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Gurdwaras
Gurdwaras are the Sikh's places of worship, they are the holy shrines
where Sikhs gather to hear the Guru speak or sing hymns. In other words
Gurdwara is a gateway, through which the Guru could be reached, any place
where the Guru Granth Sahib is instated with due respect, can be referred
to as a Gurdwara
. Gurdwara's are Sikh's most holy places, while entering the shrine, one
has to cover the bare head and remove the shoes, to give a due respect to
the Guru Granth Sahib- the holy book of the Sikhs. In fact in all Indian
shrines one has to remove shoes while entering the shrine.
One also has to wash hands, in some Gurdwaras there is also the
arrangement of washing feet in the running water. Approaching the Guru
Granth Sahib one is expected to bow down and touch the floor as a sign of
further respect towards the Eternal Sikh Guru.
Gurdwaras also render with transient accommodations for visitors or
pilgrims along with the facility of Langar. In the Langar the food is
cooked and served by volunteers, 24 hours a day. Only vegetarian food is
served, all people of all religions can sit together to share a common
meal irrespective of any dietary restrictions.
Akal Takht in Amritsar is one of the important shrines of Sikhs, many
important decisions are taken there. There are four other historical
shrines, given the status of literally thrones. These are - Harmandir
Sahib-Patna; Keshgarh Sahib- Anandpur; Damdama Sahib, Talwandi Sabo;and
Hazur Sahib, Nanded (Maharashtra).
The Golden Temple of Amritsar amidst the large tank has gained a
worldwide fame due to its construction, the structure of this temple.
itself has provided a paragon and an stimulus to builders of other
shrines.