Ans. Gurdwara is one of the most important institutions of Sikhs. During his travels (udaasis), wherever Guru Nanak went and established his congregation, he founded a “Dharamsaal”.
Over time Dharamsaal evolved into what is now known as Gurdwara. The meaning of the term ‘Gurdwara’ is, through Guru or Guru’s door, e.g.,
ਗੁਰੂ ਦੁਆਰੈ ਹੋਇ ਸੋਝੀ ਪਾਇਸੀ॥
(SGGS, P. 729)
(One can attain enlightenment through Guru),
ਗੁਰ ਦੁਆਰੈ ਹਰਿ ਕੀਰਤਨੁ ਸੁਣੀਐ॥
(SGGS, P. 1075)
“At Guru’s door one should listen to Kirtan (Lord’s laudations)”
Our Gurdwara is a school for students, a spiritual teacher for seekers, a hospital for patients, a refractory for hungry, a resting place for travellers and above all, an impenetrable fort for the Panth (the Sikh nation).
The sentence recited in our daily supplication, “those who gave sacrifices for the service of Gurdwaras remember their deeds and utter O Khalsa, Waheguru (glory to God)”, clearly indicates the great regard and respect the Sikhs hold for the sanctity of Gurdwaras. This high regard for the Gurdwaras is further indicated by the following stanza that has been added in our daily Ardaas (supplication), after the partition of India, when many historic Gurdwaras went into the newly formed country now known as Pakistan: O ever kind and benevolent Father, please grant the boon to your Khalsa for unrestricted pilgrimage and care of Sri Nankana Sahib and other Gurdwaras that have been separated from the Panth (due to the partition of the country).Gurdwara is an essential part of the life of a Sikh. According to Guru Amar Das, the third Master:
ਗੁਰਦੁਆਰੈ ਲਾਇ ਭਾਵਨੀ ਇਕਨਾ ਦਸਵਾ ਦੁਆਰੁ ਦਿਖਾਇਆ॥
(SGGS, P. 922)
(The tenth door is revealed to those who have devotion to the Master’s guidance)
According to Rehit Naamas (Sikh code of conduct), whenever one is feeling melancholy and is in low spirits, one should go to the Gurdwara. In a Gurdwara, Sri Guru Granth Sahib must be opened everyday and stay open as long as devotees are coming. At night the Guru Granth Sahib should be closed and placed in its resting room. Only in the case of an Akhand Paath’ (the non-stop recitation), should it remain open for 48-50 hours.To clasp the legs of bed of Guru Granth Sahib, to rub nose against the walls or pillars of the Gurdwara, to keep water under the resting throne, to keep idols in the Gurdwara, to bow before the pictures of the Gurus or any other Saint are considered self-directed practices and are prohibited according to the Sikh code of conduct.There is no restriction for any one to enter a Gurdwara, irrespective of his/her caste, colour, creed, race or country. But he/she should not possess tobacco or any other intoxicants, they must cover the head and take off shoes. To sit on a raised cushion, chair, cot, pedestal, throne etc. in the presence of Guru Granth Sahib is prohibited. Sitting bare-headed or a veil on ones face is contrary to the teachings of Sikhism.
Every Gurdwara should have the Sikh banner (unfurled triangular Kesri Nishaan Sahib) and a drum, which should be beaten at appropriate times.
One should remember that during Kirtan (hymn singing) using poetical compositions other than Gurbani are improper. Only the hymns form the scriptures should be used as the basis of the Kirtan.
At a time only one activity should be followed. For example, if a non-stop recitation of Guru Granth Sahib is in progress, then the Kirtan should not be sung.
Rehit Naama of Bhai Chaupa Singh describes the attributes of a Granthi (the priest and care taker of the Gurdwara).
According to him, a Granthi should be humble, free from greed, generous, truthful, compassionate, loving, patient, hospitable, clean, fond of doing service to Guru and Sikhs, strict observer of Sikh code of conduct, alert, observer of fidelity to his/her spouse and should take care of travellers who come to the Gurdwara.
According to Bhai Desa Singh, a Sikh who wishes to be a Granthi, should not crave for excessive offerings. He/she should use whatever is necessary for living and should distribute the remaining (to the needy). In most Gurdwaras in the Western countries, some chairs are now placed for old and handicapped people to sit. The beating of drum is no longer observed in most Gurdwaras. The ‘Dhadhi Jathas’ do not recite Gurbani. They recite only outside poetry.