Sign up to access the complete lesson and track your progress!
Unlock This CourseYou have already learned that the Guru Granth Sahib is the living Guru, that it rests on a takht (a raised platform like a throne) under a canopy, and that a chaur (a fan) is waved over it as a sign of respect. You also know that the langar is the free kitchen where everyone eats together, and that the Nishan Sahib is the flag renewed at Baisakhi. This lesson shows how all of these come together in the building where Sikhs meet.
The word gurdwara means 'door of the Guru' (it is also explained as the 'gate' of the Guru). It is not only a name for a building with a special shape. Sikhs say that any place where the Guru Granth Sahib is installed is a gurdwara. This can be a large building with a dome, or a room in a home that is set aside for the Guru Granth Sahib. The place is holy because the Guru is there, not because of the bricks.
Key terms:
Sikhs trace the first places of worship to Guru Nanak. At Kartarpur his followers gathered to sing hymns, hear the teaching and share a meal. These early places were called dharamsalas. As the Sikh community grew, Sikhs built such places in the towns where they lived, and over time the name gurdwara became usual.
The design has a purpose: to give the Guru Granth Sahib a place of honour, to make worship possible for the whole community, and to welcome everyone.
A tall flagpole stands outside, flying the saffron Nishan Sahib with the khanda symbol on it. It shows people from far away that this is a Sikh place of worship where they are welcome. It also reminds Sikhs of the Khalsa and of their duty to stand up for what is right.
Many gurdwaras have four doors, facing four directions. They show that the gurdwara is open to people from every direction and background: any person of any religion, class or country may come in. Not every gurdwara has four doors, especially converted ones, but the welcome is meant to be the same.
Everyone covers their head and takes off their shoes before going into the main hall. This is a sign of respect for the Guru Granth Sahib.
Together these features make the gurdwara two things at once: a safe home for the Guru Granth Sahib and a place where people worship and look after each other.
Sikhs come to hear the Guru Granth Sahib read and sung, and to pray together. Worshipping alongside the sangat is thought to be especially valuable.
Many gurdwaras teach children to read the Gurmukhi script, to sing hymns and to learn about the Gurus.
The gurdwara is a meeting place where people make friends, celebrate festivals and do sewa, such as cooking in the langar. Many gurdwaras also help local people in need.
Sikhs do not all agree about how essential the gurdwara is. Some visit weekly and feel the gurdwara is the heart of their religion. Others go only for festivals or family occasions, or live far from a gurdwara. Some Sikhs point to Guru Nanak's teaching that God is everywhere, so God can be worshipped anywhere: at home, at work or in the open air. They say that what matters is remembering God and living honestly, not only going to a building. Many Sikhs hold both views: the gurdwara is very important for community and for the Guru Granth Sahib, but it is not the only place to find God.
(a) Outline two features of a gurdwara. [4 marks, Paper 2, AO1]
One feature is the Nishan Sahib, a saffron flag with the khanda on it (1), which shows from outside that this is a Sikh place of worship where everyone is welcome (1). A second feature is the langar hall (1), where everyone eats the same free food sitting together on the floor, showing equality (1).
(b) Explain why the prayer hall in a gurdwara is important to Sikhs. [6 marks, Paper 2, AO1 and AO2]
The prayer hall is important because it is where the Guru Granth Sahib, the living Guru, is installed. The scripture rests on a takht under a chanani and has a chaur waved over it, which shows that Sikhs treat the Guru as a spiritual ruler. This makes the hall a place of great respect. It is also important because it shows Sikh beliefs. There are no chairs, so everyone sits on the floor and nobody is higher than another person, which shows equality. There are no images because Sikhs believe in one God without form, so all attention goes to the Guru's words. Finally, it is where the sangat worships together through hymns and prayers, which strengthens the Sikh community.
(c) 'A Sikh does not need a gurdwara in order to worship God.' Discuss this statement, considering the arguments for and against. In your answer you should include reference to teachings, other points of view, and your own opinion. [10 marks, Paper 2, AO1 and AO2]
For: Guru Nanak taught that God is everywhere, so Sikhs can worship at home or anywhere; a room in a house can hold the Guru Granth Sahib; some Sikhs live far from a gurdwara; daily prayer and honest living matter most. Against: the gurdwara is the door of the Guru, where the scripture is installed; the sangat worship together; it has the langar and a place for learning and service, which cannot be done alone. Different views: some Sikhs go every week, others only at festivals. Possible conclusion: a Sikh can worship God anywhere, so the statement is true, but without the gurdwara it would be harder to learn, serve and belong to the sangat. It is therefore needed for the community, even if not for worship itself.
In a 'Discuss' question, include a different Sikh view as well as your own. Say which view is stronger and why.