Gurdwara Sahib
The Khalsa Diwan Society øf Victoria
The Guru Granth Sahib
The Guru Granth Sahib is the highest spiritual authority in Sikhi and is to be treated as though it is a living Guru. People visiting the Gurdwara sit on the floor often cross-legged, as pointing your feet towards an object or person, in this case the Guru Granth Sahib, may be mistaken as disrespectful according to cultural norms. It is also the traditional and optimal posture for deep meditation. Furthermore, sitting on the floor is seen as a symbol of equality among all people. Rather than some people standing, some people sitting on chairs and some people sitting on the floor, everybody sits on the floor so that nobody is 'higher' than anybody else.
Sikhism, or known in Punjabi as Sikhi, (/ˈsiːkɨzəm/ or /ˈsɪkɨzəm/; Punjabi: ਸਿੱਖੀ, sikkhī, IPA: [ˈsɪkːʰiː]) is a monotheistic religion founded during the 15th century in the Punjab region of the Indian subcontinent, by Guru Nanak and continued to progress through the ten successive Sikh gurus (the last guru being the holy scripture Guru Granth Sahib).
It is the fifth-largest organized religion in the world, with approximately 30 million adherents. Adherents of Sikhism are known as Sikhs (students or disciples). This system of religious philosophy and expression has been traditionally known as the Gurmat (literally 'wisdom of the Gurū'). Punjab, India is the only state in the world with a majority Sikh population.
A Sikh (/siːk/ or /sɪk/; Punjabi: ਸਿੱਖ, sikkh [sɪkkʰ]) is a follower of Sikhism, a monotheistic religion that originated in the 15th century in the Punjab region. The term "Sikh" means disciple, student, or (śikṣa). A Sikh is a disciple/subject of the Guru.
Sikhism- an insight
Nishan Sahib
The Nishan Sahib is a Sikh holy triangular flag made of cotton or silk cloth, with a tassel at its end. The word, Nishan means symbol, and the flag is hoisted on a tall flagpole, outside most Gurdwaras. The flagpole itself covered with fabric, ends with a two-edged dagger (khanda) on top. The emblem on the flag is known as Khanda, which depicts a double-edged sword called a khanda (☬) in the centre, a chakkar which is circular, and flanked by two single-edged swords, or kirpans.
Traditional symbol of the Khalsa Panth, the Nishan Sahib can be seen from far away, signifying the presence of Khalsa in the neighbourhood. It is taken down every Baisakhi, and replaced with a fresh flag, and the flagpole refurbished.
Like a Flag of any institution, this Flag symbolizes the presence of the Khalsa and hence is hoisted at every Gurdwara premises.
Gurdwara
A gurdwara (Punjabi: ਗੁਰਦੁਆਰਾ, gurduārā or , gurdwārā), meaning the gateway to the guru, is the place of worship for Sikhs; however, people of all faiths are welcomed in the Gurdwara. The gurdwara has a Darbar Sahib where sikh holy book the eternal Sri Guru Granth Sahib is placed and the Langar where congregation are served eat free food. A gurdwara may also have a library, nursery, and classroom. A gurdwara can be identified from a distance by tall flagpoles bearing the Nishan Sahib, the Sikh flag.
The most well-known gurdwara is the Harmandir Sahib in Amritsar, Punjab, India.
Sikh Emblem Khanda
According to various sources, usage of Nishan Sahib originates with Guru Hargobind, however khanda usage starts later, probably in 19th century.
Gurdwara Layout
A typical layout for the Darbar Sahib (Darbar Sahib refers to the main hall within a Sikh gurdwara. This hall is where the holy text, current and perpetual Guru of the Sikhs, the Guru Granth Sahib is placed on a takhat or throne in a prominent central position), inside a Gurdwara. Men and women usually sit on separate sides of the hall. Darbar Sahib - Diwan Hall - Darbar Sahib Worship takes place in the Diwan Hall or prayer hall. In the diwan hall, there are people playing worship hymns from the Guru Granth Sahib.
Gurdwara Layout
A typical layout for the Darbar Sahib (Darbar Sahib refers to the main hall within a Sikh gurdwara. This hall is where the holy text, current and perpetual Guru of the Sikhs, the Guru Granth Sahib is placed on a takhat or throne in a prominent central position), inside a Gurdwara. Men and women usually sit on separate sides of the hall. Darbar Sahib - Diwan Hall - Darbar Sahib Worship takes place in the Diwan Hall or prayer hall. In the diwan hall, there are people playing worship hymns from the Guru Granth Sahib.
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