GURUDWARA
Visiting a Gurudwara
The Gurudwara (also often spelt Gurdwara) is a Sikh place of worship. It is open to visitors of any faith, culture, gender or background. At the Gurudwara, Sikhs (meaning life-long learner or disciple), learn about life’s purpose. They learn how to put important values into practice, like praying, serving God’s creation and singing God’s praises.
Learn what happens when you visit a Gurudwara
The Gurudwara
The Sikh Dharam (or faith) began in 1469 with Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the first Guru of the Sikhs. The Sikh Dharam was formed under nine further Gurus and encapsulated in the teachings of this sacred scripture, which Sikhs revere as their timeless Guru, Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji.
When broken down to it’s elements; ‘Guru’ means teacher or enlightener, and ‘dwar’ means gateway. So altogether ‘Gurudwara’ means gateway to the Guru’s home. It is open to people of any background.
What happens in the Gurudwara?
The Gurudwara is a place for Sikhs to practice the faith’s key tenants:
- Naam Japo (remember the Divine Name)
- Kirat Karo (work is worship)
- Vand Chhako (share with others)
- Daan (be benevolent)
- Ishnaan (purify yourself with virtues)
- Sewa Karo (serve others selflessly)
- Kirtan Karo (sing God’s praises)
The Gurudwara is made up of two key areas: a Darbar Sahib (the Guru’s Court), and a Langar Hall (the Guru’s Kitchen). Depending on the size of the Gurudwara, there may be multiple Darbars and Langar Halls.
Conduct within the Gurudwara
All visitors to the Gurudwara are kindly requested to:
- Cover your head at all times when within the Gurudwara building to show respect to the Guru. (Scarves are provided).
- Remove your shoes before entering the Darbar Sahib (prayer room).
- Wash your hands, in preparation to receive the Guru’s blessings.
- Ensure you do not have any alcohol, tobacco or meat in your possession.
Darbar Sahib: The Guru’s Court
Central to the Gurudwara is the Darbar Sahib (Prayer Room). Darbar means Court. Here you will find Guru Granth Sahib Ji, the sacred Sikh scriptures, on a throne (Takhat) under a canopy, wrapped in beautiful fabrics, like royal robes.
When entering the Darbar, you will:
- Walk to the front of the Darbar and pay your respects to Guru Granth Sahib Ji. Sikhs usually bow and place their foreheads on the floor, but non-Sikhs are welcome to put their hands together or stand with your arms by your side.
- Sit crossed legged on the floor, facing the front.
- Be offered sweet parshad, to mark the Guru’s grace and hospitality to all. Parshad is prepared while praying of butter, flour, sugar and water, and is received with cupped hands
In the Darbar, you may listen to Gurbani, the recitation of the scriptures, or hymn singing with musical instruments.
Gumbad Darbar
At GNNSJ BIrmingham, there is a beautiful mirror work design on the ceiling of the Gumbad (Dome) Darbar.
This mirror work was done by a Muslim master craftsman, Mohammad Jabbar, who hand cut 130,000 mirror pieces to create a complicated, symmetrical pattern. It took him seven months to complete.
Guru’s Langar
Guru’s Langar is a vegetarian meal, provided free of charge for all visitors. It is one way Sikhs practice serving others, being generous and seeing God in all.
The cooking, serving and cleaning is done by volunteers doing sewa (selfless service). As they work, they sing and chant prayers, for nourishing the mind, body and soul.
Everyone sits at the same level to show that everyone is equal. Langar is prepared in the kitchen and served in the langar hall.
At GNNSJ Birmingham, there are three langar halls. Two on the ground floor and one on the first floor.
