BEGINNINGS
In 1979, the Guru Gobind Singh Gurdwara, Leeds Road, Bradford, appointed, Kulvinder Singh, a young English speaking man with experience in conducting religious services, as Granthi.
Giani Kulwinder Singh spoke of an order of Saintly Scholars in Village Johal, Jallandhar, and it was his wish that they should bless the Sangat of Bradford with their presence. With the growth of the Sikh community in the United Kingdom there became a pressing need to promote understanding and adherence to Naam Japna (Contemplation and Meditation on the Name of the Lord), Rehat Maryada (Practical Code of Conduct) and Amrit Sanchar (Initiation into the Khalsa Panth).
In July 1980. Shri Maan 108 Sant Baba Gian Singh Ji Johalan Vale blessed the Sangat with their presence. In the four months that Baba Ji stayed, over 500 Sikhs received their Initiation into the Order of the Khalsa.
In October that year, Baba Gian Singh Ji announced that the Barsi of Sant Baba Basant Singh Ji would be honoured at Guru Gobind Singh Ji Gurdwara, Leeds Road , Bradford . For the very first time in Bradford , five Sri Akhand Paat Sahibs (continuous 48 hour reading of the Guru Granth Sahib Jee) were commenced. The Gurdwara at that time, having been established by the “United Sikh Association” (an organisation made up of mostly Sehajdhari Sikhs), had little regard for Maryada and Darbari etiquette. Since Baba Gian Singh Ji Maharaaj practised a strict Maryada, they started to fall out of favour with the management committee.
When it became clear that they were no longer welcome there, the group left Guru Gobind Singh Gurdwara in 1981 and began to hold Diwans and Paats in each others houses. Sant Baba Gian Singh Ji themselves sent a Saroop of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji from India for this purpose.
With the Grace of SatGuru, a building was found which seemed suitable for a Gurdwara Sahib. The building was formerly a Zion Chapel and was to Baba Gian Singh Ji’s liking, as they proclaimed “Someone has previously done penance here”.
At one point it seemed as if the building would slip through the hands of the Jatha, however, Baba Gian Singh Ji told the sangat not to worry, as “Birthi kadae na hovaee jan ki ardaas” ( The prayer of the Lord's humble servant is never offered in vain ).
The Gurdwara sahib was officially opened by Baba Gian Singh Ji on the 24 th October 1982 .
Related images will be appended to this section soon.
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