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	* {{lang\|pa-Latn\|[[Sangat (term)\|Sangat]]}} and {{lang\|pa-Latn\|pangat}}: providing a free community kitchen called a langar<ref name=SGPC/> for all visitors, regardless of cultural, religious, regional, caste, or class affiliations.		* {{lang\|pa-Latn\|[[Sangat (term)\|Sangat]]}} and {{lang\|pa-Latn\|pangat}}: providing a free community kitchen called a langar<ref name=SGPC/> for all visitors, regardless of cultural, religious, regional, caste, or class affiliations.

	~~[[File:Typical.darbar.sahib.png\|thumb\|200px\|right\|A typical [[Darbar Sahib Hall\|Darbar Sahib]] layout. Men and women usually sit on separate sides.]]~~
	Other ceremonies performed there include the Sikh marriage ceremony, {{lang\|pa-Latn\|[[Anand Karaj]]}}; some of the rites of the death ceremony, {{lang\|pa-Latn\|[[Antam Sanskar]]}}; and most of the important [[Sikh Festivals]]. The {{lang\|pa-Latn\|[[Nagar Kirtan]]}}, a Sikh processional singing of holy hymns throughout a community, begin and conclude at a gurdwara.<ref>[http://www.bbc.co.uk/religion/religions/sikhism/ritesrituals/weddings.shtml "BBC - Religions - Sikhism: Weddings"],		Other ceremonies performed there include the Sikh marriage ceremony, {{lang\|pa-Latn\|[[Anand Karaj]]}}; some of the rites of the death ceremony, {{lang\|pa-Latn\|[[Antam Sanskar]]}}; and most of the important [[Sikh Festivals]]. The {{lang\|pa-Latn\|[[Nagar Kirtan]]}}, a Sikh processional singing of holy hymns throughout a community, begin and conclude at a gurdwara.<ref>[http://www.bbc.co.uk/religion/religions/sikhism/ritesrituals/weddings.shtml "BBC - Religions - Sikhism: Weddings"],
	BBC.co.uk, 2010.</ref>		BBC.co.uk, 2010.</ref>

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← Older revision		Revision as of 10:02, 30 June 2022
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	{{Short description\|Place of worship in Sikhism}}		{{Short description\|Place of worship in Sikhism}}
	{{Sikhism sidebar}}		{{Sikhism sidebar}}
	A '''gurdwara''' ({{IAST\|'''gurdwārā'''}}; meaning "door to the [[Sikh gurus\|guru]]") is a place of assembly and [[place of worship\|worship]] for [[Sikhs]]. Sikhs also refer to gurdwaras as ''Gurdwara [[Sahib]]''. People from all faiths are welcomed in gurdwaras. Each gurdwara has a ''[[Darbar Sahib Hall\|Darbar Sahib]]'' where the current and everlasting guru of the Sikhs, the scripture [[Guru Granth Sahib]], is placed on a {{lang\|pa-Latn\|takhat}} (an elevated throne) in a prominent central position. The ~~{{lang\|pa-Latn\|raagis}}~~ (who sing [[Raga]]s) recite, sing, and explain the verses from the Guru Granth Sahib, in the presence of the congregation.		A '''gurdwara''' ({{IAST\|'''gurdwārā'''}}; meaning "door to the [[Sikh gurus\|guru]]") is a place of assembly and [[place of worship\|worship]] for [[Sikhs]]. Sikhs also refer to gurdwaras as ''Gurdwara Sahib''. People from all faiths are welcomed in gurdwaras. Each gurdwara has a ''[[Darbar Sahib Hall\|Darbar Sahib]]'' where the current and everlasting guru of the Sikhs, the scripture [[Guru Granth Sahib]], is placed on a {{lang\|pa-Latn\|takhat}} (an elevated throne) in a prominent central position. The guru (who sing [[Raga]]s) recite, sing, and explain the verses from the Guru Granth Sahib, in the presence of the congregation.

	All gurdwaras have a {{lang\|pa-Latn\|[[Langar (Sikhism)\|langar]]}} hall, where people can eat free vegetarian food served by volunteers at the gurdwara.<ref>{{cite web\|title=The Gurdwara\|url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/religion/religions/sikhism/ritesrituals/gurdwara_1.shtml\|work=BBC.co.uk\|publisher=BBC\|access-date=18 March 2013}}</ref> They may also have a medical facility room, library, nursery, classroom, meeting rooms, playground, sports ground, a gift shop, and finally a repair shop.<ref>{{cite web\|title=Gurdwara Requirements\|url=http://www.worldgurudwaras.com/gurudwaras/gurdwara-requirements\|work=WorldGurudwaras.com\|access-date=18 March 2013\|url-status=dead\|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131004220923/http://www.worldgurudwaras.com/gurudwaras/gurdwara-requirements\|archive-date=4 October 2013}}</ref> A gurdwara can be identified from a distance by tall flagpoles bearing the [[Nishan Sahib]], the Sikh flag.		All gurdwaras have a {{lang\|pa-Latn\|[[Langar (Sikhism)\|langar]]}} hall, where people can eat free vegetarian food served by volunteers at the gurdwara.<ref>{{cite web\|title=The Gurdwara\|url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/religion/religions/sikhism/ritesrituals/gurdwara_1.shtml\|work=BBC.co.uk\|publisher=BBC\|access-date=18 March 2013}}</ref> They may also have a medical facility room, library, nursery, classroom, meeting rooms, playground, sports ground, a gift shop, and finally a repair shop.<ref>{{cite web\|title=Gurdwara Requirements\|url=http://www.worldgurudwaras.com/gurudwaras/gurdwara-requirements\|work=WorldGurudwaras.com\|access-date=18 March 2013\|url-status=dead\|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131004220923/http://www.worldgurudwaras.com/gurudwaras/gurdwara-requirements\|archive-date=4 October 2013}}</ref> A gurdwara can be identified from a distance by tall flagpoles bearing the [[Nishan Sahib]], the Sikh flag.
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	==History==		==History==
	<gallery widths="200" heights="200">		<gallery widths="200" heights="200">
	Templo dorado-Amritsar-India048.JPG\|The [[Harmandir Sahib]] in [[Amritsar]], India, known informally as the Golden Temple, is the holiest gurdwara of [[Sikhism]] next to [[Akal Takht]], a Sikh seat of power.		Templo dorado-Amritsar-India048.JPG\|The [[Harmandir Sahib]] in [[Amritsar]], India, known informally as the Golden Temple, is the holiest gurdwara of [[Sikhism]], next to [[Akal Takht]], a Sikh seat of power.
	Hazur Sahib, Nanded, Maharashtra, September 2012.jpg\|Shri [[Hazur Sahib Nanded\|Hazoor Sahib]] is a gurdwara in [[Nanded]], [[Maharashtra, India]]; is one of the five {{lang\|pa-Latn\|[[Takht (Sikhism)\|takhts]]}}.		Hazur Sahib, Nanded, Maharashtra, September 2012.jpg\|Shri [[Hazur Sahib Nanded\|Hazoor Sahib]] is a gurdwara in [[Nanded]], [[Maharashtra, India]]; is one of the five {{lang\|pa-Latn\|[[Takht (Sikhism)\|takhts]]}}.
	Front view of Gurudwara Bangla Sahib, Delhi.jpg\|[[Gurudwara Bangla Sahib]] is one of the most prominent [[Sikhism\|Sikh]] gurdwara in [[Delhi, India]] and known for its association with the eighth [[Sikh Guru]], [[Guru Har Krishan]], as well as the pool inside its complex, known as the "Sarovar."		Front view of Gurudwara Bangla Sahib, Delhi.jpg\|[[Gurudwara Bangla Sahib]] is one of the most prominent [[Sikhism\|Sikh]] gurdwara in [[Delhi, India]] and known for its association with the eighth [[Sikh Guru]], [[Guru Har Krishan]], as well as the pool inside its complex, known as the "Sarovar."
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	The worship centres were built as a place where Sikhs could gather to hear the guru give spiritual discourse and sing religious [[hymns]] in the praise of {{lang\|pa-Latn\|[[Waheguru]]}}. As the Sikh population continued to grow, [[Guru Hargobind]], the sixth Sikh guru, introduced the word gurdwara.		The worship centres were built as a place where Sikhs could gather to hear the guru give spiritual discourse and sing religious [[hymns]] in the praise of {{lang\|pa-Latn\|[[Waheguru]]}}. As the Sikh population continued to grow, [[Guru Hargobind]], the sixth Sikh guru, introduced the word gurdwara.

	The etymology of the term gurdwara is from the words {{lang\|pa-Latn\|gur}} ({{lang\|pa\|ਗੁਰ}}) (a reference to the Sikh gurus) and {{lang\|pa-Latn\|dwara}} ({{lang\|pa\|ਦੁਆਰਾ}}) (gateway in [[Gurmukhi]]), together meaning 'the gateway through which the guru could be reached'.<ref name=SGPC/>		The etymology of the term ''gurdwara'' is from the words {{lang\|pa-Latn\|gur}} ({{lang\|pa\|ਗੁਰ}}) (a reference to the Sikh gurus) and {{lang\|pa-Latn\|dwara}} ({{lang\|pa\|ਦੁਆਰਾ}}) (gateway in [[Gurmukhi]]), together meaning 'the gateway through which the guru could be reached'.<ref name=SGPC/> Thereafter, all Sikh places of worship came to be known as gurdwaras.
	Thereafter, all Sikh places of worship came to be known as gurdwaras.
			The use of '[[sahib]]', as sometimes appended in the term ''Gurdwara Sahib'', derives from a [[loanword]] of Arabic origin, meaning "companion" or "friend".<ref>{{OED\|sahib, ''n.''}}</ref>

	[[File:Nishan sahib golden temple.jpg\|right\|thumb\|upright=0.90\|alt=Nishan Sahib flags on tall poles over Harmandir Sahib in India\|Nishan Sahib flags on poles at Harmandir Sahib, Amritsar.]]		[[File:Nishan sahib golden temple.jpg\|right\|thumb\|upright=0.90\|alt=Nishan Sahib flags on tall poles over Harmandir Sahib in India\|Nishan Sahib flags on poles at Harmandir Sahib, Amritsar.]]
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	* [[Takht Sri Kesgarh Sahib]], located in Anandpur Sahib, [[Punjab (India)\|Punjab]], [[India]]<ref>{{cite book\|author=W. H. McLeod\|title=The A to Z of Sikhism\|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=vgixwfeCyDAC&pg=PA16 \|year=2009\| publisher=Scarecrow\|isbn=978-0-8108-6344-6\|page=16}}</ref>		* [[Takht Sri Kesgarh Sahib]], located in Anandpur Sahib, [[Punjab (India)\|Punjab]], [[India]]<ref>{{cite book\|author=W. H. McLeod\|title=The A to Z of Sikhism\|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=vgixwfeCyDAC&pg=PA16 \|year=2009\| publisher=Scarecrow\|isbn=978-0-8108-6344-6\|page=16}}</ref>
	* [[Takht Sri Damdama Sahib]], located in [[Bathinda]], Punjab, India<ref>{{cite web \| title=Railways halts survey to finalise the Talwandi Sabo rail route \| website=hindustantimes.com \| date=25 August 2015 \| url=http://www.hindustantimes.com/punjab/railways-halts-survey-to-finalise-the-talwandi-sabo-rail-route/story-KoJo34oRxxAXtXoAmZTcFL.html \| access-date=7 October 2015}}</ref>		* [[Takht Sri Damdama Sahib]], located in [[Bathinda]], Punjab, India<ref>{{cite web \| title=Railways halts survey to finalise the Talwandi Sabo rail route \| website=hindustantimes.com \| date=25 August 2015 \| url=http://www.hindustantimes.com/punjab/railways-halts-survey-to-finalise-the-talwandi-sabo-rail-route/story-KoJo34oRxxAXtXoAmZTcFL.html \| access-date=7 October 2015}}</ref>
	* [[Takht Sri Patna Sahib\|Takhat Sri Harimandir Patna Sahib]], in the neighborhood of [[Patna Sahib]], [[Patna]], [[Bihar]], India<ref>{{Cite web\|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/patna/five-jathedars-visit-patna-kick-off-17-preparations/articleshow/48137108.cms\|title=Five jathedars visit Patna, kick off ~~’17~~ preparations \| Patna News - Times of India\|website=The Times of India}}</ref>		* [[Takht Sri Patna Sahib\|Takhat Sri Harimandir Patna Sahib]], in the neighborhood of [[Patna Sahib]], [[Patna]], [[Bihar]], India<ref>{{Cite web\|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/patna/five-jathedars-visit-patna-kick-off-17-preparations/articleshow/48137108.cms\|title=Five jathedars visit Patna, kick off '17 preparations \| Patna News - Times of India\|website=The Times of India}}</ref>
	* [[Hazur Sahib Nanded\|Takht Sri Hazur Sahib]], located on banks of the [[River Godavari]] in [[Nanded]], [[Maharashtra]], India.<ref>[http://www.tribuneindia.com/2002/20020427/windows/site.htm Hazoor Sahib — a salute to the saviour][[The Tribune (Chandigarh)\|The Tribune]]</ref>		* [[Hazur Sahib Nanded\|Takht Sri Hazur Sahib]], located on banks of the [[River Godavari]] in [[Nanded]], [[Maharashtra]], India.<ref>[http://www.tribuneindia.com/2002/20020427/windows/site.htm Hazoor Sahib — a salute to the saviour][[The Tribune (Chandigarh)\|The Tribune]]</ref>

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	==External links==		==External links==
	* [http://www.jattdisite.com/scraps/historical-gurudwaras/ All Historical Gurudwaras]		* [http://www.jattdisite.com/scraps/historical-gurudwaras/ All Historical Gurudwaras]
	*[https://siliguritourism.in/siliguri-gurudwara Siliguri Gurudwara]		* [https://siliguritourism.in/siliguri-gurudwara Siliguri Gurudwara]
			* [https://www.worldgurudwaras.com/ World Gurudwaras]

			{{Place of worship}}
	{{Sikhism}}		{{Sikhism}}

	~~{{Place of worship}}~~
	{{Authority control}}		{{Authority control}}

>Regulov: /* Learning and other facilities */

2021-06-23T08:11:53Z

Learning and other facilities

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{{Short description|Place of worship in Sikhism}}
{{Sikhism sidebar}}
A '''gurdwara''' ({{IAST|'''gurdwārā'''}}; meaning "door to the [[Sikh gurus|guru]]") is a place of assembly and [[place of worship|worship]] for [[Sikhs]]. Sikhs also refer to gurdwaras as ''Gurdwara [[Sahib]]''. People from all faiths are welcomed in gurdwaras. Each gurdwara has a ''[[Darbar Sahib Hall|Darbar Sahib]]'' where the current and everlasting guru of the Sikhs, the scripture [[Guru Granth Sahib]], is placed on a {{lang|pa-Latn|takhat}} (an elevated throne) in a prominent central position. The {{lang|pa-Latn|raagis}} (who sing [[Raga]]s) recite, sing, and explain the verses from the Guru Granth Sahib, in the presence of the congregation.

All gurdwaras have a {{lang|pa-Latn|[[Langar (Sikhism)|langar]]}} hall, where people can eat free vegetarian food served by volunteers at the gurdwara.<ref>{{cite web|title=The Gurdwara|url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/religion/religions/sikhism/ritesrituals/gurdwara_1.shtml|work=BBC.co.uk|publisher=BBC|access-date=18 March 2013}}</ref> They may also have a medical facility room, library, nursery, classroom, meeting rooms, playground, sports ground, a gift shop, and finally a repair shop.<ref>{{cite web|title=Gurdwara Requirements|url=http://www.worldgurudwaras.com/gurudwaras/gurdwara-requirements|work=WorldGurudwaras.com|access-date=18 March 2013|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131004220923/http://www.worldgurudwaras.com/gurudwaras/gurdwara-requirements|archive-date=4 October 2013}}</ref> A gurdwara can be identified from a distance by tall flagpoles bearing the [[Nishan Sahib]], the Sikh flag.

The best-known gurdwaras are in the Darbar Sahib complex in [[Amritsar]], [[Punjab (India)|Punjab]],{{sfn|The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica|2014}} including [[Golden Temple|Darbar Sahib]], the spiritual center of the Sikhs and [[Akal Takht]], the political center of the Sikhs.{{sfn|The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica|2014}}

==History==
<gallery widths="200" heights="200">
Templo dorado-Amritsar-India048.JPG|The [[Harmandir Sahib]] in [[Amritsar]], India, known informally as the Golden Temple, is the holiest gurdwara of [[Sikhism]] next to [[Akal Takht]], a Sikh seat of power.
Hazur Sahib, Nanded, Maharashtra, September 2012.jpg|Shri [[Hazur Sahib Nanded|Hazoor Sahib]] is a gurdwara in [[Nanded]], [[Maharashtra, India]]; is one of the five {{lang|pa-Latn|[[Takht (Sikhism)|takhts]]}}.
Front view of Gurudwara Bangla Sahib, Delhi.jpg|[[Gurudwara Bangla Sahib]] is one of the most prominent [[Sikhism|Sikh]] gurdwara in [[Delhi, India]] and known for its association with the eighth [[Sikh Guru]], [[Guru Har Krishan]], as well as the pool inside its complex, known as the "Sarovar."
</gallery>
The first gurdwara was built in [[Kartarpur, Pakistan|Kartarpur]], on the banks of [[Ravi River]] in the [[Punjab region]] by the first Sikh guru, [[Guru Nanak Dev]] in the year 1521. It now lies in the [[Narowal District]] of west Punjab (Pakistan).

The worship centres were built as a place where Sikhs could gather to hear the guru give spiritual discourse and sing religious [[hymns]] in the praise of {{lang|pa-Latn|[[Waheguru]]}}. As the Sikh population continued to grow, [[Guru Hargobind]], the sixth Sikh guru, introduced the word gurdwara.

The etymology of the term gurdwara is from the words {{lang|pa-Latn|gur}} ({{lang|pa|ਗੁਰ}}) (a reference to the Sikh gurus) and {{lang|pa-Latn|dwara}} ({{lang|pa|ਦੁਆਰਾ}}) (gateway in [[Gurmukhi]]), together meaning 'the gateway through which the guru could be reached'.<ref name=SGPC/>
Thereafter, all Sikh places of worship came to be known as gurdwaras.

[[File:Nishan sahib golden temple.jpg|right|thumb|upright=0.90|alt=Nishan Sahib flags on tall poles over Harmandir Sahib in India|Nishan Sahib flags on poles at Harmandir Sahib, Amritsar.]]
Some of the prominent Sikh shrines established by the Sikh gurus are:
* [[Gurdwara Janam Asthan|Nankana Sahib]], established in the 1490s by first Sikh Guru, Guru Nanak Dev, Punjab, Pakistan.
* [[Sultanpur Lodhi#Historical Gurudwaras|Sultanpur Lodhi]], established in 1499 became the Sikh centre during Guru Nanak Dev time Kapurthala District, Punjab (India).
* [[Gurdwara Darbar Sahib Kartarpur|Kartarpur Sahib]], established in 1521 by the first Sikh Guru, Guru Nanak Dev, near River Ravi, Narowal, Punjab, Pakistan.
* Khadur Sahib, established in 1539 by the second Sikh Guru, Guru Angad Dev ji, near River Beas, Amritsar District, Punjab, India.
* Goindwal Sahib, established in 1552 by the third Sikh Guru, Guru Amar Das ji, near River Beas, Amritsar District Punjab, India.
* Sri Amritsar, established in 1577 By the fourth Sikh Guru, Guru Ram Das ji, District Amritsar, Punjab India.
* [[Tarn Taran Sahib]], established in 1590 by the fifth Sikh Guru, [Guru Arjan Dev ji], District Tarn Taran Sahib, Punjab India.
* [[Kartarpur, India|Kartarpur]] Sahib, established in 1594 by the fifth Sikh Guru, Guru Arjan Dev, near river Beas, Jalandhar District, Punjab India.
* [[Sri Hargobindpur]], established by the fifth Sikh Guru, Guru Arjan Dev, near river Beas, Gurdaspur District, Punjab India.
* [[Kiratpur Sahib]], established in 1627 by the sixth Sikh Guru, Guru Hargobind, near river Sutlej, Ropar District, Punjab, India.
* [[Anandpur Sahib]], established in 1665 by the ninth Sikh Guru, [[Guru Tegh Bahadur]], near river Sutlej, Punjab, India.
* [[Gurudwara Paonta Sahib|Paonta Sahib]], established in 1685 by the tenth Sikh Guru, [[Guru Gobind Singh]], near river Yamuna, Himachal Pradesh India.

By the early 20th century, a number of Sikh gurdwaras in British India were under the control of the [[Udasi]] [[mahant]]s (clergymen).<ref name="HSSingha2000">{{cite book | author = H. S. Singha|title=The encyclopedia of Sikhism|year=2000|publisher=Hemkunt Press|isbn=978-81-7010-301-1|page=13}}</ref> The [[Gurdwara Reform Movement]] of the 1920s resulted in [[Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee]] taking control of these gurdwaras.<ref name="Rajit2003">{{cite book | author=Rajit K. Mazumder | title=The Indian army and the making of Punjab | year=2003 | publisher = Orient Blackswan | isbn=978-81-7824-059-6 | pages=213–218}}</ref>
[[File:Ranjit Singh at Harmandir Sahib - August Schoefft - Vienna 1850 - Princess Bamba Collection - Lahore Fort.jpg|thumb|800px|center|<center>Maharaja Ranjit Singh listening to [[Guru Granth Sahib]] being recited near the [[Akal Takht]], one of the five {{lang|pa-Latn|[[Takht (Sikhism)|takhts]]}}, and the [[Golden Temple]], holiest gurdwara of [[Sikhism]], in [[Punjab, India]] (painting by
Ágoston Schoefft, 1850).</center>]]

===Panj Takht===
The {{lang|pa-Latn|[[Panj Takht]]}} which literally means five seats or thrones of authority, are five gurdwaras which have a very special significance for the Sikh community.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chandigarh/special-train-to-connect-all-five-takhats-first-run-on-february-16/articleshow/29908402.cms|title=Union railway ministry: Special train to connect all five Takhats, first run on February 16 | Chandigarh News - Times of India|website=The Times of India}}</ref> They are result of the historical growth of the religion of [[Sikhism]] and represent the centers of power of the religion.
* [[Akal Takht|Akal Takht Sahib]], (the Throne of the Timeless One) established by [[Guru Hargobind]] in 1609 is situated in the complex of [[The Golden Temple]], [[Amritsar]], [[India]]{{sfn|The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica|2014}}
* [[Takht Sri Kesgarh Sahib]], located in Anandpur Sahib, [[Punjab (India)|Punjab]], [[India]]<ref>{{cite book|author=W. H. McLeod|title=The A to Z of Sikhism|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=vgixwfeCyDAC&pg=PA16 |year=2009| publisher=Scarecrow|isbn=978-0-8108-6344-6|page=16}}</ref>
* [[Takht Sri Damdama Sahib]], located in [[Bathinda]], Punjab, India<ref>{{cite web | title=Railways halts survey to finalise the Talwandi Sabo rail route | website=hindustantimes.com | date=25 August 2015 | url=http://www.hindustantimes.com/punjab/railways-halts-survey-to-finalise-the-talwandi-sabo-rail-route/story-KoJo34oRxxAXtXoAmZTcFL.html | access-date=7 October 2015}}</ref>
* [[Takht Sri Patna Sahib|Takhat Sri Harimandir Patna Sahib]], in the neighborhood of [[Patna Sahib]], [[Patna]], [[Bihar]], India<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/patna/five-jathedars-visit-patna-kick-off-17-preparations/articleshow/48137108.cms|title=Five jathedars visit Patna, kick off ’17 preparations | Patna News - Times of India|website=The Times of India}}</ref>
* [[Hazur Sahib Nanded|Takht Sri Hazur Sahib]], located on banks of the [[River Godavari]] in [[Nanded]], [[Maharashtra]], India.<ref>[http://www.tribuneindia.com/2002/20020427/windows/site.htm Hazoor Sahib — a salute to the saviour][[The Tribune (Chandigarh)|The Tribune]]</ref>

==Description==
A gurdwara has a main hall called a [[Darbar Sahib Hall|darbar]], a community kitchen called a {{lang|pa-Latn|langar}},<ref name="SGPC" /> and other facilities. The essential features of a gurdwara are these public spaces, the presence of the holy book and eternal Sikh guru the Granth Sahib,<ref>[http://www.bbc.co.uk/religion/religions/sikhism/ritesrituals/gurdwara_1.shtml "BBC - Religions - Sikhism: The Gurdwara"], BBC.co.uk, 2010.</ref> the pursuit of the [[Sikh Rehat Maryada]] (the Sikh code of conduct and convention), and the provision of daily services:
* {{lang|pa-Latn|[[Shabad (hymn)|Shabad]]}} {{lang|pa-Latn|[[kirtan]]}}: singing hymns from the Granth Sahib. Strictly speaking only Shabads from Guru Granth Sahib, [[Dasam Granth]], and the compositions of [[Bhai Gurdas]] and [[Bhai Nand Lal]], can be performed within a gurdwara.
* {{lang|pa-Latn|[[Paath]]}}: religious discourse and reading of [[Gurbani]] from the Guru Granth Sahib, with its explanations. There are two types of discourse: {{lang|pa-Latn|[[Akhand Paath]]}} and {{lang|pa-Latn|[[Sadharan Paath]]}}.
* {{lang|pa-Latn|[[Sangat (term)|Sangat]]}} and {{lang|pa-Latn|pangat}}: providing a free community kitchen called a langar<ref name=SGPC/> for all visitors, regardless of cultural, religious, regional, caste, or class affiliations.

[[File:Typical.darbar.sahib.png|thumb|200px|right|A typical [[Darbar Sahib Hall|Darbar Sahib]] layout. Men and women usually sit on separate sides.]]
Other ceremonies performed there include the Sikh marriage ceremony, {{lang|pa-Latn|[[Anand Karaj]]}}; some of the rites of the death ceremony, {{lang|pa-Latn|[[Antam Sanskar]]}}; and most of the important [[Sikh Festivals]]. The {{lang|pa-Latn|[[Nagar Kirtan]]}}, a Sikh processional singing of holy hymns throughout a community, begin and conclude at a gurdwara.<ref>[http://www.bbc.co.uk/religion/religions/sikhism/ritesrituals/weddings.shtml "BBC - Religions - Sikhism: Weddings"],
BBC.co.uk, 2010.</ref>

Gurdwaras around the world may also serve the Sikh community in other ways, including acting as libraries of Sikh literature and schools to teach children Gurmukhi, housing the [[Sikh scriptures]], and organizing charitable work in the wider community on behalf of Sikhs. Many historical gurdwaras associated with the lives of the Sikh Gurus have a sarovar (eco-friendly pool) attached for bathing.

Gurdwaras have no [[Cult image|idols]], statues, or religious pictures.

==Customs==
<gallery widths="200" heights="200">
Your First Visit to a Sikh Gurdwara.webm|Instructional video on what to expect on a visit to a Sikh Gurdwara, by Sikh Dharma International.
Gurudwara Paonta Sahib, Sirmour, Himachal Pradesh.jpg|[[Gurudwara Paonta Sahib]], view inside a typical gurdwara.
</gallery>
Many gurdwaras are designed to seat men on one side and women on the other, although designs vary, and the divided seating is far from mandatory. They do not generally sit together but on separate sides of the room, both at an equal distance from the Guru Granth Sahib, as a sign of equality. Worshippers are offered {{lang|pa-Latn|[[Karah Parshad]]}} (sweet flour and [[ghee]]-based food offered as {{lang|pa-Latn|[[prashad]]}}) in the hall, which is usually given into cupped hands by a {{lang|pa-Latn|[[sewadar]]}} (gurdwara volunteer).

In the {{lang|pa-Latn|[[Langar (Sikhism)|langar]]}} room, food is cooked and served by the volunteers in the community. Only [[vegetarian]] food is served in the langar hall, to suit the visitors from different backgrounds so that no person may be offended. All people belonging to different faiths sit together to share a common meal, regardless of any dietary restrictions. The main philosophy behind the {{lang|pa-Latn|langar}} is two-fold: to provide training to engage in {{lang|pa-Latn|seva}} and an opportunity to serve people from all walks of life, and to help banish all distinctions between high and low or rich and poor.

==Architecture==

[[File:Guru Nanak Gurdwara Smethwick.jpg|right|thumb|upright=1.20|220px|alt=|[[Guru Nanak Gurdwara Smethwick]] in [[Sandwell]], one of the first and largest gurdwaras in the [[United Kingdom|UK]].]]

Gurdwara buildings do not have to conform to any set architectural design. The only established requirements are: the installation of the Granth Sahib under a canopy or in a canopied seat, usually on a platform higher than the specific floor on which the devotees sit, and a tall Sikh pennant flag atop the building.

In the 21st century, more and more gurdwaras (especially within India) have been following the [[Harimandir Sahib]] pattern, a synthesis of [[Indo-Islamic architecture|Indo-Islamic]] and [[Sikh architecture]]. Most of them have square halls, stand on a higher plinth, have entrances on all four sides, and have square or octagonal domed sanctums usually in the middle. During recent decades, to meet the requirements of larger gatherings, bigger and better ventilated assembly halls, with the sanctum at one end, have become accepted style. The location of the sanctum, more often than not, is such as to allow space for circumambulation. Sometimes, to augment the space, [[verandah]]s are built to skirt the hall. A popular model for the dome is the ribbed lotus, topped by an ornamental pinnacle. Arched copings, [[kiosk]]s and solid domelets are used for exterior decorations.

==Spiritual significance==

===Meditating by the Guru Granth Sahib===

It is the duty of all Sikhs to engage in personal and communal meditation, {{lang|pa-Latn|[[kirtan]]}} and the study of the holy scriptures. Meditating and understanding the meaning of texts from the Granth Sahib is important for the proper moral and spiritual development of a Sikh. One must study Gurmukhi script and be able to read [[Gurbani]] to understand the meaning of the text. A Sikh has to revert to the Granth Sahib for the all spiritual guidance in one's life.

===Holy congregation ([[Sadh Sangat]]) and reflecting on Gurbani===
[[File:InsideSikhGurdwara.jpg|thumb|left|The [[Darbar Sahib Hall|Darbar Sahib]] of a gurdwara.]]
It is believed that a Sikh is more easily and deeply engrossed by Gurbani when engaged in congregation gatherings. For this reason, it is necessary for a Sikh to visit gurdwara. On joining the holy congregation, Sikhs should take part and obtain the benefit from the combined study of the holy scriptures. No one is to be barred from entering a gurdwara regardless of their religious or regional background and are welcomed in.

===Voluntary service (Seva)===
[[File:Communal lunch in Keshgarh Sahib.jpg|thumb| Khalsa principles of [[Deg Tegh Fateh|Deg]] to cook food ([[Langar (Sikhism)|langar]]) in huge amount]]
[[Selfless service|Seva]] is an important and prominent part of the Sikh religion. [[Dasvand]] forms a central part of Sikh belief (of [[Vand Chhako]]) and literally means donating ten percent of one's harvest, both financial and in the form of time and service such as seva to the gurdwara and anywhere where help is needed. All Sikhs therefore get involved in this communal service whenever an opportunity arises. This in its simple forms can be: sweeping and washing the floors of the gurdwara, serving water and food ([[Langar (Sikhism)|Langar]]) to or fanning the congregation, offering provisions or preparing food and doing other 'house keeping' duties.

===Community life and other matters===
[[File:Gurdwara Sri Guru Singh Sabha, Birmingham - 2019-04-28 - Andy Mabbett - 02.jpg|thumb|An office block repurposed as a Gurdwara, opened in Birmingham, England, in April 2019]]
Sikhism offers strong support for a healthy communal life, and a Sikh must undertake to support all worthy projects which would benefit the larger community and promote Sikh principles. Importance is given to [[Inter-faith dialogue]], support for the poor and weak; better community understanding and co-operation.

==Learning and other facilities==
Many gurdwaras also have other facilities for Sikhs to learn more about their religion, such as libraries, complexes for courses in Gurmukhi, [[Sikhism]] and Sikh scriptures, meeting rooms, and room-and-board accommodation for those who need it. Gurdwaras are open to all people, regardless of gender, age, sexuality or religion, and are generally open all hours of a day. Some gurdwaras also provide temporary accommodations ({{lang|pa-Latn|serais}}) for visitors or devotees. The gurdwara also serves as a community centre and a guest house for travellers, occasionally a clinic, and a base for local charitable activities. Apart from morning and evening services, the gurdwaras hold special congregations to mark important anniversaries on the Sikh calendar. They become scenes of much éclat and festivity during celebrations in honour of the birth and death ({{lang|pa-Latn|Joythi Joyth Samaey}}) anniversaries of the Gurus and [[Vaisakhi]].

==See also==
{{Commons category|Gurudwaras}}
* [[Panj Takht]]
* [[List of gurdwaras]]
* [[List of Sikh festivals]]
* [[Sangat (Sikhism)]]

==References==
{{Reflist|refs=
<ref name="SGPC">
[http://www.sgpc.net/historical-gurdwaras/index.asp "Historical Gurdwaras"] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100611211006/http://sgpc.net/historical-gurdwaras/index.asp |date=2010-06-11 }},
Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee, Amritsar, Punjab,
India, www.SGPC.net, 2005.
</ref>
}}

===Bibliography===
* {{cite book|title=Encyclopedia Britannica|author= The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica|year=2014| url=https://www.britannica.com/topic/Harmandir-Sahib }}

==External links==
* [http://www.jattdisite.com/scraps/historical-gurudwaras/ All Historical Gurudwaras]
*[https://siliguritourism.in/siliguri-gurudwara Siliguri Gurudwara]

{{Sikhism}}

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[[Category:Gurdwaras]]
[[Category:Sikh terminology]]
[[Category:Sikh architecture]]
[[Category:Sikh practices]]
[[Category:Articles containing video clips]]