What is the role of Gurdwaras in Sikhism?

Answer 1

Gurudwara is a place of worship, a temple of Sikhs, the followers of Guru Granth Sahib, the holy book of Sikhism, the main feature of Gurdwara is to sing/listen the praises of Lord God

and true Guru in association with the true congregation of devotee worshipers and recite the scripture contained in Guru Granth Sahib and hence learn the teachings of true Guru for implementation in real life of course.

गुर दुआरै हरि कीरतनु सुणीऐ ॥

All the Guru's door one hears the God's praise.

सतिगुरु भेटि हरि जसु मुखि भणीऐ ॥

Meeting with the True Guru, one utters the Lord's praise with honour in the Lord's court.

कलि कलेस मिटाए सतिगुरु हरि दरगह देवै मानां हे ॥४॥

Sorrows and strifes the True Guru effaces and blesses with honour in the Lord's court.

Guru Arjan Dev Ji, Raag Maaroo 1075

Besides above Gurdwara is used for,

1. Learning Punjabi,

2,Learning Tabla and Keertan,

3. Learning recitation of scriptures of Guru Granth Sahib and other scriptures of 10th Guru and Bhai Gurdassji.

4. taking coaching of meaning of the scriptures.

5. Religious books library and

6. Free medical care clinic.etc etc.

Except above Gurudwara is a place where the pupils/disciples/followers Sikhs are baptized, hence given the unique identification of a baptized(Amritdhari) Sikh. Here it is necessary to mention that we may have faith in Sikhism, but the true Guru gives more importance to baptized Sikhs and guides spiritually to His disciples. This is just like the enrollment in some institution and only then that institution issues their I. Card. After baptism all religious practice of a Sikh, like chanting name singing praises etc are suitably accounted for with the Lord God and true Guru.

As a public place Gurudwara is of great importance like meetings for religious resolutions. arranging Guru festivals of Their births and uniting with Lord God days. Langer Hall is there for having lunch or brunch. Personal functions can also be arranged there being economic. Another great importance of Gurdwara is marriage ceremony in way of Sikh custom.

In short a Gurudwara is like the temples of other religions. Temples are like concrete banks on a river facilitating safe baths, where one can worship without disturbance with other similar devotee worshipers.

तितु जाइ बहहु सतसंगती जिथै हरि का हरि नामु बिलोईऐ ॥

Go and sit in the society of saints where Lord God's Name is churned (meditated upon).

सहजे ही हरि नामु लेहु हरि ततु न खोईऐ ॥

Remember thou the God's Name with composure, that thou mayest not lose God, the Essence.

नित जपिअहु हरि हरि दिनसु राति हरि दरगह ढोईऐ ॥

Day and night repeat ever repeats God's Name, that thou myest find protection in God's court.

सो पाए पूरा सतगुरू जिसु धुरि मसतकि लिलाटि लिखोईऐ ॥

He alone obtains the perfect True Guru, on whose forehead and brow such a writ is written since the very beginning.

तिसु गुर कंउ सभि नमसकारु करहु जिनि हरि की हरि गाल गलोईऐ ॥४॥

Let us all pay homage to that Guru who utters the Divine sermon of the Lord.

Guru Amar Daas Ji, Raag Vadhans 587