Sikhism

SIKHISMAP World History 10

Smithtown High School

The Ten Gurus# Name Born Guruship

Period ofGuruship (yrs)

1. Guru Nanak 1469 1469 to 1539 70

2. Guru Angad 1504 1539 to 1552 13

3. Guru Amar Das 1479 1552 to 1574 22

4. Guru Ram Das 1534 1574 to 1581 7

5. Guru Arjan 1563 1581 to 1606 25

6. Guru Hargobind 1595 1606 to 1644 38

7. Guru Har Rai 1630 1644 to 1661 17

8. Guru Har Krishan 1656 1661 to 1664 3

9. Guru Tegh Bahadur 1621 1665 to 1675 10

10. Guru Gobind Singh 1666 1675 to 1708 33

11. Sri Guru Granth Sahib 1604? 1708 - forever Eternity

Sikhism was established by ten Gurus, teachers or masters, over the period from 1469 to 1708. Guru Nanak Dev was the first Guru and Guru Gobind

Singh the final Guru in human form. When Guru Gobind Singh left this world, he made the Sri Guru Granth Sahib the ultimate and final Sikh Guru.

Overview of Sikhism

Sikhism is perhaps the second youngest world religion.

The believers of this religion are called Sikhs, which means disciples.

The founder of Sikhism was Guru Nanak.

Guru Nanak was born into a Hindu family. Later he said that there is only one God and criticized Hindu and Muslim religious sectarianism.

Sikhism stands for casteless society and preaches that all people stand equal.

Learning the Essentials• Sikhs believe in one God.

• Rituals and idol worship are not part of this faith.

• Sikhs should earn their living by honest means and hard work.

• People should share what they earn with the poor.

• Sikhism has no place for the caste system. All Sikhs are equal: the men add Singh (lion) to their names while the women add Kaur (princess).

GurdwaraGurdwara means the gateway through which the Guru could be reached. Any place where the Guru Granth

Sahib is installed and treated with due respect can be referred to as a Gurdwara, whether it is a room in

ones house of a separate building.

Three main functions are carried out in all public Gurdwaras. One is Kirtan which is the singing of hymns from the Guru Granth Sahib, another is Katha which is reading of the Guru Granth Sahib and explanations. The third main function which is carried out at every

Gurdwara is the Langar, free community kitchen for all visitors of all religions.

Holy Book

The Holy Book Of Sikhism is Guru Granth Sahib. Guru Gobind Singh declared before his departure to the heavenly abode that this Holy Granth would be the spiritual guide for Sikhs.

Langar – Community Meal

The Five K’sThere are five religious signs that are the mark of a devout Sikh. The names of all five begin with the letter ‘K’ which is why they are often referred to as the five ‘Ks’.

Kesh (hair) - Sikhs believe that the course of nature should not be disturbed as far as possible which is why they refrain from cutting their hair.

Kanga (comb) - A wooden comb is necessary to keep long hair tidy and this is why Sikhs are supposed to carry a kanga at all times.

Kara (steel bangle) - The steel bangle is regarded as a symbol of strength and is worn on the right wrist by both men and women.

Kirpan (dagger) - The kirpan is a small sword and is a symbol of self-defense and the fight against evil and injustice.

Kachha - The kachha is a pair of shorts made to a specific design. It formed part of the military uniform in Guru Gobind Singh’s day.