# Guru Ram Das Gurdwara, Eugene - GurdwaraSahib.in > Guru Ram Das Gurdwara is a community gurdwara that serves as a center for worship, congregation, and social services for the local Sikh community located in Canada. It is situated in Canada, home to a large and thriving Sikh community that has made significant cultural contributions to Canadian society. As with all gurdwaras, Guru Ram Das Gurdwara 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). # Guru Ram Das Gurdwara Get Directions Share: Entry: Dress Code: Guru Ram Das Gurdwara is a community gurdwara that serves as a center for worship, congregation, and social services for the local Sikh community located in Canada. It is situated in Canada, home to a large and thriving Sikh community that has made significant cultural contributions to Canadian society. As with all gurdwaras, Guru Ram Das Gurdwara 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 ### Sikh Gurdwara of Eugene United States 2 m away Services held regularly; contact gurdwar... The Sikh Gurdwara of Eugene, formally known as Guru Ram Das Gurdwara, is a Sikh place of worship and spiritual community center located at 3635 Hilyard Street in Eugene, Oregon. One of the earliest Sikh gurdwaras established in the Pacific Northwest, it stands as a pioneering institution in the history of American Sikhism, having been founded in 1970 as part of the 3HO (Healthy, Happy, Holy Organization) and Sikh Dharma movement led by Yogi Bhajan. This makes it among the oldest Western Sikh congregations continuously operating in the United States. Situated in a quiet, tree-lined neighborhood near Amazon Park in south Eugene, the gurdwara serves the Sikh community of Eugene, Springfield, and surrounding towns in Lane County. The congregation is notably multicultural, drawing both South Asian Sikhs and a significant number of Western converts who joined the faith through Yogi Bhajan's teachings. This distinctive blend gives the Eugene gurdwara a character unlike many other Sikh congregations in North America, seamlessly weaving together the timeless Punjabi Sikh tradition with the spiritual seeking spirit of the American West. The gurdwara is deeply embedded in Eugene's broader religious and civic landscape. Following the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, congregation members co-founded the Interfaith Prayer Service International, a non-profit dedicated to building bridges among faith communities. This initiative grew into the longest-running interfaith service in the United States, reflecting the community's deep commitment to dialogue and solidarity across religious lines. The gurdwara also carries out social service work in the spirit of Sikh seva (selfless service), including hosting breakfasts for homeless individuals six times per year. As a center for Kundalini yoga—a spiritual practice popularized in the West by Yogi Bhajan—the gurdwara has attracted practitioners and seekers well beyond the immediate Sikh community, creating a welcoming space for those exploring spiritual wellness alongside religious practice. The community also bears a notable entrepreneurial legacy: its members established Golden Temple Foods in Eugene in the early 1970s, which grew into the nationally recognized Yogi Tea brand. Visitors to the Sikh Gurdwara of Eugene find a warm, open community welcoming people of all backgrounds. All are invited to attend religious services, share in langar (the free community meal), and experience the tranquility of the Guru's presence. Whether a Sikh seeking congregation or a curious visitor, the Eugene gurdwara offers an authentic and meaningful spiritual experience rooted in over five decades of community life in Oregon. Historical ## 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 No, there is no entry fee at Guru Ram Das Gurdwara. 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. When visiting Guru Ram Das Gurdwara, 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. Absolutely! Guru Ram Das Gurdwara 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. Photography is generally permitted in the outer premises of Guru Ram Das Gurdwara. 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. Guru Ram Das Gurdwara 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 Yes, Guru Ram Das Gurdwara 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 Guru Ram Das Gurdwara 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. Guru Ram Das Gurdwara is located, Canada. The GPS coordinates are 44.0167°N, -123.0816°E. You can use map navigation apps for precise directions. Public transportation and ride-sharing services can help you reach the Gurdwara. ### accessibility Accessibility features vary at Guru Ram Das Gurdwara. Many Gurdwara Sahibs are working to improve accessibility for visitors with mobility challenges. Please contact Guru Ram Das Gurdwara management directly for the most current accessibility information and any special arrangements that can be made. ### accommodation Many Gurdwara Sahibs offer basic accommodation (Sarai) for travellers and pilgrims at no charge or minimal cost. Availability at Guru Ram Das Gurdwara may vary. It is recommended to contact the Gurdwara management in advance to check current accommodation facilities and make any necessary arrangements. Suggest an Edit Upload Photos ![Marker](https://unpkg.com/leaflet@1.9.4/dist/images/marker-icon.png) Guru Ram Das Gurdwara Leaflet Get Directions → ### Contribute Help improve this page. Suggest edits, add photos, or share information about this Gurdwara. Suggest an Edit