Launceston Sikh Temple, Launceston

What is Gurdwara?

Gurdwara means the Guru’s Door and the place where Sikhs gather to worship is called a Gurdwara. Anyone is welcome to worship in a Gurdwara regardless of caste, color, or creed.

The service at the Gurdwara Sahib normally consists of a combination of sermons and singing of Shabads (hymns from the Guru Granth Sahib Ji). All ends with the Ardaas, a special prayer that is spoken by the Granthee while the congregation stands with folded hands. The blessed pudding of Parshaad (a sanctified delicacy made from flour, butter, and sugar), is then distributed to all.

In the interest of upholding respect for the Eternal Guru/Spiritual Teacher- The Sikh Holy Scripture- Sri Guru Granth Sahib ji and maintaining a peaceful and a pleasant environment for the visitors of GurdwaraSahib, all persons entering the Launceston Gurdwara Sahib are required to abide by the following Guidelines.

Remove your shoes and wash your hands

– Please remove your shoes and store them on the racks provided before entering the Gurdwarabuilding.
– Please wash your hands in the hand washing facility

Dress Appropriately

– Please dress gracefully and appropriately to be able to sit comfortably on the floor in the Darbar Hall and Langar Hall. – Please do not wear clothing which may be offensive to other attendees.

Cover your head

You MUST cover your head when entering the Gurdwarabuilding. Patkas and Scarfs are available at the entrance to cover your head if you need them.

Strictly prohibited

Alcohol (Presence or Consumption), Tobacco and Smoking, any kind of Meat or Meat Products not allowed in the Gurdwarapremises.

In the Darbar (Worship) Hall

– Mobile phones are to be switched off or in Silent mode.
– After “Metha Tek” (Bowing before Sri Guru Granth Sahib ji), please sit on the floor in the sitting area facing the Guru Granth Sahib ji.
– Chairs are provided in the Darbar Hall for persons who are genuinely not able to sit on the floor due to medical reasons.
– Please avoid all unnecessary talk and movement.
– Please receive the “Karah Parshad” with both hands.
– Parents are requested to kindly mind the children in the Darbar hall to ensure a peaceful environment for the Sangat.

In the Langar Hall and Kitchen

Do not crowd passageways. Do not waste food. Please request less for children. Please assist in reducing wastage of food, water, electricity, gas and other resources. All Sewa in the Kitchen and Langar hall is supervised by the Langar sewadar and the Committee member in charge of Langar. You are welcome to assist in the preparation of Langar, Serving, Cleaning up of premises and washing of dishes and utensils. Please wash your hands before commencing any sewa in the Langar hall or in the Kitchen.

Programs and Payments

– Please contact the GurdwaraSecretary to sponsor a program at the Gurdwaraor at home.
– The GurdwaraSecretary will organise and provide with all the necessary details for sponsoring programs.
– Please ask for a receipt for the payments made to the treasurer for sponsoring of programs or donations.

Other important guidelines

– All announcements in the Gurdwarapremises are made under the directions of the Management Committee and by persons approved by the management. Please do not use the microphone for making any public announcements without the management approval.
– Display or distribution of information (e.g., flyers for an event etc.) or sale of merchandise (e.g., Books, CD’s etc.) to the sangat is strictly prohibited and requires prior approval from the management.
– Collection of donation or sangat’s personal information is prohibited unless approved by the management.

By - Management of Akaal Sikh Society Launceston Inc.