OUR STORY
For decades, the Sikh community in Pontian has upheld the principles of Seva (selfless service), Sangat (community), and Simran (spiritual devotion). What began as a humble aspiration among a small group of pioneers grew into a vibrant spiritual centre that continues to serve generations today.
From a cleared jungle in 1964 to a thriving spiritual centre today, Gurdwara Sahib Pontian stands as a testament to the dedication, faith, and unity of the Sikh Sangat.
Generations have contributed through seva, generosity, and devotion, ensuring that the Gurdwara remains a beacon of spirituality and community for years to come.
An inaugural general meeting was held at the Pontian Indian Association Hall to discuss the establishment of a Gurdwara Sahib for the Sikh community in Pontian. At this historic meeting, Sardar Jagir Singh Cheema was elected President of the Building Committee, together with the following members:
Early Sikh settlers and founding committee members
The Sikh Sangat resolved to purchase a 17,013 square foot parcel of land for the construction of the Gurdwara Sahib.
At that time, the land was untouched jungle with no access road. Under the leadership of Sardar Jagir Singh Cheema and Sardar Kehar Singh Himmatpura, members of the Sangat personally worked to clear the jungle and build an access road over a period of six months. This road still exists today as the pathway leading to the Gurdwara. A temporary wooden Gurdwara building was constructed at a cost of RM3,200, and was completed in August 1965. The decision to purchase the land came after an earlier request to the Pontian Land Office for an allocated plot had unfortunately not been approved.
Original land clearing and early wooden Gurdwara structure
On this sacred day, Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji was ceremoniously installed at the newly completed Gurdwara Sahib. Sardar Kehar Singh Himmatpura, a retired police officer, began serving the Sangat as Granthi Sahib. His seva would continue for 34 years, during which he also served the Gurdwara committee in various capacities.
In a remarkable act of humility and devotion:
Bhai Sahib Kehar Singh Himmatpura
The foundation stone for the new Gurdwara Sahib building was laid by:
Sant Baba Fateh Singh Ji, President of the Shiromani Akali Dal (Amritsar) and the ceremony was witnessed by Sant Baba Sohan Singh Ji of Malacca.
This moment symbolised the growing strength and unity of the Sikh Sangat in Pontian.
Foundation stone ceremony
Sardar Jasbir Singh Johl approached the District Officer of Pontian with a request to name the road leading to the Gurdwara Sahib, to Lorong Gurdwara. The request was officially approved. This made the road one of the very few streets in Malaysia bearing the name "Gurdwara", and possibly among the earliest to receive such recognition.
Lorong Gurdwara street signage
Construction began on the permanent Gurdwara Sahib building. The project was completed in March 1976 at a total cost of RM45,000, including a generous RM10,000 contribution from the Johor State Government.
This marked an extraordinary achievement for the small but dedicated Sikh community of Pontian.
Construction phase of the Gurdwara
The completed Gurdwara Sahib was officially declared open by: Y.A.B. Tan Sri Datuk Haji Othman bin Haji Mohd Saat, Menteri Besar of Johor. More than 700 members of the Sikh community attended the historic occasion, travelling from: Johor Bahru, Segamat, Kluang, Batu Pahat, Kuala Lumpur and Singapore
The celebration featured:
Opening ceremony gathering
A devastating fire severely damaged the Darbar Sahib. This left the community in dire straits and in response the ladies, under Mata Rajinder Kaur & Mata Sri Kaur (Phabi), stepped up and immediately converted the Langgar Hall to house a temporary Gurdwara Sahib while waiting for the renovation to be completed..
Through determined fundraising and the support of the Sangat, the Gurdwara was rebuilt and renovated. The project was completed in 2005, creating the current structure with a new facade and expanded facilities with a total renovation cost of approximately RM400,000.