The adi granth, as discussed above, is believed by sikhs to be the abode of the eternal guru, and for that reason it is known to all sikhs as the guru. The fundamental principles of the sikh religion are also inscribed in the holy book of this religion, the guru granth sahib. Home to the takht sri damdama sahib, one of the five takhts, where guru gobind singh compiled the final version of the guru granth sahib, sikhism s holy book. Every sikh should follow the four commandments of the holy book.
The compositions of his successors are also contained in the book, as are. The most important and noticeable thing about sikhs is their distinctiveness in appearance, especially because of a turban and well kept long hair and beard. Articles of faith sikhiwiki, free sikh encyclopedia. Sikhs display their commitment to their beliefs by wearing the sikh articles of faith. How was the sikhs holy book treated in the gurdwara. Sikhism as a religion does not show other religions in bad light. This article was most recently revised and updated by matt stefon, assistant editor. The main holy book in sikhism is the guru granth sahib. Panj kakar are five items that guru gobind singh commanded khalsa sikhs to wear at all times in 1699.
Learn about the religion of sikhism with facts, figures, quizzes, videos and interactive activities from bbc bitesize religious studies. The book teaches that outward rituals and indulgence in the worldly pleasure only bring us pain. This religion does not allow idol worship, but the holy book or the guru granth sahib is the guide for leading a pious and good life. Sikhism is one of the worlds youngest religions being founded just over 500 years ago. Religion and culture the topic i have chosen for researching from different sources is sikhism.
Numeral 1, is the first character that appears in the sikhs holy script, the. The teachings of all the 10 gurus are included in this book, along. Sahib, an honorific signifying master or lord is the name by which the holy book of the sikhs is commonly known and is the living guru for the sikhs. The 11th and lasting sikh teacher is guru granth sahib, the sikh holy book, also known as the adi granth. The most important ritual object in sikhism is the guru granth sahib, the holy book. Kangha, a small wooden comb to keep the hair tidy and act as a reminder to keep well ordered lives. Sikhism is the youngest of all major religions dating from the 15 th century ad. Granth is a hindi word, which means book and it contains the writings of each of the ten gurus. Most sikhs wear one or more of the articles but only sikhs who have taken amrit, a ritual analogous to baptism, wear all. The five ks are the articles of faith that sikhs wear as ordered by the 10th guru, guru gobind singh. Bani of bhagats by g s chauhanthe lives and selected works of saints included in holy book sri guru granth sahib ji. A holy man reading the guru granth sahib, the holy book of sikhism. This sense of difference, forged during sikhism s fierce struggles with the mughal empire, is still symbolised by the five ks panj kakar, in punjabi, those articles of faith to which all baptised sikhs subscribe.
The final version of the guru granth sahib was compiled by guru gobind singh in 1678. The tenth guru, guru gobind singh, said that after him there would be no other living gurus. Answer 1 the scholarly articles provided a lot of information about this topic and. The guru granth sahib is the name of the sikh holy book. The guru granth sahib is the holy scripture of the sikhs, and regarded as the living guru. Guru gobind singh named sikhism s holy book, the guru granth sahib, as his successor before his death, thus ending the line of human gurus, and making the scripture the eternal authority on the religion. Nov 24, 2015 all were given five articles of faith the five kakaars, including long uncut hair, which men and some women wrap in a turban. A sikh who has taken amrit and keeps all five ks are known as khalsa pure or amritdhari sikh amrit sanskar participant, while a sikh who has not taken amrit but. Sikhs pronounced sicks believe there is one god who is all good, all knowing, and embodies truth. Five articles of faith sikhs have five articles of faith natively known as kakaars or five ks. This is an area which spans part of india and pakistan in south asia today. The chief contribution of arjan, the fifth guru, was the compilation of the sikhs sacred scripture, using the. Prior to his death, he passed on his volume to guru angad guru 15391551. Khalsa sikhs wear five symbols called the five ks, or panj kakka to show their.
Sikhs call it shri guru granth sahib ji answer to what is unique about guru granth sahib. A symbolic reminder of the commitment of a sikh to god. The five ks are not just symbols, but articles of faith that collectively form the external identity. It is treated with great reverance and strict procedures. Sikhism rejects all distinctions based on caste, creed, gender, color, race, or national origin. According to sikh tradition, sikhism was established by guru nanak 14691539 and subsequently led by a succession of nine other gurus. Sikhism has no clergy, but spiritual guides may be called gurus. They each contain a siri guru granth sahib, the sikh holy book. Ten gurus have revealed all there is to know about god, humankind, and salvation. It also contained handwritten manuscripts of the guru granth sahib and hukumnamas containing signatures of sikh. Unlike the bible or the bhagavadgita, which are often carried around, dogeared and placed on a shelf with other books, there are strict rules and procedures for handling the adi granth. These five articles of faith distinguish a sikh and are essential for.
Every sikh remembers that every sikh warrior, saint, or martyr since. The guru granth sahib is the sacred scripture of the sikhs, and its bedrock is the body of compositions of guru nanak. Sikhs generally believe that they are required to follow the teachings of the ten gurus, the last one being guru gobind singh. Please help improve this article by adding citations to reliable sources. Guru gobind singh also introduced the five ks, the five articles of sikhism that the khalsa sikhs should have on them at all times kesh uncut hair, kangha a wooden comb, kara an iron or steel bracelet worn on the wrist, kirpan a sword or dagger and kacchera short breeches. Guru grant sahib the most sacred object in sikhism is the guru granth sahib also called the adi granth, the sikh holy book. Sikhism was founded by guru nanak around 500 years ago in a place called the punjab.
The 11th and lasting sikh teacher is the guru granth sahib, the sikh holy book, also known as the adi granth. At the time of guru gobind singh, some holy men let their hair become. An amritdhari, or initiated sikh, is required to wear all of the 5 ks during the sikh baptism, or initiation ceremony of amrit, and forever thereafter. Kesh uncut hair, kangha a wooden comb for the hair, kara an iron bracelet, kachera 100% cotton tieable undergarment not an elastic one and kirpan an iron dagger large enough to defend oneself. The word sikh in the punjabi language means disciple, sikhs are the disciples of god who follow the. This article needs additional citations for verification. Sikhism is a monotheistic religion, which means there is only one god.
Panj five articles of sikh faith kesh uncut hair, kangha wooden comb, kara iron. One of the most common names for god in sikhism is waheguru. The library caters for all ages, sikh and nonsikh, across a wide range of subjects. In sikhism, the five ks are five items that guru gobind singh commanded khalsa sikhs to wear. The guru granth sahib is a collection of lessons from the ten gurus as well as sikh, hindu. The main teachings of the guru granth sahib is the love of humanity. Sikhisms five articles of faith inspire responsibility. Sikhism is open to all through the teachings of its 10 gurus enshrined in the sikh holy book and living guru, sri guru granth sahib. The basic philosophy of sikhism revolves mainly around three concepts.
Unlike most other religions, sikhs wear the five articles of their faith. Hymns and prayers are said and then the worshipers share karah prasad which is a food offering made of sugar, butter and flour. First book the sacred scripture of sikhism, a religion. The dasam granth is a composition primarily of the tenth guru, guru gobind singh. The sri guru granth sahib also known as adi granth is more than a holy book for the sikhs. Sikhism for ks1 and ks2 children sikhism faith homework. The first rendition of the holy book was compiled by the fifth guru, guru arjan dev ji 15631606 and it was called. Aug 06, 2012 the five most recent christian science articles with a spiritual perspective.
In islam, the legal system based on the quran and the sunnah is known as sharia. The last guru, guru gobind singh, proclaimed that after him the guru of the sikhs would be the holy book of sikhism, guru granth sahib. After him there were nine more gurus who were the highest religious authority. Kesh, or unshorn long hair, which is protected by a dastaar, or turban. It consists of writings by all 10 gurus as well as those from other sikh, hindu and muslim holy men. Mar 09, 2017 more at sikhs are instructed to wear five things at all times. The five articles of faith or 5 ks are to be kept on or with the person at all times. The granth was compiled by the fifth sikh guru, guru arjan dev ji. Sikh holy book is the ultimate authority in sikhism and thus it guide every sikhs to how to live ones life. The central sikh library was then folded into the sikh reference library. When entering a temple, sikhs take off their shoes and cover their heads. Their holy book is the sri guru granth sahib ji many sources call sikhism a monotheistic religion.
Every sikh should wear the five articles of sikh faith, as mentioned in the holy doctrine. The conversions to sikhism are far less when compared to other religions especially in india and the reasons are. Sikhism, religion and philosophy founded in the punjab region of the indian subcontinent in the late 15th century. This book contains the teachings of all gurus, and hass been identically printed since the first copy, containing the same amount of pages, same words, and same paper size to preserve it. Unlike the bible or the bhagavadgita, which are often carried around, dogeared and placed on a shelf with other books, there. There are two granths, or volumes, that stand out above all others in the sikh religion. Sikhism preaches a message of devotion and remembrance of god at all times, truthful living, equality of m.
Guru granth sahib simple english wikipedia, the free. How was the sikhs holy book treated in the gurdwara answers. Guru gobind singh, the last of the ten gurus, called upon all dedicated members of the sikh brotherhood. The articles include kesh uncut hair, kanga comb, kara bracelet, kirpan sword and kachehra a special type of shorts. More at sikhs are instructed to wear five things at all times. This system of religious philosophy and expression has traditionally been known as the gurmat literally the counsel of the gurus or the sikh. Sikhism is a faith whose followers are called sikhs. Other important religious items include the chauri a a ritual whisk used with the scriptures, the five ks wearable items representing ones membership in the sikh community, and the nishan sahib the.
Almost every school of religious thought and belief has its own central texts to guide its followers. The emphasis is on a leading a worldly, successful life as a householder and a contributing member of society, but with the mind attuned to an awareness of god. The holy book of the sikhs is known as the guru granth sahib and it is considered as the eternal guru for all times after the tenth guru of the sikhs, guru gobind singh, declared that the lineage of living gurus will end with him. The establishment of the sikh religion began with guru nanak in 1469. Guru granth sahib, the holy scripture of sikhs, was first installed at the golden temple on september 1, 1604. Mar 15, 2011 almost from the moment, some five centuries ago, that their religion was founded in the punjab by guru nanak, sikhs have enjoyed a distinctive identity. Sikhs believe the guru granth sahib to be a living guru, hence the guru granth sahib has its own place to sleep also commonly known as sach khand the pure heaven. It was on the day of vaisakhi that during the amrit sanchar sikh ceremony of initiation, guru. In this spirit, sikh women and men maintain five articles of faith, popularly known as the five ks. The holy book of the sikh religion is the guru granth sahib.
Guru nanak himself started this tradition of keeping hair intact and covering the head with a turban. Women and men traditionally sit on opposite sides of the room. Eleanor nesbitt looks at the founder of the sikh faith guru nanak, the sikh concept of. The hymns included range from the omnipresence of nature and basic day to day lessons. The guru granth sahib, also called adi granth, is the holy book of the religion sikhism. The eleventh guru, the holy book is the centre of all sikh usage and ceremony. Sikhism a way of life and philosophy well ahead of its time when it was founded over 500 years ago, the sikh religion today has a following of over 20 million people worldwide. The sikh holy book is called the guru granth sahib. Naam, the name of god, shabad the word of god and sat sang, the company of the pious and the holy. A young sikh explains the five ks of sikhism in a video. In the gurus time, some holy men let their hair become tangled and dirty. They bow in front of the holy book or guru granth sahib.
A baptized sikh is to wear all five articles of faith. The holy book of the sikhs is known as the guru granth sahib and it is considered as the eternal guru for all times after the tenth guru of the sikhs, guru gobind. Every sikh should follow the four commandments of the holy book including. Nov 25, 2016 the holy book of sikhism is guru granth sahib. Sikhs believe the guru granth sahib to be a living guru, hence the guru granth sahib has its own place also commonly known as sach khand the heaven. The followers of this religion are scattered around the globe. The book teaches that outward rituals and indulgence in the worldly pleasure only bring us.
Jun 20, 2019 sikhism as a religious movement developed at the beginning of the 16th century in northwest india. The guru granth started as a volume of guru nanaks poetic compositions. Hymns are sang from sikh holy books, contemplation and reflection on the words of the. Kakars are the five required articles of sikh faith. Sikhism is a practical religion and sikhs are a pragmatic people. It is a religious commandment given by guru gobind singh in 1699 that sikhs must wear five articles of faith at all times, the kirpan being one of five articles. Sikhs consider the granth to be a spiritual guide for mankind, and it plays a central role in guiding the sikhs way of life. There are many names for god, because there is only one god, and he is the same god for all people of all religions. Instead, sikhs could look at their holy book for guidance.
It also contained handwritten manuscripts of the guru granth sahib and hukumnamas containing signatures of sikh gurus. It has over 3000 hymns and instructions to lead a good sikh life. Sikhism simple english wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. The five ks are not just symbols, but articles of faith that collectively form the external identity and the khalsa devotees commitment to the sikh rehni sikh way of life. The guru granth sahib is worshiped as the supreme authority of sikhism and is considered the eleventh and final guru of sikhism. Sikhism, founded upon the teachings of guru nanak and the ten successive sikh gurus in fifteenth century punjab, is the fifthlargest organized religion in the world. Almost from the moment, some five centuries ago, that their religion was founded in the punjab by guru nanak, sikhs have enjoyed a distinctive identity. A good life is lived as part of a community, by living honestly and caring for others. It contains prayers, hymns and songs of sikh religion. Sikhism preaches a message of devotion and remembrance of god at all times, truthful living, equality of mankind and denounces superstitions and blind rituals. Some original works date from 1800s and the time of the sikh empire. Sikhism was founded in the 15th century ce by guru nanak and the guru granth sahib is the scripture followed by sikhs as the living guru. What is the holy book of sikhism and why is it not so. Last human guru 16661708, announced the guru granth sahib as successor, introduced the five ks and military rule in sikhism guru granth sahib holy book, sikh holy book.
All were given five articles of faith the five kakaars, including long uncut hair, which men and some women wrap in a turban. Sikh library we have hundreds books and articles in our online library english section. Originally, the religion relied on the teaching of living gurus. Sikhisms answers to download this article as a pdf. In this paper i will explore the religious we well as the cultural beliefs of people following sikhism. Despite being so young, it is the fifth largest religion in the world with over 20 million followers. After the death of the tenth guru, gobind singh in 1708, the sikh holy scriptures were called guru granth sahib. This article looks at sikh beliefs about god, karma, death and rebirth. Guru nanak who established sikhism was its first guru. The 10th guru, gobind singh, declared that he would have no living successor, and this collection of teachings would become the ultimate guru for the sikh. The first nine gurus were men, and the tenth and final guru is the sikh holy book, granth sahib. The capital of bihar houses one of the five takhts and was the birthplace of the tenth and final guru, gobind singh.