Sikh Q&A by Gurbani Saagar provides authentic answers to questions about Sikhi, Gurbani, Sikh History, beliefs, traditions, and daily Sikh living.
Ans. The tenth Master started the tradition that whenever one ‘Singh’ meets another ‘Singh’, he/she should say, “Waheguru Ji ka Khalsa, Waheguru Ji ki Fateh”. Saying “Sat Sri Akaal” instead of “Waheguru Ji ka Khalsa, Waheguru Ji ki Fateh” is inappropriate and against the tradition. When two Sikhs meet and utter this greeting, they utter […]
Ans. There are, in all, fourteen poetical compositions in the ‘Dasam Granth’. There names and the count of the stanzas (chhants) in each one of them is as follows: 1. Jaap Sahib199 stanzas2. Akaal Ustat171½ stanzas3. Bachittar Naatak471 stanzas4. Chandi Charittar I233 stanzas5. Chandi Charittar II212 stanzas6. Vaar Bhagauti Ji ki55 stanzas7. Giaan Prabodh336 stanzas8.
Ans. The word ‘Ardaas’ is derived from the Persian word, Arz-I-Dasht, which means petition. The meaning of Ardaas is much broader and higher than ‘prayer’. Our Ardaas is our whole history, encapsulated in a microcapsule of five minutes, from which space and time have been removed. In Ardaas there is no mention, by name, of
Q. 39. Describe our Ardaas (supplication) and its meanings. Read More »
Ans. The forty emancipated ones were those brave Sikh warriors who attained to martyrdom at Mukatsar (earlier known as Dhab of Khidrana) and thus restored their faith to the Guru. After having placed all their dead bodies on a funeral pyre, Guru Gobind Singh himself lit it. As long as the pyre kept on burning
Ans. The names of the four Sahibzadas (sons) of Guru Gobind Singh are: Baba Ajit Singh was born on April 16, 1685, at Paonta Sahib and was martyred in the battle at Chamkaur on December 22. 1704. Baba Jujhar Singh was born at Anand Pur Sahib in 1690 and was also martyred in the battle
Ans. The names of the five beloved ones are: Bhai Daya Singh. Bhai Dharam Singh. Bhai Himmat Singh. Bhai Mohkam Singh. Bhai Sahib Singh. Bhai Daya Singh was born in 1669 at Lahore (now in Pakistan), to mother, Dayali and father, Bhai Sudhay. He was 30 years old when at the Baisakhi day of 1699
Q. 36. State the names, places of birth and death of the five beloved ones (Piaare). Read More »
Ans. Explaining the responsibilities and principles associated with the Guruship, Guru Nanak Dev said: “This is a demand note from God which has to be paid off by the devotee; and such a devotee, as I can see, is Bhai Lehna”. Guruship is not an instrument of luxury or worldly pleasures. It is a great
Ans. For ages, the gods, human beings and sages had been in search of the Amrit, says Guru Amar Das: “ਸੁਰਿ ਨਰ ਮੁਨਿ ਜਨ ਅੰਮ੍ਰਿਤ ਖੋਜਦੇ” (SGGS, P. 918) The Sikh is fortunate that the Guru not only administered the Amrit to him but also told him the procedure to prepare it. Furthermore, the Guru
Q. 34. Describe the great significance of “Amrit*” and describe how it is administered. Read More »
Ans. Rehit, as described in the previous section (32), is to lead ones life according to the Guru’s prescribed code of conduct. To ignore or violate any of its tenets is Kuraihit. In addition, there are some specific taboos that may be called major Kuraihits. There are four Kuraihits or taboos and five Rehits.KURAIHITS (TABOOS):
Q. 33. What is the meaning of “Rehit” and “Kuraihit”? Read More »
Ans. Observing the discipline of principles of Sikhism and leading ones life according to these principles is called “the Rehit Maryada”. It can also be called the collective personality of the Panth. No individual has the right to attempt to corrupt (or desecrate) this personality of the Panth. The accepted Rehit Maryada today is the
