# Shri Guru Ravidass Temple – The Hague, Netherlands > Shri Guru Ravidass Temple in The Hague, Netherlands — a Ravidassia gurdwara offering worship, langar, and community services for all visitors. # Shri Guru Ravidass Temple Get Directions Share: Entry: Dress Code: Shri Guru Ravidass Temple in 's-Gravenhage (The Hague), Netherlands, is a prominent place of worship dedicated to Guru Ravidass, the revered 15th–16th century saint-poet of the Bhakti movement whose teachings form the spiritual foundation of the Ravidassia community. Located at Delftselaan 105, 2512 RC, The Hague, the temple serves as a vital religious and cultural hub for the South Asian diaspora settled in the greater Den Haag region and across the Netherlands. The temple follows the Ravidassia tradition, venerating the sacred scripture known as the Amritbani Guru Ravidass Ji and conducting daily prayers, kirtan (devotional singing), and community gatherings in accordance with the spiritual teachings of Guru Ravidass. His philosophy of equality, compassion, and the rejection of caste discrimination resonates deeply with the immigrant congregation that has worked to preserve its cultural and spiritual identity in the Netherlands. Shri Guru Ravidass Temple welcomes visitors of all faiths and backgrounds, reflecting the universal and inclusive spirit that defines gurdwara tradition. The temple organizes regular religious programs, gurpurabs (commemorative celebrations of the Guru's birth and other significant occasions), and social welfare activities that strengthen community bonds. It is one of several Sikh and Ravidassia temples operating in the Netherlands, alongside those in Amsterdam, Rotterdam, and other Dutch cities. The temple functions as much more than a house of worship — it is a community center where newcomers receive guidance and support, where cultural events are held to keep the Punjabi heritage alive, and where the langar (community kitchen) offers free meals to all who visit. This ethos of seva (selfless service) and sarbat da bhala (well-being of all) is central to life at the temple. Contact can be made via SikhsInHolland@gmail.com for information about services and events. ## Significance Shri Guru Ravidass Temple holds profound spiritual and cultural significance for the Ravidassia and broader Punjabi community in 's-Gravenhage and the Netherlands. Guru Ravidass, born around 1450 CE in Varanasi, India, was a saint-poet who challenged the rigid caste hierarchy of his time through his deeply spiritual verses, many of which were included in the Adi Granth compiled by Guru Arjan Dev Ji. His message — that the divine resides within all human beings regardless of birth, caste, or status — carries particular resonance for a diaspora community navigating identity and belonging in a foreign land. The temple provides a space where this liberating philosophy is kept alive through daily prayer, communal singing of Ravidass's sacred compositions, and the living example of langar — the free kitchen that feeds all without distinction. For Dutch-born children of Punjabi immigrants, the temple serves as an important bridge to their ancestral culture, language, and values. It offers religious education and exposure to Punjabi traditions that might otherwise be difficult to access in a secular European environment. Beyond religion, the temple acts as a social safety net, supporting newly arrived immigrants and fostering integration while preserving cultural distinctiveness. It participates in interfaith dialogue and civic life in The Hague, contributing to the multicultural fabric of the city. ## Nearby Gurdwaras ### Gurdwara Singh Sabha Netherlands 348 m away Open daily; specific hours available on ... Gurdwara Singh Sabha, located in The Hague (Den Haag), Netherlands, is one of the most prominent Sikh places of worship in the country and serves as a spiritual and cultural anchor for the Sikh diaspora across the South Holland region. Situated at Scheepersstraat 54 in Den Haag, the gurdwara stands as a beacon of the Sikh faith in the heart of the Netherlands, welcoming worshippers, seekers, and curious visitors of all backgrounds and beliefs without discrimination. As a gurdwara in the fullest sense of the Punjabi term — meaning 'Gateway to the Guru' — this institution embodies the core Sikh principles of Seva (selfless service), Sangat (holy congregation), and Pangat (communal sharing of food). The gurdwara hosts daily prayers including the Nitnem (daily liturgy), Ardas (supplication), and Kirtan (devotional hymns from the Guru Granth Sahib Ji), ensuring that the spiritual rhythms of Sikhism are maintained for the community far from the Punjab. The Sikh community in the Netherlands numbers approximately 15,000 individuals, with a significant concentration in and around Den Haag and Amsterdam. Gurdwara Singh Sabha serves as a vital hub for this community, offering not only religious services but also cultural programming, Punjabi language classes, and social welfare activities. The gurdwara plays a particularly important role in preserving Sikh heritage and traditions for second and third-generation Dutch-Sikhs who may otherwise have limited connection to their ancestral roots. The institution is managed by a committed body of volunteers and elected representatives from the local Sikh sangat, reflecting the democratic and egalitarian governance model that is characteristic of Sikh institutions worldwide. Regular programmes include Akhand Path (uninterrupted reading of the Guru Granth Sahib Ji), Sehaj Path, and celebration of Gurpurabs — anniversaries marking significant events in Sikh history. The langar (community kitchen) operates daily, providing free meals to all who visit regardless of faith, nationality, or social standing, upholding the timeless tradition established by Guru Nanak Dev Ji in the 15th century. Community ### Siri Guru Singh Sabha Den Haag, Netherlands 1.4 km away Siri Guru Singh Sabha is a community gurdwara that serves as a center for worship, congregation, and social services for the local Sikh community located in Netherlands. It is situated in Netherlands. As with all gurdwaras, Siri Guru Singh Sabha 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 Shri Guru Nanak Dev Ji Rotterdam, Netherlands 25 km away Gurdwara Shri Guru Nanak Dev Ji is a community gurdwara that serves as a center for worship, congregation, and social services for the local Sikh community located in Rotterdam, Netherlands. It is situated in Netherlands. As with all gurdwaras, Gurdwara Shri Guru Nanak Dev 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 ### Gurdwara Maan Sarovar Sahib Amsterdam, Netherlands 50 km away Open daily for morning and evening praye... Gurdwara Maan Sarovar Sahib is the principal Sikh place of worship serving the Sikh community of Amsterdam, Netherlands, located at Baarsjesweg 281 in the Baarsjes-West district of the city. The name 'Maan Sarovar' is a reverential reference to Lake Mansarovar, the sacred Himalayan lake believed in Sikh and Hindu traditions to be the abode of spiritual purity and divine grace, reflecting the congregation's aspiration to create a space of deep devotion and inner peace within the heart of Amsterdam. The gurdwara functions as a fully operational Sikh religious and community institution, offering daily Nitnem prayers, Gurbani kirtan (devotional hymn singing), Akhand Path (uninterrupted readings of the Guru Granth Sahib Ji), and Ardas (congregational prayer) services in accordance with the Sikh Rehat Maryada — the official Sikh Code of Conduct established by the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC). As a beacon of Sikh faith in the Netherlands, Gurdwara Maan Sarovar Sahib is managed under the stewardship of the Guru Nanak Mission Committee The Netherlands, a dedicated body that oversees the spiritual and administrative operations of the institution. The gurdwara is open to visitors of all faiths and backgrounds, embodying the core Sikh principle of seva (selfless service) and the tradition of langar — a free community kitchen that provides nourishment to all, regardless of religion, caste, or social standing. The surrounding Baarsjes-West neighborhood is a culturally diverse area of Amsterdam, making the gurdwara an integral fixture of the multicultural urban fabric of the Dutch capital. The institution observes all major Sikh gurpurabs (commemorative anniversaries linked to the Sikh Gurus), including the birthdays of Guru Nanak Dev Ji and Guru Gobind Singh Ji, as well as the martyrdom days of Guru Arjan Dev Ji and Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji. Special extended congregations and nagar kirtan processions are believed to be organised during these occasions, drawing Sikh devotees from across the Netherlands, Belgium, and Germany. The gurdwara also serves as a resource centre for the Punjabi diaspora community, supporting language and cultural preservation through religious education classes, Gurbani learning programmes, and community outreach initiatives. Through its open-door policy and ongoing seva activities, Gurdwara Maan Sarovar Sahib stands as a vital spiritual and social anchor for the growing Sikh population in Amsterdam and the broader Benelux region. Community ## Detailed History The Sikh and Ravidassia presence in the Netherlands traces its roots to the labor migration waves of the 1960s and 1970s, when significant numbers of Punjabi workers arrived in Western Europe to fill industrial and manufacturing roles. The Hague, as one of the Netherlands' largest cities and the seat of its government, attracted a share of this diaspora alongside Amsterdam and Rotterdam. As the community grew and established itself, the need for a dedicated spiritual center became apparent, and informal congregations in private homes gradually gave way to organized religious institutions. Shri Guru Ravidass Temple in 's-Gravenhage is believed to have been established during the latter decades of the 20th century, as the local Ravidassia community consolidated its identity and resources. The founding members — believed to be first-generation Punjabi immigrants, many with roots in the Doaba region of Punjab, India — pooled their efforts to create a permanent space for worship and communal gathering. The temple is thought to have undergone expansions and renovations over the years to accommodate a growing congregation. A landmark moment for the global Ravidassia community — and one that deeply affected temples like Shri Guru Ravidass Temple in The Hague — was the assassination of Sant Niranjan Dass and the wounding of Sant Rama Nand in Vienna in May 2009. This tragedy galvanized the Ravidassia community worldwide and reinforced their distinct spiritual and organizational identity. In its aftermath, the Guru Granth Sahib was formally separated from some Ravidassia temples, which began exclusively enshrining the Amritbani Guru Ravidass Ji. The temple in The Hague is believed to have navigated this transition in solidarity with the broader Ravidassia community. Since then, the temple has continued to serve as a stable anchor for the local congregation. ## Structures in the Complex ### Darbar Sahib (Main Prayer Hall) Prayer Hall The central sanctuary of the temple where the Amritbani Guru Ravidass Ji is enshrined on a raised palki (palanquin) under a decorative canopy. The hall is carpeted for the congregation to sit on the floor as equals. Daily prayers and kirtan are conducted here. ### Langar Hall Community Kitchen and Dining Hall The langar hall houses the community kitchen where volunteers prepare vegetarian meals, and the adjoining dining area where all visitors eat together as equals. The langar hall embodies the principle of equality and selfless service central to the Ravidassia and Sikh traditions. ### Shoe Storage and Entry Area Entrance Facility A dedicated area at the temple entrance for removing and storing footwear before entering the sacred spaces. Head coverings are also available here for visitors who arrive without one, ensuring all can enter respectfully. ## Visitor Information ### Dress Code Modest, respectful attire required. Head must be covered — scarves or head coverings are available at the entrance. Remove shoes before entering the prayer hall. ### Photography Photography inside the darbar sahib should be undertaken only with prior permission and in a respectful manner. General photography of community events may be permitted — check with temple management. ### Etiquette Bow respectfully before the Amritbani Guru Ravidass Ji upon entering the darbar sahib. Avoid tobacco, alcohol, and non-vegetarian food on the premises. Maintain silence and reverence in the prayer hall. Mobile phones should be silenced. ## Climate & Best Time to Visit ## Langar (Free Community Kitchen) The langar hall is believed to accommodate several dozen to over a hundred diners at a time, depending on the occasion. Seating Capacity ## Architecture The Shri Guru Ravidass Temple in The Hague is believed to occupy a converted or purpose-adapted building, as is common among diaspora religious institutions in the Netherlands that often repurpose existing structures before constructing dedicated places of worship. The exterior is believed to be relatively modest in keeping with Dutch urban architectural norms, though the interior is understood to reflect traditional Ravidassia sacred aesthetics. The main prayer hall (darbar sahib) is the spiritual heart of the temple, housing the Amritbani Guru Ravidass Ji on a raised platform (palki) adorned with decorative canopies and floral offerings. The interior is typically carpeted, with the congregation seated on the floor in keeping with the principle of equality. Devotional imagery and portraits of Guru Ravidass Ji are likely featured prominently. A separate langar hall accommodates communal dining. The building is adapted to meet the practical needs of a diaspora congregation, balancing religious function with community utility. ## Structures in the Complex ### Darbar Sahib (Main Prayer Hall) Prayer Hall The central sanctuary of the temple where the Amritbani Guru Ravidass Ji is enshrined on a raised palki (palanquin) under a decorative canopy. The hall is carpeted for the congregation to sit on the floor as equals. Daily prayers and kirtan are conducted here. ### Langar Hall Community Kitchen and Dining Hall The langar hall houses the community kitchen where volunteers prepare vegetarian meals, and the adjoining dining area where all visitors eat together as equals. The langar hall embodies the principle of equality and selfless service central to the Ravidassia and Sikh traditions. ### Shoe Storage and Entry Area Entrance Facility A dedicated area at the temple entrance for removing and storing footwear before entering the sacred spaces. Head coverings are also available here for visitors who arrive without one, ensuring all can enter respectfully. ## Events & Celebrations ### Religious Celebration #### Guru Ravidass Jayanti The most important annual celebration marking the birth anniversary of Guru Ravidass Ji. The event features extended kirtan (devotional music), religious discourses (katha), a large-scale langar, and processions. Devotees travel from across the Netherlands and neighboring countries to participate. ### Weekly Congregation #### Weekly Sunday Diwan The main weekly religious gathering held every Sunday, featuring kirtan, recitation of the Amritbani Guru Ravidass Ji, and communal langar. This is the best opportunity for visitors to experience the temple's spiritual atmosphere. ### Cultural and Religious Festival #### Baisakhi Celebration Baisakhi, the Punjabi harvest festival and a significant date in the Sikh calendar, is celebrated with special kirtan, community gatherings, and festive langar. The celebration reflects the dual cultural and religious heritage of the congregation. ### Religious Observance #### Diwali and Bandi Chhor Divas The festival of lights is observed with illuminations, special prayers, and kirtan. Bandi Chhor Divas commemorates the release of Guru Hargobind Ji from imprisonment and is observed with gratitude and devotion. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### About the Temple Guru Ravidass (c. 1450–1520 CE) was a revered saint-poet of the Bhakti movement from Varanasi, India. He taught that all humans are equal before the divine, regardless of caste or birth. His hymns are included in the Sikh scripture, the Guru Granth Sahib. This temple is dedicated to his memory and teachings, serving the Ravidassia community in The Hague. ### Visiting Yes. Like all gurdwaras and Ravidassia temples, Shri Guru Ravidass Temple welcomes people of all faiths, backgrounds, and nationalities. Visitors are welcome to attend prayers, participate in langar, and learn about the tradition. Modest clothing is required. Your head must be covered — scarves are usually available at the entrance. You must remove your shoes before entering the prayer hall. Avoid tobacco or alcohol before visiting. ### Langar Yes. Langar is a cornerstone of Sikh and Ravidassia tradition, and the meal is freely offered to all visitors without distinction of religion, caste, or background. It is typically served after Sunday services and on special occasions. ### Contact The temple can be reached by email at SikhsInHolland@gmail.com. The address is Delftselaan 105, 2512 RC, The Hague, Netherlands. ### Events Guru Ravidass Jayanti — the birth anniversary of Guru Ravidass Ji, observed in January or February according to the lunar calendar — is the most significant annual celebration. It draws large numbers of devotees from across the Netherlands and features extended kirtan, religious discourses, and langar. ### Community Seva (selfless service) is a core value of the tradition. You can volunteer in the langar, assist during events, or make donations to support the temple's activities. Contact the temple management at SikhsInHolland@gmail.com to express your interest. Suggest an Edit Upload Photos ![Marker](https://unpkg.com/leaflet@1.9.4/dist/images/marker-icon.png) Shri Guru Ravidass Temple Leaflet Get Directions → ### Contribute Help improve this page. Suggest edits, add photos, or share information about this Gurdwara. Suggest an Edit