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SIKHISM
A Sikh (from the Panjabi siksya or disciple) is one who believes in one God who is timeless and without form. Sikhism was founded by Guru Nanak who was born in Narkana Sahib in 1469. His teachings and those of a further nine other gurus emphasise equality, community service and social justice.
Sikhism espouses unity with God and a selfless lifestyle. Prayer, meditation and sound are paramount in temple rituals when hymns are sung by the temple musicians. The Guru Granth Sahib, or Sikh holy book is considered a living guru and is afforded great reverence.
An estimated four-fifths of the world Sikh population of 16 million lives in the Punjab while sizeable communities are found in Canada, the United Kingdom, East Africa and S.E. Asia. The Golden Temple in Amritsar is Sikhism`s most sacred site which all Sikhs hope to visit in their lifetime. Narkana Sahib, Guru Nanak`s birthplace and Pancha Sahib both in present-day Pakistan are other important places. |
Sikh0195CO Women pray in the gurdwara |
