What does the Guru Granth Sahib say about cutting hair?

The Sikh Rehat Maryada (Article XVI) lists dishonoring the hair (Kesh) as one of the four cardinal transgressions (Kurehats). Uncut hair is considered a gift from Waheguru and a mark of complete surrender to the Guru's will.

How do Sikhs view assisted dying?

Sikh teaching holds that life is a gift from Waheguru and its duration is in God's hands. The Guru Granth Sahib teaches acceptance of Hukam (God's will) and cautions against interfering with the natural course of life.

What is the Sikh view on same-sex relationships?

The Guru Granth Sahib does not explicitly address same-sex relationships. Sikh ethics emphasise love, equality, and living according to Hukam. This is a topic on which Sikh scholars hold differing views.

What is the Daily Hukamnama?

The Daily Hukamnama is the divine order or command issued each day from Sri Harmandir Sahib (the Golden Temple) in Amritsar. It is a shabad (hymn) from the Guru Granth Sahib read at the start of each day as guidance for the Sikh community.

Sikh History

The lives of the Gurus, the courage of remarkable men and women, the sacred places that carry their memory, and the twelve Misls that governed the Punjab — explored in depth.

Guru 11469–1539 CE

Guru Nanak Dev Ji

The Founder of Sikhism and Harbinger of Divine Wisdom

Guru Nanak Dev Ji, born in 1469, is the revered founder of the Sikh faith. His life was a profound journey of spiritual awakening, challenging societal norms, and spreading a universal message of monotheism, equality, and selfless service. Through extensive travels and divine hymns, he laid the foundational principles for a new spiritual path.

Figure1473–1522 CE

Mata Sulakhni Ji

The Devoted Companion and Mother of the Guru's Household

Mata Sulakhni Ji, the beloved wife of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, stands as a beacon of steadfast faith and devotion. Her life exemplifies the strength and grace of women in the Sikh tradition, as she nurtured their family during Guru Nanak Dev Ji's extensive travels and remained a pillar of support.

Guru 31479–1574 CE

Guru Amar Das Ji

The Reformer and Architect of Langar

Guru Amar Das Ji, the third Sikh Guru, was a beacon of humility and selfless service. He championed equality, solidified the institution of Langar, and significantly organized the nascent Sikh community, leaving an indelible mark on the faith.

Guru 21504–1552 CE

Guru Angad Dev Ji

The Embodiment of Humility and the Architect of Gurmukhi

Guru Angad Dev Ji, the second Guru of the Sikhs, exemplified selfless service and profound humility. They standardized the Gurmukhi script, ensuring the preservation and accessibility of the Guru's divine message, and tirelessly nurtured the nascent Sikh community through their teachings and personal example.

Guru 41534–1581 CE

Guru Ram Das Ji

The Founder of Amritsar, The Beacon of Humility

Guru Ram Das Ji, the Fourth Sikh Guru, was a paragon of humility, service, and devotion. He founded the holy city of Amritsar and solidified the institution of the Guru, guiding the nascent Sikh community with profound spiritual wisdom and practical leadership.

Guru 51563–1606 CE

Guru Arjan Dev Ji

The First Sikh Martyr and Compiler of the Adi Granth

Guru Arjan Dev Ji, the Fifth Sikh Guru, was a beacon of spiritual wisdom and selfless sacrifice. He compiled the sacred Adi Granth, built the Harmandir Sahib, and laid down his life for the Sikh faith, becoming its first martyr.

Place1577 CE

Harmandir Sahib

The Sacred Abode of God, Open to All

Harmandir Sahib, often lovingly called the Golden Temple, stands as the spiritual heart of Sikhism. Its history is a testament to unwavering faith, resilience, and the Guru's vision of universal love and equality, welcoming all seekers to its sacred embrace.

Guru 61595–1644 CE

Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji

Miri and Piri – The Embodiment of Temporal and Spiritual Power

Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji, the sixth Nanak, transformed the Sikh Panth by introducing the concept of Miri and Piri, symbolizing the integration of spiritual and temporal authority. Born into a time of increasing Mughal oppression, Guru Ji prepared the Sikhs to defend their faith and their values, laying the foundation for a sovereign identity.

Place1606 CE

Sri Akal Takht Sahib

The Throne of the Timeless One: Seat of Sikh Temporal Authority

Sri Akal Takht Sahib, built by Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji, stands as the supreme seat of temporal authority for Sikhs worldwide. It embodies the principle of Miri-Piri, balancing spiritual and worldly concerns, and continues to guide the Sikh Panth through Hukamnamas.

Guru 91621–1675 CE

Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji

Hind Di Chadar — The Shield of India

Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji, the ninth Sikh Guru, embodied unparalleled courage and spiritual wisdom. He is revered as 'Hind Di Chadar' for his supreme sacrifice to protect religious freedom, leaving an indelible mark on Sikhism and human rights.

Figure1624–1705 CE

Mata Gujri Ji

Mother of the Khalsa, Beacon of Courage

Mata Gujri Ji, wife of Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji and mother of Guru Gobind Singh Ji, embodied unwavering faith and courage. Her life, marked by profound personal sacrifice and steadfast devotion, culminated in her martyrdom alongside her young grandsons, inspiring generations with her resilience.

Guru 71630–1661 CE

Guru Har Rai Ji

The Gentle Guru, The Compassionate Healer

Guru Har Rai Ji, the seventh Sikh Guru, embodied compassion and healing. He continued the spiritual mission of Guru Nanak, maintaining a strong Sikh army while focusing on humanitarian service and spreading the Guru's message with profound gentleness.

Guru 81656–1664 CE

Guru Har Krishan Sahib Ji

The Child Guru, Beacon of Compassion

Guru Har Krishan Sahib Ji, the eighth Sikh Guru, ascended to the Guruship at the tender age of five. Despite their brief life, they exemplified profound wisdom, unwavering compassion, and selfless service, particularly during a devastating smallpox epidemic in Delhi.

Place1665 CE

Anandpur Sahib

The Holy City of Bliss, Birthplace of the Khalsa

Anandpur Sahib holds a profound place in the heart of every Sikh, a sacred city established by Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji and later sanctified by Guru Gobind Singh Ji. It was here, amidst the Shivalik Hills, that the Khalsa Panth was born, forever changing the course of history and solidifying the Sikh identity.

Guru 101666–1708 CE

Guru Gobind Singh Ji

The Tenth Master and Founder of the Khalsa

Guru Gobind Singh Ji, the tenth Sikh Guru, was a divine warrior and spiritual master who transformed the Sikh community into the Khalsa, a saint-soldier order. His life was a testament to courage, sacrifice, and unwavering faith, dedicated to upholding righteousness and protecting the oppressed.

Figure1666–1737 CE

Mai Bhago Ji

The Warrior Saint Who Rallied the Forty Liberated Ones

Mai Bhago Ji stands as an indomitable figure in Sikh history, a devout woman who, through her courage and conviction, rallied forty deserters back to Guru Gobind Singh Ji. Her leadership at the Battle of Muktsar and her subsequent service as the Guru's bodyguard exemplify unparalleled devotion and bravery.

Figure1667–1747 CE

Mata Sundri Ji

Mother of the Khalsa, Guiding Light of the Panth

Mata Sundri Ji, the revered wife of Guru Gobind Singh Ji and mother of Sahibzada Ajit Singh Ji, endured immense personal loss with unwavering faith. After the Guru's passing, she courageously guided the nascent Khalsa Panth through tumultuous times, preserving the Guru's teachings and legacy.

Place1704 CE

Gurdwara Fatehgarh Sahib

The Fortress of Victory, Sanctified by Supreme Sacrifice

Gurdwara Fatehgarh Sahib stands as a poignant memorial to the unparalleled sacrifice of Sahibzada Zorawar Singh Ji and Sahibzada Fateh Singh Ji, the younger sons of Guru Gobind Singh Ji. This sacred site in Punjab commemorates their martyrdom, bricked alive at the tender ages of nine and seven, a testament to unwavering faith and courage.

Place1708 CE

Takht Sri Hazur Sahib

The Sacred Abode of the Eternal Guru

Takht Sri Hazur Sahib in Nanded marks the sacred site where Guru Gobind Singh Ji spent his final days, passed into Joti Jot, and bestowed the eternal Guruship upon Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji. It is a pivotal place where the Guru transformed Madho Das into Banda Singh Bahadur and solidified the future of the Sikh faith.

Misl1723–1799 CE

Faizullapuria Misl

Founded by Nawab Kapur Singh, the first great organiser of the Khalsa

The Faizullapuria Misl, also known as the Singhpuria Misl, was founded by the revered Nawab Kapur Singh. He played a pivotal role in organizing the Khalsa into the Budha Dal and Taruna Dal, laying the groundwork for Sikh sovereignty. This article explores his leadership and the Misl's influence in the Jalandhar Doab.

Misl1723–1799 CE

Phulkian Misl

Ancestors of the royal houses of Patiala, Nabha, and Jind

The Phulkian Misl, unique among the Sikh confederacies, laid the foundation for the royal houses of Patiala, Nabha, and Jind. This article explores its origins with Phul, its rise under Ala Singh, and its distinct path in the Malwa region, navigating complex relationships with regional powers.

Misl1748–1757 CE

Shaheed Misl

The Misl of the Martyrs, led by Baba Deep Singh Ji

The Shaheed Misl, also known as the Nihang Misl, stands apart from other Sikh confederacies for its unique dedication to the memory of martyrs rather than territorial ambition. This article explores its origins and the legendary leadership of Baba Deep Singh Ji, a scholar-warrior whose ultimate sacrifice at Amritsar in 1757 continues to inspire Sikhs worldwide.

Misl1748–1799 CE

The Sikh Misls: A People Who Governed Themselves

An introduction to the twelve Sikh confederacies of the Punjab, 1748-1799

Discover the remarkable era of the Sikh Misls, a period when the Sikh community in Punjab governed itself through twelve independent confederacies. This article explores how these Misls emerged, operated under the collective leadership of the Dal Khalsa and Sarbat Khalsa, and laid the groundwork for a unified Sikh state.

Misl1748–1799 CE

Bhangi Misl

One of the most powerful Misls, known for their artillery and the Zamzama cannon

The Bhangi Misl was a formidable Sikh confederacy that rose to prominence in the mid-18th century, becoming one of the most powerful Misls and controlling significant territories, including Lahore. They were renowned for their artillery, particularly the Zamzama cannon, and played a crucial role in shaping the political landscape of Punjab before their eventual decline and absorption into Maharaja Ranjit Singh's empire.

Misl1748–1799 CE

Ahluwalia Misl

Led by Jassa Singh Ahluwalia, the unifying force of the Dal Khalsa

The Ahluwalia Misl, under the remarkable leadership of Jassa Singh Ahluwalia, played a pivotal role in unifying the Sikh confederacy during a tumultuous period. This article explores his life, his leadership during critical events like the Vadda Ghallughara, and his lasting legacy as 'Sultan-ul-Qaum'.

Misl1748–1799 CE

Nakai Misl

Guardians of the Sandal Bar under Hira Singh Nakai

The Nakai Misl, founded by Hira Singh Nakai, was a significant power among the Sikh confederacies, primarily controlling the fertile Sandal Bar region. This article explores its origins, its role within the Misl period, and its eventual integration into Maharaja Ranjit Singh's empire.

Misl1748–1799 CE

Nishanwalia Misl

Keepers of the Nishan Sahib, the Sikh standard

The Nishanwalia Misl, though smaller in size, held a profound symbolic role within the Dal Khalsa, entrusted with carrying the sacred Nishan Sahib into battle. This article explores its founding, territorial control, and eventual integration into Maharaja Ranjit Singh's empire.

Misl1748–1799 CE

Ramgarhia Misl

Master builders and warriors under Jassa Singh Ramgarhia

The Ramgarhia Misl, led by the formidable Jassa Singh Ramgarhia, was a significant power during the Misl period, known for its military prowess and architectural achievements. This article explores Jassa Singh's journey, including his conflicts, exile, and eventual return, highlighting the Misl's lasting legacy.

Misl1763–1799 CE

Krorasinghia Misl

Defenders of the Hoshiarpur region under Karora Singh

The Krorasinghia Misl, led by Sardar Karora Singh, was a smaller but fiercely independent Sikh confederacy that established its presence in the Hoshiarpur and Una regions during the Misl period. They were known for their strategic defense of the Shivalik foothills and their unwavering commitment to the Khalsa. This Misl's story is one of resilience and local leadership in the face of larger powers.

Misl1763–1799 CE

Sukerchakia Misl

The Misl that gave rise to Maharaja Ranjit Singh and the Sikh Empire

Explore the history of the Sukerchakia Misl, the powerful confederacy that paved the way for the Sikh Empire. This article traces its origins under Charat Singh, its growth under Mahan Singh, and the remarkable rise of Maharaja Ranjit Singh, who unified the Misls and established a sovereign Sikh state.

Misl1763–1799 CE

Kanhaiya Misl

Known for their alliances and the remarkable Sada Kaur

The Kanhaiya Misl, founded by Jai Singh Kanhaiya, was a powerful Sikh confederacy known for its strategic alliances and its territorial control in the Gurdaspur and Batala regions. This Misl gained particular historical prominence through the formidable leadership of Sada Kaur, who played a pivotal role in the early rise of Maharaja Ranjit Singh.

Misl1763–1799 CE

Dallewalia Misl

Guardians of the Doaba region under Gulab Singh Dallewalia

The Dallewalia Misl, though smaller in size, played a crucial role in safeguarding the Doaba region of Punjab. Led by Sardar Gulab Singh, they were known for their bravery and strategic positioning, contributing significantly to the Sikh confederacy's defense against external threats. Their legacy is intertwined with the broader narrative of Sikh sovereignty before the rise of Maharaja Ranjit Singh.

Figure1791–1837 CE

Hari Singh Nalwa

The Lion of the Punjab, Commander-in-Chief of the Sikh Khalsa Army

Hari Singh Nalwa was a legendary general of the Sikh Khalsa Army, renowned for his military prowess and administrative skill. He expanded the Sikh Empire to its northwestern frontiers, leaving an indelible mark on Sikh history.