Glossary

A slightly curved Punjabi sabre

The cheek-piece of a helmet

A leather shield

Literally "the first book." The early compilation of the Sikh scriptures by Guru Arjan, the fifth Sikh Guru, in 1604

Eternal

"The Being Beyond Time", a name for God

"Eternal Throne", the seat of temporal authority in the holy city of Amritsar. The building, which is located in the Golden Temple complex, was severely damaged in the Indian army attack in 1984

A staunch believer in Akal, the Timeless One; an Immortal.  The original Sikh warriors raised by Guru Hargobind at Akal Takht.  They are also known as Akali Nihangs.

The Sikh political party in Punjab

A continuous recitation of the Guru Granth Sahib, lasting about 48 hours, by a team of readers.

(Amrit = often translated as nectar) Water mixed with sugar and stirred with a double edged sword (Khanda) while the 5 Sikh daily prayers are recited. Initiated by the Tenth Guru, Guru Gobind Singh Ji in 1699, the Amrit ceremony is central to becoming a member of the Khalsa.

The reservoir around the Harmandir Sahib(Golden Temple)

Early morning, dawn.

A Sikh who has taken part in the ceremonial initiation into the Khalsa by taking Amrit.

"Pool of Nectar"-the holy city of Sikhs, where the Golden Temple is located.

Literally "blissful event." The Sikh wedding ceremony. The lavan, (four stanzas composed by the fourth Guru symbolising the marriage of the human soul to the divine) are sung to formalize Sikh marriages.

The town in Punjab where the Khalsa was founded

The Sikh congregational prayer, anonymously written during the 18th century. Although it is not in the Guru Granth Sahib, it occupies a prominent place in Sikh religious functions. It is said at the end of daily prayers, and often used to initiate or conclude any significant endeavour (i.e. child going away to school, starting a business venture).

A section of the Adi Granth

Anglo Sikh Heritage Trail

A general term for weapons