Sikhism: The history, founders and beliefs

Sikhism is a monotheistic religion that originated in the Punjab region of South Asia in the late 15th century. Read here to learn more about the religion.

Founded by Guru Nanak Dev Ji, Sikhism emphasizes equality, service, and devotion to one God. It is the fifth-largest organized religion in the world, with over 25 million followers globally.

Sikh Gurus collectively emphasized monotheism, equality, justice, and service, shaping Sikhism into a faith rooted in spiritual enlightenment and social responsibility.

The Five Takhts are the cornerstone of Sikh religious, cultural, and political life. They are vital in uniting the Sikh community and preserving the teachings and principles laid down by the Sikh Gurus.

Core Beliefs of Sikhism

• One God (Ik Onkar):
  Sikhism teaches belief in one, formless, all-pervading God who is the Creator, Sustainer, and Destroyer.
  • Ik Onkar: The opening verse of the Sikh scripture emphasizes divine oneness.
• Equality:
  • All humans are equal regardless of caste, gender, religion, or race.
  • The rejection of the caste system is a key tenet of Sikhism.
• Seva (Selfless Service):
  • Serving others without selfish motives is central to Sikh practice.
  • This is exemplified by Langar, the community kitchen offering free meals to all.
• Honest Living (Kirat Karni):
  • Sikhs are encouraged to earn an honest livelihood through hard work and integrity.
• Remembrance of God (Naam Japna):
  • Constant meditation and remembrance of God’s name are essential for spiritual growth.
• Sharing with Others (Vand Chakna):
  • Sikhs are urged to share their earnings and resources with the less fortunate.

Key Practices and Symbols

• Khalsa and the Five Ks: Initiated Sikhs (Khalsa) uphold five articles of faith known as the Five Ks:
  • Kesh (Uncut Hair): Symbol of spirituality.
  • Kanga (Wooden Comb): Sign of cleanliness.
  • Kara (Iron Bracelet): Reminder of God and righteous conduct.
  • Kirpan (Sword): Symbol of justice and protection.
  • Kachera (Cotton Undergarment): Sign of self-discipline and modesty.
• Gurdwara: Sikh place of worship where the Guru Granth Sahib is recited, and Langar is served.
• Festivals:
  • Vaisakhi: Marks the formation of the Khalsa.
  • Gurpurabs: Celebrations of the lives of Sikh Gurus.
  • Diwali (Bandi Chhor Divas): Commemorates Guru Hargobind Ji’s release from captivity.
• Naam Simran: Meditation and recitation of God’s name daily.

Sacred Texts

• Guru Granth Sahib:
  • The central religious scripture and eternal Guru of Sikhs contains the hymns of Sikh Gurus and saints from various faiths.
  • Written in Gurmukhi script, it promotes universal truths, equality, and devotion.
• Dasam Granth: Composed by Guru Gobind Singh Ji, it complements the Guru Granth Sahib.

Founders and Gurus of Sikhism

Sikhism, founded in the late 15th century in the Indian subcontinent, was established by Guru Nanak Dev Ji and further shaped by a succession of nine Gurus.

Together, they laid the spiritual, social, and political foundations of the Sikh faith.

1. Guru Nanak Dev Ji (1469–1539)

• Founder of Sikhism: Introduced the concept of one formless God (Ik Onkar) and rejected ritualistic practices.
• Key Teachings:
  • Universal brotherhood, equality of all humans, and service to humanity.
  • The “Three Pillars of Sikhism”:
    • Naam Japna: Meditate on God’s name.
    • Kirat Karni: Earn an honest living.
    • Vand Chakna: Share with others.
• Travel (Udasis): Traveled extensively to spread his message.

2. Guru Angad Dev Ji (1504–1552)

• Contributions:
  • Introduced Gurmukhi script, which became the standard script for Sikh scriptures.
  • Promoted physical fitness and self-discipline.

3. Guru Amar Das Ji (1479–1574)

• Contributions:
  • Established Langar (community kitchen) as a pillar of Sikh practice, emphasizing equality.
  • Advocated for women’s rights, banning practices like purdah and sati.

4. Guru Ram Das Ji (1534–1581)

• Founder of Amritsar: Established the city of Amritsar and started the construction of the Harmandir Sahib (Golden Temple).
• Composed Hymns: His verses are part of the Sikh scripture, Guru Granth Sahib.

5. Guru Arjan Dev Ji (1563–1606)

• First Sikh Martyr: Tortured to death under Mughal rule for refusing to renounce his faith.
• Contributions:
  • Compiled the Adi Granth, the primary scripture of Sikhism.
  • Completed the Golden Temple and installed the Adi Granth there.

6. Guru Hargobind Ji (1595–1644)

• Warrior Guru: Introduced the concept of Miri-Piri (temporal and spiritual authority).
• Military Organization: Created the Sikh army to defend the faith and community.

7. Guru Har Rai Ji (1630–1661)

• Promoter of Compassion: Focused on healing and herbal medicine.
• Role in Sikhism: Continued to promote peaceful coexistence and spirituality.

8. Guru Har Krishan Ji (1656–1664)

• Youngest Guru: Became Guru at the age of 5.
• Legacy: Known for his compassion, he cared for victims of smallpox in Delhi and succumbed to the disease himself.

9. Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji (1621–1675)

• Martyrdom for Religious Freedom: Gave his life to defend the religious freedom of Hindus against forced conversions by the Mughals.
• Teachings: Stressed tolerance and protection of oppressed communities.

10. Guru Gobind Singh Ji (1666–1708)

• Final Human Guru: Established the Khalsa Panth (Sikh brotherhood) in 1699 to uphold justice and equality.
• Contributions:
  • Introduced the “Five Ks” (Kesh, Kara, Kanga, Kirpan, Kachera).
  • Declared the Guru Granth Sahib as the eternal Guru of Sikhism.

The Eternal Guru: Guru Granth Sahib Ji

• The sacred scripture of Sikhism, compiled by Guru Arjan Dev Ji and later expanded by Guru Gobind Singh Ji, is considered the living Guru.
• It contains hymns and teachings of Sikh Gurus as well as contributions from saints of other faiths.

Five Sikh Takhts

The Five Sikh Takhts (Thrones of Authority) are significant religious and political institutions in Sikhism, serving as centres of spiritual and temporal authority. These Takhts play a pivotal role in guiding the Sikh community on matters of faith, governance, and social justice.

1. Akal Takht

• Meaning: “Throne of the Timeless One.”
• Location: Adjacent to the Golden Temple in Amritsar.
• Founded by: Guru Hargobind Ji in 1609.
• Significance:
  • The highest seat of Sikh temporal authority.
  • Issues Hukamnamas (edicts) on matters of doctrine and community welfare.
  • Symbolizes the synthesis of spirituality and temporal power in Sikhism.

2. Takht Sri Kesgarh Sahib

• Location: Anandpur Sahib, Punjab.
• Significance:
  • Birthplace of the Khalsa Panth in 1699 by Guru Gobind Singh Ji.
  • Marks the establishment of the five Ks (Kesh, Kara, Kanga, Kachera, and Kirpan) as symbols of Sikh identity.

3. Takht Sri Damdama Sahib

• Location: Talwandi Sabo, near Bathinda, Punjab.
• Significance:
  • Associated with Guru Gobind Singh Ji, who stayed here in 1705.
  • The site where the final version of the Guru Granth Sahib was prepared and authenticated.

4. Takht Sri Patna Sahib

• Location: Patna, Bihar.
• Significance:
  • Birthplace of Guru Gobind Singh Ji in 1666.
  • An important pilgrimage site for Sikhs.

5. Takht Sri Hazur Sahib

• Location: Nanded, Maharashtra.
• Significance:
  • The site where Guru Gobind Singh Ji spent his final days and merged into the eternal light in 1708.
  • Houses personal relics of Guru Gobind Singh Ji, including weapons and a copy of the Guru Granth Sahib.

Significance of Sikhism Today

• Global Influence: Sikhs actively contribute to humanitarian efforts worldwide through service and charity.
• Equality and Justice: The Sikh philosophy of equality and justice resonates universally, addressing modern societal challenges.
• Cultural Identity: Sikhism preserves rich cultural traditions, from music (Kirtan) to martial arts (Gatka).

In news

The Akal Takht, the supreme temporal and spiritual authority of the Sikh community, governed by the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC), has imposed religious punishment (Tankha) on Sukhbir Singh Badal, President of the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD).

This has sparked discussions about the Akal Takht’s authority and its relationship with the SAD and the SGPC.

Akal Takht

The Akal Takht, which faces the Harmandir Sahib in the Golden Temple complex, was established by the sixth Sikh master Guru Hargobind in 1606 following the execution of his father, Guru Arjan Dev, by the Mughals.

• Guru Hargobind used this platform for governance and is believed to have issued the first directive (Hukamnama) from here, urging Sikh congregations to contribute horses and weapons to the Panth.
• The Guru is said to have requested two swords, symbolising miri (temporal power) and piri (spirituality).
• The sword representing Miri was slightly shorter, indicating the primacy of spiritual authority over temporal power.
• The 12-foot-high platform of the Akal Takht symbolised a challenge to the Mughal government in Agra (and later Delhi), where Emperor Jahangir (1605-27), on whose order Guru Arjan Dev was executed, sat on an 11-foot-high throne and forbade anyone else from doing so.

Akal Takht after the passing of the tenth and last Guru, Guru Gobind Singh

The Akal Takht was pivotal during the formation of Sikh confederacies (misls), which laid the foundation for the Sikh Empire.

It served as a hub for political discussions and collective decisions, known as Sarbat Khalsa.

• 1716: The Akal Takht became the focal point for Sikhs during the difficult period following the execution of Banda Singh Bahadur, the general of the Khalsa army, in 1716.
• Sarbhat Khalsa: As the Sikhs faced massive persecution from the Mughal state, members of the community would gather at the Akal Takht on Baisakhi and Diwali for Sarbat Khalsa assemblies where crucial decisions would be made.
• Maharaja Ranjit Singh: The tradition of the Sarbat Khalsa continued, and one of the last assemblies was convened by Maharaja Ranjit Singh (1801-39), the founder of the Sikh empire, in 1805 to deliberate on supporting the Maratha prince of Indore, Jaswant Rao Holkar, against the British.
• Colonial period: Under British rule, the Akal Takht became a center for the Sikh reform movements, such as the Singh Sabha Movement, which aimed to revive Sikh traditions and counter British interference.
• Post-Partition (1947): After the partition of India, the Akal Takht emerged as a unifying force for Sikhs, addressing challenges like displacement and cultural preservation.
• Operation Blue Star (1984): The Akal Takht was heavily damaged during Operation Blue Star, a military operation launched by the Indian government to remove militants from the Golden Temple complex.
• Its destruction caused widespread anguish in the Sikh community, and it was later rebuilt.

Functioning of Akal Takht

It has a long tradition of issuing religious directives, including handing out punishments or directives to individuals or groups whose actions are deemed contrary to Sikh principles or ethics.

The Jathedar of the Akal Takht, as its head, plays a key role in this process.

• Complaint or Petition:
  • Issues are typically brought to the Akal Takht by community members, Sikh organizations, or the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC).
  • Complaints may involve violations of Sikh tenets, ethical misconduct, or acts deemed detrimental to the Sikh Panth (community).
• Review and Deliberation:
  • The Jathedar, often in consultation with the other high priests (Jathedars of Takhts), examines the complaint.
  • The decision-making process may involve analyzing Sikh scriptures, traditions, and precedents.
• Summons to the Accused:
  • The individual or group is summoned to the Akal Takht to explain or justify their actions.
  • Failure to appear or cooperate can lead to stricter actions.
• Community Involvement (Sarbat Khalsa):
  • In matters of significant controversy or importance, a Sarbat Khalsa (community congregation) may be convened.
  • This ensures wider participation and collective decision-making.
• Issuance of Hukamnama (Edict): After deliberations, the Akal Takht issues a Hukamnama, a directive or decree that can include:
  • Excommunication: Temporary or permanent exclusion from the Sikh community.
  • Tankhah (Religious Penalty): Acts of atonement, such as performing specific prayers, service (sewa), or public apologies.
  • Restoration of Honor: Conditions under which the individual or group can reintegrate into the Sikh community.
• Enforcement:
  • The SGPC, local gurdwaras, and Sikh organizations are responsible for implementing the directives.
  • Non-compliance can lead to further penalties or prolonged exclusion from the community.

Role of the Jathedar

• The Jathedar of the Akal Takht acts as the final arbiter in matters of Sikh law and tradition.
• While the decisions are spiritual, they carry significant social and political weight within the Sikh community.
• The Jathedar’s authority is rooted in their responsibility to uphold Sikh doctrine and unity.

Conclusion

Sikhism is not only a religion but a way of life that promotes selflessness, unity, and a deep connection with the Divine. Its emphasis on universal equality and service continues to inspire millions around the world.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q. Is Sikhism part of Hinduism?

Ans: Hinduism is the most ancient religion of India, dating from about 2500 BCE. Sikhism, which has influences from Hinduism, arose as a separate religion some 500 years ago.

Q. What is the main belief in Sikhism?

Ans: Sikhism advocates equality, social justice, service to humanity, and tolerance for other religions. The essential message of Sikhism is spiritual devotion and reverence of God at all times while practising the ideals of honesty, compassion, humility and generosity in everyday life.

Related articles:

• Medieval India: Bhaktism, Sufism and Sikhism
• Anglo-Sikh wars
• Khalistan Issue

-Article by Swathi Satish