INSIDE THE GURU'S GATE - Anpere

said that people pay respect to Nishan Sahib because it is the insignia of the Guru, who
is inviting them the Guru’s house: “They think that Guru Maharaj is calling… it
moves like this [gesticulating with his hands]… it is inviting: come, come, here you
will get langar, here you will get everything.” In connection with sangrand, the first
day of the Vikrami month, and the festivals commemorating the birthdays of Guru
Nanak and Guru Gobind Singh local Sikhs remove the saffron-colored costume of the
pole and re-dress it in new coverings.
The Sukhasan ceremony at Nichibagh Gurdwara.
The focal point of the gurdwara is naturally Guru Granth Sahib itself, placed on
a royal throne (takht) at the center of the main hall where the congregation assembles.
329 In Nichibagh Gurdwara the scriptural dais consists of a large white marble
dome decorated with ornamental flowers and khanda signs painted in fresco and
which has capacity to accommodate three scriptures at the same time. The throne in
Gurubagh Gurdwara provides a seat for one scripture and is made of a marble palanquin
(palki), built on a larger platform, and embellished with a golden spire on the
top. Through daily ceremonies the scripture is enthroned on the seat, covered with
plain white cloths as a bottom sheet, and adorned with cushions and robes (rumala)
329
The lectern or string-bed (manji) on which Guru Granth Sahib is placed should at minimum
be 90 cm wide and 45 cm deep, and raised at least 30 cm from ground level. The bed should
have webbing made of natural fibres and a wooden framing.
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Published on www.anpere.net in May 2008