Here stands the Gurdwara Sahib Mainduab. It is a testament to the enduring spirit and faith of a community. This Gurdwara Sahib’s story began with Sikhs from the Main Duab region of Punjab. They settled in Kuala Lumpur and desired a place of their own to worship.
The Main Duab region included areas of Punjab and Haryana. These Sikhs first built a Gurdwara Sahib in 1928. It was located on Station Road, Sentul near the railway gate. The structure was simple. It had wooden planks and an attap roof. Shazada Singh, Kabal Singh, Atma Singh, Hazara Singh, and Jiwan Singh were key figures in its establishment.
Around 1932, the Gurdwara Sahib moved. Its new location was between the Sentul Pasar market and a school. Sardar Sunder Singh Durali played a vital role in acquiring the building. This marked a significant step in the Gurdwara Sahib’s journey.
In 1934, three lots of land were purchased on Old Pudu Road. Each lot measured 1418 sq feet. A double-storey building was constructed. It occupied half the area, while the rest remained open. In 1936, the Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji was brought from Sentul. It was ceremoniously installed here. Gurdwara Sahib Mainduab has functioned at this site ever since.
The Gurdwara Sahib was officially registered with the government in 1950. This ensured better management of funds. In 1962, a new three-storey building was built. It was meant to serve the needs of the Sikh community. The building included a basement, a ground floor, and the first floor for the Darbar Sahib. Babu Kishen Singh laid the foundation stone. The construction cost RM400,000.
The official opening was a grand affair. An Akhand Paath was held from March 8 to 10 in 1963. Sant Baba Sohan Singh Ji of Malacca and the Panj Piyarae declared the Gurdwara Sahib open. Sant Baba Sohan Singh Ji raised the keseri-colored Nishan Sahib flag. Giani Phuman Singh was also present. He was a well-known preacher from the Sikh Missionary Society Malaya in Singapore.
Later in 1968, another floor was added. This made the building four storeys tall. The new floor is air-conditioned and serves as the Darbar Sahib. Giani Babu Singh Ji served as a Gamin at this Gurdwara Sahib for 36 years. He was a graduate of the Sikh Missionary College and a poet.
Today about 300 Sikh families participate in the Gurdwara Sahib’s religious activities. Weekly prayers are held every Sunday morning. The Sikh Naujawan program takes place monthly on the Sangrand day. Other religious programs are held as needed. Currently about 30 students attend Gurmukhi classes twice a week.
The Gurdwara Sahib Mainduab stands as a symbol of faith. It also represents community and perseverance. Its journey reflects the dedication of those who sought a place to call their own. It is a vibrant center for Sikhs in Kuala Lumpur.