Gurdwara Sahib Khalsa Dharmak Jatha

The Gurdwara Sahib at Jalan Gurdwara, George Town, Penang (4 January 2024)


Gurdwara Sahib Khalsa Dharmak Jatha Wadda (GPS: 5.41076, 100.32769), also known as Diamond Jubilee Sikh Temple, Wadda Gurdwara Sahib or simply The Sikh Gurdwara, is a Sikh Temple along Brick Kiln Road in George Town, Penang. A gurdwara, which means "doorway to the guru", is the place of worship of those embracing the Sikh faith, and can be translated as a Sikh temple. Within a gurdwara one can find the Sikh holy book, called the Guru Granth Sahib, and a triangular orange flag, called the Nishan Sahib.

The Wadda Gurdwara in Penang was also called the Diamond Jubilee Sikh Temple, because the land on which it stands was given over to the Sikh community in 1897, the year of Queen Victoria's Diamond Jubilee. When it was completed in 1899, the gurdwara was the largest in Southeast Asia. Funding for the project came from Sikh members of the Malay States Guides who each donated a month's salary.

According to a framed copy of the indenture certificate, the indenture of the Diamond Jubilee Sikh Temple was made on 22 March 1901. Sunder Singh, Gurdit Singh and Bhola Singh were made trustees of the land on which the gurdwara stands and any subsequent buildings to be erected there. The foundation stone for the gurdwara was laid on 3 June 1901 by Lieutenant-Colonel Robert Sandilands¹ Frowd Walker (for whom I believe nearby Sandilands Street was named). I note that the date of the laying of the foundation stone (1901) does not match the date of the gurdwara's completion (1899), necessitating further research.

Visitors can visit the gurdward to see how prayers, called nitnam, are performed. One has to be up early though, as the prayers are conducted at 4am in the morning. In addition to the temple, the Sikh Gurdwara has a canteen which offers free meals any any visitors. There is also a religious school within the premises.

On the upper floor of the Sikh Gurdwara is the Darbar Sahib. This is the prayer hall of the temple. Visitors to the Darbar Sahib are instructed to wash and dry their feet before entering. Women who are having their monthly period are also prohibited from entering.

The Darbar Sahib is where the holy text is placed on a takhat, or throne. The holy text, called Guru Granth Sahib, comprises a collection of hymns extolling the virtues of god and the purpose of meditating on god's name. There are various etiquettes to observe within the Darbar Sahib, such as not to point your foot towards an object or person, or at the Guru Granth Sahib, as this is considered disrespectful.

In recognition of the contribution of the Sikh Community in Penang, Brick Kiln Road - originally named after the brick kilns that stand on the site of today's incinerators - was renamed Jalan Gurdwara.

Gurdwara Sahib Khalsa Dharmak Jatha Wadd (30 January 2006)

My visit to Gurdwara Sahib Khalsa Dharmak Jatha Wadda

4 January 2024
Today, I was walking along Brick Kiln Road when I passed the Sikh Gurdwara, so I decided to take some photographs of it. As I entered the compound, a Sikh lady who was just getting out of her car invited me to come in. First I had to take off my shoes and then put on a headscarf, which is a requirement for men when they enter the Sikh holy place.

She then brought me into a hall, where some Sikh prayers were being conducted. Later, we were each handed some delicacies which we consumed before we proceeded to the canteen. She excused herself, as she has to go do the cooking. The attendants at the canteen counter provided me food served on stainless steel trays. The meal comprises a flatbread, a piece of vadai and a piece of glutinous rice. These are taken with dhal and yogurt. The drink that went with the food was a spiced tea.

I learned that I happened to arrive at the Sikh Gurdwara on the second day of a three-day festive period, during which food is served at all times of the day. I am most thankful for the Sikh's warm hospitality shown towards me, a total stranger who literally walked in from the street.

The canteen at Gurdwara Sahib. (4 January 2024)


The food I get to enjoy at Gurdwara Sahib. (4 January 2024)


Another view of the food I get to enjoy at Gurdwara Sahib. (4 January 2024)


Another view of the canteen at Gurdwara Sahib. (4 January 2024)


Wadda Gurdwara Sahib, Brick Kiln Road, Penang (30 January 2006)


Wadda Gurdwara Sahib, entrance (30 January 2006)


Khalsa Dharmik School, Sikh Gurdwara (1 August 2010)


Darbar Sahib, Sikh Gurdwara (1 August 2010)

Gurdwaras in Penang

Gurdwara Sahib Brick Kiln Road
87 Jalan Gurdwara (Jalan Brick Kiln)
10300 Penang

Gurdwara Sahib Khalsa Dharmik Jatha
51 Patani Road
10150 Penang

Gurdwara Sahib Police
Patani Road Police Headquarters
10150 Penang

Gurdwara Sahib Butterworth
Jalan New Ferry
12100 Butterworth

Gurdwara Sahib Perai Jalan Besar
13600 Perai

Sikh Gurdwara canteen (1 August 2010)


Murals on the wall of the Sikh Gurdwara canteen (1 August 2010)

How to go to the Wadda Gurdwara Sahib

The Wadda Gurdwara Sahib can be approached from the direction of Komtar. From Magazine Road, turn left into Jalan Gurdwara, and park along Jalan Gurdwara. The Wadda Gurdwara Sahib is located on the right side of the road.

Wadda Gurdwara Sahib is on the Map of Jalan Gurdwara, Penang

References

1. Wikipedia on Robert Sandilands Frowd Walker, referencing Sidhu, Saran Singh. "Diamond Jubilee Sikh Temple". Wadda Gurudwara Sahib, Penang. allaboutsikhs.com. Retrieved 5 March 2011.

List of Gurdwaras in Penang and Gurdwaras in Malaysia