October 19, 2007

Sikh community breaks ground for temple expansion

New facility will expand services

Sikhs break ground on $18 million temple expansion.
Community members gather to celebrate the temple project.

By Bill Highlander
Editor

The Sikh community gathered on Sunday, Oct. ,7 to begin the groundwork for an addition to San Jose Gurdwara Temple on Murillo Road. The expansion will add nearly 100,000 square feet to the existing facility.

Budgeted for $18 million, the Temple Project has already raised about $4 million, expects a bank loan of $10 million and will raise the remainder over the next few years. Bob Gill, founder, director and general manager, says construction is scheduled to take two years.

Located on a hillside with a magnificent view of San Jose and the valley, the Gurdwara is open to everyone, but primarily serves the estimated 10,000 Sihk families in San Jose.

Approximately 300 free lunches are prepared every day. More than 1,000 were served Sunday. The menu is always vegetarian; smoking and alcohol are not allowed on the premises.

The ceremonies included speeches, commendations by public officials (including Vice Mayor Dave Cortese and Supervisor Pete McHugh), founders, and supporters. In the large hall for the services, people continually came forward to offer prayer and the customary $1 donation.

The expanded San Jose Gurdwara will be a place of prayer, education, and community service.