Sikhism is a relatively young religion, just over 500 years old. With more than 20 million followers worldwide, it is the fifth-largest religion globally. Founded by Guru Nanak Dev Ji (pictured), the first Guru, in the 15th century in Punjab (the land of five rivers), Sikhism began as a path of truth and equality.
After the 1947 partition, Punjab was divided between Pakistan and the northern Indian state of Punjab.
The word "Guru" is derived from Gu (darkness) and Ru (light), meaning the one who dispels darkness. In Sikhism, the Guru is the embodiment of divine light. Guru Nanak Dev Ji was the first such enlightened teacher.
Sikhism promotes compassion, service, and equality between genders and faiths. It encourages honest and truthful living, while rejecting idol worship, caste distinctions, rituals, and superstition. Heaven and hell are seen as states of mind — joy and sorrow, light and darkness — rather than places.
Sikhism is a distinct and independent religion. As Guru Nanak Dev Ji declared: “I am neither a Hindu nor a Muslim. I am a human being.”
Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s message was simple: Ek Onkar — “There is One God.” All creation is from one Creator. The name of God is Sat Nam (Truth). This message begins all Sikh scriptures and is the first line of the Mool Mantar, which opens the Guru Granth Sahib Ji.
Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s followers became known as Sikhs — seekers of truth — drawn from all castes and communities. He taught them to bow only before God and to connect with the divine through three pillars:
| Naam Japna |
Rise before dawn, bathe, and meditate on God's name by reciting hymns to purify the mind. Throughout the day, remember God continuously. “By repeating God’s Name I have made God’s temple; O saints and followers, sing God’s praises day and night.” – Guru Arjan Dev Ji |
|---|---|
| Vand Chhakna |
Share with others and support the community. “Love of worldly things, like a snake, has entangled the whole world in its coils. Whoever holds it lovingly, gets bitten by it.” – Guru Amar Das Ji |
| Kirt Kani |
Earn an honest living and practice truthfulness in all dealings. “Truth is the highest virtue, higher still is truthful living.” – Guru Nanak Dev Ji |
By living according to these principles, a Sikh moves from being manmukh (self-centered) to gurmukh (God-centered), ultimately achieving liberation.
Sikhism was guided by ten human Gurus, each contributing to the evolution of the faith. Although deeply respected, they are not worshipped — Sikhs worship only one God: Ek Onkar.
The 10th and final human Guru, Guru Gobind Singh Ji, established the Khalsa — a spiritual brotherhood.
He baptized five courageous men, known as the “Panj Pyarey” (Five Beloved Ones), who answered his call for sacrifice. He introduced the surnames “Singh” (Lion) for men and “Kaur” (Princess) for women, and instructed the Khalsa to uphold the Five Ks:
| Kesh | Uncut hair and beard, symbolizing acceptance of God’s will. |  |
|---|---|---|
| Kangha | A small wooden comb used to groom the hair and maintain cleanliness. |  |
| Karhha | An iron or steel bracelet worn on the right hand as a reminder to do good. |  |
| Kirpan | A ceremonial sword symbolizing courage, strength, and protection. |  |
| Kaccha | Shorts or undergarments symbolizing modesty and moral character. |  |
*Images courtesy of www.sikhnet.com
Guru Gobind Singh Ji declared that the Guru Granth Sahib Ji, the Sikh Holy Scripture, would be the eternal Guru. It is considered the 11th Guru and provides spiritual guidance through hymns, prayers, and teachings composed by Sikh Gurus and respected saints from other faiths.
The Harmandir Sahib, also known as the Golden Temple in Amritsar, Punjab, is the spiritual heart of Sikhism. However, Sikhs are not required to undertake pilgrimages — any place where the Guru Granth Sahib Ji is present becomes a Gurdwara (gateway to the Guru), a place of worship and community.
This is just a brief introduction to Sikhism. On the useful links page we have listed other information sources, or alternatively, why not come to one of the Sikhism classes?