# Gurdwara Sahib, Coffs Harbour City Council - GurdwaraSahib.in > Source: https://gurdwarasahib.in/gurdwara/gurdwara-sahib-au-w691039532 Gurdwara Sahib is a community gurdwara that serves as a center for worship, congregation, and social services for the local Sikh community located in Australia. It is situated in Australia, where the Sikh community has grown significantly in recent decades. As with all gurdwaras, Gurdwara Sahib 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). ## Significance The gurdwara serves as a vital spiritual and community center. In Sikh tradition, a gurdwara is not merely a place of worship but a center for learning, community service, and social equality. The institution of Langar (community kitchen), Sangat (congregation), and Pangat (eating together in rows) are practiced here, reinforcing the Sikh values of equality and brotherhood. ## Nearby Gurdwaras [☯ ### Guru Nanak Gurdwara Indian Temple Australia 349 m away 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM daily; Morning prayers... Guru Nanak Gurdwara Indian Temple, widely known as the 'Temple on the Hill,' stands as one of Australia's most iconic Sikh places of worship, located at 1–13 River Street in Woolgoolga, New South Wales — a coastal town approximately 26 kilometres north of Coffs Harbour. Opened on 3 January 1970, the gurdwara is the spiritual and cultural heart of what is recognised as Australia's largest regional Sikh settlement, where the Punjabi Sikh community constitutes more than 25 per cent of Woolgoolga's population of over 5,000 residents. The temple serves all people regardless of faith, caste, race, or background, embodying the foundational Sikh principle of universal brotherhood. Each Sunday, approximately 200 Sikh families gather from the early hours of 4 AM for communal prayers (diwan), and the gurdwara's langar hall provides a free vegetarian meal to every visitor — a tradition central to Sikh hospitality and egalitarianism. The gurdwara is named in honour of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the founder of Sikhism, born in 1469 in the Punjab region of what is today Pakistan. His teachings of monotheism, equality, and selfless service (seva) form the bedrock of Sikh life and are actively practised within this community. The temple complex features a Darbar Sahib (main prayer hall), langar hall, and facilities for religious education. Directly across River Street, the Sikh Heritage Museum of Australia — opened on 12 April 2019 — tells the remarkable story of Punjabi Sikh migration to Australia and is closely linked to the gurdwara in spirit and purpose. Visitors are welcome daily between 9 AM and 6 PM. Morning prayers begin at 5 AM and evening prayers at 6 PM. The temple was granted listing on the NSW State Heritage Register in 2024, recognising its exceptional cultural and historical importance to the story of multicultural Australia. It is a must-visit destination for anyone travelling the Coffs Coast, offering spiritual reflection, cultural learning, and the warmth of langar hospitality. Community](https://gurdwarasahib.in/gurdwara/guru-nanak-gurdwara-indian-temple-au-n298940689) ## Visitor Information ### Dress Code Modest clothing covering arms and legs. Head must be covered at all times inside the Gurdwara. ☯ ### Head Covering Free head coverings (rumaals) are available at the entrance for all visitors. ### Shoe Storage Remove shoes before entering. Free shoe storage (Jora Ghar) is available at the entrance. ### Photography Photography is generally permitted in the outer premises. Please be respectful inside the main prayer hall. ### Etiquette Wash hands and feet before entering. Sit on the floor facing the Guru Granth Sahib Ji. Do not point feet towards the Guru Granth Sahib. ## Climate & Best Time to Visit ## Langar (Free Community Kitchen) The Gurdwara operates a free community kitchen (Langar) serving vegetarian meals to all visitors. Langar embodies the Sikh principles of equality, sharing, and selfless service (Seva). Everyone sits together on the floor (Pangat) regardless of background. ## Events & Celebrations ### gurpurab #### Vaisakhi Vaisakhi marks the birth of the Khalsa in 1699 by Guru Gobind Singh Ji. This major Sikh festival celebrates the creation of the Sikh community of initiated men and women. Special prayers, processions (Nagar Kirtan), and extended Langar are organized. April 14 #### Guru Gobind Singh Ji Gurpurab Celebrates the birth anniversary of Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji, the tenth Sikh Guru who created the Khalsa. Special prayers, Kirtan, Akhand Path, and community celebrations mark this important day. January (varies by lunar calendar) #### Maghi Commemorates the martyrdom of the Chali Mukte (40 Liberated Ones) who sacrificed their lives in the Battle of Muktsar in 1705. Special Kirtan and prayers honour these brave Sikhs who returned to fight alongside Guru Gobind Singh Ji. January 14 #### Hola Mohalla A Sikh festival of martial arts and valor, established by Guru Gobind Singh Ji as an alternative to the Hindu festival of Holi. Features martial arts displays (Gatka), mock battles, music, poetry, and community feasts. March (day after Holi) #### Guru Nanak Dev Ji Gurpurab Celebrates the birth anniversary of Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the founder of Sikhism. Akhand Path (48-hour continuous reading of Guru Granth Sahib Ji) is held, followed by Nagar Kirtan, special Kirtan Darbars, and extended Langar Seva. November (varies by lunar calendar) #### Bandi Chhor Divas The Sikh Festival of Liberation, celebrated on the same day as Diwali. It commemorates the release of Guru Hargobind Ji and 52 Hindu kings from Gwalior Fort. The Gurdwara is illuminated with lights and candles. October/November (varies by lunar calendar) ## Frequently Asked Questions ### visiting Is there an entry fee at Gurdwara Sahib? No, there is no entry fee at Gurdwara Sahib. Like all Gurdwara Sahibs, it is open to everyone free of charge, regardless of faith, caste, or background. Visitors are welcome to attend prayers, participate in Langar, and explore the premises. What should I wear when visiting Gurdwara Sahib? When visiting Gurdwara Sahib, wear modest clothing that covers your arms and legs. All visitors must cover their head inside the Gurdwara — free head coverings (rumaals) are available at the entrance. Remove shoes before entering the prayer hall; shoe storage is provided. Can non-Sikhs visit Gurdwara Sahib? Absolutely! Gurdwara Sahib warmly welcomes visitors of all faiths and backgrounds. Sikh Gurdwaras are open to everyone. Non-Sikh visitors are encouraged to attend prayers, enjoy Langar (free community meal), and learn about Sikh traditions. Just follow basic etiquette: cover your head and remove shoes. Can I take photos at Gurdwara Sahib? Photography is generally permitted in the outer premises of Gurdwara Sahib. However, please be respectful inside the main prayer hall (Darbar Sahib) and avoid using flash. Video recording during prayer services should be done discreetly. Always ask permission before photographing individuals. What are the visiting hours of Gurdwara Sahib? Gurdwara Sahib is generally open from early morning (around 4:00-5:00 AM) until late evening (9:00-10:00 PM). The morning prayers (Amrit Vela) begin at dawn, and evening prayers (Rehras Sahib) are held at sunset. Langar timings may vary. For exact hours, please contact the Gurdwara management. ### langar Is free food available at Gurdwara Sahib? Yes, Gurdwara Sahib serves free vegetarian meals through Langar, the Sikh community kitchen. Langar is available to all visitors regardless of background. Everyone sits together on the floor (Pangat), embodying the Sikh principle of equality. The food is prepared by volunteers as an act of selfless service (Seva). ### logistics Where can I park at Gurdwara Sahib? Gurdwara Sahib typically has parking facilities for visitors. During major events and festivals, additional parking arrangements are usually made. For specific parking information, it is recommended to contact the Gurdwara management directly or visit during non-peak hours for easier parking. How do I reach Gurdwara Sahib? Gurdwara Sahib is located, Australia. The GPS coordinates are -30.1141°N, 153.1940°E. You can use map navigation apps for precise directions. Public transportation and ride-sharing services can help you reach the Gurdwara. ### accessibility Is Gurdwara Sahib wheelchair accessible? Accessibility features vary at Gurdwara Sahib. Many Gurdwara Sahibs are working to improve accessibility for visitors with mobility challenges. Please contact Gurdwara Sahib management directly for the most current accessibility information and any special arrangements that can be made. ### accommodation Is accommodation available at Gurdwara Sahib? Many Gurdwara Sahibs offer basic accommodation (Sarai) for travellers and pilgrims at no charge or minimal cost. Availability at Gurdwara Sahib may vary. It is recommended to contact the Gurdwara management in advance to check current accommodation facilities and make any necessary arrangements.