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Kochi Gurdwara, also known as Gurudwara Sri Guru Singh Sabha, is situated at Perumanoor near Thevara in Kochi, Kerala, India.[1] It is the only Gurdwara in Kerala, serving as a place of worship and community gathering for the Sikh residents in Kochi and nearby areas. The gurdwara is located on Gurudwara Road, close to the famous Cochin Shipyard, approximately 3 km from downtown Kochi.
History
editThe foundation stone of Kochi Gurdwara was laid in 1955. Originally, the gurdwara was located within the vicinity of the Cochin Shipyard. However, due to land acquisition for the Shipyard's expansion, the gurdwara was relocated to its current site in Perumanoor. The present structure was inaugurated on November 18, 1975, and has since become an important cultural and religious site for the Sikh community in Kerala.[2]
Unique Architecture
editA notable feature of the Kochi Gurdwara is its single entrance. Traditionally, Sikh gurdwaras are designed with four entrances, symbolizing openness and welcoming people from all directions, a core principle of Sikhism’s inclusive ethos. However, Kochi Gurdwara’s single entrance is attributed to space constraints in the area. The Durbar Hall, where religious gatherings take place, is located on the first floor, while Guru Ka Langar, the community kitchen that offers free meals, is on the ground floor.
Community and Services
editKochi Gurdwara serves as the central gathering place for the Sikh community in Kochi. Weekly prayer sessions are held every Sunday at 11:00 am and Wednesday at 7:00 pm. In addition to worship, the gurdwara’s Guru Ka Langar provides free meals to all visitors, regardless of their religious background, embodying the Sikh principle of communal harmony and selfless service (Sevā).
See also
editReferences
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- ^ "Gurudwaras in Kerala". www.worldgurudwaras.com.
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link) - ^ "Gurudwara in Kochi Kerala". www.allaboutsikhs.com.