# Guru Nanak Gurudwara Turramurra | Sikh Temple Sydney > Guru Nanak Gurudwara Turramurra — Sydney's North Shore Sikh temple offering worship, langar, Punjabi classes & community services. All welcome. # Sikh Temple Get Directions Share: Entry: Dress Code: Guru Nanak Gurudwara Turramurra, also widely known as the Turramurra Sikh Temple, is a prominent Sikh house of worship situated at 81 Kissing Point Road, Turramurra, in the Ku-ring-gai local government area on Sydney's Upper North Shore, New South Wales, Australia. Dedicated to Guru Nanak Dev Ji—the founder and first Guru of Sikhism—the gurdwara serves as a spiritual anchor and community hub for the Sikh diaspora spread across Sydney's northern suburbs and beyond. As a gurdwara in the fullest Sikh tradition, the temple follows the foundational principles of Naam Japna (meditation on God's name), Kirat Karni (honest living), and Vand Chakna (sharing with others). The institution holds regular Diwans—congregational services—on Saturday evenings and Sunday mornings, as well as on special Gurpurabs and Sikh calendar observances throughout the year. Spiritual programmes including Akhand Path (continuous reading of the Guru Granth Sahib Ji), Kirtan (devotional hymn-singing), Katha (scriptural discourse), Gurbani classes, and Punjabi language instruction are offered to members of the congregation and visitors alike. The gurdwara is governed under the Guru Nanak Foundation, a registered not-for-profit organisation committed to the propagation of Sikh values and the welfare of the local community. It operates under the guiding principles enshrined in the Sikh Rehat Maryada—the official code of Sikh conduct—ensuring that all services and activities align with the teachings of the Guru Granth Sahib Ji, the eternal living Guru of the Sikhs. Langar, the community kitchen, is a defining institution of every gurdwara, and Turramurra is no exception. Free vegetarian meals are served to all visitors following the main weekend Diwans, embodying the Sikh tenet of seva (selfless service) and the equality of all human beings regardless of faith, background, or social standing. The gurdwara welcomes people of every nationality and religion, asking only that visitors observe basic protocols such as covering their head, removing footwear at the entrance, and refraining from alcohol or tobacco on the premises. Situated amid the leafy residential streets of Turramurra, the gurdwara plays a vital social role—providing pastoral support, cultural programming, and a sense of belonging to Sikh families who have settled in the region over recent decades. It stands as a living testament to the Sikh community's contribution to the multicultural fabric of Australian society. ## Significance Guru Nanak Gurudwara Turramurra holds profound spiritual and cultural significance for the Sikh community of Sydney's North Shore and wider New South Wales. As a sanctified space where the Guru Granth Sahib Ji is enshrined and venerated, it represents the living presence of the Sikh Gurus and serves as the primary site of congregational worship, prayer, and religious education for thousands of Sikhs in the region. Beyond its liturgical function, the gurdwara acts as a social institution of considerable importance. It provides a cultural haven where Sikh identity is preserved and transmitted across generations—through Punjabi language classes, Gurbani instruction, and the celebration of festivals that connect Australian-born Sikhs to their heritage and the broader global Panth (Sikh community). The principle of langar—a free communal kitchen open to all—makes the gurdwara a unique institution of social welfare. During times of hardship or crisis, the langar has provided meals and support to community members irrespective of their religious affiliation, embodying the universal humanitarian values at the heart of Sikhism. The gurdwara also contributes to Australia's multicultural identity by fostering interfaith understanding and civic engagement. Its open-door policy invites non-Sikhs to experience Sikh worship, cuisine, and hospitality, helping to dissolve misconceptions and build bridges of understanding. It stands as both a place of devotion and a symbol of the enduring contribution of the Sikh community to Australian society. ## Nearby Gurdwaras ### Sikh Temple Sydney, Australia 16 km away Sikh Temple 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, Sikh Temple 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 Glenwood Sydney](https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/thumb.php?f=Sri%20Guru%20Singh%20Sabha%20Parklea.jpg&w=600) ### Gurdwara Sahib Glenwood Sydney Australia 19 km away Monday to Friday: 4:30 AM – 9:00 PM; Sat... Gurdwara Sahib Glenwood, formally operated by the Australian Sikh Association Limited (ASA Ltd), stands as the premier Sikh place of worship in the western and north-western regions of Sydney, New South Wales, Australia. Situated at 18 Meurants Lane, Glenwood NSW 2768, within the Blacktown Council area approximately 40 kilometres from Sydney's central business district, this gurdwara serves as an enduring beacon of Sikh faith, culture, and community service in the Southern Hemisphere. Managed by the Australian Sikh Association Inc. — widely regarded as the largest registered Sikh body in the Southern Hemisphere, with over two thousand members and growing — the gurdwara extends a warm welcome to all people, regardless of religious background. In keeping with the core Sikh principle of equality, its doors are open from the early hours of the morning until late evening every day of the week. The gurdwara's tireless langar (community kitchen) serves free vegetarian meals throughout the day, embodying the Sikh ethos of selfless service (seva) and sharing (vand chhakna). Beyond its spiritual function, Gurdwara Sahib Glenwood has evolved into a vibrant multicultural community hub for Sydney's Greater Western and North-West regions. Among its ongoing programmes are a Weekend Punjabi Language School, youth development initiatives, women's groups, and senior citizens' programmes. The complex also hosts more unconventional community activities, including free beginner-friendly boxing classes every Saturday morning at 9 AM and cooking demonstrations, reflecting the gurdwara's philosophy that service to the community extends far beyond the walls of the prayer hall. The gurdwara occupies a prominent place in Sydney's religious landscape, drawing thousands of visitors during major Sikh festivals such as Baisakhi and Gurpurab celebrations, when attendance can exceed 5,000 people. It has earned consistently exceptional praise from worshippers and visitors alike, holding a near-perfect rating of 4.9 out of 5 from over 2,299 online reviews. Visitors consistently remark upon the profound sense of peace within its prayer hall, the warmth of the community's welcome, and the remarkable hospitality extended through the langar service. The gurdwara's physical presence is equally striking. Its distinctive golden domes — added in 2006 — are visible across the Glenwood skyline, signalling the flourishing growth of the Sikh community in Australia. The complex encompasses a spacious Darbar Sahib (main prayer hall) where Gurbani kirtan is performed from dawn to dusk, a dedicated langar hall, a library, a Sikh Youth Resource Centre, and facilities for community programmes. Ample parking and well-maintained modern amenities ensure that visitors of all ages and backgrounds can participate fully in the life of the gurdwara. Gurdwara Sahib Glenwood is more than a house of worship — it is the living heart of one of Australia's most vibrant Sikh communities and a testament to the values of devotion, honest labour, and charitable giving (Naam Japo, Kirat Karo, Vand Chhakna) that lie at the core of the Sikh way of life. Historical ### Gurudwara Sikh Temple Glenwood, Australia 19 km away Gurudwara Sikh Temple is a community gurdwara that serves as a center for worship, congregation, and social services for the local Sikh community located in Glenwood, Australia. It is situated in Australia, where the Sikh community has grown significantly in recent decades. As with all gurdwaras, Gurudwara Sikh Temple 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 ### Revesby Gurdwara Australia 24 km away Open daily; Morning programs from 7:00–7... Sri Guru Singh Sabha Gurdwara, widely known as the Revesby Gurdwara, is a landmark of Sikh faith and community life in Sydney, Australia. Located at 14–22 The River Road, Revesby, in the Canterbury-Bankstown municipality of New South Wales, this institution holds the distinction of being the first Gurdwara established in Sydney and the third to be founded anywhere in Australia. Its establishment in 1978 marked a pivotal turning point for the Sikh diaspora in New South Wales, providing a permanent spiritual home for a community that had long sought a dedicated place of worship in the nation's largest city. Managed by Sri Guru Singh Sabha, Sydney — an organisation whose roots trace back to a historic founding meeting in November 1976 — the gurdwara complex today spans several properties along The River Road and Victoria Street. This expanded footprint accommodates a full spectrum of religious, educational, and social activities that serve both the Sikh community and the broader multicultural population of Greater Sydney. At its spiritual heart stands the Darbar Sahib, the principal prayer hall where the Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji — the eternal living Guru of the Sikhs — is reverently installed. Daily programs of Asa di War (morning hymns), Rehras Sahib (evening prayers), and Kirtan (devotional singing) are conducted throughout the week. Extended sessions on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays attract large congregations of families and devotees from across the metropolitan area who gather for prayer, fellowship, and community service. Beyond worship, the Revesby Gurdwara functions as a vibrant community hub. It houses the Guru Nanak Library and operates the Khalsa School, offering Punjabi language instruction on weekends (Saturdays 6–8pm, Sundays 11am–1pm). Additional educational programs include kirtan instruction, Santhia studies of Sri Guru Granth Sahib, computer skill classes, and even martial arts training. These programs have been central to transmitting Sikh language, music, and culture to generations of diaspora youth. The langar — the free communal kitchen that is a defining institution of Sikhism — operates daily, welcoming all visitors regardless of religion, background, or nationality. On weekdays, tea and snacks are served from 6:30pm, with the main meal following after kirtan. On Sundays, langar is served from 1:30pm. This daily practice of Seva (selfless service) is sustained by a committed body of volunteers for whom service in the langar is an act of devotion and an expression of Sikh values. With its pioneering history, comprehensive programs, and deep communal roots, the Revesby Gurdwara has become not only a spiritual anchor for Sikhs in New South Wales but also a visible symbol of multicultural Australia's respectful embrace of diverse faiths and traditions. Historical ## Detailed History The Sikh presence in Australia dates to the late nineteenth century, when pioneering Punjabi camel drivers and itinerant traders first arrived on the continent. However, substantial Sikh settlement in Sydney's northern suburbs is largely a product of the post-1970s immigration wave that followed Australia's abolition of the White Australia Policy in 1973 and subsequent family reunion programmes in the 1980s and 1990s. The Guru Nanak Gurudwara Turramurra is believed to have been established in the latter decades of the twentieth century, as the Sikh population on Sydney's North Shore grew sufficiently to sustain a dedicated place of worship. In its early years, the congregation is believed to have met in private homes and community halls before securing a permanent premises on Kissing Point Road in Turramurra—a development that marked a transformative moment in the community's religious and social life. The gurdwara is managed under the banner of the Guru Nanak Foundation, whose establishment formalised the institution's administrative and legal structure, enabling it to hold property, run charitable programmes, and engage with local government authorities. Over the years, the foundation has worked to expand the gurdwara's facilities and programmes in response to a steadily growing congregation. Key milestones in the gurdwara's history include the formal inauguration of its langar hall, the commencement of structured Punjabi and Gurbani education for children of the community, and the holding of its first Akhand Path at the permanent premises. Annual celebrations of Baisakhi—marking the founding of the Khalsa in 1699—and the Gurpurab commemorating Guru Nanak Dev Ji's birthday have grown into major community events drawing attendees from across the Sydney metropolitan area. The gurdwara has also played a role in interfaith dialogue, hosting visits from local schools, churches, and civic organisations seeking to understand Sikh faith and culture. Its continued growth reflects both the resilience of the Sikh community and the welcoming ethos of the broader Turramurra neighbourhood. ## Structures in the Complex ### Darbar Sahib (Prayer Hall) Sacred Prayer Hall The Darbar Sahib is the holiest space within the gurdwara, where the Guru Granth Sahib Ji is ceremonially installed beneath an ornate Palki Sahib (canopy). Congregants sit on the floor in an expression of equality before the Guru. The hall is used for all Diwans, Kirtan, Akhand Path, and other religious services. ### Langar Hall Community Dining Hall The langar hall is a dedicated communal dining space where free vegetarian meals are served to all visitors following the main Diwans. It embodies the Sikh principle of equality—all sit and eat together regardless of social status, religion, or background. ### Langar Kitchen Community Kitchen The langar kitchen is the operational heart of the gurdwara's community service function. Staffed by volunteers performing seva, it prepares freshly cooked vegetarian food for all congregants and guests. Larger feasts are prepared during Gurpurabs and other major festivals. ### Nishan Sahib Flagpole Religious Symbol and Structure The Nishan Sahib — a tall flagpole bearing the triangular saffron Sikh flag emblazoned with the Khanda symbol — stands prominently on the gurdwara's grounds. It is the universal external marker of a Sikh gurdwara and signals to the community that shelter, food, and spiritual guidance are available within. ### Entrance Foyer and Langar Preparation Area Transitional and Service Space The entrance foyer provides a transitional space where visitors remove footwear and receive head coverings before entering the Darbar Sahib. It also includes hand-washing facilities, a cloakroom, and community notice boards listing upcoming events and programmes. ## Visitor Information ### Dress Code Modest, respectful attire required. Head must be covered at all times inside the gurdwara — scarves or head coverings are provided at the entrance. ### Photography Respectful photography may be permitted in common areas; always seek permission before photographing the Darbar Sahib or the Guru Granth Sahib Ji. ### Etiquette Remove footwear before entering. Wash hands before the langar. Do not bring alcohol, tobacco, or meat onto the premises. Bow before the Guru Granth Sahib Ji upon entering the Darbar Sahib. Sit on the floor with legs not pointing toward the Guru Granth Sahib Ji. ## Climate & Best Time to Visit ## Langar (Free Community Kitchen) The langar hall is believed to accommodate several dozen to over a hundred diners per sitting, with capacity expanding during major festivals. Seating Capacity ## Architecture The Guru Nanak Gurudwara Turramurra is housed in a structure that, in keeping with many diaspora gurdwaras established in suburban Australia, reflects a blend of functional modernity with traditional Sikh architectural symbolism. The building is believed to incorporate the Nishan Sahib—the triangular saffron-coloured Sikh flag mounted on a tall flagpole—which serves as the primary external marker of a gurdwara and is visible from the surrounding streets. Internally, the Darbar Sahib (main prayer hall) is the central and most sacred space, where the Guru Granth Sahib Ji is reverently installed beneath an ornate canopy known as the Palki Sahib. The hall is arranged for congregational sitting on the floor, maintaining the Sikh principle of equality. A langar hall and kitchen facilities are situated separately, supporting the gurdwara's communal dining services. The entrance foyer includes a shoe rack and head-covering station in accordance with Sikh etiquette. The overall aesthetic prioritises sanctity, communal accessibility, and spiritual calm. ## Structures in the Complex ### Darbar Sahib (Prayer Hall) Sacred Prayer Hall The Darbar Sahib is the holiest space within the gurdwara, where the Guru Granth Sahib Ji is ceremonially installed beneath an ornate Palki Sahib (canopy). Congregants sit on the floor in an expression of equality before the Guru. The hall is used for all Diwans, Kirtan, Akhand Path, and other religious services. ### Langar Hall Community Dining Hall The langar hall is a dedicated communal dining space where free vegetarian meals are served to all visitors following the main Diwans. It embodies the Sikh principle of equality—all sit and eat together regardless of social status, religion, or background. ### Langar Kitchen Community Kitchen The langar kitchen is the operational heart of the gurdwara's community service function. Staffed by volunteers performing seva, it prepares freshly cooked vegetarian food for all congregants and guests. Larger feasts are prepared during Gurpurabs and other major festivals. ### Nishan Sahib Flagpole Religious Symbol and Structure The Nishan Sahib — a tall flagpole bearing the triangular saffron Sikh flag emblazoned with the Khanda symbol — stands prominently on the gurdwara's grounds. It is the universal external marker of a Sikh gurdwara and signals to the community that shelter, food, and spiritual guidance are available within. ### Entrance Foyer and Langar Preparation Area Transitional and Service Space The entrance foyer provides a transitional space where visitors remove footwear and receive head coverings before entering the Darbar Sahib. It also includes hand-washing facilities, a cloakroom, and community notice boards listing upcoming events and programmes. ## Events & Celebrations ### Religious Festival #### Guru Nanak Gurpurab The birthday of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the founder of Sikhism, is the most important annual celebration at the gurdwara. The observance includes Akhand Path, Kirtan Darbars, Nagar Kirtan (a procession through local streets), and a large-scale langar open to the entire community. #### Diwali and Bandi Chhor Divas Sikhs celebrate Bandi Chhor Divas—commemorating the release of Guru Hargobind Ji from Gwalior Fort—around the same time as Diwali. The gurdwara marks the occasion with illuminations, special prayers, and community festivities. ### Religious and Cultural Festival #### Baisakhi Baisakhi, celebrated in April, marks the founding of the Khalsa Panth by Guru Gobind Singh Ji in 1699. The gurdwara hosts special prayers, Kirtan, Amrit Sanchar ceremonies (Sikh baptism), and festive langar, making it one of the largest community gatherings of the year. ### Regular Congregational Service #### Weekly Sunday Diwan The Sunday morning Diwan is the primary weekly congregational gathering, featuring Gurbani Kirtan, Ardas (Sikh prayer), and Hukamnama (a randomly selected verse from the Guru Granth Sahib Ji as daily guidance), followed by langar for all attendees. ### Community and Interfaith Event #### Interfaith Open Day The gurdwara periodically hosts interfaith and community open days welcoming school groups, civic leaders, and members of other faith communities to experience Sikh worship, share in langar, and engage in dialogue about Sikh history and values. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### Visitor Information Yes, absolutely. Like all gurdwaras, the Turramurra temple warmly welcomes visitors of any faith, nationality, or background. You are invited to attend services, experience langar, and learn about Sikhism. Simply cover your head, remove your shoes at the entrance, and refrain from bringing alcohol or tobacco. No. Entry to the gurdwara and all meals served in the langar are completely free. The langar operates on the Sikh principle of seva (selfless service) and donations are voluntary. ### Services The main Diwans (congregational services) are held on Saturday evenings and Sunday mornings. Additional weekday services are also conducted. Contact the gurdwara at +61 2 9449 8253 for current timings. ### Education Yes. The Guru Nanak Gurudwara Turramurra offers Gurbani classes and Punjabi language instruction, primarily aimed at children and young members of the Sikh community but open to all interested learners. ### Transport The nearest train station is Turramurra Station on the T1 North Shore Line, approximately 800 metres from the gurdwara. Several bus routes also serve the Kissing Point Road area. Ride-share services are widely available in Turramurra. ### Volunteering Yes. Seva (selfless service) is a cornerstone of Sikh practice and volunteers are always welcome to assist in the langar kitchen, serve food, or help with cleaning and maintenance. Contact the gurdwara directly to arrange your visit. ### Religious Practices An Akhand Path is the continuous, uninterrupted recitation of the entire Guru Granth Sahib Ji — the Sikh holy scripture — from beginning to end. It typically takes approximately 48 hours and is conducted by teams of readers working in shifts. It is performed on special occasions and at the request of families to mark significant life events. Suggest an Edit Upload Photos ![Marker](https://unpkg.com/leaflet@1.9.4/dist/images/marker-icon.png) Sikh Temple Leaflet Get Directions → ### Contribute Help improve this page. Suggest edits, add photos, or share information about this Gurdwara. Suggest an Edit