# Glen Cove Gurdwara - History, Timings & Visitor Guide | GurdwaraSahib.in > Gurdwara Mata Sahib Kaur, Glen Cove NY — a 15-acre Sikh temple on Long Island serving 200+ families weekly. Free entry & Langar for all. ![Glen Cove Gurdwara](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/e/e5/GlenCoveGurdwara.png) Historical regional # Glen Cove Gurdwara Get Directions Share: Entry: Dress Code: Gurdwara Mata Sahib Kaur, located at 100 Lattingtown Road in Glen Cove on Long Island, New York, is one of the most prominent Sikh places of worship in the northeastern United States. Situated on a sprawling 15-acre estate near the picturesque shores of Long Island Sound in Nassau County, this gurdwara serves as the spiritual and cultural anchor of the Sikh community across Long Island, Queens, and Manhattan. The gurdwara is named in honor of Mata Sahib Kaur — also known as Mata Sahib Devan — the revered wife of Guru Gobind Singh Ji, the Tenth Sikh Guru, and celebrated throughout the Sikh faith as the eternal 'Mother of the Khalsa.' This naming is a profound tribute, as Mata Sahib Kaur is believed to have played an integral role in the founding ceremony of the Khalsa on Vaisakhi 1699 by adding Pataasay (sugar) to the Amrit, symbolizing sweetness and compassion within the order of the pure. The gurdwara complex is anchored by a grand main building spanning 30,000 square feet of built-up area, which houses twenty rooms and three halls, including a spacious Darbar Sahib (main prayer hall), a langar hall, and meeting spaces. A secondary residential building on the grounds provides accommodation for resident sewadars (volunteers and attendants). The gurdwara attracts an average weekly congregation of approximately 200 families, drawing worshippers not just from Glen Cove but from across the wider New York metropolitan region. Daily services include morning and evening prayers, Rehras Sahib recitation, Sukhasan (the evening ceremony of placing the Guru Granth Sahib to rest), Ardas (supplication prayer), and the serving of Guru Ka Langar, the free community kitchen that is a hallmark of every gurdwara. Monthly visits by Ragi Jathas (devotional musical ensembles) and Gurbani Vichar (discourses on Sikh scripture) by visiting preachers enrich the congregation's spiritual life. The gurdwara is perhaps best known publicly for its annual Vaisakhi Mela, a vibrant community celebration that has grown over the years to attract thousands of visitors of all faiths and backgrounds, becoming a celebrated event on Long Island's cultural calendar. ## Significance Gurdwara Mata Sahib Kaur holds profound religious and cultural significance for the Sikh community of the greater New York area. It is named after Mata Sahib Kaur (born 1 November 1681; died 1747), the wife of Guru Gobind Singh Ji, the Tenth Sikh Guru. Mata Sahib Kaur is venerated throughout the Sikh world as the spiritual 'Mother of the Khalsa' — the order of initiated Sikhs established by Guru Gobind Singh Ji on Vaisakhi 1699 at Anandpur Sahib. According to Sikh tradition, she participated in the historic first Amrit-Sanchaar ceremony by adding Pataasay (sugar wafers) to the Amrit, thereby infusing the sacred nectar with sweetness and the qualities of compassion and grace. By naming the gurdwara after her, the founding community made a statement of deep devotion to this venerated figure and to the values of equality, service, and spiritual motherhood she embodied. For Sikhs in New York and the surrounding region, Gurdwara Mata Sahib Kaur is far more than a place of weekly worship — it is a community institution where marriages (Anand Karaj), naming ceremonies (Naam Karan), and memorial prayers (Antam Ardas) take place, marking the major passages of Sikh life. The gurdwara's Annual Vaisakhi Mela has become a symbol of Sikh openness and hospitality, welcoming people of all backgrounds to experience Punjabi and Sikh culture. The institution's commitment to Langar — providing free meals to all without distinction — embodies the Sikh principle of Seva (selfless service) and Sarbat da Bhala (the well-being of all). ## Nearby Gurdwaras ### Gurdwara Mata Sahib Kaur Glen Cove, NY, United States 17 m away Gurdwara Mata Sahib Kaur is a community gurdwara that serves as a center for worship, congregation, and social services for the local Sikh community located in Glen Cove, NY, United States. It is situated in the United States, where the Sikh community has been present since the early 20th century. As with all gurdwaras, Gurdwara Mata Sahib Kaur welcomes visitors of all faiths and backgrounds. The gurdwara serves as a place of worship where the Guru Granth Sahib (the holy scripture of the Sikhs) is kept with great reverence. The community gathers here for daily prayers (Nitnem), Kirtan (devotional singing of hymns from the Guru Granth Sahib), and Katha (religious discourse). The gurdwara operates a Langar (community kitchen) where free vegetarian meals are served to all visitors regardless of religion, caste, gender, economic status, or ethnicity. This practice, established by Guru Nanak Dev Ji and formalized by Guru Angad Dev Ji, embodies the Sikh principles of equality, sharing, and selfless service (Seva). Community ### Guru Nanak Darbar of Long Island Hicksville, NY, United States 16 km away Guru Nanak Darbar Of Long Island is a community gurdwara that serves as a center for worship, congregation, and social services for the local Sikh community located in Hicksville, NY, United States. It is situated in the United States, where the Sikh community has been present since the early 20th century. As with all gurdwaras, Guru Nanak Darbar Of Long Island welcomes visitors of all faiths and backgrounds. The gurdwara serves as a place of worship where the Guru Granth Sahib (the holy scripture of the Sikhs) is kept with great reverence. The community gathers here for daily prayers (Nitnem), Kirtan (devotional singing of hymns from the Guru Granth Sahib), and Katha (religious discourse). The gurdwara operates a Langar (community kitchen) where free vegetarian meals are served to all visitors regardless of religion, caste, gender, economic status, or ethnicity. This practice, established by Guru Nanak Dev Ji and formalized by Guru Angad Dev Ji, embodies the Sikh principles of equality, sharing, and selfless service (Seva). Community ### Guru Gobind Singh Sikh Center Plainview, NY, United States 18 km away Guru Gobind Singh Sikh Center is a community gurdwara that serves as a center for worship, congregation, and social services for the local Sikh community located in Plainview, NY, United States. It is situated in the United States, where the Sikh community has been present since the early 20th century. As with all gurdwaras, Guru Gobind Singh Sikh Center welcomes visitors of all faiths and backgrounds. The gurdwara serves as a place of worship where the Guru Granth Sahib (the holy scripture of the Sikhs) is kept with great reverence. The community gathers here for daily prayers (Nitnem), Kirtan (devotional singing of hymns from the Guru Granth Sahib), and Katha (religious discourse). The gurdwara operates a Langar (community kitchen) where free vegetarian meals are served to all visitors regardless of religion, caste, gender, economic status, or ethnicity. This practice, established by Guru Nanak Dev Ji and formalized by Guru Angad Dev Ji, embodies the Sikh principles of equality, sharing, and selfless service (Seva). Community ### Darbar Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji New Hyde Park, NY, United States 19 km away Darbar Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji is a community gurdwara that serves as a center for worship, congregation, and social services for the local Sikh community located in New Hyde Park, NY, United States. It is situated in the United States, where the Sikh community has been present since the early 20th century. As with all gurdwaras, Darbar Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji welcomes visitors of all faiths and backgrounds. The gurdwara serves as a place of worship where the Guru Granth Sahib (the holy scripture of the Sikhs) is kept with great reverence. The community gathers here for daily prayers (Nitnem), Kirtan (devotional singing of hymns from the Guru Granth Sahib), and Katha (religious discourse). The gurdwara operates a Langar (community kitchen) where free vegetarian meals are served to all visitors regardless of religion, caste, gender, economic status, or ethnicity. This practice, established by Guru Nanak Dev Ji and formalized by Guru Angad Dev Ji, embodies the Sikh principles of equality, sharing, and selfless service (Seva). Community ## Detailed History The history of Gurdwara Mata Sahib Kaur in Glen Cove is rooted in the growth of the Sikh diaspora in the New York metropolitan area during the latter decades of the twentieth century. As the Sikh population on Long Island expanded significantly following liberalization of U.S. immigration laws in 1965, the existing facilities at the Gurdwara Guru Gobind Singh Sikh Center in Plainview — which had been serving as the primary spiritual hub for Sikhs across Long Island — became insufficient for the community's growing needs. Recognizing the need for a larger, more permanent home, community leaders and families from across Long Island came together with the shared goal of establishing a dedicated gurdwara that could adequately serve the expanding Sangat (congregation). After considerable fundraising and community effort, the property at 100 Lattingtown Road in Glen Cove was purchased for $1.2 million, marking a defining moment in the history of Sikhism on Long Island. The new gurdwara was formally separated from the Plainview center and established as an independent institution named Gurdwara Mata Sahib Kaur, in reverence to the Mother of the Khalsa. The first head granthi (head priest) of the gurdwara was Singh Sahib Gyani Jagtar Singh Jachak, who established the early religious routines and spiritual character of the institution. Under successive leadership, the gurdwara grew steadily in membership and facilities. As of 2017, Bhai Paramjit Singh served as head granthi, with Bhai Swinder Singh and Bhai Navdeep Singh as resident sewadars. Community governance rested with Sardar Harbinder Singh Sachdev as president and Sardar Mohan Singh Kabuli as secretary. One of the most significant developments in the gurdwara's recent history has been the launch and growth of the Annual Vaisakhi Mela. By its 13th edition in 2017, organized in large part by Manmeet Kaur Lamba (General Secretary), the mela drew approximately 12,000 visitors, demonstrating the institution's remarkable capacity to foster interfaith dialogue and community pride. The property's 15-acre setting near Long Island Sound provides ample space for both religious observance and community events, and the gurdwara continues to be a living center of Sikh faith and culture in the northeastern United States. ## Structures in the Complex ### Main Darbar Sahib (Prayer Hall) prayer_hall The central prayer hall of Gurdwara Mata Sahib Kaur, housed within the 30,000-square-foot main building. This is where the Guru Granth Sahib — the eternal Sikh scripture and living Guru — is enthroned and where daily Nitnem, Kirtan, and Ardas are conducted. The hall is adorned with traditional Sikh decorative elements and can accommodate a large congregation. ### Golden Dome tower A prominent golden dome crowns the white main building of the gurdwara, serving as a visible symbol of Sikh spiritual sovereignty. The dome is a traditional architectural feature of gurdwaras worldwide and acts as a beacon for the Sikh community across Glen Cove and beyond. ### Langar Hall langar_hall A dedicated hall within the main building where Guru Ka Langar — the free community kitchen — operates daily. Volunteers (sewadars) prepare and serve vegetarian meals to all visitors without charge or distinction, in keeping with the Sikh principle of equality and selfless service (Seva). During the Annual Vaisakhi Mela, the langar hall and outdoor serving areas feed thousands of guests throughout the day. ### Sewadar Residence museum A secondary building on the 15-acre grounds that serves as a five-bedroom residential house for the gurdwara's resident sewadars, including the head granthi and supporting staff. This facility ensures continuous care and upkeep of the gurdwara and its daily religious services. ### Outdoor Mela Grounds entrance The expansive 15-acre grounds of the gurdwara provide ample outdoor space for large community events, most notably the Annual Vaisakhi Mela. Located near Long Island Sound, the grounds accommodate thousands of visitors during festivals, with space for vendor stalls, cultural activities, children's events, and outdoor Langar service. ## Visitor Information ### Dress Code Head covering required for all visitors (scarves or head coverings available at entrance); shoes must be removed before entering; modest and respectful clothing recommended ### Photography Photography policies should be verified with gurdwara staff; respectful photography may be permitted in outer areas ### Etiquette Cover your head before entering; remove shoes at the entrance; refrain from consuming alcohol, tobacco, or non-vegetarian food on the premises; bow respectfully before the Guru Granth Sahib; maintain silence and reverence in the Darbar Sahib; all are welcome regardless of faith, nationality, or background ## Climate & Best Time to Visit ## Langar (Free Community Kitchen) The langar hall can accommodate a significant number of diners; during the Vaisakhi Mela, free food and drinks are provided to thousands of visitors throughout the day Seating Capacity ## Architecture Gurdwara Mata Sahib Kaur occupies a generous 15-acre campus near Long Island Sound in Glen Cove, Nassau County. The main building is a substantial structure of approximately 30,000 square feet of built-up area, designed to accommodate a large and active congregation. The building features a prominent white facade crowned by a golden dome — a signature architectural element of Sikh gurdwaras that symbolizes spiritual sovereignty and the divine light of the Guru Granth Sahib. The complex contains twenty rooms and three halls, including the central Darbar Sahib (main prayer hall) where the Guru Granth Sahib is enthroned and daily services are conducted, a langar hall where free community meals are prepared and served, and additional halls for gatherings, events, and instruction. A secondary residential building on the grounds serves as a five-bedroom residence for the gurdwara's sewadars. The expansive grounds provide generous outdoor space that accommodates the thousands of visitors who attend the annual Vaisakhi Mela and other large community events. The gurdwara is located adjacent to Glen Cove Hospital on Lattingtown Road, with the natural beauty of the Long Island Sound providing a serene backdrop to the complex. ## Structures in the Complex ### Main Darbar Sahib (Prayer Hall) prayer_hall The central prayer hall of Gurdwara Mata Sahib Kaur, housed within the 30,000-square-foot main building. This is where the Guru Granth Sahib — the eternal Sikh scripture and living Guru — is enthroned and where daily Nitnem, Kirtan, and Ardas are conducted. The hall is adorned with traditional Sikh decorative elements and can accommodate a large congregation. ### Golden Dome tower A prominent golden dome crowns the white main building of the gurdwara, serving as a visible symbol of Sikh spiritual sovereignty. The dome is a traditional architectural feature of gurdwaras worldwide and acts as a beacon for the Sikh community across Glen Cove and beyond. ### Langar Hall langar_hall A dedicated hall within the main building where Guru Ka Langar — the free community kitchen — operates daily. Volunteers (sewadars) prepare and serve vegetarian meals to all visitors without charge or distinction, in keeping with the Sikh principle of equality and selfless service (Seva). During the Annual Vaisakhi Mela, the langar hall and outdoor serving areas feed thousands of guests throughout the day. ### Sewadar Residence museum A secondary building on the 15-acre grounds that serves as a five-bedroom residential house for the gurdwara's resident sewadars, including the head granthi and supporting staff. This facility ensures continuous care and upkeep of the gurdwara and its daily religious services. ### Outdoor Mela Grounds entrance The expansive 15-acre grounds of the gurdwara provide ample outdoor space for large community events, most notably the Annual Vaisakhi Mela. Located near Long Island Sound, the grounds accommodate thousands of visitors during festivals, with space for vendor stalls, cultural activities, children's events, and outdoor Langar service. ## Events & Celebrations ### festival #### Annual Vaisakhi Mela A large annual community celebration held each spring to mark Vaisakhi — the Sikh New Year and anniversary of the founding of the Khalsa by Guru Gobind Singh Ji in 1699. By 2017, the event had grown to attract approximately 12,000 visitors from across Long Island and the greater New York area. Features free Langar all day, cultural performances, health screenings, kids' carnival, mehndi, shopping, and entertainment. Open to all faiths and backgrounds. #### Baisakhi (Vaisakhi) Day Prayer Service Special prayer services held on Vaisakhi (typically April 13 or 14) to commemorate the 1699 founding of the Khalsa by Guru Gobind Singh Ji at Anandpur Sahib. Combined with the Annual Vaisakhi Mela to create a multi-day celebration of the Sikh New Year. ### gurpurab #### Guru Nanak Gurpurab The birthday of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the founder of Sikhism, celebrated with special Akhand Path (continuous recitation of the Guru Granth Sahib), kirtan, and a large community Langar. One of the most widely observed occasions in Sikhism, celebrated at the gurdwara with heightened devotion and a large congregation. #### Guru Gobind Singh Jayanti The birthday celebration of Guru Gobind Singh Ji, the Tenth Sikh Guru and founder of the Khalsa, and the namesake of the Mata Sahib Kaur after whom this gurdwara is named. Marked with special prayers, kirtan, and Langar. ### weekly #### Monthly Ragi Jatha Kirtan The gurdwara hosts visiting Ragi Jathas (devotional musical groups) each month, who perform Shabad Kirtan (sacred hymns from the Guru Granth Sahib). Gurbani Vichar (spiritual discourses and explanations of scripture) by Sikh preachers also accompanies these sessions, enriching the congregation's understanding of Gurbani. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### visiting Gurdwara Mata Sahib Kaur is open daily with morning and evening services. Daily evening services include Rehras Sahib, Sukhasan, and Ardas, followed by Guru Ka Langar. For current and updated service timings, contact the gurdwara directly at 917-662-7887 or visit gmsk.org. Yes, entry to Gurdwara Mata Sahib Kaur is completely free, as is the tradition at all Sikh gurdwaras worldwide. Free Langar (community meals) is also served to all visitors regardless of faith, nationality, or background. Absolutely. Gurdwara Mata Sahib Kaur warmly welcomes visitors of all faiths, backgrounds, and nationalities. Visitors are asked to cover their heads, remove shoes before entering, and dress modestly. Free Langar is served to everyone, and the annual Vaisakhi Mela is specifically designed to welcome the broader community. ### history Gurdwara Mata Sahib Kaur was founded by the Sikh community of Long Island when the congregation outgrew the Gurdwara Guru Gobind Singh Sikh Center in Plainview. The 15-acre property at 100 Lattingtown Road was purchased for $1.2 million. The gurdwara is named after Mata Sahib Kaur, the wife of Guru Gobind Singh Ji and revered 'Mother of the Khalsa.' The first head granthi was Singh Sahib Gyani Jagtar Singh Jachak. Mata Sahib Kaur (1681–1747) was the wife of Guru Gobind Singh Ji, the Tenth Sikh Guru, and is universally revered as the 'Mother of the Khalsa.' She is believed to have participated in the first Amrit-Sanchaar (initiation ceremony of the Khalsa) on Vaisakhi 1699 by adding Pataasay (sugar) to the Amrit, symbolizing compassion and grace. All initiated Sikhs (Amritdharis) consider her their spiritual mother. ### transport From Manhattan, take the I-495 (Long Island Expressway) east to Exit 39N, then follow Northern Boulevard (NY-107) north toward Glen Cove; the gurdwara is at 100 Lattingtown Road. By train, take the Long Island Rail Road (Oyster Bay Branch) to Glen Cove station — the journey from Penn Station takes just over an hour. Rideshare services are available from the station. ### events The Annual Vaisakhi Mela is a large cultural and community festival held each spring at Gurdwara Mata Sahib Kaur to celebrate Vaisakhi — the Sikh New Year and the anniversary of the founding of the Khalsa in 1699. By its 13th edition in 2017, the mela drew approximately 12,000 visitors. The event features free food and drinks, health screenings, kids' carnival activities, cultural performances, shopping, mehndi (henna), and a photo booth. It welcomes visitors of all faiths. Suggest an Edit Upload Photos ![Marker](https://unpkg.com/leaflet@1.9.4/dist/images/marker-icon.png) Glen Cove Gurdwara Leaflet Get Directions → ### Contribute Help improve this page. Suggest edits, add photos, or share information about this Gurdwara. Suggest an Edit