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::
Gurdwara (Sikh Temple) :: |
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The Sikh Temple
is called Gurdwara, which symbolizes a door or path towards the
Gurus. In every Gurdwara the Sri Guru Granth Sahib is installed
in the main hall, which is used for daily prayer and service.
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The reason for
having a Gurdwara to perform the religious prayers and ceremonies
is because the teachings of Sikhism emphasize on mutual co-operation
and helping one another in the Sikh community.
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Apart from that,
the Sikh code of conduct and conventions states that where there
are more than two Sikh families, in a place, a Gurdwara should
be constructed in order to perform the religious prayers and ceremonies
together.
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However, the
Gurdwara need not necessarily be constructed into a permanent
building, if the Sikhs cannot afford to do so. In other words,
a house, where the Guru Granth Sahib is installed could also be
used as a Gurdwara.
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A Sikh can build
a Gurdwara at any place, however that place must be clean and
a throne or platform must be built on which the Guru Granth Sahib,
the living eternal Guru, is placed. This platform must be higher
than the normal seating arrangements for the congregation, with
a piece of cloth, acting as a canopy above it. In other words,
any place where the Guru Granth Sahib has been installed can also
be considered a Gurdwara.
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Every person
irrespective of caste, creed, culture or nationality can visit
a Gurdwara. Before entering the Gurdwara one must take off his
shoes and cover his head.
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On entering
the main hall every one approaches the Sri Guru Granth Sahib (Sikh
Holy Book) and bows before it in reverence and then sits in the
main hall. In a Gurdwara men and women sit on different sides
of the hall.
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The important
aspects of a Gurdwara are congregation - Sangat and Community
Kitchen - Pangat also known as "Guru Ka Langar". This
community kitchen is meant for providing food to all devotees,
pilgrims and visitors. It is a symbol of equality, fraternity
and brotherhood.
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It is here that
the high and the low, the rich and poor, the learned and the ignorant,
the kings and the paupers, all share the same food sitting together
in one room (Langar Hall). This kitchen is run by the common contributions
of the Sikhs. The institution of Langar (Common Kitchen) is instrumental
in creating social equality among the whole mankind.
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Any Sikhs, male
or female, may conduct religious prayers or perform services.
Services begin with the singing of hymns with the musical instrument.
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On special occasions,
singing is intercepted with lectures, poems, or other compositions
highlighting events from Sikh history.
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The services
are concluded with Ardas - the prayer, which invokes Waheguru's
blessings in granting peace, prosperity and protection to all
mankind.
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After the religious
prayers and services the Granthi shall read a verse from the Guru
Granth Sahib and then distribute "Kra Parsad" (Sacred
Pudding), made from flour, sugar and butter, to all the people
present in the congregation.
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At every Gurdwara,
the Nishan Sahib (Sikh Flag), which is a saffron colored triangular
shaped flag with a Khanda (symbol of two kirpans, a circle and
a double-edged sword) in the centre of it, is hoisted either on
top the Gurdwara building. The flag post is also generally covered
with a saffron cloth and has a metallic Khanda at the top.
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The size and
shape of the Gurdwaras differs from place to place, depending
on the needs of the Sikh community in that area. Inside every
Gurdwara the same prayer is held and no matter where it is built,
has the same sanctity. There are some Gurdwaras which in addition
to being a place of prayer have also historic importance. The
five most important Gurdwaras are known as Takhats (Thrones or
Seats of Authority). These are:
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1.
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Takhat
Patna Sahib in Bihar
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2.
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Takhat
Kesgarh Sahib at Anandpur Sahib
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3.
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Takhat
Damdama Sahib at Talwandi Sabo in Punjab
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4.
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Takhat
Hazur Sahib at Nander in Maharashtra
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5.
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Akal Takhat
Sahib in Amritsar
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Religious as
well as temporal injunctions are issued from here from time to
time for the guidance of the Sikh community. These injunctions
are known as Hukam Nama and have the binding force of Sikh Law.
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Another difference
between the Gurdwara and the religious building of other religion
is that, there is no compulsion or restriction as to how the Gurdwara
is to be constructed.
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In addition,
there is no restriction as to which direction the Gurdwara must
face or the minimum size of the Gurdwara.
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However, there
is one compulsion and that is, a platform higher than the seating
arrangements for the congregation must be built, for placing the
Holy Granth. Above it, a canopy, made of cloth must also be placed.
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There is no
such class as priesthood in Sikhism. However, in a Gurdwara the
one who performs the daily service is called the Granthi. The
hymn-singers are called Ragis and the singing of hymns is called
Kirtan i.e. praise of Waheguru.
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| GURDWARAS IN THAILAND |
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In Thailand,
Sikhs have constructed several Gurdwaras throughout the country.
Currently there are approximately 17 Gurdwaras located in the
following provinces:
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| PROVINCE |
ADDRESS |
| Bangkok |
565 Chakraphet Rd., Khet
Pranakorn, Bangkok 10120
Tel: 0-2224-8094, 0-2221-1011 |
| Chiang Mai |
134 Charoenrat Rd., A. Muang,
Chiang Mai 50000 |
| Chiang Rai |
196/2-3 Tai Rat Rd., T. Vieng,
A. Muang, Chiang Rai 57000 |
| Cholburi |
483/4 Soi 17, Sai-Tai 2,
A. Muang Pattaya, Cholburi 20260 |
| Khon Kaen |
157-159 Ruamchit Rd., A.
Muang, Khon Kaen 40000 |
| Lampang |
106/1-3 Thip Chaang Rd.,
A. Muang, Lampang 52000 |
| Nakorn Panom |
676 Thamrong Prasit Rd.,
A. Muang, Nakorn Panom |
| Nakorn Ratchsima |
3 Soi Sahaphan, Jompol Rd.,
A. Muang, Nakorn Ratchsima |
| Nakorn Sawan |
616/5-6 Trok Omsim Kao, Kosi
Rd., A. Muang, Nakorn Sawan |
| Pattani |
172 Lidee Rd., A. Muang,
Pattani |
| Phuket |
8 Suthat Rd., A. Muang, Phuket
83000 |
| Samut Prakarn |
1799 Rim Thang Rod Fai Kao
Rd., T. Samrong Nua, A.Muang, Samut Prakarn |
| Songkhla |
22/26 Soi Petkasem Lang,
Petkasem 21 Rd., A.Muang Hatyai, Songkhla 90110 |
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Trang
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223 Rachadamnoen Rd., A.
Muang, Trang |
| Ubol Ratchthani |
291-293 Ubolkit Rd., A. Muang,
Ubol Ratchthani 34000 |
| Udon Thani |
1/9 MaakKhaeng Rd., A. Muang,
Udon Thani |
| Yala |
19 Ruam Mitr Rd., A. Muang,
Yala |
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