1. GURDWARA SAHIB
ETIQUETTES
SIKH GURMAT CAMP

2. 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?

3. 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?

4. 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

5. 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?

6. 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

7. 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

8. 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

9. 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

10. 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

11. HOW SHOULD YOU STAND DURING ARDAAS?

12. 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.

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

14. 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 +

15. 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

16. 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

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

18. 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

19. 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