Did you know the Central Sikh Temple was once known as the Queen Street Gurdwara Sahib? Today, we explore this significant place of worship for Singapore’s Sikh community.
The Central Sikh Temple stands on Towner Road. It holds special importance as it houses the Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji. This is the holy scripture of the Sikhs. In Sikhism, the presence of this scripture gives the gurdwara its religious status.
Established in 1912, the Central Sikh Temple has a rich history. A group of Sikhs wanted a new temple to better serve their growing community. They moved from their former temple at Pearl’s Hill. Sindhis and the Straits Settlements Police supported this initiative. They raised funds from the Sikh community. The new temple was named Queen Street Gurdwara Sahib. It was later known as Wadda Gurdwara meaning “The Big Temple”.
In its early years, the Central Sikh Temple faced leadership challenges. The Sikh community was divided into three factions. These were the Majha, Malwa, and Doabha Sikhs. The government intervened in 1917. They took control of the temple. Management was handed to the Muslim and Hindu Endowment Board. This was viewed as an insult by the Sikh community.
In the 1930s, the Sikh community protested. Led by General Sham Singh Rumi, they demanded control of the gurdwara be returned. Eventually, in 1940, the government passed the Queen Street Gurdwara Ordinance. This allowed the Sikh community to appoint their own board of trustees.
In 1977, the government acquired the land for urban redevelopment. The Sikh community received land on Towner Road. This is where the Central Sikh Temple stands today. In 1983, Sant Baba Nahar Singh Ji Sunehranwale laid the foundation stone. Construction was completed in 1986.
The Central Sikh Temple features a prayer hall. It can seat 400 to 500 people. It also has an open-air pool, a dining hall, and a kitchen. Adjoining the temple is a seven-story tower. This serves as a community facility. It includes a library, a museum, and classrooms.
The temple’s exterior is Sardinian pink granite. The interior uses various marbles. The dome represents traditional architectural forms. The rest of the building has a contemporary design.
President Wee Kim Wee officially opened the Central Sikh Temple in 1986. The National Heritage Board designated it a historical site in 1999. Besides worship, the temple conducts daily religious programs. It also serves the communal needs of Sikhs in Singapore. The Central Sikh Temple has a Langar. This kitchen provides free vegetarian food to visitors daily. The Central Sikh Temple also collaborates with Willing Hearts. Together with other Sikh temples, it has started a Langgar Outreach Programme. This serves the community in need.
The Central Sikh Temple stands as a testament to the Sikh community’s resilience. It reflects their dedication to faith and service.