Gurudwaras of World
Gateway to Sikhism proudly launches
Gurudwaras of World @ www.worldgurudwaras.com
Gateway to Sikhism proudly launches Gurudwaras of World @ www.worldgurudwaras.com on auspicious day of Khalsa Sajna Divas , Vaisakhi April 14th 2012. Worldgurudwaras.com will strive to be most comprehensive directory of Historical Gurudwaras and Non Historical Gurudwaras around the world.
The etymology of the term 'gurdwara' is from the words 'Gur (ਗੁਰ)' (a reference to the Sikh Gurus) and 'Dwara (ਦੁਆਰਾ)' (gateway in Gurmukhi), together meaning 'the gateway through which the Guru could be reached'. Thereafter, all Sikh places of worship came to be known as gurdwaras.
It is a work in progress and We strongly urge the Sikh Cyber Community to contribute to this project by submitting contact information, details, images of Gurudwaras around the world to make this a comprehensive directory.
Sikhism FAQs
Sikhism FAQs:Explain the procedure and significance of Gurmatta (Guru's Decisio
Q119. Explain the procedure and significance of Gurmatta (Guru's Decision). |
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Gurmatta or Guru's decision is a special resolution passed by the corporate
personality of the Sikh community. Its features are as under:
(i) Gurmatta may be taken only by one of the five Takhats in the presence
of the Guru Granth Sahib.
(ii) 'The five beloved ones' (Punj Piyara) including the Head (Jethedar)
are selected by the participants on basis of merit, piety and religious
living.
(iii) The persons present must have no enmity against one another, and
must declare their impartiality; personal difference cannot be expressed
here.
(iv) The subject must be of concern to the entire Sikh Community, and
must not pertain to the interests of a group or party of Sikhs.
(v) The Gurmatta has to be unanimous; there is no question of majority
view.
(vi) The Gurmatta is binding on all Sikhs; they must respect and implement
it, though they may not be personally in favour of it.
So, in essence, Gurmatta is a "decision of the collective will of
the Sikh community". It is a symbol and form of the supreme authority
of the Panth. It has the sanction of the Guru Granth Sahib and the entire
Sikh Community. The solution of new problems facing the community can
be sought through the institution of Gurmatta.
One of the important Gurmattas passed in 1747 was the nomination of Sardar
Jassa Singh Ahluwalia as the Commandar of the Dal Khalsa against the forces
of Ahmed Shah Abdali. In December, 1920, Gurmatta was passed for liberating
Sikh Gurdwaras from proprietory control, and bringing them under popular
administraion. Gurmattas are taken in cases of emergency or when a crisis
faces the Sikh community as a whole.
