Imagine Sikhs traveling from distant regions to work here. Gurdwara Sahib Sentul stands as a testament to their faith. This Gurdwara is one of Kuala Lumpur’s oldest Sikh places of worship. It was established in the early 20th century. Sikh employees of the nearby Central Railway Workshops founded it.
The land for Gurdwara Sahib Sentul was gazetted as a Sikh Temple Reserve. This happened on October 20, 1912. The Gurdwara was the first non-police Gurdwara Sahib. In the beginning it was built in 1912 or 1913. People called it Gurdwara Central Workshops. Now it’s known as Gurdwara Sahib Sentul.
The first Gurdwara building was simple. It had wood walls and an attap roof. Later they changed the roof to zinc. Sardar Chanan Singh was the first president. He was a businessman. Sardar Harnam Singh was the first secretary.
In 1932 the Gurdwara Sahib building was replaced. It became a single-story building. It was made of bricks, concrete and Chinese roof tiles. The building cost about $25,000.00 Straits Settlement dollars.
From 1927 to 1937 Guru ka Langgar was served here. Everyone was welcome regardless of race or creed. The Gurdwara Sahib aimed to promote Gurmukhi classes. It also promoted Gurbani from the Holy Book. This is the Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji.
In 1947 the Sentul Punjabi School was established. Sardar Budh Singh was the president. Giani Inder Singh Gill became the headmaster. He developed the Punjabi syllabus for school level. The Government Education Board later accredited it. In 1950 he started Budhimani and Giani classes. Giani Inder Singh Ji served as headmaster for 22 years. He retired around 1970. He passed away on August 5, 2002.
The Gurdwara Sahib building was renovated extensively in 1988. The cost was about RM60,000.00. At the same time a new three-story building was constructed. It stands by the side of the Gurdwara. It’s known as the Sikh Centre Malaysia.
The Langgar hall is on the ground floor. It can seat 450 people. The second and third floors have a library. There are also Granthi’s quarters and 34 rooms. These accommodate Sikh students and visitors. A conference hall seats 150 people. The Sikh Centre Malaysia building cost about RM1,500,000.00.
A Sikh Assistant Registrar of Marriages is available. He officiates marriage ceremonies. The Granthi conducts the actual ceremony. This follows Sikh religious rites.
Giani Jaswant Singh Ji served as a Granthi here for 14 years. He served from August 1988 to August 2002. He then retired. The Management Committee includes several positions. These are President, Vice President and Secretary.
Weekly prayers occur every Wednesday. The Isteri Satsang program is every Thursday. The Sikh Naujawan program is on the last Saturday of each month. Religious functions are often held on Sunday mornings. About 500 Sikh families participate.
Gurdwara Sahib Sentul stands as a symbol of faith and community. It reflects the enduring spirit of Sikhs in Kuala Lumpur.