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57-526: The most common form of the Nishan Sahib, used in gurdwaras around the world, features a saffron (orange) colour. The Akal Takht decided on 15 July 2024, in accordance with the Sikh Rehat Maryada, that only basanti or surmai colours are acceptable, while kesri (saffron) is not. The flag is hoisted on a tall flagpole outside most Gurdwaras. The flagpole itself, covered with fabric (called chola ) of

114-411: A baoli (step-well), bucket well, or rahat ( Persian wheel ) would be implemented and installed in the courtyard of the structure or near a pool of water. The dharamsals incorporated a langar (communal kitchen) and lodge, especially the ones on important highways and trade routes, where persons could eat and stay without discriminated based upon their religious or caste-background. This facilitated

171-534: A Sikh to visit gurdwara. On joining the holy congregation, Sikhs should take part and obtain the benefit from the combined study of the holy scriptures. No one is to be barred from entering a gurdwara regardless of their religious or regional background and are welcomed in. Seva is an important and prominent part of the Sikh religion. Dasvand forms a central part of Sikh belief (of Vand Chhako ) and literally means donating ten percent of one's harvest, both financial and in

228-463: A day. Some gurdwaras also provide temporary accommodations ( serais ) for visitors or devotees. The gurdwara also serves as a community centre and a guest house for travellers, occasionally a clinic, and a base for local charitable activities. Apart from morning and evening services, the gurdwaras hold special congregations to mark important anniversaries on the Sikh calendar. They become scenes of much éclat and festivity during celebrations in honour of

285-487: A dharamsal dedicated to spreading their Guru's message and teachings in their local area. Bhai Gurdas states the following: “Wherever Guru Nanak visited, that place became a place of worship. The most important centres including those of the jogis visited by the Guru became spiritual centres. Even houses have been turned into dharamsalas where kirtan was sung on the eve of Vaisakhi.” Guru Nanak set-up an important dharamsal in

342-454: A flag existing at the court of Guru Arjan in the 24th ballad of his Varan composition (24:18–23). A mention of the banner during the period of Arjan was made by Bhatt Kalh in a sawaiye composition he authored: ਕੁਲਿ ਸੋਢੀ ਗੁਰ ਰਾਮਦਾਸ ਤਨੁ ਧਰਮ ਧੁਜਾ ਅਰਜੁਨੁ ਹਰਿ ਭਗਤਾ ॥੬॥ Kuli sōḍhī gur rāmdās tanu dharam dhujā arjunu hari bhagtā ॥6॥ In the Sodhi family, is born Arjun, the son of Guru Raam Daas,

399-692: A healthy communal life, and a Sikh must undertake to support all worthy projects which would benefit the larger community and promote Sikh principles. Importance is given to Inter-faith dialogue , support for the poor and weak; better community understanding and co-operation. Many gurdwaras also have other facilities for Sikhs to learn more about their religion, such as libraries, complexes for courses in Gurmukhi, Sikhism and Sikh scriptures, meeting rooms, and room-and-board accommodation for those who need it. Gurdwaras are open to all people, regardless of sex, age, sexuality or religion, and are generally open all hours of

456-409: A higher plinth, have entrances on all four sides, and have square or octagonal domed sanctums usually in the middle. During recent decades, to meet the requirements of larger gatherings, bigger and better ventilated assembly halls, with the sanctum at one end, have become accepted style. The location of the sanctum, more often than not, is such as to allow space for circumambulation. Sometimes, to augment

513-563: A main hall called a darbar , a community kitchen called a langar , and other facilities. The essential features of a gurdwara are these public spaces, the presence of the holy book and eternal Sikh guru the Granth Sahib , the pursuit of the Sikh Rehat Maryada (the Sikh code of conduct and convention), and the provision of daily services: Other ceremonies performed there include the Sikh marriage ceremony, Anand Karaj ; some of

570-493: A pole. The Khanda , a Sikh symbol, today, is rendered in navy blue on the saffron background while the original was basanti (bright yellow) and surrmai neela (Royal blue). The khanda is placed high up on a flagpole as a sign for all Sikhs and indeed any other people that they can come and pray in this building. Great respect is shown to this flag and the flag is considered sacred and washed using milk and water every year in April at

627-703: A repair shop. A gurdwara can be identified from a distance by tall flagpoles bearing the Nishan Sahib , the Sikh flag. The best-known gurdwaras are in the Darbar Sahib complex in Amritsar , Punjab , including Golden Temple (Sri Harmandir Sahib), the spiritual center of the Sikhs and Akal Takht , the political center of the Sikhs. Sikhs believe that Guru Nanak was ordained directly by God to construct dharamsals (places of worship; meaning ‘abode of righteousness’), as per

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684-410: A single humble room to house the local devotees of a locality for prayers. This was especially true in the rural areas, villages, and small towns where most of the local Sikh congregations consisted of simple peasants with little means of wealth. They were not built upon a specific axis because Sikhs believe God is omnipresent and the entire Earth is divine and equally fitting as such. The Adi Granth

741-609: A spear on top. The Nagni Barcha or snake like sword was created by Guru Gobind Singh ji and famously used by Bhai Bachittar Singh to pierce the trunk of a drunken, armored elephant in the Battle of Nimolgarh. The Ashtabhuja is a spear with three crescents stuck to an iron rod with two spears coming out on top. The Ashtabhuja was mainly used as the Battle Stadered of the Tenth Guru and is highly recommended. Guru Gobind Singh Ji's ashtabhuja

798-526: A sword, known as a tegh (justice for all). These concepts were Sikh ideals to live up to and were represented by these symbols on the flag. During the time of the Sikh Misls , the misl which was responsible for bearing the Nishan Sahib was the Nishanwalia Misl , named after this role. The Nishanwalia Misl also was responsible for appointing the flag-bearers for the other misls. The role assigned to carry

855-468: Is important for the proper moral and spiritual development of a Sikh. One must study Gurmukhi script and be able to read Gurbani to understand the meaning of the text. A Sikh has to revert to the Granth Sahib for the all spiritual guidance in one's life. It is believed that a Sikh is more easily and deeply engrossed by Gurbani when engaged in congregation gatherings. For this reason, it is necessary for

912-427: Is said that the motivation for Gurdas to write the first var was due to Guru Arjan requesting him to complete an authentic work of literature documenting and detailing the life of Guru Nanak . Guru Arjan ordered me To compose 40 Vars So that peace may descend upon me. Bhai Gurdas authored the work in the late 16th century. He did not consult the knowledge of Baba Buddha (whom had been alive when Guru Nanak

969-579: Is served in the langar hall, to suit the visitors from different backgrounds so that no person may be offended. All people belonging to different faiths sit together to share a common meal, regardless of any dietary restrictions. The main philosophy behind the langar is two-fold: to provide training to engage in seva and an opportunity to serve people from all walks of life, and to help banish all distinctions between high and low or rich and poor. Gurdwara buildings do not have to conform to any set architectural design. The only established requirements are:

1026-408: Is the name given to the 40 vars (a form of Punjabi poetry) which is traditionally attributed to Bhai Gurdas . Bhai Gurdas was a first cousin of Mata Bhani , mother of Guru Arjan Dev . He was the first scribe of Guru Granth Sahib and a scholar of great repute. From his work it is clear that he had mastery of various Indian languages and had studied many ancient Indian religious scriptures. It

1083-631: The Guru ') is a place of assembly and worship in Sikhism , but its normal meaning is "place of guru" or "Home of guru". Sikhs also refer to gurdwaras as Gurdwara Sahib . People from all faiths and religions are welcomed in gurdwaras. Each gurdwara has a Darbar Sahib where the Guru Granth Sahib is placed on a takht (an elevated throne) in a prominent central position. Any congregant (sometimes with specialized training, in which case they are known by

1140-559: The Indian subcontinent and in Afghanistan as a means of expressing their devotion to the faith. Udasis were commanded by Guru Hargobind and his successors to found dharamsals in the distant reaches of the subcontinent far from the nucleus of Sikh centrality and rejuvenate the abandoned, dilapidated, or struggling dharamsals which had been founded by Guru Nanak and his followers in faraway places, which struggled due to their extreme distance from

1197-570: The Sikh scriptures , and organizing charitable work in the wider community on behalf of Sikhs. Many historical gurdwaras associated with the lives of the Sikh Gurus have a sarovar (eco-friendly pool) attached for bathing. Gurdwaras have no idols or statues. Many gurdwaras are designed to seat men on one side and women on the other, although designs vary, and the divided seating is far from mandatory. They do not generally sit together but on separate sides of

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1254-484: The 1920s resulted in Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee taking control of these gurdwaras. The Panj Takht which literally means five seats or thrones of authority, are five gurdwaras which have a very special significance for the Sikh community. They are result of the historical growth of the religion of Sikhism and represent the centers of power of the religion. A gurdwara has

1311-613: The Akal Takht in Amritsar and ended at the Gwalior Fort . It consisted of a flagbearer ( nishanchi ) at the front of the procession holding the Nishan Sahib. Beside the flagbearer was a torchbearer, known as a mishalchi . Guru Gobind Singh imprinted two symbols on the Nishan Sahib after the formalization of the Khalsa order in 1699: a cooking vessel or cauldron to represent deg (food for all) and

1368-521: The B.40 Janamsakhi : Go, Nanak [answered God]. Your Panth will flourish. The salutation of your followers shall be: 'In the name of the true Guru I fall at your feet'. The salutation of the Vaisnava Panth is: 'In the name of Rama and Krisna'. The salutation of the Sanyasi Panth is: 'In the name of Narayan I bow before you'. The Yogi's salutation is: 'Hail to the primal One'. The Muslims' cry is: 'In

1425-559: The Nihang sect of Sikhs usually maintain a dark blue-coloured flag at their gurdwaras. In a 26 July 2024 circular, the SGPC mandated that the Nishan Sahib flown by Sikhs should be either basanti ( xanthic ) or surmai (greyish-blue) in colour. The original Nishan Sahib carried by Guru Gobind Singh ji in the Kattar , Dhal, Kirpan format had either a Ashtabhuja Duja, Nangini Barcha or Karpa Barcha used as

1482-446: The authenticity of the 10th or 40th vars of the work specifically, the former based on religious doctrine and the latter based upon linguistic style inconsistency. A notable and outspoken critic of the 10th var was Giani Lal Singh of Sangrur. Often times, another additional Vaar, with the title of Vaar Sri Bhagaut Ji Ki Patshahi Dasvin Ki, is included in the work at a 41st Vaar. This Vaar

1539-454: The bank of the Beas River . This white flag was coined the dhaval dhuja ('white banner'). The white in the flag symbolized Piri , or saintliness, but also "goodwill" and "peace", and also acting as a landmark to aid visitors seeking out a Sikh site. Some Sikh scholars believe there was also an Ik Onkar symbol inscribed on the flag that represented the oneness of the divine. The white flag

1596-411: The beginning of time, planted on the bridge to heaven. In a sawaiye composition authored by Bhatt Mathura in-praise of Guru Ram Das, it is stated: ਫੁਨਿ ਧ੍ਰੰਮ ਧੁਜਾ ਫਹਰੰਤਿ ਸਦਾ ਅਘ ਪੁੰਜ ਤਰੰਗ ਨਿਵਾਰਨ ਕਉ ॥ Phuni dhramm dhujā phahranti sadā agh puñj taraṅg nivāran kau ॥ And, His Banner of Righteousness waves proudly forever, to defend against the waves of sin. Bhai Gurdas makes specific mention of

1653-451: The birth and death ( Joythi Joyth Samaey ) anniversaries of the Gurus and Vaisakhi . Varan Bhai Gurdas Varan Bhai Gurdas ( Gurmukhi : ਵਾਰਾਂ ਭਾਈ ਗੁਰਦਾਸ vārāṁ bhā'ī guradāsa ; meaning "ballads of Bhai Gurdas"), also known as Varan Gyan Ratnavali ( Punjabi : ਵਾਰ ਗਿਆਨ ਰਤਨਾਵਲੀ , romanized:  Vāra gi'āna ratanāvalī , lit.   'ballads of gems of knowledge'),

1710-552: The central Sikh authority located mainly in Punjab. Guru Tegh Bahadur founded new dharamsal centres during his missionary tours of the Malwa region of Punjab and in northeastern India . Dharamsals were also established on trade routes utilized by Sikh Khatri merchants, especially upon the routes between Chitagong -to- Kabul plus Agra -to- Burhampur . The dharamsals were simple constructions and modest buildings, usually just consisting of

1767-514: The divine Name, giving charity, and regular bathing. Keep yourself unspotted while yet remaining a householder. The above statement separates the institution of Sikh dharamsals from those of other faiths, ordaining it as an independent institution based upon Sikhism alone. The first centre was built in Kartarpur , on the banks of Ravi River in the Punjab region by the first Sikh guru, Guru Nanak Dev in

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1824-512: The eighteenth century, and Nihangs of today still do. The Khanda Sahib is not to be confused with the Nihang's Aad Chand which was the first symbol of the Khalsa . The Khanda was not introduced by Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji but it was a plain yellow banner. Traditional symbol of the Khalsa Panth (corps of initiated Sikhs), the Nishan Sahib can be seen from far away, signifying the presence of Khalsa in

1881-436: The ethics of Sikh beliefs as outlined by the Gurus. It explains the Sikh terms like sangat , haumai , "Gun", Gurmukh and Manmukh , Sat , Naam , etc. Many of the principles of Sikhism are explained in simple terms by Bhai Gurdas and at times in many ways. The 40 vars maintain a high-degree of similarity in nearly all manuscriptural versions of the work, barring a few variations and discrepancies. Some Sikhs have rejected

1938-438: The fast spread of Sikhism throughout the Punjab. Some dharamsals contained a hospital ward where the sick and injured could receive treatment. Other dharamsals incorporated carpentry workshops to construct beds and other needed furniture. The dharamsals often contained a school where one could learn Gurmukhi , Sikh music , and interpretation of Sikh scriptures . As the Sikh population continued to grow, Guru Hargobind ,

1995-548: The festival of Vaisakhi . The Nishan Sahib is changed once the saffron color has faded. The Sikh Rehat Maryada clearly states that the Nishan Sahib hoisted outside every Gurudwara should be xanthic (Basanti in Punjabi ) or greyish blue (modern day Navy blue ) (Surmaaee in Punjabi ) color. In the era of Guru Amar Das , a white-triangular flag was erected at the then-newly constructed Baoli Sahib ( stepwell ) located in Goindwal on

2052-465: The first of forty vars rather than being part of a title to describe the entirety of the work of literature. Originally, the entirety of the work was simply entitled as Varan . The SGPC officially named its publication of the work as Varan Gyan Ratnavali . Each of the 40 chapters of Varan Bhai Gurdas consists of a differing number of Pauris (sections, paragraphs). The composition is a collection of detailed commentary and explanation of theology and

2109-579: The flag in procession was considered an honourable one. Within the Sikh Khalsa Army , different regiments had their own particular flags they flew. Later during the British Rule it became from Basanti and Surmayee to Kesari. The modern form and envisionment of the Nishan Sahib can be traced back ultimately to the time of the Singh Sabha movement . Most modern Nishan Sahibs are saffron in colour but

2166-445: The form of time and service such as seva to the gurdwara and anywhere where help is needed. All Sikhs therefore get involved in this communal service whenever an opportunity arises. This in its simple forms can be: sweeping and washing the floors of the gurdwara, serving water and food ( Langar ) to or fanning the congregation, offering provisions or preparing food and doing other 'house keeping' duties. Sikhism offers strong support for

2223-534: The holder of the banner of Dharma and the devotee of God. ||6|| After the martyrdom of Guru Arjan, the colour of the formerly white Sikh flag was replaced with saffron to symbolize sacrifice. A new envisionment of the Nishan Sahib was raised by Guru Hargobind at the consecration of the Akal Bunga in 1606. The flag during this time was known as the Akal Dhuja ("the immortal flag") or Satguru ka Nishan (standard of

2280-531: The installation of the Granth Sahib under a canopy or in a canopied seat, usually on a platform higher than the specific floor on which the devotees sit, and a tall Sikh pennant flag atop the building. In the 21st century, more and more gurdwaras (especially within India) have been following the Harimandir Sahib pattern, a synthesis of Indo-Islamic and Sikh architecture . Most of them have square halls, stand on

2337-662: The name of the One God peace be with you'. You are Nanak and your Panth will flourish. Your followers shall be called Nanak-panthis and their salutation will be: 'In the name of the true Guru I fall at your feet'. I shall bless your Panth. Inculcate devotion towards Me and strengthen men's obedience to their dharma. As the Vaisnavas have their temple, the yogis their asan, and the Muslims their mosque, so your followers shall have their dharamsala. Three things you must inculcate in your Panth: repeating

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2394-557: The neighbourhood. It is taken down every Baisakhi (harvest festival, mid-April in the Gregorian calendar and in Vaisakh month in the Nanakshahi calendar ), and replaced with a fresh flag, and the flagpole refurbished. The flagbearer or standardbearer carrying the Nishan Sahib in a procession is referred to as a Nishanchi . The Nishan Sahib is placed outside Sikh Gurdwaras and is supported by

2451-601: The new-found Kartarpur after settling there. Other important dharamsals were located in Khadur , Goindwal , Ramdaspur , Tarn Taran , Kartarpur (Doaba) and Sri Hargobindpur , all of whom had been directly founded upon the instruction of a Sikh guru. When the Manji system and the later Masand systems of preachers and dioceses was set-up, they were directed to found a dharamsal in their dedicated area of missionary work. Passionate early Sikhs would found dharamsals at various places across

2508-399: The rites of the death ceremony, Antam Sanskar ; and most of the important Sikh Festivals . The Nagar Kirtan , a Sikh processional singing of holy hymns throughout a community, begin and conclude at a gurdwara. Gurdwaras around the world may also serve the Sikh community in other ways, including acting as libraries of Sikh literature and schools to teach children Gurmukhi, housing

2565-469: The room, both at an equal distance from the Guru Granth Sahib, as a sign of equality. Worshippers are offered Karah Parshad (sweet flour and ghee -based food offered as prashad ) in the hall, which is usually given into cupped hands by a sewadar (gurdwara volunteer). In the langar room, food is cooked and served by the volunteers in the community. Only lacto-vegetarian food

2622-404: The same colour as the flag proper, ends with a Khanda on top (In the past an Astbuj, nagani barsha or a teer would be placed on top). The emblem on the flag is known as Khanda , which depicts a double-edged sword called a khanda (Miri te Piri) (☬) in the centre, a chakkar which is circular, and flanked by two single-edged swords, or kirpans . Almost all Sikh warriors used to wear it in

2679-458: The sixth Sikh guru, introduced the word "gurdwara". Gurdwaras evolved out of the earlier Dharamsal centres. The etymology of the term gurdwara is from the words gur ( ਗੁਰ ) (a reference to the Sikh gurus) and dwara ( ਦੁਆਰਾ ) (gateway in Punjabi ), together meaning 'the gateway through which the guru could be reached'. Thereafter, all Sikh places of worship came to be known as gurdwaras. The use of ' sahib ', as sometimes appended in

2736-415: The space, verandahs are built to skirt the hall. A popular model for the dome is the ribbed lotus, topped by an ornamental pinnacle. Arched copings, kiosks and solid domelets are used for exterior decorations. It is the duty of all Sikhs to engage in personal and communal meditation, kirtan and the study of the holy scriptures. Meditating and understanding the meaning of texts from the Granth Sahib

2793-523: The term Gurdwara Sahib , derives from a loanword of Arabic origin, meaning "companion" or "friend". Kanwarjit Singh Kang classifies gurdwaras into two distinct categories: Some of the prominent Sikh shrines established by the Sikh gurus are: By the early 20th century, a number of Sikh gurdwaras in British India were under the control of the Udasi mahants (clergymen). The Gurdwara Reform Movement of

2850-411: The term granthi ) may recite, sing, and explain the verses from the Guru Granth Sahib , in the presence of the rest of the congregation. All gurdwaras have a langar hall, where people can eat free lacto-vegetarian food served by volunteers at the gurdwara. They may also have a medical facility room, library, nursery, classroom, meeting rooms, playground, sports ground, a gift shop, and finally

2907-526: The true Guru). Guru Hargobind inscribed the flag with two symbols: the two swords of miri and piri , which were actual swords and a representation of the Sikh dual concept of temporality and spirituality. When Hargobind was imprisoned at the Gwalior Fort by the Mughal authorities, a protest march was organized by Baba Buddha and Bhai Gurdas. The protest march was known as chaunki charhni and it began from

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2964-579: The year 1521. It now lies in the Narowal District of west Punjab (Pakistan). During the time of Guru Nanak, Sikh places of worship were known as dharamsals where kirtan was conducted by the early Sikh congregation. The worship centres were built as a place where Sikhs could gather to hear the guru give spiritual discourse and sing religious hymns in the praise of Waheguru . Guru Nanak would arrange early Sikh followers into various sangat congregations or parishes and instructed them to erect

3021-564: Was a characterization of the raj (era) embarked by Guru Nanak. Pashaura Singh speculates that the colour of the Nishan Sahib located at the Harmandir Sahib in Amritsar was white as well during the period of Bhai Gurdas . Within the Guru Granth Sahib, there is a reference made to the flag established by Guru Amar Das in a hymn penned by Bhatt Kalshar : ਜਿਸੁ ਧੀਰਜੁ ਧੁਰਿ ਧਵਲੁ ਧੁਜਾ ਸੇਤਿ ਬੈਕੁੰਠ ਬੀਣਾ ॥ Jisu dhīrju dhuri dhavlu dhujā sēti baikuṇṭh bīṇā ॥ Patience has been His white banner since

3078-433: Was around) when he compiled the work. The full title of the work given in one manuscript dated to 1782 is: Varan Gian Ratnavali Bhai Gurdas Bhalley ka Bolana , meaning "Vars [captioned] Gian Ratnavali. Thus spake Bhai Gurdas Bhalla." Another manuscript (dated to at-least 1732 or earlier) is titled simply as: Bani Bhai Gurdas Bhalley ji ki. Varan . The words Gian Ratnavali as part of a title may have once only applied to

3135-492: Was authored by another, later Bhai Gurdas who was contemporary with Guru Gobind Singh. The 41st Vaar eulogizes Guru Gobind Singh and the Khalsa . According to Bhai Mani Singh , the first Var of the work is the only genuine and attestable janamsakhi tradition covering the life of Guru Nanak. Bhai Mani Singh would author a janamsakhi rendition, known as the Gyan-ratnavali or Bhai Mani Singh Janam Sakhi , based upon

3192-657: Was found in Chamkaur sahib the place where his two sons were martyred and other two captured with his mother. The flag is simply wrapped around the top of the spear with two strings of fabric coming out of the tip. While today's Nishan Sahib has a Khanda in a dagger form on top of the flag and the fabric covering the spear till the top. The Khanda symbol is also relatively new and was made in the early 19th century. Flags of other Indian origin religions. Gurdwara A gurdwara or gurudwara ( Punjabi : ਗੁਰਦੁਆਰਾ , romanized:  gurdu'ārā , lit.   'Door of

3249-484: Was installed at dharamsals after its codification and introduction in 1604. The dharamsals likely did not contain intricate and ornate furniture, fittings, and other decorative accessories, unlike modern-day gurdwaras. Dharamsals incorporated a body of water for public bathing due to the importance placed upon isnan (customary bathing in the morning ) in Sikhism. Wherever natural sources of water were not readily available,

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