Question: Do Sikhs have caste and why are there caste based Gurdwaras?

SIKHI QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

Question: Does the caste system exist in Sikhi? 

Answer: There is no such thing as a caste system in the Sikh religion. The caste system is an ancient belief of India that pre-dates Sikhi. The Sikh Gurus gave no value or importance to the ancient Indian tradition of the caste system. Rather, they spoke up against dividing people as high or low on the basis of one’s birth. Gurbani (scripture) many times criticizes those who have an ego because of their man-made caste or social status.

ਫਕੜ ਜਾਤੀ ਫਕੜੁ ਨਾਉ ॥ ਸਭਨਾ ਜੀਆ ਇਕਾ ਛਾਉ ॥
fakkar jaatee fakkar naa-o. sabhnaa jee-aa e-kaa chhaa-o.
Having egotistical-pride in caste and egotistical pride in personal glory is useless. In reality, the One Lord has created all the same.
(SGGS – Ang 83) 

Guru Sahib reminds us to rise above such temporary and man-made labels, to distinguish and recognize that all souls are equal. Gurbani (scripture) clearly states that one is not high or low because of a family one is born into (i.e. caste), rather we become high or low due to our actions.

ਜਾਤੀ ਦੈ ਕਿਆ ਹਥਿ ਸਚੁ ਪਰਖੀਐ ॥ 
jaathee dai kyaa hathh, sach parkheeyai.
There is nothing in social class and status, for the Lord will judge you for your truthfulness within. 
(SGGS – Ang 142) 

Question: If the caste system is not part of religion, then why are some Gurdwaras named after castes? 

Answer: A very good question! A Sikh looks for a Gurdwara that belongs to his Guru. Someone stuck in the ego of which family they were born into or who their ancestors were (i.e. caste), looks to make a Gurdwara that belongs to their caste. 

So in short, the answer is that any Gurdwara named after a caste is because of lack of understanding of their own faith, lack of knowledge of Gurbani (scripture), strong cultural beliefs (which conflict with their faith), an excuse for someone to make their own Gurdwara if they can’t get into the management committee in the other, and to fuel their ego (which is exactly the opposite of Sikhi!). However, with greater awareness and understanding, some Gurdwaras have either changed their names now or in villages where there are four Gurdwaras based on caste they have closed three and decided to work together by sharing one Gurdwara. 

The main purpose of a Gurdwara is not to have a feast, meet family and friends, or make a name for yourself, but religious and spiritual education and awareness. Gurbani (scripture) says:

ਗੁਰੂ ਦੁਆਰੈ ਹੋਇ ਸੋਝੀ ਪਾਇਸੀ ॥
ਏਤੁ ਦੁਆਰੈ ਧੋਇ ਹਛਾ ਹੋਇਸੀ ॥
ਮੈਲੇ ਹਛੇ ਕਾ ਵੀਚਾਰੁ ਆਪਿ ਵਰਤਾਇਸੀ ॥
guroo-duaarai ho-e sojhee paae-see.
eyt duaarai dho-e hachhaa hoe-see.
mail-e hachh-e kaa veechaar aap vartaae-see.
Through the Gurdwara one obtains spiritual understanding. Washing the impurity of mind at the Gurdwara, one becomes pure. The Lord Himself gives us the understanding of being able to differentiate between the good and the bad. 
(SGGS – Ang 730)