5.3 Sikh Scripture and Worship
3 min read•august 7, 2024
Sikhism's sacred text, the , is central to their faith. It's not just a book, but the eternal Guru, guiding believers through hymns and teachings. Sikhs treat it with deep respect, placing it on a raised platform in their place of worship.
Sikh worship involves singing hymns, reciting prayers, and sharing blessed food. The , their place of worship, welcomes all and includes a free community kitchen. Sikhs celebrate festivals like and to honor their Gurus and faith.
Sikh Holy Scripture
Guru Granth Sahib
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- Considered the eternal Guru and the central religious scripture of Sikhism
- Compilation of hymns and teachings from the 10 human Gurus and various saints from different faiths
- Contains 1,430 pages of hymns written in Gurmukhi script
- Treated with utmost respect and reverence by Sikhs
- Placed on a raised platform (Takht) in the Gurdwara and covered with a rumalla (decorative cloth)
- Sikhs bow before the Guru Granth Sahib as a sign of respect and submission
Akhand Path
- Continuous, uninterrupted reading of the entire Guru Granth Sahib
- Takes approximately 48 hours to complete
- Performed on special occasions such as the opening of a new Gurdwara, weddings, or in memory of a deceased person
- Relay of readers (Granthis) take turns reading the scripture to ensure continuity
- Listeners gather to hear the recitation and offer prayers
Sikh Worship Practices
Kirtan and Ardas
- involves singing hymns from the Guru Granth Sahib to musical accompaniment
- Helps Sikhs focus their minds on the divine and experience spiritual bliss
- is a common prayer recited at the end of congregational worship or any significant event
- Ardas expresses gratitude, asks for forgiveness, and seeks blessings and guidance from God
Karah Parshad and Amrit Sanchar
- is a sweet pudding made from equal parts of whole wheat flour, clarified butter (ghee), and sugar
- Offered to the congregation as a blessed food after prayers
- Symbolizes equality and unity among the community
- is the Sikh initiation ceremony
- Initiated Sikhs (Amritdharis) drink (holy nectar) and vow to follow the Sikh code of conduct (Rahit)
- Amrit is prepared by stirring water and sugar with a double-edged sword (Khanda) while reciting prayers
Sikh Place of Worship
Gurdwara
- Literally means "the doorway to the Guru"
- Place where the Guru Granth Sahib is installed and worshipped
- Serves as a place of worship, learning, and community gathering for Sikhs
- Open to people of all faiths and backgrounds
- (free community kitchen) is an integral part of every Gurdwara
- Promotes the principles of equality, selfless service (), and sharing
- Gurdwaras are identified by the (Sikh flag) and a dome () on top
Sikh Celebrations
Sikh Festivals
- Vaisakhi marks the birth of the Khalsa and the Sikh New Year (usually falls on April 13 or 14)
- Sikhs gather at Gurdwaras, participate in processions (), and engage in community service
- Gurpurabs celebrate the birth or martyrdom anniversaries of the Sikh Gurus
- Major Gurpurabs include the birthdays of Dev (founder of Sikhism) and (tenth Guru)
- Bandi Chhor Divas coincides with Diwali and commemorates the release of from imprisonment
- Sikhs light up Gurdwaras and homes, and share sweets to mark the occasion
Key Terms to Review (18)
Akhand path: Akhand path is a continuous recitation of the Guru Granth Sahib, the central religious scripture of Sikhism. This practice is performed without any interruptions, typically spanning over a 48-hour period, and is meant to foster spiritual growth and community unity among Sikhs. It is a significant aspect of Sikh worship, reflecting the emphasis on the importance of scripture in the Sikh faith.
Amrit: Amrit is a sacred nectar in Sikhism, symbolizing divine grace and immortality. It plays a pivotal role in Sikh rituals, especially during the initiation ceremony known as Amrit Sanskar, where it is administered to devotees as a means of spiritual rebirth and commitment to the faith. The preparation of Amrit involves mixing water with sugar crystals while reciting prayers, which underscores its spiritual significance within Sikh worship and scripture.
Amrit Sanchar: Amrit Sanchar is the Sikh initiation ceremony that marks the formal entry of a person into the Sikh faith, signifying their commitment to the teachings of Guru Nanak and the Guru Granth Sahib. This sacred rite involves drinking sweetened water stirred with a double-edged sword, representing the spiritual rebirth and the adoption of the Khalsa identity, which emphasizes discipline, community service, and adherence to the core beliefs of Sikhism.
Ardas: Ardas is a Sikh prayer that is recited as an expression of devotion and gratitude to God. It holds a significant place in Sikh worship, serving as a communal act that connects the congregation with the divine and reinforces the importance of community and shared faith. The prayer is often recited at the beginning and end of various religious ceremonies and is characterized by its inclusive nature, encompassing the well-being of all humanity.
Gumbad: Gumbad refers to the dome-like structure commonly found in Sikh architecture, particularly associated with gurdwaras, which are places of worship for Sikhs. The gumbad serves both aesthetic and symbolic purposes, representing the divine and the spiritual elevation of the soul. These structures are often elaborately designed, contributing to the overall beauty and significance of the gurdwara, and they play a crucial role in Sikh worship and community gatherings.
Gurdwara: A gurdwara is a place of worship for Sikhs, where the Guru Granth Sahib, the holy scripture of Sikhism, is housed and revered. It serves as a community center where individuals gather to engage in prayer, reflection, and community service. Gurdwaras play a central role in Sikh spiritual life, offering a space for congregational worship, education, and the practice of the core Sikh tenets of equality and service to humanity.
Gurpurabs: Gurpurabs are significant religious celebrations in Sikhism that commemorate the birth or death anniversaries of the ten Sikh Gurus. These occasions are marked by special ceremonies, prayers, and gatherings at Gurdwaras, reflecting the teachings and legacy of the Gurus. Gurpurabs serve not only as a time for personal reflection and devotion but also foster community spirit through shared worship and service.
Guru Gobind Singh: Guru Gobind Singh was the tenth and final human Guru of Sikhism, who lived from 1666 to 1708. He is known for establishing the Khalsa in 1699, a collective body of initiated Sikhs, and for his contributions to Sikh scripture, particularly the Guru Granth Sahib. His leadership emphasized the importance of spiritual and temporal authority, and he played a crucial role in shaping Sikh identity and resilience against oppression.
Guru granth sahib: Guru Granth Sahib is the central religious scripture of Sikhism, revered as the eternal Guru by Sikhs. This sacred text consists of hymns and writings that were composed by Sikh Gurus and other saints from different backgrounds, emphasizing the oneness of God, equality, and the importance of living a truthful life. It plays a crucial role in Sikh worship and reflects the core teachings of Sikhism, providing guidance for personal and spiritual development.
Guru Hargobind: Guru Hargobind was the sixth Guru of Sikhism, serving from 1595 to 1644, and is recognized for his role in militarizing the Sikh community and establishing the concept of Miri-Piri, which combines spiritual and temporal authority. His leadership marked a significant turning point in Sikh history, as he emphasized the importance of self-defense and justice while deepening the connection between worship and social action.
Guru Nanak: Guru Nanak is the founder of Sikhism, born in 1469 in present-day Pakistan, and is revered as the first of the ten Sikh Gurus. His teachings emphasize the oneness of God, equality among all people, and the importance of living a truthful and honest life. As a central figure in Sikh scripture and worship, Guru Nanak's hymns and messages are preserved in the Guru Granth Sahib, the holy scripture of Sikhism, which serves as a guide for spiritual and moral conduct.
Karah parshad: Karah parshad is a sacred food offered in Sikh Gurdwaras, typically made from equal parts of flour, sugar, and clarified butter. It is a symbol of God's grace and equality among all, serving as both a ritual offering and a communal meal shared among devotees during worship. This food reflects the principles of selfless service and community, which are central to Sikhism.
Kirtan: Kirtan is a devotional practice in Sikhism that involves singing hymns and praises to God, often accompanied by musical instruments. This form of worship creates a communal atmosphere where participants engage in spiritual expression and reflection, emphasizing the importance of the Guru Granth Sahib, the central scripture of Sikhism. Kirtan is not only a means of worship but also a way to promote unity, community, and shared faith among Sikhs.
Langar: Langar is a community kitchen and dining practice in Sikhism that provides free meals to all visitors, regardless of their background or status. This practice embodies the Sikh principles of equality, selfless service, and community spirit, reinforcing the teachings of the Gurus about the importance of serving humanity and eradicating social barriers. Langar is not just about food; it symbolizes the unity of all people and acts as a space for fostering social harmony.
Nagar kirtans: Nagar kirtans are public processions in Sikhism that involve the singing of hymns from the Guru Granth Sahib, often accompanied by music and community participation. These events typically take place in open spaces and serve as a way to celebrate significant religious occasions, promote the teachings of Sikhism, and foster community spirit. Nagar kirtans embody the principles of sharing, devotion, and the collective expression of faith among Sikhs.
Nishan sahib: Nishan Sahib is the Sikh flag, which holds significant religious and cultural importance in Sikhism. This flag symbolizes the identity of the Sikh community and represents the values of faith, courage, and resilience. It is typically made of a saffron-colored fabric, adorned with the Khanda symbol, and is displayed prominently outside Gurdwaras and during religious processions.
Seva: Seva refers to the selfless service performed by individuals, particularly within the Sikh tradition, emphasizing the importance of altruism and community welfare. It embodies the spirit of giving and compassion, highlighting a fundamental principle that connects worship, social responsibility, and personal growth. In Sikhism, seva is seen as a way to serve God through serving others, reinforcing the belief that spiritual practice extends beyond rituals to practical action in the world.
Vaisakhi: Vaisakhi is an important festival in Sikhism, celebrated on April 13 or 14 each year, marking the Punjabi New Year and the harvest season. This day is especially significant as it commemorates the formation of the Khalsa in 1699 by Guru Gobind Singh, which represents the collective identity of Sikhs as initiated members of the faith. The celebration includes various rituals and activities that are deeply connected to Sikh scripture and communal worship.