Gurdwaras
Gurdwaras are central to the Sikh ethos. In the presence of Guru Granth Sahib, Sikhs pray, listen to Gurbani, and strive to understand its message. The spirit of Sikhism is manifested through various rites and activities that take place in a Gurdwara—the recitation of Bani from Guru Granth Sahib, kirtan, katha, sewa, and langar. Gurdwaras are abodes of the Guru.
Guru Nanak Dev and his successor Gurus envisioned a life where spirituality and daily living coalesce seamlessly. They expected the Sikhs to embody moral conduct, earn an honest living, and share their rewards, all while maintaining a deep spiritual and ethical foundation.
Gurdwaras is a meticulously curated collection of 51 Sikh shrines from India and around the world, each selected for its unique impact on its community. It explores the profound connections between social reality and spiritual consciousness that these Sikh institutions represent. Roopinder Singh paints a vivid word picture of these spiritual sanctuaries, their history, and heritage. The exquisite paintings by Allan Quesada complement and enrich the text.
Specifications
Hardback
279.4 x 215.9 mm
340 pages
158 illustrations
ISBN
Published
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Roopinder Singh
Roopinder Singh is an accomplished author, journalist, and photographer with a deep passion for Sikh history, religion, and heritage. A graduate of St. Stephen’s College, University of Delhi, he holds BA (Hons) and MA degrees in Philosophy. He began writing short stories in school and went on to pursue a journalism career spanning over 36 years.
Roopinder worked in New York and Chandigarh, retiring in 2020 as Senior Associate Editor of The Tribune, where he served on the editorial board for two decades. He launched the newspaper’s Internet Edition in 1998, oversaw key supplements including the Sunday magazine, and was its book reviews editor. He wrote extensively on international affairs, information technology, and Sikh culture. His long-running column Computer Chat introduced readers to the digital world, while his contributions to The Last Word were especially appreciated.
An established author, he has written, co-authored, and edited numerous books, most notably Guru Nanak: His Life and Teachings (2004), Delhi ’84 (2014), and Sikh Heritage: Ethos and Relics (2012), the latter co-authored with Bhayee Sikandar Singh and published with the Smithsonian Institution. His debut biography MIAF Arjan Singh DFC (2002) remains widely cited.
He continues to write for leading newspapers and journals, including The Tribune, The Indian Express, and Taj Magazine.
Allan Quesada
Allan Quesada is a talented illustrator with a rich background in architecture and a deep passion for ecclesiastical art. A graduate of the Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila, he earned his bachelor’s degree in architecture and spent over a decade honing his skills as an architect. During this time, he developed a keen understanding of perspective and refined his artistic abilities, which laid the foundation for his career as an illustrator.
Inspired by the works of Renaissance masters such as Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo, Allan’s art is defined by its realism and intricate details. His illustrations vividly capture the beauty and essence of architecture, with a particular focus on places of worship. His passion for ecclesiastical art dates back to his childhood, when his first drawing—a basilica—was created at the age of five. Over the years, his travels across the world provided opportunities to sketch places of worship, each imbued with the spirit and character of the structures he admires.
Primarily working with watercolor, Allan also employs mediums such as oil, pastel, ink, and acrylic to bring his creations to life. Among his notable achievements is the illustrated book, Simbahán, which celebrates Philippine churches.
Allan shares his creative journey and art expertise on his YouTube channel, Watercolors by Allan Jay Quesada. Beyond illustration, he is pursuing architectural photography and revisiting his passion for oil painting, showcasing his versatility as an artist.
