The Guru’s throne is always centered at the front of the Darbar Hall, it is the central feature of the Gurdwara. The essential features of the Guru’s throne are :
1. Chanani: The Chanani is a canopy, normally made of highly decorated cloth, which covers the Shri Guru Granth Sahib when it is installed in a Gurdwara. It is usually attached high above the Guru’s seat, secured to the ceiling or mounted on four posts. The covering is
representative of the high respect given to the Guru Granth Sahib(Singh, 2007).
2. Manji sahib: Manji is a Punjabi word for a small bed and Sahib is term to show respect for the item described in the preceding word. The term Manji Sahib is used in the Sikh tradition for the small bed on which the Holy Sikh Scriptures, Sri Guru Granth Sahib is placed during the day in the main hall (Darbar Sahib) of the Gurdwara. The Manji Sahib is a rectangular bed which is constructed of a wooden frame and legs. The rectangular frame structure is then woven with webbing material to form the suspended surface on which is placed the sheeting
and pillows to support the physical “saroop” (body) of Sri Guru Granth Sahib(Singh, 2007).
3. Rumalla: the Manji Sahib is covered with a rich and colourful cloth called a Rumalla. The saroop is also covered in white cotton sheeting and then with rich silk and other expensive materials, which are called Rumallas. At the time of a marriage it is customary for the
Bride and Groom to present a new Rumalla for use in dressing or covering the Sri Guru Granth Sahib when It is not being read by a Granthi(Singha, 2005).
4.Palki Sahib: Palki is where the Guru resides, when the Guru is carried from one place to another and also when in the Darbar hall. The palki gives the image of a throne and presents the Guru in a bold and impressive setting just as you would have seen a king or emperor in their
darbar(Singha, 2005).
5. Chaur sahib: The Chaur is used to fan the Granth as a sign of reverence and respect for the scriptures. The chaur is usually constructed from yak hair mounted in a wooden or metal handle. The Sevadar (volunteer) respectfully waves the Chaur Sahib above the Guru Sahib as a sign of respect and dedication. It is regarded as seva (service) of very high caliber for the Guru and most Sikhs at some point undertake this Seva at their local Gurdwara or at their home if they have the Sri Guru Granth Sahib in their home. This seva shows reverence for the message
carried by the Guru (Gurbani) and humility (Nimrata) for the word of the Guru. During the time of the first ten Gurus, this tradition was born for various reasons. It was common practice in Punjab for the younger members of the family to perform seva for their elders by waving fans during hot weather condition to create a breeze to cool the person and also to keep flies away from the person. During this earlier period, the chaur was made of peacock feather or wood and canvas and created a good airflow when waved. It was also a tradition used for kings and royalty (Singh,2007).
5. Golak : Golak or Guru ki Golak is the term used to refer to the collection box that is usually laid in front of the Sri Guru Granth Sahib where the congregation deposits their offerings in the form of coins or paper notes before kneeling or bowing to the Guru(Singh G. , 1989).
