Q: What does Sikhism say about the idol worship of demi-gods (Brahma, Vishnu, Shiva, etc.) performed by Hindus?

A: Sikhism instructs to worship One God only and none else. Sikhs do not worship any idols or demi-gods.

God is the creator of all. “He created air, water, fire, Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva” (Guru Granth Sahib, 504). “He created Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva, who act according to His Will” (Guru Granth Sahib, 948). Why do some people worship Brahma but hesitate to worship God when “Even Brahma and his sons sing God's Praises; Sukdayv and Prahlaad sing His Praises as well” (Guru Granth Sahib, 1224).

The point here is that, whether or not one believes in the existence of a Brahma or any other demi-god, is insignificant, when it comes to worshipping God. God is above all of his creations, and thus Sikhs only worship Him.

“The performance of countless millions of other devotions is not even equal to one devotion to the Name of God” (Guru Granth Sahib, 1163). “Those who serve Shiva and Brahma cannot find the limits of God” (Guru Granth Sahib, 516). The ones who serve any other instead of God cannot attain salvation. Salvation is granted only by God. “Everyone must serve the One Lord, who created Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva. O Nanak, the One True Lord is permanent and stable. He does not die, and He is not born” (Guru Granth Sahib, 1130).

By the order of God, Brahma obtained a body. By the order of God, Shiva was born. By the order of God, Vishnu was born. Everything is created by God. God, who made Shiva a yogi. God, who gave Brahma the kingdom of Vedas. God, who has shaped the entire universe. Is the one we salute. They consider that Shiva is God. They are unaware of the Supreme Primal Lord. (Benti Chaupee Sahib).

Sikhism instructs not to perform idol worship and not to worship anyone else besides God. Guru Granth Sahib Ji is Sikhs' Holy Scripture. Sikhs bow their head in the Gurdwara to Guru Granth Sahib as a sign of respect but Sikhs do not worship the scriptures. Guru Ji is the spiritual teacher of Sikhs and shows the way to meet God. Guru Nanak instructs that idol worship will not lead one to salvation. Worshipping sculptures of stone will not help one to meet God.


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