If you are not familiar with a Gurudwara, there are a few things you should
know to help you feel more comfortable and aware of what is going on:
If you are not familiar with a Gurudwara, there are a few things you should
know to help you feel more comfortable and aware of what is going on:
Before Entering the Gurudwara remove your shoes, cover your head (with a scarf, bandana etc.), and wash your hands and feet in the wash basins at the entrance of the Gurudwara. We remove our shoes to keep the Gurudwara clean and also to stimulate the 72,000 nerve endings on our feet through the vibration created during Gurudwara. We cover our heads as a sign of respect, grace and to maintain the energy flow.
Entering the Gurudwara. The first thing we do upon entering the Gurudwara is to bow to the Siri Guru Granth Sahib which is the embodiment of the word, compiled from Shabds, songs of worship and prayers of the Gurus including other saints and kabirs. When we bow to the Guru we align our 3rd eye with the "feet" of the Guru, connecting our destiny with the Word of God. As we stand before the Guru upon bowing, we say a silent prayer and then give a donation to the Guru. We usually give $1 or more as a donation or another offering such as a flower. After giving the donation, we bow and then join the sangat (community). The women sit on the right side facing the Guru and the men sit on the left side.
Bowing to the Guru is an act between oneself and the Word of God regardless of religion. If you do not feel comfortable bowing to the Guru, then just sit down with the sangat upon entering the Gurudwara. For anyone who finds discomfort sitting on the floor, please let us know so we can provide you with a chair.
During Gurudwara Shabds, or songs/poems of worship are chanted by the Sangat. The wedding ceremony will begin after a few Shabds and then more chanting will follow the wedding ceremony. After that, we say a prayer, read a Hukam from the Siri Guru Granth Sahib and recieve Prashad. After Gurudwara everyone eats together, which is called Langar.
We would like everyone to feel comfortable during the wedding ceremony and at Gurudwara. If you are interested in more about Gurudwaras or explanations for what we do in Gurudwara, please visit this website: www.sikhnet.com/Sikhism