Describe and explain the essential features of the gurdwara.
             All religions have temples where people can gather together to think about God and pray.The sikh temple is a gurdwara, which means 'Gateway to the Guru'. This is because their Guru, Guru Granth Sahib is kept here and without it the building would not be a gurdwara. Guru Granth Sahib literally means 'from the Gurus mouth. It is called this because the scriptures contain the actual words and verses spoken by the Gurus.
             In sikhism ones personal dedication to living a good life is important but another important aspect of a sikhs life is the Sangat, (congregation). Not only should they meditate on God on their own individual level but also on a more organised level. This can be done by attending the gurdwara. There are thousands of gurdwaras throughout punjab and the rest of the world. They serve as community centres for sikhs allowing people to meditate on a more corporate level, meet people for worship, listen to readings, akhand path (an uninterrupted continuous reading of the Guru Granth Sahib), learn, have fun, celebrate, socialise and have meals together. There are no restrictions on who may enter the gurdwara for prayer. People from all backgrounds and religions are welcome to attend. This is a symbol of the sikh belief in a non-raciest, non-sexist society where all people of all casts and religions are equal.
             Gurdwaras vary in shape and size, as the outward appearance is unimportant and without significance. They do not have to be specially constructed buildings, and are often converted churches or large houses. However there are many purpose built gurdwaras, both in this country and throughout india, and most are associated with the gurus. Probably the most famous is the Golden Temple of Amritsar.
             Amritsar means 'pool of nectar'. Built by Guru Ram Das
             In order to distinguish a gurdwara there is a common feature outside eveyone which is the sikh flag, Nishan S...