Glossary > Sikhism Terms
Adi Granth
Literally 'First Volume', serves as another name for Guru Granth Sahib Ji
based on the introduction of a second Granth, Dasam.
Akal Purukh
Literally 'Eternal Being', one of several names for God emphasizing various characteristics. (Reference Kartah Purukh, Satguru, Waheguru.)
Akal Takhat
Literally 'Eternal Throne', refers to the supreme seat of Sikh temporal authority located adjacent to Harmandar Sahib, Amritsar. Founded by Guru Hargobind
in 1609 with the mission of safeguarding the political rights of the oppressed. One of the five Takhats.
Akali Phoola Singh
Sikh general born in 1761. Honored with the title 'Protector of the Sikh Faith'.
Akhand Path
Continuous reading from beginning to end of entire Guru Granth Sahib Ji. Typically
requires several shifts of readers over a two day period.
Amritsar
Most important city in Sikhism and the location of Harmandar Sahib among several other Gurdwaras. Planned by Guru Amar Das and founded by Guru Ram Das.
Amrit
Mixture of sugar and water created during the prayers of the Sikh initiation ceremony.
Amritdhari
Initiated member of the Khalsa.
Amrit Sanskar
Khalsa rite of initiation.
Amrit Vela
Early morning hours before dawn.
Anand Karaj
Literally 'Ceremony of Bliss', refers to the Sikh wedding ceremony.
Anand Sahib
'Blissful' composition by Guru Amar Das.
Anandpur Sahib
City established by Guru Tegh Bahadur and the site of the founding of the Khalsa by Guru Gobind Singh. (Reference Kesgarh Sahib.)
Ardas
Special prayer conducted after religious services or on special occasions.
Baisakhi
Annual celebration commemorating the formation of the Khalsa in 1699.
Banda Singh Bahadur
Deputed by Guru Gobind Singh to liberate Punjab from Mughal rule. Achieved several stunning military successes. Ultimately tortured to death by Muslims in Delhi in 1716.
Bandi Chhore
Literally 'Saviour of the Oppressed', a nickname given to Guru Hargobind for freeing 52 political prisoners held by Emperor Jahangir at Gwalior.
Baoli
Famous well with steps leading down to the water, constructed by Guru Amar Das in order to undermine the caste system.
Bhai Gurdas
Scribe of Pothi Sahib under the supervision of Guru Arjan Dev.
Bhai Khanaya
Sikh commended by Guru Gobind Singh for serving water to wounded enemy soldiers.
Bhai Lalo
Honest carpenter who was praised by Guru Nanak in comparison to the wealthy but corrupt Malik Bhago.
Bhog
Ceremony at the conclusion of a reading of Guru Granth Sahib Ji.
Bole So Nihal, Sat Sri Akal
Sikh battle cry: 'He who speaks the name True Timeless One shall be victorious'.
Chanani
Canopy placed above Guru Granth Sahib Ji to protect against dust and show respect.
Chaur
Whisk waved over Guru Granth Sahib Ji to protect against dust and show respect.
Chela
Disciple of the Guru.
Chhota Ghalughara
Literally 'Lesser Holocaust', refers to the killing of 10,000 Sikhs by Mughals in 1746 along the Beas river in the Kahnuwan area of the district Gurdaspur. (Reference Theeja Ghalughara, Wada Ghalughara.)
Damdama Sahib
Gurdwara at site where Guru Gobind Singh traveled after fighting battles with the Mughal authorities. One of the five Takhats.
Dasam Granth
Collection of writings of questionable origin compiled several years after Guru Gobind Singh's death.
Dastar
Sikh turban.
Daswandh
One tenth of annual income, the recommended minimum amount for Sikhs to donate each year to humanitarian causes of their choosing.
Dhobari
Large earthen mound collectively raised by the opposing armies of the Emperor of Delhi and a local tribal ruler as a monument to Guru Tegh Bahadur for averting a large, impending battle. Gurdwara Dhobari Sahib now stands there.
Diwan
Congregational worship in the presence of Guru Granth Sahib Ji.
Five Ks
Uniform of the Sikh religion, consisting of Kachhera, Kanga, Kara, Kesh, and Kirpan.
Gatka
Sikh martial arts form, with emphasis on swordfighting.
Giani
Literally 'Knowledgable One', refers to the individual in charge of conducting Gurdwara functions.
Granthi
Reader of Guru Granth Sahib Ji who officiates at a ceremony.
Gurbani
Writings from Guru Granth Sahib Ji or Guru Gobind Singh.
Gurdwara
Sikh community center and place of worship.
Gurgaddi
Throne of Guruship .
Gurmat
Guru's guidance, as found in Gurbani .
Gurmukh
God-oriented person.
Gurmukhi
Punjabi script standardized by Guru Angad Dev.
Gurpurb
Festival associated with the life of a Guru.
Guru
One of the eleven Sikh Spiritual Teachers: Guru Nanak Dev Ji, Guru Angad Dev Ji, Guru Amar Das Ji, Guru Ram Das Ji, Guru Arjan Dev Ji, Guru Hargobind Ji, Guru Har Rai Ji, Guru Har Krishan Ji, Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji, Guru Gobind Singh Ji, or Guru Granth Sahib Ji.
Guru Amar Das Ji
Third Sikh Guru (1479-1574 CE). Most remembered for planning Amritsar and constructing a Baoli accessible by all.
Guru Angad Dev Ji
Second Sikh Guru (1504-1552 CE). Most remembered for creating a Sikh center at Khadur Sahib and establishing centers to teach Gurmukhi.
Guru Arjan Dev Ji
Fifth Sikh Guru (1563-1606 CE). Most remembered for compiling Pothi Sahib and being tortured to death by Emperor Jahangir.
Guru Gobind Singh Ji
Tenth Sikh Guru (1666-1708 CE). Most remembered for founding the Khalsa Panth.
Guru Granth Sahib Ji
Eleventh and Eternal Sikh Guru (Permanent). Sikh Scripture providing guidance based on the writings of previous Sikh Gurus along with many other sages. Supreme authority in Sikhism along with Guru Khalsa Panth.
Guru Hargobind Ji
Sixth Sikh Guru (1595-1644 CE). Most remembered for founding Akal Takhat, freeing 52 political prisoners, popularizing Miri and Piri, and founding a new Sikh center at Kiratpur. (Reference Bandi Chhore.)
Guru Har Krishan Ji
Eighth Sikh Guru (1656-1664 CE). Most remembered for aiding smallpox victims at the cost of his own life.
Guru Har Rai Ji
Seventh Sikh Guru (1630-1661 CE). Most remembered for continuing to popularize Sikhism in distant lands and resisting Emperor Aurangzeb.
Guru Nanak Dev Ji
First Sikh Guru (1469-1539 CE). Most remembered for receiving the revelation of Sikh principles from God, along with his extensive journeys.
Guru Ram Das Ji
Fourth Sikh Guru (1524-1581 CE). Most remembered for founding and constructing Amritsar.
Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji
Ninth Sikh Guru (1621-1675 CE). Most remembered for founding Anandpur Sahib, averting a military conflict between the Delhi emperor and a tribal ruler, and sacrificing his life to protect the freedom of a different religion. (Reference Dhobari.)
Gutka
Holy handbook containing Sikh daily prayers.
Harmandar Sahib
Most historical Gurdwara in the Sikh religion, located in Amritsar .
Haryana
State to the southeast of Punjab in India, a part of Punjab before it was divided into Punjabi and Hindi regions.
Haumai
Egotism.
Hazur Sahib
Gurdwara at the cremation site of Guru Gobind Singh. One of the five Takhats.
Hola Mohalla
Spring military festival at Anandpur Sahib.
Hukam
Random reading from Guru Granth Sahib Ji taken for guidance.
Ik Oangkar
First phrase of the Mool Mantar.
Janamsakhi
Story about the life of a Guru.
Japji Sahib
Morning prayer composed by Guru Nanak that forms the beginning of Guru Granth Sahib Ji.
Jathedar
Head of one of the five Sikh Takhats.
Jivan Mukti
Spiritual liberation while still alive.
Kaam
Lust
Kaar Sewa
Volunteer work, particularly in connection to Gurdwaras.
Kachhera
Type of breeches.
Kanga
Type of comb.
Kara
Steel bracelet.
Kaur
Literally 'lioness', surname of all Sikh females. (Reference Singh.)
Karah Parshad
Sacred pudding consisting of equal portions of flour, sugar, and butter, distributed after religious ceremonies.
Kartah Purukh
Literally 'Creator Soul', one of several names for God emphasizing various characteristics. (Reference Akal Purukh, Satguru, Waheguru.)
Katha
Lecture on Sikh history or scri.
Kesgarh Sahib
Gurdwara in Anandpur Sahib that was the site of the founding of the Khalsa by Guru Gobind Singh. One of the five Takhats.
Kesh
Uncut hair.
Khalsa
Entire community of initiated Sikhs.
Khanda
Emblem on the Nishan Sahib named after the double-edged sword in its center.
Kirpan
Ceremonial blade.
Kirtan
Devotional singing of Gurban.i
Kirtan Sohila
Prayer recited before sleeping or during funeral ceremonies.
Krodh
Anger.
Kurahit
Prohibited act.
Langar
Community kitchen found in all Sikh Gurdwaras that provides free meals to everyone on an equal basis.
Lawan
Scriptural compositions recited while the couple circambulates Guru Granth Sahib Ji during the marriage ceremony.
Lobh
Greed.
Mahant
One of the corrupt officials supported by the British who controlled Gurdwaras prior to the rise of the SGPC.
Malwa
Dry region where the Wada Ghalughara took place.
Manmukh
Self-oriented (ego-driven) person.
Matha Tek
Formal bow in front of Guru Granth Sahib Ji.
Mela
Sikh festival other than a Gurpurb.
Miri
Temporal power. Refers to a Sikh's commitment to defend human rights as part of a holistic lifestyle. (Reference Piri.).
Misl
One of the twelve divisions of the Khalsa in the eighteenth century, namely Ahluwalia, Bhangi, Kanhya, Ramgarhia, Shukarchakia, Shaheedan, Panjgarhia, Nakai, Dallewalia, Faizalpuria, Nishanwalia, or Phulkia.
Mool Mantar
Fundamental invocation that begins Guru Granth Sahib Ji.
Mughal Empire
Muslim imperial rule of the Indian subcontinent, peaking around 1700. Sikh resistance led to its collapse.
Mukti
Liberation from birth and death.
Multan
Chief city of southern Punjab during Mughal rule. Famous for its strong fort which was conquered by Akali Phoola Singh.
Nam Simran
Meditation on the divine Name.
Nankana Sahib
Guru Nanak's birthplace, formerly called Talwandi.
Nihang
Literally 'crocodile', refers to a highly disciplined defender of human rights.
Nitnem
Sikh daily prayers, typically published in Gutka format.
Nishan Sahib
Sikh flag flown at every Gurdwara.
Paath
Gurbani reading, done either alone or in a group.
Palki
Palanquin in which Guru Granth Sahib Ji is installed.
Pangat
Sitting equally in a row in Langar.
Panj Pyare
Literally 'Five Beloved Ones', refers to the five initial members of the Khalsa or those who perform the Amrit ceremony today.
Panth
Entire community of initiated Sikhs. .
Patashas
Sugar product used in the preparation of Amrit.
Patna Sahib
Gurdwara at the birthplace of Guru Gobind Singh. One of the five Takhats.
Pauri
Guru Granth Sahib Ji verse.
Piri
Spiritual power. Refers to a Sikh's commitment to maintain moral conduct as part of a holistic lifestyle. (Reference Miri.)
Pothi
Book or volume of religious hymns.
Pothi Sahib
Initial scripture compiled by Guru Arjan Dev in 1604 and ultimately given final form as Guru Granth Sahib Ji by Guru Gobind Singh. Was transcribed by Bhai Gurdas
and enthroned in Harmandar Sahib.
Prakash
Morning ceremony when Guru Granth Sahib Ji is formally opened.
Punjab
Literally 'Land of Five Rivers', refers to the birthplace of Sikhism.
Rag
One of several musical modes with which Gurbani is performed.
Ragi
Professional Gurbani musician.
Rehat Maryada
Sikh Code of Conduct, as published by the SGPC.
Rehras
Sikh evening prayer, consisting of six different sections.
Rumala
Decorative and protective cloth used to cover Guru Granth Sahib Ji.
Sahibzadas
Four sons of Guru Gobind Singh, all killed by Muslims.
Sangat
Congregation of devotees to God.
Sarbat Khalsa
Representative meeting of all Sikhs to consider Panthic matters.
Saropa
Cloth presented as a gift of honor before the Sangat.
Sarovar
Bathing pool associated with a Gurdwara, especially popular in the East.
Satguru
Literally 'True Guru', one of several names for God emphasizing various characteristics. (Reference Akal Purukh, Kartah Purukh, Waheguru.).
Sehaj Path
Non-continuous reading of Guru Granth Sahib Ji over variable periods of time.
Sewa
Selfless service.
Shabad
Hymn from Guru Granth Sahib Ji.
Shaheed
Sikh who has laid down his or her life in the defense of human rights, particularly freedom of religion.
Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC)
Central Sikh Gurdwara administrative body legally recognized in November, 1926. Occasionally referred to as the Sikh Parliament.
Sikh
Literally 'disciple', a practitioner of Sikhism. Also refers to anything associated with Sikhism.
Sikhism
Western term for the Sikh Faith, the religion based on the revelation of Guru Nanak.
Singh
Literally 'lion', surname of all Sikh males. (Reference Kaur.).
Sirhind
City where the two younger sons and the mother of Guru Gobind Singh were tortured to death by Muslims. Captured by Banda Singh Bahadur in 1710.
Sis Ganj
Site where Guru Tegh Bahadur was executed for protecting Kashmiri Hindus from forcible conversion to Islam.
Srinagar
Summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir. Visited by Guru Hargobind.
Sukhmani Sahib
Hymn of 'peace', written by Guru Arjan Dev.
Takhat
One of the five seats of religious authority: Akal Takhat, Kesgarh Sahib, Hazur Sahib, Damdama Sahib, or Patna Sahib.
Theeja Ghalughara
Literally 'Third Holocaust', refers to the massacre of 6,000 Sikh pilgrims to Harmandar Sahib in 1984. Was part of a broader campaign of genocide and history revision intended to erase the Sikh religion. (Reference Chhota Ghalughara, Wada Ghalughara.) .
Vaak
Random reading from Guru Granth Sahib Ji taken for guidance.
Wada Ghalughara
Literally 'Greater Holocaust', refers to the indiscriminate killing of 25,000 Sikh men, women, and children during a single incident in 1762 in Malwa.
(Reference Chhota Ghalughara, Theeja Ghalughara.).
Waheguru
Literally 'Wondrous Enlightener', one of several names for God emphasizing various characteristics. (Reference Akal Purukh, Kartah Purukh, Satguru.)
