The vastness of the empty prairie tends to make everything in it appear very small.
Not so on the edge of the city, where Manning drive stretches into the landscape. There you can find the largest Gurdwara in Alberta, at 30,000 square feet, sitting on a significant piece of farmland.
But the immensity pales in comparison to the beauty of the intricate, elaborate decoration set against the crisp empty blue sky, the white ornate edges with startling curvature, arches and domes so different than typical prairie practical. My friend Dixie and I stumbled upon this temple 15 years ago while we drove around in search of things to photograph. It was under construction, and we marveled at what a breathtaking surprise it was — back then surrounded by a vast empty parking lot.
Now it’s alive and ringing with joy both inside and out. The interior is just as spectacular, dazzling visitors and worshippers.
Whether summer or winter, the manner in which this temple reflects the prairie light is a thing to behold.
This article appears in the Sept/Oct 2023 issue of Edify
