Sikhism101.com FAQ - Gurmat & Hinduism
- What is Gurbani's view of Hindu Devi & Devtas (deities)?
- Was Sikhism created to defend Hinduism?
- Are Sikhs Hindus because they have originated from Hindus?
- Are Sikhs Hindus because Sikhs intermarry with Hindus?
- Was Guru Nanak a Hindu because he was born in a Hindu family?
- Is the Hindu god 'Raam' venerated by the Gurus in Sikh Sacred Literature?
- What is Gurbani's view of Hindu Devi & Devtas (deities)?
According to Gurbani Shiva, Vishnu, or Brahma were kings of their respective times. However they are not given any importance or significance at all. Gurmat does not accept them as God nor as incarnations of God. Like any other human beings, they had virtues and they had weaknesses. Gurbani says:
ਜੁਗਹ ਜੁਗਹ ਕੇ ਰਾਜੇ ਕੀਏ ਗਾਵਹਿ ਕਰਿ ਅਵਤਾਰੀ ॥
ਤਿਨ ਭੀ ਅੰਤੁ ਨ ਪਾਇਆ ਤਾ ਕਾ ਕਿਆ ਕਰਿ ਆਖਿ ਵੀਚਾਰੀ ॥੭॥- Was Sikhism created to defend Hinduism?
Sikhism was not created to defend any religious group, Sikhism is a path to realisation of God. Pressure from government sources during the times of the last six Gurus led to the development of a Sikh army for self-defense. A Sikh is taught to stand against injustice from whatever source and to defend the weak and downtrodden, no matter what their religious affiliation. In the armies of Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji and Guru Gobind Singh Ji there were many from a whole spectrum of religious beliefs, from Muslims to Hindus.
- Are Sikhs Hindus because they have originated from Hindus?
If Sikhs are Hindus because they are converts from Hindus that would mean Christians are Jews. Muslims who have originated from Quereshi, Christians, Jews and Pagans are not accepted to be the latter.
Are Christians and Muslims who are converts from Hindus to be regarded as Hindus as well?
- Are Sikhs Hindus because Sikhs intermarry with Hindus?
If you consider Sikhs as Hindus because they intermarry, then do you consider Jews, Christians, Buddhists, etc., not up to their respective religions as they too intermarry?
- Was Guru Nanak a Hindu because he was born in a Hindu family?
First of all, we all should know that Guru Nanak Sahib Ji never accepted any principle of Hinduism nor Islam. Just because He was born in a Hindu family doesn't mean that he was a Hindu. Your character makes you a person. If you are born in a Hindu family but you have never done anything like a Hindu and you oppose Hinduism then you wouldn't be a Hindu. Hindu is he who follows what Hinduism says such as worshiping stones etc. Guru Nanak Ji never ever worshiped stones. This is just one example. Guru Ji always worshiped one almighty God.
- Is the Hindu god 'Raam' venerated by the Gurus in Sikh Sacred Literature?
Ram katha jug jug atal. Guru Gobind Singh ji, while concluding his version of Ramavtar, said, "the story of Rama exists from time immemorial and will remain so."
