Sikh temple facts for kids
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A Sikh temple is called a Gurdwara. This name means "the door or the gateway to the Guru." It is a special place of worship for people who follow the Sikh religion. Inside a Gurdwara, people read or sing from the Sikh holy book. They also listen to talks about their faith. Important Festivals are celebrated here. Sikh families also come to the Gurdwara for special events. These include birth, death, baptism, and marriage ceremonies. The holy book, called Guru Granth Sahib, is usually placed at one end of the main hall. It sits high up under a beautiful canopy.
The Gurdwara helps people in many ways. It is a place where you can learn about spiritual knowledge and become wiser. Everyone is welcome, no matter their age, gender, or background. All men, women, and children are treated as equals. The temple offers a safe place and food to anyone who needs it. It also helps people who are sick, elderly, or disabled. It is a center for sharing culture and promoting good health. Children often learn about good behavior, Sikhism, and history here. The Gurdwara is also where Sikhs can talk about community issues. For example, they might discuss how to help people follow Sikh rules. It also helps the Sikh community in social and economic ways. A Gurdwara is meant to be a place free from political arguments.
Every Gurdwara has a free kitchen. This kitchen is called the Langar. Food is prepared and served there for everyone. People from other communities are also welcome to visit a Gurdwara. This helps Sikhs and others understand each other better. These visits can answer questions about Sikhism. They also help visitors learn about Sikh religion, customs, and culture. A Gurdwara is easy to spot because of its flag. This flag is called the Nishan Sahib. A Sikh temple has four doors. These doors stand for the Door of Peace, the Door of Livelihood, the Door of Learning, and the Door of Grace. These doors must always be open to everyone.
Contents
Visiting a Gurdwara: What to Do
If you want to visit a Gurdwara, there are some rules to follow. These rules help everyone show respect. In Sikhism, it is strictly forbidden to use tobacco, liquor, or narcotics. These things are not allowed inside or near the Gurdwara.
Before You Enter
Before you go into the main hall, you need to take off your shoes. You should also wash your hands. Everyone must cover their head. You can use a handkerchief or a scarf. Even non-Sikhs need to cover their heads. As you do this, try to think about the Guru.
Inside the Prayer Hall
Once you enter the hall, walk slowly. This is where the Guru Granth Sahib is kept. You should bow humbly. Touch your forehead to the ground. This shows your respect and love for the Guru. As you bow, you can place a gift. This gift can be money, flowers, or simply words of thanks. Any honest expression of thanks is good. After bowing and offering, sit quietly. This group of people is called the Sangat. Try not to disturb others. Usually, men sit on one side and women on the other. People sit with their legs crossed. Talking or whispering is not allowed.
Understanding the Service
Worship services in the Gurdwara usually follow a pattern. Kirtan is when people sing holy hymns. Katha is when someone reads and explains the hymns. Ardas is a special prayer. Sometimes, six verses from a hymn called Anand Sahib are sung. There might also be Vak or Hukam. This is when a random hymn from the Guru Granth Sahib is read. This reading is seen as the Guru's message for the day. After the Hukam, a sweet food called Karah Parshad is given out. Then, Langar, which is food from the Guru's kitchen, is served.
Images for kids
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Nishan Sahib flags on poles at Harmandir Sahib, Amritsar.
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Guru Nanak Gurdwara Smethwick in Sandwell, one of the first and largest gurdwaras in the UK.
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The Darbar Sahib of a gurdwara.
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Khalsa principles of Deg to cook food (langar) in huge amount
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An office block repurposed as a Gurdwara, opened in Birmingham, England, in April 2019
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The Harmandir Sahib in Amritsar, India, known informally as the Golden Temple, is the holiest gurdwara of Sikhism, next to Akal Takht, a Sikh seat of power.
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Shri Hazoor Sahib is a gurdwara in Nanded, Maharashtra, India; is one of the five takhts.
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Gurudwara Bangla Sahib is one of the most prominent Sikh gurdwara in Delhi, India and known for its association with the eighth Sikh Guru, Guru Har Krishan, as well as the pool inside its complex, known as the "Sarovar."
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Gurudwara Paonta Sahib, view inside a typical gurdwara.
See also
In Spanish: Gurdwara para niños
