1. Place of worship – Gurdwara
Year 7 - Sikhism
Key people
Guru Nanak
Guru Nanak was born in an area called the Punjab, in between India and Pakistan.
He was a very religious man and spent a lot of his time giving to charity and helping others. He also spent time by himself, seeking religious truths.
One day, Guru Nanak entered a river and disappeared for 3 days. He had a religious experience with God.
When he returned he did not speak for a while, and when he did he said “there is no Hindu, there is no Muslim”. He taught that everyone was equal and you should love God no matter where you come from or who are, because God loves everyone.
People came from far away to listen to Guru Nanak talk about God and he gathered a big group of followers. This was the beginning of the Sikh religion.
The 10 Gurus
Guru Nanak passed his knowledge on to a disciple, who then became the next guru and taught Gods message.
There were 10 gurus all together who taught the message of God and Sikh’s believe that all of them are important.
Each guru contributed something to Sikhism that made the religion what it is today, this includes the golden temple, hymns and prayers, charity work and fighting in a war.
The 10th and last guru, Guru Gobind Singh decided to create a holy book that would carry on the message instead of the line of gurus. He also created the Khalsa in order to protect Sikhism in the future.
Key beliefs
Khalsa
The Khalsa was set up by the 10th guru, Guru Gobind Singh in 1699 to create a Sikh army that was ready to defend their faith whenever they needed to.
The Khalsa only fight when it is necessary, and to defend others.
To join the Khalsa there is a ceremony and you must take a vow, promising to be both a saint in the eyes of God, and also a soldier.
5 K’s
The Khalsa wear the 5 K’s to identify themselves as a member of this brotherhood.
Each of the 5 K’s symbolises something very important:
Kaccha: a pair of white shorts similar to those worn in battle by the first members of the Khalsa, showing readiness to defend the faith.
Kesh: uncut hair, representing the wish to stay the way God made us, showing devotion to Sikhism.
Kara: a steel bracelet often worn from birth that symbolises the eternity and oneness of God.
Kirpan: a short sword or dagger that represents the readiness to be a spiritual warrior and the power of the Sikh community.
Kangha: a comb often worn under a turban that symbolises being physically and spiritually clean before God.
Place of worship – Gurdwara
The Gurdwara is the holy temple where Sikh’s go to pray and gather as a community.
Features
Khanda: This is the Sikh symbol and it is found on a flag outside all Gurdwaras.
Langar: This is the kitchen which is in the Gurdwara. Anyone can eat here, even if you are not a Sikh. The food is free and vegetarian and Sikh’s will volunteer to work here to help run the kitchen.
Guru Granth Sahib: This is the Sikh holy book and during the day it will be found on a throne in the prayer hall. It is treated like a king to show respect to the holy book.
Prayer room: This is also called the divan hall. Here men and women sit separately to pray. During prayer, Sikh’s bow and walk around the Guru Granth Sahib.
Golak: This is a charity box found in the prayer hall. Sikh’s will donate money when they come to pray. This might go towards local charities, looking after the Gurdwara or food for the langar.
The Sach Khand: This is a bedroom for the Guru Granth Sahib. It is kept here at night. There is a bed in this room and only very special holy people can go in and out of here.
Key words
Guru – spiritual teacher
Gurdwara- holy temple where Sikh's worship
Guru Granth Sahib – Sikh Holy book
Khalsa – the brotherhood of Sikh's who take vow to be both saint and soldier
Guru Nanak – the first guru and the founder of Sikhism.
Khanda – Sikh symbol which consists of a circle surrounded by 3 weapons.
The 5 K’s – 5 items that identify those who a member of the Khalsa.
Kaccha – White shorts
Kesh – uncut hair
Kara – steel bracelet
Kirpan – short sword or dagger
Kangha - Comb