Sikhism: Images, Symbols, and Sacred Places

This gallery presents Sikh images selected for study and comparison. Use the images to connect gurdwaras, scripture, community practice, identity, and service.

These images are selected for study and comparison. Look closely at the source, rights note, caption, and category for each image before drawing conclusions.

[Holy Sikh Tank and Golden Temple at Amritsar]

[Holy Sikh Tank and Golden Temple at Amritsar] is a candidate image from The Metropolitan Museum of Art found with the curated search term ‘Golden Temple Amritsar’. It is relevant to Sikhism because it fits the page category: Harmandir Sahib, gurdwara, Guru Granth Sahib context, langar, Khanda, or Sikh religious practice. It would help World Religions students connect a specific object, site, or practice with the tradition.

Category: Harmandir Sahib / Golden Temple

Source: The Metropolitan Museum of Art

Rights/license: The Met Open Access / public domain

Why included: Kept from current material because it is relevant, but repetition is capped for variety.

Harmandir Sahib, Golden Temple, Amritsar

This image shows Harmandir Sahib, a major Sikh gurdwara and pilgrimage site. It connects Sikh sacred space with scripture, devotion, and communal identity. Students can compare historical and contemporary views of the site.

Category: Harmandir Sahib / Golden Temple

Source: Wikimedia Commons

Rights/license: Reusable license stated on Wikimedia Commons source page

Why included: Core Sikh sacred place.

Khanda, Sikh emblem

The Khanda is a Sikh emblem associated with religious identity. It should be interpreted alongside gurdwara and scripture contexts rather than as decoration. Students can discuss how symbols mark community and teaching.

Category: Gurdwara or Sikh worship space

Source: Wikimedia Commons

Rights/license: Reusable license stated on Wikimedia Commons source page

Why included: Adds Sikh identity symbol.

Questions for Looking Closely

What specific details in the image connect it to this tradition?
What source information helps you interpret the image responsibly?
How does this image complicate a simple or stereotyped understanding of the tradition?
What comparison could you make with another image on this page?

Back to World Religions Image Gallery

Source note: Image records and rights statements are shown with each card. WordPress-hosted image files are used only after the source image or existing media URL has been verified.