Treasures Revealed

in West Yorkshire


GURU GOBIND SINGH JI GURDWARA

 

 

 

Off Leeds Road, Bradford, BD3 9JN

Contact: Mr Sadhu Singh Chhokar, General Secretary, 01274 727938

 

Guru Gobind Singh Ji Gurdwara is the first purpose-built Gurdwara in Bradford and UK, replacing the old Garnett Street Gurdwara, which was opened for service on 29 March 1964. The new Gurdwara was formally inaugurated in March 1972. A Board of Trustees and a management committee run the Gurdwara. The Gurdwara receives its income from offerings and donations from the Sadh Sangat (congregation) during routine services. This Gurdwara takes its name from the tenth master, Guru Gobind Singh Ji who in 1999 in Anandpur Sahib in Panjab (India) established the new order of divinely inspired people known as the Khalsa to preach and practise truth, righteousness, and fight for human rights. On April 14 every year all Gurdwaras in Bradford celebrate the happiest and holiest day in the Sikh religion - Vaisakhi, the birthday of Khalsa. The Gurdwara has also erected a Khanda (Symbol of Sikhism) plaque in its premises to commemorate the 300th Birth day of Khalsa Order established by Guru Gobind Singh Ji.

The Gurdwara is the one of the six Gurdwaras in Bradford and is also a member of the Board of Representatives of Bradford Gurdwara, an organisation which represents all Bradford Gurdwaras and its congregations at a local, regional and national level.

The Gurdwara (the House of God) is the Sikh place of worship. It is both a spiritual place of worship and a cultural learning centre for the young and old. The main attraction in a Gurdwara is the holy Guru Granth Sahib Ji, the Sikhs' perpetual Guru. The Gurdwara is open everyday throughout the year and the main services in the Gurdwara are on the weekends and special religious festival days. It is important to know that all Sikhs strongly believe in and do Sewa (service to humanity, God and Guru) in a variety for ways, remembering Guru Gobind Singh Ji's teaching that "Realise that the human race is one". Sikhs stand for respect and freedom for everyone and tolerance and understanding between different beliefs and opinions.

Day to day care taking of the building and organisation of routine services is carried by the Granthis (readers of the Guru Granth Sahib Ji).

The Gurdwara is a registered charity and is also registered place for marriages. It provides for religious wedding ceremonies; individual religious and social functions; and a celebration of community festivals. Gurdwara has a library, organises classes to teach Gurbani (the holy word), Panjabi language and Kirtan (religious music). The Gurdwara also has an elderly day centre which runs health classes and various types of visits for its members.