GURDWARAS
A Gurdwara is a place of worship
where Sikhs come together to
listen to the Divine Word
embodied in the Siri Guru Granth
Sahib (the Sikh Sacred Texts).
Gurdwara translates to the
Guru's Door. It is the door to
God and Guru.
The first Gurdwara in the world
was built by Guru Nanak in 1521
at Kartarpur, Pakistan. It is built
on the historic site where Guru
Nanak settled and assembled a
Sikh community after his
missionary travels. The present Gurdwara is built on the site where Guru Nanak is popularly believed to have died on September 22, 1539.
Everyone is a welcome guest at a Gurdwara regardless of religion, gender, color, caste or class.
5. As we walk into the main hall, we walk towards the Guru, the Siri Guru Granth Sahib (the Sacred Sikh Text which is placed higher than the congregation).
6. Sikhs will offer a prayer in front of the Guru, bow, and give a donation. You may, if you choose do the same. To bow is to humbly bring your forehead to the floor, linking your third eye to the Divine Wisdom and Light that emanates from the Guru. As one bows, one's heart is higher than our head, allowing us to come from the heart rather than the head, and giving our head to God.
7. Women and men sit on different sides, women mostly on the right and men on the left hand side.
8. We do not point our feet towards the Guru (the Siri Guru Granth Sahib - Holy Scriptures).
9. Sing along with the congregation, or meditate while listening to the sacred hymns.
10. Stand up during Ardas (Sikh prayer).
11.Humbly receive the Prashad (sweet pudding) at the end of the service. This Prashad is to remind us of the sweetness of God.
12. Langar (free food) will be served in the langar hall, where everybody sits in rows.
What to know about visiting a Gurdwara:
1. Take your shoes off, and place them in the designated area.
2. Wear a modest and practical attire for you to sit on the floor.
3. Wash your hands.
4. We cover our heads in the main worship hall, the Diwan Hall. Either bring a head covering, or one will be provided for you.
Gurdwaras in Colorado
Colorado Singh Sabha: 20555 E 120th Ave, Commerce City, CO 80022, (303) 697-6374
Denver Sikh Gurdwara: 7275 S. Lima Street, Englewood, CO 80112, (720) 432-8390
Guru Ghar Colorado Springs: 4330 Iron Horse Trail, Colorado Springs, CO 80917, (719) 574-8261