Furnish a Portable Altar for Guru Granth Sahib
The scripture Guru Granth Sahib is revered by Sikhs and cared for in a particular way. Before the Granth may be opened and read, a special altar (manj), or palanquin platform (palki), is prepared for the Guru to rest upon. In a private home a portable altar can be used for special occasions or left in place if a separate room or appropriate screened area is available. The altar is required to be furnished with and a canopy, a cushion, pillows, and a set of rumala altar cloth draperies, and a coverlet.
Skill level - Easy to Moderately difficult. Allow 2-4 hours for each sewing project listed.
Tools needed:
- Sewing machine.
- Scissors.
- Straight pins.
- Sewing needle.
- Tape measure.
- Paper for making pattern.
- Marker and pencil.
Total materials needed to furnish altar:
- Fabric - 8 yards (see ruffle *tip below).
- Contrasting material - 3 yards.
- Matching thread.
- (Optional) Trim - 12 yards
- Foam pad 24" wide x 36" long x 1" thick.
- Batting for pillow stuffing 24 oz.
- Heavy upholstery type fabric for storage bag - 2 yards .
Ruffle *tip - Fold 4 yards plus 4 inches of fabric lengthwise. and trim 10" of the doubled fabric from the outer edge along the entire length. Set aside to be used in making a ruffle for the canopy. See each project listed for other individual cutting instructions, and any additional items which may be required. Now you are ready for the next step.
Build and Assemble a Portable Altar - How to Set Up a Sacred Space for Sikh Scriptures - Part 1
