Glossary of Terms (S to Z)

SSS

Sach Khand
The realm of truth, the final stage of spiritual ascent where the believer becomes one with God.

Sadh Sangat
The Sikh congregation or community.

Sahibzadas
The four sons of Guru Gobind Singh who all died as marytrs to the Sikh faith. Ajit Singh, Jujhar Singh, Zorawar Singh, Fateh Singh.

Sahaj
The state of spiritual peace resulting from the attainment of union with God.

Sahaj Path
A non continuos reading of the entire Guru Granth Sahib over any period of time.

Sahib
Term of respect used for the Sikh Holy Book as well as applied to historical gurdwaras.

Sakhi
Story about a Guru.

Sangat
Holy congregation.

Sangrand
The first day of the month according to the indian calander. The reading of the relevant portion of the composition Barhmaha by Guru Nanak or Guru Arjun Dev relating to each month is read out.

Sant
A holy person or saint.

Sarbat Khalsa
A representative meeting of all the Sikhs to consider important matters related to the panth.

Saropa
A gift of honour presented by the Sikh community. Usually a length of cloth for tying a turban or a scarf worn over the shoulders.

Sarovar
The pool for bathing found at many gurdwaras.

Sat Guru
The supreme Guru, God.

Sat Sri Akal
The Sikh greeting meaning "Immortal God is Truth".

Satyug
An era in which Truth prevails, the opposite of Kalyug.

Seli
A woolen cord worn by Guru Nanak around his turban. It was worn as a symbol of living in the world but not in worldly matters. It was passed on to each successive Guru upto Guru Hargobind who chose to wear the symbol of two swords of meri & peri instead.

Seva
Service to ones fellow beings, a cornerstone of Sikhism.

Seva Panthi
A Sikh whose life is devoted to the service of the Sikh community.

Shabad
The religious hymns contained in Sikh scriptures.

Shaheed
Title used before the name of someone who has died for the Sikh faith as a martyr.

Shlok
Couplet found in the Guru Granth Sahib.

Shromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (S.G.P.C.)
Committee which overseas the administration of many Gurdwaras in Punjab, Haryana & Himachal Pradesh as well as involved in publication and education related to Sikhism.

Sikhi
Sikh teachings.

Sikhia
Advice given to the couple during the Sikh marriage ceremony.

Singh
Lion, the common last or middle name of male Sikhs. It is a compulsory last name for male Khalsa Sikhs.

Sodar
A composition of Guru Nanaks which is read by Sikhs at sunset as part of Rahiras.

Sukh Asan
The ceremony that takes place at the end of the day when the Guru Granth Sahib is formally closed for the night.

Sukhmani Sahib
A major composition of Guru Arjun found on page 262 of the Guru Granth Sahib.

Swayya
A group of hymns composed by Guru Gobind Singh and found in the Dasam Granth.


TTT

Takht
A seat of Sikh authority, there are five gurdwaras which are designated as takhts.

Thambh Sahib
A pole or tower associated with a Guru.

Tankhaiya
A person who has committed a religious offence meriting punishment.


ZZZ

Zafarnama
The Letter of Victory written by Guru Gobind Singh.


All contents Copyright Sandeep Singh Brar, 1996 and all rights are reserved.