Waheguru (ਵਾਹਿਗੁਰੂ) is the most common name used for God in the Sikh tradition. It is a compound word: Wahe (Wondrous) + Guru (Enlightener) — meaning "Wondrous Enlightener" or "Wondrous Lord."
Etymology The word combines Wahe (an exclamation of awe and wonder) with Guru (one who dispels darkness and brings light). Together they express a state of wonder and reverence at the magnificence of the Divine.
Naam Simran Repeating Waheguru — known as Naam Simran (remembrance of the Name) — is central to Sikh meditation practice. The Guru Granth Sahib says: "Waheguru Waheguru Waheguru Wah — Mere Man Tan Antar Sahib ki Chah."
Attributes of God in Sikhism The Mool Mantar (root mantra) at the beginning of SGGS describes God as:
- Ik Onkar — One, universal Creator
- Sat Nam — Whose Name is Truth
- Karta Purakh — The Creative Being
- Nirbhau — Without fear
- Nirvair — Without enmity
- Akal Murat — Timeless form
- Ajooni Saibhang — Beyond birth, self-existent
- Gur Prasad — Realised by the Guru's grace