On Vaisakhi day in 1699, Guru Gobind Singh summoned Sikhs from all over India to the city of Anandpur Sahib. At this gathering, the Guru called upon Sikhs to uphold their faith and preserve the Sikh religion. Guru Gobind Singh then lifted his sword and asked that anyone prepared to give his life for his […]
In Dharmic Spirituality, Liberation and Redemption are Important
In spirituality, liberation and redemption from this world is a very important topic. Among all the religions of this world, the principal aim is God-realization, gaining salvation, and eventually entering the kingdom of Lord. The Saints tell that this objective has to be achieved in this life, here and now. The real devotee experiences the […]
Picture of the Week: Gurdwara Nankana Sahib
Gurdwara Nankana Sahib is named after the 1st Guru of the Sikhs, Guru Nanak Dev and went by the name of Rai Bhoi di Talwandi at the time of Guru Nanak’s birth.
Picture of the Week: Guru Arjan Dev Sahib
Guru Arjan Dev Sahib was arrested and brought to Lahore where he was subjected to severe torture by Muslim Moghuls . Guru Arjan Dev Sahib was made to sit on a burning plate after which high temperature sand was poured over his head and body. Guru Sahib embraced martyrdom on Jeth Sudi 4th (1st Harh) […]
Picture of the Week: Kirpan
The kirpan is a ceremonial dagger carried by followers of Sikhism. It is a religious commandment given by Guru Gobind Singhji The word Kirpan originated from the words Kirpa which means “Mercy, grace, compassion, kindness” and the Aan which means “Honor, grace, dignity”. Therefore, Kirpan (Kirpa + Aan) stands for “the dignity and honor of […]
Picture of the Week: Guru Ram Das Ji
Ram Das was born in Lahore, Punjab on 9 October in the 1500s to a Sodhi family of the Khatri clan. His father was Hari Das and his mother Anup Devi. History states that in 1567, Guru Ram Das committed Baisakhi as one of the specialist days, when all Sikhs would assemble to seek the […]
Jhatka, the Forgotten Meat. What is it?
(CHAKRA) Jhatka meat is unheard of by majority of the Hindu/Sikh population in the western world. When an individual is heard asking, “Is your meat jhatka?” at a restaurant, house gathering or any other public setting, he/she is met with a blank stare followed by a question, “What is that?” Jhatka meat is in essence […]
Picture of the Week: The Harmandir Sahib
(CHAKRA) The Harmandir Sahib, also known as the Golden Temple is a prominent Sikh gurdwara located in the city of Amritsar in Northern India. Harmandir Sahib is considered the holiest temple by Sikhs.
Negationism in Indian History: Its Lessons for the Arab Spring Dystopia
Until his death in 2003, Bhishma Sahni was one of India’s most renowned Hindi language authors and playwrites. His 1974 controversial and popular novel ‘Tamas’ (Darkness) won the Sahitya Akademi Award in 1975 and in 1987 was made into a television series for the national channel Doordarshan. Sahni wrote about the exodus of Hindus and […]
Picture of the Week: Sri Guru Gobind Singh
(CHAKRA) Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji was born in Patna, Bihar in India, he was also a warrior, poet and philosopher. He succeeded Guru Tegh Bahadur (his father) as the leader of Sikhs at 9 years old. He transformed Sikhs into Khalsa (pure) in 1699.