Sikh temple opens as holy book arrives
‘‘A lot of Sikh people are migrants and it's important for them to have a place to come so to not get lost between the two cultures.’’
With their sacred book safely in its new home, the Wellington Sikh Society is ready to open the doors to its new temple.
Their holy book, Guru Granth Sahib, was transported by traditional Sikh guardians from its former home in Porirua to the Lower Hutt suburb of Naenae on Sunday morning.
The book plays a central role in guiding a Sikh’s way of life. As it arrived it was blessed with milk and water by a colourful procession chanting of peace and unity.
After it was safely enshrined within the temple, a tall flagpole wrapped in the Sikh flag was raised to signify its new home.
‘‘Our community is growing so we needed a larger place,’’ says Wellington president Paramjit Singh.
‘‘A lot of Sikh people are migrants and it’s important for them to have a place to come so to not get lost between the two cultures.’’
More than 750 people in Wel- lington identify as Sikh but Singh is quick to point out their doors are open to all.
‘‘This is not an exclusive club. It is open to anybody, at any time.
‘‘We will be building a library to share our thinking and to be receptive to other cultural and spiritual studies.’’
Sikhism is the fifth largest religion in the world, with about 25 million followers.
Known as a gurdwara, the new temple was formerly the site of a New World supermarket.
The 980-square-metre building was bought in August last year from Foodstuffs and has cost about $1m million to upgrade.
The temple’s bright gold domes were imported from India with the largest weighing about a tonne and imported in eight different parts.
The renovations, paid for by donations given by the wider Sikh community, make it the largest Sikh temple in the lower North Island.
The new building includes a large room for prayer, a separate room for communal eating, along with a special room where the holy book will be stored.
The official opening will be held in October.