Sikh Temples (Gurudwaras) in Montreal

The vibrant city of Montreal is home to a diverse tapestry of cultures, and among them, Sikh temples (Gurudwara) stand out as a testament to the city’s rich multicultural heritage. These temples are not just places of worship but also centers of cultural and community activities that have become an integral part of the Montreal landscape.

In this article, we’ll delve deeper into the significance of these temples, highlighting their historical, spiritual, and community-driven facets, ensuring newcomers and longtime residents alike can fully appreciate their presence in the heart of Canada.

List of Sikh Temples in Montreal

Sikh community has established numerous Gurdwaras, or Sikh temples, across Montreal and its neighboring regions. These Gurdwaras not only serve as places of worship but also as centers for community gatherings, cultural events, and spiritual learning. From architectural grandeur to serene environments conducive for meditation, each Gurdwara has its unique charm.

The following is a detailed overview of some of the most notable Sikh temples in the area, providing insights into their addresses, contacts, reviews, and operational hours. Whether you’re a practitioner of the faith or a curious visitor, these Gurdwaras offer a welcoming space for all.

Gurdwara Guru Nanak Darbar LaSalle Montreal

  • Address: 7801 Rue Cordner, LaSalle, QC H8N 2X2
  • Phone: (514) 595-1881
  • Website: montrealgurudwara.com
  • Hours: 5 a.m.-8:30 p.m. every day

Gurudwara Sahib Quebec

  • Address: 2183 Wellington St, Montreal, Quebec H3K 1X1
  • Phone: (514) 934-1259
  • Hours: Sunday: 11 a.m.-1 a.m., Closed rest of the days

Gurdwara Guru Nanak Darbar Park Extention

  • Address: 430 Rue Saint-Roch, Montréal, QC H3N 1K2
  • Phone: (514) 270-6660
  • Website: montrealgurudwara.com
  • Hours: 4 a.m.-9 p.m. every day

Gurudwara Sahib du Grand Montréal

Shri Guru Ravidass Temple Gurbani Sagar

Nanaksar Montreal

  • Address: 7325 Rue Ouimet, Verdun, QC H4H 2J6
  • Phone: (514) 766-0001
  • Reviews: 4.9 from 31 reviews

Sikh Temple Association Inc.

  • Address: 7801 Rue Cordner, LaSalle, QC H8N 2X2
  • Phone: (514) 595-1881
  • Hours: 5 a.m.-6:30 p.m. every day

Gurdwara Shaheed Baba Deep Singh Ji Sikh Education Temple Laval

  • Address: 723 Rue Brien, Laval, QC H7V 1S9
  • Phone: (514) 825-5585

Gurdwara Sahib Vaudreuil-Dorion

  • Address: 2970 Rte Harwood, Vaudreuil-Dorion, QC J7V 8P2
  • Phone: (450) 424-4433
  • Hours: 4:30 a.m.-8 p.m. every day

How to Visit a Gurudwara in Montreal

When stepping into a Gurudwara in Montreal or any other part of the world, it’s essential to approach with respect and understanding of Sikh customs and traditions.

Gurudwaras are not just places of worship for Sikhs but also community hubs where individuals gather for spiritual, cultural, and social events. For those unfamiliar with the etiquette of visiting a Gurudwara, the experience can be both enlightening and enriching. Whether you’re a practicing Sikh or a visitor curious about the faith, adhering to the following guidelines will ensure your visit is respectful and fulfilling:

  1. Dress Modestly: Wear loose-fitting clothes that cover most of your body. For both men and women, it’s customary to cover one’s head when entering a Gurudwara. You can use a scarf, shawl, or a bandana. Often, Gurudwaras provide head coverings at the entrance for those who don’t have one.
  2. Remove Your Shoes: Before entering the main prayer hall, visitors must remove their shoes. Designated areas, usually near the entrance, are available to leave your footwear.
  3. Cleanliness: It’s customary to wash your hands before entering the main hall. Some Gurudwaras also have facilities for washing feet.
  4. Greet with Respect: When greeting others, you can join your hands in a prayer-like gesture and say “Sat Sri Akal.”
  5. Reverence to the Guru Granth Sahib: Upon entering the main hall, Sikhs bow down and offer their respects to the Guru Granth Sahib, the central religious scripture of Sikhism. It’s a sign of respect to the teachings and not a form of idol worship.
  6. Partaking in Langar: Most Gurudwaras offer Langar, a community kitchen serving meals to all visitors, regardless of their background or faith. Everyone sits on the floor as equals, symbolizing the Sikh principle of humility and equality.
  7. Maintain Silence: Keep conversations to a minimum inside the prayer hall and switch off or silence mobile phones.
  8. Participation in Prayers: Non-Sikhs are welcome to join in the prayers or sit and listen. It’s a chance to immerse oneself in the calming chants and hymns.

By following these guidelines, visitors can ensure they respect the sanctity of the Gurudwara and partake in an experience that is spiritually uplifting and culturally enriching.

Community and Cultural Events at the Gurudwara

Gurudwaras, far beyond their role as spiritual havens, often serve as cultural epicenters of the Sikh community. In Montreal, as in many cities around the world, these sacred spaces are abuzz with cultural activities, festivals, and events that uphold the traditions and values of Sikhism while fostering community spirit. By attending these events, both Sikhs and non-Sikhs can gain a deeper appreciation for the rich tapestry of Sikh culture and traditions.

Key Festivals and Celebrations:

  • Vaisakhi (Baisakhi): Celebrated in April, Vaisakhi marks the birth of the Khalsa, a distinctive community within Sikhism. The day is commemorated with vibrant parades, kirtans (spiritual songs), and the distribution of sweets.
  • Gurpurbs: These are anniversaries related to the lives of the Sikh Gurus. Among them, the birthdays of Guru Nanak, the founder of Sikhism, and Guru Gobind Singh are particularly significant. Devotees gather for special prayers, hymns, and community meals.
  • Diwali: Although primarily a Hindu festival, Diwali holds significance in Sikhism as it marks the day when Guru Hargobind Ji was released from imprisonment. The Gurudwara is beautifully illuminated, and there are firework displays and special prayers.
  • Maghi: Observed in January, it remembers the sacrifice of the Forty Immortals, who laid down their lives defending Guru Gobind Singh. The day is marked by early morning prayers and kirtans.

Classes and Activities for the Community:

  • Punjabi and Gurmukhi Classes: To ensure that younger generations remain connected to their roots, many Gurudwaras offer classes in Punjabi language and Gurmukhi script.
  • Music and Kirtan Classes: In these sessions, participants learn to sing traditional Sikh hymns and play musical instruments like the harmonium and tabla.
  • Martial Arts (Gatka) Training: Gatka is a traditional Sikh martial art, and training sessions help in imparting both self-defense skills and lessons in discipline.
  • Sikh History and Philosophy Sessions: These classes aim to educate attendees about the rich history of Sikhism, its tenets, and the teachings of the Gurus.
  • Community Outreach Programs: Gurudwaras often organize charitable events, from food drives to health check-up camps, reflecting the Sikh principle of “Seva” or selfless service.

Whether you’re a member of the Sikh community seeking to reconnect with your heritage or someone curious about Sikh traditions, Montreal’s Gurudwaras offer a plethora of events and activities that cater to diverse interests and foster a sense of unity and brotherhood.

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