Gurdwara Protocol

The Sikh place of worship is called Gurudwara. The literal translation of the term Gurudwara is "the Guru's door", but it also means "by means of the Guru's grace." The Gurudwara is the temple or house in which is kept the Guru Granth Sahib (the Sikh scripture). For more on Guru Granth Sahib in English please click here and for more in Punjabi, please click here.   History Guru Nanak, the first Sikh Guru (divinely inspired prophet/teacher) and the founder of the Sikh religion, established the first Gurudwara in the early 1500s. The Sikh Gurus established Gurudwaras as places where a sangat (congregation) could come together to worship as a community by reciting and reflecting upon hymns in the Guru Granth Sahib. Gurudwaras are not only a religious institution for the Sikhs where they can learn about their religion and pray, but is also a political institution where Sikhs can discuss important local and global issues. Using the Gurudwaras as the centers of activity, the Gurus built flourishing cities around them. The Gurudwaras have been a focal point of Sikh communities since the time of Guru Nanak and continue to be so even today. They are found throughout the world, wherever a sizable Sikh community exists. A Nishan Sahib, a saffron colored flag with an emblem of a double-edged sword, two other swords, and a sharp iron ring, almost always indicates the site of a Gurudwara. Every Gurudwara provides langar, a free communal meal eaten together by everyone visiting a Gurudwara. Started by Guru Nanak and institutionalized by the third Guru, Amar Das, langar exemplifies an important Sikh teaching: all human beings are equal regardless of their socioeconomic status, race or religion. It was mandatory for all to partake in langar before having an audience with the Guru, so that kings and untouchables alike would sit together and eat the same meal. For more on Sikh history please click here. Appearance Gurudwaras range from majestic buildings to small rooms in someone’s home. Any place that has the Guru Granth Sahib installed and a sangat present may be considered a Gurudwara. Gurudwaras are a dear part of a Sikh’s life because they provide Sikhs with an opportunity to sit with other Sikh followers and promote spiritual growth.   Personnel Usually, a Gurudwara has one or more caretakers who are proficient in reciting the Sikh scriptures. The caretaker is called a Granthi and is usually addressed as Bhai Sahib (brother). Any Sikh man or woman can be a Granthi.   Sat Sri Akal A common Sikh greeting, meaning, “God is True and Timeless”.

Waheguru Waheguru The name for God most commonly used by Sikhs. Meditating on the name of God is paramount to Sikhs, and the name Waheguru is considered by Sikhs to be the culmination of all aspects of God.     Waheguru ji ka Khalsa, Waheguru ji ki Fateh Literally meaning “The Khalsa belongs to Waheguru (God), Victory belongs to Waheguru (God).” This is the traditional Sikh greeting. It is said before the beginning of and at the conclusion of programs at the Gurudwara like katha, announcements, and keertan. Gurdwara Protocol Ø WEAR modest attire Ø REMOVE SHOES when entering the congregation hall. This is a sign of respect to the sovereignty of the Guru Granth Sahib. All gurdwaras have shoe racks. Ø COVER HEAD at all times as a sign of respect to the Guru Granth Sahib Ø BOW in front of the Guru Granth Sahib (optional for non-Sikhs) upon joining the congregation. Enter and quietly join the congregation. (People offer money and, sometimes, other materials towards the operation of the gurdwara;but this is optional.) Ø SIT on the Floor Ø STAND up during Ardas (prayer to God) Ø SIT on the floor during langar and keep head COVERED Ø NO alcohol, tobacco, or smoking on the gurdwara premises Ø Men and women are seated separately in many gurdwaras. However, this is not required religiously.