Origins of Sikhism

The religion of a warlike sect of India, had its origin in the Punjab. Its centre is in the holy City of Aristae, where their
sacred books are preserved and worshipped. The name Sikh signifies "disciple", and in later times the strict observants or
elect were called the Khalsa. The founder of the sect, Nanak (now called Sri Guru Nanak Deva), a Hindu belonging to the
Kshastrya caste, was born near Lahore in 1469 and died in 1539. Being from childhood of a religious turn of mind, he
began to wander through various parts of India, and perhaps beyond it, and gradually matured a religious system which,
revolting from the prevailing polytheism, ceremonialism, and caste-exclusiveness, took for its chief doctrines the oneness
of God, salvation by faith and good works, and the equality and brotherhood of man. The new religion spread rapidly and,
under the leadership of nine successive gurus or teachers soon became an active rival not only to the older Hinduism, but
also the newer Mohammedanism of the reigning dynasties. The "disciples" were therefore somewhat ill-treated by the
governing powers. This persecution only gave fresh determination to the sect, which gradually assumed a military
character and took the name of Singhs or "champion warriors"; under Govind Sing, their tenth and last guru (b. 1660; d.
1708), who had been provoked by some severe ill-treatment of his family by the Moslem rulers, they began to wage active
war on the Emperor of Delhi. But the struggle was unequal. The Sikhs were defeated and gradually driven back into the
hills. The profession of their faith became a capital offence, and it was only the decline of the Mogul power, after the
death of Aurungzeb in 1707, which enabled them to survive. Then seizing their opportunity they emerged from their
hiding places, organized their forces, and established a warlike supremacy over a portion of the Punjab round about
Lahore. A reversal took place in 1762, when Ahmed Shah badly defeated them and defiled their sacred temple at
Amritsar. In spite of this reverse they manged still to extend their dominion along the banks of the Sutlej and the Jumna
Rivers, northwards as far as Peshawar and Rawalpindi, and southwards over the borders of Rajputana. In 1788 the
Mahrattas overran the Punjab and brought the Sikhs under tribute. Upon the Mahrattas supervened the British, who
received the allegiance of a portion of the Sikhs in 1803, and later on, in 1809, undertook a treaty of protection against
their enemy Runjeet Singh, who although himself a prominent Sikh leader, had proved overbearing and intolerable to
other portions of the sect. Various other treaties between the British and the Sikhs, with a view of opening the Indus and
the Sutlej Rivers to trade and navigation, were entered into; but as these agreements were not kept, the British declared
war on the Sikhs in 1845. By 1848, partly through actual defeat, partly through internal disorganization and want of
leaders, the Sikh power was broken; they gradually settled down among the rest of the population, preserving only their
religious distinctiveness intact. According to the census of 1881 the number of Sikhs was reckoned at 1,853,426, which in
the census of 1901 rose to 2,195,339. At the time of writing the census of 1911 is not yet published. Their sacred books,
called the "Granth" (the original of which is preserved and venerated in the great temple of Amritsar) consists of two
parts: "Adi Granth", the first book or book of Nanak, with later additions compiled by the fifth guru, "Arjoon, and with
subsequent additions from later gurus down to the ninth, and contributions by various disciples and devotees; secondly,
"The Book of the Tenth King", written by Guru Govind Sing, the tenth and last guru, chiefly with a view of instilling the
warlike spirit into the sect. The theology contained in these books is distinctly monotheistic. Great and holy men, even if
divinely inspired, are not to be worshipped-not even the Sikh gurus themselves. The use of images is tabooed; ceremonial
worship, asceticism, and caste-restrictions are explicitly rejected. Their dead leaders are to be saluted simply by the
watchword "Hail guru" and the only material object to be outwardly reverenced is the "Granth", or sacred book. In
practice, however, this reverence seems to have degenerated into a superstitious worship of the "Granth"; and even a
certain vague divinity is attributed to the ten gurus, each of whom is supposed to be reincarnation of the first of the line,
their original founder -- for the Hindu doctrine of transmigration of souls was retained even by Nanak himself, and a
certain amount of pantheistic language occurs in parts of the sacred hymns. Salvation is to be obtained only by knowledge
of the One True God through the Sat Guru (or true spiritual guide), reverential fear, faith and purity of mind and morals -the main principles of which are strictly inculcated as marks of the true Sikh; while such prevailing crimes as infanticide
and suttee are forbidden. They place some restriction on the killing of animals without necessity, but short of an absolute
prohibition. Peculiar to the sect is the abstention from tobacco, and in part from other drugs such as opium -- a restriction
introduced by Guru Govind Sing under the persuasion that smoking was conducive to idleness and injurious to the
militant spirit. At the present time an active religious revival is manifesting itself among the Sikhs, having for its object to
purge away certain superstitions and social restrictions which have gradually filtered in from the surrounding Hinduism.

Sikhism took birth in the East, in Punjab, India, five centuries ago. The followers, called Sikhs, have spread all
over the world not as conquerors of new lands, as the Europeans did four centuries ago, but as seekers of new
opportunities in life. With them, the Sikhs carried their unique appearance and their unique philosophy. Sikhs
migrated to the West in the latter part of the 19th century. Wherever they went, they established their
community and religious centers, the Gurdwaras. In the first two decades of the 20th century, Gurdwaras were
founded in Stockton, USA, Vancouver, Canada, and London, UK, to name a few. Now, virtually all large cities
in the West have a Gurdwara; many have many have more than one. The management committees of
Gurdwaras in North America formed the Sikh Council in 1979. They wished to explain how the principles of
the Sikh faith are suited for adoption by a person of any background, in any country. The desire to spread this
universal message is what gave rise to this text. Sikhs today have a reputation as brave, fearless saint-citizens,
who defend, rather than attack, the rights of the weak. Sikhs have become some of the world's most
accomplished sportsmen, scientists, businessmen, politicians, soldiers, and saints. Learning of their rich legacy
will help Sikhs feel a sense of pride in their identity and will also help non-Sikhs understand their traits and
their inspiration.

Age of Sikhism: The history of Sikhism began with the birth in 1469 CE of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the first Guru of

the Sikhs. The initiation (baptism) ceremony and other traditions of the religion were formalized by 1699 CE.
Size of Sikhism: Sikhism is the fifth largest world religion. Among all world, regional, and atheist traditions,
Sikhism is the ninth largest religion. Sikhs currently number approximately 25 million across the globe, placing
Sikhism below Buddhism and above Judaism in terms of size.
Role of Women: Sikhs view men and women as being completely equal. Women are expected to participate in
daily and religious life in the same way as men. Barring or discouraging women from any activity or position
based on sex is against the principles of Sikhism.
Role of Clergy: In Sikhism, every person is fully responsible for leading a moral life. Sikhs do not believe an
intermediary can supplicate on one's behalf to God. Hence, Sikhs have no priestly class. Those educated in
religious affairs or with a special insight on God are free to teach or guide others, but they cannot claim to have
a monopoly on access to God. Religious services are usually conducted by a Giani, literally, one who is
educated in religious affairs. However, members of the congregation are also expected to be active participants.
Conception of God: Sikhs do not view God as a man in the clouds or any other form of human being, male or

female. The concept of God in Sikhism is of oneness with the entire universe and its spirit. God is found not by
searching in remote places, but by eliminating ego, which is said to allow a deeper, more accurate perspective
on the nature of reality.

Life after Death: Sikhs believe that upon death one merges back into the universal nature, just as a drop of rain

merges back into the ocean. Individuality is lost. Sikhs do not believe in heaven or hell. Heaven can be
experienced by being in tune with God while still alive. Conversely, the suffering and pain caused by ego is
seen as hell on earth. Sikhism views spiritual pursuits as positive experiences in and of themselves that
transcend death, not as sacrifices made in order to collect a reward that is waiting until after death.
Religious Texts: The only authenticated text of the Sikhs is Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji, a 1430-page text
containing hymns written directly by Guru Nanak Dev Ji and later Gurus. This text was ratified by Guru Gobind
Singh Ji as the final authority on Sikh spiritual doctrine. Later, other texts such as Dasam Granth were
incorporated into Sikhism's practice, but these texts are of much less importance and their authenticity has been
disputed.
View of Other Religions: Sikhs believe they have no right to impose their beliefs on others or even to cajole

members of other religions to convert. Such practices are strictly forbidden in Sikhism. Sikhs are required to
defend the freedom of worship of other religions just as they would their own. Sikhs do not believe that
followers of other religions are doomed in the eyes of God regardless of their personal character and behavior,
nor does being born into a Sikh family guarantee salvation. However, this does not mean Sikhs view all
religions as being similar. The philosophy, practice, and history of Sikhism are unique and seen as clearly
distinct from any other religion.
Eligibility for Participation: All individuals, regardless of race, gender, or nationality, are free to become Sikhs.

Young children who are not yet capable of understanding the philosophy of Sikhism and making their own
decisions are not eligible to be initiated into the faith until they have grown older. One does not have to be a
Sikh to participate in Sikh religious services and activities. Members of other religions are welcome.
Outlook: Like the Jewish faith which has been subject to extreme historical persecution, Sikhs have faced
extreme pressure from a variety of groups. Being a small but vocal minority, they were nearly wiped out by
Muslim invaders on multiple occasions and again later by the British Raj during the colonization of India. More
recently, they have suffered a great deal from attacks by Hindu fundamentalists. However, they have always
seemed to rebound strongly and overcome such horrors. Sikhs played the leading role in ending both the
Mughal imperial rule and the British Raj of India. Sikhs today are thriving and remain one of the fastest
growing religions in the world. Practitioners of Sikhism can now be found in every major city in the world.
Sikh Gurpurab Calendar
Until the 13th of March, 1998, the Sikhs used a Hindu lunar calendar to determine their feast days. They now
use their own Nanakshahi calendar which started on 14 March 1999 Gregorian (1 Chet, year 531 Nanakshahi )
and aligns with the Gregorian calendar as follows. The era (1 Chet 1 Nanakshahi) is the date of the birth of the
1st Guru, Nanak Dev, in the Punjab in 1469. Although there is an obvious relationship with the Hindu Solar
Calendar, the Sikh Organization states that these dates are fixed relative to the Gregorian calendar.
The Nanakshahi calendar is used for all the Gurupurabs (festivals marking events in the lives of the Gurus)
except the birthday of Guru Nanak which continues to be celebrated according to the Hindu Lunar calendar on
Katik Poornamashi. Events such as Maghi and Hola Mohalla continue to be celebrated according to the relevant
calendars. Some Gurupurabs are considered more significant that others. These are the ones that commonly
appear as holidays.Gurpurabs mark the culmination of Prabhat Pheris, the early morning religious procession

which goes around the localities singing shabads (hymns). These pheris generally start three weeks before the
festival. Devotees offer sweets and tea when the procession passes their homes. The celebrations start with the
three-day akhand path, in which the Guru Granth Sahib (the holy book of the Sikhs) is read continuously from
beginning to end without a break. The conclusion of the reading coincides with the day of the festival. The
Granth Sahib is also carried in procession on a float decorated with flowers throughout the village or city. Five
armed guards, who represent the Panj Pyares, head the procession carrying Nishan Sahibs (the Sikh flag). Local
bands play religious music and marching schoolchildren form a special part of the procession. Free sweets and
langar (community lunches) are also offered to everyone irrespective of religious faith. Local volunteers serve it
with a spirit of seva (service) and bhakti (devotion). Sikhs visit gurdwaras (Sikh temples) where special
programmes are arranged and kirtans (religious songs) sung. Houses and gurdwaras are lit up to add to the
festivities.

SIKH MONTHS
Sikh Month
Chet
Vaisakh
Jeth
Harh
Sawan
Bhadon
Asu
Katik
Maghar
Poh
Magh
Phagan

Nanakshahi
Date
Chet 1
Chet 6
Vaisakh 3

Gregorian
Date
March 14
March 19
April 16

Vaisakh 5

April 18

Vaisakh 19
Jeth 9
Jeth 28
Harh 2

May 2
May 23
June 11
June 16

Begins
March 14
April 14
May 15
June 15
July 16
August 16
September 15
October 15
November 14
December 14
January 13
February 12

Event
Accession of Guru Har Rai & Nanakshahi New Year Day
Guru Hargobind left this world
Guru Angad Dev left this world
Accession of Guru Amar Das
Guru Harkrishan left this world
Accession of Guru Tegh Bahadur
Birth of Guru Angad Dev
Birth of Guru Tegh Bahadur
Birth of Guru Arjan Dev
Birth of Guru Amar Das
Accession of Guru Hargobind
Martyrdom of Guru Arjan Dev, burnt alive at the stake. Kachi lassi
(sweetened milk) is offered to the thirsty passers-by to commemorate

Harh 21
Sawan 8
Bhadon 17

July 5
July 23
September 1

Asu 2

September 16

Asu 4
Asu 8
Asu 25
Katik 6

September 18
September 22
October 9
October 20

Katik 7
Maghar 11

October 21
November 24

Poh 23

January 5

Magh 19
January 31
Other Observances
Vaisakh 1
April 14
Poh 8
December 21
Poh 13
December 26
Sikh Events By Guru
Guru

his exit from this world.

Birth of Guru Hargobind
Birth of Guru Harkrishan
Installation of the Guru Granth Sahib (holy book of the Sikhs) in the
Golden Temple by Guru Arjan Dev
Guru Amar Das left this world
Accession of Guru Ram Das
Guru Ram Das left this world
Accession of Guru Arjan Dev
Accession of Guru Angad Dev
Guru Nanak Dev left this world
Birth of Guru Ram Das
Installation of the Guru Granth Sahib (holy book of the Sikhs) as
eternal Guru
Guru Har Rai left this world
Accession of Guru Harkrishan
Martyrdom of Guru Gobind Singh at Nanded.
Martyrdom of Guru Tegh Bahadur, beheaded in Delhi by the
Moghul emperor.
Accession of Guru Gobind Singh
Birth of Guru Gobind Singh in Patna. He created the Khalsa (Sikh
Brotherhood) and made it mandatory for them to have the five Ks Kesh (hair), Kripan (dagger), Kada (bracelet), Kangha (comb) and
Kachcha (underwear). During his time the warrior/yogi Maadhav
Das, later known as Banda Bairagi successfully fought the Moghuls
and finally died a martyr. Gobind Singh was a poet and archer and
knew Persian, Arabic and Punjabi as well as Samskrit and Hindi,
Birth of Guru Har Rai
The Creation of the Khalsa (Sikh brotherhood, "the pure")
Martyrdom of Guru Gobind Singh's Elder Sons, Ajit and Jujhar
Martyrdom of Guru Gobind Singh's Younger Sons

Parkash
(Birthday)

1st Guru Nanak Dev

Katik Pooranmashi

2nd Guru Angad Dev

Vaisakh 5
April 18

3rd Guru Amar Das

Jeth 9
May 23
Asu 25
October 9

4th Guru Ram Das

5th Guru Arjan Dev

Vaisakh 19

Gur
Ghaddhi
(Guruship)
from
Parkash
Asu 4
September
18
Vaisakh 3
April 16
Asu 2
September
16
Asu 2

Jyoti Jot
(left this world)
Asu 8
September 22
Vaisakh 3
April 16
Asu 2
September 16
Asu 2
September 16
Harh 2

May 2
6th Guru Hargobind
7th Guru Har Rai
8th Guru Harkrishan
9th Guru Tegh Bahadur
10th Guru Gobind Singh

Harh 21
July 5
Magh 19
January 31
Sawan 8
July 23
Vaisakh 5
April 18
Poh 23
January 5

September
16
Jeth 28
June 11
Chet 1
March 14
Katik 6
October 20
Vaisakh 3
April 16
Maghar 11
November
24

June 16
Chet 6
March 19
Katik 6
October 20
Vaisakh 3
April 16
Maghar 11
November 24
Katik 7
October 21

Installation of the Guru Granth in the Golden Temple by Guru Arjan

Sahib
Dev

Sikhs consider themselves disciples of Nanak and his nine successors,

who are called the Ten Gurus.