Prior to the launch of The Sikhism Home Page four years ago, there were no web sites about Sikhs or Sikhism on the Internet. Over the years I have seen the rapid expansion of Sikhism related web sites. Below is a short list of my favorite web sites and resources out there. This is my list of 'essential' web sites on Sikhism to visit and I hope that you enjoy them as much as I do. The list is in alphabetical order and will be regularly reviewed and updated.

Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee
This site is the home of the inspiring daily Hukamnama direct from the Golden Temple every day. The Hukamnama appears in original Gurmukhi as well as English translation. The other unique feature of this web site is the complete version of Sri Guru Granth Sahib in Gurmukhi. A table of contents would be helpful though, but it's still a great resource.

Great Sikh Warriors by Sandeep S. Bajwa
Want to know about Sikh history in the post Guru period. Read about and be inspired by the countless great Sikh heroes over the centuries. Some of the pages are heavy downloads though because of the number of pictures and their length.

Nahal Global Trading Co.
Need to order some books on Sikhism, a Translation of Sri Guru Granth Sahib? Nahal is the place. Not the cheapest or the only Sikh bookseller around but certainly the most convenient by far. The on-line catalogue is very extensive and the books are shipped around the world.

Nishkam Sikh Welfare Council by Harpreet Singh Anand
A great organization but not the greatest looking web site. Hidden in one of the categories though is a real jewel of a reference. A listing of Gurdwaras and Sikh Organizations around the world broken down by country. Need to find a Gurdwara, this is the first place to look.

Sikh Missionary College by Ranbir Kaur
A busy web site with a lot going on. It's worth exploring the many nooks and crannies of the entire site. There's lots of good reading material here, especially the on-line books. One of my favorites is 'Order of the Day' which explains many of the Daily Hukamnamas in great detail.

Sikh Religion by Sikh Missionary Center
Want to read a good book about Sikhism and what it's all about. Why not read one on the net? This is a really good, well written book on Sikhism which has been converted into a web site.

Sikhnet by Gurumustuk Singh Khalsa
This site is as close to a real virtual Sikh community as you can get. Listen to Kirtan music, check Sikh matrimonials or job ads, have an online or newsgroup chat with other Sikhs around the world, and lots more. It's really a fun web site to visit.

S.M.A.R.T. (Sikh Media Action & Resource Taskforce)
One of the really valuable resources here is the on-line Legal Database of Sikh related court rulings across the United States. If you are a Sikh facing discrimination in the States, this should be your lawyers first stop. Another good feature here is the Hate Crime Registration form, which any Sikh can fill in to mobilize SMART on their behalf if they have been a victim of racism.

The Durbar by Amandeep Singh
This site is an amazing time machine. It contains rare and never before seen photographs of Sikh over the last 150 years. Look into the eyes of Sikhs over a century ago or pictures of Sikh soldiers being executed by a Japanese firing squad in World War II. Priceless pieces of our heritage which we never even knew existed!

Understanding Sikhism by Prof. Devinder Singh Chahal
The articles on this web site sure make for some very interesting and controversial reading. Although I don't agree with the Dr. Chahal on everything he writes, his articles on defining Sikhism 'scientifically' do provide some invaluable insights and a new frame of reference.

Yatra Sri Hemkunt Sahib by Heather Michaud
A beautifully done website about Gurdwara Hemkunt Sahib located high up in the Himilayas. Even if you've never had the urge to travel, looking at the beautiful pictures of the journey and scenery makes you want to go there. It must be made quite clear though that this Gurdwara has no historical significance as it is a modern entity whose location was arbitrarily chosen. Also the worship of past lives, or religious pilgrimages are not a part of Sikhism and the Gurus condemned them. It's still a beautiful location for a Gurdwara and a well done site.

Cybersikh and Sikhlink Email Mailing Lists
Cybersikh and Sikhlink are two wonderful forums for learning and discussions. Both of these are free, non-commercial email mailing lists which are open to everyone to join. By subscribing to either one of these you will receive emails from Sikhs around the world. Both are a wonderful resource of vibrant and lively discussions and a source of learning and inspiration. People interested in joining Cybersikh should contact sikhnet@singnet.com.sg , to join SikhLink contact gsayal@nih.gov .

Gurbani CD
A reference CD which every Sikh should own, and the best part is that it is not being sold for profit but is virtually free. The CD contains Microsoft Word files of the entire Sri Guru Granth Sahib in English by Dr. Sant Singh Khalsa which many consider the best English translation so far, as well as in original Gurmukhi. The CD also includes Gurmukhi fonts for Windows and other good reference material in both English and Punjabi. For more information write to: Sikh Center of Orange County, 2530 W. Warner Avenue, Santa Ana, California 92704 (Attention: Dr. Tarlochan Singh), phone Dr. Tarlochan Singh at (714) 280-1430 or email him at tsingh@sikhcenter.org or order the CD on-line through a web site.