word

mahalla

Discover the significance of 'Mahala' in Guru Granth Sahib, denoting the spiritual lineage and authorship of Sikh Gurus starting with Guru Nanak.

vetala

Explore the spiritual essence of Beethala, a symbol of ultimate devotion in Pandharpur. Learn how Pundalik's transformation became a divine legacy.

naam japna

Explore the profound significance of Nam in Sikhism, a key concept embodying divine revelation, purification, and liberation from life's cycle.

surabhi

Uncover the meaning of 'Suraha' in Kabir's hymn, with ties to Surabhi, the wish-fulfilling cow, and its symbolic role in Sikh beliefs. Learn more now.

DERA, a word of Persian extraction, has several connotations. The original Persian word derah or dirah means a tent, camp, abode, house or habitation. In current usage in rural Punjab, a farmhouse or a group of farmhouses built away from the village proper is called dera. Even after such an habitation develops into a separate village or a town, it may continue to be called dera, e.g. Dera Bassi in Patiala district of the Punjab, or Dera Ghazi Khan and Dera Isma`il Khan in Pakistan. Where colloquially used in place of Hindi dehara, the word will carry the connotation of a temple or memorial over a cremation site.

Explore how Khahira Jatt Bhai Phirna and Bhai Jodh embraced faith through Guru Nanak's teachings of humility and devotion, achieving spiritual fulfillment.

Discover Bhai Takhtu's journey from soldier to spiritual seeker during Guru Arjan & Hargobind's era. Learn the power of the Sacred Word and true preaching.

DHESI, BHAI, and Bhai Jodh, both Brahmans converted to Sikhism, once came to Guru Arjan and complained, "0 True King ! other Brahmans treat us as out castes, for they tell us that by taking a Khatri as a guru, by discarding Sanskrit, the language of the gods, and singing hymns of gurbani composed in the common dialect, and by the nonobservance of fasts and other rituals and prayers, we are no longer fit to sit and dine with them. They are especially sore because in preference to the traditional places of pilgrimage like the Gariga and Kashi, we come to Amritsar. Pray, tell us how should we answer them." "Caste," said Guru Arjan, "has no meaning.

poth

Explore the meaning of 'Pothi,' a sacred book among Sikhs containing scriptural texts, bridging cultural connections with Punjabi, Maithili, and Marathi.

Learn about TANKHAHNAMA, the Sikh penal code defining misconduct penalties. Explore the ideals of Khalsa life and principles guiding personal conduct.

DHINGAR, BHAI, a carpenter, was a devoted Sikh of the time of Guru Hargobind (1595-1644). According to Bhai Mani Singh, Sikhan di Bhagat Mala, Bhai Dhirigar, along with Bhai Maddu, a fellow worker in the craft, came to serve at the Guru`s feet. During the day they hewed wood for Guru ka Langar, community kitchen, and made cots and other articles for use by the disciples; in the divan they attentively listened to recitations and discourses; and early in the morning they drew water for Sikhs` ablutions.

partha

Uncover Arjuna's heroic journey in the Mahabharata, guided by Krishna in the Bhagavad Gita. Discover his pivotal role and legendary feats.

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4 years Ago

Explore the deeper meaning of Aarti in Hinduism and Sikhism, where true worship goes beyond rituals and embraces the beauty of nature and truth.

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4 years Ago

Explore the profound concept of Aatma and its connection to Paramaatma, God, and the transcendental self in Sikh and Hindu philosophies.

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Explore the distinctive and largely unknown Sikh architectural style, with its rich history in gurdwaras, forts, and palaces, by S.S. Bhatti.

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Discover the captivating history and architecture of Samman Burj, the octagonal Mughal marvel in Lahore Fort, known for its royal and administrative legacy.

The Sikh Encyclopedia

This website based on Encyclopedia of Sikhism by Punjabi University , Patiala by Professor Harbans Singh.