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:What do you know of Banda Singh?
Q87. What do you know of Banda Singh? |
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Banda Singh (1670-1716) was born at Rajouri in Jammu State. He was known as Lachman Dev in his childhood. Soon after a hunt, he turned ascetic: A Bairagi, and took the name of Madho Das. He settled down at Nanded. He became a devotee of the Guru in September 1708 and sought his blessings. Guru Gobind Singh gave him a sword, five arrows, a flag and a battle drum and asked him to follow the five commandments mentioned below:
Remain a celibate: do not marry at all.
Speak the truth and act on it.
Serve and obey the Khalsa Panth.
Do not establish a new sect or have yourself set up as a king.
Be humble and not haughty.
Taking twenty five Sikhs with him, Banda Singh proceeded to the Punjab to punish the enemies of the Khalsa Panth. He attacked Samana in November 1709. Thereafter, Wazir Khan the Nawab of Sarhind was killed in the battle of Chaper Chiri on 12th May, 1710.
Banda Singh was crowned at Lahgarh and struck coins in the name of the Guru. He allowed his Muslim subjects to follow their religious customs and practices. Soon afterwards, he extended his sway over Pathankot.
The Mughal emperor was perturbed by the conquests of Banda Singh and
sent a big army to crush him, Banda Singh was besieged at Gurdas Nangal.
After an eight-month siege, he and his followers were captured on 7th
Dec. 1715.
Banda Singh was tortured to death on 7th June 1716. It is said that Banda
Singh confessed that he deserved his fate for transgressing the commands
of Guru Gobind Singh.
Banda Singh's challenge to the Mughal power showed that the Khalsa had
broken the reputation of Mughal invincibility. Given another chance, they
could perhaps lay the foundations of a Sikh empire. The opportunity came
in 1799, when Ranjit Singh established Sikh rule in the Punjab.
