the gurdwara Flashcards
what does gurdwara mean?
the door to the guru
there are four doors into a gurdwara, which symbolise:
-peace
-livelihood
-learning
-grace
this shows that people from all four compass are welcome, and that members of all four castes are equally welcome and that anyone is allowed in
what does the Nishan Sahib symbolise?
-it is orange (kesri) which symbolises courage and is a reminder of Sikhs who have died for their faith
- when the triangular shape (farla) flaps in the wind it invites everyone to the home of the guru
-the khanda symbol on the flag reminds Sikhs to always remember God and stand up for the truth
the main hall:
the main hall is called the diwan hall, meaning royal court
there is a raised platform where the GGS is placed
Music:
the musicians are called ragis and they play traditional Indian instruments such as:
-the baja, a kind of harmonium
-the jorri or tabla, a kind of drum
the langar:
-represents service to others (sewa)
-it is considered a privilege to help prepare and serve food in the langar
the sach chand:
-the GGS bedroom
-the GGS is woken up and taken down at around 5am by a khalsa Sikh
-the GGS is out back into its bedroom at around 10pm
-it is treated like a human guru
school room:
in the school room, Sikh children are taught:
-punjabi
-musical instruments
-martial arts (gatka)
-sikh history
what is the sikh congregation called?
the sangat
where do sikhs make an offering and what for?
they make an offering in the golak box which goes towards paying for the langar
what kirtan and katha?
the singing of hymns and the explanation of the meaning of the hymns
what happens at the start of the day in the gurdwara?
the GGS is opened at random, and a random hymn is read and this is called hukam
this is ‘god’s message for the day’
what do worshippers do before leaving the gurdwara?
they share karah prashad, and they may eat in the langar
what are gurdwaras used for in the uk?
-to learn the language
-eat in the langar
-to socialise
when do sikh services take place?
they take place every day, but the most popular day is Sunday as that’s when most people are off work
what is sewa and why do sikhs do it?
sewa is selfless service and guru nanak said the more sewa you do, the more chance you will go up to god when you die
what do you need to do if you have a copy of the GGS at home?
you’ll need to give it it’s own room, a throne, a cover, a stool, and woken up at 5, put to sleep at 10
the people in the house must not drink milk or alcohol, and they must wash their hands and feet before entering the room
what is the name of the prayer book that many Sikhs have, which contains the important parts of the GGS?
Gutka, which is also treated with respect, but not as much as the GGS.
it is kept wrapped in romallas and they need to wash their hands before picking it up
how did guru ram das say to start each day?
-have a bath/shower to prepare for meditation
-repeat the japji, a prayer by guru nanak
-repeat prayers by guru gobing singh
khalsa sikhs recite prayers 5 times a day (panj banis) which is called nitnem (daily routine)
what is naam simran?
it means always having something good on your mind
-helps sikhs be gurmukh and achieve mukti
-guru nanak said there can be no worship without performing good deeds
what is sakhasan and what happens?
- putting the ggs to bed at around 10pm
-a ceremony that takes place daily
-an attendant reads the kirtan sohila (song of praise)
-the book is then closed and wrapped in romallas
-it is then put on the attendant’s head and carried to the bedroom
-someone will walk behind it with the chauri, and everyone bows as it passes
what is prakash and what happens?
-waking up the ggs at around 5am
-at 4am ish a group of khalsa sikhs (bathed) carry the ggs from the sach chand to the palki
-clean romallas are used,
worshippers sing hymns
-the hukam is found
what is find in the palki?
-the channani (above the ggs)
-the chauri (fan)
-the manji (stool)
-romallas (sheets)
-the golak box (for donations)
-kirpan
-khanda (sword)
-chakkar (round disc)
