India’s first wooden Gurdwara, named Sri Nanak Niwas, has been built inside the police lines of Fazilka, Punjab. The Gurdwara is made entirely from imported Deodhar wood from Finland and stands as a unique blend of sustainable architecture, spirituality, and community service.
About Sri Nanak Niwas Gurdwara
- Location: Fazilka District, Punjab (within police lines)
- Dimensions: 40 ft × 40 ft square layout
- Material Used: 100% Deodhar wood imported from Finland
- Unique Feature: First wooden Sikh shrine in India
- Initiative by: SSP Bhupinder Singh Sidhu
- Designed by: Iqbal Singh, a Ludhiana-based master carpenter with overseas experience
- Inaugurated on: February 16, 2023
- Construction Time: Just 3 months
Architectural and Cultural Significance
- Symbol of Seva and Innovation:
- Built through personal devotion of a police officer.
- Inspires public service and communal harmony.
- Four Entrances:
- Reflect Sikh ideals of equality, openness, and inclusivity.
- Sikh Traditional Design Elements:
- Domes, Mehrabs, and north-south alignment for airflow and protection.
- Combines modern engineering with Sikh architectural heritage.
- Ventilated Construction:
- Features like ventilated domes regulate temperature and airflow, improving sustainability.
- Transport:
- Wood transported from Finland to Indian ports, and then by truck to Fazilka.
Significance
- Boost to Religious Tourism: Attracts devotees and tourists alike, becoming a spiritual landmark.
- Community Space Transformation: Demonstrates how individual initiative can enhance inclusive public spaces.
- Eco-Friendly Design: Promotes sustainable materials and eco-conscious building practices.