Sikh Q&A by Gurbani Saagar provides authentic answers to questions about Sikhi, Gurbani, Sikh History, beliefs, traditions, and daily Sikh living.
Ans. No word synonymous to “Panth” exists either in a Hindu dictionary or a Muslim Encyclopedia or in any other dictionary. The Hindu thought has been confined to sects and denominations while Muslims have not been able to go beyond their restricted and exclusionary brotherhood (Millat). The white men, on the other hand cannot think […]
Q. 31. What is the correct meaning of the term “Panth”? Read More »
Ans. In the “Lughat-I-kashori” (Arabic dictionary) the term “Khalsa” has been defined as: that royal land which is not the property of any one else. The tenth Master, Guru Gobind Singh, made the Sikhs the Khalsa, which means that they belong only to Akaal Purakh (God Almighty). In other words there is no intermediary between
Q. 30. Who do we call a Khalsa? Read More »
Ans. For those, who have taken “Khande di Pahul” (undergone the Amrit’ ceremony of the double-edged dagger), are called Khalsa, and the followers of Guru Nanak. In order to understand the difference between a Sikh and a Singh, it will be advantageous to read the dialogue that took place between Lord Budha and his disciple,
Q. 29. Whom do we call a Singh? Read More »
Ans. The first Master, Guru Nanak Dev had two sons, Baba Siri Chand and Baba Lakhmi Chand. Guru Angad Dev had two sons, Baba Dasu and Baba Datu Also he had two daughters, Bibi Amro and Bibi Anokhi. Guru Amar Das had two sons, Baba Mohan and Baba Mohri. Also he had two daughters, Bibi
Q. 28. What do you know about the children of the Gurus? Read More »
Ans. Guru Hari Rae made the daily routine of his life such that by following it (like a beacon) a Sikh could make his life’s journey easy and comfortable. He would get up by the end of the third quarter of night.Then he would take a bath with generous supply of water (one hundred buckets,
Q. 27. Describe the daily routine of Guru Hari Rae (the seventh Master). Read More »
Ans. The forts constructed by Guru Gobind Singh in and around Anand Pur are as follows: 1. Nirmoh Garh 2. Loh Garh 3. Hol Garh (the literal meaning of ‘hola’ is invasion) 4. Fateh Garh 5. Kes Garh (signifies unity) 6. Anand Garh.The tenth Master got these forts constructed in order to maintain peace and
Ans. The five sacred pools in the city of Amritsar are: 1. Amritsar (Amrit Sarovar) 2. Kaulsar 3. Santokhsar 4. Bibeksar 5. Ramsar According to the old tradition among Sikhs it was essential to take a bath at Kaulsar before taking a dip at Amritsar; though some devotees took a bath at all the other
Q. 25. Name the five sacred lakes (pools) in Amritsar and describe their significance. Read More »
Ans. If the Mughal emperors are known for their passion for founding new cities and constructing famous buildings, then our Gurus’ contribution in building new cities is in no way less than that of the Mughal emperors. The following towns/cities were founded by our Gurus: 1. Kartar Pur (Raavi-now in Pakistan)Guru Nanak Dev Ji 2.
Q. 24. Name the sacred towns founded by our Gurus. Read More »
Ans. According to the decision of the “Panth” (collective Sikh nation) there are five Takhats (seats of temporal power)*: The construction of Akaal Takhat was started on July 9, 1609. Gur Bilas Patshahi Chhevin gives the following description: In the month of Asarh (Bikrami calendar), on Panchmi (fifth Lunar day) Guru Har Gobind started a
Ans. The foundation stone of Harmandar Sahib, also known as Darbar Sahib, or Golden Temple, was laid by Hazrat Mian Mir (a Sufi Faqir), on a request from Guru Arjan Dev, on January 3, 1588 in Amritsar. The Amrit Sarovar (sacred lake) is 500 ft. long, 490 ft. wide and 17 ft. deep.The only bridge
