Hollywood Sikh Temple - Los Angeles, CA

The Hollywood Sikh Temple, also known as the Vermont Gurdwara, is a historically significant and prominent Sikh place of worship in Los Angeles. The current building, located at 1966 N Vermont Ave, was constructed in 1996 and was designated a Los Angeles Historic-Cultural Monument in 2023. 

Key features

Established in 1969: The temple was originally founded in 1969 by Dr. Amarjit Marwah and his wife, Kuljit Kaur Marwah, on the occasion of the 500th birth anniversary of Guru Nanak. It was one of the first Sikh temples to be established in the United States after India's independence in 1947.

Architectural features: The two-story building features an ornate entrance hall, a spacious main hall with high ceilings, and 23 gold-painted onion domes of varying sizes. The architecture incorporates traditional Sikh elements, including the khanda emblems.

Historic recognition: In August 2023, the Gurdwara received official recognition as a Los Angeles Historic-Cultural Monument, a testament to its "significant contributions to the broad cultural, economic or social history of the nation, state, city or community".

Daily worship: The temple holds religious services, including prayers and devotional singing (kirtan), throughout the week.

Langar (community kitchen): Following the Sikh tradition of selfless service and equality, the Gurdwara serves free vegetarian meals to all visitors in the langar hall.

Educational programs: The Gurdwara offers educational programs, including Punjabi language classes and youth programs, to promote understanding of Sikh traditions.

Festivals: Major Sikh festivals, such as Vaisakhi and Guru Nanak's birth anniversary, are celebrated with community gatherings.

Welcoming atmosphere: The Gurdwara is open to people of all backgrounds and faiths, with visitors often describing the environment as serene, peaceful, and welcoming.

Interfaith dialogue: It serves as a beacon of inclusivity and interfaith dialogue in the Los Angeles community.

Community support: The temple provides refuge and sustenance to newly arrived Sikh immigrants and serves as a social and cultural center for the community.

Wheelchair accessibility: The Gurdwara is fully wheelchair-accessible, including the entrance, parking, and restroom.

Visual resources: A projector screen displays English translations of the devotional songs, making the services accessible to a broader audience.

Parking: The facility includes a subterranean parking garage.