A) Describe and explain the main features of a Gurdwara?

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Francesca Weaver  11D

A) Describe and explain the main features of a Gurdwara?

        A Gurdwara is the Sikh place of worship, Gurdwara means “the doorway to the Guru”. In every Gurdwara there is a Guru Granth Sahib, as well as a Nishan Sahib, which is the Sikh flag. The Nishan Sahib is the first main feature of a Gurdwara you see. The Nishan Sahib can be seen outside every Gurdwara to show a Sikh place of worship. The flag is a triangular shape and is a saffron-coloured. The colour stands for courage and sacrifice. The flag is usually on a long steel pole which is also covered in the same saffron coloured cloth. The saffron coloured cloth is changed as part of Baisakhi, the celebration in April, also on other special occasions.

        On the flag is the Khanda, the Khanda is the main symbol of the Sikh faith, it symbolies Gods power. The Khanda consists of four weapons in the centre is a double edged sword called a Khanda, The Khanda represents knowledge of divinity and the power of God. Surrounding the Khanda is a circular quoit, called a Chakkar which symbolies the unity of God. On either side are crossed daggers which are called Kirpans, or Piri and Miri which are named after the personal weapons of Guru Hargobind, which symbolies spiritual and temporal, power in balance. The name Khanda is taken from the double edged sword, Khanda that was used by Guru Gobind Singh when preparing Amrit for the Panj Piare.

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        Before you enter the Gurdwara there are various notices, reminding you not to take tobacco, meat or alcohol in the Gurdwara with you. It is also forbidden to go into the Gurdwara if you are under the influence of alcohol or just smoked. There will also be notices reminding you to switch mobile phones off.  Before you enter the Diwan hall or the Langar hall, there are severally important features you will see, these are the shoe rack, as you must take your shoes off before entering any parts of the Gurdwara. Both men and women have to cover ...

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