Worship, Ceremonies & Institutions

Describe the Sikh Gurdwara

A Sikh place of worship is called a ‘Gurdwara’, which is open to visitors, irrespective of their colour, faith, gender or background. The common translation of the term as temple is not satisfactory, as Sikhism possesses no sacrificial symbolism. Sikhs have neither idols nor altars in their holy places. They have no sacraments and no priestly order.

Essential Reading

Sikh History & Personalities

Give a brief history of the Golden Temple?

God and his Universe

What is Sach Khand?

Miscellaneous

How does Sikhi maintain unity among its groups without a hierarchy?

Miscellaneous

May rituals be recited in languages other than Panjabi? Are copies of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji in other languages as effective as those written in Panjabi, why/why not?

Sacred Literature & Sikh Studies

Is the ‘GurMantar’ really the first letters taken from the names – Vishnu, Hari Krishna, Govind and Raam?

General

Why was Sikhi not at the beginning of time?

General

Symbolic understanding of the number five

Sikh History & Personalities

Did all the Bhagats get GurMantar from Guru Sahib?

Sikh Articles of Faith & Identity

What spiritual advice would you give someone wishing to pursue Sikhi?

Rehat Maryada

What is the significance of ‘Kirpan Bhet’ to Karhaah Parshaad or Langar?

Sacred Literature & Sikh Studies

What is the meaning of the Lavan (Sikh marriage hymns)?

The four marriage rounds (Lavan) were written by the fourth Sikh Guru, Guru Raam Daas Ji, which is found on Ang 773 – 774
—- Gurmukhi & English Translation —-
ਸੂਹੀ ਮਹਲਾ ੪ ॥
ਹਰਿ ਪਹਿਲੜੀ ਲਾਵ ਪਰਵਿਰਤੀ ਕਰਮ ਦ੍ਰਿੜਾਇਆ ਬਲਿ ਰਾਮ ਜੀਉ ॥

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Rehat Maryada

I have heard of Saas Giraas simran. What is the historical evidence or origins of this?

Some people use “Saas Giraas simran” and “Swaas Swaas simran” interchangeably. Commonly people say “Saas Giraas”, but “Saas” = breath, “Giraas” = morsel of food… i.e. to remember God with every breath and when eating. On the other “Swaas Swaas” refers to remembering God with each breath.

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God and his Universe

How was the world created, according to Sikhi?

The Sikh explanation of creation provides a detailed account.
Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji describes what was before creation:
ਅਰਬਦ ਨਰਬਦ ਧੁੰਧੂਕਾਰਾ ॥
ਧਰਣਿ ਨ ਗਗਨਾ ਹੁਕਮੁ ਅਪਾਰਾ ॥

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