What is the Sikh term for a place of worship and assembly?

Gurdwara is the Sikh term for a place of worship and assembly.

The word is commonly translated as “doorway to the Guru.” A gurdwara is a community space where Sikhs gather for prayer, singing of hymns, study, and service. The Guru Granth Sahib is installed respectfully in the main prayer hall.

Gurdwaras generally include a langar hall, where free communal meals are served to visitors regardless of faith, caste, gender, or social position. Many also provide accommodation or facilities for travelers and pilgrims.

A gurdwara is not simply a building containing a shrine. Its defining features include congregational worship, reverence for the Guru Granth Sahib, and community service. Takht refers instead to a seat of Sikh authority, while sarovar means a sacred pool.