Gurudwara Sahib, Titiwangsa Kuala Lumpur
In early 1942, the Sikh Aroras who formed the Sikh business community, were in the textile merchant trade. These businessmen decided to set up their own Gurdwara in Gombak Lane. A single storey intermediate house was acquired for this purpose near the site of the present City Hall building. The leading men who played an important part in this project were Sardar Prem Singh, Sardar Arjan Singh, Sardar Mehar Singh and Sardar Gian Singh Bajaj. This Gurdwara Sahib was officially declared open on 28th March 1942 and its address was Number 13, Gombak Lane, Kuala Lumpur.
The Government acquired this land for Development in 1971. In January 1972 the Gurdwara Sahib Gombak Lane was vacated and moved to temporary premises in the nearby Tiong Nam Settlement area for about six months.
In early 1972 an old abandoned bungalow house at Number 41 Jalan Pahang was acquired, repaired and renovated. Around July 1972 the Holy Book, Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji, was placed in the new Gurdwara Sahib building. The Gurdwara Sahib was known as Gurdwara Sahib (Gombak Lane) Jalan Pahang, Kuala Lumpur.
This Gurdwara Sahib was renovated at the end of 1980 at a cost of RM250,000.00. The Gurdwara Sahib came to be known as Gurdwara Sahib Titiwangsa around this time.
In 2000 the Gurdwara Sahib building was extensively renovated at a cost of approximately RM900,000.00. The Darbar Sahib was air-conditioned and the Granthi's quarters, langgar hall and kitchen were upgraded. There are three rooms available for visiting Jathas and Parcharaks who recite kirtan or katha during the religious functions.
This Gurdwara Sahib has a Sikh Assistant Registrar of Marriages who officiates at marriage ceremonies, if called upon to do so. However, the actual marriage ceremony is performed by the Granthi in accordance with Sikh rites.
Giani Mohinder Singh Ji Village Kheda, TaranTarn, Nashera Panua served as a Granthi in this Gurdwara Sahib for 40 years from 1949 to 1990. Since 2000, Mata Ranjit Kaur Village Kalam, GurDaspur, has been performing the duties of a Granthi in this Gurdwara.
The Management Committee comprises of the President, Secretary, Treasurer and their assistants and nine committee members.
About 150 Sikh families participate in the religious activities in this Gurdwara Sahib. The usual weekly prayers are held on Sundays from 9.00a.m. to 10.30a.m. This may be followed by other religious programmes at the request of the sangat. The Sikh Naujawan programme is held on Tuesdays from 6.30p.m. to 9.00p.rn. The Isteri Satsang programme is held on Wednesdays from 3.00p.m. to 5.00p.m.
Courtesy:
Sikh Gurudwaras in Malaysia&Singapore
Saran Singh Sidhu AMN,PNM,FRNS