Information AboutGurdwara |
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A Gurdwara (, '''' or , ''''), 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 , before the first gurdwara, followers of Guru Nanak formed a congregation whose venue was known as a '''' (place or seat of religion). A Gurdwara always houses the Sikh holy book, the Guru Granth Sahib and displays a triangular orange flag called the Nishan Sahib . The Guru Granth Sahib is housed in the main hall known as the Darbar Hall . 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 hall must remove their shoes and cover their heads before entering. On entering the hall, devotees walk slowly and respectfully to the main throne on which the Guru Granth Sahib rests. Devotees then stand before the Holy Scriptures, often say a silent prayer, offer a donation (if able), then bow humbly. 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 , for which the word in Punjabi is 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). . Men and women usually sit on separate sides of the hall.]] In most — but not all — gurdwaras, men and women typically end up sitting on different sides of the room, separated in the middle by a pathway that leads to the Guru Granth Sahib. Children of either gender may sit on either side. Some Gurdwaras, especially smaller ones, do not have any division. 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 Rumāl before entering the Darbar Sahib. Visitors are also forbidden to go into the gurdwara while they are inebriated or possess alcohol, cigarettes or any intoxicating substances. All gurdwaras contain a Langar hall. This is a communal room where meals are served. Some temples may have tables and chairs, but in most, devotees sit on the floor. Various utility rooms and a large kitchen are also present in gurdwaras and some of the larger temples may also have bedrooms for a few devotees to stay overnight. The most famous gurdwara is the Golden Temple , also known as Harmandir Sahib in Amritsar . SEE ALSO
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