Derry's Sikh temple given new lease of life

A fire in 2021 meant the temple has been out of bounds for prayers and gatherings for the past two years.

For the past 30 years, Amerjit Singh Nagra, along with the Londonderry's Sikh community, has worshipped at the only temple in the north west.

But a fire in 2021 meant the temple has been out of bounds for prayers and gatherings for the past two years.

Work started last year to restore the temple to its full glory and now the final work and preparations are being made for it to reopen its doors.

The temple, one of only two in Northern Ireland, is known as a gurdwara.

This Punjabi word means temple and community centre. The Derry Gurdwara is in the city's Waterside, next to a Presbyterian church.

It has been there for more than three decades but the building itself was built in 1919.

In its former life, the Sikh temple was a schoolhouse and home to the pupils of Clooney Primary School.

'Meet in the same place'

Amerjit Singh, who's known as Simon, is president of the charity that operates the Derry Sikh temple

Amerjit Singh, who's known as Simon, is president of the charity that operates the temple.

Speaking to BBC Radio Foyle's North West Today, he said bringing it back to life following the fire has been a labour of love.

"Sikhs believe in the concept of 'sewa', which means unconditional giving," he said.

"There are four doors at our temple, and it was designed that way for a purpose.

"The idea is that when you go through the four doors, you meet in the same place.

"That's Sikhism - we believe in one humanity."

'Badly damaged'

Mr Nagra was in the temple when the November 2021 fire, which was later deemed accidental, started.

"We were sitting having a meal and we saw smoke. Everyone had to be rushed out," he said.

"The temple was left really badly damaged."

Mr Nagra says say the fire uncovered other issues with the internal structure of the temple

Because of the building's age, the damage of the fire uncovered other issues with its internal structures.

"There was a lot of work we didn't anticipate," Mr Nagra said.

"We had to replace all the floors. But we wanted to restore it fully to make sure it's a historical building for future generations."

Opening Doors

Mr Nagra said the Sikh community in Derry was growing and he wanted the temple to be a place for everyone.

"This place has the potential to be an iconic building where everybody gathers. We want to open our doors to everyone," he said.

"That's why we have put in a new kitchen and large dining area.

"In terms of poverty we want to address it in the city and help anyone who needs it

Mr Nagra says that the temple is open to all

"I am an Irish man, and I am a Sikh.

"I may not be in a majority, but I do think we can all bring peace together" he said.

Mr Nagra said he expects the temple to reopen to the public in April.