Siri Guru Nanak Darbar Gurdwara - Guru Nanak Marg, Gravesend, Kent, UK
N 51° 26.359 E 000° 22.600
31U E 317679 N 5701945
This recently opened Sikh temple is located in a pleasant location to the east of Gravesend town centre. Some work is still on-going but access is permitted and encouraged but no alcohol or tobacco are allowed on the site or in the temple.
Waymark Code: WMGZTY
Location: South East England, United Kingdom
Date Posted: 04/29/2013
Views: 2
The temple's website tells us of the history of the Sikh community in Gravesend:
"Prior to 1955 weekly congregations were held at the house of Charan Singh (site now occupied by a shopping centre), after this time the size of the congregations grew to the extent that a house was purchased for worshipping in Edwin Street. The building that is now the Sri Guru Nanak Darbar Gurdwara was purchased in 1968 and immediately became the focal point of the sikh community. The building has over the years had extensive building work done to it(all financed from donations) and now there is no mistaking it for anything other than a gurdwara. Not only has the gurdwara been the focal point of spritual activities, it has also been heavily involved in sporting activities. There has been a Guru Nanak FC (football club) team and Kabbadi team for over two decades during which time both have won many trophies and participated in hundreds of events.
As well as the main gurdwara, the committee has now purchased (99 year lease) another site not too far from the main building. This new site now not only has a gurdwara it also boasts a fully equiped gymnasium together with playing field and car park. To illustrate the amount of influence the community now has, the local council has named the road this new site is situated on Khalsa Avenue. In additional, in 1997 Gravesend had Kent's first Sikh mayor."
The temple's website also contains a useful visitors guide:
"Before entering the main congregational hall (at Level 2) called Darbar Sahib, visitors are expected to show their respect by observing the following:
1. One must appropriately cover his/her head; a scarf or a large handkerchief is regarded as preferable to a hat or a cap for a non-turbaned visitor. Most Gurdwaras (including ours) have a free supply of suitable scarves, which may be borrowed during the visit.
2. A visitor must take off his/her shoes and place them on the racks or space provided at the entrance.
3. Under No circumstances should any visitor have in their possession any tobacco product, alcoholic drink or drug; he/she should not have consumed any, or be under its influence, at the time of the visit.
4. It is obligatory for every Sikh, young and old, to show the utmost respect to the Guru Granth Sahib Ji (Sacred Scripture) on approaching the Manji Sahib, who usually bow down on their knees, often touching the floor with their foreheads. However, it is regarded as dignified for a non-Sikh visitor to show respect to the Sikh "Holy Scriptures" by bowing, or standing still for a second and then moving away with a respectful nod.
5. It is regarded as discourteous to stand with one's back to the Guru Granth, or to stretch one's feet towards the Guru while sitting. Similarly, clapping is not allowed in the Gurdwara.
A Sikh Temple (we call it Gurdwara i.e. the door to a new beginning ) is a place of learning for the humanity as well as Sikhs (Sikh comes from the phrase Seekers of the Truth). All are welcome to come through the door with the expectation that the rules and principles of how to be are adhered to. we would expect that you have a desire to learn and are seeking a path for yourself through understanding of the divine derived from Guru Granth Sahib (the holy scriptures).
For the novice we have the guided tours normally undertaken over the weekends. These are helpful in developing understanding of the Sikh code of conduct and ethos of Sikh philosophy. Sikhism offers a distinct prospective to life and humanity by observing that we all belong to that Great Universal Being who is without form and shape."