Places of Worship

Places of Worship

Mosques

• A mosque is a place of worship for Muslims
• Also known as a masjid
• Characterized by a minaret (tall tower) and a dome
• Direction of prayer (Qibla) is towards Mecca
• Friday prayers are congregational and led by an Imam
• Mosques often have a mihrab (prayer niche) and a minbar (pulpit)
• Washrooms and ablution facilities are usually provided for ritual purification

Churches

• A church is a place of worship for Christians
• Can be categorized into different denominations (e.g. Catholic, Protestant, Orthodox)
• Typically features a nave, altar, and pulpit
• Often decorated with crosses, statues, and stained glass windows
• Services may include sermons, hymns, and communion
• May have a baptismal font and a confessional

Temples

• A temple is a place of worship for various religions, including Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism
• Can be dedicated to a specific deity or group of deities
• Often features intricate carvings, sculptures, and ornate decorations
• May have a sanctum sanctorum (innermost sacred space) and a mandapa (pillared hall)
• Worship may involve rituals, offerings, and meditation
• May have a priest or priestess leading the ceremonies

Gurudwara

• A gurudwara is a place of worship for Sikhs
• Literally means "door to the guru"
• Characterized by a darbar sahib (main prayer hall) and a langar (community kitchen)
• Features the Guru Granth Sahib, the holy scripture of Sikhism
• Worship involves singing of hymns, prayer, and meditation
• May have a granthi (custodian of the scripture) leading the ceremonies
• Emphasis is placed on community service and social equality

Places of Worship

Mosques

• A mosque is a place of worship for Muslims, also known as a masjid
• It is characterized by a minaret (tall tower) and a dome
• The direction of prayer (Qibla) is towards Mecca
• Friday prayers are congregational and led by an Imam
• A mosque often has a mihrab (prayer niche) and a minbar (pulpit)
• Washrooms and ablution facilities are usually provided for ritual purification

Churches

• A church is a place of worship for Christians, categorized into different denominations (e.g. Catholic, Protestant, Orthodox)
• A church typically features a nave, altar, and pulpit
• It is often decorated with crosses, statues, and stained glass windows
• Church services may include sermons, hymns, and communion
• A church may have a baptismal font and a confessional

Temples

• A temple is a place of worship for various religions, including Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism
• It can be dedicated to a specific deity or group of deities
• A temple often features intricate carvings, sculptures, and ornate decorations
• It may have a sanctum sanctorum (innermost sacred space) and a mandapa (pillared hall)
• Worship in a temple may involve rituals, offerings, and meditation
• A priest or priestess may lead the ceremonies

Gurudwaras

• A gurudwara is a place of worship for Sikhs, literally meaning "door to the guru"
• It is characterized by a darbar sahib (main prayer hall) and a langar (community kitchen)
• A gurudwara features the Guru Granth Sahib, the holy scripture of Sikhism
• Worship involves singing of hymns, prayer, and meditation
• A granthi (custodian of the scripture) may lead the ceremonies
• Emphasis is placed on community service and social equality