Gurudwaras (SIKH Temples) worldwide 4.34

૧ઉ ਵਾਹਿਗੁਰੂ ਜੀ ਕਾ ਖਾਲਸਾ ਵਾਹਿਗੁਰੂ ਜੀ ਕੀ ਫਤਿਹ ૧ઉ

(۪Φ۪) ѓสj кสѓзgส kђสlšส (۪Φ۪)

http://sikhtemplesworldwide.weebly.com/index.html

Launched on JAN/13/2013 by Jinder Virk - http://www.facebook.com/viirk

http://sikhtemplesworldwide.weebly.com/founder.html

SIKH Temple --> GURUDWARA (the door or the gateway to the Guru) is the name given to the Sikh's place of worship, commonly addressed as Sikh temple in the western world. The Sikh scriptures are recited or sung and sermons are delivered. Guru Granth Sahib is placed on high palanquin under a canopy in the middle of one end of the hall. As well as sermons and the singing of the scriptures, the congregation is expected to participate in the ceremonies of birth, baptism, marriage, death and celebration of festivals.

The Gurdwara is a place for acquiring a spiritual knowledge and wisdom. It is open to every one regardless of age, sex, caste, or creed. Here all men, women and children are treated as equal. It offers shelter and food to any one in need. It provides care for the sick, elderly and handicapped. It is also a centre for promoting culture and health. Moral education as well as knowledge of the religion and history is often taught to children in the Sikh temple. The Gurdwara is also a place for discussing problems facing the Sikh community. Infringement of the Sikh code of discipline may also be considered and suitable punishment decided. The Gurdwara plays a socio-economic role in the Sikh community. It is expected to be free from any sectional interests or party politics.

The pattern of congregational worship can be divided into two categories: Katha, the reading of the holy hymns followed by their explanation, and Kirtan, the singing of the hymns. Attached to every Gurdwara is a free kitchen where the food, Langar, is prepared and served. The community attempts to establish better relations and under-standing between the Sikhs and other communities through occasional visits by them to a Gurdwara. Such visits are necessary not only to satisfy the curiosity of others but also to help them understand better the Sikh religion, customs and culture. A Gurdwara can be identified from a distance by observing the Nishan Sahib, the Sikh flag. The four doors of a Sikh temple represent the Door of Peace, the Door of Livelihood, the Door of Learning and the Door of Grace. These doors must always remain open to all. The Sikh temple is a place for training the devotees in the company of pious people. The Gurus wanted to build a model human society through an ideal and benevolent world organization.

Gurdwara Etiquette

The following Gurdwara etiquette should be observed at the Gurdwara.

Before entering the hall:
*No drugs, or intoxicants of any nature, or cigarettes are allowed with in the Temple premises.
*Take off your shoes
*Wash your hands
*Cover your head ( scarves are available near the entrance to the Temple Hall)

Upon entering the Diwan hall (where the Guru Granth Sabib is present):

*Fold both your hands and walk slowly.
*Bow humbly and touch your forehead to the ground out of respect for the Guru Granth Sahib.
*As you bow, place your offering respectfully before the Guru, it may be money, a flower, or a word of thanks.
*Any sincere expression of gratitude is equally acceptable to the Guru.
*After bowing and offering, sit in the Sangat (the congregation) quietly without disturbing others.
*Usually men sit on one side and women on the other side.
*it comfortably and peacefully, the cross-legged position is commonly used, but do not point your feet in the direction of the Guru Granth Sahib.
*Do not talk or chew gum.

The usual sequence of events (a service) in the Gurdwara is:

*Kirtan: The singing of the Holy Hymns - Gurbani.
*Katha/GurbaniVichar: The reading of the Holy Hymns followed by explanation or a sermon or talk appropriate for the occasion.
*Recitation portions of a scripture the Anand Sahib.

The Ardas

*You will not be expected to say anything. You will have to join the Ardas (equivalent to Lord's prayer). To join in the Ardas:
*Stand straight with folded hands and think of the Guru.
ing together Thoo Thakur Tum Peh Ardas
*After the Ardas, continue standing, and sing, Aageaa bhaee Akal kee, Tabhee Chalaio Panth.
*he Ardas concludes with the Jaikara. Boley So Nihal, Sat Sri Akal.
*Then sit quietly. The person sitting behind the Guru Granth Sahib will read the Hukam, the Guru's message or Order to the Sangat (congregation).
*Upon completion of the Hukam, Karah Parsad is distributed to the Sangat. (This is a sweet pudding made of flour, sugar and clarified butter that is offered as ceremonial food.)

Langar

Finally Langar (food from the Guru's kitchen) will be served in a different hall. All are welcome to eat langar.

*Well, with the help of this page, yuh can easily find SIKH Temples around the World.

There are :-

(Countries) (No.of Sikh T) (Average)

Afghanistan - 10 ══
Argentina - 1
Australia - 22 ═════
Austria - 5
Bahrain - 3
Bangla Desh - 6
Belgium - 3
Botswana - 1
Brazil - 2
Burma - 4
Canada - 113 ═══════
China - 3
Cyprus - 1
Denmark - 1
Dubai (UAE) - 3
Ecuador - 1
England (U.K) - 333 ═══════════════
Fiji - 5
France - 2
Germany - 40 ═════
Holland - 5
Hong Kong - 2
India - 444 (counted only most popular)══════════════════
Indonesia - 8
Iran - 3
Iraq - 1
Ireland - 1
Italy - 3
Japan - 1
Kenya - 26
Malaysia - 116 ══════════
Malawi - 1
Mauritius - 1
Mexico - 1
New Zealand - 18 ═══
Netherland - 4
Norway - 1
Pakistan - 27 ════
Panama - 1
Papua New Guinea -2
Phillipines - 20 ═══
Poland - 1
Russia - 1
Saudi Arabia - 2
Scotland - 9
Singapore - 16 ═══
South Africa - 2
Spain - 3
Sri Lanka - 4
Sweden - 2
Switzerland - 2
Tanzania - 3
Thailand - 17 ═══
USA - 400 ═════════════════
Uganda - 2
West Indies - 1
Zambia - 1
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1711

http://www.allaboutsikhs.com/world-gurudwaras/gurudwaras-of-the-world

Regards --> Jinder Virk --> Sikh@usa.com