Gurdwara - Sikh place of worship

What is a Gurdwara?

The Sikh sacred space is called a Gurdwara. Gurdwara translates directly to the ‘Doorway to the Guru’. In Australia, it is sometimes also referred to as a Sikh temple. The Gurdwara is an institution for Sikhs that goes back to the time of the Gurus. It is a place for solitary and communal prayer. While Sikhs can pray anywhere at any time with or without other Sikhs, the gathering of Sikhs together for communal prayer (called Sangat) is considered an important part of the religion and even essential by many Sikhs. In addition to a place for prayer, the Gurdwara also acts as a hub of the Sikh community’s activities (e.g. almost akin to a community centre). Gurdwaras usually have some defining features:

  1. The Guru Granth Sahib (Sikh Holy Scripture) is placed on a throne like structure known as a Palki that is placed in a prominent location in the Darbar (Court) Hall. Sikhs worship the knowledge contained within the Guru Granth Sahib such that the words are treated as the ‘living’ Guru.

  2. A langar hall in which people of any background can sit together and share a vegetarian meal. The purpose of langar is for all to sit together and share a meal putting aside any differences.

  3. A community kitchen to prepare the community meals for the langar.

  4. Nishaan Sahib - The Sikh flag is usually flown at Gurdwaras to identify it as a place of safety and refuge.

  5. Community ownership. Gurdwaras are rarely owned by a single person. They are usually community owned.

Most Australian capital cities have at least one Gurdwara catering to the needs of the Sikh community in that region.

How do Sikhs conduct their prayers at the Gurdwara?

Sikhs usually sing their prayers along with musical instruments. This is due to the Guru Granth Sahib being written in Raags (emotions) that are conveyed through musical measure. Most Gurdwara proceedings will run as follows:

  • Paath - reading of hymns

  • Kirtan - singing of hymns

  • Ardaas - a standing prayer

  • Hukamnama - a randomly selected reading from the Guru Granth Sahib that is considered the order of the day

  • Parshad - the distribution and eating of a sweet dish made of Wholemeal flour, Ghee/Butter, Sugar and water.

Visiting a Gurdwara

The Gurdwara is a place for all, no matter what religion, background, ethnicity, caste or status.

However there are some protocols that need to be understood and observed to make sure you enjoy your visit.

  1. Dress modestly - wear something comfortable (loose fitting that allows your freedom to move) as you will be spending some time on the floor.

  2. Remove shoes - you will find a shoe rack for you to use. Ideally take off your shoes and socks.

  3. Cover your head - bring along a head covering that is not a hat. A bandanna or scarf will be ideal. If you forget, that’s ok. There will usually be some for use near the entrance of the Gurdwara.

  4. Wash your hands before entering the Darbar Hall.

  5. Sit on the floor - for the best seats in the house you will need to have some flexibility to sit on the floor. If you find this too hard to do, most Gurdwaras in Australia have seating near the walls or at the back of the hall.

To mark respect for this knowledge, Sikhs walk down the Darbar Hall and bow their heads infront of the Guru Granth Sahib by kneeling down and placing their forehead on the ground facing the Guru Granth Sahib. This act is not compulsory for non-Sikhs.

Sikhs will also not point their legs and feet towards the Guru and will also not turn their back to the Guru in the immediate vicinity of the Guru as both are considered disrespectful.

The Darbar Hall is literally the Court of the Guru. Sikhs follow the eastern tradition of showing respect to the King in which heads are covered and shoes are removed. Sikhs also sit on the floor in the Darbar Hall and Langar Hall as a sign of humility.

Strictly no alcohol or drugs are allowed on the Gurdwara premises including the carpark and any adjoining facilities (e.g. sports ground).

Frequently asked questions:

Do Sikhs have a specific prayer time?

Generally no. Sikhs are encouraged to pray at any time during the day. Sikhs believe in practising their faith at all times. Practising Sikhs may choose to get up early in the morning at what is considered a ‘quiet or ambrosial time’ referred to as Amrit Vela. This means getting up before dawn to pray.

Do Sikhs have a specific prayer place?

Generally no. Sikhs can pray anywhere. However, if the Guru Granth Sahib is present in their home or if the Sikh home has designated a specific room as a prayer room, Sikhs will use that room as their place for meditation/reflection/prayer.

What can I wear to a Gurdwara?

Women - Bare shoulders, plunging necklines and short skirts will be out of place at a religious venue. A pant suit, long skirt or dress would be more appropriate.

Men - comfortable suit, slacks, chinos with a dress shirt.

How are most Gurdwaras run in Australia?

Gurdwaras are usually run as incorporated associations with eligible members voting for a representative committee. Not all Sikh community members in that state or territory are members of the relevant incorporated association. Some Gurdwaras are run as a company due to size of their activities. Sikhs generally do not operate through ‘peak’ bodies and in fact beleive in direct representation with respect to their issues. Accordingly, it makes sense to meet with Sikhs on Gurdwara committees as well as members of the Sikh community when it comes to making good policy.

Gurdwara committees usually focus their activities on running the Gurdwara which includes religious activities such as, inviting and hosting Sikh preachers from India, running the langar (community kitchen) which usually feed thousands of people each weekend and at some Gurdwaras, every day!

What is Langar ਲੰਗਰ?

For Sikhs, langar is the community kitchen of a Gurdwara, which serves meals to all, free of charge, regardless of religion, caste, gender, economic status or ethnicity. Attendees all sit at an equal level on the floor and eat the same food, prepared in the same pots. In this way, langar serves as a ritualistic expression of the equality of all humans. The kitchen is maintained and services by community colunteers who do seva (selfless service).The meals served in a langar are always lacto-vegetarian. Langar was started by Guru Nanak the first Sikh Guru.

Langars are held in gurdwaras all over the world. The volunteers feed people without any discrimination, alongside the Sikh devotees who gather. Almost all gurdwaras operate langars where local communities, sometimes consisting of hundreds or thousands of visitors, join for a simple meal.

The langar at the Golden Temple (see below) feeds hundreds of thousands each day. It is the largest free kitchen in the world!

Langar at Darbar Sahib, Amritsar, Punjab, India:

Langar at Bangla Sahib Gurdwara New Delhi:

Famous Gurdwaras for Australians travelling to India

Darbar Sahib, also known as the Golden Temple in Amritsar, Punjab, India.

Bangla Sahib Gurdwara, New Delhi, India