As with most eastern and far eastern faith communities that have become resident in the UK, the cultural traditions of the country from which Sikhism originated influence the architecture and planning of the Gurdwara. Sikhism comes originally from the Punjab in North Western India and today the Golden Temple of Amritsar in the Punjab is still considered the most sacred of Sikh holy places. Consequently, the tradition of sitting on carpets, of having bare feet and covering heads is normal and expected. However, it is the centrality of the sacred scripture, the Guru Granth Sahib, on the takht or throne, that affects the design most. Covered by a canopy, resting on cushions and elevated above the sitting worshippers, the Guru Granth Sahib is regarded with utmost reverence. During worship a fly whisk, called a chauri is waved gracefully over the Guru Granth Shahib as a symbolic gesture of the authority of the sacred book. During worship, devotees sit on the floor and usually in separate groups. Alongside the main area for worship is a Langar or kitchen, and from this the faith community will share both Prashad for worship purposes, and meals following worship. Many purpose built Gurdwaras are recogniseable from the outside by the golden onion shaped domes, but those Gurdwaras in the UK adapted from community buildings will have the Nishan Sahib or Sikh flag identifying it.
Two further descriptions of a Gurdwara, one in the south of the country, another in the north, can be found on London Grid for Learning site which was written by the RE adviser for Hackney Borough, Mr Karl D’Cruz.
