The Gurdwara

This section explains The Gurdwara as a place of Sikh Worship. The gurdwara is the Sikh place of worship, and its name translates to "the door of the Guru." It serves not only as a space for prayer and meditation but also as a community hub where Sikhs can gather, learn about their faith, and engage with others. The gurdwara is a relaxed and welcoming environment, and while there is no obligation for Sikhs to attend regularly, many choose to do so in order to strengthen their connection to the community and their faith. All gurdwaras display the Nishan Sahib flag, which features the Khanda, the central symbol of Sikhism.

Key Features of the Gurdwara

• Open doors for all: Gurdwaras are often designed with four doors, which symbolise the idea that everyone, regardless of their background or status, is welcome. This reflects the core Sikh belief in equality and the oneness of humanity.
• Diwan Hall: The main area of worship within the gurdwara is the diwan hall, where the Guru Granth Sahib is placed on a raised platform called the Manji Sahib. This hall is the central space for the sangat (community) to gather for prayer and worship. The Sach Khand is the special resting place for the Guru Granth Sahib, where it is carefully placed each evening, covered with a sacred cloth (known as the rumalla), as a sign of reverence. The process of putting the Guru Granth Sahib to bed is an important part of daily gurdwara practice.
• Langar (Community Kitchen): Every gurdwara has a langar, or free kitchen, which provides meals to anyone who enters, regardless of their social standing or background. This practice, introduced by Guru Nanak, reflects the Sikh principle of selfless service and equality.
• Golak: The golak is the collection box where donations from the sangat are placed. It is typically situated in front of the Guru Granth Sahib in the diwan hall and serves as a way for the community to contribute to the maintenance of the gurdwara and the support of the wider community.

Showing Respect in the Gurdwara

Sikhs show deep respect when entering the gurdwara, following specific customs:

1. Washing hands: Sikhs wash their hands before entering the gurdwara to maintain cleanliness and purity.
2. Covering the head: It is customary for Sikhs to cover their heads as a sign of humility and respect.
3. Removing shoes: Shoes are removed before entering the diwan hall, as a sign of respect for the sacred space.
4. Bow in reverence: Sikhs approach the Guru Granth Sahib, bow before it, and may touch the floor to demonstrate their reverence.
5. Making a donation: It is customary to contribute a donation to the golak, a symbolic gesture of sharing with the community.

In the diwan hall, Sikhs traditionally sit on the floor as a sign of equality, acknowledging that all are equal in the eyes of God. Men and women often sit separately during worship, although this practice can vary.

Worship in the Gurdwara

Worship in the gurdwara involves various activities that help Sikhs connect with Waheguru. The sangat sing hymns and listen to spiritual sermons, often led by any Sikh who is knowledgeable about the Guru Granth Sahib. These services usually begin and end with the Ardas prayer, which is a communal prayer for blessings and support.

• Kirtan: One of the central aspects of worship is Kirtan, the singing of hymns and shabads (verses) from the Guru Granth Sahib. These hymns are sung to music, often played by ragis, who are musicians trained in the classical Sikh style of music. The music helps create an atmosphere of devotion and spiritual reflection.

“At the Gurdwara, the Guru's Gate, the Kirtan of the Lord’s Praises are sung. Meeting with the True Guru, one chants the Lord’s Praises.”
— Guru Granth Sahib, 1075

• Karah Parshad: At the end of services, Sikhs distribute Karah Parshad, a sweet, blessed food. Karah Parshad is symbolic of equality, as it is served to everyone, regardless of their status or background. The act of receiving and eating Karah Parshad reinforces the Sikh belief that all people are God's creation and should be treated equally. It also serves as a reminder of the langar, where food is freely offered to all.

The Gurdwara in the Community

Sikhism does not have a formal priesthood, so the gurdwara is run by the sangat, the community itself. Members of the community are selected to manage the daily affairs of the gurdwara, such as organising services, coordinating events, and overseeing finances. Many of these roles are carried out voluntarily as part of the concept of sewa (selfless service). While a granthi (a person trained in Sikh scripture) may be appointed to oversee the running of the gurdwara and lead worship services, it is the collective effort of the sangat that keeps the gurdwara functioning.

The gurdwara plays a key role in supporting the local community. It serves as a centre for spiritual growth, social engagement, and charitable work. Sikhs often come to the gurdwara for guidance, education, and fellowship, and the community is encouraged to support one another.

The Langar

The langar is perhaps the most visible and well-known feature of the gurdwara. Introduced by Guru Nanak, the langar embodies the principle of sewa and the Sikh belief in the oneness of humanity. The langar provides free meals to all, regardless of their caste, creed, gender, or wealth.

The key features of the langar include:

• Volunteers: The langar is run by volunteers, both male and female, who prepare and serve the food. It is considered a privilege to serve in this capacity, as it is a way of offering service to God and the community.
• Vegetarian food: Only vegetarian food is served in the langar, making it inclusive of all faiths. For example, some faiths, such as Islam, prohibit the consumption of pork, and the vegetarian policy ensures that everyone can partake in the meal.
• Equality: The langar reinforces the belief that all people are equal in the eyes of God. Everyone eats together, whether they are rich or poor, and no one is turned away.

“The Langar – the kitchen of the Guru’s shabad has been opened, and its supplies never run short.”
— Guru Granth Sahib, 967

This practice serves as a constant reminder of the importance of humility, equality, and selfless service within Sikhism. The langar not only meets the physical needs of the community but also nourishes the soul by fostering a spirit of togetherness and compassion.