Features of the Gurdwara (AQA GCSE Religious Studies A): Revision Note

What is the gurdwara?

• The Sikh place of worship is known as the gurdwara

  • This translates to “the door of the Guru”

• The Guru Granth Sahib is the Sikh holy book that Sikhs believe is the Eternal Guru

  • Any building that holds a copy of the Guru Granth Sahib is known as a gurdwara

  • The Guru Granth Sahib is the focus of worship within the gurdwara

  • It is placed on a raised platform called the manji sahib under a canopy in the divan hall

  • It always sits higher than the congregation (sangat) as a symbol of respect

• The gurdwara is available to all people who want to worship God

  • Sikhs recognise all religions, believing that all religions are different pathways to the same God

  • Therefore, people of all faiths are welcome at a gurdwara

• Originally, a gurdwara was a place where Sikhs could go to hear the human Gurus speak

What are the main features of the gurdwara?

• Some of the main features of the gurdwara are as follows:

  • There are four entrance doors to show that everyone is welcome, regardless of status, occupation, gender, religion or wealth

  • The main prayer hall is called the divan hall

    • The sangat gather here and sit on the floor to worship Waheguru (God)

    • The Guru Granth Sahib is kept in the divan hall during the day

  • The sach khand is the room where the Guru Granth Sahib is placed overnight

  • The langar is the free kitchen, and after services, vegetarian meals are served here by volunteers as part of sewa

    • The food is available to anyone who wishes to eat there

  • The palki sahib is the main structure that houses the Guru Granth Sahib

    • Over it, there is a canopy made out of cloth called a chanani

  • The Nishan Sahib is a flag bearing the Sikh symbol (the Khanda)

  • These flags are placed on either side of the palki sahib

  • The Guru Granth Sahib sits in the centre covered with a special cloth called a rumalla

  • Charity is an important part of being a Sikh, so in front of the palki sahib, there is a golak (collection box)

    • Here, the community can give money towards the upkeep of the gurdwara and the langar

What is the role of the gurdwara?

• The gurdwara is an extremely important part of Sikhism and performs many different roles

• It is a place of worship and learning for Sikhs

• Sikhs gather to pray and listen to the Guru Granth Sahib

During services at the gurdwara

• The sangat sing hymns (kirtan) and listen to spiritual sermons, often led by any Sikh who is knowledgeable about the Guru Granth Sahib

  • The hymns are sung to music

  • This is often played by ragis, who are musicians trained in the classical Sikh style of music

  • The music helps create an atmosphere of devotion and spiritual reflection

• Scripture reading also takes place regularly

After services at the gurdwara

• At the end of services, Sikhs distribute Karah Parshad, a sweet, blessed food

• Karah Parshad symbolises equality, as it is served to everyone, regardless of their status or background

  • The act of receiving and eating Karah Parshad reinforces the Sikh belief that all people are God's creation and should be treated equally

• It also serves as a reminder of the langar, where food is freely offered to all

Other features of the gurdwara

• The gurdwara is also the centre of the sangat

  • It brings people together to form the sangat (holy congregation)

  • It encourages spiritual growth, support and unity

• It is a place where Sikhs can practise sewa

  • Sikhs volunteer by cleaning, cooking or helping others in the gurdwara

  • This promotes humility, equality and living according to Sikh principles

• The gurdwara provides the langar meal for the community

  • The langar embodies the principle of sewa and the Sikh belief in humanity’soneness 

  • Everyone, regardless of background, is welcome to eat

  • This demonstrates Sikh values of equality, service and hospitality

• The gurdwara is also a place that offers support and charity to those in need

  • Many gurdwaras help those in need with food banks, medical support or education

    • This acts on Sikh teachings about caring for humanity

• The gurdwara is an important part of the Sikh community

  • Sikhism does not have a formal priesthood, so the gurdwara is run by the community

    • The gurdwara serves as a centre for social engagement and charitable work

    • Sikhs often come to the gurdwara for guidance and education, and the community is encouraged to support one another