The spelling of "Sikh guru" can be confusing, especially for those who are not familiar with the pronunciation of Punjabi words. In IPA phonetic transcription, "Sikh" is pronounced as /sɪk/, with the "kh" representing a rasping sound at the back of the throat. "Guru" is pronounced as /ˈɡʊru/, with a hard "g" followed by a long "u" sound. Together, the correct pronunciation is /sɪk ˈɡʊru/, with the stress on the second syllable of "guru." Sikh gurus are the spiritual leaders of the Sikh religion.
A Sikh Guru refers to the spiritual leaders who were instrumental in shaping and guiding the Sikh community. Sikhism, founded in the 15th century by Guru Nanak, recognizes ten human Gurus who played a pivotal role in establishing and developing the religion.
The term "Sikh Guru" encapsulates both their religious and social significance. As religious leaders, the Gurus were considered the embodiment of divine wisdom and divine knowledge. They provided spiritual guidance to the Sikh community and preached the teachings of Sikhism, emphasizing the importance of maintaining strong moral values, living a truthful and honest life, and practicing selfless service to humanity. The Gurus also composed hymns, scriptures, and spiritual poetry that are included in the holy book of Sikhism, the Guru Granth Sahib.
Furthermore, the Sikh Gurus were not only spiritual leaders but also instrumental in instigating social reforms. They challenged the oppressive social structures of their time and advocated for equality, justice, and the eradication of discrimination and social divisions. They taught the principles of gender equality, denounced caste-based distinctions, and promoted the idea of a united and inclusive society.
The Sikh Gurus also faced immense persecution and sacrifices, with some of them even sacrificing their lives to uphold the principles of justice and freedom. Their teachings and leadership have played a significant role in shaping Sikh identity and continue to guide and inspire millions of Sikhs worldwide.
The word "Sikh" is derived from the Sanskrit word "śiṣya", meaning disciple or learner. It has its roots in the Indo-Aryan language family. The term "guru" comes from the Sanskrit word "gurū", translating to "teacher" or "guide". In Sikhism, the "guru" refers specifically to the ten spiritual masters who shaped the religion. The Sikh Gurus were believed to possess divine wisdom and were considered guides for their disciples in matters of spirituality, morality, and social justice.