Gurdwara

A Gurdwara (Punjabi: ???????? or ????????, often incorrectly called a Gurudwara), meaning "the doorway to God", is the Sikh place of worship and may be referred to as a Sikh Temple. In the early days of the Sikh Gurus, Gurdwaras were called Dharamsalas. A Gurdwara always houses the Sikh holy book, the Guru Granth Sahib and displays a triangular orange flag called the Nishan Sahib.

Related Topics:
Punjabi - Sikh - Sikh Gurus - Guru Granth Sahib - Nishan Sahib

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The Guru Granth Sahib is housed in the main hall known as the Darbar Sahib. In most modern Gurdwaras, the hall is large and will house many hundreds of visitors. Devotees will sit cross-legged on the floor. All those who enter the Darbar Sahib must remove their shoes and cover their heads before entering. On entering the hall, devotees will walk slowly and respectfully to the dominant throne on which the Guru Granth Sahib is placed. They then stand before the Holy Scriptures, say silent prayers, offer some coins and then bow humbly.

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The Sikhs treat their holy Book like a living Teacher or Guru. This act of respect is not to be taken as an act of worship as Sikhs are only allowed to worship the One God, who they call Waheguru. At night, the Guru Granth Sahib is placed in a resting room known as the Sach Khand (which translates to True/Pure Domain/Paradise).

Related Topics:
One God - Waheguru - Sach Khand

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In most — but not all — Gurdwaras, men and women sit on different sides of the room, separated in the middle by a pathway that leads to the Guru Granth Sahib. Young children may sit on either side. Some Gurdwaras, especially smaller ones, do not have this division.

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People of all religious backgrounds or of no religious faith are welcomed into a Sikh Gurdwara. However, it is necessary that any visitors remove their shoes and cover their head with a Rumaal before entering the Darbar Sahib. Visitors are also forbidden to go into the Gurdwara while they are intoxicated or possess alcohol, cigarettes or other intoxicating substances.

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All Gurdwaras contain a Langar Hall. This is a communal room where meals are served. Some temples may have tables and chairs but most will expect the devotees to sit on the floor. Various utility rooms, washrooms, and kitchens are also present in Gurdwaras and some of the larger temples may also have rooms with bathroom facilities for the devotees to stay overnight.

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The most famous Gurdwara is the Golden Temple, also known as Harmandir Sahib in Amritsar, Punjab, India.

Related Topics:
Golden Temple - Harmandir Sahib - Amritsar - Punjab, India

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