A Sikh temple in Adelaide’s north has been destroyed after a massive overnight fire tore through the building, causing extensive damage and leaving the local community in shock.

The fire broke out at Gurudwara Dashmesh Darbar Virginia, located on Old Port Wakefield Road in Virginia, north of Adelaide, late on Sunday night. Emergency services were called shortly after 9:30pm after reports of flames and smoke coming from the building.

More than 60 firefighters from the Country Fire Service (CFS) and Metropolitan Fire Service (MFS) attended the scene and worked for several hours to bring the blaze under control. Crews managed to stop the fire spreading to nearby properties, but the temple itself suffered catastrophic damage, with sections of the roof collapsing and the interior largely destroyed.

The temple was an important centre for Adelaide’s Sikh community, providing religious services, cultural gatherings and community support. It was also known for its langar, the Sikh tradition of providing free meals to anyone regardless of background or religion. The kitchen and community food program were a major part of the temple’s daily activities.

Temple president Bakshish Singh described the incident as heartbreaking for the community. He said emergency services arrived quickly, but the fire spread rapidly through the building. Community members were particularly concerned about the safety of the sacred Sikh scriptures, including the Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji, which hold deep spiritual importance for Sikhs. Recovery efforts have been underway to determine whether the scriptures survived the blaze.

Fire investigators have attended the scene to determine how the blaze started. Initial reports suggested the fire may have originated near the kitchen area, although authorities have not confirmed the final cause and investigations are continuing.

A smoke warning was issued for areas around Virginia, including Old Port Wakefield Road, Sheedy Road, Port Wakefield Highway, Juniper Boulevard and Penfield Road, while firefighters worked to control the fire. Residents were advised to avoid smoke exposure where possible.

The destruction of the temple has affected many families who relied on the facility as a place of worship, community connection and support. Sikh community members gathered outside the damaged building following the fire, mourning the loss while hoping to recover important religious items and begin rebuilding efforts.

The incident has highlighted the important role religious centres play in Australian communities. Beyond worship, places such as Gurudwaras often provide food assistance, social support and cultural connection for both community members and visitors.

Authorities have asked anyone with information about the fire or any relevant footage to contact police as investigations continue.