Do Sikhs Believe in Going to Church?

Sikhism and Communal Worship

Each of the major world religions have a gathering place, where members congregate for spiritual practice, and fellowship or worship services. The names of these are:

• Buddhism - Dojo
• Christianity - Church
• Judaism - Synagogue
• Hinduism - Mandir, or Temple
• Islam - Mosque
• Sikhism - Gurdwara

The Sikh gurus built up entire townships surrounding the gurdwaras they constructed. The early Sikhs formed close spiritual bonds. In order to worship together, they gathered before the workday began, and again at the close of the day. The sense of community extended to preparation of food and dining. These traditions continue to be fundamental to the Sikh way of worship.

A passage from the Sikh scripture, composed by Guru Arjun Dev, perfectly expresses the desire for communal worship:
"Kar jorrehu sant ekatra hoe mere laal jeeo abinaasee purakh poojaehaa raam||
Let us join hands, O Saintly ones; let us come together, O my dear beloveds, and worship the imperishable, Almighty Lord" SGGS||541