The Gurdwara
The Gurdwara is the Sikh place of worship.
http://e4education.uk-virtualtours.co.uk/temple/
The link above is a virtual tour of a gurdwara. It should provide you with the layout of the Gurdwara and information about each part.
The literal meaning of the Punjabi word Gurdwara is 'the residence of the Guru'. In a modern Gurdwara, the Guru is not a person but the book of Sikh scriptures called the Guru Granth Sahib. The presence of the Guru Granth Sahib is that gives the Gurdwara its religious status, therefore any building containing the book is a Gurdwara.
The purpose of a Gurdwara is that:
Inside the Gurdwara: there are no idols, statues, or religious pictures because Sikhs worship only God, and they regard God as having no physical form. Nor are there candles, incense, or bells, or any other ritualistic devices.
The focus of the Gurdwara, and the only object of reverence in the main hall (or Darbar Sahib) is the Guru Granth Sahib, which is treated with the same respect that you would give to a human Guru.
The Guru Granth Sahib is kept in a room of its own during the night and carried in procession to the main hall at the start of the day's worship. The book is placed on a raised platform (Takht or Manji Sahib, meaning "throne") under a canopy (Chanani or Palki), and covered with an expensive cloth when not being read. During a service a person with a whisk or fan called a Chaur waves it over the Guru Granth Sahib.
Although Sikhs show reverence to the Guru Granth Sahib, their reverence is to its spiritual content (shabad) not the actual book itself. The book is just the visible manifestation of the shabad.
The four doors:
There are four doors into a Gurdwara, known as the Door of Peace, the Door of Livelihood, the Door of Learning and the Door of Grace. These doors are a symbol that people from all four points of the compass are welcome, and that members of all four castes are welcomed equally. There's always a light on in a Gurdwara, to show that the Guru's Light is always visible and is accessible to everyone at any time.
The free food kitchen, or Langar: The Langar is where food is served to anyone without charge. The term Langar is also used for the communal meal served at the Gurdwaras. The food served in the Langar must be simple, to prevent wealthy congregations turning it into a feast that shows off their superiority. Although Sikhs are not required to be vegetarian, only vegetarian food is served in the Gurdwaras; this ensures that any visitor to the Gurdwara can eat in the Langar no matter their beliefs. The meal may include chapati, dal (pulses), vegetables and rice pudding.
Flying the flag:
Gurdwaras fly the Sikh flag outside. The flag is orange/yellow and has the Khanda in the middle.
Visiting a Gurdwara:
Just before you enter the Prayer Hall, you should remove your shoes and place them on the rack. Then you should cover your head, this is a sign of respect to God. Everyone sits on the floor to show equality. The Prayer Hall is where worship and services take place and music is performed. During services, a sweet holy food called prashad is distributed. The services include sermons, ballads, religious poems and Kirtan (hymns with music).
http://e4education.uk-virtualtours.co.uk/temple/
The link above is a virtual tour of a gurdwara. It should provide you with the layout of the Gurdwara and information about each part.
The literal meaning of the Punjabi word Gurdwara is 'the residence of the Guru'. In a modern Gurdwara, the Guru is not a person but the book of Sikh scriptures called the Guru Granth Sahib. The presence of the Guru Granth Sahib is that gives the Gurdwara its religious status, therefore any building containing the book is a Gurdwara.
The purpose of a Gurdwara is that:
- It's a place to learn spiritual wisdom
- It's a place for religious ceremonies
- It's a place where children learn the Sikh faith, ethics, customs, traditions and texts
- A Gurdwara is also a community centre, and offers food, shelter, and companionship to those who need it.
Inside the Gurdwara: there are no idols, statues, or religious pictures because Sikhs worship only God, and they regard God as having no physical form. Nor are there candles, incense, or bells, or any other ritualistic devices.
The focus of the Gurdwara, and the only object of reverence in the main hall (or Darbar Sahib) is the Guru Granth Sahib, which is treated with the same respect that you would give to a human Guru.
The Guru Granth Sahib is kept in a room of its own during the night and carried in procession to the main hall at the start of the day's worship. The book is placed on a raised platform (Takht or Manji Sahib, meaning "throne") under a canopy (Chanani or Palki), and covered with an expensive cloth when not being read. During a service a person with a whisk or fan called a Chaur waves it over the Guru Granth Sahib.
Although Sikhs show reverence to the Guru Granth Sahib, their reverence is to its spiritual content (shabad) not the actual book itself. The book is just the visible manifestation of the shabad.
The four doors:
There are four doors into a Gurdwara, known as the Door of Peace, the Door of Livelihood, the Door of Learning and the Door of Grace. These doors are a symbol that people from all four points of the compass are welcome, and that members of all four castes are welcomed equally. There's always a light on in a Gurdwara, to show that the Guru's Light is always visible and is accessible to everyone at any time.
The free food kitchen, or Langar: The Langar is where food is served to anyone without charge. The term Langar is also used for the communal meal served at the Gurdwaras. The food served in the Langar must be simple, to prevent wealthy congregations turning it into a feast that shows off their superiority. Although Sikhs are not required to be vegetarian, only vegetarian food is served in the Gurdwaras; this ensures that any visitor to the Gurdwara can eat in the Langar no matter their beliefs. The meal may include chapati, dal (pulses), vegetables and rice pudding.
Flying the flag:
Gurdwaras fly the Sikh flag outside. The flag is orange/yellow and has the Khanda in the middle.
Visiting a Gurdwara:
Just before you enter the Prayer Hall, you should remove your shoes and place them on the rack. Then you should cover your head, this is a sign of respect to God. Everyone sits on the floor to show equality. The Prayer Hall is where worship and services take place and music is performed. During services, a sweet holy food called prashad is distributed. The services include sermons, ballads, religious poems and Kirtan (hymns with music).