Sikhism: the Gurdwara

Thanks to FardeenThanks to Fardeen

Gurdwara • I came across a word gurdwara on

the net and have no idea what this word means, so I had to find it out. The gurdwara is a Sikh meeting place. It means “the house of the guru”, the guru that is there is the Guru Granth Sahib. It is as a place of worship, school, meeting room, communal kitchen and place where weary travelers and pilgrims may rest and eat.

• A gurdwara building has usually four doors to show that is open to everyone, you should take off your shoes before you go in, you should cover your head and you will sit on the floor. It may be used for wedding or naming ceremony.

Non-Sikh and Sikh Visitors to a Gurdwara shown

with their heads covered.

• Sikhism, has no room for symbolism or ritualism; Sikhs have neither idols nor altars in their Gurdwara. They have no sacraments and no priestly order. The essential feature of a gurdwara is the presiding presence in it of the holy Sikh Scripture, called the Guru Granth Sahib also referred to as Satguru. This essentially is the focal point of a Gurdwara. The other main component is the holy congregation called the Sadh Sangat who are present within this sacred structure in humble obedience of principles laid down by the Sikh Gurus

Guru Singh Sabha Gurdwaras in Augusta, Georgia, USA

• As Sikhism has no priesthood, administrative control of gurdwaras is exercised by the best Sikhs selected (not elected) by the sangat strictly as per the local requirements. The Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee provides all available resources to the community for understanding the Commandments of 'Satguru' as formally documented in the Guru Granth Sahib

• People of any racial, social, political or religious or non-religious belief are welcomed guests at any Gurdwara. However, the Sikh rahit maryada or code of conduct contains rules pertaining to those entering a Gurdwara. For example: – No one should enter the gurdwara

premises without first removing their shoes (racks are provided for this).

– Men and women must both cover their heads (Headscarves are usually provided).

– All tobacco products or non-prescription medication (i.e. drugs) should never be taken into a Gurdwara.

The Golden Temple at Amritsar, IndiaThe Golden Temple at Amritsar, India