Historic Meeting of Sikh Temples

November 1, 2008

Author: Gregg Krupa

Source: The Detroit News

http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20081101/LIFESTYLE04/811010397/1041/LIFESTYLE04

Thousands of Sikhs from the five temples in Metro Detroit will gather at a single event for the first time today, at what leaders say is likely the largest assembly of members of the faith ever in southeastern Michigan.

The occasion, in Plymouth, commemorates a seminal event in Sikhism, a religion that originated in India 500 years ago when a guru, or teacher, established a monotheistic faith, based on love and the universality of mankind. The faith, Sikhs say, was in sharp contrast to the caste and gender differences and rituals of Indian society at the time.

Nine other gurus perpetuated the faith until 300 years ago, when the 10th guru decreed that the Sikh scriptures -- the Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji -- would be the final teacher. The book, which is venerated by Sikhs whenever they enter one of their temples, contains the teaching of all 10 gurus, as well the wisdom of other respected leaders, including Hindus and Muslims.

Since that determining decree, issued Oct. 20, 1708, the scriptures have been respected by all Sikhs as the ultimate wisdom of their faith, along with the teachings of the 10 gurus, and no human guru has followed.

"The actual day is Oct. 20, but due to the magnitude and size of the function, and trying to get all of the Sikhs together, we are holding it at this time," said Jasvir Singh, of the Sikh Society of Michigan.

"This function is all five gurduaras -- which is the name for our churches or temples -- coming together for the first time and doing a joint program that we have been planning for two months now," Singh said. "We expect about 2,000 Sikhs to gather and, obviously, these functions are going on not only in Detroit but in India and all over the world, wherever Sikhs are present."