Pilgrimage
A A journey which has religious or spiritual significance, usually to an important religious place. is a journey that has religious or spiritual significance, usually to an important religious place. Pilgrimage is not compulsory for Sikhs, and many Sikhs choose not to visit religious sites. Some Sikhs believe that the money spent on pilgrimage could be used as part of The sharing of what somebody earns or the fruits of their labour, generosity; the giving of charity. It is one of the three main pillars of the teachings of Guru Nanak. or Selfless service to the community. to help others.
Someone may go to Ganges, Godavari, Kumbha festival, or bathe at Kaydaar Naat’h, or make donations of thousands of cows at Gomti; he may make millions of pilgrimages to sacred shrines, or freeze his body in the Himalayas; still, none of these is equal to the worship of God.
However, for many Sikhs, going on a pilgrimage is important. When they go on a pilgrimage, Sikhs often visit important sites in India and the Punjab, where Sikhism began.
The benefits of pilgrimage for Sikhs include:
- strengthening their faith
- providing time dedicated to spiritual reflection
- learning more about the history of Sikhism and the Gurus’ lives
- helping them better understand the principles of Sikhism
The spiritual wisdom given by the Guru is the True sacred shrine of pilgrimage.
Harmandir Sahib
Many Sikhs make a pilgrimage to the The Golden Temple, the temple of God. in Amritsar, in North India. Harmandir means ‘The Temple of God’ and Sahib is a sign of respect. The Harmandir Sahib is also known as the Golden Temple and is the most famous place of worship for Sikhs.
The Harmandir Sahib is surrounded by a pool of clear water that is sacred to Sikhs. The sacred water is believed to have healing powers. Present in the Harmandir Sahib is the original The first collection of Sikh writings, compiled by Guru Arjan. It can also refer to the Guru Granth Sahib., the first version of the Guru Granth Sahib, which was compiled by Guru Arjan was the fifth Sikh Guru. He was born in 1563 and was executed in 1606 on the orders of the Mughal Emperor Jahangir, and was the first Guru to be martyred. . A continuous reading of the Guru Granth Sahib is performed each day. Each day the The kitchen and place where food is eaten in a Sikh Gurdwara. Often volunteers provide and cook food that is served to all as an act of sewa (charity). serves around 50,000 people from all over the world. This reminds Sikhs of the The Sikh belief that all humans are equal because Waheguru created everyone equally..
Akal Takht
The Akal Takht is the primary seat of Sikh religious authority and the central altar for Sikh political assembly. means ‘Throne of the Timeless One’. It is the most important political building for Sikhs and is located in the Harmandir Sahib complex. In the Akal Takht, important religious and spiritual decisions are made.
The Akal Takht is important for Sikhs as it contains the room where the Guru Granth Sahib is placed at night. Every morning at 04:00 (in summer) or 05:00 (in winter), the Guru Granth Sahib is carried across to the Harmandir Sahib. This is known as the Prakash ceremony. The Guru Granth Sahib is returned to the Akal Takht at 22:00. This is known as the Sukhaasan ceremony.
Sikhs want to visit the Harmandir Sahib because it helps them to remember the oneness of God and the oneness of humanity. Sikhs consider it to be a pleasure and an honour to visit the Harmandir Sahib.