All religions have temples
where people can gather together to contemplate on God and pray. The Sikh temple is called
a Gurdwara. The word 'Gurdwara' means 'Gateway to the Guru'. In Sikhism ones personal
dedication to living a good life is important but another important aspect of Sikhism is
the Sangat (congregation). Not only should one meditate on God on their individual level
but also on a corporate level. There are thousands of Gurdwaras throughout Punjab and the
rest of the world. They serve as community centers for the Sikh's. There are no
restrictions on who may enter a Gurdwara for prayer. People of all religions are welcome
to attend. Another common feature of all Gurdwaras around the world is Langer, the free
community kitchen. Here food is served to all people who sit together to enjoy a communal
meal. It is a symbol of the Sikh belief in a non-sexist, non-racist society where all
people of all casts, religions are equal and can share a common meal in the true spirit of
unity.
Many of the Gurdwaras
in Punjab have a pool (sarovar) for bathing in. In Sikhism one can bathe in these pools if
they wish, but they should be pure inside in order to accomplish anything. For the water
may clean you on the outside, but it cannot clean you on the inside if your heart is not
pure. Unlike some religions, pilgrimages is not a part of Sikhism. Sikhs may visit any
Gurdwara as they are all considered equal because in all the living Guru, Sri Guru Granth
Sahib (the Sikh Holy Scriptures), is installed as the spiritual head of the Sikh religion.