Sikhism Glossary

Here’s a glossary of terms commonly associated with Sikhism:

Guru: A spiritual teacher or guide, particularly referring to the ten Sikh Gurus who played a central role in the development of Sikhism.

Guru Granth Sahib: The central religious scripture of Sikhism, considered the eternal Guru by Sikhs, containing the teachings and hymns of Sikh Gurus and other saints.

Khalsa: The collective body of initiated Sikhs who have undergone the Amrit ceremony and commit to upholding the Sikh Code of Conduct.

Amrit: The Sikh initiation ceremony in which an individual becomes a member of the Khalsa, involving the drinking of sweetened water stirred with a double-edged sword and commitment to the Sikh way of life.

Sangat: The Sikh congregation or community gathered for worship, learning, and communal activities.

Pangat: The practice of sitting together in rows regardless of social status during the communal meal (langar) in Sikh gurdwaras.

Langar: The free communal kitchen and meal service offered at Sikh gurdwaras to all visitors regardless of background, emphasizing equality and community service.

Seva: Selfless service performed without expectation of reward, a central tenet of Sikhism emphasizing compassion, humility, and helping others.

Waheguru: A term used by Sikhs to refer to God, often translated as “Wonderful Teacher” or “Wondrous Enlightener.”

Gurdwara: A Sikh place of worship, where the Guru Granth Sahib is installed and where Sikhs gather for prayer, singing of hymns (kirtan), and communal meals (langar).

Sikh Rehat Maryada: The Sikh Code of Conduct established to guide the daily lives and practices of Sikhs, covering religious, social, and personal conduct.

Ardas: A formal Sikh prayer recited at the conclusion of religious ceremonies, seeking the blessings and guidance of Waheguru for the Sikh community and the world.

Kirpan: A ceremonial dagger or sword worn by initiated Sikhs as a symbol of their commitment to righteousness and defense of the oppressed.

Kirtan: Devotional singing of hymns and prayers from the Guru Granth Sahib, often accompanied by musical instruments such as the harmonium and tabla.

Panj Pyare: The “Five Beloved Ones,” chosen by Guru Gobind Singh during the establishment of the Khalsa in 1699, representing the embodiment of Sikh ideals and principles.

Dasvandh: The practice of giving one-tenth of one’s earnings to support the Sikh community, charitable causes, and the promotion of Sikhism.

Simran: The practice of meditating on the divine name (Naam) of Waheguru, leading to spiritual awakening and union with the divine.

Amrit Vela: The early morning hours before dawn, considered an auspicious time for prayer, meditation, and spiritual reflection in Sikhism.

Sewa: Selfless service or voluntary work performed for the benefit of others, a key aspect of Sikh practice aimed at fostering humility and compassion.

Panj Kakkar/Ks: The five articles of faith worn by initiated Sikhs, including the kesh (uncut hair), kanga (wooden comb), kara (steel bracelet), kirpan (ceremonial sword), and kachera (cotton undergarment).

Gurmukh: A term used to describe someone who follows the teachings of the Guru Granth Sahib and lives their life in accordance with Sikh principles.

Manmukh: A term used to describe someone who is self-centered and does not follow the teachings of the Guru Granth Sahib.

Sant: A saintly person or spiritual leader within the Sikh tradition, known for their wisdom, piety, and devotion to Waheguru.

Sangat and Pangat: Sangat refers to the Sikh congregation gathered for worship and communal activities, while Pangat refers to the practice of sitting together in rows regardless of social status during langar.

Katha: The oral explanation or discourse on Sikh scripture, often delivered by a Sikh preacher or scholar to help Sikhs understand the teachings of the Guru Granth Sahib.

Gatka: The Sikh martial art, traditionally practiced with swords and other weapons, emphasizing discipline, courage, and self-defense.

Bhog: The concluding prayer and distribution of sacred food (prasad) at the end of a Sikh religious ceremony or service.

Hukamnama: A random verse from the Guru Granth Sahib, selected as a daily guidance for Sikhs, often read during congregational gatherings in gurdwaras.

Sikhism: The monotheistic religion founded in the Punjab region of India by Guru Nanak in the 15th century, emphasizing the worship of one God, equality of all human beings, and selfless service.

Guru Khalsa Panth: The collective body of initiated Sikhs (Khalsa), guided by the Guru Granth Sahib and Sikh principles, responsible for upholding and spreading the teachings of Sikhism.

Sikh Rehat Maryada: The Sikh Code of Conduct established by the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC), governing the religious, social, and personal conduct of Sikhs.

Gatka: The traditional Sikh martial art form, emphasizing both armed and unarmed combat techniques, as well as spiritual discipline and mental focus.

Deg Teg Fateh: A phrase often used to symbolize the principles of Sikhism, meaning “Victory to the ladle (symbolizing langar, or community service) and the sword (symbolizing defense of the oppressed).”

Nagar Kirtan: A Sikh procession involving the singing of hymns, chanting of prayers, and the carrying of the Guru Granth Sahib through the streets, often held on special occasions and festivals.

Panth Rattan: A title of honor bestowed upon individuals who have made significant contributions to the Sikh community and the promotion of Sikh values and principles.

Akal Takht: The highest temporal seat of authority for Sikhs, located in Amritsar, Punjab, and established by Guru Hargobind Sahib. It serves as a place for resolving religious and social issues within the Sikh community.

Bhai: A term of respect used to address a Sikh man or brother.

Bibi: A term of respect used to address a Sikh woman or sister.

Dastaar: The Sikh turban, worn by initiated Sikh men and some Sikh women as a symbol of religious and cultural identity.

Gatka: A traditional Sikh martial art form that originated in Punjab, focusing on sword fighting, stick fighting, and hand-to-hand combat techniques.

Gurdwara Sahib: A Sikh place of worship, meaning “gateway to the Guru,” where Sikhs gather for congregational prayers, singing of hymns, and listening to sermons.

Hukam: A command or decree, particularly referring to a verse randomly selected from the Guru Granth Sahib as guidance for Sikhs.

Kaur: A surname adopted by Sikh women, meaning “princess,” symbolizing their equality and dignity within Sikhism.

Khalsa Aid: An international non-profit organization founded on Sikh principles of selfless service (seva), providing humanitarian aid in disaster-stricken areas and to marginalized communities worldwide.

Langar Hall: The dining hall in a gurdwara where the langar (community meal) is served to all visitors, regardless of caste, creed, or background.

Nagar Kirtan: A Sikh religious procession held on special occasions or festivals, where the Guru Granth Sahib is carried through the streets accompanied by singing and chanting.

Panth: The Sikh community as a whole, united by a shared faith in the teachings of the Guru Granth Sahib and the principles of Sikhism.

Panthic: Adjective describing matters pertaining to the Sikh community as a whole, including its religious, social, and political aspects.

Prakash: The ceremonial installation of the Guru Granth Sahib in the gurdwara, marked by the lighting of lamps and recitation of prayers.

Sikhism: A monotheistic religion founded in the 15th century by Guru Nanak Dev Ji, emphasizing the worship of one God (Ik Onkar), equality of all human beings, and selfless service (seva) to humanity.