# Gurdwara Guru Nanak Darbar Tat Khalsa Dewan - History, Timings & Visitor Guide | GurdwaraSahib.in > Guru Nanak Darbar Tatt Khalsa Diwan, Kuala Lumpur — Southeast Asia's largest Sikh gurdwara, founded 1919, open daily with free langar for all. ![Gurdwara Guru Nanak Darbar Tat Khalsa Dewan](https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/thumb.php?f=Gurdwara%20Guru%20Nanak%20Darbar%20Tat%20Khalsa%20Dewan.jpg&w=1200) Historical regional # Gurdwara Guru Nanak Darbar Tat Khalsa Dewan Get Directions Share: Entry: Dress Code: Gurdwara Guru Nanak Darbar Tat Khalsa Dewan — formally known as Sri Guru Nanak Darbar Tatt Khalsa Diwan Selangor — stands as the largest Sikh gurdwara in Malaysia and, by land size, in the whole of Southeast Asia. Situated at 24, Jalan Raja Alang in the Chow Kit district of Kuala Lumpur, this magnificent place of worship serves as the spiritual and cultural heartland for Malaysia's approximately 75,000 Sikhs, as well as an open sanctuary for people of all faiths and backgrounds. The gurdwara is set within the bustling urban fabric of Kuala Lumpur's Chow Kit neighborhood, yet it radiates an unmistakable serenity that draws worshippers, pilgrims, and curious visitors alike. Its soaring domes and gleaming facades offer a striking visual counterpoint to the city skyline, and it has long been one of the most photographed religious sites in the Malaysian capital. The main building backs onto Wisma Tatt Khalsa, a multi-storey commercial complex facing Jalan Raja Bot, giving the institution both a religious and community-facing character. At the heart of the gurdwara is the Darbar Sahib on the first floor, where the Guru Granth Sahib Ji — the eternal living Guru and holy scripture of the Sikhs — is enshrined with the utmost reverence. The ground floor houses a generous langar hall and kitchen, where free community meals are prepared and served three times daily to all who come, irrespective of religion, caste, or nationality. A basement car park accommodates the steady stream of visitors and worshippers. The gurdwara is governed by the Tatt Khalsa Diwan Selangor, one of the oldest Sikh religious organizations in the region, which has steered the institution's affairs since its formal establishment in 1919. The institution also administers educational programs, including Gurmukhi and Punjabi language classes, upholding the tradition set by its founders of nurturing both spiritual and intellectual development in the Sikh diaspora. Welcoming all visitors seven days a week, the gurdwara offers a rare experience of inclusive hospitality: its langar is open to everyone, its prayer hall is accessible to those of any faith, and its atmosphere of calm devotion — marked by the continuous recitation of Gurbani — provides solace amidst the energy of Kuala Lumpur. Whether one comes to pray, to eat, to learn, or simply to witness one of Southeast Asia's most significant Sikh institutions, the Guru Nanak Darbar Tatt Khalsa Diwan delivers an experience of rare spiritual and cultural depth. ## Significance Gurdwara Guru Nanak Darbar Tatt Khalsa Diwan holds a position of supreme religious and cultural importance within the Sikh diaspora of Southeast Asia. Named in honor of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the founder of Sikhism, the gurdwara embodies the core Sikh values of sewa (selfless service), sangat (holy congregation), and pangat (communal eating) — principles that Guru Nanak himself established as the pillars of a just and spiritual life. The presence of the Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji in the Darbar Sahib gives the gurdwara its ultimate sanctity. In Sikh theology, the Guru Granth Sahib is not merely a book but the living, eternal Guru, and the space in which it resides becomes a sacred axis for all who enter. Continuous kirtan (devotional singing) and path (scripture recitation) fill the prayer hall, creating an atmosphere of unbroken divine presence. The institution's langar — free communal meals served three times daily — is among its most celebrated features, symbolizing the Sikh principle of equality: all who enter are seated and fed together, without distinction. This practice has provided genuine relief to thousands of underprivileged Kuala Lumpur residents over the decades. The gurdwara also plays a vital role in preserving Punjabi language and Sikh cultural identity among the Malaysian diaspora, through its language classes and religious education programs. Major Sikh festivals such as Guru Nanak Gurpurab, Baisakhi, and Diwali (Bandi Chhor Divas) are celebrated here with great fervor, bringing the community together and attracting visitors from across Malaysia and beyond. The gurdwara stands as a living symbol of the Sikh community's century-long contribution to Malaysian society. ## Nearby Gurdwaras ### Gurdwara Sahib Police Parliament Kuala Lumpur Malaysia 1.8 km away Sunday mornings 5:00 AM – 8:00 AM (weekl... Gurdwara Sahib Police Parliament Kuala Lumpur, located at No. 3, Jalan Parliament, 50480 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, is one of the most historically significant Sikh places of worship in Southeast Asia. Established in 1890 during the British colonial era, it holds the distinction of being the first Sikh police gurdwara in Kuala Lumpur and, remarkably, the oldest gurdwara in Malaysia that still retains its original 19th-century structure. This makes it not only a living place of active worship but also an irreplaceable architectural and cultural heritage site. Nestled near the Malaysian Houses of Parliament, the Perdana Botanical Garden (formerly Lake Gardens), and the Masjid Negara, this unassuming yet deeply venerated gurdwara stands as a living monument to the extraordinary contribution of Sikhs to the Federated Malay States Police force. At the height of Sikh service in colonial Malaya, Sikhs constituted more than half of the entire FMS Police strength, and the colonial government recognised their spiritual needs by constructing dedicated places of worship. The Jalan Parliament gurdwara was the first and most enduring of these establishments. Unlike many modern gurdwaras that have been rebuilt or heavily renovated over the decades, Gurdwara Sahib Police Parliament retains its colonial-era character — its simple, whitewashed structure standing in dignified contrast to the busy government district that surrounds it. This architectural continuity is itself a form of heritage preservation, connecting the present community to its 19th-century origins. The gurdwara primarily serves the spiritual needs of Sikh personnel in the Royal Malaysian Police (PDRM) and their families, though all are welcome to attend. Located within a police compound, it maintains an intimate, community-focused character that distinguishes it from larger, more publicly accessible gurdwaras across Malaysia. Worshippers gather every Sunday morning from 5:00 AM to 8:00 AM for Asa Di War Kirtan — the morning hymns — followed by Katha (scriptural discourse) and Ardas (congregational prayer). On the first Friday of each month, the Sikh Naujawan (youth) programme is held at noon, after which Guru ka Langar, the blessed community meal, is served to all present. The congregation is a close-knit community of serving and retired Sikh police officers, their families, and devoted members of the wider Kuala Lumpur Sikh community. Visitors wishing to attend are advised to contact the Gurdwara Sahib Management Committee or arrange entry through the police force, as the gurdwara is situated within a police area. For devotees, historians, and heritage enthusiasts alike, this gurdwara offers a rare and irreplaceable window into over 130 years of Sikh faith, service, and sacrifice in Malaysia. Historical ### Gurdwara Sahib Sentul Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia 2.2 km away Gurdwara Sahib Sentul is a community gurdwara that serves as a center for worship, congregation, and social services for the local Sikh community located in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. It is situated in Malaysia, where the Sikh community has deep historical roots dating back to the British colonial period. As with all gurdwaras, Gurdwara Sahib Sentul 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 ![Gurdwara Sahib Police High Street Kualalumpur](https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/thumb.php?f=Gurdwara%20Jalan%20Balai%20Polis%201.jpg&w=600) ### Gurdwara Sahib Police High Street Kualalumpur Malaysia 2.6 km away Open daily; main Diwan (congregation) ty... Gurdwara Sahib Police High Street Kuala Lumpur is one of the oldest and most historically significant Sikh places of worship in Malaysia, standing as a living testament to the enduring legacy of the Sikh community's contribution to law enforcement in colonial and post-colonial Malaya. Located in the heart of Kuala Lumpur near the historic district of Petaling Street, this gurdwara was established in 1898 by the Federated Malay States (FMS) Police, making it the second police gurdwara to be constructed in the Malayan peninsula. The first had been established in 1890 at Jalan Parlimen, also in Kuala Lumpur. The gurdwara's origins are deeply intertwined with the history of Sikh migration to Southeast Asia. Beginning in the 1870s, Captain Tristram Speedy, a British officer and former police superintendent, initiated the recruitment of Punjabi Sikhs to serve in the Malayan police force. These early recruits were initially deployed to assist Ngah Ibrahim, the territorial chief of Larut in Perak, in restoring order amidst conflicts between rival Chinese triads competing for control of tin mining operations. Their discipline, loyalty, and capability proved so valuable that Sikh officers soon became an integral part of the FMS Police, eventually comprising more than half of the force's total personnel at the time of the gurdwara's construction. The gurdwara served not merely as a spiritual refuge but as a multifunctional community hub for Sikh police personnel and their families. Over the decades, it provided temporary accommodation for officers between postings, hosted what is believed to be the first Punjabi-medium school in Malaya during the 1930s, and functioned as a centre for religious ceremonies and social gatherings. Its langar hall — the communal kitchen that is a hallmark of every Sikh gurdwara — has long served free meals to devotees, visitors, and the wider community regardless of faith or background, embodying the Sikh principle of seva. Despite its age and undeniable historical value, the gurdwara has faced challenges in securing formal heritage recognition, which would enable more comprehensive restoration efforts. Termite damage to wooden ceilings and walls, as well as general structural deterioration, has been a concern for community leaders and preservationists. Advocacy for its gazettement as a national heritage site has been ongoing, with supporters citing that the structure has stood for more than 125 years and represents a unique confluence of Sikh, British colonial, and Malaysian institutional history. Today, Gurdwara Sahib Police High Street continues to serve the Sikh community of Kuala Lumpur as an active place of worship, a repository of living history, and a symbol of the Sikh people's deep-rooted connection to Malaysia's cultural and institutional development. Historical ### Gurdwara Sahib Ampang Majlis Perbandaran Ampang Jaya, Malaysia 5.7 km away Gurdwara Sahib Ampang is a community gurdwara that serves as a center for worship, congregation, and social services for the local Sikh community located in Malaysia. It is situated in Malaysia, where the Sikh community has deep historical roots dating back to the British colonial period. As with all gurdwaras, Gurdwara Sahib Ampang 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 story of Gurdwara Guru Nanak Darbar Tatt Khalsa Diwan is inseparable from the broader history of Sikhism in colonial Malaya. Sikh men began arriving in the Malay Peninsula as early as the 1870s, recruited by British colonial authorities to serve as soldiers and police officers. By the early twentieth century, a vibrant Sikh community had taken root in Kuala Lumpur, with many settlers engaged as bullock cart drivers, dairy farmers, watchmen, and merchants in the Setapak and Ampang areas. The origins of this gurdwara trace directly to 1918, when Bhai Kala Singh Kheda, a Sikh resident of the General Hospital quarters, organized a Jormela (religious gathering) by converting an empty hospital ward into a temporary Gurdwara Sahib. This act of devotion kindled a collective resolve. In 1919, the Sikh community formally passed a resolution to rent premises at Number 13, Pahang Road, Kuala Lumpur, installing the Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji there and simultaneously establishing the Tatt Khalsa Diwan Selangor as its managing body. At the Vaisakhi celebrations of April 1920, Bhai Kala Singh moved a proposal — unanimously approved — for a purpose-built gurdwara and Punjabi school. Fundraising began in earnest, drawing contributions from across the community. The Tatt Khalsa Diwan Selangor Gurdwara Sahib and Punjabi school were completed in early 1924 at a total cost of Straits Settlements $17,200. On Vaisakhi day, 13th April 1924, Bhai Waryam Singh Bhinder — who became the first President of the Management Committee — formally declared the gurdwara open. The inaugural committee was composed largely of Malwais, migrants from the Malwa region of Punjab, reflecting the community's origins. Decades passed, and as the Sikh congregation grew, so did the need for larger, more modern facilities. Planning for a grand new gurdwara began in the 1990s, inspired by the architectural heritage of the Guru Arjun Dev Ji period. The groundbreaking ceremony for the new building was held on 14th April 1999. This ambitious project was completed with a soft opening on 10th April 2002. The present building was constructed at a cost of RM4.3 million and is designed to accommodate a Darbar Sahib seating approximately 1,500 worshippers — a scale befitting its status as the largest Sikh gurdwara in Southeast Asia by land size. ## Structures in the Complex ### Darbar Sahib (Main Prayer Hall) prayer_hall Located on the first floor, the Darbar Sahib is the spiritual heart of the gurdwara, where the Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji is enshrined beneath the central golden dome. The hall seats approximately 1,500 worshippers and is adorned with ten full-length bay windows featuring motifs from Gurbani and the artistic traditions of the Guru period. ### Central Dome tower The crowning architectural feature of the gurdwara, the central dome is modelled on the form of the iconic dome of the Harmandir Sahib (Golden Temple) in Amritsar. Covered in gold mosaic with a star-lit interior ceiling, it is topped by a shatri (miniature umbrella), symbolising divine shelter for all humanity. ### Langar Hall and Kitchen langar_hall Occupying the ground floor, the spacious langar hall and attached kitchen serve free community meals three times daily to all visitors regardless of faith, caste, or background. During major festivals, the kitchen operates at expanded capacity to serve thousands, and volunteer seva (service) is actively welcomed. ### Four Corner Minarets tower Four towers, each topped with a minaret-style dome embellished with dome-shaped concrete lotus petals and lotus seeds, anchor the four corners of the building. These minarets give the gurdwara a distinctly Sikh sacred character while echoing the architectural vocabulary of classical Punjabi gurdwara design. ### Wisma Tatt Khalsa museum Adjacent and connected back-to-back to the gurdwara, Wisma Tatt Khalsa is a multi-storey building facing Jalan Raja Bot. It houses the administrative offices of the Tatt Khalsa Diwan Selangor as well as the Punjabi language school, classrooms for Gurmukhi instruction, and other community services. ## Visitor Information ### Dress Code Head covering is mandatory (scarves provided at the entrance); shoes must be removed before entering; modest, respectful clothing is expected. ### Photography Photography is generally permitted in the outer areas; photography inside the Darbar Sahib should be done respectfully and discreetly. Check with the sevadars on site. ### Etiquette Bow respectfully before the Guru Granth Sahib Ji upon entering the Darbar Sahib. Maintain silence in the prayer hall. Do not carry tobacco, alcohol, or meat onto the premises. All visitors are welcome regardless of religion. ## Climate & Best Time to Visit ## Langar (Free Community Kitchen) The ground-floor dining hall can accommodate hundreds of diners per sitting, serving thousands of meals each week. Seating Capacity ## Architecture Gurdwara Guru Nanak Darbar Tatt Khalsa Diwan is a striking two-storey structure whose design concept draws inspiration from the art and architecture of the period of Guru Arjun Dev Ji, the fifth Sikh Guru. The most visually prominent feature is the central dome, which closely resembles in form the iconic golden dome of the Harmandir Sahib (Golden Temple) in Amritsar. This central dome is adorned with gold mosaic, and its interior ceiling is decorated with tiny lights arranged to evoke a starlit sky above the Guru Granth Sahib Ji. Four corner towers, each topped with a minaret-like dome, anchor the building's silhouette against the Kuala Lumpur skyline. The domes are embellished with dome-shaped concrete lotus petals and lotus seeds at their bases, while the topmost pinnacle of the central dome bears a miniature umbrella — the shatri — symbolizing divine shelter for all of humanity. The main facade features ten full-length bay windows carrying salient motifs from Gurbani and the art of the Guru period, rendered in vibrant decorative detail. The main Darbar Sahib on the first floor can seat approximately 1,500 worshippers. The ground floor contains a large dining hall and langar kitchen capable of feeding hundreds at a sitting, while the basement provides dedicated parking. The entire complex is connected back-to-back with the multi-storey Wisma Tatt Khalsa commercial building on Jalan Raja Bot. ## Structures in the Complex ### Darbar Sahib (Main Prayer Hall) prayer_hall Located on the first floor, the Darbar Sahib is the spiritual heart of the gurdwara, where the Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji is enshrined beneath the central golden dome. The hall seats approximately 1,500 worshippers and is adorned with ten full-length bay windows featuring motifs from Gurbani and the artistic traditions of the Guru period. ### Central Dome tower The crowning architectural feature of the gurdwara, the central dome is modelled on the form of the iconic dome of the Harmandir Sahib (Golden Temple) in Amritsar. Covered in gold mosaic with a star-lit interior ceiling, it is topped by a shatri (miniature umbrella), symbolising divine shelter for all humanity. ### Langar Hall and Kitchen langar_hall Occupying the ground floor, the spacious langar hall and attached kitchen serve free community meals three times daily to all visitors regardless of faith, caste, or background. During major festivals, the kitchen operates at expanded capacity to serve thousands, and volunteer seva (service) is actively welcomed. ### Four Corner Minarets tower Four towers, each topped with a minaret-style dome embellished with dome-shaped concrete lotus petals and lotus seeds, anchor the four corners of the building. These minarets give the gurdwara a distinctly Sikh sacred character while echoing the architectural vocabulary of classical Punjabi gurdwara design. ### Wisma Tatt Khalsa museum Adjacent and connected back-to-back to the gurdwara, Wisma Tatt Khalsa is a multi-storey building facing Jalan Raja Bot. It houses the administrative offices of the Tatt Khalsa Diwan Selangor as well as the Punjabi language school, classrooms for Gurmukhi instruction, and other community services. ## Events & Celebrations ### gurpurab #### Guru Nanak Gurpurab The birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, founder of Sikhism, is the most important festival celebrated at this gurdwara. Celebrations include Akhand Path (uninterrupted 48-hour reading of the Guru Granth Sahib Ji), nagar kirtan (street procession), extended kirtan programmes, and a grand langar serving thousands of visitors from across Malaysia and beyond. #### Gurpurabs of the Ten Sikh Gurus The birth and martyrdom anniversaries of all ten Sikh Gurus are observed throughout the year with special prayers, kirtan programmes, and extended langar. Particularly notable are the Gurpurabs of Guru Gobind Singh Ji (January) and Guru Arjun Dev Ji (June, commemorating his martyrdom). ### festival #### Vaisakhi Vaisakhi, celebrated in April, commemorates both the Sikh New Year and the founding of the Khalsa by Guru Gobind Singh Ji in 1699. It holds particular historical significance at this gurdwara, as the original building was inaugurated on Vaisakhi day in 1924. The day is marked by kirtan, processions, and communal feasting. #### Bandi Chhor Divas (Sikh Diwali) Celebrated on the same day as the Hindu festival of Diwali, Bandi Chhor Divas commemorates the release of Guru Hargobind Ji from the Gwalior Fort along with 52 fellow prisoners. The gurdwara is illuminated with lights and diyas, and special kirtan programmes and langar are organized. ### weekly #### Weekly Sunday Diwan Every Sunday, the gurdwara hosts a well-attended congregational diwan (religious gathering) featuring kirtan, katha (religious discourse), and an especially large langar session. The Sunday diwan draws worshippers from across Kuala Lumpur and the surrounding Klang Valley area. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### visiting The gurdwara is open daily with prayers commencing from early morning. The langar (free community meals) is served three times a day. Sunday mornings are particularly lively with a large congregation. For precise prayer timings, contact the gurdwara at +60 3-2692 2215. Yes. All visitors must cover their heads — scarves are available at the entrance if you do not have one. Shoes must be removed before entering. Modest clothing is expected. Tobacco, alcohol, and meat are not permitted on the premises. Visitors of all religions are warmly welcomed. Yes. Langar — a free communal meal — is served three times daily to all visitors regardless of religion, caste, or nationality. It is one of the central traditions of Sikhism and a major service offered by this gurdwara. Special extended langar sessions are held during festivals like Guru Nanak Gurpurab and Vaisakhi. Major Sikh festivals celebrated here include Guru Nanak Gurpurab (birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, in November), Vaisakhi (Sikh New Year and Khalsa founding day, in April), Bandi Chhor Divas (Sikh Diwali), and the Gurpurabs of other Sikh Gurus. These occasions draw large crowds and feature extended kirtan, nagar kirtan processions, and special langar. Yes. The gurdwara has a dedicated basement car park for visitors. It is advisable to arrive early during festivals and Sunday mornings as the car park fills quickly. ### history The gurdwara traces its origins to 1918, when Bhai Kala Singh Kheda organized the first Sikh religious gathering in Kuala Lumpur. In 1919, the community formally established a gurdwara at Pahang Road and founded the Tatt Khalsa Diwan Selangor as its managing body. The first purpose-built gurdwara was inaugurated on Vaisakhi day, 13th April 1924. The current grand building was completed in 2002 and is the largest Sikh gurdwara in Southeast Asia by land size. 'Tatt Khalsa' refers to the orthodox Sikh reformist movement that emphasised strict adherence to Sikh scripture and tradition. 'Diwan' means assembly or congregation. The Tatt Khalsa Diwan Selangor, established in 1919, has governed this gurdwara for over a century and is one of the oldest Sikh religious organizations in Malaysia. ### transport The gurdwara is located at 24, Jalan Raja Alang, Chow Kit, 50300 Kuala Lumpur. By LRT, alight at Titiwangsa station and walk to the gurdwara. By bus, take routes 11 or 77 to the Chow Kit stop; the Pasar Chow Kit bus stop (KL69) is just 298 metres away. Grab and taxis are also readily available. Suggest an Edit Upload Photos ![Marker](https://unpkg.com/leaflet@1.9.4/dist/images/marker-icon.png) Gurdwara Guru Nanak Darbar Tat Khalsa Dewan Leaflet Get Directions → ### Contribute Help improve this page. Suggest edits, add photos, or share information about this Gurdwara. Suggest an Edit