Mool Mantar

Golden Threefold Path

Attitudes to Other Religions

Attitudes to Women


Sikhism index

BELIEFS AND VALUES

Attitudes To Women

All 10 Gurus said that women were equal to men (see image of female saint-soldier). Guru Nanak wrote hymns to challenge the exploitation of women. "Why curse her from whom all the greatest of men have been born? None can exist without a woman" (Guru Granth Sahib, p.473). Women can lead all Sikh religious ceremonies in the Gurdwara such as reading prayers and singing hymns. By encouraging men to serve in the langar (free vegetarian kitchen) the Gurus gave dignity to household chores. Women as well as men can receive amrit. By using the name 'Kaur' (meaning princess) they are showing that they do not need to use their father's name and then their husband's name (showing that they belong to them).

Female saint-soldier (Archeress)

Women and family life were regarded as taking people away from God's worship but Guru Nanak said, "Living within the family people can find mukti (liberation)" (Guru Granth Sahib, p.661). All the Gurus, except one, were married and had families. Guru Amar Das ordered Sikhs to avoid practices, and those who took part in practices, that restricted women, e.g. killing of female babies, sati (where the woman would kill herself on her husband's funeral pyre), purdah (veiling of the face of women), and child marriage. He encouraged widows to re-marry.