What is Sikh temple?
{{wikify|date=December 2011}} [[File:Hamandir Sahib (Golden Temple).jpg|thumb|right|300px|The Sikh Golden Temple in [[Amritsar]]]] {{Sikhism}} A '''Sikh temple''' or '''Gurdwara''' (''the door or the gateway to the Guru'') is a place of worship in the [[Sikh]] religion. In the temple, the Sikh [[scripture]]s are recited or sung, and [[sermon]]s are given. [[Festival]]s are celebrated there. Sikh [[congregation]]s also take part in birth, death, [[baptism]], and marriage ceremonies in the temple. [[Guru Granth Sahib]] is usually placed at one end of the temple, high up under a canopy. The Gurdwara serves many needs. It is a place where people can develop spiritual knowledge and wisdom. It is open to everyone, of every age, sex, [[caste]], and [[creed]]. All men, women and children are treated as equals. The temple offers shelter and food to anyone in need. It offers care for the sick, [[elderly]], and [[disability|disabled]]. It is also a centre for promoting [[culture]] and health. In the temple, children are often taught about [[morality]], Sikhism, and history. The Gurdwara is also a place where people can talk about problems facing the [[Sikhism|Sikh]] community. For example, they can talk about situations where the [[Sikhism|Sikh]] code of discipline was broken, and they can decide on what [[punishment]] is needed. The Gurdwara also plays a socio-economic role in the Sikh community. It is expected to be free from any sectional interests or [[political party|party]] [[politics]]. A free kitchen is attached to every Gurdwara. There, the food (''[[Langar]]'') is prepared and served. Other people and communities are allowed to visit a Gurdwara. This is one of the things that the Sikh community does to improve relations and understanding between Sikhs and other communities. These visits help satisfy others' curiosity about Sikhism. They also help visitors to better understand the Sikh religion, [[custom]]s, and [[culture]]. A Gurdwara is marked by the Nishan Sahib, the Sikh flag. The four doors of a Sikh tem