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SGNC Glossary of Common Sikh Terms
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| Sikh | Literal:
student, desciple. Any human being who believes in One Eternal God,
the ten Sikh Gurus (from Guru Nanak Ji to Guru Gobind Singh Ji),
their teachings, and Guru Granth Saheb as his or her eternal Guru,
and the Amrit as prescribed by the 10th Guru, Gobind Singh Ji, and
does not owe allegiance to any other deity or religion, is a Sikh. |
| Guru | Literal:
teacher, guide. Guru is an spiritual guide and a savior in Sikhism.
God is 1st Guru. God's word, Gurbani, is Guru. Ten Gurus who revealed
Gurbani and preached it through word and deed are Guru. Today, Gurbani
is Guru and is embodied in Guru Ganth and Guru Panth. |
| Waheguru | Sikh
word for "God." "Wah" is an expression of amazement
and praise. God is Waheguru. |
| Satguru | Literal:
True Guru. Another interpretation is the Guru of Truth. |
| Gurudwara | Literal:
Doorstep of the Guru. It is a Sikh place of worship and learning.
It may also serve as shelter for those in need. |
| Sangat | Congregation |
| Gurbani | Bani
= word. Word of Guru and God. |
| Shabad | Word |
| Kirtan | The
singing of Gurbani in traditional Raga style. |
| Raga | Traditional
musical style from India. |
| Fateh | A
Sikh salutation is called, "Fateh." It is: Waheguru Ji
Ka Khalsa. Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh. Each time a Sikh greets another,
they share a Fateh. It means that I, the Khalsa, belong to Waheguru,
and all victories in life belong to God as well. |
| Khalsa | Literal:
direct property of the king. It is an Arabi language word. Khalsa
denotes land, people and property that is under direct rule of central
king. A Sikh Khalsa is the direct property of God. |
| Ardas | Prayer |
| Hukam | Order
or edict or Will of Guru and God |
| Parshad | A
sweet dish made of wheat flour, sugar, butter and water, it is served
after each Sikh ceremony as a blessing of Guru. |
| Langar | Literal:
food. Each Gurdwara has a kitchen where volunteers cook and serve
food for all visitors free of charge. Food is vegetarian and is
served to all without regard to visitors' background. Langar was
started by Guru Nanak Ji to combat the segregationist caste system
that had morally bankrupted Indian society. It still thrives in
all Sikh Gurudwaras. |
| Panth | The
Khalsa Nation |
| Jaikara | The
Sikh slogan: Sat Shri Akaal. At appropriate moments, a Sikh in a
congregation will give a loud call: Bole So Nihal (whoever answers
will be blessed). And congregation resonds with enthusiasm: Sat
Shri Akaal (Etneral Lord is True). |
| Ragi | A
singer of classical Indian music. While there is no official clergy
in Sikhism, professional singers of Gurbani do visit Sikh Sangats
across the world to sing and preach Gurbani to the masses. |
| Granthi | A
learned reader of Gurbani from Guru Granth Saheb. Granthis are often
employed by Sikh organizations to attend to the services and care
of Gurudwaras. Granthis also take the lead in teaching Gurbani to
Sikh masses. |
| Guru Granth | Definition |
| Kakar | Definition |
| Pagri | Definition |
| Dastar | Definition |
| Kesh | Definition |
| Kangha | Definition |
| Kara | Definition |
| Kirpan | Definition |
| Kachhera | Definition |
| Chunni | Definition |
| Reht | Definition |
| Kureht | Definition |