Practices

• Gurdwara


  Doorway to the Guru
• Khanda symbol


  • Represents important values of the Sikh faith
  • Chakra (circle) is a symbol of eternity of one God
  • Khanda (double edged sword) symbolises one God, one edge represents divine justice, the other freedom
  • Two kirpans (swords) symbolise political power (Miri) and spiritual authority
• Hygiene and respect is shown by touching the step, covering head, taking off shoes, washing hands
• Sikhs circle the Guru Granth Sahib (GGS) clockwise to ensure their right side is with God, representing importance
• The GGS is covered in a rumalla as a symbol of respect, acts like clothes
• Guru Amar Das introduced the langar to gurdwaras
• Main functions of the Gurdwara


  • Gain guidance, be part of a community, serve God and others
• Prayer hall (Diwan) is where worship takes place
• Punjabi classes take place to help young generations understand the GGS and keep in touch with older relatives
• In the UK, gurdwaras act as social centres for Sikhs
• Weddings and funerals often take place at gurdwaras, and sometimes other services may be provided
• Granthis


  • Khalsa or amritdhari Sikhs, role models
  • Arrange daily services, offer advice and guidance (sangat)
  • Most important job is to look after the GGS, carry it from the sach khand (resting room) to the Diwan (prayer hall) and back in the evening
  • Lead kirtans and conduct akhand path (continuous reading of the Guru Granth Sahib)
• Naam Japna


  Meditating on God's name
• Kirat karna


  Honest work
• Sikhs believe the more they think about God the less selfish they will become, and they will overcome haumai (ego) and become more gurmukh
• Naam Japna can be achieved quietly to oneself or out loud to others in sangat, and helps overcome manmukh
• Most Sikhs can have a gutka (prayer book) in their homes
• Sikhs sit on the floor during worship so they are lower than the GGS
• Akhand Path (continuous reading of GGS) marks important occasions including a birth or marriage, and helps members of sangat feel closer to God
• Naam Karan ceremony takes place as soon as possible after a baby is born, where the Mool Mantra is recited into the baby's ear
• Pregnant mothers thank Waheguru and pray for safety
• Family gives rumalla as a gift to the Gurdwara
• Name is chosen by opening random page of the GGS and using the first word as the name
• Karah Prashad is given to symbolise Waheguru's sweetness
• Amrit Sanskar


  1. Hymns and aardas are said

  2. Those to be initiated drink amrit (sugar + water) mixture from the same bowl

  3. Amrit mixture is mixed with double-edged sword and sprinkled on eyes and hair

  4. Initiated recite the Mool Mantra

  5. Readings are spoken from the GGS

  6. Karah Prashad is passed around

  7. Family may give one of the 5Ks as gifts and initiates will adopt the 5Ks

  8. Initiated will change surnames to Singh or Kaur
• Bhai Gurdas wrote the Adi Granth
• Amritsar


  Harmandir Sahib (Golden Temple), foundation laid by Guru Arjan, given land by Emperor Akbar, demonstrates religious freedom and equality
• Sikhs are not obliged to go on pilgrimage but are encouraged to focus on sewa and worshipping God
• The temple is surrounded by a pool of Amrit (holy water)
• There are four doors to signify equality and how people from all walks of life are welcome
• Daily Prakash marks the Guru's first waking in the day
• Devotees spray rosewater on the GGS as a mark of respect
• Amritdhari Sikhs wash the sanctum in milk and water to purify it
• Pilgrimage


  A location of spiritual and religious importance where people of a certain faith may journey to in order to show their dedication to their religion
• Amritsar Massacre - on 13th April 1919, British troops fired on a crowd of unarmed Indian protestors on the outskirts of the temple complex
• This event was believed to be the reason for Gandhi's new independence campaign movement in non-violent ways
• No apology has been issued and this has caused divisions in society
• Gurpurbs


  Celebration of the anniversary of the birth or death of a Guru, or the installation of the GGS
• Most important Gurpurbs


  • Birthday of Guru Nanak
  • Birthday of Guru Gobind Singh
  • Martyrdom of Guru Arjan
  • Martyrdom of Guru Tegh Bahadur
• Guru Nanak


  • Studied Islam and Hinduism, argued that spiritual importance was more important than pilgrimages
  • Had a spiritual experience that gave a vision of the true nature of God
  • Went on a 30 year spiritual journey, taught that there is only one God and all humans can have direct access to God without rituals or priests