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Brief History of Sikh Gurdwara San Jose


                                                         The Sikh Gurdwara San Jose has a rich history rooted in

                                                         the  Sikh  community's  growth  and  presence  in  the  San
                                                         Francisco  Bay  Area.  Late  Jit  Singh  Bainiwal,  Teja  Singh,
                                                         and late Pyara Singh Obhi along with the other dedicated
                                                         Sevadaars  from  the  community  founded  the  Sikh

                                                         Gurdwara San Jose in 1984. The South Bay Sikh Community
                                                         was growing rapidly and there was an urgent need for a
                                                         local Gurdwara for the congregation to attend.


                                                         Initially the Gurdwara held smagams at a local community
                                                         center. In 1986 after enormous obstacles the Gurdwara
                                                         Committee  purchased  a  small  building  on  White  Road.
                                                         Within  a  few  months  the  Gurdwara  Committee  realized

            that the building was too small for Sangat. In 1990 the Gurdwara Committee purchased a parcel of
            land at 2785 Quimby Road, and then bought other two adjacent parcels over the next few years, which
            brought the total land owned by Gurdwara to about 5 acres.

            In  1993-94  the  Gurdwara  Committee  under  the  leadership  of  Jit  Singh  Bainiwal  and  Bhupinder  (BOB)

            Singh Dhillon along with other committee members determined that it would not be efficient due to the
            future growth of the Sadh Sangat. There were City and County requirements that would not have met
            the needs of the Gurdwara at that place. The search for new place started.


            Bhupinder Singh Dhillon’s vision became a reality in 2004 when he found our current home located at
            3636 Gurdwara Avenue. Its foundation was laid by people of five religions. This property sits on forty
            acres in the Evergreen Hills of San Jose and has beautiful views of the bay and city lights at night. This

            is the largest Gurdwara in North America.

            The  Gurdwara  provides  religious  services,  including  daily  prayers,  Keertan  (devotional  singing),  and
            Langar (community kitchen offering free meals). It plays a crucial role in preserving Sikh traditions and

            values while also promoting interfaith dialogue and community service initiatives.

            Throughout  its  history,  the  San  Jose  Sikh  Gurdwara  has  evolved  alongside  the  local  Sikh  community,
            expanding its facilities and services to accommodate the growing number of worshippers and visitors.

            It continues to be a hub of spirituality, cultural exchange, and social activism, reflecting the principles
            of equality, selfless service, and unity that are central to Sikhism.  The Gurdwara stands as a symbol of
            Sikh identity and pride in Silicon Valley, welcoming people of all backgrounds to experience its warmth,
            hospitality, and spiritual teachings.
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