Gurdwara
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A Gurdwara is the Sikh place of worship. It houses the Guru Granth Sahib. The most famous Gurdwara is the Golden Temple in Amritsar, Punjab, India. People of all religious background or of no religious faith are welcomed to these shrines. However, it is necessary to remove one's shoes and cover your head before entering the more sacred parts of the building. Also, the visitors are forbidden to go into the Gurdwara if they have just smoked a cigarette or taken alcohol.
Most Sikh temple buildings will have the following important features:
- A triangular orange flag with a Khanda, a Sikh emblem in the middle of the flag. The flag is referred to as a Nishan Sahib - literally meaning Mark or Symbol
- Darbar Sahib - A hall which houses the SGGS, the Sikh holy book. This hall in most modern temples is large and will house many hundreds of visitors. Devotees will sit cross-legged on the carpeted floor. All those who enter the Darbar Sahib must remove their shoes and cover their heads before entering. The devotees normally on entering this hall will walk slowly and respectfully to the dominant throne on which is placed the SGGS. They then stand before the Holy Scriptures, say silent prayers, offer some coins and then bow humbly before the SGGS. 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, who they call Waheguru.
- Langar Hall – A room where communal meals are served. Some temples may have tables and chairs but most will expect the devotees to sit on the floor.
- Rest Room for the SGGS: A room where the Sikh Holy Book is placed overnight. This room is sometimes called ‘Sach Khand’ (which translates to True/Pure Domain/Paradise)
- Various utility rooms, washrooms, kitchen, etc. Some of the larger Sikh temples may also have rooms for the devotees to stay overnight with bathroom facilities.