GURDWARA
What does the word “Gurdwara” literally mean?
The doorway of the Guru.
Where does the food for langar come from?
The food comes from donations and is prepared by sevadars (volunteers).
What is the Nishan Sahib?
The Sikh flag that marks a Gurdwara or Sikh place of worship.
Name the four main parts of the Khanda symbol.
The Khanda, Chakkar, Miri, and Piri.
What is the Komagata Maru?
The ship that carried 376 passengers from India to Canada in 1914.
What is the difference between Pangat and Sangat?
Answer: Sangat is people sitting together to remember God, while Pangat is people sitting together in rows to eat langar equally.
Why is only vegetarian food served in langar?
To ensure that everyone, regardless of dietary restrictions, can eat together.
Why is the Nishan Sahib raised higher than the Gurdwara building?
So people can recognize a place of worship from far away.
What do Miri and Piri represent?
Miri represents physical and political power, while Piri represents spiritual power.
.
Who is Gurdit Singh?
The man who chartered the Komagata Maru to challenge Canada’s unfair immigration laws.
Why do Sikhs remove their shoes and cover their heads before entering the Gurdwara?
To show respect, humility, and cleanliness in the Guru’s presence.
Why is Ardas performed before the langar is served?
To bless the food and seek God's grace before it is shared with the sangat.
What are the main symbols found on the Nishan Sahib?
The Khanda, the Chakar, and the two Kirpans.
What does the Chakkar symbolize in Sikhism?
Unity, eternity, and the cycle of birth and death.
What is the Asiatic Exclusion League (AEL)?
The anti-Asian organization that promoted racism and violence against Asians in Vancouver in 1907.
Why did Guru Amar Das Ji make people participate in Pangat before meeting him?
To teach equality and reduce ego between rich and poor people.
What was Mata Khivi Ji’s major contribution to Sikhism?
She formalized and managed the concept of langar, serving the community generously.
Why did Bhai Alam Singh Ji refuse to throw down the Nishan Sahib?
Because he believed it represented the honor and dignity of the Guru and the Khalsa Panth.
Why did Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji introduce the idea of Miri along with Piri?
Because Sikhs needed to remain spiritual but also defend the innocent and fight oppression.
What is the Sea Lion?
The tugboat used by Canadian authorities during the “Battle of Burrard.”
Why did Guru Nanak Dev Ji call feeding the hungry holy men the “True Bargain” (Sacha Sauda)?
Because helping and feeding hungry people was more valuable than making money through business.
Why did Emperor Akbar have to eat langar before meeting Guru Amar Das Ji?
To demonstrate equality and humility, showing that everyone is equal in the Guru’s presence.
What does the Nishan Sahib represent about a Sikh’s character and way of life?
It represents unity, faith in God and the Gurus, honesty, hard work, compassion, equality, and living with high moral values.
Why does the Khanda sword have sharp edges on both sides?
Answer: The two sharp edges represent Bhagti and Shakti — spiritual strength and physical strength — showing that a Sikh should be both a saint and a soldier.
: What is Budge Budge Harbour?
: The place in India where violence broke out after the Komagata Maru returned from Canada.