Nanaksar-Gurdwara-Gursikh-Temple
Many times over the years I’ve driven by this glorious temple amidst the farmlands near the city of Fort Saskatchewan.
It seems like a fantasy castle in the middle of nowhere as one zips by on the highway and a couple times I’ve pulled into the massive parking lot to take a photo.
It always seems to be under construction and I’ve heard rumours that the steeples are made with real gold! “Armed with a long-term vision, members of the Sikh community purchased 90 acres of land in the Horse Hill region north of Anthony Henday Drive and adjacent to Manning Drive in 1989. Twenty acres were set aside for the temple complex. A separate building houses farming and agricultural equipment.
At 30,000 square feet, it is the largest Gurdwara (‘Gateway to the Guru’, or temple) in Alberta, and after seven years of construction, it is not finished yet.” (Edmonton Heritage)
Terry had heard from our friend ,Paramjit, that one can actually freely enter the temple and that it is open 24-7. So we decided to take a road trip out to the temple to see if that were true.
I’ve always been interested in world religions so I was particularly excited when the big double doors opened and we were able to walk inside. We saw a lovely family and the attractive lady in the yellow sari spoke english and welcomed us to have a look around. We were asked to remove our shoes and to don hair coverings that were just inside the front doors in a big bin.
It was the birthday of the cute little girl in red. The mum invited us to follow her upstairs. I was quite surprised at how austere the main, inside entrance was except for the beautiful flooring.
Terry had also heard from our friend that every part of the building is created and assembled from the Sikh community and they continue to build as they receive donations.
When we arrived upstairs we encountered a massive, carpeted area, their worship room, with a stunning, ornate central focus for prayer.
“The Gurdwara opened in 1996 and each Sunday, approximately 300-400 people come to worship on a regular basis. During the full moon more than 1,000 people assemble to mark the birth of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the first of Sikhism’s Ten Gurus, who was born during the lunar phenomenon on November 6, 1469. The Gurdwara serves an overall community of more than 12,000 people.” (E.H.)
There was a repeating image of a bearded man all around the room and centrally to the right of the worship area that I am assuming is “Gurdwara Nanaksar” but I am not sure.
“During the week, at least two priests study and read from the Guru Granth Sahib, Sikhism’s main religious text beginning at 4:00 am each day. Since 2007, the Gurmukhi School Nanaksar teaches students Gurmukhi (script), Kirtan (chants) and Gurmat (the principles of Sikhism). “Edmonton Heritage.
We were encouraged by our impromptu guide to enter the large cafeteria downstairs and have a bite to eat.
“Food has a central place in Sikh culture. The main feature of the Gurdwara is the Langar hall, the 10,000 square foot dining hall where vegetarian food is prepared and served each day. At a time when dining practises were marked by cultural divisions between people, Guru Nanak declared that food should be free to all, and that all should dine together, irrespective of religion or caste. Thus the Langar’s significant kitchen, with its vast ovens, and the overwhelming sense that when you are here, you must break bread and eat.” (E.H)
So we did! When we entered the huge dining area we were greeted by a gentleman eating a meal with his friends/family (?) who met us at the food station and he encouraged us to take a tray and grab some food.
Although we weren’t hungry we didn’t want to refuse their kind hospitality so we did just that and I must say that the food was delicious.
After this we took our leave and drove a few miles down the road to Fort Saskatchewan where we encountered a delightful market where we purchased some perogies, corn, onions, and some homemade kits to make soup.
I’m so happy we finally had a chance to enter the Nanaksar Temple.
What incredible cultures we have in our cities and provinces. I encourage you to have a similar experience!