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Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa, Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh.
Like all Gurdwara, the Guru Nanak Sikh Temple has a Nishan Sahib outside the main entrance, a Diwan Hall, a Langar Hall and a Sach Khand.
Nishan Sahib
The Nishan Sahib is the holy flag at the entrance to the Gurdwara and acts as a welcome banner to visitors signifying the house of the Guru Granth Sahib Ji. It is a sign of both the spiritual and political freedom that is central to Sikhism.
On the Nishan Sahib is the Khanda. Sikhism is the only religion with it's own flag and National Anthem.
The chola (cloth covering the flagpole) is changed as part of the Vaisakhi celebrations in April and also on other special occasions.
Diwan Hall
The Diwan Hall is the hall in which the Guru Granth Sahib Ji is present.
The Guru Granth Sahib Ji is the 11th Guru of the Sikhs and serves as the source of spiritual and moral guidance. Within it's pages are the holy scriptures, hymns and musical measures that were written, composed, and compiled by the Sikh Gurus along with Hindu and Muslin saints.
The Guru Granth Sahib Ji is placed in a raised platform, covered by a canopy called chanani with all the sangat (congregation) sitting cross-legged on the carpeted floor facing the Guru Granth Sahib Ji. Sitting together symbolises equality and humbleness. At the Guru Nanak Sikh Temple Walsall, it is the custom for females to sit on the left and for males on the right.
Guru Nanak Sikh Temple has two Diwan Halls.
Langar Hall In the Langar Hall, the langar (the vegetarian meal) is prepared and shared by the sangat (congregation). All the work involved in preparing, cooking and serving the langar meal is done through Sewa, the voluntary and selfless service for others.
Sach Khand
The Sach Khand is the rest room for the Guru Granth Sahib Ji which is the 11th Guru of the Sikhs. The Guru Granth Sahib Ji is treated as a living Guru and in the evening the Guru Granth Sahib Ji is wrapped in clean cloth and respectfully carried on someone's head to the Sach Khand.
In the morning the Guru Granth Sahib Ji is brought back into the Diwan Hall where Nitname is recited.
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