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 bathe in these
pools if they wish, but they should be pure inside in order to accomplish
anything. For the water may lean 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.