GURDWARA SAHIB ETIQUETTES SIKH GURMAT CAMP

WHAT DOES “GURDWARA” MEAN? Gurdwara is a compound word composed of: Guru meaning enlightener or the guide from darkness into light Dwara or duaar meaning door or gateway The term Gurdwara literally means "the door" or "the gateway” to the Guru WHAT DOES “GURDWARA” MEAN?

WHO PRESIDES OVER THE CONGREGATION? Our Guru presides over the congregation like a King or a Judge in his/her court Our present Guru is Guru Granth Sahib Draped in elegant material (rumaley) Seated on Manji Sahib – a rectangular platform covered with cushion Chaur (Wisk) and Chandoa (Canopy) WHO PRESIDES OVER THE CONGREGATION?

SIGNIFICANCE OF CHAUR SAHIB AND CHANDOA It is a long standing tradition to have the king sit under a canopy (Chandoa) And wave the Chaur over the head of the king as a sign of reverence and respect Who is the “True” King? SIGNIFICANCE OF CHAUR SAHIB AND CHANDOA

siqguru scw pwiqswhu kUVy bwidswh dunIAwvy] In reality, Satguru is the true King whereas all the worldly kings are fake - short lived Who is the “True” King?

Chaur is commonly seen waved over kings Signifies royalty and respect Regarded as Sevaa - shows reverence and respect for the message of the Guru contained in Gurbanee Chandoa serves the same purpose of respect A tradition that Sikhs practice to honor their True Guru with high esteem and respect

BEFORE ENTERING THE GURDWARA Cover head properly Take shoes off Clean hands Dress for the Guru Appropriately covered Modest Be humble and open- minded! BEFORE ENTERING THE GURDWARA

AFTER ENTERING THE GURDWARA No talking or whispering Matha teyk properly Greet Sangat with folded hands Sit attentively Turn your cell phone off AFTER ENTERING THE GURDWARA

Stay focused on the Gurbani! Not the people in the sangat GURDWARA ‘DO’S Stand up when Guru Granth Sahib Ji is brought in Stand up properly for ardaas Stay focused on the Gurbani! Not the people in the sangat

GURDWARA DON’TS No installing of pictures of Gurus or other idols No bowing before anyone but Guru Granth Sahib No special seating reserved for anybody. No sitting on cushions or distinctive seats & chairs No lamps or candles are lighted unless needed for lighting purposes

HOW SHOULD YOU STAND DURING ARDAAS?

KARAAH PRASAAD Meaning- Karaah is derived from the Sanskrit word katah (preparation in a utensil), Prasaad is blessing Karaah Prasaad is also known as Deg Started during Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s Time When Guru Arjan Dev Ji installed the Adi Granth at the Harmandir Sahib, Karaah Prasaad was distributed to the devotees Kirpaan is applied to confirm the concept of Deg & Tegh or Meeri and Peeri.

WHO Karaah Prasaad is served to the entire gathering attending the Gurdwara Program after the Hukam is taken from Guru Granth Sahib.

Karaah Prasaad is made by mixing the following 3 ingredients in equal amount with 4 times water: 1) Ghee/Butter 2) Flour 3) Sugar + WHAT +

WHERE Karhaah Parshaad is prepared in a clean area by a Sevadar Karhaah Parshaad Preparers must have their heads covered While making it the Sevadar should be attentively reciting Gurbani Karhaah Parshaad is covered with a clean cloth and placed next to Guru Granth Sahib Ji

WHEN After Hukamnama, a clean Kirpan is applied through the Karhaah Parshaad This is to indicate that we accept the principle of Deg & Teg. We first take out 5 portions in memory of the 5 Pyaare and distribute among the Tyar- bar-tayar Khalsa. A portion of Karhaah Parshaad is taken out for the Tabey Baitha Sevadar. Rest is served to the Sangat

WHY Accepting Karhaah Parshaad signifies that we as the followers of the Guru accept the Hukam (Guru’s Teachings) and promise to follow it

HOW It is served by the Sevadars, who have washed their hands The Sevadar first collects and gathers the Karhaah Parshaad in their hand and then neatly places it in the recipients hands (without touching their hands) Karhaah Parshaad is distributed in equal amounts to the Sangat without any prejudice or discrimination

HOW (CONT.) The correct way to receive Karhaah Parshaad is to have your head covered, both hands together, and be seated cross-legged as if one was receiving Divine Grace Parshaad should be received in your hands (not on a napkin) and if any happens to fall be sure to pick it up and make sure the area around you is clean The Parshaad that we place under Guru Granth Sahib Ji is for the Sevadar doing the Chaur Seva and NOT for Guru Sahib