COMMUNITY
Sikhi highlights the importance of having a strong community with Sikhs and other religions as it regards it as a cornerstone to strenghtening religious beliefs
Sikhi highlights the importance of having a strong community with Sikhs and other religions as it regards it as a cornerstone to strenghtening religious beliefs
KHALSA (SIKH COMMUNITY)
The Khalsa was created on 13th April 1699, this day is celebrated as Vaisakhi. The first member of the Khalsa was Guru Gobind Singh Ji. In order to join the Khalsa a Sikh must uphold basic principles (keeping the 5 K's) and they must be blessed by the Panj Pyare (Five Beloved-Ones)
To join the Khalsa a Sikh will take Amrit (holy water) and they will then be given the name 'Singh' (lion) or 'Kaur' (princess).
After joining the Khalsa, a Sikh is officially part of the Sikh community. It is now their responsibility to keep the 5K's and to have a strong faith in their religion.
Sikhs who haven't joined the Khalsa are still excepted into the community and can still keep Sikh principles and faith. Sikhs are encouraged to form a strong community but they also integrate with other societies, due to their multi-faith ideology
GURDWARA (SIKH TEMPLE)
A Gurdwara is a holy Sikh temple, where Sikhs gather for prayers and worship of the Guru Granth Sahib. The most holiest and famous Sikh temple is Harmandir Sahib (Golden Temple) located in Amritsar, Punjab, India.
The key features of the Gurdwara:
Main Hall (Darbaar) :
This is where the Guru Granth Sahib Ji is read out to the sangat (people). All main programmes take place in this hall, but some Gurdwaras have smaller halls for other functions to take place. No pictures or idols are allowed in the Hall since all worship should be focused on the Guru Granth Sahib.
The Gurdwara is the heart of the Sikh community, where weddings and funerals take place as well as activities such as yoga. The main function of the Gurdwara is for worship but it also serves as a place for education. Some even offer rooms for visitors to stay overnight. No shoes are allowed in the Gurdwara and your head must be covered at all times.
Langar (food) Hall:
This is where the sangat will go to eat and socialise. People who serve the langar are doing sewa (selfless service) which is very important in Sikhi.
Sach Khand:
This is where Guru Ji is placed once the final prayer is done (Sukhmani Sahib). This room is decorated and it is constantly maintained, it is known as the resting place of Guru Ji.
