San Jose Gurdwara…..

by Mandeep Gaygoat

After checking out of the motel we drove to the San Jose Gurdwara,
3636 Murillo Ave
San Jose , CA 95148
Gurdwara contact: Mohinder Singh Bajwa
Office Phone Number: (408) 274-9373
Office Fax Number: (408) 274-3712

We drove up the drive to see a magnificent Gurdwara. To see a Gurdwara like this in America was a great sight.

First glimpse of the Gurdwara whilst driving up the drive:

YouTube video

For email subscribers this is the YouTube link:

The stone in front is a waterfall feature.

Waterfall feature at San Jose Gurdwara

Outside of the Gurdwara:

Overlooking the car park and downtown:

After bowing before the Sri Guru Granth Sahib, we had lungar.

We walked around the Gurdwara and were amazed at the fantastic craftsmanship. The lawns were manicured and there was parking for a lot of cars (with cover!) The darbar sahib can hold 2500 people.

“The Sikh Gurdwara San Jose was founded in the Early Eighties by former president Jit Singh Bainiwal and Teja Singh, and late Baba Pyara Singh Obhi..

Jit Singh Bainiwal, Teja Singh, and late Pyara Singh Obhi along with the other dedicated sevadars from the community founded the Sikh Gurdwara San Jose in 1984. The South Bay Sikh Community was growing rapidly and there was an urgent need for a local Gurdwara for the congregation to attend. Initially the Gurdwara held smagam’s at a local community center. In 1986 after enormous obstacles the Gurdwara Committee purchased a small building on White Road. Within a few months the Gurdwara Committee realized that the building was too small for Sangat. In 1990 the Gurdwara Committee purchased a parcel of land at 2785 Quimby Road, and then bought other two adjacent parcels over the next few years, which brought the total land owned by Gurdwara to about 5 acres. In 1993-94 the Gurdwara Committee under the leadership of Jit Singh Bainiwal and Bhuphindar (BOB) Singh Dhillon along with other committee members determined that it would not be efficient due to the future growth of the Sadh Sangat. Keeping things in perspective the resident’s surroundings and the future needs of a larger Divan Hall and parking for the sadh Sangat was a must. There were also City and County requirements that would not have met the needs of the Gurdwara.

Mr. Bhuphindar Singh Dhillon’s vision came a reality after looking at many properties Bob Dhillon the current General Secretary found our current home which is located at 3636 Murillo Avenue. The property is located in the Evergreen Hills of San Jose, California. This property sits on forty acres and has beautiful views of the bay and city lights at night. This will be the largest Gurdwara in North America.

The First phase was completed in 2004 with the entire infrastructure for 12 Million Dollars. The Second Phase is now completed with cost of 20 Million Dollars. Bhupinder Singh Dhillon along with the current committee member are thankful for all of the support of the Sadh Sangat to make this the most beautiful Gurdwara in the world. ”

After visiting the Gurdwara we drove up to the hills behind it, what amazing views, the houses had amazing gardens as well as great views.

After spending some time around the Gurdwara we headed to downtown San Jose (Silicon valley). There we visited the excellent tech museum. It is mainly for children but it is also great for adults. We are always learning so it is nice to visit. Also it is a great trip down memory lane especially seeing the first computers that were sold to the public.

For email subscribers:

Tech Museum exhibit

We managed to find street parking outside the museum which cost us $2 for two hours. The car parks charged anywhere from $6 to $10 for day parking.

Afterwards we visited Apple head office in Cupertino (west of San Jose) the office covers many acres and it has a very good vibe. We went to the apple shop which mainly sold clothing as well as IPads and IPods (no discounts!)

As Steve Jobs passed one year ago here is a message from Apple:

“A message from Tim Cook, Apple’s CEO.

Steve’s passing one year ago today was a sad and difficult time for all of us. I hope that today everyone will reflect on his extraordinary life and the many ways he made the world a better place.

One of the greatest gifts Steve gave to the world is Apple. No company has ever inspired such creativity or set such high standards for itself. Our values originated from Steve and his spirit will forever be the foundation of Apple. We share the great privilege and responsibility of carrying his legacy into the future.

I’m incredibly proud of the work we are doing, delivering products that our customers love and dreaming up new ones that will delight them down the road. It’s a wonderful tribute to Steve’s memory and everything he stood for. – Tim”