Sikh practices

Question 1

Define Gurdwara

Answer 1

• Sikh place of worship
• Translates to ‘door of the Guru’

Question 2

Define khanda

Answer 2

• The Sikh symbol

Question 3

Define Nishan Sahib

Answer 3

• The Sikh flag

Question 4

Features outside a gurdwara

Answer 4

• A dome and external decorations
• Nishan Sahib flying from a flagpole wrapped in yellow cloth

Question 5

Define Darbar Sahib

Answer 5

• The Gurdwara’s prayer hall

Question 6

Define Langar

Answer 6

• The community kitchen in a Gurdwara meals are served to anyone, regardless of their background

Question 7

What are the two main areas within a Gurdwara

Answer 7

• Darbar Sahib
• Langar

Question 8

Features of the Darbar Sahib

Answer 8

• Manji
• Takht
• Palki
• Space for prayer

Question 9

Define Manji

Answer 9

• A small bed witch the Guru Granth Sahib is placed during the day

Question 10

Define Takht

Answer 10

• A raised platform or ‘throne’ on which the manji is seated

Question 11

Define Palki

Answer 11

• Dome structure above the Takht

Question 12

Where do Sikhs sit for worship

Answer 12

• Facing the Guru Granth Sahib sitting bellow it on the floor

Question 13

Define Akhand path

Answer 13

• Continuous ceremonial reading of the entire Guru Granth Sahib

Question 14

Why is the title ‘Sahib’ used

Answer 14

• Sahib is a term of respect

Question 15

Define rumalla

Answer 15

• Decorated cloths used to cover the GGS when it is not being read

Question 16

Define chauri

Answer 16

• (Horse hair) fan waved over the GGS

Question 17

How do Sikhs show respect to the Guru Granth Sahib

Answer 17

• Sikhs sit lower than the GGS
• Sikhs do not point their feet at the GGS when sitting
• Worshipers bow to the GGS when entering the Gurdwara
• Use of rumallas
• At the end of worship the GGS is wrapped in a clean cloth and carried to its rest room on the head of a khalsa Sikh

Question 18

Why is the Guru Granth Sahib is important to Sikhs

Answer 18

• Contains the Gurus’ teachings about God
• Provides teaching and guidance on how to approach God and how a Sikh may become gurmukh
• Mool Mantra and other daily prayers come from the Guru Granth Sahib
• There is no Gurdwara unless the Guru Granth Sahib is present

Question 19

Define Kara Parshad

Answer 19

• A sweet vegetarian pudding

Question 20

When does Akhand Path traditionally occur

Answer 20

• Before a Sikh festival
• At times of great joy or sorrow (weddings or funerals)

Question 21

Why does Akhand Path occur

Answer 21

• Seen as a blessing
• Helps Sikhs develop a closer relationship with the GGS by meditating as they listen