Portable Altar for Guru Granth
The sacred Sikh scripture is known as Guru Granth Sahib. Sikhs revere the texts of the scripture as a living entity. Anyone wishing to read Guru Granth follows a particular protocol which includes providing an altar, or resting place for the Guru. The altar is called a manj meaning bed. The altar may be a either a cot, or cushioned platform, with a canopy. A portable altar may be assembled and used for an occasional program, or left in place permanently as long as a separate room, or screened area, is available.
Construction and Assembly Instructions for Altar and Canopy Frame
Difficulty Level - Easy to moderate
Time to Complete:
- 2-4 hrs for construction project.
- 15 minutes for assembly of completed altar.
Materials needed for construction:
- 2’ x 3’ x 3/4” Cabinet Grade Plywood.
- 20’ of 2”x1/2” plain or decorative Wood Trim.
- 4 Legs, 10” – 14” in length, with brackets & screws (12).
- 4 stair rail Spindles, or 3/4” - 1” Dowels, 3’ - 4’ in length.
- 4 decorative door casing trim pieces, 3" - 4" Squares.
- 44 - 56 fine or decorative brass Wood Screws, or Finish Nails, 1” - 2” in length.
- Wood Putty or Caulk
- Sand Paper (fine - medium grade)
- Spray Paint and (optional) Primer
- Carpenters Glue
Hand or power tools recommended for construction:
- Saw
- Screwdriver
- Paint Brush
- Tape Measure
- Drill and Bits
- Tack Hammer and Nail Set
