Sikh Gurudwara

Magnificient Sikh Gurudwara’s

Sikhs since starting have been involved in making different Gurudwaras at different places. Gurudwara holds great significance in the Sikh religion, means “a door to the guru” and also believes in opening the door to people hailing from different backgrounds and religions. No discrimination is done in gurudwara and hence remains open to people even who do not profess any religion. Each gurudwara has a darbar sahib in it, where their holy scripture Guru Granth Sahib is placed on a takhalmmlolt (an elevated throne) in a high up central position. Among all the gurudwaras the most famous and known Gurudwara is “Darbar Sahib '' famously known as “Golden temple” and “harmandir sahib ''. Talking about the Amritsar Gurudwara history, Harmandir sahib was built by the fifth guru of Sikhs name Guru Arjan Ji where the lay foundation stone was done by Sai Mir Mian Mohammed. In the chapters of Amritsar Gurudwara history, a special significance is given to all the customs and etiquettes prescribed under Sikh religion which is further explained.

Customs and etiquettes in “Guru ka dwaar”

We have to undergo a protocol of some rules and etiquettes to enter into a Gurudwara with respect to this holy place and their holy scripture Guru Granth Sahib Ji. These customers involve removing shoes outside the Gurudwaras and then clean their feet with water to enter into the Gurudwara. Also, we have to cover our heads before entering the place. After entering, devotees have to walk slowly and respectfully towards the “ Darbar Sahib” to pay benevolence to Guru Granth Sahib Ji. Then after reaching the Darbar Sahib the devotees are allowed to silently stand in front of their holy book and chant any prayer while further can give some donation in the form of Sewa and hence bow humbly. These customs are hence preserved through the rich heritage of Punjab culture, where we bow our heads to pay respects. While bowing heads in Darbar Sahib will show our humble offering and respect for Shri Guru Granth Sahib Ji. We can also sit inside Darbar Sahib with a protocol to sit cross leg. Every visitor here is also offered ‘Kada Prashad’ usually given in the cupped hands of the visitor. There is also a communal kitchen in every Gurudwara where the food Sewa is available in the form of Langar. Langar is served to every human free of cost irrespective of his caste, creed, and gender. Further, it becomes our responsibility to take that food into our plate wisely as it’s suggested to not waste even the tiniest grain of that food. 

Pursuing salvation – Primary Goal of Sikh Gurus 

Guru Nanak dev has always focused on union with God resulting in the achievement of salvation. While considering the hindrances to the attainment of this salvation are worldly attachments and social conflicts prevailing in this universe. The process of continuously dwelling in the cycle of birth and death known as reincarnation was what Guru Nanak Dev Ji preached to get out of.

Guruji taught to get out of this Maya often known as the reality or illusion. He knew that almost every person has deviated from its path to God or Salvation through the means of these worldly attractions. Capable of giving only temporary happiness and satisfaction, Guru Nanak dev Ji hence emphasized not focusing on this Maya but incorporating values in your life. He also focused on managing the five evils in your namely- ego, anger, greed, attachment, and lust. Hence believed to be insidious under the Sikh religion, devotees were told that they can manage and remove such impure evils only through their pure, intense, and relentless devotion to God. Nanak Ji preaches also the importance of Guru meaning teacher in one’s life to guide and take to the path of achieving salvation. They have introduced various names(the divine name ) and andsabad(the divine word) to focus more on the path of God. And also told their disciples to inculcate a pure heart as that pure devotion comes only from a clean heart, spirit, and soul.

Guru Nanak dev Ji introduced all his disciples to the principle of practicing Simran in the remembrance of the divine name. Not just Simran he also taught to introspect and interpret internal and personal observation. Reciting Simran as growing towards and into God comes through a series of five stages where the last stage is the sac Khand which means the union of you and the God. 

Teachings in the Gurudwara’s

Stressing upon some of the basic and principles of Guru Nanak Dev Ji was Kirat Karo that to properly balance the work, worship, and charity deeds in a Sikh lives and defend lives of all creatures on earth. Another principle is to believe in chardi Kala which was to always appreciate what you have and being filled with optimistic and positive thoughts. The third principle emphasized the concept of sharing Vand Chakko which Sikhs practice through the practice of providing Langar that is free food to all people coming under their shelter.