3. The Ten Gurus 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. Eternity 1708 - forever 1604? Sri Guru Granth Sahib 11. 33 1675 to 1708 1666 Guru Gobind Singh 10. 10 1665 to 1675 1621 Guru Tegh Bahadur 9. 3 1661 to 1664 1656 Guru Har Krishan 8. 17 1644 to 1661 1630 Guru Har Rai 7. 38 1606 to 1644 1595 Guru Hargobind 6. 25 1581 to 1606 1563 Guru Arjan 5. 7 1574 to 1581 1534 Guru Ram Das 4. 22 1552 to 1574 1479 Guru Amar Das 3. 13 1539 to 1552 1504 Guru Angad 2. 70 1469 to 1539 1469 Guru Nanak 1. Period of Guruship (yrs) Guruship Born Name #
4. 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.
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6. Gurdwara Gurdwara 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.
7. 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.
9. The Five K’s There 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.
