A

Akal eternal

Akal Purakh “The Being Beyond Time”, a name for God

Akal Takht “Eternal Throne”, the seat of temporal authority in the holy city of Amritsar. The building, which is located in the Golden Temple complex, was severely damaged in the Indian army attack in 1984.

Amrit Nectar Water mixed with sugar and stirred with a sword while prayers are being said. It is used to initiate new members into the Khalsa.

Amritsar “Pool of Nectar” - the holy city of the Sikhs, where the Golden Temple is located.

Anandpur Sahib the town in Punjab where the Khalsa was founded.

B

Baptism a misleading term borrowed from Christianity which is sometimes used to describe initiation into the Khalsa.

Bole So Nihaal Sat Sri Akal a spiritually uplifting cry and response often heard at Sikh gatherings. Literally translated, it means, “He will be spiritually uplifted who says - God’s truth is eternal.”

C

Chief Jathedar the highest-ranking decision-maker at the Akal Takhat, whose religious rulings are seen as binding for Sikhs worldwide.

E

Ek Onkaar “There is only one God and Creator” - first line of Guru Nanak’s Mool Mantra which is recited by every Khalsa Sikh each morning and has been called the creed of the Sikhs.