Sikhism Research Paper

Sikhism may not be a religion that is well known around the world however, it is considered to be one of the smallest and ever-growing religions. As it stems and braches off from Hinduism and flourishes as a religion on its own, Hinduism is said to be in some aspects of religious practices, quite similar. Sikhism is portrayed to the world as a religion that consists of a founder (Guru Nanak) and a holy scripture (Guru Granth Sahib) with specific places of worship and prayer (Gurdwara). ItHoly places of worship, specifically in India where the root of Sikhism flourishes, are important to the religion and those that adhere to it should aim to visit at least one of these holy places in their lifetime. Pilgrimage is defined as a journey or search …show more content…
(McGill, 1984) The attack on this place of worship in April 1919, where British troops killed and wounded thousands of innocent people is remembered dear to Sikhs and since then the Golden Temple stands as a monument to that day. (McGill, 1984) The Golden temple, place of worship, can be described with beauty and elegance; it sits on top of a wide rectangular pool, which is connected by a white marble pedestrian bridge. The main area for worship is isolated on the water with an incredibly intricate display of a gold-plated dome, which resembles a lotus flower. (Schwartz, 2007) The Golden temple, seen from a distance, creates a vision as though it is floating, perhaps closely connected to Sikh belief that this is how people should live their lives: rooted in the earthly world but with an eye toward the divine. (Schwartz, 2007)The temple itself can be also depicted to onlookers as being visually aesthetic; the sheer significance of Sikhism is portrayed throughout the temple. Constructed to specifically induce feelings surrounding peace within and openness resembling key beliefs within Sikh …show more content…
Pilgrimage is defined as a journey or search of moral or spiritual significance. Despite not being required as a Sikh, and at most times looking at the Guru Granth Sahib specifically, or even encouraged to undertake a sacred pilgrimage for a religious belief, it is very true to say that most Sikhs still visit sites with great religious importance to pray. (Jutla, 2002)Pray for health, happiness and prosperity for their own family and loved ones and to thank god for showering them and their families with blessings and good will. Pilgrimages to sacred shrines and/or places of worship, which are interconnected to their Guru’s, and history, which in return provide much spiritual, emotional satisfaction and reaffirming faith in Sikhism. (Jutla, 2002) Like many others, for significant purpose and meaning, all Gurdwaras and places of worship were built for a reason and all of them, small or large, are visited by thousands of devotees every year through times of holy pilgrimage. The most important Sikh place of worship therefore also place of pilgrimage is the temples (Gurdwara’s) that are associated with Sikhism and its history. It is no surprise that on a religious pilgrimage, these gurdwaras (temples) would all, if not most of them, be visited as they each hold great

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Research Paper On Sikhism