Sikhism was
founded in the 16th
century of the punjab
region of what is now
India and Pakistan. It
was founded by Guru
Nanak and is based
on his teachings and
the 9 Gurus who
followed him.
Guru Nanak was the founder of the Sikh
religion. As a child his parents were Hindus,
however he studied Hinduism and Islam
intensively. At the river Guru Nanak
disappeared for 3 days whilst merging with
God. God told Nanak to share the Naam
with others. After the three days he came
out of the river and spoke "There is no
Hindu, there is no Muslim, we are all the
same. Guru Nanak then set out to teach
what God had shared with him.
The Guru Granth Sahib is the Sikh Holy Book.
After the 10th Guru, the Guru Granth Sahib was
created so there would be no more Gurus. It tells all
of Guru Nanak's teachings and is well respected by
Sikhs.
The Gurdwara is the Sikh holy place. Sikhs go
there to worship or to celebrate special
occasions. Also, children go there to learn the
Sikh faith and it can also act as a community
centre. It offers food and companionship to
those who need it.