During the times of the early
Gurus, Sikh places of worship were referred to as dharamsalas. They were a
place where Sikhs could gather to hear the Guru speak or sing hymns. As the
Sikh population continued to grow Guru Hargobind introduced the word
Gurdwara, meaning the gateway through which the Guru could be reached
Any place where the Sri Guru Granth
Sahib Ji is installed and treated with due respect can be referred to as a
Gurdwara, whether it is a room in ones house of a separate building.
Three main functions are carried out in all public Gurdwaras. One is Kirtan
which is the singing of hymns from the Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji, another is
Katha which is reading of the Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji and explanations. The
third main function, which is carried out at every Gurdwara, is the Langar,
free community kitchen for all visitors of all religions.
Along with these main functions Gurdwaras around the world also serve the
Sikh community in many other ways including, libraries of Sikh literature,
schools to teach children Gurmukhi and the Sikh scriptures and charitable
work in the community on behalf of Sikhs.
GURUDWARA PROTOCOLS
when entering the Gurdwara one is
expected to remove the shoes and cover ones bare head as signs of respect
towards the sovereignty of the Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji.
Hands are washed and in some Gurdwaras there are also feet washes.
Approaching the Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji one is expected to bow down and
touch the floor as a sign of further respect towards the Eternal Sikh Guru.
Offerings of cash are usually made at this time to help carry the expenses
of running the Gurdwara and community work carried out by the Gurdwara.
These offerings are voluntary and not compulsory.
All people irrespective of their status sit on the floor as a sign of
equality as opposed to chairs and the Guru Granth Sahib is always installed
on a higher level. One may enter or leave the congregation at any time.
Men and women do not generally sit together but on separate sides of the
room, both at an equal distance from the Guru Granth Sahib. All people are
expected to stand facing the Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji when the Ardas (common
prayer) is read out.
Gurdwaras are open to all people of all religions and are generally open 24
hours a day. Some Gurdwaras also provide temporary accommodations for
visitors or pilgrims.
In the Langar all sit on the floor and food is cooked and served by
volunteers, this food is available at all times. Only vegetarian food is
served so that no person may be offended and all people of all religions can
sit together to share a common meal irrespective of any dietary
restrictions.
Three main functions are carried out in all public Gurdwaras. One is Kirtan
which is the singing of hymns from the Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji, another is
Katha which is reading of the Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji and explanations. The
third main function, which is carried out at every Gurdwara, is the Langar,
free community kitchen for all visitors of all religions.