SSRM
ੴ ਸਤਿਗੁਰ ਪ੍ਰਸਾਦਿ
Sikh Society Rochester MN is a non profit organization with the following objectives:
To promote interest in, and disseminate information on Sikhism.
To conduct regular Sikh congregations at the Gurdwara.
To organize and stimulate programs to maintain and improvement of Gurdwara.
To encourage social and cultural events in order to celebrate the Sikh community.
Our Rochester Sikh community had very humble beginnings with about 5 families. The services started to be held on a regular basis in the early 90's. The services were simple and normally consisted of a combination of rehas paath and singing of gurbani shabads. The venues also varied from Rochester Village Apartments community room to residential homes.
Over time the number of Sikh families increased and the need for a larger place became necessary. SSRM began to formulate an operational and administrative structure with first office bearers in 2003. Regular monthly services started to be scheduled at United Way of Olmsted at W Center St.
The success of the monthly services also inspired community members to have punjabi and music classes for children twice a month, every 2nd and 3rd Sunday of each month. The spirit and enthusiasm of the community resulted in annual vaisakhi gurpurabs, cultural programs and community volunteerism to take place.
Our Rochester Sikh community had very humble beginnings with about 5 families. The services started to be held on a regular basis in the early 90's. The services were simple and normally consisted of a combination of rehas paath and singing of gurbani shabads. The venues also varied from Rochester Village Apartments community room to residential homes.
Over time the number of Sikh families increased and the need for a larger place became necessary. SSRM began to formulate an operational and administrative structure with first office bearers in 2003. Regular monthly services started to be scheduled at United Way of Olmsted at W Center St.
The success of the monthly services also inspired community members to have punjabi and music classes for children twice a month, every 2nd and 3rd Sunday of each month. The spirit and enthusiasm of the community resulted in annual vaisakhi gurpurabs, cultural programs and community volunteerism to take place.
Sikhism, or Sikhi (from Sikh, meaning a disciple, or a learner), is a monotheistic religion that originated in South Asia during the 15th century. The fundamental beliefs of Sikhism include faith in one Creator God, unity and equality of all humankind, engaging in selfless service, striving for social justice, and honest conduct and livelihood while living a householder life. With over 25 million adherents worldwide, Sikhism is an Indian religion spread out around the world.
Check these links for information of the religious services and events that are organized by SSRM.
Additional link provide a brief introduction to Sikhism, Sikh Gurus, Guru Granth Sahib Ji and the Historical Gurdwaras.
Sikhism believes in equality, during the service everyone sit down together on the carpeted floor in the Diwan hall. When coming to the Gurdwara, please bear this in mind everyone is required to take off their shoes before entering in to the Diwan Hall and keep their heads covered at all times inside the Gurdwara.
Takht or Taḵẖata (Punjabi: ਤਖ਼ਤ) which literally means a throne or seat of authority is a result of historical growth of religion of Sikhism. There are five Takhts and these Takhts are the five gurdwaras which have a very special significance for the Sikh community
For a more comprehensive description of various elements of Sikhism then this link is a great starting point wikipedia on Sikhism