Gurudwaras of World
Gateway to Sikhism proudly launches
Gurudwaras of World @ www.worldgurudwaras.com
Gateway to Sikhism proudly launches Gurudwaras of World @ www.worldgurudwaras.com on auspicious day of Khalsa Sajna Divas , Vaisakhi April 14th 2012. Worldgurudwaras.com will strive to be most comprehensive directory of Historical Gurudwaras and Non Historical Gurudwaras around the world.
The etymology of the term 'gurdwara' is from the words 'Gur (ਗੁਰ)' (a reference to the Sikh Gurus) and 'Dwara (ਦੁਆਰਾ)' (gateway in Gurmukhi), together meaning 'the gateway through which the Guru could be reached'. Thereafter, all Sikh places of worship came to be known as gurdwaras.
It is a work in progress and We strongly urge the Sikh Cyber Community to contribute to this project by submitting contact information, details, images of Gurudwaras around the world to make this a comprehensive directory.
Sikhism FAQs
Sikhism FAQs:Are the five symbols really necessary?
Q64. Are the five symbols really necessary? |
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It has been found that the maintenance of a similarity of appearance is essential, not only for the sake of uniformity but also for sustaining the enthusiasm of an organization. Such uniformity should be a living demonstration of the inspiration of the personality that created them. They symbolise the ideal and make it more real and meaningful to the followers.
The Sikh symbols were not intended to create a spirit of exclusiveness or of "chosen people". They were meant to serve as aids to the corporate life of the community. It may be possible for a man to devote himself to God without adopting any forms or symbols, but if he wants to join an organization, he must keep up the disciplinary forms of the group. One may be a good soldier without military drill and uniform, but that does not minimize the need for such in a regular army, in the same way, the Sikhs of Guru Gobind Singh stick to his uniform and the symbols ordained by him and find them a great aid in Panthic organization.
It has been recorded in history that whenever Guru Gobind Singh was
pleased with anyone, he welcomed him to the fold of the Khalsa. Lachhman
Bairagi became Banda Singh. It is said that more than eighty thousand
Sikhs received "Baptism by the sword", within a few months of
the creation of the Khalsa.
The symbols have kept the Sikhs united. They have also helped to maintain
their ideals in great crises. Many Sikhs faced death but refused to shave
off their hair(Kesh) which is the most important of the five symbols.
The maintenance of unshorn hair is in keeping with the idea of living
according to the Will of God. The Kesh symbolise the spiritual link with
the Guru-power.
Along with the maintenance of five symbols, the leading of an exemplary
life - Rahat - is essential. Abstinence from tobocco, Halal(halal meat
is a ritual meat prepared by members of certain faiths; the animal's blood
is drained off to produce white meat) meat, wines, narcotics and adultery
is part of the discipline of a Khalsa. The code of conduct is a difficult
one. Guru Gobind Singh valued the form of the Khalsa, and state that so
long as Khalsa maintains the symbols, he will march to glory; when he
indifference to them, his lustre will tarnish and fade away.
