During the times of the early Gurus, Sikh places of worship were referred to as dharamsalas (similar to a community center). These were places where Sikhs could gather to hear the Guru (spiritual leader) speak or sing hymns.During the times of the early Gurus, Sikh places of worship were referred to as dharamsalas (similar to a community center). These were places where Sikhs could gather to hear the Guru (spiritual leader) speak or sing hymns.
As the Sikh population continued to grow Guru Hargobind (6th master of Sikhs) introduced the word Gurdwara, meaning the gateway through which the Guru could be reached. Since then, all the Sikh places of worship came to be known as Gurdwaras.
Any place where the Shri Guru Granth Sahib Ji (Holy Book of Sikhs) is located and treated with due respect can be referred to as a Gurdwara, whether it is a room in ones house or in a building.
Three main functions are carried out in all public Gurdwaras: Kirtan which is the singing of hymns from the Guru Granth Sahib, Katha which is reading of the Guru Granth Sahib and explanations and Langar, free community kitchen for all visitors of all religions which is carried out at every Gurdwara.
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.
When entering the Gurdwara one is expected to remove ones shoes and to cover ones bare head with a scarf or handkerchief as a sign of respect towards the sovereignty of the Shri Guru Granth Sahib Ji (Holy Book of Sikhs).
Hands are washed and in some Gurdwaras there is a place to wash ones feet too.
When approaching the Guru Granth Sahib one is expected to bow down and touch his/her head on the floor as a sign of further respect towards the Eternal Sikh Guru.
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 placed 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 Shri Guru Granth Sahib Ji.
All people are expected to stand facing the Guru Granth Sahib 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 (free kitchen) everyone sits on the floor and food is cooked and served by volunteers, this food is available at all times. All people of all religions can sit together to share a common meal irrespective of any dietary restrictions.
Surjit Singh Flora has worked as writer for the past 20 years. He is a reporter and photographer for the Hamdard Weekly Punjabi Newspaper in Brampton. His articles, poems and stories have been published in local and international newspapers and magazines. He won the Editor's Choice Award from the National Library of Poetry in 1993. Surjit is a resident of Brampton.