Sikhs open temple in Fremont

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Sikhs open temple in Fremont

By Melissa Evans, STAFF WRITER

FREMONT -- The founder of Sikhism promoted the ideals of love, humility and truthful living, with hope that his faith would embrace "all nations, all races and all times," according to Sikh literature.

He taught these principles across the globe from India more than 500 years ago, but local Sikhs are hoping this same philosophy will help them today in building bridges to their Bay Area neighbors.

The Fremont gurdwara, or temple, will hold a special interfaith open house Saturday evening and is inviting the community to commemorate the birth of Guru Nanak, the founder, and learn about the religion. The two-hour service will be presented in English, with plenty of Sikhs on hand to help outsiders understand.

"In most cases, you can summarize everything (about Sikhism) through (Guru Nanak's) teachings," said Kavneet Singh Alag, who is helping organize the event. "The basic emphasis of the religion was laid by him."

Sikhs believe that Nanak was the first in a series of 10 gurus, or spiritual leaders, who formed the faith in the Indian state of Punjab from the founder's birth in 1469 to 1699, when the Sikh scripture -- or Guru Granth Sahib -- codified their faith.

One of the religion's main tenets is emphasis on equality, which is why men take the same last name or middle name, Singh -- which means lion -- and women take the name Kaur, which means princess.

The faith also teaches one to "not only be spiritually sound, but willing to stand up for what you believe in," said Alag, adding that Nanak also empha

sized that followers should earn an honest living and give freely to those in need.

In keeping with these principles, Saturday's event also will include a langar, or meal, after the service. The vegetarian Indian food is served every Sunday during Sikh services.

The Fremont gurdwara, off Mission Boulevard in the Niles district, is the largest in Northern California. Services have drawn as many as 20,000 worshipers on a single day.

Shoes are removed before entering the main prayer hall (shelves are located at the entrance).

Men and women cover their heads in the prayer hall. The gurdwara provides scarves for visitors who don't have their own.

The congregation sits on the floor, so women probably will be more comfortable in pants.

During services, men and women sit on opposite sides -- but this is by custom only. Visitors may sit where they choose.

Sikhs bow to the scripture as a sign of respect when entering the prayer hall, and a token offering is taken. Both of these rituals are strictly optional.