What is "gurdwara"

n. A Sikh place of worship.

A gurdwara (, or , ; meaning 'door to the Guru') is the place of worship for Sikhs; however, people from all faiths, and those who do not profess any faith, are welcomed in the Sikh gurdwara. The gurdwara has a Darbar Sahib where the current and everlasting Guru of the Sikhs, the holy scripture Guru Granth Sahib is placed on a Takhat (an elevated throne) in a prominent central position. The Raagis (who sing Ragas) recite, sing and explain, the verses from the Guru Granth Sahib, in the presence of the holy congregation.

All gurdwaras have a Langar hall, where people can eat free vegetarian 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 (popularly known as The Golden Temple) in Amritsar, Punjab, India.

Harmandir Sahib, a Sikh gurdwara in Amritsar, India