Sat Sri Akal! (Greetings of peace and blessings!)

My name is Guruveer Singh, and I'm a scholar of Sikhism. It brings me joy to share my knowledge and understanding of this beautiful faith with you today. Your question about the number of gods Sikhs believe in is a fundamental one, and it's at the heart of understanding Sikh theology.

The simple answer is One. Sikhs are monotheistic, believing in a single, supreme, and eternal God. This concept is beautifully encapsulated in the opening lines of the Guru Granth Sahib, the Sikh scripture:

"Ek Onkar" (One Being)

These two words are the bedrock of Sikh faith. They proclaim the oneness of the Divine, transcending all names, forms, and limitations. This belief sets Sikhism apart from polytheistic religions that worship multiple deities.

However, merely stating "One God" doesn't fully encompass the depth of the Sikh understanding. Here's a more detailed exploration:


1. Beyond Number: The concept of "number" itself is a human construct. God, as the infinite and eternal reality, transcends such limitations. Ascribing a specific number to God limits the boundless nature of the Divine.


2. Attributes, Not Divisions: The Guru Granth Sahib uses various names and attributes to describe God, such as Waheguru (Wondrous Lord), Kartaa Purakh (The Creator), and Akal Purakh (The Timeless Being). However, these are understood as facets of the One, not separate entities. They highlight the diverse ways in which the Divine manifests in creation.


3. Rejecting Anthropomorphism: Sikhs reject the idea of God having a physical form or gender. The Guru Granth Sahib emphasizes the formless (Nirankar) and limitless nature of the Divine, urging followers to move beyond anthropomorphic conceptions.


4. Emphasis on Experience: Rather than fixating on the number of Gods, Sikhism emphasizes experiencing the Divine reality. This is achieved through meditation, selfless service (seva), and living a life guided by the Guru's teachings. The focus is on cultivating a personal connection with the One.


5. Unity in Diversity: While Sikhs believe in One God, they recognize the Divine spark present within all creation. This understanding fosters a deep respect for all beings and emphasizes the interconnectedness of life.

In essence, Sikhs believe in One God, not merely as a numerical concept, but as an all-encompassing, timeless, and formless reality that pervades all existence. This belief forms the core of Sikh faith and guides its followers on their spiritual journey towards unity with the Divine.

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Sikh names, popular with the Gurus when addressing God. Sikhs believe that there is only one God but that this is the God of all religions. No single religion can claim to be the only true way to Waheguru, and different religions are just different ways towards Waheguru.read more >>