o Sikhs pray in temples? What is a Sikh Place of Worship? What do Sikhs do in their Places of Worship? This article will explain where Sikhs pray, what a Sikh Place of Worship is called, and what you will find in a Sikh Place of Worship. 

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What is a Sikh Place of Worship Called?

A Gurdwara, meaning the ‘Guru’s Door’, is our place of worship and training ground to learn the Guru’s outlook on life. Gurdwaras are open to all regardless of faith, race, or gender. It’s two intrinsic parts are the Darbar (prayer hall) and the Langar (dining hall). 

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The Prayer Hall

In the Darbar (Prayer Hall), Sikhs bow to the Eternal Guru, Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji. Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji is a poetic scripture composed and compiled by the Gurus themselves. Men and women sit communally at an equal level to read or sing divine hymns of love from Gurbani (Words of the Guru). Singing is usually led by musicians sitting on a stage at the front. Music is the language of the soul. The Sikh Gurus teach us that singing the praises of the Divine is the highest action. The Gurus were amazing musicians and in fact arranged Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji into sections by music. Sikhi has no priests, any Sikh (male or female) can lead the congregation in reading or singing Gurbani.

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The Dining Hall

In the Langar Hall (dining hall), free food is constantly served and available to anyone of any background. Everyone sits equally and eats the same food, putting equality into practice. The food is prepared by volunteers. Anyone can serve and experience the joys of selfless service (Seva). Around 100,000 people eat Langar every day at Sri Harmandar Sahib in Amritsar alone. The Guru teaches us to apply Seva in the wider world, and this is shown through different Sikh- led efforts in food banks and charities across the globe.

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