A “Gurdwara” is a Sikh place of worship. The word Gurdwara can be defined as “the Door to the Guru,” or “the Guru’s Gate.”

The Gurdwara is the Court of the Guru, which Sikhs enter in a state of love and devotion.

When Sikhs enter a Gurdwara, they believe they are in the actual Presence of their living Guru, the Siri Guru Granth Sahib. The Siri Guru Granth Sahib is the embodiment of the Word, the Shabads, the Songs of worship and prayer of the Sikh Gurus.

When Sikhs enter the Presence of the Guru, they do so with ultimate respect and humility. Sikhs believe that all that we think and say and do in the Presence of the Guru should reflect this attitude of gratitude and humility.

For Sikhs, the key to all behavior in a Gurdwara is grace. A Gurdwara “diwan” or worship service is a group act of worship to the Divine performed in the “Sadh Sangat,” which is defined as the Company of the Holy.

Sikhs are in Gurdwara to experience the Guru, to receive His Blessing, and grow in consciousness. Sikhs believe that being in a Gurdwara can purify the soul, mind and body.

~Resources:  Living Reality (1994) by Bibiji Inderjit Kaur Khalsa and “Gurdwara – Sikh Spiritual Practice” (Sikh Dharma International).