# Shri Guru Ravidass Temple Hastings - History, Timings & Visitor Guide | GurdwaraSahib.in > Shri Guru Ravidass Temple Hastings, NZ — a Ravidassia community temple with a golden Punjabi dome, free langar, and rich cultural heritage in Hawke's Bay. ![Shri Guru Ravidass Temple Hastings](https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/thumb.php?f=Shri%20Guru%20Ravidass%20Temple%20Hastings%2C%20New%20Zealand%2C%20May%202025.jpg&w=1200) Historical regional # Shri Guru Ravidass Temple Hastings Get Directions Share: Entry: Dress Code: The Shri Guru Ravidass Temple in Hastings, located on Havelock North Road in the Hawke's Bay region of New Zealand's North Island, is one of the most significant Ravidassia places of worship in the Southern Hemisphere. Situated at the outskirts of Havelock North — a leafy township adjacent to Hastings — the temple serves as the spiritual and cultural heart of the region's Ravidassia community, a distinct faith tradition rooted in the teachings of the 15th-century poet-saint Guru Ravidass. The temple is unmistakable on the landscape thanks to its striking four-metre golden dome, sourced from the Punjab region of India and shipped in a container halfway around the world. This gleaming structure crowns the main prayer hall and signals to all who pass that this is a sacred place of worship. In Ravidassia tradition, a dome represents the human head — the seat of intellect and devotion — and its completion marked a transformative moment in the temple's development. The complex includes a main darbar sahib (prayer hall), a dedicated dining room, two fully equipped kitchens, and modern bathroom facilities. Expansive grounds surround the buildings, with plans for a children's playground and an orchard of fruit trees that reflect the community's commitment to nurturing both spirit and body. The address — 193 Havelock North Road — places it in a semi-rural setting that evokes the agrarian roots of the Punjabi diaspora who established it. Visitors of all backgrounds are welcomed warmly, as openness and hospitality are cornerstones of the Ravidassia faith. The temple draws New Zealand's South Asian diaspora for weekly prayers, celebrations of holy days, and community gatherings where social issues, cultural identity, and spiritual life are discussed equally. It is far more than a house of worship; it is a community anchor where people sit, cook, share, and deliberate together — principles encapsulated in the temple's guiding motto. The Hastings Ravidassia community gained national recognition in February 2023 when, in the aftermath of Cyclone Gabrielle — one of New Zealand's worst natural disasters — temple volunteers cooked and delivered over 10,000 hot vegetarian meals to displaced and affected communities across Hastings and Napier, working in coordination with the nearby Sikh temple. This act of selfless service, known as seva, demonstrated the living values of the Ravidassia faith in action and cemented the temple's status as a pillar of the wider Hawke's Bay community. ## Significance The Shri Guru Ravidass Temple in Hastings holds deep religious and cultural significance for the Ravidassia community across New Zealand and the wider South Pacific. It is dedicated to Guru Ravidass (also spelled Ravidas or Raidas), a towering figure of India's Bhakti movement who lived approximately between 1450 and 1520 CE. Born in Varanasi (in present-day Uttar Pradesh), Guru Ravidass was a cobbler by caste — a group considered among the most marginalised in medieval Indian society — yet his poetry and teachings rose to such spiritual heights that 41 of his hymns were included in the Guru Granth Sahib, the holy scripture of Sikhism. Guru Ravidass's vision of Begampura — a utopian city without sorrow, taxation, or caste discrimination — remains central to Ravidassia theology. His teachings that all human beings are made of the same clay by the same creator, and that divine grace is available to all regardless of birth, give the Hastings temple its egalitarian ethos. The temple also serves as a living archive of the Ravidassia faith's evolution as a distinct religion. Following the 2009 assassination attempt on their spiritual leader in Vienna and the subsequent formal declaration of Ravidassia as an independent religion in January 2010, temples like the one in Hastings became important institutional anchors for a community defining its independent religious identity on the world stage. For the Hawke's Bay diaspora, the temple is a space of cultural continuity — a place where Punjabi language, food, music, and communal values are transmitted to New Zealand-born generations. It functions as a hub for social support, political discussion, and interfaith cooperation, regularly partnering with the Hastings Sikh community for joint events and relief efforts. ## Nearby Gurdwaras ![Sikh Temple Hastings](https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/thumb.php?f=Sikh%20Temple%20Hastings.jpg&w=600) ### Sikh Temple Hastings New Zealand 1.9 km away Open daily; the new facility is planned ... Sikh Temple Hastings, also known as Gurdwara Sahib Hastings, is the principal Sikh place of worship serving the Hawke's Bay region of New Zealand's North Island. Located in Hastings, the heart of the Hawke's Bay horticultural district, the gurdwara stands as a spiritual anchor for one of New Zealand's most vibrant regional Sikh communities, estimated at close to 2,000 members as of the early 2020s. The temple is situated near coordinates -39.6456°S, 176.8456°E, in a region characterized by fertile plains, orchards, and a warm climate that has long attracted Punjabi migrants who find parallels with their agricultural homeland. The gurdwara serves the dual role that is central to Sikhism: it is simultaneously a house of God and a community centre open to all people, regardless of faith, ethnicity, or background. Visitors are welcomed to participate in daily prayers (Nitnem), listen to kirtan (devotional singing), and partake in the langar — the free communal meal that is a cornerstone of Sikh egalitarian values. The temple's congregation has grown exponentially from just three or four families in the late 1980s to over 200 active Indian families by the 2010s, reflecting the broader wave of South Asian immigration to New Zealand following the country's shift to a race-neutral, points-based immigration system in 1987. The Hastings Sikh community is drawn to Hawke's Bay for reasons that echo historical patterns of Sikh migration worldwide: the region offers agricultural employment, a warm climate reminiscent of Punjab, and an established network of family and community ties. Fruit picking, dairy farming, and trades work have all brought Punjabi families to the area, and the temple has been instrumental in retaining them by providing a spiritual and cultural home. The gurdwara is managed by the local Sikh society and is affiliated with the broader New Zealand Sikh community. Plans for a new, purpose-built $4 million facility at 28 Richmond Road, Tomoana — on four hectares of land purchased in 2010 — were approved by the Hastings District Council in November 2019 after a lengthy consent process. This new complex, designed to accommodate up to 700 worshippers at major events, will include a library, a residence for the resident granthi (head priest), and community gardens, marking a new chapter in the temple's history. The gurdwara is a place of pilgrimage for Sikhs across New Zealand, and is regarded as a symbol of the community's deep roots and growing presence in Aotearoa. Historical ## Detailed History The story of the Shri Guru Ravidass Temple in Hastings is inseparable from the broader history of Punjabi immigration to New Zealand's Hawke's Bay region. Indian migrants, particularly from the Punjab region of northern India, began arriving in Hawke's Bay through the mid-to-late 20th century, drawn initially by agricultural and horticultural work in the apple orchards and vineyards that define the region. Among these settlers were many followers of the Ravidassia faith — devotees of Guru Ravidass, the revered 15th–16th century saint who preached equality, the oneness of God, and the rejection of caste. As the community grew, informal gatherings for prayer and recitation of Guru Ravidass's bani (hymns) took place in private homes. The need for a permanent, dedicated place of worship became increasingly clear. It is recorded that construction was initiated by the NZ Guru Ravidas Sabha and the Sangat (congregation) of New Zealand on 31 December 2001, marking the formal beginning of the temple project. An opening ceremony was subsequently performed on 6 March 2004 in the presence of Sant leaders and a large gathering of the congregation, formally consecrating the space for communal worship. In 2007, the community acquired the present land at Havelock North Road, enabling significant expansions and renovations to the property. Over the following years, the temple underwent a major transformation: the prayer hall was completed and furnished, a langar (community kitchen) dining room and two kitchens were added, and the complex was equipped with modern facilities. The most iconic addition came with the installation of a four-metre golden dome, crafted in Punjab, India, and transported to New Zealand in a shipping container. The dome's placement atop the main hall marked the temple's architectural completion and became a visible landmark in the Havelock North landscape. A defining chapter in the temple's history unfolded during Cyclone Gabrielle in February 2023. The temple's community, working alongside the Hastings Sikh Society, mobilised immediately after the disaster, cooking and delivering over 10,000 meals to affected residents. The response became a celebrated example of faith communities leading humanitarian relief efforts and brought the temple national attention. ## Structures in the Complex ### Main Darbar Sahib prayer_hall The central prayer hall of the temple, surmounted by the iconic four-metre golden dome imported from Punjab, India. This is where congregational prayers, kirtan (devotional music), and recitation of the Amritbani Guru Ravidass Ji take place. The hall is the spiritual core of the complex. ### Golden Dome tower A four-metre golden dome sourced from the Punjab region of India and installed atop the main prayer hall. Transported to New Zealand in a shipping container, the dome represents the human head in Ravidassia symbolism and serves as the temple's most recognisable architectural landmark. ### Langar Hall and Kitchen Complex langar_hall The temple includes a dedicated dining room and two fully equipped kitchens for the preparation and serving of langar — free vegetarian meals for all visitors. During Cyclone Gabrielle in 2023, these kitchens produced over 1,000 meals per day for disaster relief efforts. ### Entrance and Grounds entrance The temple is set within spacious grounds on Havelock North Road. The entrance area includes space for removing footwear and receiving head coverings. The outdoor grounds have plans for a children's playground and fruit orchards, envisioned as an extension of the community's spiritual and social mission. ### Community Meeting Area prayer_hall In addition to the main darbar sahib, the temple provides space for community meetings, social events, and discussions on political and community issues — in keeping with the Ravidassia principle that the faithful should sit, cook, share, and deliberate together. ## Visitor Information ### Dress Code Head covering required; remove shoes before entering; modest clothing recommended ### Photography Not confirmed; visitors should seek permission before photographing inside the prayer hall ### Etiquette Maintain silence and respect in the prayer hall; refrain from bringing tobacco, alcohol, or meat onto the premises; sit on the floor in the darbar sahib as is customary ## Climate & Best Time to Visit ## Langar (Free Community Kitchen) The dining room can accommodate a substantial congregation; during Cyclone Gabrielle relief in 2023, the community produced over 1,000 meals per day Seating Capacity ## Architecture The Shri Guru Ravidass Temple at Havelock North Road is a contemporary purpose-built Ravidassia place of worship that blends traditional North Indian temple aesthetics with practical community architecture suited to the New Zealand climate. The defining architectural feature is its four-metre golden dome — sourced directly from Punjab, India, and installed as the centrepiece of the main prayer hall roofline. In Ravidassia symbolism, the dome represents the human head, signifying the seat of wisdom and devotion, and visually distinguishes the building as a sacred space. The main darbar sahib (prayer hall) is the heart of the complex, designed to accommodate congregational prayer, kirtan (devotional music), and recitation of the Amritbani Guru Ravidass Ji — the central scripture of the Ravidassia faith. Adjacent to the hall is a spacious dining room and two fully equipped kitchens for langar service. The grounds are extensive, with open land earmarked for a children's playground and fruit orchards, reflecting the community's vision of a holistic spiritual and communal space. The overall construction reflects a community-built, incrementally developed model — expanded over years through collective effort and fundraising — giving the complex an organic character that mirrors the living faith of its congregation. ## Structures in the Complex ### Main Darbar Sahib prayer_hall The central prayer hall of the temple, surmounted by the iconic four-metre golden dome imported from Punjab, India. This is where congregational prayers, kirtan (devotional music), and recitation of the Amritbani Guru Ravidass Ji take place. The hall is the spiritual core of the complex. ### Golden Dome tower A four-metre golden dome sourced from the Punjab region of India and installed atop the main prayer hall. Transported to New Zealand in a shipping container, the dome represents the human head in Ravidassia symbolism and serves as the temple's most recognisable architectural landmark. ### Langar Hall and Kitchen Complex langar_hall The temple includes a dedicated dining room and two fully equipped kitchens for the preparation and serving of langar — free vegetarian meals for all visitors. During Cyclone Gabrielle in 2023, these kitchens produced over 1,000 meals per day for disaster relief efforts. ### Entrance and Grounds entrance The temple is set within spacious grounds on Havelock North Road. The entrance area includes space for removing footwear and receiving head coverings. The outdoor grounds have plans for a children's playground and fruit orchards, envisioned as an extension of the community's spiritual and social mission. ### Community Meeting Area prayer_hall In addition to the main darbar sahib, the temple provides space for community meetings, social events, and discussions on political and community issues — in keeping with the Ravidassia principle that the faithful should sit, cook, share, and deliberate together. ## Events & Celebrations ### gurpurab #### Guru Ravidas Jayanti (Maghi Purnima) The most important annual celebration at the temple, marking the birth anniversary of Guru Ravidass. The exact date follows the lunar calendar (Maghi Purnima, typically in February). Celebrations include kirtan (devotional singing), recitation of Amritbani, processions, and extended langar service. The community gathers in large numbers and the festivities may continue for several days. ### festival #### Baisakhi Celebrated in mid-April, Baisakhi marks the harvest festival and the Punjabi New Year. The temple observes this occasion with special prayers, kirtan sessions, and community langar. It is one of the major gatherings of the year and reflects the agricultural roots of the Punjabi diaspora community. #### Diwali The festival of lights is observed at the temple with special prayers and community gathering, drawing on the Bhakti tradition's celebration of spiritual light overcoming darkness — a theme central to Guru Ravidass's teachings on inner enlightenment and liberation. ### historical #### Cyclone Gabrielle Langar Relief (Commemorated) In February 2023, the temple community organised a massive langar relief effort following Cyclone Gabrielle, serving over 10,000 meals to affected communities in Hastings and Napier. This event is remembered as a defining moment in the temple's history and is commemorated as an example of seva (selfless service). ### weekly #### Weekly Satsang (Congregational Prayer) Regular congregational prayers and kirtan sessions are held at the temple, bringing the local Ravidassia community together for devotional singing, recitation of Guru Ravidass's bani, and communal langar. These weekly gatherings are the cornerstone of the temple's community life. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### visiting The temple is open daily for prayers and community activities. Specific opening hours are not publicly listed, so it is recommended to contact the temple directly via their Facebook page (Shri Guru Ravidass Temple Hastings NZ) or through the NZ Guru Ravidas Sabha website for current timings. Major festivals such as Guru Ravidas Jayanti draw large congregations and are the best times to experience the temple at its liveliest. Yes, entry is completely free for all visitors, regardless of faith or background. Langar (community meals) is also provided free of charge to everyone, in keeping with the Ravidassia tradition of open hospitality and equality. Visitors must cover their heads before entering the prayer hall — head coverings are often available at the entrance. Shoes must be removed before entering. Modest, respectful clothing is expected. Tobacco, alcohol, and meat should not be brought onto the premises. Absolutely. The temple welcomes visitors of all faiths and backgrounds. The Ravidassia faith, rooted in the teachings of Guru Ravidass, emphasises equality and universal brotherhood. Visitors simply need to observe respectful dress and behavioural norms, such as covering the head and removing shoes. ### history The temple was established by the NZ Guru Ravidas Sabha and Sangat of New Zealand, with the project initiated on 31 December 2001. An opening ceremony was held on 6 March 2004. The present Havelock North Road land was acquired in 2007 and subsequently developed with the main prayer hall, dining room, kitchens, and the iconic golden dome imported from Punjab, India. The temple gained national recognition in 2023 for its humanitarian response to Cyclone Gabrielle. The four-metre golden dome is the temple's most iconic architectural feature and was imported directly from the Punjab region of India in a shipping container. In Ravidassia tradition, the dome symbolises the human head — the seat of wisdom and devotion. Its installation marked the architectural completion of the temple and is visible as a landmark in the Havelock North landscape. Following Cyclone Gabrielle in February 2023 — one of New Zealand's worst natural disasters — the temple community mobilised immediately to provide relief. Working in coordination with the Hastings Sikh Society, volunteers cooked and delivered over 10,000 hot vegetarian meals (primarily curry and rice) to displaced and affected communities across Hastings and Napier, producing approximately 1,000 meals per day at the peak of relief operations. ### transport The temple is located at 193 Havelock North Road, Hastings, in the Hawke's Bay region of New Zealand's North Island. By air, the nearest airport is Hawke's Bay Airport in Napier, approximately 20 km away. From central Hastings, take Havelock Road south toward Havelock North — the temple is approximately 4–5 km from the city centre. Local taxis and Uber are available, and car rental is available at Hawke's Bay Airport. Suggest an Edit Upload Photos ![Marker](https://unpkg.com/leaflet@1.9.4/dist/images/marker-icon.png) Shri Guru Ravidass Temple Hastings Leaflet Get Directions → ### Contribute Help improve this page. Suggest edits, add photos, or share information about this Gurdwara. 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