What is the role of the gurdwara?

Learning objective – to be able to understand the role of the gurdwara and how it serves the Sikh community. I can describe some of the functions the gurdwara carries out in the Sikh community . Level 3 I can explain how the gurdwara carries out specific duties in the Sikh community. Level 5 I can apply to other faiths the functions of the religious house, such as the gurdwara and identify similarities and differences. Level 6

Starter – in pairs or threes, list as many functions and duties a religious house should carry out in a community.

What is a gurdwara? A gurdwara is the Sikh place of worship and also acts as a community centre. gurdwara literally means ‘doorway’ or ‘house of the Guru’ – Guru being the Guru Granth Sahib, the Sikh’s holy book.

Why do Sikhs go to a gurdwara? A gurdwara is not only a house of worship but also a community centre. It is where Sikhs can take part in serving others – sewa. It is where Sikhs can join sangat – Sikh congregation – and participate in acts of worship.

What does a gurdwara look like?

What is the layout of a gurdwara?

Why is the diwan hall important? Diwan means ‘court’ and this is where the acts of worship take place in the gurdwara. It is in the diwan hall where the Guru Granth Sahib is kept on a throne, called a Takht, underneath a canopy, which is called a Palki. The Guru Granth Sahib is treated like a member of a royal family here.

What happens at the langar? The langar is the kitchen and comprises of the kitchen itself and the dining hall. Food is prepared by volunteers and is free to anyone who wants it. It symbolises equality and that everyone is equal.

Task Hemel Hempstead Borough Council has given the go-ahead to the Sikh community for the building of a gurdwara – a facility which the town currently lacks. You have been given the job to plan and design the gurdwara. You have been given the following points to consider in your design – The building must have domes in order to improve the sound quality of the acts of worship. The building must include a layout plan which must include a shoe rack room, a langar, dining area and a diwan hall. The building must include facilities which allow for the community service functions of a typical gurdwara. The building must have a Sikh flag – Nishan Sahib – to show that it is a Sikh place of worship.

Plenary – List three similarities and three differences of the roles of a Sikh gurdwara and a Christian church in a community.