The Golden Temple in Amritsar, officially known as Sri Harmandir Sahib (or Darbar Sahib), is a beacon of spiritual light for millions around the world. It is a place where tranquility meets deep devotion. While many people focus on the breathtaking gold structure floating on the sarovar (pool), there are ceremonies and spaces inside that hold just as much spiritual weight. One of the most sacred and beautiful of these is the Darbar Sahib Sukhasan Room.
The image you see is a glimpse into this room, showing a space prepared with the utmost reverence. It is a chamber of rest, a symbol of the profound love and respect shown to the living Guru of the Sikhs: Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji.
What is Sukhasan and Why is it So Special?
The word Sukhasan is made up of two parts: Sukh, meaning ‘peace,’ ‘comfort,’ or ‘rest,’ and Asan, meaning ‘seat’ or ‘posture.’ Together, Sukhasan means a comfortable, peaceful resting place.
In the Sikh tradition, the Guru Granth Sahib is not treated merely as a holy book or a scripture. It is revered as the Shabad Guru—the embodiment of the ten Gurus’ spiritual wisdom and the living Guru for all Sikhs. For this reason, every act performed in the presence of the Guru Granth Sahib is done with the respect one would show to a living King or a revered teacher.
Every single day, two main ceremonies mark the routine at the Darbar Sahib and Gurdwaras worldwide:
- Prakash (Bringing Forth the Light): Early in the morning, the Guru Granth Sahib is ceremoniously carried out from the Sukhasan Room and installed on the Palki Sahib (throne) in the main hall. This signifies the start of the day and the light of the Guru’s wisdom shining upon the congregation.
- Sukhasan (Retiring for the Night): In the evening, after the day’s readings and prayers are complete, the Guru Granth Sahib is again carried with great respect and honor back to the Sukhasan Room. This is the Guru being put to rest for the night. The ceremony is often accompanied by devotional singing (Kirtan), and devotees take part in the Seva (selfless service) of carrying the Palki Sahib.
The Sukhasan Room, as seen in the photograph, is prepared as a royal chamber. Everything in it is a reflection of the deep-seated belief that only the finest, most beautiful, and purest materials are worthy of adorning the Guru’s resting place. The sheer grandeur—the gold-adorned walls, the ornate ceiling, the rich fabrics—is a testament to this never-ending devotion.
The Beauty of Devotion: Understanding the Rumala Sahib and Chanani
The most visually striking elements in the Sukhasan Room are the textiles. These fabrics are more than simple decorations; they are essential parts of the reverence shown to the Guru Granth Sahib.
The Rumala Sahib
Look at the central resting place (Manji Sahib) in the image, covered in layers of intricately embroidered cloth. These are the Rumala Sahibs. A Rumala Sahib is a set of ceremonial cloths used to cover and protect the Guru Granth Sahib. They are typically made from luxurious fabrics like silk, velvet, or fine cotton, and they are almost always richly decorated with hand-embroidery, often featuring golden or silver threadwork (Zari or Gotta Patti).
When the Guru Granth Sahib is opened for Prakash, the Rumala Sahib underneath the holy book is often referred to as the Asan (seat cloth), and the one used to cover the top is the Palki Sahib Cover or Chaur (cover cloth). In the Sukhasan Room, the entire resting cot is decked out in these beautiful textiles, providing a soft, warm, and highly honored resting environment for the sacred scripture.
The Chanani Sahib
Above the resting place, you can see the magnificent yellow and red canopy hanging from the ceiling. This is the Chanani Sahib (or Chandni Sahib). The Chanani serves a historical and symbolic purpose, mirroring the traditional canopy held over royalty or a spiritual master. It signifies that the Guru Granth Sahib is the supreme sovereign, the King of Kings.
The Chanani Sahibs used in Gurdwaras are often massive, requiring expert craftsmanship. They are suspended over the entire area of the Palki Sahib or the Manji Sahib in the Sukhasan Room. Like the Rumala Sahibs, they feature stunning embroidery, making the entire Gurdwara hall a magnificent space that honors the Guru’s presence. The deep yellow and gold seen in this specific image are traditional colors symbolizing royalty, auspiciousness, and spiritual enlightenment.
Sadana Brothers: A Legacy of Seva and Quality
The devotion shown in places like the Darbar Sahib sets the standard for Gurdwaras around the world. Providing these sacred textiles is a seva—a service—that requires not only skill but also deep faith.
For generations, our family business, Sadana Brothers, has been committed to upholding this tradition of excellence. We understand that a Rumala Sahib is not just a piece of fabric; it is a vehicle for a devotee’s love, an offering of the highest respect to the Guru.
We specialize in creating the finest quality Gurdwara textiles, ensuring every stitch is made with care and reverence. Our products, which include Rumala Sahibs, Chanani Sahibs, Palki Sahib sets, and other essential coverings, are meticulously crafted to meet the needs of devotion, whether for a small, local Gurdwara or a major historical shrine. We select the best velvet, silk, and pure thread to ensure durability, richness of color, and embroidery that lasts.
Our commitment is simple: to provide beautiful, high-quality, and sacred textiles that enhance the divinity of the Gurdwara space, just as the decorations in the Darbar Sahib Sukhasan Room testify to the glory of the Guru Granth Sahib Ji.
Fulfilling Your Seva: Visit rumalasaheb.com
The magnificent sight of the Darbar Sahib Sukhasan Room should inspire all of us to ensure the sacred space in our local Gurdwaras is adorned with similar respect and beauty. Offering a high-quality Rumala Sahib or Chanani Sahib is one of the most direct and traditional ways a devotee can participate in seva.
We invite you to explore our collection and become a part of this beautiful, sacred tradition. Whether you are a Gurdwara committee member looking to upgrade your textiles or an individual devotee wishing to make a profound offering, you can find the perfect piece that aligns with your faith and budget.
Sadana Brothers proudly presents our full range of devotional textiles, all created with a commitment to quality and tradition, available online.
Visit us today: https://rumalasaheb.com/
Let the devotion and beauty of the Darbar Sahib be reflected in every Gurdwara you visit. By choosing textiles crafted with care and reverence, you honor the Guru Granth Sahib Ji in the most beautiful way possible. The Sukhasan Room is a reminder that in devotion, only the best is offered.
