Daswandh (ਦਸਵੰਧ) literally means “one-tenth share.” It is a cherished Sikh practice of setting aside a portion of one's honest earnings in the spirit of Guru Sahib's teachings—for Guru Ghar, Seva and the welfare of others.
Daswandh is more than financial giving. It is an expression of gratitude, humility and responsibility—a reminder that what we receive in life can also become a means of serving others.
The Spirit of Daswandh
Sikhi teaches us to earn through honest work and to share with others.
When we set aside Daswandh, we transform a part of our earnings into Seva—supporting Guru Ka Langar, helping those in need, supporting education and community welfare, maintaining Guru Ghar and enabling initiatives that benefit the Sangat and wider community.
The Sikh Rehat Maryada refers to offering one-tenth of one's earnings to the Guru, connecting personal earnings with our responsibility towards Guru Ghar and the Panth.
Daswandh is Given with Love
Daswandh should come from faith and willingness, not from pressure or expectation.
The spirit behind the contribution is as important as the contribution itself. Every act of giving, whether large or small, can become meaningful when offered with Nimrata (humility), Shukrana (gratitude) and Nishkam Bhavna (selfless intention).
For someone beginning this practice, what matters is developing the habit of sharing consistently and consciously.
From Honest Earnings to Meaningful Seva
Daswandh begins with Kirat — honest earnings.
A portion of what we earn can then be offered towards causes that serve others. Through the collective contribution of Sangat, individual offerings come together to support meaningful Seva.
At Gurudwara Gobinddham, Daswandh Seva may support areas such as:
🍲 Guru Ka LangarSupporting the preparation and serving of Langar for Sangat.
🤝 Helping Lodwandh FamiliesProviding thoughtful assistance to families facing genuine financial hardship.
🎓 Education SevaSupporting the educational needs of Lodwandh children and students.
❤️ Medical & Community SevaSupporting appropriate health, welfare and humanitarian initiatives.
🪯 Guru Ghar SevaSupporting the upkeep and requirements of Gurudwara Sahib and facilities serving the Sangat.
📖 Gurbani & Gurmat InitiativesSupporting activities that help connect Sangat and future generations with Gurbani, Kirtan, Gurmat and Sikh learning.
Daswandh is Not Only About Money
The spirit of giving can extend beyond financial contributions.
We can also offer our time, skills and abilities through Nishkam Seva.
A person may contribute by serving Langar, helping with cleanliness, teaching children, supporting a community initiative, offering professional knowledge, participating in Digital Seva or simply giving their time wherever Guru Ghar requires assistance.
Different forms of Seva may look different, but the spirit remains the same:
To give without seeking recognition or reward.
Together, Sangat Makes Seva Possible
One person's contribution may appear small, but when Sangat comes together, those contributions can create a meaningful collective impact.
Guru Ka Langar, assistance to families, education initiatives, community welfare and the many everyday requirements of Guru Ghar become possible through the collective spirit of Daswandh and Seva.
What one person offers with love can become support, dignity or opportunity for someone else.
Transparency & Responsibility
Every contribution entrusted to Guru Ghar carries responsibility.
Gurudwara Gobinddham is committed to ensuring that Daswandh and other Seva contributions are handled responsibly and used towards the purposes and initiatives of Guru Ghar and the welfare of Sangat and community.
Where specific Seva categories are available, Sangat may choose the area towards which they wish to contribute.
See how to volunteer →
Offer Your Daswandh Seva
With Shukrana for Guru Sahib's blessings, you may offer your Daswandh towards Guru Ghar and its Seva initiatives.
No contribution is measured merely by its amount.
It is the spirit of Seva behind the offering that gives it meaning.
🙏 Offer Daswandh Seva
Your contribution is voluntary. Please give according to your own faith, circumstances and willingness.
