Archive · 1 Nov 2025
Pune Gurdwara: A Humble Expression of Sikh Faith and Community
In Pune, India, there's a special place called Gurdwara Dashmesh Darbar.
It started a long time ago as a very small building made of tin, like a small shed, where a few Sikh families would pray.
Three brave men who were in the army helped start it.
They wanted a place to practice their Sikh faith and feel connected to their community.
Even though it wasn't fancy like other big temples, it was filled with important Sikh teachings about kindness and not wasting food.
Over the years, more and more Sikh families, many of whom were also in the army, moved nearby and started coming to this gurdwara.
It became a central spot for them to meet, celebrate, and even help young people find partners.
Today, it's a bigger building, but it still remembers its humble beginnings and continues to be an important place for Sikhs in Pune to express their faith and culture.
Gurdwara Dashmesh Darbar in Pune, founded by ex-army men, is preparing for a kirtan event marking the martyrdom of the four sons of Guru Gobind Singh.
The gurdwara began as a small 10x12 ft tin structure in 1957 and has since grown into a concrete building capable of holding 100 devotees in its main hall.
Its humble architecture and location near a military area are reflections of its origins and dedication to Guru Gobind Singh.
Gurdwara Dashmesh Darbar serves as a community hub, nourishing Punjabi culture and previously maintaining a file for matchmaking among Sikh youth.
The gurdwara continues to evolve, attracting a mix of civilian and military families and playing a role in the growth of the Sikh faith in Pune.
- Who
- Gurdwara Dashmesh Darbar, founded by ex-army men and serving the Sikh community in Pune.
- What
- A Gurdwara that began as a humble tin structure and has grown into a concrete building, serving as a community center and expression of Sikh faith.
- When
- Founded in 1957, with ongoing growth and events, including an upcoming presentation of kirtan on December 20-21.
- Where
- Yerawada, Pune, located near Bombay Sappers.
- Why
- To provide a place of worship and community gathering for Sikhs, particularly those from military backgrounds, and to express and nourish the Sikh faith and Punjabi culture.
- Gurdwara Name
- Dashmesh Darbar
- Location
- Yerwada, Pune
- Founding Year
- 1957
- Founders
- Prithvi Singh Dhillon, Inderjit Singh Gothra, Puran Singh
- Original Structure
- 10x12 ft tin structure
- Current Capacity
- 100 in main hall, over 200 with outdoor space
- President
- Darshan Singh Dhillon