The Lure of India
Sikh Temple
On this trip to India, we visited many temples and forts.
One clearly remains uppermost on my mind, that is of course, the visit to a Sikh Temple.
Throughout India’s history, religion has been an important part of the country’s culture. The main religions are: Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism and Sikhism.
The most dominant religion is Hinduism. This accounts for about 80% of the population.
About 2% of India’s population are Sikhs.
![The Lure of India - Sikh Temple Outside the Sikh Temple - People came to bathe and to wash their feet](https://donnamcgee.ie/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/sikh-temple17-1-1024x576.jpg)
![Bathing at the Sikh Temple](https://donnamcgee.ie/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/Bathing-at-the-Sikh-Temple-169x300.jpg)
What I particularly like about Sikhism is that everyone has equal rights. This is irrespective of caste, creed, colour, race, sex or religion.
They have placed an emphasis on community services and helping the needy. They work towards universal, selfless love.
Everyone in the community is looked after and receive food daily.
Nobody is asked any questions. Nobody is judged.
The creators of Sikhism tried (unsuccessfully) to abolish some of the old Indian customs such as the caste system.
![The Lure of India - Sikh Temple Sikhs at rest in the Temple](https://donnamcgee.ie/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/Sikh-Temple-1.jpg)
Every Sikh is expected to voluntarily contribute to their community by preparing free meals in the kitchen. The common kitchen is called Langar. In every place of worship, (Gurdwara) there is a Langar.
![The Lure of India - Sikh Temple Sikh temple - waiting patiently](https://donnamcgee.ie/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/Sikh-temple-13-1024x576.jpg)
The meals are served to all and are eaten sitting on the floor.
This is to emphasise the point that all are equal.
![The Lure of India - Sikh Temple Sikh Temple - Food Preparation where sacks of grain are emptied](https://donnamcgee.ie/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/sikh-temple-14-1-1024x576.jpg)
![The Lure of India - Sikh Temple Sikh Temple - Food Preparation](https://donnamcgee.ie/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/Sikh-temple-12-1-1024x576.jpg)
![The Lure of India - Sikh Temple Sikh Temple - Food Preparation](https://donnamcgee.ie/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/Sikh-temple-11-1-1024x576.jpg)
![The Lure of India - Sikh Temple Sikh Temple -stirring the pots filled with dahl, biryani and all sorts!](https://donnamcgee.ie/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/Sikh-temple-10-1-1024x576.jpg)
![The Lure of India - Sikh Temple Sikh Temple - Pitta breads](https://donnamcgee.ie/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/Sikh-temple-8-1-1024x576.jpg)
![The Lure of India - Sikh Temple Sikh temple - busy at work](https://donnamcgee.ie/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/Sikh-temple-4-1-1024x842.jpg)
![The Lure of India - Sikh Temple Sikh temple - and the work goes on](https://donnamcgee.ie/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/Sikh-temple-5-1-1024x576.jpg)
![The Lure of India - Sikh Temple Sikh temple - Supervising or maybe just taking a break!](https://donnamcgee.ie/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/Sikh-temple-7-1.jpg)
![Sikh temple - peeling the veg Sikh temple - peeling the veg](https://donnamcgee.ie/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/Sikh-temple-6-1.jpg)
![The Lure of India - Sikh Temple Sikh Temple - Food is nearly ready](https://donnamcgee.ie/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/Sikh-Temple-2-1024x576.jpg)
Sikhism does not believe in fasting. They see the body as God’s gift to the human race.
Therefore, people must foster, maintain and preserve the body in good, sound condition.
![The Lure of India - Sikh Temple Sikh Temple - Food at last](https://donnamcgee.ie/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/Sikh-Temple3-1-1024x576.jpg)
I must admit it was a very humbling experience to be a part of this event. It was also a privilege to be invited to participate in the preparation of the food.
What a wonderful way to treat your people in you community.
I am so glad to have these memories of my trip to India
![Sikh Turban Creation, Sikh Temple Sikh Turban Creation](https://donnamcgee.ie/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/Sikh-turban-1024x725.jpg)
The Sikhs are recognised by five signs. These signs are, uncut hair; comb; sword or dagger; bracelet on the right wrist and shorts.
The religious Sikhs dress, carry a sword. Most of the Sikhs, even today, have uncut hair and gather it in a turban.
I hope you enjoyed this visit to the Sikh Temple.
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