughal Delhi.
- .... that Guru Nanak went to Nepal? The temple in his honour is left to bird to sing to their hearts content and the occasional visitor who either knows it is there or has stumbled here by chance and has come upon the small weathered sign which says, “Guru Nanak Math (27°43'31"N 85°18'19"E)”....
- ....that Pearl S Buck, Nobel Laureate, when writing about the English translation of Guru Granth Sahib said: "I have studied the scriptures of other great religions, but I do not find elsewhere the same power of appeal to the heart and mind as I find here in these volumes...."
- ....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 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 the Sikh name, Ajit or Ajeet means "Invincible" or "unconquerable" in Punjabi. DO you know the meaning of "Amardev" or "Satpreet"?. Why not explore our database of over 1000 Sikh names here
- .... that the three basic requirements of a Sikh are: Nam Japna - Rise in the Amrit Vela and meditate on God's Name; Dharam Di Kirt Karna - Earn one's living righteously by the sweat of the brow or the industry, effort and conscientiousness of the mind and Vand Chhakna - Share what one has with others
- .... 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)
- .... 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 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 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 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 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 Bhai Joginder Singh Riaar Ji (Ludhiana wale) and partners are a ragi jatha who are well known to most Sikhs globally. Bhai sahib is from Gurdaspur district in Punjab and is an exceptional vocalist and very able harmonium player and they have enlightened Guru-ki-sangat in India and other parts of the world with their beautiful kirtan.
- .... that Langar is a free Sikh 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 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 on 10 October, 1982, a National Protest by UK Sikhs was organised to highlight and demand the right of children to go to school wearing their turbans.
- .... that the tercentenary celebration of the Guruship of Sri Guru Granth Sahib is to be undertaken on a massive scale in October 2008 at Takhat Sachkhand Shri Hazur Abchalnagar Sahib in Nanded, Maharashtra, India.
- .....that one of the five forts in Anandpur Sahib built by Guru Gobind Singh was called Keshgarh Fort.
- .....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.
- ..... that it is every Sikh's duty to defeat the Five vices: Kam (Lust), Krodh (Rage), Lobh (Greed), Moh (Attachment) and Ahankar (Ego). Also that the Guru Granth Sahib gives clear warning about these five plundering you - read Guru Granth Sahib against lust on this issue.
- ..... that on the 5 January 2008, the Sikh worldwide will celebrate 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 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 the three requirements of a Sikh are: Nam Japna - Rise in the Amrit Vela and meditate on God's Name; Dharam Di Kirt Karna - Earn one's living righteously by the sweat of the brow or the industry, effort and conscientiousness of the mind and Vand Chhakna - Share what one has with others
- .... 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)
- .... 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 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 (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 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 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 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.
- ..... 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.
- .....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.