American Sikh Gurdwara, Espanola, N.M.

Swarn Kaur welcomes us and poses with Harvinder

86 miles up in the North of Albuquerque New Mexico, there is a mini heaven on earth. This is made possible by a small but strong community of Sikhs who were inspired by Harbhajan Singh Yogi. In the high desert town of Espanola, N.M., the American Sikhs have established a beautiful Gurdwara.

It is a must visit for all those who believe in simple, honest and spiritual living. You have to see the love of humanity by only being present in the midst of this community.

As their community outgrew at their location in Santa Fe N.M., American Sikhs asked their founder popularly known as Yogi Bhajan where to move the location where they could live, pray and develop together comfortably. That day, the sky was over cast and it was raining and thundery. He advised them to go further North and stop at a place where the sun starts shining. So as they started on a mission and reached this spot, the sun just sneaked out through the clouds. With the ray of Sun came the ray of hope. They looked around and found a lonely house.

Langar Hall

They knocked at the door and an old man opened the door. When asked if the house was for sale. The bewildered man got a shock and gave a curt reply. So the gentlemen, as disappointed they were, started back slowly towards their car. They started the ignition and were about to move ahead, when they say the old man reopening his front door and waved towards them to halt. He came close to them and informed them that he had pondered over again and had decided to reverse his decision and was ready to sell the house. The deal to buy the house and accompanying land was closed in two weeks promptly.

Painting of Guru Ram Das

The Gurdwara "Sri Maha Akal Mandir" is a white structure with a golden onion shaped Dome on its top. Swaran Kaur welcomed us at the gate and gave us a tour of the Gurdwara. She was humble, simple and very well informed. As you enter, on your right is a very well built up Pagoda where a sculpture of Baba Siri Chand in 'Yog Mudra' done by Amrit Singh Khalsa, has been beautifully set up.

Gurmastuk Singh enjoying his lunch, while Ravinder
Singh visiting from Gandhi Nagar Delhi is having a chat.
The buildings behind white structures behind are the
HQ of AKAL SECURITY

From the left as you are guided to enter, there is a 'L' shaped single story building. The right wing is the Gurdwara and on left wing has two storied Langar Hall etc. the two wings are connected by a vast lush green grass. There are rows of tables and chairs on gravel for the Sangat to enjoy Langar in sun. In the Verandah leading to Langar Hall, shoe racks have been placed. In the strict Sikh tradition, you have to squat on the ground in a row and eat Langar together with the Sangat.

Swarn Kaur explaining the influence of Local as Virgin Mary
is seen here blessing the Harimandir Sahib

On the right wing is the main Darbar Hall for Gurdwara which can comfortably accommodate 150 and more people. As you proceed for the view of the Gurdwara Sahib, you have to pass through a small lobby which is extremely well decorated by exhibiting the golden replica of Darbar Sahib Sri Harimandir Sahib Amritsar placed on a befitting medallion. On either side are very attractive meaningful paintings. On one side of the wall, there is also a painting of Virgin Marry on one of the side walls showing as if she is blessing the golden temple, while on opposite wall is enhanced by a painting of Vishwa Sikh Sammelan.

The Mini Sculpture of Guru Ram Das was done
by one of the prisoners where Guruka Singh
had gone to address them

As we enter the the main Diwan Hall, the whole place looks colorful and heavenly. The glittering paintings including those of the Sikh Gurus are hanging on all sides of the wall. There is a magnificent huge painting which covers the entire back wall. The local influence of Virgin Mary is prominently displayed by the artist on this painting. The floor is covered with colorful thick woolen carpets.

There is a harmonium and a Tabla sitting on the stage. In the right hand corner, a Nagarha is well placed.

Akhand Path is being recieted in English

While going through the tour of this holy place we found that an 'Akhand Paath' is being performed. There is a strong community of about 300. On every Wednesday the start of uninterrupted reciting of Guru Granth Sahib is undertaken and completed the reading on following Saturday. This service is done by the community themselves. May it be known that the Guru Granth Sahib reading is done in English language and hence the young world wide educated Sikhs understand their religion more through this media. This is a major reason that more and more people all over the world are getting attracted by Sikh religion.

Guruka Singh and Gurmastuk singh make me feel secure and strong

Handsome Harijot Singh posing with his set of computers
where he helps Sikhnet with Audio Stories

The office of well known Sikhnet is sort of wrapped around the Darbar Hall and some most amazing works of Sikh Religion are being produced by Mr Guruka Singh Khalsa who is well supported by Mr Gurmastuk Singh. Another handsome gentleman Mr Harijot Singh is helping the audio stories. The Sikhnet has also get outsourcing help from one person in Mumbai and the other from Chandigarh.

You shall love to see their latest App on Multimedia. I am a hard core fan of Sikhnet Radio and listen to Gurbani from wherever I am on the plannet.


Just at a stones throw is the headquarters of America's largest security personnel firms ie Akal Security which inter alia is the largest provider of contract Judicial Security Services, protecting federal courthouses in 40 States. Daya Singh Khalsa heads this organization. I am told that Daya Singh Khalsa was keen to Join n Police Department, but when he found out that his long uncut hair was a problem to join the police force. He started his own private to profit company by getting a loan of $1200.00 from one of the founders of Sikh Dharma in America. With his devotion, dedication and untried service of unmatched integrity, the Akal Security earned a billion dollars contract from the federal Government in three years after 9/11. We wish them all the best in their endeavor.

In true and traditional Sikh style, Mr Guruka Singh Khalsa offered us tea and enquired if we had food. He also suggested local eating and tourists places.

They all requested us to stay overnight to listen to the Gurbani Kirtan in the morning, but we had to proceed further on our scheduled trip to Dallas Tx.

Swarn Kaur snaps us

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