Worship in the gurdwara
The Sikh place of worship. Literally, the 'doorway to the Guru'. is not just a place to meditate and pray. It is also the main place for the Sikh community, the Congregation in a Sikh gurdwara., to gather together.
There are some services in the gurdwara that can last up to five hours, although many Sikhs stay for only some of this time. There is no expectation for Sikhs to attend the gurdwara at all. However, because it is a place of welcome and community, many Sikhs choose to attend the gurdwara on a regular basis.
Ways Sikhs worship in the gurdwara
In the The prayer hall in the gurdwara, which is the Sikh place of worship.:
- Sikhs sit on the floor, so the The Guru Granth Sahib is the most important Sikh holy book. It is a collection of songs, prayers and hymns from the Sikh Gurus and other holy men, as well as teachings from other faiths. It is treated as a living Guru. is higher than them, to show respect for the Eternal Guru.
- Men and women often sit separately to encourage focus.
- Sikhs believe in one God called Waheguru which means ‘Wonderful Lord’ or ‘Wonderful Teacher’. is often repeatedly said by the congregation.
- Hymns (kirtan) are sung.
- The worship is led by any Sikh who is known to be knowledgeable about the Guru Granth Sahib and Sikhism. It may also be led by a Reader of the Guru Granth Sahib, who officiates at ceremonies. This can be a man or a woman. .
- All services start and end with the Ardas prayer.
The Ardas prayer
The Prayer. The formal prayer offered at the end of most Sikh worship. prayer is a prayer of request. It requests Waheguru to support and guide Sikhs in all that they do and is performed while at the gurdwara.
There is One Being, all victory belongs to the Wonderful Guru, May the divine Might help us. The Tenth Guru’s Ode to the Divine Might. The light of the Ten Gurus shines in the Guru Granth Sahib, consider its scared word, envisage its sacred sight, And proclaim; Waheguru, the Wonderful Guru!
Kirtan
Devotional singing of the compositions found in the Guru Granth Sahib. is the singing of hymns and shabads (verses) from the Guru Granth Sahib. Sikhs often sing kirtan because it helps them to feel connected to Waheguru and focus on Waheguru’s qualities. It reminds them of the oneness of God and comforts them.
At the Gurdwara, the Guru’s Gate, the Kirtan of the Lord’s Praises are sung. Meeting with the True Guru, one chants the Lord’s Praises.
Karah Parshad
Sanctified food ( a sweet pudding made from wheat flour, sugar, clarified butter and water) distributed at Sikh ceremonies. is blessed food made from wheat flour, sugar, butter, flour and water. It is distributed to everyone at the end of services and symbolises the belief in equality and the oneness of humanity. Everyone is encouraged to have some Karah Parshad. This symbolises the idea that no one should leave empty handed.
