History: Sikhism and Guru Granth Sahib Essay

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Sikhism is a monotheistic religion which was founded in India in the 15th century by Guru Nanak. Sikhism separated from Hinduism due to its rejection of the caste system. The primary source of Scripture for Sikhs is the Guru Granth Sahib, which is regarded as the living Guru, after the death of the final Guru. A Sikh place of worship is known as the Gurdwara meaning “doorway to God”. As my part of my cultural experience I attended a Sikh temple for the first time. Walking in it was very similar to my religion in the sense that we had to take off our shoes and wash our hands and feet. However, it differed since walking in with socks was also not allowed. At the entrance everyone removed their shoes and socks and gave it to a person in charge of the shoe rack. A Sikh man or woman may arrange the shoes neatly in rows, clean the shoes and shoe racks. This may be done voluntarily and considered an honor since it is believed to be a blessing of humility, capable of cleansing the soul. Prior to entering the prayer room there are couple of sinks where everyone is to wash their hands and then cover their heads for respect. It is considered disrespectful to enter the prayer room without washing hands after touching your shoes. Also, it is advisable to wear modest attire. As you walk in men and women are separated on the left and right. You are to walk to the end of the room where the holy book is placed on a higher platform and pay your respects by bowing your forehead to the ground. Before sitting, it is customary to give an offering of money on the front of the platform as a form of donation for the temple. Divine hymns are performed by religious individuals, while everyone gathers to listen and sit in close proximity to each other with their legs respectfully crossed. As you walk out, a man commonly sits on
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