# Central Sikh Temple Singapore - History, Timings & Visitor Guide | GurdwaraSahib.in > Central Sikh Temple (Wadda Gurdwara), Singapore's first gurdwara est. 1912, at Towner Road. Timings, history & visitor guide. ![Central Sikh Temple](https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/thumb.php?f=Central_Sikh_Gurdwara%2C_Singapore_%282025%29_-_img_01.jpg&w=1200) Historical regional # Central Sikh Temple Get Directions Share: Entry: Dress Code: Central Sikh Temple, reverently known as the Wadda Gurdwara — literally 'The Big Temple' — is the oldest and most historically significant Sikh place of worship in Singapore. Situated at 2 Towner Road in the Kallang district, the temple stands at the junction of Serangoon Road, within easy walking distance of Boon Keng MRT station on the North-East Line. Spanning more than a century of continuous service to the faithful, the temple is simultaneously a living house of worship, an architectural landmark, and a vivid testament to the enduring presence of the Sikh community in the city-state. Established in 1912 on Queen Street and relocated to its present home in 1986, Central Sikh Temple serves as the spiritual and institutional heart of a community numbering approximately 12,000 to 15,000 practising Sikhs in Singapore. The temple is managed by the Central Sikh Gurdwara Board (CSGB), the apex body overseeing Singapore's Sikh religious and social infrastructure, which additionally manages Gurdwara Sahib Silat Road and the Sikh Centre. At the heart of the temple's daily spiritual life is the Darbar Sahib (main prayer hall), where the Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji — the eternal, living scripture and supreme Guru of the Sikhs — is enshrined with great reverence. Daily religious programmes, including morning Nitnem prayers, Gurbani kirtan (devotional hymns), and Ardas (congregational prayer), are conducted for the sangat (congregation) every day of the week. On special gurpurabs (anniversaries of the Sikh Gurus) and festivals such as Baisakhi and Diwali, the temple draws hundreds of devotees and warmly welcomes visitors of all faiths. Beyond its role as a house of worship, the temple functions as a vibrant community institution. Its complex accommodates the Dr Amar Kaur Memorial Clinic, which provides health services to the community, alongside several key Sikh organisations including the Singapore Sikh Education Foundation and the Sikh Youth Centre. A seven-storey community tower adjacent to the main prayer hall provides dormitory accommodation for visiting pilgrims, classrooms for religious instruction, a library and museum dedicated to Sikh history in Singapore, and the Granthi's (officiant's) residential quarters. The langar (community kitchen) at Central Sikh Temple is among its most cherished features, offering free vegetarian meals to all visitors regardless of religion or background, multiple times daily — a tangible expression of the Sikh principles of seva (selfless service) and samanta (equality). Recognised by Singapore's National Heritage Board as a historical site since 1999, the temple draws pilgrims, tourists, scholars, students, and curious travellers alike. Its prime location, richly documented history, and genuinely inclusive ethos make Central Sikh Temple one of Singapore's most welcoming and culturally significant religious landmarks. ## Significance Central Sikh Temple occupies a singular position in the religious and cultural life of Singapore's Sikh community. As the Wadda Gurdwara — the principal gurdwara of the nation — it functions as the de facto centre of Sikh religious authority in Singapore, under the stewardship of the Central Sikh Gurdwara Board (CSGB). The temple enshrines the Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji, the eternal and living scripture of the Sikhs that embodies the wisdom of the ten Sikh Gurus. Every religious programme conducted at the temple — from morning Nitnem to Gurbani kirtan, Akhand Path (continuous reading of the scripture), and special gurpurabs — is anchored in these sacred teachings. For the Sikh community, the presence of the Guru Granth Sahib Ji is itself the supreme spiritual significance of any gurdwara. For Singapore's 12,000 to 15,000 practising Sikhs, Central Sikh Temple represents continuity, identity, and collective memory. The temple has been the gathering point for the community's most significant religious and cultural celebrations, including the grand processions (nagar kirtan) marking Guru Nanak Dev Ji's Gurpurab and the vibrant Baisakhi festivities. Beyond its religious role, the temple exemplifies the Sikh tradition of sewa (selfless service). The langar, the Dr Amar Kaur Memorial Clinic, the Singapore Sikh Education Foundation, and the Sikh Youth Centre — all housed within or adjacent to the complex — reflect a holistic commitment to community welfare that has defined Sikh institutions since the time of the Gurus. As a National Heritage Board-designated historical site, the temple also carries the responsibility of preserving and transmitting the history of Sikhs in Singapore — a community that has contributed enormously to the nation's policing, legal, medical, and civic life since 1881. ## Nearby Gurdwaras ### Sikh Gurdwara Sri Guru Nanak Dev India 1.7 km away Open daily, typically from early morning... Sikh Gurdwara Sri Guru Nanak Dev, also known as Gurdwara Yayasan Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji, is a historic Sikh place of worship located in Medan, the capital of North Sumatra province, Indonesia. Situated at Jalan Karyamurni No. 42 in the Kampung Anggrung neighbourhood—an area historically known as Kampung Keling, Medan's vibrant Little India district—this gurdwara stands as a spiritual anchor for the Sikh community of North Sumatra. Medan is home to the largest concentration of Sikhs in Indonesia, and this gurdwara is among the most significant of the city's seven active Sikh places of worship. The gurdwara is dedicated to Guru Nanak Dev Ji (1469–1539), the founder of Sikhism and the first of the ten Sikh Gurus, making it a deeply revered institution in the hearts of the local sangat (congregation). The present structure was raised in 1955 and is adorned with sacred passages drawn from the Guru Granth Sahib, the eternal living scripture of the Sikhs, with some verses tracing their origins to the 16th century. Governed by the Yayasan Missi Gurdwara Medan, the gurdwara functions simultaneously as a house of prayer, a community centre, and a cultural landmark. Visitors to this gurdwara encounter an atmosphere of peace, inclusivity, and devotion. Gurdwaras in the Sikh tradition welcome people of all faiths, backgrounds, and nationalities without distinction. The institution observes all major Sikh festivals and Gurpurabs (anniversaries associated with the Gurus), including the birthday of Guru Nanak Dev Ji (Gurpurab), Baisakhi, and Hola Mohalla. The gurdwara also hosts weddings, naming ceremonies, and community gatherings that bind together the diaspora Sikh population in Sumatra. The broader Kampung Keling neighbourhood—now increasingly referred to as Kampung Madras—provides a culturally rich setting for the gurdwara, with Indian restaurants, textile shops, and Hindu temples in close proximity. Together, these landmarks offer visitors a compelling window into the multicultural heritage of Medan, a city shaped for over a century by Punjabi Sikh, Tamil, Javanese, Batak, and Malay communities living in remarkable harmony. For Sikhs living across Sumatra and for travellers with an interest in world religions and diaspora cultures, the Gurdwara Sri Guru Nanak Dev is an essential destination. Historical ## Detailed History The history of the Central Sikh Temple is inseparably intertwined with the story of the Sikh community's arrival and growth in Singapore. The first Sikhs arrived on the island in 1881, recruited by the British colonial authorities to serve in the newly formed Sikh Police Contingent (SPC). The initial batch of 54 Sikh recruits arrived on 26 March 1881, with another 65 following in August that year. These early settlers established the first gurdwara at Pearl's Hill within the police compound — the seed from which a flourishing religious community would grow. By the early twentieth century, Singapore's civilian Sikh population had expanded considerably, and the community felt the need for a gurdwara that could serve worshippers beyond the police contingent. In 1912, with the pivotal assistance of Wassiamull Assomull Mahtani, a prominent Sindhi merchant, a committee of Sikhs purchased a bungalow with a large compound at 175 Queen Street, converting it into a formal place of worship. This became the Central Sikh Temple, or Wadda Gurdwara. The gurdwara underwent formal construction and development in 1921, emerging as the principal Sikh institution in Singapore. The mid-twentieth century brought challenges of a different kind. In 1925, internal leadership rivalries led factions within the congregation to form separate gurdwaras, fragmenting the community temporarily. In 1959, ambitious plans were drawn up for a new temple in Newton, and the Singapore government approved these plans in 1963, but persistent internal disagreements prevented the project from ever materialising. A decisive turning point came in 1977 when the government acquired the Queen Street land as part of Singapore's extensive urban redevelopment programme. The temple congregation was temporarily relocated to the former Bukit Ho Swee Community Centre on Seng Poh Road while a permanent solution was sought. In 1983, the community was allocated a new site at Towner Road, at the junction of Serangoon Road in Kallang. Construction commenced in 1984 and was completed in April 1986. The Central Sikh Temple at Towner Road was officially inaugurated on 16 November 1986 by Singapore's then-President, Wee Kim Wee. The temple's national importance was formally acknowledged when it was designated a historical site by the National Heritage Board on 8 May 1999, with a commemorative plaque unveiled by Justice Choor Singh (Retired). Today, the temple continues its more than century-long mission, serving as an anchor of Sikh identity in Singapore and a beacon of interfaith understanding in the nation's multicultural society. ## Structures in the Complex ### Darbar Sahib (Main Prayer Hall) prayer_hall Located on the second floor beneath the central 13-metre wide hemispherical dome, the Darbar Sahib is a column-free, fully carpeted and air-conditioned hall seating 400–500 worshippers. The interior dome is adorned with white, grey, and gold mosaics, and the hall houses the Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji. ### Hemispherical Dome tower The defining architectural feature of the temple, a 13-metre wide hemispherical dome finished in plain white mosaics on the exterior and decorative white, grey, and gold mosaics on the interior. It serves as both a spiritual symbol and a visual landmark visible from the surrounding Kallang neighbourhood. ### Seven-Storey Community Tower museum An adjacent seven-storey slab tower housing the offices of CSGB and associated organisations, a dormitory for visiting pilgrims, a library and museum dedicated to Sikh history in Singapore, classrooms for religious education, and the Granthi's residential quarters. ### Langar Hall (Community Kitchen) langar_hall The langar hall serves free vegetarian meals to all visitors four times daily. It embodies the Sikh principles of equality and selfless service (seva), welcoming people of all faiths, nationalities, and backgrounds without distinction. ### Entrance Canopy and Gateway entrance The temple's distinctive entrance canopy and gateway, which won the Singapore Institute of Architects (SIA) Architectural Design Award in 1986. Constructed with Sardinian pink granite, it sets the tone for the contemporary yet dignified aesthetic of the entire complex. ## Visitor Information ### Dress Code Head covering required (scarves provided at entrance); remove shoes before entering; modest, respectful clothing recommended ### Photography Generally permitted in public areas; avoid photographing the Darbar Sahib (prayer hall) without permission; always be respectful ### Etiquette Cover your head before entering; remove footwear at the entrance; refrain from smoking and consuming alcohol on the premises; maintain silence and reverence in the Darbar Sahib; switch mobile phones to silent mode ## Climate & Best Time to Visit ## Langar (Free Community Kitchen) Serves a substantial portion of the 12,000–15,000 strong Sikh community in Singapore, as well as countless visitors and non-Sikhs daily Seating Capacity ## Architecture The current Central Sikh Temple at Towner Road, completed in 1986, exemplifies a thoughtful fusion of traditional Sikh architectural symbolism and modern design sensibilities. The building's most commanding feature is its prominent hemispherical dome, spanning 13 metres — an unmistakable reference to the domed gurdwaras of Punjab. The exterior is finished in Sardinian pink granite, lending the building a distinctive, dignified appearance that sets it apart in the urban streetscape. The main Darbar Sahib (prayer hall) is situated on the second floor directly beneath the grand dome. Designed as a column-free space, it accommodates 400 to 500 worshippers, is fully carpeted, and is air-conditioned for comfort. The interior dome is adorned with intricate white, grey, and gold mosaics, while the exterior surface features plain white mosaics. The interior walls and floors are finished with a variety of marbles, creating an atmosphere of calm grandeur. Adjacent to the prayer hall rises a seven-storey community slab tower housing offices, dormitory rooms for visitors and pilgrims, a library and museum dedicated to Sikh heritage, classrooms for religious education, and the Granthi's (officiant's) quarters. The temple's entrance canopy and gateway were awarded the Singapore Institute of Architects (SIA) Architectural Design Award in 1986, recognising the innovative contemporary design of its public facade. ## Structures in the Complex ### Darbar Sahib (Main Prayer Hall) prayer_hall Located on the second floor beneath the central 13-metre wide hemispherical dome, the Darbar Sahib is a column-free, fully carpeted and air-conditioned hall seating 400–500 worshippers. The interior dome is adorned with white, grey, and gold mosaics, and the hall houses the Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji. ### Hemispherical Dome tower The defining architectural feature of the temple, a 13-metre wide hemispherical dome finished in plain white mosaics on the exterior and decorative white, grey, and gold mosaics on the interior. It serves as both a spiritual symbol and a visual landmark visible from the surrounding Kallang neighbourhood. ### Seven-Storey Community Tower museum An adjacent seven-storey slab tower housing the offices of CSGB and associated organisations, a dormitory for visiting pilgrims, a library and museum dedicated to Sikh history in Singapore, classrooms for religious education, and the Granthi's residential quarters. ### Langar Hall (Community Kitchen) langar_hall The langar hall serves free vegetarian meals to all visitors four times daily. It embodies the Sikh principles of equality and selfless service (seva), welcoming people of all faiths, nationalities, and backgrounds without distinction. ### Entrance Canopy and Gateway entrance The temple's distinctive entrance canopy and gateway, which won the Singapore Institute of Architects (SIA) Architectural Design Award in 1986. Constructed with Sardinian pink granite, it sets the tone for the contemporary yet dignified aesthetic of the entire complex. ## Events & Celebrations ### gurpurab #### Guru Nanak Dev Ji Gurpurab The most widely celebrated event at Central Sikh Temple, marking the birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the founder of Sikhism. Celebrations include Akhand Path (continuous scripture reading), nagar kirtan (religious procession through the streets), kirtan programmes, and large-scale langar serving thousands of visitors. #### Guru Gobind Singh Ji Gurpurab The birth anniversary of Guru Gobind Singh Ji, the tenth Sikh Guru, is observed with devotional kirtan, Ardas, and langar. Special programmes are organised for the sangat to commemorate his life and teachings. ### festival #### Baisakhi Celebrated every April, Baisakhi marks the Sikh New Year and the founding of the Khalsa Panth by Guru Gobind Singh Ji in 1699. The temple hosts special kirtan programmes, prayers, and community gatherings with extended langar service. #### Diwali and Bandi Chhor Divas Diwali is celebrated by Sikhs as Bandi Chhor Divas, commemorating the release of Guru Hargobind Ji from the Gwalior Fort. The temple is illuminated, and special prayers and kirtan programmes are held for the community. ### weekly #### Weekly Divan (Congregational Service) Every Sunday, a formal Divan (congregational service) is held at the Darbar Sahib, featuring Gurbani kirtan, a religious discourse (Katha), Ardas, and distribution of Karah Prasad (sacred offering), followed by langar for all attendees. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### visiting Central Sikh Temple is open daily from 6:00 AM to 8:00 PM. Visitors are welcome throughout the day. The langar (free community meals) is served at specific times: breakfast 7:30–8:30 AM, lunch 11:30 AM–1:30 PM, tea 3:00–5:00 PM, and dinner 7:30–8:30 PM. Yes, entry to Central Sikh Temple is completely free of charge, in keeping with the tradition of all Sikh gurdwaras worldwide. The langar (community meals) is also offered free of charge to all visitors regardless of faith or background. Visitors must cover their head before entering the gurdwara — scarves or head coverings are usually available at the entrance. Shoes must be removed before entering. Modest, respectful clothing is recommended. Avoid sleeveless tops or shorts if possible. The temple complex includes a main Darbar Sahib (prayer hall) accommodating 400–500 people, a free langar (community kitchen) serving meals daily, a library and museum on Sikh history, classrooms for religious education, dormitory accommodation for pilgrims, the Dr Amar Kaur Memorial Clinic, and the offices of the Singapore Sikh Education Foundation and Sikh Youth Centre. The temple can be visited any day of the year. For a deeply immersive experience, visit during major Sikh festivals such as Guru Nanak Dev Ji's Gurpurab (October/November) or Baisakhi (April), when the temple hosts large-scale celebrations, nagar kirtan (religious processions), and extended langar service. ### history Central Sikh Temple is Singapore's first gurdwara, established in 1912 when a group of Sikhs led by merchant Wassiamull Assomull Mahtani purchased a bungalow at 175 Queen Street. The temple moved to its current location at 2 Towner Road in Kallang in 1986, when it was officially opened by President Wee Kim Wee. It was designated a National Heritage Board historical site in 1999. The Central Sikh Temple is managed by the Central Sikh Gurdwara Board (CSGB), the principal Sikh religious and community body in Singapore. CSGB also oversees Gurdwara Sahib Silat Road and the Sikh Centre. ### transport Take the MRT North-East Line (purple line) to Boon Keng Station (NE9). The temple at 2 Towner Road is approximately a 5–7 minute walk from the station. Alternatively, buses along Serangoon Road provide easy access. Suggest an Edit Upload Photos ![Marker](https://unpkg.com/leaflet@1.9.4/dist/images/marker-icon.png) Central Sikh Temple Leaflet Get Directions → ### Contribute Help improve this page. Suggest edits, add photos, or share information about this Gurdwara. Suggest an Edit