Sikh and Ye Shall Find

Sikh Guard at the Golden Temple in Amritsar

How many times, especially in America, have we made assumptions about men with turbans in our communities? Unfortunately, in a back lash of anti-Muslim sentiment following 9-11, we lump anyone looking eastern in dress, or god forbid, with a turban, all into the same category. In ignorance, I have done it. We all have done it as we muddle through the process of learning more about the different sects and their beliefs and integrate people with new thoughts and beliefs into our communities.

So in this journey to northern India, we are located in the state or province of Punjab, of which Chandigarh is its capital. And as it happens, Punjab is where many of the Sikhs live. And the Golden Temple, that we visited this past weekend, in Amritsar, is a pilgrimage and holy site for the Sikhs. So who are the Sikhs exactly and where do they fit into this panoply of eastern religion.

Sikhs studying their holy scriptures

From what I have learned, and  I am no theology expert, they are a pretty cool group, and from those I have spoken with and observed here in Punjab, my respect and admiration is growing.

First of all, Sikhs are not part of the Muslim, Hindu or Buddhist religions. They are a monotheistic religion that believes in one God, just like the Jews and Christians. Their three key beliefs are to believe in one God; live your life with integrity and honesty; and to share your good fortune with those less fortunate than you.

The religion started here in Punjab, but in what is now Pakistan territory (remember it was partitioned in 1947). The doctrine was formed through 10 gurus over the ages, and their teachings comprise their scriptures. The men wear turbans, and the women may or may not wear a face covering. And women are treated as 100 percent equals in the religion, something very rare and refreshing actually.

So that is my primer on the Sikh's - short and sweet.

So with that said, we went to the Golden Temple, which is one of the Sikh's holiest sites. I won't bore you with details about the site, since the pictures say so much more.....

Bird's eye view of mosaic marble floors in courtyards.

Worshippers bathe in the holy water at the site...quite a site to behold!
There is a private bathing house for the women.

A bird's eye view of the Golden Temple which is surrounded by a pool of holy water and then four-sided white marble buildings with coves for various gurus and teachers. Worshippers wait in line for hours to worship inside the temple.

There is a Sikh museum in the complex as well with portraits of all the gurus and martyr pics. These are pictures of dead martyrs which were really gruesome...

That's all for today....more tomorrow...

j