Sikhism: Quick Facts

Sikhism is a monotheistic religion founded in the Punjab region of the Indian subcontinent in the late 15th century by Guru Nanak. Sikhs refer to their faith as Gurmat, meaning "the Way of the Guru". The religion was established by Guru Nanak and continued through a line of ten human Gurus, with the spiritual authority eventually transferred to the sacred scripture, the Guru Granth Sahib. Sikh worship takes place in a gurdwara, which includes a communal refectory called a langar. Central to worship is the Adi Granth, the sacred scripture of Sikhism, which is treated with reverence as a living Guru.

Sikhism was founded by Guru Nanak, who was an Indian spiritual teacher. He is revered as the founder and first Guru of Sikhism, a monotheistic religion that blends influences from Hinduism and Islam. Guru Nanak was born in 1469 in Rai Bhoi di Talvandi, Punjab, which is now in Pakistan. The faith has remained centered in the Punjab region of India ever since.

Sikhism is a monotheistic religion founded in the Punjab region of the Indian subcontinent in the late 15th century by Guru Nanak. Sikhs believe in one God and follow the teachings of the ten human Gurus, whose spiritual essence is believed to have transferred to the sacred scripture, the Guru Granth Sahib, which is considered the eternal Guru. A core tenet is the concept of the Khalsa, an order of initiated Sikhs embodying courage and integrity, instituted by Guru Gobind Singh. Sikhs worship in a gurdwara, where they show reverence by bowing before the Guru Granth Sahib and engage in singing hymns. Key practices include communal meals in the langar to break down caste barriers and adherence to the Five Ks for initiated Sikhs.

The holy book of Sikhism is called the Adi Granth. It is also known as the Guru Granth Sahib, signifying its status as the eternal Guru for Sikhs. Compiled by the fifth Sikh Guru, Arjun, in 1604, it contains approximately 6,000 hymns from Sikh Gurus and various saints. The Adi Granth is central to Sikh worship and is treated with the reverence due to a living Guru. While there is another collection of writings attributed to the tenth Guru, Gobind Singh, known as the Dasam Granth, it is not accorded the same reverence as the Adi Granth.

A gurdwara is a place of worship in Sikhism. It houses a copy of the sacred scripture, the Adi Granth, and serves as a gathering place for congregational activities, ceremonies, and pilgrimage. Gurdwaras also typically include a communal dining hall, known as a langar, where meals are served to all visitors, regardless of background, embodying the Sikh principle of equality. Worship services involve reciting and singing hymns from the scripture, followed by a prayer called ardas.

The Five Ks are articles of faith that initiated Sikhs, known as Khalsa Sikhs, are commanded to wear at all times. These five items are:

• Kesh: Uncut hair, symbolizing spiritual devotion and group identity.
• Kara: A steel bracelet, representing self-restraint and unity with God.
• Kangha: A wooden comb, signifying cleanliness and discipline.
• Kirpan: A sword or dagger, symbolizing self-defense and the readiness to uphold justice.
• Kachchera: Cotton undergarments, representing modesty and self-control.

These symbols were instituted by Guru Gobind Singh in 1699 and are integral to Sikh identity, promoting courage, integrity, and a commitment to Sikh principles.