Naam Japo
Remember God in every moment — through prayer, music, and mindful living.
ਸਭਨਾ ਜੀਆ ਕਾ ਇਕੁ ਦਾਤਾ “There is one Giver for all beings.” — Guru Nanak Dev Ji
A door open
to everyone.
Gurdwara means “the door of the Guru.” On thirty-three wooded acres in south Richmond, the Sikh Association of Central Virginia keeps that door open — to Sikhs, to seekers, to neighbors of every faith and none. Come for prayer, for music, or simply for a warm meal shared on the floor as equals.
Sunday Diwaan
10:30 am – 1:30 pm
Langar Follows
Free meal, all welcome
Open Daily
6:30 am – 7:30 pm
Find Us
4500 Marty Blvd, Richmond VA
Welcome
What is a Gurdwara?
A Gurdwara is a Sikh place of worship — from the Punjabi Guru (teacher) and Dwara (door). At its heart rests the Guru Granth Sahib, the eternal Sikh scripture, seated on an elevated throne. Around it, a community practices three simple disciplines taught by Guru Nanak five centuries ago:
Kirat Karo
Earn an honest living through dignified work, without exploitation or fraud.
Vand Chhako
Share the fruits of your labor — with the community, and with those in need.
Plan your visit
Services & hours
The Gurdwara is open every day of the year, morning to evening. Our main congregation gathers on Sunday, with evening diwaan on Wednesday — and everyone stays for langar.
Sunday
Main Diwaan6:30 – 7:00 amAssa Di Vaar — morning prayers
10:00 – 11:30 amJapji Sahib & Sukhmani Sahib paths
11:30 – 12:45 pmKeertan — devotional music by the SACVI Jatha
1:00 – 1:30 pmArdaas, Hukam & Katha
1:30 pm →Langar — free community meal for all
Every evening
Daily · call ahead6:15 pmRehraas Path — evening prayers
6:45 pmAarti, Keertan & Ardaas
7:30 pmDoors close
Sangrand Diwaan is held monthly, 5:30 – 7:00 am, on the first day of each month of the Nanakshahi calendar. See Events for dates.
Before you enter
Gurdwara etiquette
First visit? You are truly welcome — no invitation needed. A few customs keep the space sacred for everyone:
- Cover your head — scarves are available at the entrance.
- Remove your shoes and wash hands before entering the hall.
- Sit on the floor — a practice of equality before the Guru.
- Bow toward the Guru Granth Sahib as you enter, if you wish.
- Avoid pointing your feet toward the scripture.
- Stand during Ardaas, the communal prayer.
- Offerings are voluntary — never required.
- Come and go freely; there are no restrictions on timing.
- Men and women may sit on either side of the hall.
- Alcohol, tobacco, and intoxicants are not permitted on the grounds.
Langar · ਲੰਗਰ
Everyone eats.
Together. Free.
Since Guru Nanak's time, every Gurdwara has served langar — a free vegetarian meal, cooked by volunteers, shared sitting side by side on the floor. No tickets, no questions, no distinctions of caste, creed, or means. Join us after Sunday diwaan, or help cook and serve.
Our story
Four decades of sangat in Central Virginia
What began as monthly gatherings in borrowed community halls, under the leadership of the late Col. Surjit Singh Bawa, has grown into a permanent home for Sikh life in Richmond — a sanctuary on 33 wooded acres near Chippenham Parkway.
1984
SACVI is founded
The Sikh Association of Central Virginia is formally established.
2000–02
The Gurdwara rises
Construction begins on land in Chesterfield County and is completed in May 2002.
2007
Granthi residence built
A home for the Gurdwara's Granthi is added to the property.
2025
A new Jatha arrives
Bhai Harjinder Singh Ji and Jatha join SACVI as the Gurdwara's resident Granthis and keertanis.
Community
More than a place of worship
01
Education
Gurmat School, kirtan and tabla classes, the Punjabi School of Richmond, scholarships, and youth leadership.
02News & Events
Weekly diwaans, Sangrand mornings, gurpurabs, the Punjabi Mela, and announcements from the sangat.
03Private Events
Weddings, akhand paths, memorials, and family celebrations — hosted at the Gurdwara or at your home.
04Donations
SACVI runs entirely on the sangat's generosity. Every gift is tax-deductible and sustains the Guru's house.
Visit us
4500 Marty Blvd
Richmond, VA 23234
On the south side of Richmond near Chippenham Parkway (Route 150). Visitors are welcome throughout the day, every day.
- Phone(804) 271-1771
- Emailcontact@richmondsikhgurdwara.org
- MapsGet directions
- WatchYouTube — @sacvirichmondva
- FollowFacebook — richmondgurdwara
Write to us
Send a message
Questions about visiting, private events, media, or anything else — send a note and the Executive Committee will get back to you.