Gurdehera
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Properly called a Ravidasia Gurdehera Sahib, the Gurdehera is the place of worship within the Ravidasi religion.
It is not obligatory to cover one's hair or remove the shoes when entering, but many do due to the influence of Sikh practices within the Punjabi Ravidasi community.
Outside a Gurdehera there is always a red flag upon which is written the Nishaan, and above it an electric lamp symbolising enlightenment from Guru Ravidas's teachings.
Langar takes place inside a Gurdehera following in the ancient Sufi practice prevalent in Benares at the time of Guru Ravidas, all are free to partake of it.
The Shri Guru Sikhya Sahib is installed as the focal point in the main worship room, although there is talk of this being replaced with works consisting entirely of Guru Ravidas' words (this is known as the Ravidas Bani).
Arti takes place daily at the closing of the day's formal services, this consists of the famous Arti written by Guru Ravidas in which he tells God that only His name is sufficient.
The Gurdehera is also known as a Bhawan within the community, and it is common to find them signposted as such.[1]
[edit] References
- ^ Shri Guru Ravidass Ji Bhawan, Soho Road, Birmingham, UK.
^ Adi Granth 29, cited in Hawley, John S. and Jurgensmeyer, Mark (eds.), Songs of the Saints of India (2005) p.17, Oxford University Press, ISBN 0-19-505221-8
^ Guru Ravidass Marg, Harnam Singh Lakha, Shri Guru Ravidass Sabha UK undated.
