Sleeping at the Guru’s Feet

A central hallmark of the Sikh Gurdwara is its hospitality to all visitors. Race, gender, religion, social status georgaphical origins - none of these things matter at the Gurdwara - all are welcome. 

Gurdwaras provide a place for visitors to escape the elements, pray, grab a bite to eat, and bed down for the night. Many visitors even plan their travel around Gurdwara locations. 

The demographics of these visitors and the reasons they appear at the Guru’s feet vary. At my Gurdwara I’ve seen the homeless - simply needing a meal, families on the move from one home to another - needing a place to pray and rest from the road, and truckers needing a place to bed down before they head to their next stop. 

If you find yourself in need of a place to stay for the night and you’ve decided to stay at a Gurdwara, seek out the Granthi or Bhai Sahab of the Gurdwara. There are several things you should discuss before you settle in for the night:

Length of Stay: Many Gurdwaras have a limit to the number of days you are allowed to stay. It is usually one night. 

Sleeping Area: The place where you are allowed to sleep will be assigned. You may/may not be expected to provide your own bedding. 

Head Covering/Clothing: You should keep your head covered and wear conservative clothing at all times while inside the Gurdwara, even while sleeping. 

Respect the Guru: The Darbar is the Guru’s living room, not yours. Please respect the Guru by staying awake while he is present. Most traditional Gurdwaras do not allow yoga in the Darbar or they may say “no yoga if the Guru is present”.  While your own Gurdwara (or place of worship) may have other guidelines, please be respectful of each Gurdwara’s individual practices. 

Respect Others: When others are praying or sleeping, please respect their privacy by being quiet and moving about in a peaceful way.

Bed Time: The Gurdwara may have a specific Lights-Out Time. Additionally, if you are sleeping in the Darbar, you may place your bedding down only after Sukhasan has concluded.

Wake-Up Time: If you are sleeping in the Darbar, you are expected to be awake and showered, and your bedding should be put away before Prakaash begins.

Cleanliness: It is a good thing to clean up after yourself during your stay. If you are using laundry facilities, remove your clothes as soon as they are finished, so that others may use the facilities. 

Donations: The Gurdwara and the Sangat Members that attend to visitors, do so out of a desire to serve others. Visitors are not charged for meals or lodging. Donations to the Guru are always welcome in the donation box.

What are your Gurdwara’s overnight-stay accommodations like? Do you have any policies for visitors? Care to share any personal stories of your own stays at a Gurdwara? Please add them using the Comments button below.