Petaling Tin Sikh temple relocating 150m away

Gurdwara committee seeks funds for new building in Tmn Medan

THE Sikh community turned up in large numbers at Gurdwara Sahib Petaling Tin (GSPT) in Taman Medan, Petaling Jaya, Selangor, to attend prayers on the temple’s last day of operation.

That day also saw the relocation of the gurdwara’s six Sri Guru Granth Sahib (SGGS), the holy book which Sikhs consider their living guru.

Devotees took the opportunity to meet up with friends and reminisce over langgar meals from the community kitchen.

Giani Manpreet Singh carrying SGGS for relocation on Gurdwara Sahib Petaling Tin’s last day with devotees showering its path with flower petals. — Photos: IZZRAFIQ ALIAS/The Star

The gathering also saw volunteers helping to lower the Nishan Sahib (Sikh flag) along with the flagpole, signalling the closing of the gurdwara after over 50 years.

The ceremony ended as six SGGS were transferred into two vehicles, escorted by a convoy of 40 superbikes to a temporary location in Kelana Jaya.

According to GSPT president Sarendar Singh, the relocation of the gurdwara was necessary as the site had been gazetted as a burial ground by Selangor Islam­ic Religious Department (Jais).

Volunteers helping to lower the Sikh flag and flagpole before the temple’s closure.

“The Selangor government had engaged with the temple committee over the past year on the matter.

“It was agreed that a 0.09ha site be given to us to build a new gurdwara.

“It is just 150m from the original site on the same road – Jalan 3/56.

Devotees in the Darbar Sahib or prayer hall of the gurdwara on the last day.

“We will start clearing and preparing the site soon,” said Saren­dar.

In the interim, a temporary site at PJS 3/23 in Taman Buana Per­dana, just 1km from the original gurdwara, had been identified for the local congregation.

GSPT secretary Balvinderjit Kaur described the final gathering as emotional and historic.

Gurdwara Sahib Petaling Tin was established in 1972.

“This gurdwara dates back to 1972 and has been our spiritual home for many decades.

“It was built by the pioneers of Petaling Tin, as this was a former mining area.

“Today, we are moving out peacefully with dignity and faith.

Vegetarian meals from the community kitchen being served at the gurdwara for the last time.

“We trust that this transition is part of a greater plan as we believe everything happens for a reason,” said Balvinderjit as she updated the congregation of GSPT’s relocation plans.

She noted that the original gurdwara occupied approximately 26,000sq ft, whereas the new site measures just 10,000sq ft.

The GSPT committee is seeking contributions to construct the new building, and plans for a fundraising dinner are underway.

A convoy of 40 superbikes escorting two vehicles transporting SGGS to a temporary location.

“We invite professionals such as architects, engineers, contractors, planners or anyone with relevant expertise to contribute,” said Balvinderjit.

Former GSPT president Harjeet Singh said the committee was planning for a double-storey gurdwara at the new site that faces the river.

“The old gurdwara was at ground level.

Devotees performing ‘kirtan’ (devotional songs) during the final prayers at the gurdwara.

“As it was just beside Sungai Klang, it had been flooded several times,” he said.

Those who wish to contribute to the construction of a new building may contact 019-383 4008 (Sarendar Singh), 019-280 7888 (Ninder Singh) or 012-606 6567 (Jaspal Singh).

Details can also be found at the Facebook page of Gurdwara Sahib Petaling Tin.