|
|
| Gurdwara  WaheGuru Ji Ka Khalsa WaheGuru Ji Ki Fateh A Sikh place of worship is called a 'Gurdwara', which is open to visitors, irrespective of their religion or gender, at all times. The common translation of the term as temple is not satisfactory, as Sikhi possesses no sacraments and no priestly order. The essential feature of a Gurdwara is the presiding presense in it of the Sikh Sacred Scripture, Sri Guru Granth Sahib Jee, the living Guru of the Sikhs. Hence the name Gurdwara (guru + dwara) = the Doorway to Waheguru(God) through His Word. Sikhs believe the first place of pilgrimage is within one self. The main function of the Gurdwara is to provide Sikhs with a meeting-place for congregational worship through ‘Keertan’, the collective singing of God's praise through the Shabads (Sacred Hymns) in Sri Guru Granth Sahib Jee, and seeking support and guidance from the Guru. 
‘Guru’ literally means ‘the Dispeller of Darkness’. ‘Gu’ means light, and ‘Rū’ means darkness, representing that the Guru dispels ignorance through enlightenment. The Guru has multiple roles. The Guru inspires, leads the community, enlightens and uplifts individuals and society, as well as provides a roadmap for living a complete perfect life. The Guru is the ‘Shabad’ (Divine Infinite Wisdom) revealed and manifested through the first Sikh Guru, Guru Nanak Dev Jee, and nine succeeding human Gurus who developed the faith and manifested the completed form of the Sikh Nation. Sikhs consider the revelation contained within the Sacred Scripture to be the living Word of God, communicated directly through the enlightened Gurus and Saints (Bhagats) who came from various socio-economic and religious backgrounds that shared the Universal religion of Guru Nanak Dev Jee and had experienced God.
The Sikh Sacred Scripture is the only world scripture written and sealed during the life time of the founders of the religion, ensuring the Divine Word was not adulterated. The Guru used the science of music to convey the Divine message to the minds and souls of individuals. Musicology, languages, and divine poetry are all present in Sri Guru Granth Sahib Jee. Today the Sikh religion is guided by joint sovereignty of ‘Guru Granth’ and ‘Guru Panth’. Sri Guru Granth Sahib Jee, as the spiritual manifestation of the Guru, while the Guru Panth is the collectivity of all initiated Sikhs worldwide, as the physical manifestation of the Guru.
The Gurdwara also serves as a community centre, a school, a guesthouse for pilgrims, and a base for local charitable activities. Since the Sikh faith does not have an ordained clergy, public worship can be lead by any competent initiated male or female Sikh. An essential part of any Gurdwara is the ‘Langar’ (free kitchen). The Guru designed an institution in which all people would sit on the floor together, as equals, to eat the same simple food. It is here that all people high or low, rich or poor, male or female, all sit together to share and enjoy the food together, expressing the ideals of equality, sharing, and the oneness of humanity. | |
| This page was last modified on Saturday, May 22, 2010 05:15:48 PM | | | |
|