With hundreds of Indian-American residents in Turlock, the Gurudwara Sahib Sikh Temple is the place of worship for members of the Sikh community.

Around the world, gurdwaras function as a place for Sikhs to gather for worship, although people of all religions are encouraged and welcomed to visit. Most gurdwaras also feature a library, a nursery, the Langar hall (a kitchen offering free food for visitors), and classrooms. The word ‘gurdwara’ means ‘the gateway through which the guru could be reached’, as the holy book of Sikhism is the Guru Granth Sahib.

As early as the 1950s, the first Sikhs that migrated to Turlock would travel to Redding, Bakersfield and the Bay Area for worship and special programs held at other gurdwaras. Then, in 1985, the first Turlock Gurdwara was built as the Sikh population continued to grow in Turlock.

In 1990, the first Langar hall was built in the house adjacent to the original Turlock Gurdwara. This continued to serve as the place of worship for the local Sikhs until the early 2000s when the land next to the Gurdwara was purchased in preparation for the new Gurdwara that is used today.

The construction of the new Gurudwara Sahib Sikh Temple began in 2006, with the full construction finishing in April 2011.

As the Sikh temple continues to grow and become more integrated with the Turlock community through parades and public outreach events, temple leaders have made more plans for expansion.

In 2012, leaders of the Sikh Temple approached the Turlock Planning Commission for approval of a 21,000 square foot expansion plan that would include a two-story building that provides a new dining area, a meeting room, a priest residence and guest rooms. Additionally, the plans will include an iconic second-story bridge, connecting the existing temple to the new building.

Although the new building will host the traditional pre-service meals for visitors, it will not be used for public events.

According to temple leaders, construction of the new Langar hall will be complete in 2015.

The Gurudwara Sahib Turlock is located at 1373 5th Street.