Gurdwaras in India and Pakistan

Gurdwaras were earlier called dharamsals  literrally for the abode of dharma, and later ame to be termed Gurdwaras,literally Gurus portals, Both words cannot be properly translated.

The cpmmon term like the Sikh temple or Sikh shrine fail to convey the spirit behind the institution og dharmsal or Gurdwara.

Even though Sikhs most popular Gurdwaras, the Darbar Sahib at Amritsar has come to be popularly known as the Golden Temple. or Harimandir Sahib, the use of word the temple or shrine remains unsatisfactory since there is neighter an alter nor an idol inside the Gurdwara.