WADDA GURDWARA SAHIB or Gurudwara Sahib Khalsa Dharmak Jatha along Jalan Gurdwara, Penang, was built in 1899. In recognition of the contribution of the Sikh community in Penang, Brick Kiln Road -- originally named after the brick kilns that stood in the area -- was renamed Jalan Gurdwara. (Penang Travel Tips). A gurudwara, meaning "the doorway to the guru", is a place of worship for Sikhs, the followers of the Sikhism (Wikipedia). Read here for the history the Sikh movement in Malaysia.

• A double-edged sword called a Khanda in the centre
• A chakkar which is circular
• Two single-edged swords, or kirpans, are crossed at the bottom and sit on either side of the Khanda and chakkar. They represent the dual nature/duties of the gurus, miri and piri.

Sourced from Wikipedia here. Read here and here for more Sikh symbols and architecture.

The nishan sahib, which is the Sikh holy flag, is another must at every temple. Normally triangular in shape and saffron in colour, the flag bears the Khanda, and is placed outside the temple as a sign that all Sikhs are welcome to pray in the premises. Read here for more.

While there is no altar on the inside of the temple, the focal point of any gurdwara is the Guru Granth Sahib, the holy scriptures of the Sikhs. Always treated reverently, the holy book cannot be placed on the floor and instead is commonly placed on a four-pillared wooden structure that acts as its throne. Read here for more on the Granth and the attached rituals surrounding the treatment of the book.

One of the most important celebration that is celebrated by Sikhs worldwide is Vaisakhi, a day which marks the beginning of a new harvest cycle. It is celebrated very grandly in Penang every year at the Wadda Gurdwara, where traditional food is always served for all.

Related links

• Sikhs start celebrating Vasakhi in Penang (Star Online, 13.04.09)

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