Welcome to Sikh Q&A, your trusted destination for authentic answers to questions about Sikhi, Gurbani, Sikh history, traditions, and daily life. Whether you are new to Sikhi, a curious learner, or a lifelong Sikh seeking deeper understanding, this page provides clear, Gurbani based answers rooted in the teachings of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji and the Sikh Gurus.
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Ans. According to “Prachin Panth Prakash” the practice of serving “Karhah Prasaad, at the conclusion of congregational prayers was started by Guru Nanak who seems to have invented its recipe also. Guru Arjan Dev once said that on returning after the cremation of a person, the relatives and friends should gather in the Gurdwara where […]
Ans. In old days beating of a Nagaara symbolized the sovereignty of a ruler. At the time of assuming the governorship of Kaabul, prince Muazzim (later on emperor Bahadur Shah) ordered the beating of Nagaara. When his father, emperor Aurangzeb heard this news, he wrote to Muazzim, “When Allah bestows upon you the crown of
Q.60. Why is it necessary to beat a “Nagaara” (the big war drum)? Read More »
Ans. A triangular saffron coloured, piece of silk or cotton with printed or patched Khalsa symbols in the middle, is called ‘Nishaan Sahib’. If the Nishaan Sahib’ is to be installed for the first time (e.g., at a Gurdwara), then the prepared cloth flag should be brought from a historic Gurdwara. This symbolizes the everlasting
Q. 59. How did the Sikh “Nishaan Sahib” (flag) evolve? Read More »
Ans. The meaning of the term ‘chauki’ is a ‘guard of sentries’. When in the presence of the Guru any task is performed, keeping oneself alert, cautious and careful, it is known as “chauki bharna” Performing of chauki). Guru Arjan Dev in one of his hymns, in Raag Sorath, has clearly illustrated the meaning of
Q. 58. What do we understand by the term “chaukian”? Read More »
Ans. When the tenth Master, Guru Gobind Singh, asked from Akaal Purakh (God) the boon, “Panth chale tab jagat meh jab tum karo sahaae”, (The Panth could succeed in the world only with your blessings O Lord), he requested at the same time (to Akaal Purakh): “DEGH TEGH JAGG MEH DOU CHALE, RAAKH AAP MOHE
Q.57. What do we understand by the term, “Degh Tegh Fateh”? Read More »
Ans.It was Guru Nanak who honoured us the principle of: ਘਾਲਿ ਖਾਇ ਕਿਛੁ ਹਥਹੁ ਦੇਇ॥ ਨਾਨਕ ਰਾਹੁ ਪਛਾਣਹਿ ਸੇਇ॥ (SGGS, P. 1245) (Those who share their honest earnings with needy, truly recognize the way (to God). When Guru Nanak started farming at Kartar Pur, towards the last few years of his life, he used to
Q.56. How and when did the practice of “Daswandh” (tithe) start in Sikhism? Read More »
Ans. The literal meaning of the term ‘Golak’ is “coming and going”, not staying put at one place. It also means the holes in the body, e.g., ears, eyes, nostrils etc. The money offered to Gurdwaras or donated for Gurus’ causes is supposed to come and go (spent for charitable purposes as it comes). That
Q. 55. What do we understand by the term “Golak”? Read More »
Ans. Gurdwara is one of the most important institutions of Sikhs. During his travels (udaasis), wherever Guru Nanak went and established his congregation, he founded a “Dharamsaal”. Over time Dharamsaal evolved into what is now known as Gurdwara. The meaning of the term ‘Gurdwara’ is, through Guru or Guru’s door, e.g., ਗੁਰੂ ਦੁਆਰੈ ਹੋਇ ਸੋਝੀ
Q.54. What do we understand by the term ‘Gurdwara’? Read More »
Ans. Langar is the free (community) kitchen, which is an integral part of Sikh way of life. The term Langar is of Persian origin. It means anchor, a pronged weighty device made of steel, which is cast into the sea in order to hold the ships/boats in a particular place. That is why we use
Ans. Before Guru Nanak the expression, “sadhu na chale jamaat”, or a saintly person could not perform his religious activities in congregation, was often heard in the Hindu society. The Western Judeo-Christian) religions emphasized on, “flight of alone to the alone”. But Guru Nanak started the institution of “Saadh Sangat” (holy congregation). On a question
Q.52. Why is ‘Sangat’ (congregation) given so much importance in Sikhism? Read More »
