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Abstract
The Gurdwaras are nuclei of the life of the Sikhs; their whole life revolves around the Gurdwaras. They are not only places of worship, but also training ground of social service and public deliberations. The origin and development of the institution of Gurdwara was important in the Sikh history. A Gurdwara came to be known as an abode of the Guru and a Sikh place of worship. The important feature of a Gurdwara is presiding presence in it of a Sikh Scripture, the Guru Granth Sahib. The Gurdwara is open to all devotees. The growth of the institution of the Gurdwara was accompanied by a new development in another institution such as sangat (organized fellowship or holy fellowship), pangat or langar (free community kitchen), sewa (selfless service) and nam simran (contemplation of shabad). These institutions are closely associated with Gurdwara. The Gurdwara not only plays an important role in the social, religious and political affairs of the Sikhs but also in service of the Sikh community and humanity. The Sikhs made great sacrifices for the construction, maintenance and protection of the Gurdwara.
Keywords: Gurdwara, Sikh, Guru, Dharamsal