Visiting a Gurdwara for the first time?
Introduction
Visiting an unfamiliar house of worship can be intimidating. Here are some tips to help you be respectful in your approach to visiting our Sikh Gurdwara, related to conduct, worship, programs, and events, which will help you know what to expect, and understand what is expected of you.
The place where Sikhs gather to worship with reverence and respect is called a Gurdwara which literally means the Guru’s door.
A Gurdwara meeting place has no specific size or design. There is usually a flag marked with the emblem of the Sikh coat of arms. Most importantly, the one necessary feature is the presence of Siri Guru Granth Sahib, the Sikh Scripture, in the prayer hall.
Visitors Are Welcome
Anyone is welcome to worship in a gurdwara regardless of race, caste, color, or creed. A specific protocol of worship exists for the gurdwara. Cleanliness and respectful conduct is essential. When visiting our gurdwara, here are some things to keep in mind:
- Be modestly attired.
- Cover your head with a bandana, cloth or scarf before entering. If you don’t remember to bring one, just ask someone – our gurdwara keeps extras on hand for visitors.
- Remove your shoes and place them at the Shoe Stands at both entrances to the Gurdwara.
- Wash hands, and feet before entering the prayer hall.
- When you enter the prayer hall, it is customary to acknowledge the Guru Granth Sahib (Sikh scripture). Most do this by walking up to the front and respectfully bowing before it. If you do not feel comfortable bowing, it is appropriate to simply walk directly over to your seat and sit down.
- Feel free to offer any donations such as flowers, food items, or cash.
- Sit quietly on the floor with your legs crossed, and face towards Guru Granth. Try to avoid turning your back or pointing your feet toward the Guru Granth Sahib.
- Be conscious of your use of flash photography inside the prayer hall. Our Gurdwara does not typically prohibit photography, but it is polite to ask.
- Any person can take part in langar, the free community kitchen and meal prepared by volunteers and typically served in the gurdwara after services.
- Accept prasad, a sanctified delicacy made from flour, butter, and sugar.
- Do not drink alcohol or use/have tobacco or any drugs (controlled substances) on the gurdwara premises, including parking lot. Do not enter the premises under the influence of liquor.
- In general, know that you can always approach someone at the gurdwara for assistance or with questions–folks are usually more than happy to help, and even give you a tour!
Sri Guru Granth Sahib (Sikh Scripture)
Guru Granth Sahib is the central focus of the Sikh worship service. Before the main worship service begins, a Sikh offers a prayer of ardas. Every one present stands. A Sikh attendant able to read the Gurmukhi scripture then performs prakash to ceremoniously open and invoke the manifest light of the Guru Granth. Worshipers reverently listen with utmost respect as a random verse of scripture is read. The worship service is concluded in the same manner. At the end of the day, a final verse is read aloud. The sacred volume is closed, and Guru Granth Sahib is put to rest with a sukhasan ceremony.
Whether day or night, open or closed, the resting place for Sri Guru Guru Granth Sahib is required to have:
- A canopy over head.
- A platform, table, or cot, with small cushions, padding, and pillows, or similar items.
- Rumala coverlets to drape over the Guru Granth.
- A small chaur sahib, or whisk to fan the Guru Granth.
Gurdwara Programs and Worship Services
Sikhs congregate together in the gurdwara for a multitude of purposes. To avoid disruption of any function, only one activity may take place at a time in a particular hall. Visitors are welcome to take part in Gurdwara worship services which include:
- Kirtan: Join in singing devotional hymns of Sikh scripture. Many gurdwaras project words and meanings onto hanging screens.
- Listen respectfully to the narration of Sikh scriptures and their meanings.
- Gurbani: Listen and enjoy recitation of Sikh scriptures or daily prayers.
Simran and Naam Jap: Join in and enjoy the recitation of Waheguru, the Sikh word for God. - Ardas: Stand up with the congregation during prayerful supplication and invocation of blessing.
- Hukam: Listen to the divine order of a random verse read aloud from Guru Granth.
- Prashad: A sweet delicacy is offered to every worshiper with every service. Many gurdwaras have prashad always available, otherwise, it is served at the conclusion of a worship service. To receive prashad, either sit or kneel and cup both hands together when served.
Gurdwara Events
Unlike other bigger Gurdwaras in Singapore, our Gurdwara has a small membership of over 200 members. Weekly Services are held on Thursday Evenings and Sunday mornings. In addition to this several annual events take also place at the gurdwara Details are provided in the monthly programme, copies of which are forwarded to members online and through WhatsApp, as well as made available at Reception Desk.
- Akhand Paath: A continuous unbroken reading of Guru Granth to commemorate special events in the Sikh Calender.
- Anand Karaj: Sikh weddings.
- Amrit Sanchar: The Sikh initiation ceremony.
- Gurmat: Classes for study in any subject of Sikhism.
- Gurpurab: Commemorative holidays as per Sikh Calender.
- Langar: Cooking, serving, and eating food from the guru’s free kitchen for various ocassions.
- Kirtan: Singing of hymns at various events.
- Seva: Community service of various kinds on behalf of the congregation.
Inappropriate Conduct
The Gurdwara is considered the house of the Guru Granth Sahib. Only a specially trained Sikh is permitted to perform devotional kirtan, or read aloud from the Guru Granth while the congregation of Sikh sangat is present. Ceremonies and practices not condoned within the gurdwara complex include:
- Festivities associated with other faiths.
- Any other book or scripture level with, or above Guru Granth.
- Idol worship, or bowing to statues or pictures of the ten gurus.
- Sitting with legs extended or feet pointed towards Guru Granth.
- Sitting on a cushion, chair, or in any position or posture designating rank.
- Massaging, pressing or rubbing floor, walls, or legs supporting the Guru’s cot.
- Smoking, drinking, dancing, or parties.
