The Light of Truth
"Truth is the highest virtue, but higher still is truthful living." — Guru Nanak Dev Ji
Sikhism is a monotheistic religion that originated in the Punjab region of the Indian subcontinent in the late 15th century. It is the fifth-largest organized religion in the world, with approximately 30 million adherents known as Sikhs. At its core, Sikhism advocates for equality, social justice, service to humanity, and devotion to the One Universal God.
1 Origins & History
The faith was founded by Guru Nanak Dev Ji (1469–1539) and shaped by ten successive human Gurus over a period of 239 years. It developed during a time of rigorous religious persecution, standing as a beacon of freedom and tolerance.
The tenth master, Guru Gobind Singh Ji, ended the line of human Gurus in 1708, bestowing the eternal Guruship upon the Sikh scripture, the Guru Granth Sahib. Today, Sikhs regard this scripture not just as a book, but as their living, eternal spiritual guide.
Key Historical Milestones
- 1469 Birth of Guru Nanak Dev Ji and the revelation of One God (Ik Onkar).
- 1604 Compilation of the Adi Granth by Guru Arjan Dev Ji.
- 1699 Creation of the Khalsa Panth by Guru Gobind Singh Ji.
- 1708 Guruship passed eternally to the Guru Granth Sahib.