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Gurdwara Facts & Worksheets

A gurdwara, meaning "doorway to the guru" in Punjabi, is a place of worship for Sikhs in India worldwide. It houses a copy of the Adi Granth, the sacred scripture of Sikhism, placed on a cot under a canopy.

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A gurdwara, meaning “doorway to the guru” in Punjabi, is a place of worship for Sikhs in India worldwide. It houses a copy of the Adi Granth, the sacred scripture of Sikhism, placed on a cot under a canopy. The gurdwara is a holy gathering place for various activities, including conducting congregation business, hosting wedding ceremonies, and initiation rituals.

See the fact file below for more information on Gurdwara, or you can download our 29-page Gurdwara worksheet pack to utilize within the classroom or home environment.

Key Facts & Information

OVERVIEW

  • A gurdwara is where Sikhs gather for communal worship and spiritual activities. Guru established the first gurdwara in 1521-2 at Kartarpur, and there are approximately 200 gurdwaras in Britain.
  • In modern gurdwaras, the Guru is represented by the Guru Granth Sahib, the book of Sikh scriptures. 
  • The presence of the Guru Granth Sahib grants religious significance to a gurdwara, so any building that houses the book is considered a gurdwara.
  • While a gurdwara may be called the Guru’s residence (signifying God’s presence), Sikhs believe God is omnipresent. Before Guru Arjan Dev, the place where Sikh religious activities took place was called a dharamsala, meaning a place of faith.

PURPOSES OF A GURDWARA

  • It serves as a space for spiritual learning and wisdom.
  • It is a venue for religious ceremonies and observances.
  • It provides a platform for children to learn about the Sikh faith, ethics, customs, traditions, and texts.
  • Additionally, a gurdwara functions as a community center, offering food, shelter, and companionship to those in need.

PARTS OF A GURDWARA

  • Gurdwaras are managed by committees comprising members from the Sikh community.
  • Inside a gurdwara, you won’t find idols, statues, religious pictures, candles, incense, or ritualistic devices. Sikhs worship only God and do not believe in a physical form of God. 
  • The main hall, known as the Darbar Sahib, focuses solely on the Guru Granth Sahib, treated with utmost reverence, akin to a human Guru.
  • The Guru Granth Sahib is kept in its room during the night and ceremoniously brought to the main hall at the beginning of each day’s worship. 
  • It is placed on a raised platform called the Takht or Manji Sahib, under a canopy known as the Chanani or Palki, and covered with a fine cloth when not being read.
  • During a service, a devotee uses a whisk or fan called a chaur to wave over the Guru Granth Sahib. While Sikhs revere the Guru Granth Sahib, their devotion lies in the spiritual content, known as Shabad, rather than the physical book itself. The book represents the visible embodiment of the Shabad.
  • The langar, or communal kitchen, is integral to every gurdwara. It offers meals to anyone without charge. The term “langar” is also used to refer to the communal meal served within the gurdwara.
  • The food served in the langar is intentionally simple, aiming to prevent wealthier congregations from turning it into a display of their superiority.
  • Although Sikhs are not obligated to be vegetarian, only vegetarian food is served in gurdwaras to ensure that visitors with diverse dietary restrictions can partake in the langar.
  • Typical langar meals may include chapati, dal (pulses), vegetables, and rice pudding. Meat, including fish and eggs, is excluded from the langar as it is considered a form of heart.
  • Flying the Sikh flag is a common practice in gurdwaras. The flag, which is orange/yellow and features the Sikh emblem, is displayed outside the gurdwara.

VISITING A GURDWARA

  • Visiting a gurdwara is common for many Sikhs in India, often before starting their day’s work. In the UK, 39% of Sikhs visit a gurdwara once a week, typically on Sundays, due to work patterns, although no specific day is considered a holy day in Sikhism. 
  • Gurdwaras are particularly busy during Gurpurbs, which are festivals honoring the Gurus. It’s important to note that anyone, regardless of their faith, is welcome to visit a gurdwara.
  • Before entering the main hall of a gurdwara, visitors are expected to remove their shoes and cover their heads. 
  • Smoking, tobacco, alcohol, or drug consumption are prohibited on the premises.
  • Upon entering the gurdwara, Sikhs will bow to the Guru Granth Sahib, touching the floor with their forehead.
  • This act signifies respect and submission to the teachings in the book. 
  • People also offer food or money as an offering in front of the Guru Granth Sahib, which supports the functioning of the gurdwara and the langar. 
  • This offering is not considered charity but a sharing of God’s blessings. If someone cannot offer money or food, they can deliver flowers or express sincere gratitude.
  • After bowing to the Guru Granth Sahib, Sikhs greet the congregation in a low and quiet voice, saying, “Waheguru ji ka Khalsa, Waheguru ji ki Fateh,” meaning “The Khalsa belongs to God, victory belongs to God alone.” 
  • Non-Sikh visitors are also expected to bow and make an offering.
  • Seating in a gurdwara is done on the floor to symbolize humility before the Guru Granth Sahib and to provide equal status for all individuals.
  • Most people sit cross-legged, and using cushions or seats is not permitted. It is important not to position one’s feet towards the Guru Granth Sahib. 
  • Walking around the Guru Granth Sahib or the gurdwara should always be done in a clockwise direction. Typically, men and women sit on different sides of the room.
  • Karah prasad, a sweet vegetarian snack that has been blessed, is often presented toward the end of a service. It is accepted as a gift from God with cupped palms.

GURDWARA CUSTOMS

  • Various essential elements take place during a regular gurdwara service. There are no official priests in Sikhism, and any Sikh can lead the prayers and read scripture to the assembled people.
  • A Granthi oversees the daily services at each gurdwara and reads passages from the Guru Granth Sahib. 
  • A Granthi, who reads and guards the Adi Granth (another name for the Guru Granth Sahib), is not regarded as a priest. 
  • A Granthi must read Gurmukhi easily and possess the necessary training to properly care for the Guru Granth Sahib. 
  • They must be Sikh Khalsa initiates who uphold the Khalsa’s principles in all aspects of their lives.

GURDWARA SERVICES

  • The specific format of a gurdwara service does not have a fixed liturgy, although there are guidelines for particular ceremonies. The service typically includes the following elements:
  • Kirtan: The service begins with singing Asa Di Var, a hymn written by Guru Nanak. Other hymns from the Guru Granth Sahib are also sung, accompanied by musical instruments. This devotional singing is known as Kirtan and is an integral part of Sikh worship.
  • Sermon: A sermon or talk follows, usually based on a theme from Sikh history, followed by singing Anand Sahib, a hymn written by Guru Amar Das, the Third Guru.
  • Ardas: The congregation stands with closed eyes facing the Guru Granth Sahib for prayer, known as the Ardas. During the prayer, the word “Waheguru” (Punjabi for “praise to the Guru”) is often repeated.
  • Hukam: After the prayer, a random page of the Guru Granth Sahib is revealed, and the song (Vak or Hukam) at the top of the left-hand page is read for guidance for everyone each day.
  • Ceremonial Food: Following the service, food is offered to the congregation. This includes Parshad, a sweet made from wheat flour, sugar, and clarified butter, and a more substantial meal in the langar. 
  • Parshad is given first to Khalsa members in memory of the Panj Pyares (the first five members of the Khalsa), and then it is served to everyone without distinctions of rank or caste.

THE GURU GRANTH SAHIB IN THE GURDWARA

  • Within the gurdwara, the Guru Granth Sahib is the object of worship. It is set up in the divan hall on the manji sahib, an elevated platform covered by a roof. As a sign of respect, it always occupies a higher position than the assembly (Sangat).
  • The Guru Granth Sahib is kept in the main building known as the palki sahib.
  • A textile canopy known as a chanani is placed over it.
  • The Nishan Sahib is a flag with the Khanda, the Sikh emblem. The palki sahib is flanked on either side by these flags.
  • The Guru Granth Sahib is set in the middle and covered in an unusual material called a rumalla.
  • Being a Sikh means emphasizing charitable giving, the reason there is a golak (collection box) in front of the palki sahib. Here, the locals can donate money for the upkeep of the langar and the gurdwara.

FAMOUS GURDWARAS

  • Golden Temple: The Golden Temple, often referred to as the Darbar Sahib or Sri Harmandir Sahib is a sacred site for Sikhs located in Amritsar, Punjab. It serves as a pilgrimage site and has a history of over 400 years.
  • Despite enduring the test of time and facing challenges, it symbolizes unwavering faith. 
  • A vast tank sits in the middle of the magnificent shrine known as the Golden Temple. Around 430 years ago, a Muslim saint laid the building’s cornerstone. For anyone taking a vacation to a Punjab gurdwara, the Golden Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a must-visit destination.
  • The experience can be improved by going to the Golden Temple and Damdama Sahib Gurdwara together.
  • Gurdwara Shri Guru Nanak Ji: Located near Kasauli in Jharkhand, Himachal Pradesh. Gurdwara Shri Guru Nanak Ji is one of the oldest gurdwaras  in Sikhism and a prominent attraction in the region. 
  • Unlike other gurdwaras, it does not feature idols, statues, or religious pictures apart from the holy book of Sikhism, Guru Granth Sahib. Gurdwaras also provide lodging facilities for devotees.
  • Hemkund Sahib: Situated in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand, Hemkund Sahib is a highly revered gurdwara among Sikhs.
  • Surrounded by towering mountain peaks and blessed with a picturesque glacial lake, Hemkund Sahib is located at 4,632 meters. He can be reached from Govindghat on the Rishikesh-Badrinath highway. Exploring Hemkund Sahib along with the Valley of Flowers and Badrinath, another significant site in the Char-Dham pilgrimage can create a memorable spiritual journey.

Gurdwara Worksheets

This fantastic bundle includes everything you need to know about Gurdwara across 29 in-depth pages. These ready-to-use worksheets are perfect for teaching kids about Gurdwara. The Gurdwara is a holy gathering place for various activities, including conducting congregation business, hosting wedding ceremonies, and initiation rituals. 

Complete List of Included Worksheets

Below is a list of all the worksheets included in this document.

  1. Gurdwara Facts
  2. Crossword Puzzle 
  3. Defining Terms 
  4. True or False? 
  5. The Guru Granth Sahib
  6. Arrange the Puzzle 
  7. Important Personalities
  8. The Most Famous One
  9. Sketch it! 
  10. My Mini Structure
  11. Record Your Learning

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Gurdwara?

A Gurdwara is a place of worship for Sikhs, the followers of Sikhism. It serves as a central gathering point for the Sikh community and is considered a spiritual and social hub. The word “Gurdwara” translates to “the Guru’s door,” emphasizing its significance as a place to connect with the teachings of Sikh Gurus.

What is the purpose of a Gurdwara?

The primary purpose of a Gurdwara is to provide a space for Sikhs to come together and engage in collective worship, prayer, and meditation. It also serves as an educational center where Sikh scriptures, such as the Guru Granth Sahib (the holy book of Sikhism), are recited and studied. Additionally, Gurdwaras often offer langar, a free communal meal, to promote the principles of equality, selfless service, and community solidarity.

What are some key features of a Gurdwara?

Gurdwaras typically have distinct architectural features, such as a prominent dome or cupola symbolizing the oneness of God, and a tall flagpole called Nishan Sahib that bears the Sikh flag. Inside, the central focus is on the Guru Granth Sahib, which is placed on a raised platform and covered with decorative cloth. The main hall, known as the Darbar Sahib, is where congregational prayers and religious ceremonies take place. Men and women generally sit separately to promote modesty and maintain decorum.

How are Gurdwaras governed?

Gurdwaras are managed by elected committees or boards, known as the Gurudwara Management Committee (GMC) or the Gurudwara Parbandhak Committee (GPC). These committees are responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations, organizing religious events, managing funds, and making decisions concerning the welfare of the Sikh community.

Are Gurdwaras open to everyone?

Yes, Gurdwaras are open to people of all faiths and backgrounds. Sikhism promotes the concept of “Sarbat da Bhala,” which means the well-being of all humanity. Thus, Gurdwaras warmly welcome visitors from any religion, race, or nationality. However, visitors are expected to adhere to certain guidelines, such as covering their heads, removing shoes before entering the main hall, and maintaining respectful behavior during the religious services and ceremonies.

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Link will appear as Gurdwara Facts & Worksheets: https://kidskonnect.com - KidsKonnect, September 6, 2023

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These worksheets have been specifically designed for use with any international curriculum. You can use these worksheets as-is, or edit them using Google Slides to make them more specific to your own student ability levels and curriculum standards.

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