Sikh Gurdwara
Sikh Gurdwara
4.5
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4.5
64 reviews
Excellent
47
Very good
15
Average
2
Poor
0
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0
Rick C.
Santa Fe, NM41 contributions
Feb 2020
We have been to the largest Gurdwara in India... and now we can say we've visited the largest Gurdwara in North America. A beautiful temple. A main room that can hold 2600 people. The Sikh people are focused on SERVICE, and no one does that better. The Sikh people are famous for providing free meals to anyone. The Sikhs are like Hindus... You don't need to be Sikh to be welcomed. This is a beautiful temple with many buildings where you can learn a lot about the Sikhs and their mission.
Written 1 March 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Balasubramanian R
Chennai (Madras), India808 contributions
Nov 2022
Sikh Gurdwara is situated on a little hill in San Jose and it was founded in 1984. It is one of the largest Gurdwara outside India. Gurdwara was neatly maintained and the area is very peaceful and suitable for mediation. They are supplying food n Langar Hall for all the visitors.
Written 17 January 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jaspreet K
Newark, CA47 contributions
May 2018 • Family
Visiting a Gurdwara:
A typical view inside a Darbar hall .
All visitors to a Sikh Gurdwara should be aware of the following guidelines when visiting:
Please dress appropriately so that you can comfortably and with decency sit on the carpeted floor. It is recommended that all visitors to the Gurdwara wear loose fitting clothing which covers most of your legs. Low hanging or tight-fitting pants/trousers may not be suitable. Please try sitting on the carpeted floor at home for a short period to see if the clothing is suitable.
All visitors entering the Main Prayer Hall, called the Darbar Sahib and the Dining (Langar) Hall will have to remove their shoes and place them in the shoe racks provided.
Strictly No Smoking is allowed in the vicinity of the Gurdwara premises. Visitors cannot enter the Gurdwara while under the influence of Alcohol or Drugs. You should not take cigarettes or tobacco with you into the premises or smoke while near the Gurdwara or soon before going into the Gurdwara.
All visitors MUST cover their heads while in the main Gurdwara areas ie: (Darbar Sahib and Langar Hall)
Non-Sikh and Sikh Visitors to a Gurdwara shown with their heads covered.
Head covering for men/boys will normally be available in the Gurdwara but a large knotted handkerchief is acceptable. (The Gurdwara may provide handkerchief sized cloth to cover the head). Other hats and caps (eg baseball-style caps) may not be appropriate (please check with the Gurdwara officials). Sikh men normally wear a Turban.
Women/Girls will need to wear a headscarf. The Gurdwara usually has a box of scarves, but you could bring your own headscarf for this purpose. Sikh ladies usually wear a "Chunni", which is normally a long, flowing semi-transparent plain cloth with a decorated, veiled edging.
Chairs are not provided in the Gurdwara and so, when sitting, this will be on the carpeted floor both in the Main Prayer Hall (Darbar Sahib) and in the Langar Hall. (A few chairs may be available in the Langar Hall for visitors who have difficulty sitting on the floor due to old age or other medical conditions).
View of a near-empty Langar Hall (Dining Hall) inside a Gurdwara.
On first entering the large prayer room (called the Darbar Sahib), a small bow to the Guru Granth Sahib (the holy book) shows respect to the host community. Backs should not be turned on the Guru Granth Sahib or the soles of the feet pointed towards the Sikh holy book when sitting on the carpet. It is normal to sit cross-legged yoga style. It may be a good idea to practise this at home if possible before your trip to the Gurdwara.
Visitors will usually be offered Kara Parshad (sweet flour and oil based food offered as a gift) in the worship hall, which is usually given in cupped hands and eaten with the right hand. If you are uncertain about your ability to eat a lot of this food – Say “very small portion” to the Sewadar (volunteer) serving the Kara Parshad. You should take a small plastic bag (or ask for one from the Sewadar (volunteer) serving the Kara Parshad) to save your Kara Parshad if it is not to your taste – Please do not refuse it or throw it away.
You may be offered Langar (vegetarian food from the communal kitchen). If not too certain about consuming this food you can ask to be excused although most people should take langar as it is regarded as a blessing by the Guru. When in the [[Langar Hall], it is better to ask for less rather than take too much and waste the food. Say “very little” to the Sewadar (volunteer) serving the Langar. If you require more later, just wait for the Sewadar to come around.
A typical view inside a Darbar hall .
All visitors to a Sikh Gurdwara should be aware of the following guidelines when visiting:
Please dress appropriately so that you can comfortably and with decency sit on the carpeted floor. It is recommended that all visitors to the Gurdwara wear loose fitting clothing which covers most of your legs. Low hanging or tight-fitting pants/trousers may not be suitable. Please try sitting on the carpeted floor at home for a short period to see if the clothing is suitable.
All visitors entering the Main Prayer Hall, called the Darbar Sahib and the Dining (Langar) Hall will have to remove their shoes and place them in the shoe racks provided.
Strictly No Smoking is allowed in the vicinity of the Gurdwara premises. Visitors cannot enter the Gurdwara while under the influence of Alcohol or Drugs. You should not take cigarettes or tobacco with you into the premises or smoke while near the Gurdwara or soon before going into the Gurdwara.
All visitors MUST cover their heads while in the main Gurdwara areas ie: (Darbar Sahib and Langar Hall)
Non-Sikh and Sikh Visitors to a Gurdwara shown with their heads covered.
Head covering for men/boys will normally be available in the Gurdwara but a large knotted handkerchief is acceptable. (The Gurdwara may provide handkerchief sized cloth to cover the head). Other hats and caps (eg baseball-style caps) may not be appropriate (please check with the Gurdwara officials). Sikh men normally wear a Turban.
Women/Girls will need to wear a headscarf. The Gurdwara usually has a box of scarves, but you could bring your own headscarf for this purpose. Sikh ladies usually wear a "Chunni", which is normally a long, flowing semi-transparent plain cloth with a decorated, veiled edging.
Chairs are not provided in the Gurdwara and so, when sitting, this will be on the carpeted floor both in the Main Prayer Hall (Darbar Sahib) and in the Langar Hall. (A few chairs may be available in the Langar Hall for visitors who have difficulty sitting on the floor due to old age or other medical conditions).
View of a near-empty Langar Hall (Dining Hall) inside a Gurdwara.
On first entering the large prayer room (called the Darbar Sahib), a small bow to the Guru Granth Sahib (the holy book) shows respect to the host community. Backs should not be turned on the Guru Granth Sahib or the soles of the feet pointed towards the Sikh holy book when sitting on the carpet. It is normal to sit cross-legged yoga style. It may be a good idea to practise this at home if possible before your trip to the Gurdwara.
Visitors will usually be offered Kara Parshad (sweet flour and oil based food offered as a gift) in the worship hall, which is usually given in cupped hands and eaten with the right hand. If you are uncertain about your ability to eat a lot of this food – Say “very small portion” to the Sewadar (volunteer) serving the Kara Parshad. You should take a small plastic bag (or ask for one from the Sewadar (volunteer) serving the Kara Parshad) to save your Kara Parshad if it is not to your taste – Please do not refuse it or throw it away.
You may be offered Langar (vegetarian food from the communal kitchen). If not too certain about consuming this food you can ask to be excused although most people should take langar as it is regarded as a blessing by the Guru. When in the [[Langar Hall], it is better to ask for less rather than take too much and waste the food. Say “very little” to the Sewadar (volunteer) serving the Langar. If you require more later, just wait for the Sewadar to come around.
Written 20 June 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lou Alexander
San Jose, CA86 contributions
Mar 2016
I have been to the Sikh Gurudwara Sahib several times and have always been welcomed warmly. My friends from India who have visited this temple tell me it is like trip home for them. For me, it is an odd combination of a visit to a place of exotic colors and shapes and "just another church." There is a main worship hall that can contain thousands of people. There is a Langor Hall when members of the Sikh Gurudwara Sahib gather for communal meals. There are smaller chapels and private prayer areas.
The exterior is beautiful and there are wonderful views of San Jose and Silicon Valley. On the very clearest of days you can just barely see the tallest buildings in San Francisco.
A final comment. This is a House of Worship. If you visit here as a tourist be polite and respectful
The exterior is beautiful and there are wonderful views of San Jose and Silicon Valley. On the very clearest of days you can just barely see the tallest buildings in San Francisco.
A final comment. This is a House of Worship. If you visit here as a tourist be polite and respectful
Written 4 February 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dhanpatraj D
Jaipur, India438 contributions
Sept 2014 • Family
Location and presentation is excellent. Great place to visit and get peace. We visited on Sunday evening. Beautiful fountains and very homely food is served. Cleanliness is excellent
Written 4 September 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Margaret S
San Jose, CA231 contributions
May 2019 • Couples
Numerous people had told me to visit but I felt intimidated because I am not Sikh. Despite my reservations and the fact that I am super white, the community was very welcoming. As promised, the food is open to anyone who wants to eat and was excellent.
Written 28 May 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
russ v
San Jose60 contributions
Oct 2015 • Couples
I think everyone should visit here at least once. It's one of the largest Gurudwara's in the United States and it's right here in San Jose.
There is no charge to visit and it virtually open twenty four hours a day. They provide food to anyone and everyone that asks.
We were invited for lunch one day and it was a very welcoming, comfortable place. And the food was delicious.
When you come remember this is a special place and you should immerse yourself in the culture of the Gurudwara. They are very anxious to share information about their customs and traditions.
It is quite an educational and fun experience.
There is no charge to visit and it virtually open twenty four hours a day. They provide food to anyone and everyone that asks.
We were invited for lunch one day and it was a very welcoming, comfortable place. And the food was delicious.
When you come remember this is a special place and you should immerse yourself in the culture of the Gurudwara. They are very anxious to share information about their customs and traditions.
It is quite an educational and fun experience.
Written 14 October 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
bbon2ur
San Jose, CA125 contributions
Jun 2014 • Friends
Visiting a religious place usually requires some homework or instruction and this is no different. We had a wonderful guide who explained about the Sikh history and traditions as well as the building and grounds. We felt very welcome and enjoyed the visit. We left with a wealth of knowledge after an enjoyable 2 hours. You will remove shoes and store them in a secure room.
Written 28 May 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Tejinder S
San Jose, CA300 contributions
Dec 2018 • Family
Sikh Gurdwara San Jose is the largest in North America and it’s absolutely beautiful and blissful. It’s located in Evergreen neighborhood of San Jose and has a gorgeous view of the Silicon Valley. They have weekly Sunday “Diwan” that includes Kirtan and Ardaas. The hall has huge capacity of over 1000 people and they celebrate all the Sikh history events with grace and passion. There’s a very large park for kids and my daughter loves it there. “Langar” is served throughout the day keeping in tradition with the Sikh tradition. I highly recommend visiting here even if you’re not a Sikh. It’s a great place to learn about Sikh culture, tradition and spend a quality time with your family!!
Written 30 December 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sonny Banks
Fremont, CA92 contributions
Jan 2018 • Family
The San Jose Gurudwara is a Sikh place of worship but everyone is welcome. In fact, the Gurudwara provides free food for everyone that visits. It is a requirement that every Gurudwara feed the hungry. Their dessert is yummy and worth the visit just for that. The only requirement is everyone has to wear something (a cloth that they also provide if you don't bring something with you) to cover your head and you remove your shoes outside (there's a place to store it).
Written 12 December 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sir, it's not a Lunch. It's a Langar which is served free to all to uphold the principle of equality between all people regardless of religion, caste, colour, creed, age, gender or social status.
Written 24 May 2018
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