About Sikhs

History of Sikhism

Sikhism is a religion that originated in Northern India in the fifteenth century with the birth of first of the ten Gurus of Sikhs, Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji, on October 20, 1469, in Nankana Sahib, District Nankana Sahib (formerly Rai-Bhoi-di Talwandi, District Shekhupura) of Punjab Province, Pakistan. This system of religious philosophy and expression has been traditionally known as the Gurmat (literally the teachings of the gurus) or the Sikh Dharma. Sikhism comes from the word Sikh, which in turn comes from the Sanskrit root sisya meaning “disciple” or “learner”, or siksha meaning” instruction. Sikhism is the fifth-largest organized religion in the world.

Gurdwara or Gurudwara

During the times of the early Gurus, Sikh places of worship were referred to as dharamsalas. They were a place where Sikhs could gather to hear the Guru speak or sing hymns. As the Sikh population continued to grow Sri Guru Hargobind introduced the word Gurdwara, meaning the gateway through which the Guru could be reached. Thereafter all Sikh places of worship came to be known as Gurdwaras. Any place where the Guru Granth Sahib is installed and treated with due respect can be referred to as a Gurdwara.