Ik Omkar

Offering prayers after the holy dip...

Who is a sikh?

The term 'Sikh' is derived from the Pali term 'Sikha', later 'Shishya' in Sanskrit and means student or Disciple. 

There are five articles of faith each baptized sikh is obliged to wear at all times:

Kesh - uncut hair usually tied in a turban

Kanga - wooden comb 

Katchera - cotton undergarments

Kara - iron bracelet as a symbol of eternity

Kirpan - an iron dagger to be used for self defence

The Guru Granth Sahib contains the Bani or word of six gurus and also of Hindu and Sufi saints. The united sacred text is set to 31 ragas and is sung by that devotees. The principle belief of the followers of Sikhism in faith in the Waheguru or universal God, "Ik Omkar" (one God). The three pillars of Sikhism are 'Kirat Karo' (live by the fruits of your labour), 'Naam Japo' (remembrance of the word of recitation) and 'Wand Chhako' (share with others). - Punjab Tourism brochure

Ik Omkar:

Ik Omkar is the opening phrase of Guru Granth Sahib and the first composition of Guru Nanak.

"Ikk ōnkār satināmu karatā puraku nirapǎ'u niraver akāl mūrat ajūnī sepàng gurprasād

One Universal creator God, The supreme Unchangeable Truth, The Creator of the Universe, Beyond Fear, Beyond Hatred, Beyond Death, Beyond Birth, Self-Existent, by the Guru's Grace."

Reference: Wikipedia

Golden Temple

The following are are images from Harmandir Sahib (or Golden temple as its more commonly known). The temple is perhaps the best place to not just learn about Ik Omkar, but also to experience its true meaning. I have been there multiple times, and every time the places has moved me beyond words. To me the temple is more spiritual than religious, and no matter what faith you follow, it will always welcome you with open arms...

The temple is not just a place to sleep, but also to take rest...

Taking a walk around the temple complex...

The facade from inside...

Its a part of the ritual to wash your hands in the pond, if you can't take a full bath...

Passing by...

My favourite version is actually in the movie Rang de Basanti. Have a look below...its just beautiful...

-----

I was in Amritsar on an invitation of Punjab Tourism and Microsoft devices - explore Punjab using Lumia devices. This is first in the series of posts. Most pictures I clicked were using the Lumia 1020, while the rest were from my Nikon 3200 with 18-200 Sigma lens.