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 Home : Introduction to Sikh Faith : Sikh Place of Worship (Gurdwara) : Gurdwaras in Ireland
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Gurudwara
Guru Nanak Darbar
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| Granthi
Singh |
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Bhai
Jasvir Singh |
| Address |
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78
Serpentine Avenue
Sandymount
Dublin |
| Phone |
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+353
(1) 6671558 |
| Bus Routes: |
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7, 18, 45, 47 (Bus stop: Ballsbridge Merrion Rd. - Opposite RDS Showgrounds Royal Dublin Society) |
| Dart Station: |
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Sandymount |
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View Larger Map
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Guru
Nanak Darbar: Dublin Gurdwara is known as Gurdwara Guru
Nanak Darbar. It has two main halls, Divan Hall and Langar Hall.
Divan Hall is main hall where the holy Guru Granth Sahib is present. |
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When
you enter the Gurdwara premises, you see Nishan
Sahib, the tall Sikh flag that can be seen near
the entrance to the Gurdwara.
Nishan
is a Persian word with multiple meanings, one of these being
a flag. Sahib, an Arabic word with the applied meaning of
lord or master, is here used as an honorific. Thus Nishan
Sahib in the Sikh tradition means the holy flag or exalted
ensign.
The
Sikh pennant, made out of saffron-coloured cloth is triangular
in shape, normally each of the two equal sides being double
of the shorter one. On it is commonly printed the Sikh emblem,
comprising a Khanda (two-edged sword) and Chakra (an edged
circular weapon) and two Kirpans which cross each other
at the handles, with the blades flanking the Chakra. The
flagstaff has a Iron/Steel Khanda fixed on the top of it.
The flagpole is covered in orange cloth which is changed
at special occasions and every year in April at the festival
of Vaisakhi.
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Divan
Hall: When Sikhs enter the Divan Hall they walk
up to the front where they bow in front of the Guru Granth
Sahib as mark of respect for the Guru.
Guru
Granth Sahib is the 11th and everlasting Guru of the Sikhs.
The word Guru is composed of two words (Gu+Ru). Gu meaning
darkness and Ru meaning Light, therefore 'Guru' is the "Light
that dispels all darkness”. ‘Granth’ is a Sanskrit word
implying a holy book. Sahib is added to its name in the
Sikh tradition of expressing respect and veneration towards
the Lord. Within it's 1430 pages, the shabads of the Sri
Guru Granth Sahib written in Gurmukhi script by Sikh gurus
and saints who came from various beliefs and religions,
are arranged in thirty-one Ragas (the traditional musical
measures and scales). Guru Granth Sahib is treasure house
of spiritual and moral teaching, and contains the eternal
Truth.
Guru
Granth Sahib is placed on the Manji Sahib- a raised platform
covered by the Palki - a canopy, to show its importance.
The Guru Granth Sahib is covered by pieces of beautiful
cloth (Romala). Both men and women can read from the Guru
Granth Sahib in the Gurdwara.
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donations which may include grocery for the kitchen, money
or both are respectfully placed in front of the Guru Sahib
or in the money box. After this the devotees sit in the divan
hall on carpeted floor carefully not turning back or pointing
feet towards the Guru sahib which are taken to be disrespect
towards Guru sahib. In the congregation, women generally sit
on one side and the men on the other side of the hall. Sitting
on carpeted floor is symbolic of down to earth humility before
the Guru and equality with fellow Sikhs & others. Children
sit with either parent. |
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Kirtan
& Katha: Kirtan is the singing of hymns from
the Guru Granth Sahib; while Katha is reading of the Guru
Granth Sahib with explanations. On the right of the Guru Granth
Sahib you can see musicians with harmoniums, tabla and other
musical instruments, singing hymns from guru Granth sahib.
Both men and women can lead the congregation in prayer or
singing hymns from the Guru Granth Sahib. |
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| Ardaas:
a prayer , is performed by Sikhs to thank Waheguru (Almighty)
for all that he has done and plea for the welfare and prosperity
of the whole universe. In the congregational setting, the
ardas is recited by one member of the assemblage with everyone
standing reverentially, hands in prayer pose, facing the Guru
Granth Sahib. Periodically throughout the recitation, the
assembly as a whole repeats the word Waheguru in order to
support the idea that God, the Wondrous Guru, is the Supreme
Being capable of everything. At the completion of ardas, the
congregation bows down as one and places their foreheads on
the floor to symbolize that they will go as low as necessary
to support Waheguru and all that He stands for. Upon rising,
the Sangat (congregation) proclaims Waheguru Ji ka Khalsa,
Waheguru Ji ki Fateh (the Khalsa belongs to the Lord to whom
[also] belongs the Victory) and Bole So Nihal (he who pronounces
these words shall be fulfilled) Sat Sri Akal (or "True
is the Timeless Lord). |
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| Karha
Prashad: At the end of the Ardaas, Prashad made up of
flour, sugar and ghee (clarified butter) is served to the entire
congregation. This is regarded as food blessed by the Guru and should
not be refused. It should be accepted sitting down with cupped hands
raised high to make it easy for the volunteer (Sewadar)to serve
with ease. If you are uncertain about your ability to eat a lot
of this food – Say “very small portion” to the volunteer distributing
parshaad as they approach you . Parshaad should not be thrown away. |
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Langar
or free kitchen is designed to uphold the principle
of equality between all people of the world regardless of
religion, caste, colour, creed, age, gender or social status.
In addition to the ideals of equality, the tradition of Langar
expresses the ethics of sharing, community, inclusiveness
and oneness of all humankind. The institution of 'Langar'
is an important aspect in the Sikh way of life where a free
vegetarian meal is prepared & served to all, whosoever
come to door of Guru. After prayer Sikhs come to the Langar
Hall. Everyone sits on carpeted floor and takes meal. All
the work involved in preparing & serving the food and
cleaning up afterwards is called 'Seva' which means voluntary,
selfless service. This practice serves as a practical demonstration
and a reminder to the Sikhs that everyone is equal irrespective
of their status, high or low; rich or poor, and Sikhs should
share their possessions with others. |
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Introduction to Sikh Faith