Gurdwara The Sikh house of worship Sikh Symbols

him. After the ceremony, guru gobind rai became Guru Gobind Singh. Many more men and women were initiated.

2.4 Gurdwara The Sikh house of worship

The word Gurdwara literally means Guru’s home. It is a place of worship for the Sikhs. Guru Nanak held the very first prayers of Sikhism at his home in Kartarpur. Many gurdwaras have been built at important Sikh historical places in the memory of the events that occurred there. The most significant gurdwara is Hari Mandar Sahib better known as Golden Temple, in Amritsar. The gurdwara building usually consists of two separate halls, one for prayer Congregation Hall and the other for Langar. Some gurdwara use one hall both Kirtan and Langar for lack of space. Gurdwaras promote teaching punjabi, religious education, music and physical activities. The Guru Granth sahib Ji is the focal point of the prayer hall and is placed in a prominent site. As a mark of respect to the Guru, everyone must take off their shoes, wash their hands and cover their heads before entering the prayer hall. One then walks down towards the altar and bows in front of the guru granth sahib. Generally, a voluntary offering of cash is made at this time. Then, one sits on the carpet facing the Palki altar on which the Guru Granth Sahib Ji is placed. All religious gatherings conclude by reciting an Ardas, the main Sikh prayer, seeking the Guru’s blessing; and a random reading of the Guru Granth Sahib, which is also known as Hukam. The Hukam is regarded as the “order of the day” to be followed by the congregation. Then, Karah Prashad sweet pudding made from flour and sugar is served to the congregation. Universitas Sumatera Utara The congregation sits on the floor or chair and is served a free meal. Langar is donations of the congregation. Food is strictly vegetarian and all are welcome to eat regardless of their religion, caste, creed, color or social status. Gurdwara usually employ a Granthi a learned Sikh to recite scriptures and to perform religious ceremonies. The Gurdwara is open to people of all religious. Visitors are encouraged.

2.5 Sikh Symbols

EkOnkar is the symbol that represents the One Supreme Reality or One God. This fundamental teaching of Sikhism, that there is only one Essence or one reality that sustains all is paramount to the understanding of Sikh beliefs.Ek Onkar means God is One. The symbol is an emblem of the Sikh religion and is found on Gurdwaras Sikh temples around the world. The symbol has some resemblance to the Sanskrit OM as seen in the Hindu religion. Ek Onkar forms the cornerstone of Sikh belief in the unity and oneness of God. There is but one God. Truth by name, the creator, all-pervading spirit, without fear, without enmity. Whose existence is unaffected by time, who does not take birth, self-existent, who is to be realised through his grace. Swami Universitas Sumatera Utara Vivekanand says,”Onkar is the most holy word of the Vedas. A symbolic word meaning the Supreme Being, the Ocean of Knowledge and Bliss Absolute. In the symbol the sword to the left represents truth, and the sword to the right represents the willingness to fight for what is right- dharma religion. The circle in the middle denotes the one God, never beginning and never ending. The Khanda represents knowledge of God, the Chakkar represents the eternal nature of God and oneness of humanity, the two swords represent Miri political sovereignty and Piri spiritual sover

2.6 Sikh Scriptures