Sikh Temple - Bathing

The Lure of India – Sikh Temple

The Lure of India

 Sikh Temple

On this trip to India, we visited many temples and forts.
One clearly remains uppermost on my mind, that  is of course, the visit to a  Sikh Temple.

 

Throughout India’s history, religion has been an important part of the country’s culture.  The main religions are: Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism and Sikhism.

The most dominant religion is Hinduism.  This  accounts for about 80% of the population.

About 2% of India’s population are Sikhs.

Outside the Sikh Temple - People came to bathe and to wash their feet
Outside the Sikh Temple – People came to bathe and to wash their feet

 

Bathing at the Sikh Temple
Bathing at the Sikh Temple

What I particularly like about Sikhism is that everyone has equal rights.  This is irrespective of caste, creed, colour, race, sex or religion.

They have placed an emphasis on community services and helping the needy.  They work towards universal, selfless love.

Everyone in the community is looked after and receive food daily.

Nobody is asked any questions. Nobody is  judged.

 

 

The creators of Sikhism tried (unsuccessfully) to abolish some of the old Indian customs such as the caste system.

 

Sikhs at rest in the Temple
Sikhs at rest in the Temple

Every Sikh is expected to voluntarily contribute to their community by preparing free meals in the  kitchen.  The common kitchen is called Langar.  In every place of worship, (Gurdwara)  there is a Langar.

 

Sikh temple - waiting patiently
Sikh temple – waiting patiently

 

The meals are served to all and are eaten sitting on the floor.

This is to emphasise the point that all are equal.

Sikh Temple - Food Preparation where sacks of grain are emptied
Sikh Temple – Food Preparation where sacks of grain are emptied

 

Sikh Temple - Food Preparation
Sikh Temple – Food Preparation

 

Sikh Temple - Food Preparation
Sikh Temple – Food Preparation

 

Sikh Temple -stirring the pots filled with dahl, biryani and all sorts!
Sikh Temple -stirring the pots filled with dahl, biryani and all sorts!

 

Sikh Temple - Pitta breads
Sikh Temple – Pitta breads

 

Sikh temple - busy at work
Sikh temple – busy at work where everyone is welcome to help out!

 

Sikh temple - and the work goes on
Sikh temple – and the work goes on

 

Sikh temple - Supervising or maybe just taking a break!
Sikh temple – Supervising or maybe just taking a break!

 

Sikh temple - peeling the veg
Sikh temple – peeling the veg

 

Sikh Temple - Food is nearly ready
Sikh Temple – Food is nearly ready

 

Sikhism does not believe in fasting.  They see the body as God’s gift to the human race.

Therefore, people must foster, maintain and preserve the body in good, sound condition.

 

Sikh Temple - Food at last
Sikh Temple – Food at last

 

I must admit it was a very humbling experience to be a part of this event.  It was also a privilege to be invited to participate in the preparation of the food.

What a wonderful way to treat your people in you community.

I am so glad to have these memories of my trip to India

 

Sikh Turban Creation
We had the joy of watching a Sikh Turban demonstration

The Sikhs are recognised by five signs.  These signs are, uncut hair; comb; sword or dagger; bracelet on the right wrist and shorts.

The religious Sikhs dress,  carry a sword.  Most of the Sikhs, even today, have uncut hair and gather it in a turban.

I hope you enjoyed this visit to the Sikh Temple. 
Please like and Share this post if you did.

 

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