SIKHISM

History….• Sikhism originated in Punjab, a state in India.• Began in 1500 CE, when Guru Nanak Dev Ji, created a distinct religion.

• Nine gurus followed Nanak Dev Ji to create the religion.

Militarization in Sikhism By the time Guru Arjan Dev Ji, the 5th guru, had been born,

Sikhism was already established. Guru Arjan Dev Ji finised the establishment of Amristar, the

capital of the Sikh world and he wrote our holy book, Guru Granth Sahib Ji.

Unfortunately, Arjan’s faith to his religion was seen as a threat.

He sacrificed himself in 1606 because he was worthy to his religion.

The 6th guru, Guru Hargobind Singh Ji, helped form the Sikh military preparing them for battles.

The Sikhs then lived in relative peace with the political rulers until the time of the Moghal Emperor, Aurangzeb, who used force to make his subjects accept Islam.

Due to Aurangzeb, Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji also sacrificed himself.

Khalsa

The tenth Guru, Gobind Singh, recreated the Sikhs as a military group of men and women called the Khalsa in 1699, with the intention that the Sikhs should for ever be able to defend their faith.

He created 5 rules to support Khalsa called the 5 Ks.

This is what gives Sikhs their appearance.

The Kara is a bangle, usually made from iron or steel and worn on the right wrist. The steel is a symbol of strength, and the circular shape is a symbol of unity and eternity - a circle has no beginning and no end. This reflects the Sikh view of God who is eternal and infinite. The circular shape also stands for unity between Sikhs and between Sikhs and God.

Kara

The kangha is a wooden comb which is used to keep the hair clean and tidy. Cleanliness was one of the things emphasised by Guru Gobind Singh when he formed the Khalsa. Sikhs wash their hair very early every morning, then comb it, and wind it into a topknot. The kangha is placed in the topknot which is then covered with a turban. The Kangha represents discipline in all aspects of life.

Kangha

Guru Gobind Singh told Sikhs to wear short trousers as part of the Khalsa uniform. For most Sikhs the Kachera are a symbol of modesty.

Kachera

The Sikh community does not like the kirpan to be referred to either as a dagger or as a knife as both of these terms suggest violence and an intent to cause injury. The kirpan (sword) is worn as a reminder of the courage of the first five Sikhs who were willing to sacrifice their lives for the sake of their religion. The kirpan is therefore a symbol of bravery and of faith in God. For many, the most important meaning is that the kirpan symbolizes the commitment to fight ‘the enemy within’, that is weaknesses in one’s own character and behavior.

Kirpan

Kesh is simply uncut hair. This ‘natural state’ symbolises devotion to God. Guru Gobind Singh Ji encouraged this.

Kesh

Darbar Sahib

Anandpur Sahib

Patna Sahib

Sachand Sahib* Pehli Ardas 6am

Nankana Sahib