What is at the centre of the prayer hall?

Sri Guru Granth Sahib is placed at the centre of the divan hall or prayer hall. Sri Guru Granth Sahib is revered as the living word of God and accorded the respect of a monarch. Sri Guru Granth Sahib is placed on a raised platform under a canopy at the centre of the hall and a chaur or whisk is also waved as a sign of respect and royalty. All Sikhs enter and bow to Sri Guru Granth Sahib in order to show their acceptance and submission to the message of the Gurus. A voluntary donation can also be placed in the box in front of Sri Guru Granth Sahib. Non-Sikhs are not compelled to bow or offer a donation and may discreetly enter and join the congregation.