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• The Sikhs have ten Gurus
• Guru Granth Sahib is the Holy Book of Sikhs and the final Guru of
the Sikh Religion
• Follower of the Sikh religion could be identified using the Five “K”
i.e. Kesh (uncut hair), Kangha (a comb),
Kachhera (short drawer), Kara. (An iron bangle) and Kirpan (a sword)
Evolution of Sikhism
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Sikhism is the youngest of all religions. Guru
Nanak ji founded
it in the year 1469. The Sikh religion today has a following of over
20 million people worldwide and is ranked as the worlds 5th largest
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. 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.
Sikhism has adopted beliefs from Hinduism and Islam. From Islam it
adopted the belief in the existence of one invisible God. From
Hinduism it adopted the belief in Karma and reincarnation, meaning
your actions in this life will decide your fate in the next
incarnation. The Sikhs also cremate their dead ones as is done in
Hinduism. |
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Sikhs have played a great role in the Indian History. They have played
a key role in defending the country from the Mughals and have also
played a major role in the fight against British during the Indian
Freedom Struggle. |
Sikh Identity
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In order to make it easier for his followers to recognize each other,
Gobind Singh, chose five marks, some of which even today symbolize the
Sikhs. The five signs were, uncut hair; comb; sword or dagger;
bracelet on the right wrist and shorts. The religious Sikhs dress
according to Guru Gobind Singh's order, carrying a sword.
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Sikh Place of Worship: Gurudwara
A Sikh place of worship is called Gurudwara. Sikhism does not support
pilgrimage to holy sites because according to Sikhism, God is
everywhere and not in any certain place. But Sikhism has a few
important sites, of which, the Hari Mandir, also known as the 'Golden
Temple' in Amritsar in Punjab is the most important site and is
considered the holiest shrine of Sikhism.
The Sikh religion has five main Takhts or Seats of Power spread all
along the Country, which shows the spread and the vastness of the
religion
The Five Takhts of Sikhism :
|
Sr.No. |
Takht |
Location |
|
1 |
Akal Takht |
Amritsar (Punjab) |
|
2 |
Harimandir Saheb |
Patna (Bihar) |
|
3 |
Kesgarh Saheb |
Anandpur (Punjab) |
|
4 |
Huzur Sahib |
Nanded (Maharashtra) |
|
5 |
Damdama Sahib |
Talwandi Sabo, Bhatinda (Punjab) |
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