Sikhism: History, Sacred Temples, and Religious Practices

Introduction to Sikhism and Its Origins

Is Sikhism a religion that began separately, as adherents claim, with Shri Guru Nanak Dev Ji in the 17th century? Or is it a faith that arose as a new sect from Hinduism and Islam, as a number of scholars report? Regardless of its origin, Sikhism clearly developed a unique religious philosophy, as evidenced by today's sizeable Sikh community and the numerous elaborate sacred temples that remain from Sikhism's earliest years.

In A History of the Sikhs, Cunningham noted that although some believe the Sikhs to be essentially Hindu, in religious faith and "worldly aspiration, they are wholly different from other Indians...(15)" and are bound by an objective not found anywhere else. Sikhism does include numerous principles that differ significantly from both Hinduism and Islam. Sikhs also have their own religious founder, Shri Guru Nanak Dev Ji, who lived in the Punjab area of present-day Pakistan. The Sikhs believe that God revealed himself to Guru Nanak, who said in response, "There is no Hindu, there is no Muslim." This declaration has become one of the main pillars of Sikhism. Guru Nanak abolished idol worship in favor of monotheism and preached the brotherhood of humanity (Cole).

Sacred Sikh Temples and Pilgrimage Sites

The first community of Sikhs grew up around the Amritsar, or Golden Temple, in India. This sacred building is said to have been sanctified by Guru Nanak, who placed a blessing on a young shepherd to preach the principles of Sikhism. The Golden Temple is now considered both the journey's end and the beginning of a spiritual vision. Ranjit Singh, the first Sikh maharaja, made the original building far more elaborate with embossed plates, floral designs, and mirrored ceilings, transforming it into one of the most exquisite shrines in the world. There are four large entrances called deoris, each facing a different direction to symbolize that the religion welcomes people of all castes and creeds. Worshippers may pray in any desired direction (Cole).

Unlike other temples, the main spiritual center sits one level below the surrounding area. It features a beautiful sanctuary that shimmers in the waters of a sacred tank enclosed by marble walkways. The central structure, Sri Harmandir Sahib, rises from the middle of the pool on a 67-foot square platform and stands approximately 60 feet high. On the ground floor, beneath a jeweled canopy, rests the Guru Granth Sahib, or holy book (Cole).

Another of the holiest Sikh temples is Patna Sahib, where the tenth Sikh Guru, Gobind Singh, was born in 1666. This site is also especially significant because it was visited by Guru Nanak and has since become a sacred pilgrimage destination. It is recognized as one of the five holiest centers of Sikh leadership, located in the old city of Patna outside Punjab. The history of this temple reflects the enduring strength of the Sikh faith. When the ancient shrine was destroyed by fire, Maharaja Ranjit Singh built the present structure from white marble in 1839. That building was later destroyed by an earthquake in 1934 and rebuilt once again in 1954 (Sinha).

A more remote revered temple is Hemkund Sahib, situated at the high altitude shores of Lokpal Lake, with a breathtaking view of the surrounding mountains. Reaching it requires a four- to six-hour steep hike from Ghangharia, India. Hemkund Sahib has become a major pilgrimage site for Sikhs and Hindus alike, as well as for people of other faiths. Surrounded by seven snow-capped mountains and glaciers, the temple is reflected on the lake's surface. As recorded in the holy Granth Sahib, Guru Gobind Singh meditated on the shores of this lake in a previous life and established the pure "Khalsa" — the inner core of the faithful, anointed by baptism, or amrit (Sinha).

The Five Ks: Articles of Sikh Faith

It is also believed that Hemkund Sahib is where what Sikhs call the "Five Ks" originated — a major tenet of the Sikh religion that has shaped the distinctive Sikh appearance, including long hair, a beard, and a turban (Duggal). As the Guru Granth states: "Let living in his presence, / With mind rid of impurities, / Be your discipline. / Keep the God-given form intact, / With a turban donned on your head" (Singh 225).

The Five Ks are as follows:

1) Kesh, or hair, is to be recognized as a gift from God. It is therefore a primary duty of Sikhs to keep their hair long and in excellent condition, as a symbol of faith in God's will and an expression of humility and acceptance.

2) Khanga, or wooden comb, is worn in the hair at all times. Beyond its practical function, the comb represents cleanliness. Just as the comb removes tangles, Sikhs use it as a reminder to eliminate impure thoughts by repeating God's name — Naam — in the mind.

3) Karra, meaning a link or bond, is signified by a steel bracelet worn on the right wrist, much like a wedding ring connecting two people. It symbolizes the Guru's bond with the Sikh, the eternal connection to the Guru, and the fellowship among members of the Khalsa brotherhood. The circular form also serves as a reminder of personal restraint and ideal behavior, particularly in moments of weakness.

4) Kaccha represents a pair of shorts and symbolizes continence and high ethical character. The kaccha may be worn like ordinary shorts without embarrassment, particularly in warm weather.

5) Kirpan, or sword, stands for power and spiritual freedom. Every baptized Sikh is required to wear a shortened version of the kirpan (Duggal).

References

Cole, W. Owen. Understanding Sikhism. Edinburgh: Dunedin Academic Press, 2004.

Cunningham, Joseph D. History of the Sikhs. London: John Murray, 1853.

Leaf, Murray J. Information and Behavior in a Sikh Village. Berkeley: University of California, 1972.

Singh, P. Guru Granth Sahib. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2003.

Sinha, J. Imagining Architectures: Creativity in the Religious Monuments of India. Newark, DE: University of Delaware Press, 2000.