Traveling east on 120th from Tower Road isn’t exactly a suburban haul. It’s a fair stretch of road that’s technically part of Brighton – 40 years from now. It’s an area of Adams County that’s part of the city’s “strategic growth boundary” but for now, pretty much an independent part of Adams County. It’s a prairie landscape with a bright blue backdrop of Colorado’s Rocky Mountains.
Adams County’s Eastern Front isn’t exactly commonplace to plant a church -- yet alone an Indian Temple. But for the Sikh religion, not so much. Adams County is a five state center point for Sikh parishioners in the United States western region and a logical epicenter for the United States Sikh religion. In fact, nothing nothing could be more at home than Colorado for the Sikhs.
 |
| Sikh Temple includes a Prayer Room and Eating Hall |
The statuesque Sikh Temple stands in contrast to Colorado’s eternal blue sky but in testament to a religion of welcoming its surrounding community including all of Adams County. Because the Sikh religion is based upon a mandated service of humanity, ‘all are welcome’ to not only visit the temple, but to share a meal at any time, day or night. For anyone who is lacking in our community, it is a tenet of the Sikh religion to share in the bounty of blessings that God has provided.
The Gateway News was invited to one of the Sikh Temple functions just weeks ago. We viewed an opportunity to explore a culture of which we saw few similarities to our own. But aside from a requested removal of our shoes upon entry and a customary head cover, the smiles, handshakes, and warm extension of gratuities were distinctly “good neighbor American”, the things of which rural America was made.
 |
| Sikh Temple members working together |
To say that the Sikh religion is “welcoming” to the community in which it serves would be an understatement. In fact, the religion which hails God as the supreme being recognizes a set of mandates from its initial prophets, or “gurus”, who commanded a life of community love and give-back. And so, “all are welcome” is, at its core, far more than a gesture – it’s a true invitation for Colorado to come visit and enjoy an opportunity to meet a slice of Indian culture and a few new friends.
The Sikh Temple is open seven days a week for visitors and at any time of day or night for those whose needs include a meal or immediate shelter. For planned trips and for a guided tours, visitors are welcome to stop in at: The Sikh Temple is located 1 mile east on 120th from Tower Road. Please join us weekends , during special events, or anytime that you choose to visit the Sikh Temple.
