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This 16th-century Golden Temple at Amritsar is the holiest Sikh place of worship (and has a truly sacred atmosphere).This religion emerged in the 15th century out of a rejection of caste distinctions and idolatry under the founder, Guru Nanak, who wanted to bring
together the best of Hinduism and Islam. Nine gurus, all of whom are equally revered by Sikhs, followed him, and today there are over 16 million Sikhs in
India. Like Hinduism, Sikhism accepts the doctrine of reincarnation, but worship is based on meditation and not ritual or asceticism. Like Muslims, Sikhs
believe in one omnipresent universal God; worship takes place in Gurdwaras, and the holy book is the Granth Sahib.

Charity is an important aspect of the religion, and the Gurdwaras always run community kitchens where anyone can eat free. Sikhs are never expected to cut their hair—which makes Sikh men, who wind their long hair under large turbans and sport large beards, one of the most easily recognized male communities in India.