ਗੁਰਮਤਿ ਸ਼ਬਦਾਵਲੀ · Gurmat Vocabulary & Theological Concepts
Sikh Glossary & Key Terminology
Explore key spiritual concepts, Gurdwara liturgies, panthic institutions, and traditional titles fundamental to understanding the Sikh faith and daily religious life.
Ik Onkar
/Ikk O-an-kaar/
The fundamental theological statement of Sikhi: "There is One Supreme Universal Creator God", without gender, form, fear, or enmity, pervading all of existence.
Waheguru
/Vaa-he-gu-roo/
The primary Gurmantar (sacred name) for the Divine in Sikhi, translating to "Wondrous Enlightener who dispels all darkness".
Naam Simran
/Naam Sim-ran/
Mindful, meditative contemplation and remembrance of the Divine presence in daily life, bringing peace, humility, and inner stillness.
Hukam
/Hu-kam/
The all-pervading Divine Will or cosmic order under which the entire universe operates. Living in harmony with Hukam dissolves ego (Haumai).
Chardi Kala
/Charh-di Ka-laa/
The eternal Sikh ethos of soaring optimism, undefeated spirit, courage, and unconditional trust in the Divine Will, even amidst trial and tribulation.
Sarbat Da Bhalla
/Sar-bat Daa Bhal-laa/
The concluding universal prayer of every Sikh Ardas: asking for the welfare, prosperity, peace, and upliftment of all humanity and creation.
Haumai
/How-mai/
The spiritual malady of ego, self-centeredness, and pride ("I-ness"), which creates an illusion of separation between the human soul and the Divine.
Sehaj
/Se-haj/
The state of spiritual poise, inner tranquility, balance, and intuitive union with the Creator achieved through Gurbani and Naam.
Gurdwara
/Gur-dwaa-raa/
Literally "Door / Gateway to the Guru". The Sikh place of collective worship, learning, sanctuary, and community fellowship where Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji is installed.
Hukamnama
/Hu-kam-naa-maa/
Literally "Royal Decree". The sacred hymn read at random from Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji at Amrit Vela and the conclusion of Diwan as divine guidance for the day.
Prakash & Sukhasan
/Pra-kaash & Sukh-aa-san/
The sacred royal ceremonies: Prakash is the ceremonial opening of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji at dawn; Sukhasan is the respectful retiring ceremony to the Sachkhand room at night.
Kirtan
/Keer-tan/
The devotional singing of Gurbani hymns set to the 31 classical Indian Ragas with traditional accompaniment (Harmonium, Tabla, Dilruba, Taus).
Katha
/Ka-thaa/
A theological discourse and historical exposition where Gurbani verses are unpacked, analyzed, and contextualized for spiritual and daily guidance.
Ardas
/Ar-daas/
The formal standing Sikh congregational prayer invoking the blessings of the Ten Gurus, commemorating the martyrs, and petitioning for universal well-being.
Karah Parshad
/Ka-raah Par-shaad/
The blessed sweet pudding prepared with equal measures of whole-wheat flour, clarified butter (ghee), and sugar, consecrated with Kirpan and distributed to all.
Chaur Sahib
/Chowr Saa-hib/
The ceremonial royal flywhisk waved respectfully over Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji as an ancient emblem of sovereignty, reverence, and service.
Nishan Sahib
/Ni-shaan Saa-hib/
The triangular saffron/basanti or blue Sikh flag bearing the Khanda emblem, hoisted high outside every Gurdwara as a beacon of sanctuary and free hospitality.
Khalsa
/Khaal-saa/
The collective commonwealth of initiated Sikhs initiated via Khande Di Pahul (Amrit), established by Guru Gobind Singh Sahib Ji on Vaisakhi 1699 CE.
Panj Piare
/Panj Pi-aa-re/
The "Five Beloved Ones" who first answered Guru Gobind Singh Ji's call for total surrender of life, establishing the supreme egalitarian leadership of the Panth.
Amrit Sanchar
/Am-rit San-chaar/
The sacred Sikh initiation ceremony where candidates drink Khande Di Pahul (nectar stirred with a double-edged sword) and receive the Panj Kakars and Rehat.
Langar
/Lan-gar/
The free community kitchen established by Guru Nanak Dev Sahib Ji, where all people sit on the floor (Pangat) and eat together without regard to caste, faith, gender, or wealth.
Sewa
/Se-waa/
Selfless, unconditional volunteer service performed with humility and devotion without expectation of reward or recognition.
Sangat & Pangat
/San-gat & Pan-gat/
The twin egalitarian institutions: Sangat is the holy congregation sitting as equals before the Guru; Pangat is sitting in linear rows to partake in Langar together.
Dasvandh
/Das-vandh/
The voluntary contribution of one-tenth (10%) of one's honest earnings, time, or resources toward community welfare, Langar, and religious causes.
Miri & Piri
/Mee-ree & Pee-ree/
The doctrine of dual sovereignty instituted by Sixth Patshah Sri Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji, integrating temporal responsibility (Miri) with spiritual transcendence (Piri).
Takht
/Takht/
Literally "Royal Throne". One of the five supreme seats of spiritual and temporal authority for the global Sikh Panth.
Granthi
/Gran-thee/
The ceremonial custodian and reader of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji who conducts daily prayers, liturgies, and ceremonies at a Gurdwara.
Jathedar
/Ja-the-daar/
The respected head or ordained leader of a Takht, Jatha (regiment), or major panthic institution.
Giani
/Gi-aa-nee/
A scholar and learned teacher deeply versed in the philosophy, grammar, and historical context of Gurbani and Sikh history.
Akali / Nihang
/A-kaa-lee / Ni-hang/
The traditional saint-soldier order of the Khalsa known for electric-blue attire, tall turbans (Dumaala), martial discipline (Gatka), and fearless defence of the Panth.
Kaur & Singh
/Kowr & Singh/
Universal titles bestowed by Guru Gobind Singh Ji on all Sikhs to eradicate caste-based surnames: "Kaur" (Princess / Sovereign Leader) for women, and "Singh" (Lion) for men.
Sikh Rehat Maryada
/Sikh Re-hat Mar-yaa-daa/
The official panthic code of conduct and conventions governing personal and congregational Sikh life, standardized and issued by Sri Akal Takht Sahib.
Terms defined according to standard Panthic literature and the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC).