Akal Purakh
ਅਕਾਲ ਪੁਰਖ
Meaning: The Timeless and Immortal One; a Sikh term referring to the One Supreme Reality or God.
Discover Sikhi · Glossary & Vocabulary
SIKH TERMINOLOGY DICTIONARY
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Discover Sikh Wisdom
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Words · Concepts · Traditions · Meanings
Sikhism has a rich vocabulary of spiritual, historical and cultural terms. Understanding these words provides a deeper appreciation of Sikh beliefs, Gurbani, traditions and way of life.
This Sikh Terminology Dictionary explains commonly used Sikh words and concepts in simple language, making it useful for Sikhs, students, researchers and anyone beginning to discover Sikhi.
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A ਅ
Akal Takht Sahib
ਅਕਾਲ ਤਖ਼ਤ ਸਾਹਿਬ
Meaning: The "Throne of the Timeless One," established by Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji at Amritsar. It is the principal seat of Sikh temporal authority.
Amrit
ਅੰਮ੍ਰਿਤ
Meaning: The sacred nectar prepared during the Sikh initiation ceremony by stirring water and sugar crystals with a double-edged sword while prescribed Gurbani is recited.
Amritdhari
ਅੰਮ੍ਰਿਤਧਾਰੀ
Meaning: A Sikh who has received Amrit through the Amrit Sanchar ceremony and undertakes to live according to Sikh discipline.
Amrit Sanchar
ਅੰਮ੍ਰਿਤ ਸੰਚਾਰ
Meaning: The Sikh initiation ceremony through which a person formally enters the Khalsa.
Anand Karaj
ਅਨੰਦ ਕਾਰਜ
Meaning: The Sikh marriage ceremony, meaning "blissful union," conducted in the presence of Guru Granth Sahib Ji.
Anand Sahib
ਅਨੰਦੁ ਸਾਹਿਬ
Meaning: A sacred composition of Guru Amar Das Ji expressing spiritual bliss through union with the Divine.
Ardaas
ਅਰਦਾਸ
Meaning: A formal Sikh prayer of supplication, remembrance, gratitude and collective resolve, offered during religious services and significant occasions.
B ਬ
Bani / Gurbani
ਬਾਣੀ / ਗੁਰਬਾਣੀ
Meaning: Sacred compositions associated with the Sikh Gurus and other Bhagats and saints whose Bani is included in Guru Granth Sahib Ji. Gurbani means the Guru's Word.
Bhai
ਭਾਈ
Meaning: A respectful term meaning "brother," commonly used before the names of Sikh men.
C ਚ
Chaur Sahib
ਚੌਰ ਸਾਹਿਬ
Meaning: A ceremonial whisk traditionally made from suitable fibres and respectfully waved over Guru Granth Sahib Ji.
Chaupai Sahib
ਚੌਪਈ ਸਾਹਿਬ
Meaning: A sacred composition associated with Guru Gobind Singh Ji and included among Sikh daily prayers.
D ਦ
Dasam Granth
ਦਸਮ ਗ੍ਰੰਥ
Meaning: A collection of compositions traditionally associated with Guru Gobind Singh Ji. It is distinct from Guru Granth Sahib Ji.
Daswandh
ਦਸਵੰਧ
Meaning: The practice of contributing a portion traditionally understood as one-tenth of one's earnings or resources toward charitable, community and religious purposes.
Darbar Sahib
ਦਰਬਾਰ ਸਾਹਿਬ
Meaning: A respectful term commonly used for the principal congregation space where Guru Granth Sahib Ji is installed. It is also commonly associated with Sri Harmandir Sahib.
Dastaar
ਦਸਤਾਰ
Meaning: A Sikh turban worn as an expression of Sikh identity, dignity and commitment to maintaining uncut hair.
G ਗ
Giani
ਗਿਆਨੀ
Meaning: A person learned in Sikh scriptures, theology and religious knowledge.
Gurdwara
ਗੁਰਦੁਆਰਾ
Meaning: "Gateway to the Guru"; a place where Sikhs gather for worship, learning, Kirtan, community service and Langar.
Gurgaddi
ਗੁਰਗੱਦੀ
Meaning: The spiritual succession or seat of Guruship. The Guruship passed through the ten human Gurus and was permanently vested in Guru Granth Sahib Ji.
Gurmat
ਗੁਰਮਤਿ
Meaning: "The Guru's wisdom" or "the Guru's way"; the principles and way of life taught through the Sikh Gurus.
Gurmata
ਗੁਰਮਤਾ
Meaning: A collective resolution adopted by the Sikh Panth in accordance with Gurmat.
Gurmukhi
ਗੁਰਮੁਖੀ
Meaning: The script traditionally used for writing Punjabi and the script in which Guru Granth Sahib Ji is primarily written.
Guru
ਗੁਰੂ
Meaning: The spiritual source of divine wisdom that dispels spiritual ignorance. Sikh Guruship was embodied in the ten human Gurus and permanently vested in Guru Granth Sahib Ji.
Guru Granth Sahib Ji
ਸ੍ਰੀ ਗੁਰੂ ਗ੍ਰੰਥ ਸਾਹਿਬ ਜੀ
Meaning: The eternal Guru and central scripture of Sikhism, containing sacred Bani of the Sikh Gurus and other Bhagats and saints.
Guru Panth
ਗੁਰੂ ਪੰਥ
Meaning: The collective body of committed Sikhs entrusted with collective responsibilities within the Sikh Panth.
Gurpurab
ਗੁਰਪੁਰਬ
Meaning: A Sikh commemorative occasion associated with an important event in the life of a Guru, particularly a Guru's birth or Guruship anniversary.
H ਹ
Hukam
ਹੁਕਮੁ
Meaning: Divine command, order or guidance. Understanding and accepting Hukam is an important principle in Sikh spirituality.
Hukamnama
ਹੁਕਮਨਾਮਾ
Meaning: A Hukam or spiritual message taken from Guru Granth Sahib Ji and traditionally read as guidance for the congregation or individual.
I ਇ
Ik Onkar
ੴ
Meaning: The fundamental Sikh expression affirming the existence and unity of the One Supreme Reality.
J ਜ
Japji Sahib
ਜਪੁਜੀ ਸਾਹਿਬ
Meaning: The foundational Sikh prayer composed by Guru Nanak Dev Ji and placed at the beginning of Guru Granth Sahib Ji.
Jathedar
ਜਥੇਦਾਰ
Meaning: A leader or head of a Sikh religious or institutional body, particularly associated with the heads of Sikh Takhts.
Jyoti Jot
ਜੋਤੀ ਜੋਤਿ
Meaning: "Light merging into Light"; a respectful Sikh expression referring to the passing of a Guru or spiritually enlightened person.
K ਕ
Karah Prashad
ਕੜਾਹ ਪ੍ਰਸਾਦਿ
Meaning: A sacred preparation traditionally made from wheat flour, ghee and sugar and distributed during Sikh religious gatherings.
Kachera
ਕਛਹਿਰਾ
Meaning: The prescribed cotton undergarment and one of the Five Ks.
Kakar / Five Ks
ਪੰਜ ਕਕਾਰ
Meaning: The five articles of faith traditionally worn by initiated Sikhs: Kesh, Kangha, Kara, Kachera and Kirpan.
Kangha
ਕੰਘਾ
Meaning: A small wooden comb worn as one of the Five Ks, representing cleanliness and care of the hair.
Kara
ਕੜਾ
Meaning: A steel or iron bracelet worn as one of the Five Ks and serving as a constant reminder of Sikh discipline and responsibility.
Kar Sewa
ਕਾਰ ਸੇਵਾ
Meaning: Selfless voluntary service, traditionally including work undertaken for Gurdwaras, Sarovars and community projects.
Kesh
ਕੇਸ
Meaning: Uncut hair, an important article of Sikh faith and one of the Five Ks.
Khalsa
ਖ਼ਾਲਸਾ
Meaning: The collective community of initiated Sikhs established by Guru Gobind Singh Ji at Anandpur Sahib in 1699.
Khanda
ਖੰਡਾ
Meaning: The double-edged sword used in the preparation of Amrit. The term is also commonly used for the prominent Sikh emblem incorporating the double-edged sword, Chakkar and two Kirpans.
Kirat Karni
ਕਿਰਤ ਕਰਨੀ
Meaning: Earning an honest livelihood through truthful and ethical work.
Kirtan
ਕੀਰਤਨ
Meaning: Devotional singing of Gurbani, traditionally performed according to musical Raags.
Kirpan
ਕਿਰਪਾਨ
Meaning: A symbolic sword carried as one of the Five Ks, representing courage, responsibility and the duty to protect the vulnerable.
Kirtan Sohila
ਕੀਰਤਨ ਸੋਹਿਲਾ
Meaning: The Sikh night prayer traditionally recited before going to sleep.
L ਲ
Langar
ਲੰਗਰ
Meaning: The free community kitchen and meal served to everyone regardless of religion, caste, gender or social status.
Lavan
ਲਾਵਾਂ
Meaning: Four sacred hymns composed by Guru Ram Das Ji that form the central part of the Sikh Anand Karaj marriage ceremony.
M ਮ
Miri-Piri
ਮੀਰੀ ਪੀਰੀ
Meaning: The Sikh principle associated with Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji representing the integration of spiritual and temporal responsibilities.
Mool Mantar
ਮੂਲ ਮੰਤਰ
Meaning: The foundational statement of Sikh belief beginning with Ik Onkar and appearing at the beginning of Guru Granth Sahib Ji.
Mukhwak
ਮੁਖਵਾਕ
Meaning: A selected "main utterance" or spiritual reading from Guru Granth Sahib Ji, commonly taken as guidance.
N ਨ
Naam
ਨਾਮ
Meaning: The Divine Name or remembrance of the Divine; central to Sikh spiritual practice.
Naam Japna
ਨਾਮ ਜਪਣਾ
Meaning: Remembering and meditating upon the Divine Name.
Nagar Kirtan
ਨਗਰ ਕੀਰਤਨ
Meaning: A public Sikh religious procession featuring Gurbani Kirtan and Sikh teachings.
Nanakshahi Calendar
ਨਾਨਕਸ਼ਾਹੀ ਕੈਲੰਡਰ
Meaning: A Sikh calendar system developed to provide a distinct framework for commemorating Sikh historical events and Gurpurabs.
Nihang
ਨਿਹੰਗ
Meaning: A traditional Sikh warrior order known for its distinctive blue attire, martial traditions and historical role in protecting the Sikh community.
Nishan Sahib
ਨਿਸ਼ਾਨ ਸਾਹਿਬ
Meaning: The Sikh flag, traditionally triangular and commonly saffron or blue, bearing the Khanda symbol and displayed outside Gurdwaras.
Nitnem
ਨਿਤਨੇਮ
Meaning: The collection of prescribed daily Sikh prayers traditionally recited at different times of the day.
P ਪ
Paath
ਪਾਠ
Meaning: The reading or recitation of Gurbani or Sikh scripture.
Panj Kakkar
ਪੰਜ ਕਕਾਰ
Meaning: Another term for the Five Ks: Kesh, Kangha, Kara, Kachera and Kirpan.
Panj Pyare
ਪੰਜ ਪਿਆਰੇ
Meaning: The "Five Beloved Ones" who were the first five Sikhs initiated into the Khalsa by Guru Gobind Singh Ji in 1699.
Pangat
ਪੰਗਤ
Meaning: Sitting together in rows to share Langar, symbolising equality and rejection of social hierarchy.
Panth
ਪੰਥ
Meaning: The collective Sikh community or the Sikh religious path.
Prakash
ਪ੍ਰਕਾਸ਼
Meaning: The ceremonial opening and installation of Guru Granth Sahib Ji for the day's congregation.
R ਰ
Raag
ਰਾਗ
Meaning: A traditional melodic framework used in Indian classical music. Guru Granth Sahib Ji is organised extensively according to Raags.
Rehat Maryada
ਰਹਿਤ ਮਰਯਾਦਾ
Meaning: The Sikh Code of Conduct and Conventions governing Sikh beliefs, practices, ceremonies and conduct.
Rehras Sahib
ਰਹਿਰਾਸ ਸਾਹਿਬ
Meaning: The Sikh evening prayer traditionally recited around sunset.
Rahit
ਰਹਿਤ
Meaning: The disciplined way of life expected of a Sikh.
Ragi
ਰਾਗੀ
Meaning: A person who performs Gurbani Kirtan, traditionally according to musical Raags.
Rumala
ਰੁਮਾਲਾ
Meaning: A respectfully decorated cloth used to cover Guru Granth Sahib Ji.
S ਸ
Sangat
ਸੰਗਤ
Meaning: The Sikh congregation or spiritual community gathered for prayer, Gurbani, Kirtan and fellowship.
Sarbat Khalsa
ਸਰਬੱਤ ਖ਼ਾਲਸਾ
Meaning: A historical Sikh collective assembly representing the wider Sikh Panth.
Sewa / Seva
ਸੇਵਾ
Meaning: Selfless service performed without expectation of personal reward.
Sehajdhari
ਸਹਜਧਾਰੀ
Meaning: A person who follows Sikh teachings but has not received Amrit.
Sehaj Paath
ਸਹਿਜ ਪਾਠ
Meaning: A complete reading of Guru Granth Sahib Ji undertaken at a normal, non-continuous pace.
Shabad
ਸ਼ਬਦ
Meaning: A sacred hymn or composition conveying the Guru's spiritual teaching.
Shabad Guru
ਸ਼ਬਦ ਗੁਰੂ
Meaning: The Guru understood through the Divine Word—the Shabad—which guides the Sikh toward spiritual realisation.
Simran
ਸਿਮਰਨ
Meaning: Remembrance and contemplation of the Divine, particularly through Naam.
Sri Harmandir Sahib
ਸ੍ਰੀ ਹਰਿਮੰਦਰ ਸਾਹਿਬ
Meaning: The principal Sikh shrine in Amritsar, widely known around the world as the Golden Temple.
T ਤ
Takht
ਤਖ਼ਤ
Meaning: Literally "throne"; a principal seat of Sikh religious and temporal authority. Sikh tradition recognises five Takhts.
Tanti Saaj
ਤੰਤੀ ਸਾਜ਼
Meaning: Traditional stringed musical instruments used in the performance of Gurbani Kirtan.
V ਵ
Vand Chhakna
ਵੰਡ ਛਕਣਾ
Meaning: Sharing one's earnings, food and resources with others, especially those in need.
W ਵ
Waheguru
ਵਾਹਿਗੁਰੂ
Meaning: A principal Sikh name for the Divine, expressing wonder and reverence for the Supreme Being.
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"
Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa, Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh — the Khalsa belongs to the Almighty, and victory too is His.
— Sikh Salutation
Ik Onkar
One formless God present in all creation.
Equality
Absolute human and gender equality for all.
Seva
Selfless service — the foundation of Sikh community life.