Explain the importance of a Gurdwara in the life of a Sikh today.
Explain the importance of a Gurdwara in the life of a Sikh today.
The Gurdwara is the Sikh place of worship. Gurdwara means ‘the doorway to the Guru’.
A Gurdwara has three main functions, these are:
- Religious importance
- Social importance and
- Emotional importance
In this section I will be writing about the three main functions of a Gurdwara and its importance to a Sikh today.
Religious importance
Sikhs believe in only one God. In a Gurdwara they can be in a room with God, thank God e.g. for a baby and sing to God. Basically they go to be close to God. This is a sign of respect and is a Sikh tradition. Sikhs respect the holy book the Guru Granth Sahib, as it is to the last of the Gurus, they show respect by: a Chauri (fan), a palki, dais (type of throne), a Manji sahib (a small bed) etc, being in the presence of the Guru Granth Sahib is important to a Sikh because the Guru Granth Sahib is a Guru (teacher) and is there fore treated like a living Guru. The Guru Granth Sahib is central in the public worship of Sikhs and is the central importance to a Sikh life, work and worship.