Sikhism

Sikhism is a monotheistic religion founded by Guru Nanak in the 15th century in the Punjab region of India. The teachings of Sikhism are encapsulated in its holy scripture, Guru Granth Sahib, which is considered the eternal guru following the ten human gurus. Sikhism emphasizes devotion to one God, equality, social justice, and community service.

### Core Beliefs and Practices

- **Guru Granth Sahib**: The central scripture of Sikhism, revered as the eternal guru. It contains hymns and writings by Sikh Gurus and other saints.

- **Five Ks**: The five articles of faith that Khalsa Sikhs are required to wear:

  - **Kesh**: Uncut hair, symbolizing spirituality and acceptance of God's will.

  - **Kanga**: A wooden comb, representing cleanliness.

  - **Kara**: An iron or steel bracelet, symbolizing restraint and connection to God.

  - **Kachera**: Cotton undergarments, symbolizing moral and physical purity.

  - **Kirpan**: A ceremonial sword, representing the duty to protect the weak and uphold justice.

- **Khalsa**: The collective body of initiated Sikhs, established by Guru Gobind Singh in 1699.

- **Gurdwara**: The place of worship for Sikhs, where the Guru Granth Sahib is read and sung. The Golden Temple in Amritsar is the holiest Gurdwara.

- **Langar**: A community kitchen in Gurdwaras offering free meals to all visitors, promoting equality and service.

- **Naam Japna**: The practice of meditative repetition of God's name.

- **Seva**: Selfless service to the community, a key aspect of Sikh practice.

- **Golden Temple**: The most important Gurdwara, also known as Harmandir Sahib, located in Amritsar.

### Fill-in-the-Blanks

1. The central text of Sikhism is the Guru ___1___ Sahib.

2. Sikhs must wear the five ___2___ as part of their faith.

3. The community of initiated Sikhs is called the ___3___.

4. The holiest site in Sikhism is the ___4___ Temple.

5. The founder of Sikhism is Guru ___5___.

6. The place of worship for Sikhs is known as a ___6___.

7. The community kitchen in a Gurdwara is called a ___7___.

8. The practice of meditating on God's name is known as ___8___ Japna.

Answers:

1. Granth

2. Ks

3. Khalsa

4. Golden

5. Nanak

6. Gurdwara

7. Langar

8. Naam

### Clues, References, or Plot Lines Used More Than Once

1. **Guru Nanak** - 19 mentions

   - Example: "Founded by Guru Nanak"

   - Example: "The founder of this religion"

2. **Adi Granth** - 18 mentions

   - Example: "The Adi Granth"

   - Example: "This religion’s central text"

3. **Five Ks (including kirpan, kesh, kara, kanga, kaccha)** - 16 mentions

   - Example: "The five K’s"

   - Example: "Observing kesh and carrying a kirpan"

5. **Khalsa** - 15 mentions

   - Example: "The Khalsa order"

   - Example: "Initiated into the Khalsa"

6. **Guru Gobind Singh** - 13 mentions

   - Example: "Named the Adi Granth as his successor"

   - Example: "The last human leader"

7. **Langar** - 12 mentions

   - Example: "Communal kitchens called langars"

   - Example: "Places of worship often contain langars"

8. **Gurdwara** - 11 mentions

   - Example: "Places of worship called gurdwaras"

   - Example: "This religion’s places of worship"

9. **Mool Mantar** - 7 mentions

   - Example: "Opens with the Mool Mantar"

   - Example: "Mool Mantar hymn"

10. **Naam Japna** - 5 mentions

    - Example: "Repetitive chanting of the divine’s name"

    - Example: "The practice of Naam Japo"

11. **Guru Arjan** - 5 mentions

    - Example: "Compiled the Adi Granth"

    - Example: "The martyrdom of Guru Arjan"

12. **Operation Blue Star** - 3 mentions

    - Example: "The shrine attacked in Operation Blue Star"

    - Example: "Operation Blue Star at the Golden Temple"

These recurring clues help to identify common themes and central figures in the context of questions about Sikhism.