Guru Sikh Temple, Canada

Address

Guru Sikh Temple, South Fraser Way, Abbotsford, Canada 33089

Deity

Guru Nanak Dev Ji

Introduction

• Location: Abbotsford, British Columbia, Canada
• Significance:
  • The oldest existing Sikh temple in North America.
  • Designated as a National Historic Site of Canada, the only Sikh temple outside of India and Pakistan with this designation (as of 2010).

Puranic Significance

• Historical Background:
  • The first Sikh pioneers arrived in the Abbotsford area in 1905, working primarily in agriculture and the lumber industry.
• Temple Construction:
  • Initial plans to build a temple were made in 1908 after acquiring property on a hill.
  • Community members carried lumber from a local mill to construct the Gurdwara.
• Opening Ceremony:
  • The Gurdwara officially opened on February 26, 1911, attended by both Sikhs and non-Sikhs from across British Columbia.
  • The original building featured a two-story design, resembling contemporary wooden houses typical of local frontier towns.
  • Interior features reflected traditional Sikh architecture and design, while the exterior maintained a simple style.
• Facilities:
  • The first floor housed the Langar (community kitchen) and dining room.
  • The second floor contained the prayer hall.
• Renovations and Transfers:
  • The building underwent extensions in 1932 and the 1960s.
  • Until 1975, the Gurdwara was managed by the Khalsa Diwan Society Vancouver (founded in 1905). It was then transferred to the Khalsa Diwan Society Abbotsford for greater autonomy.
• New Temple:
  • In 1983, a larger temple with a different architectural style was built on the opposite side of the road.
• National Historic Site Designation:
  • The old temple was designated a National Historic Site in 2002 during a ceremony presided over by Prime Minister Jean Chretien on July 26, 2002.
• Renovation and Centennial Celebrations:
  • The temple reopened after renovations in 2007.
  • To commemorate its 100th anniversary in 2011, a small museum was planned for the basement.
  • Prime Minister Stephen Harper inaugurated the Sikh Heritage Museum on the temple’s ground floor during the centennial celebrations.
  • On May 19, 2017, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau visited the Canada 150 exhibit at the Sikh Heritage Museum.

Managed By

National Historic Site -Canada

Nearest Bus Station

Abbotsford

Nearest Railway Station

Collingwood station

Nearest Airport

Abbotsford

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