Sikhs at the Golden Temple, their holiest shrine

Raminder Pal Singh / EPA

Baptized Sikh men sit near the sacred pond of the Golden Temple, the holiest of Sikh shrines in Amritsar, India, on Aug. 6.

Raminder Pal Singh / EPA

A Sikh man prays facing the Golden Temple (unseen), the holiest of Sikh shrines in Amritsar, India, on Aug. 6.

Narinder Nanu / AFP - Getty Images

Indian Sikh devotees pay their respects at the Golden Temple in Amritsar, India, on Aug. 6.

The shootings at a Sikh temple in Wisconsin have highlighted how little is known about the religion in America, so it seemed like a good time to take a look at their holiest shrine, the Golden Temple in Amritsar, India.

By NBC News Staff: American Sikhs said they have often been singled out for harassment, and occasionally violent attack, since the September 11, 2001 attacks because of their colorful turbans and beards.

The 2001 attacks were carried out by Muslims linked to the al-Qaida militant group led by Osama bin Laden. Sikhs are not Muslim but many Americans do not know the difference, members of the Sikh community said.

The Sikh faith is the fifth-largest in the world, with more than 30 million followers. It includes belief in one God and that the goal of life is to lead an exemplary existence. Full Story

Slideshow: Gunman opens fire at Sikh temple in Wisconsin

Jeffrey Phelps / AP

A gunman opened fire Sunday morning at a Sikh temple outside of Milwaukee, killing six people and wounding at least three others, including a police officer, before being shot to death, authorities said.

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