Brahmin (Sikh traditions) in India

Introduction / History

Brahmin Sikhs have risen to the top of their professions through toughness and hard work. Brahmin Sikhs have a fierce sense of duty compounded with an aptitude for achievement, which has made them an integral part of the success story of modern India.

Most Brahmins are connected with Hinduism, but some are not. One of the most interesting Brahmin groups are those who are Sikhs. Sikhism started as a reform movement, but it is now it’s own religion with it’s own places of worships and their own holy book.

What Are Their Lives Like?

The Brahmin Sikh community of India is believed to have originated from the Gandhara Region, an ancient kingdom located in what is now northern Pakistan. They played a key role in the nascent years of Sikhism. They abstain from taking part in the priestly duties usually associated with Brahmins in the Hindu Varna.

What Are Their Beliefs?

Sikhism originated from a 15th century teacher named Guru Nanak Dev as a reform movement. He rejected the Hindu caste system, taught that all people were equal and that all have equal access to God. The Sikh God is formless, without gender and is to be found in everyone. One gets closer to God by living a good life and by practicing charity. Like Hindus, Sikhs believe in reincarnation and the law of karma; you reap what you sow in your previous life. Like Muslims, the Sikhs worship only one God.

One may recognize a Sikh man by his distinctive turban. All the 10 great Sikh gurus wore turbans. Sikh teaching mandates that a person not cut his or her hair. They worship their holy book, the Granth Sahib, which is a collection of hymns.

There are roughly the same number of Sikhs as there are Jews in the world, but Sikhs are most concentrated in Punjab, their homeland. However, you will find smaller numbers of Sikhs all over the world. Many of the best Indian restaurants in the West are owned and operated by Sikhs.

What Are Their Needs?

In recent decades, there has been a movement to Christ among many Sikh communities. For the most part, this movement has affected Sikhs from low status communities. Brahmin Sikhs remain apart from the one who offers life to the full.

Prayer Points

Pray that the Holy Spirit would draw the Brahmin Sikhs to receive Christ into their lives.
Pray for the Lord to raise up and thrust out the right people to go to Brahmin Sikhs.
Pray there will soon come a day when Brahmin Sikhs will disciple others in the ways of Jesus Christ.

Text Source:   Joshua Project