Text courtesy - S. Roop Singh
All religions have temples where people can
gather together to contemplate on God and pray. The Sikh temple is called
a Gurdwara. The word 'Gurdwara' means 'Gateway to the Guru'. In Sikhism
ones personal dedication to living a good life is important but another
important aspect of Sikhism is the Sangat (congregation). Not only should
one meditate on God on their individual level but also on a corporate
level. There are thousands of Gurdwaras throughout Punjab and the rest
of the world. They serve as community centers for the Sikh's. There
are no restrictions on who may enter a Gurdwara for prayer. People of
all religions are welcome to attend. Another common feature of all Gurdwaras
around the world is Langer, the free community kitchen. Here food is
served to all people who sit together to enjoy a communal meal. It is
a symbol of the Sikh belief in a non-sexist, non-racist society where
all people of all casts, religions are equal and can share a common
meal in the true spirit of unity.
Many of the Gurdwaras
in Punjab have a pool (sarovar) for bathing in. In Sikhism one can bath
in these pools if they wish, but they should be pure inside in order
to accomplish anything. For the water may clean you on the outside, but
it cannot clean you on the inside if your heart is not pure. Unlike
some religions, pilgrimages is not a part of Sikhism. Sikhs may visit
any Gurdwara as they are all considered equal because in all the living
Guru, Sri Guru Granth Sahib (the Sikh Holy Scriptures), is installed
as the spiritual head of the Sikh religion.