Template:Short description Template:Use dmy dates Template:SikhBeliefs Template:Contains special characters Template:Italic titleWaheguru (Template:LangxTemplate:Efn, pronunciation: {{#invoke:IPA|main}}, figuratively translated to mean "Wonderful God" or "Wonderful Lord"<ref name=":1">Template:Cite book</ref><ref>Template:Cite book</ref><ref name=":0">Template:Cite book</ref>) is a term used in Sikhism to refer to God as described in Guru Granth Sahib.<ref>Template:Cite book</ref><ref>Template:Cite book</ref><ref>Template:Cite book</ref><ref>Template:Cite book</ref> It is the most common term to refer to God in modern Sikhism.<ref name=":0" />
MeaningEdit
The meaning of the word {{#invoke:Lang|lang}} (usually spelled in English as Waheguru) is traditionally explained as {{#invoke:Lang|lang}} 'wondrous!' (Punjabi word analogous to "wow" in English), and guru, Sanskrit for 'teacher, spiritual guide, God', which taken together are said to carry the meaning, 'Wondrous Lord'. It is built upon an expression of awe and amazement of the divine.<ref>Template:Cite book</ref><ref name=":1" /> Another explanation for the term's meaning is that it refers to a great instructor who takes away the darkness from their pupil and enlightens them.<ref>Template:Cite book</ref>
Waheguru is described and envisioned as a formless and omnipresent deity by Sikhs with whom a devotee is able to establish a personal relationship with by following the teachings of the Sikh Gurus.<ref>Template:Cite thesis Page(s) 21–22.</ref> Waheguru is considered to be ultimate goodness, into which the purified soul merges whilst evil is vanquished.<ref>Template:Cite book</ref>
HistoryEdit
The hymns to Waheguru contained in Guru Granth Sahib have been composed by Bhatt Gayand.<ref>Template:Cite journal</ref><ref>Template:Cite book</ref><ref>Template:Cite journal</ref>
UsageEdit
The word is also used in Sikhism as a main mantra and is called gurmantra or gurmantar.
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"The world is a garden, Waheguru its gardener.
Cherishing all, none is neglected;
From all comes the fragrance put there by Waheguru––
By such fragrance is each known."{{#if:page 94<ref>Template:Cite book</ref>'Sourcebook of the World's Religions: An Interfaith Guide to Religion and Spirituality' (2011) by Joel Beversluis|{{#if:|}}
— {{#if:|, in }}Template:Comma separated entries}}
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The term also finds usage in the jaikara (battle cry), greeting, and parting phrase introduced by Guru Gobind Singh: "Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh" (translated as 'the Khalsa belongs to God and victory belongs to God').<ref>Template:Cite book</ref><ref>Template:Cite book</ref><ref>Template:Cite book</ref> This phrase is used in the Amrit Sanchar ceremony, the Sikh baptismal ritual for initiation into the Khalsa order.<ref>Template:Cite book</ref>