Layout

Gurdwara Layout

WaheGuru Ji Ka Khalsa WaheGuru Ji Ki Fateh

All Sikh Gurdwara's have a Nishan Sahib, Darbar Sahib, a Langar Hall and a kitchen. In addition, Gurdwara Shaib Woolwich has two darbar sahib (a lower and an upper), a meeting room/Library, an office, a social area, Granthi quarters, car park and a lower hall used for various functions.

Lower Darbar Sahib

Darbar Sahib refers to the Main Hall(Diwan hall) within a Sikh Gurdwara. It also refers to the central building at Harmandir Sahib, Amritsar. In the phrase "Darbar Sahib", the word Darbar means Court and so the terms together refers to the "Guru's Court". This is the hall where the current and perpetual Guru of the Sikh, Sri Guru Granth Sahib jee is placed on a Takhat or Throne in a prominent central position in the hall.

The holy book, Sri Guru Granth Sahib Jee or SGGSJ is placed on a dominant platform and covered in very beautiful and attractive coloured fine silks and cloth. The platform is always covered by a canopy, which is also decorated in expensive and very attractive coloured materials. Sometimes an additional canopy structure with a platform called a Palki Sahib is used as a throne for the Guru. The Sangat or Congregation sit facing the Sri Guru Granth Sahib on carpeted floor. The floor of the hall is covered with carpet which in turn is covered with white cloth sheets for hygiene and easy maintenance.

Upper Floor Darbar Sahib

On entering the Darbar Sahib, the devotee will walk slowly and with humility towards the Guru’s Takhat.

In front of the Takhat, the devotee will say a small Ardas or prayer standing in front of Guru ji, and then place a small offering to the Guru. This is normally small change of coins which is placed in a Golak or Treasure Chest. The disciple will then bow to the Guru, touching the forehead to the ground for a few seconds and then rise to the standing position and say a small prayer to Waheguru.

If you are not a Sikh, it is acceptable to walk to the Guru Ji Takhat, just bow your head and then join the rest of the congregation. Having done the Nimashkar or Greeting to the Guru, the devotee will walk gently to the correct side of the hall – males on the right and females on the left. However, there are no strict rules on gender segregation in most Gurdwara and if there is only a small congregation, mixed sitting policy may apply.

Nishan Sahib

Nishan Sahib is the name for the tall Sikh flag which marks all gurdwaras and other religious premises of the Sikhs. On the saffron coloured flag is commonly printed or embroidered the Sikh emblem, comprising a khanda (two-edged sword) and chakra (an edged circular weapon, a disc or quoit) and two kirpans which cross each other at the handles, with the blades flanking the chakra. The origin and adoption of the emblem, the Khanda-symbol , is surrounded with mystery.

Sometimes the flag would have inscribed on it Ik Onkar, term in the Mool Mantar signifying the Supreme Reality.The flagstaff has a steel khanda fixed on the top of it.

Kitchen & Langar hall

The Langar or free kitchen was started by the first Sikh Guru, Guru Nanak Dev Ji. It is designed to uphold the principle of equality between all people of the world regardless of religion, caste, colour, creed, age, gender or social status.

In addition to the ideals of equality, the tradition of Langar expresses the ethics of sharing, community, inclusiveness and oneness of all humankind.

"..the Light of God is in all hearts." (sggs 282)

This page was last modified on Saturday, May 22, 2010 05:38:40 PM

Gurdwara Sahib Woolwich

Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh