Glasgow Gurdwara, the largest Sikh place of worship in Scotland, saw the fitting of its golden dome on Oct 17, according to news reports.
The gurdwara, which was opened in April 2013, is Scotland’s first purpose build gurdwara.
The land for the new gurdwara, whose prayer hall (darbar sahib) can accommodate 1,500 worshippers, was purchased in the early 2000’s at the site of a disused Network Rail tram depot, according to the gurdwara’s website.
One news report estimated the gold dome cost at £45,000.
“This is a really exciting step in the building of this Gurdwara, which is at the heart of the Sikh community spirit and has always been a special place for Sikhs,” said Surinder Singh, President of the Glasgow Gurdwara, reports STV.
Not everyone will cheer for such news, though. “I don’t want to sound like a spoil sport, but given the rampant poverty in the world and certainly in Glasgow, would the Gurus prioritise golden domes of charitable work,” commented one SikhNet reader with a handle identifying himself as Gurnam Singh. ” Putting up large expensive buildings is more to do with an expression of power than spirituality, faith and charity.”
MORE PHOTO HERE.
