Gurdehera
Encyclopedia
Gurdehera properly called a Gurdwara
Sahib
, is the place of worship within the Ravidasi
religion.
It is not obligatory to cover one's hair or remove the shoes when entering, but many do so due to the influence of Sikh
practices within the Punjabi Ravidasi community.
Outside a Gurdehera there is always a red flag upon which is written the Nishaan
, and above it a lamp symbolising enlightenment from Guru Ravidas's teachings.
Langar takes place inside a Gurdehera following in the Sikhism
practice, all are free to partake of it.
The Guru Sikhya Sahib
is installed as the focal point in the main worship room, although there is talk of this being replaced with works consisting entirely of Guru Ravidas' words (this is known as the Ravidas Bani).
Aarti
takes place daily at the closing of the day's formal services, this consists of the famous Arti written by Guru Ravidas in which he tells God that only His name is sufficient.
The Gurdehera is also known as a Bhawan (residence) within the community, and it is common to find them signposted as such.
Gurdwara
A Gurdwara , meaning the Gateway to the Guru, is the place of worship for Sikhs, the followers of Sikhism. A Gurdwara can be identified from a distance by tall flagpoles bearing the Nishan Sahib ....
Sahib
Sahib
Sahib is an Urdu term which literally translates to "Owner" or "Proprietor". The primary Arabic meaning of Sahib is "associate, companion, comrade, friend" though it also includes "Sahib is an Urdu term which literally translates to "Owner" or "Proprietor". The primary Arabic meaning of Sahib...
, is the place of worship within the Ravidasi
Ravidasi
Ravidassia are people who follow the Ravidassia Dharam a religion based on the teachings of Guru Ravidas. The members of the Ravidasi religion believe in Guru Ravidas or Raidas as their founding prophet. The members are called Ravidasias who believe in Guru Ravidas to be their spiritual master and...
religion.
It is not obligatory to cover one's hair or remove the shoes when entering, but many do so due to the influence of Sikh
Sikh
A Sikh is a follower of Sikhism. It primarily originated in the 15th century in the Punjab region of South Asia. The term "Sikh" has its origin in Sanskrit term शिष्य , meaning "disciple, student" or शिक्ष , meaning "instruction"...
practices within the Punjabi Ravidasi community.
Outside a Gurdehera there is always a red flag upon which is written the Nishaan
Nishaan
For the 1983 film, see Nishaan.A Nishaan is the Ravidasi religious symbol, it is distinct from the Sikh Nishan Sahib. Strictly speaking "Nishaan" means "symbol" and is used in Ravidasi context to mean the mantras passed down by the Sants. There is some discussion going on amongst some Ravidasias...
, and above it a lamp symbolising enlightenment from Guru Ravidas's teachings.
Langar takes place inside a Gurdehera following in the Sikhism
Sikhism
Sikhism is a monotheistic religion founded during the 15th century in the Punjab region, by Guru Nanak Dev and continued to progress with ten successive Sikh Gurus . It is the fifth-largest organized religion in the world and one of the fastest-growing...
practice, all are free to partake of it.
The Guru Sikhya Sahib
Guru Sikhya Sahib
The Guru Sikhya Sahib , often given the honorific title "Shri" is the holy scripture of the Ravidasi faith alongside the Ravidasdeep....
is installed as the focal point in the main worship room, although there is talk of this being replaced with works consisting entirely of Guru Ravidas' words (this is known as the Ravidas Bani).
Aarti
Aarti
Aarti , also spelled arathi, aarthi is a Hindu religious ritual of worship, a form of puja, in which light from wicks soaked in ghee or camphor is offered to one or more deities...
takes place daily at the closing of the day's formal services, this consists of the famous Arti written by Guru Ravidas in which he tells God that only His name is sufficient.
The Gurdehera is also known as a Bhawan (residence) within the community, and it is common to find them signposted as such.