# Gurdwara Kartarsar Sahib - History, Timings & Visitor Guide | GurdwaraSahib.in > Gurdwara Kartarsar Sahib in Marikina City, Manila, Philippines — Sikh temple serving the local community with daily prayers and free langar for all. # Gurdwara Kartarsar Sahib Get Directions Share: Entry: Dress Code: Gurdwara Kartarsar Sahib is a Sikh place of worship located at 77 B Santa Ana Street, Barangay San Roque, Marikina City, in the National Capital Region of the Philippines. Situated in one of Metro Manila's most accessible eastern cities, this community gurdwara serves as a vital spiritual and social hub for the Sikh diaspora in the greater Manila area. The gurdwara's name is deeply evocative: 'Kartar' is a Punjabi word meaning the Creator (God), while 'sar' refers to a sacred pool or reservoir, invoking imagery associated with the holy Kartarpur, the town in present-day Pakistan where Guru Nanak Dev Ji — the founder of Sikhism — established his first permanent community and spent the final decades of his life. By naming their gurdwara Kartarsar Sahib, the Sikh community of Marikina pays homage to that foundational spiritual heritage, drawing a symbolic connection between their far-flung diaspora lives and the very birthplace of the Sikh way of life. The Philippines is home to approximately 17 gurdwaras, scattered across the archipelago wherever Punjabi Sikh communities have put down roots. Gurdwara Kartarsar Sahib stands among these as a community-type gurdwara, meaning it functions not only as a house of worship but also as a gathering place for cultural events, community celebrations, religious education, and the universally celebrated langar — the free communal kitchen that welcomes all visitors regardless of faith, caste, gender, or economic background. This commitment to feeding everyone who enters is one of Sikhism's most distinctive and beloved traditions, and at Kartarsar Sahib it manifests as warm Punjabi cooking served to local Filipino neighbors and fellow members of the diaspora alike. The gurdwara sits in Barangay San Roque, a neighborhood in Marikina City that has evolved from a forested colonial settlement into a busy urban locality. The area is well-connected by public transport, lying close to the LRT-2 Marikina–Pasig Station and several jeepney and bus routes, making it accessible to Sikhs and curious visitors traveling from across Metro Manila. Marikina itself is famous as the 'Shoe Capital of the Philippines,' a city known for its artisan footwear heritage, outdoor parks, and riverside scenery along the Marikina River. Visitors to Gurdwara Kartarsar Sahib are welcomed with the traditional Sikh hospitality rooted in the concept of seva, or selfless service. The gurdwara is staffed by dedicated volunteers who maintain the premises, prepare langar, and ensure that the Guru Granth Sahib Ji — the eternal living scripture of the Sikhs — is treated with the highest reverence. Non-Sikh visitors and tourists are warmly received; all that is asked is that they cover their heads, remove their shoes, and observe the quiet sanctity of the darbar sahib. The gurdwara's active Facebook presence and community engagement make it one of the more visible Sikh institutions in the Metro Manila area, regularly celebrating major Gurpurabs (commemorations of the Sikh Gurus) and festivals such as Baisakhi and Diwali. ## Significance Gurdwara Kartarsar Sahib holds profound religious and cultural significance for the Sikh community of Marikina and the surrounding areas of Metro Manila. As one of approximately 17 gurdwaras across the Philippines, it represents a node in a living, breathing network of Sikh institutions that sustain faith and identity for a diaspora community thousands of kilometers from its ancestral homeland in Punjab. The gurdwara's name itself carries deep spiritual weight. By invoking Kartarsar — the sacred pool or abode of the Creator — the gurdwara places itself symbolically within the lineage of Guru Nanak Dev Ji's Kartarpur, the first Sikh community established by the Guru in the early sixteenth century. This naming tradition is common in Sikh diaspora communities worldwide: by naming their gurdwaras after sacred places in Punjab, communities affirm their spiritual and cultural roots while adapting to life in new lands. Religiously, the gurdwara is the site where the Guru Granth Sahib Ji, the eternal and living Guru of the Sikhs, is installed and venerated. Daily prayers (Nitnem), kirtan (devotional singing of Gurbani), and the ardas (communal prayer) are performed here, providing spiritual sustenance to the congregation. The langar, served free of charge to all visitors, embodies the Sikh principle of equality — a radical and enduring statement that all human beings are equal before the Divine. Culturally, Gurdwara Kartarsar Sahib is a space where the Punjabi language, music, and customs are preserved and transmitted to younger generations born in the Philippines. It is also a bridge between Indian and Filipino communities, as local Filipinos are warmly welcomed to join the langar and participate in public celebrations, fostering interfaith goodwill and cross-cultural understanding in a predominantly Catholic nation. ## Nearby Gurdwaras ### Indian Sikh Temple Unknown 10 m away Open daily; main prayer services typical... Indian Sikh Temple, also known locally as the Gurdwara Sahib in Metro Manila, is a Sikh place of worship and community center situated in the eastern metropolitan region of Manila, Philippines. Identified by coordinates placing it near the Marikina–Pasig corridor, the gurdwara serves as the spiritual and cultural heartland for the Sikh diaspora community residing in and around Metro Manila. As with all gurdwaras worldwide, the institution is founded on the core Sikh principles of Seva (selfless service), Sangat (holy congregation), and Pangat (communal dining), all of which are practiced with deep commitment by the resident community. The gurdwara houses the Guru Granth Sahib, the eternal living Guru of the Sikhs, in the main prayer hall known as the Darbar Sahib. Daily prayers including Nitnem — the recitation of sacred hymns — are performed each morning and evening, offering a continuous spiritual anchor for worshippers. The institution also serves as a central hub for life ceremonies such as Anand Karaj (Sikh wedding), Naam Karan (naming ceremony), and Antam Sanskar (funeral rites), making it indispensable to the life cycle of Filipino-Sikhs and Indian expatriates alike. Beyond its religious function, Indian Sikh Temple operates as a community welfare center. It provides free meals through the Langar (community kitchen), which operates on the egalitarian principle that all persons, regardless of caste, creed, religion, or nationality, are welcome to sit and eat together. This practice is believed to have made a meaningful social impact on the local neighborhood, providing nourishment to those in need. The gurdwara also hosts Punjabi language classes, Kirtan (devotional music) sessions, and celebrations of major Sikh festivals including Gurpurab (anniversaries of the Sikh Gurus), Vaisakhi, and Diwali. These events serve to preserve Sikh heritage and culture among younger generations growing up far from Punjab, the traditional homeland of the Sikh faith. Visitors of all faiths are warmly welcomed into the gurdwara, provided they observe the basic etiquette of covering their heads and removing footwear before entering the premises. The gurdwara stands as a symbol of openness, universal brotherhood, and the enduring Sikh spirit of service in the heart of the Philippines. Community ### Khalsa Diwan Temple Manila, Metro Manila, Unknown 12 km away Khalsa Diwan Temple is a community gurdwara that serves as a center for worship, congregation, and social services for the local Sikh community located in Manila, Metro Manila, Unknown. It is situated in Unknown. As with all gurdwaras, Khalsa Diwan Temple welcomes visitors of all faiths and backgrounds. The gurdwara serves as a place of worship where the Guru Granth Sahib (the holy scripture of the Sikhs) is kept with great reverence. The community gathers here for daily prayers (Nitnem), Kirtan (devotional singing of hymns from the Guru Granth Sahib), and Katha (religious discourse). The gurdwara operates a Langar (community kitchen) where free vegetarian meals are served to all visitors regardless of religion, caste, gender, economic status, or ethnicity. This practice, established by Guru Nanak Dev Ji and formalized by Guru Angad Dev Ji, embodies the Sikh principles of equality, sharing, and selfless service (Seva). Community ### Khalsa Diwan Indian Sikh Temple India 12 km away Open daily; prasadam served 7:00 AM – 9:... The Khalsa Diwan Indian Sikh Temple, locally known as the Khalsa Dewan Gurdwara, stands as a beacon of Sikh faith and South Asian heritage in the heart of Manila, Philippines. Located at 1350 United Nations Avenue in the Paco district of Metro Manila, this gurdwara holds the distinction of being the oldest Sikh place of worship in the Philippines and one of the oldest in Southeast Asia. Established in 1929 by a dedicated group of Punjabi migrants who had made Manila their home, the temple has grown far beyond its humble origins to become the spiritual and cultural heart of Manila's Indian community. Managed by Khalsa Diwan Inc.—the largest and oldest Indian organization in the Philippines—the gurdwara serves not only the resident Sikh population but welcomes people of all faiths and backgrounds. On any given day, devotees, tourists, and curious visitors stream through its doors, drawn by the promise of spiritual solace and the warmth of Sikh hospitality. The temple is particularly renowned for its langar, the community kitchen that operates from early morning to late evening, providing free vegetarian meals to all who visit—a tradition central to Sikh values of equality and selfless service known as seva. The temple is nestled amid Manila's bustling urban landscape, close to major landmarks such as Rizal Park, the National Museum of the Philippines, and the historic walled city of Intramuros. Its modest yet graceful structure is distinguished by a well-maintained entrance garden that draws admiring glances from passersby on UN Avenue. Hundreds of members of the Metro Manila Sikh community gather here each week for prayers, kirtan (devotional singing), and community events. Beyond its religious functions, the Khalsa Diwan Temple serves as a living museum of the Indian-Filipino experience. The congregation reflects the broader story of Indian migration to the Philippines—from the Punjabi labourers and traders who arrived in the early twentieth century to the well-established businessmen and professionals who form today's community. Sikhs in Manila have been traditionally involved in finance, trade, and moneylending (locally known as the 'five-six' lending system), and the temple has been the social anchor holding this community together through decades of economic and political change. Visitors from across the Philippines and international tourists regularly visit the temple, particularly for significant Sikh observances such as Guru Nanak Gurpurab, Baisakhi, and the Parkash Utsav of the Guru Granth Sahib. The temple's open-door policy, free meals, and spirit of inclusive hospitality make it one of the most unique and welcoming religious sites in all of Manila, offering a rare window into the vibrancy and resilience of one of the city's most enduring immigrant communities. Historical ### Guru Nanak Sar Sat Sai Baba Temple Dasmariñas, Cavite, Unknown 36 km away Guru Nanak Sar Sat Sai Baba Temple is a community gurdwara that serves as a center for worship, congregation, and social services for the local Sikh community located in Dasmariñas, Cavite, Unknown. It is situated in Unknown. As with all gurdwaras, Guru Nanak Sar Sat Sai Baba Temple welcomes visitors of all faiths and backgrounds. The gurdwara serves as a place of worship where the Guru Granth Sahib (the holy scripture of the Sikhs) is kept with great reverence. The community gathers here for daily prayers (Nitnem), Kirtan (devotional singing of hymns from the Guru Granth Sahib), and Katha (religious discourse). The gurdwara operates a Langar (community kitchen) where free vegetarian meals are served to all visitors regardless of religion, caste, gender, economic status, or ethnicity. This practice, established by Guru Nanak Dev Ji and formalized by Guru Angad Dev Ji, embodies the Sikh principles of equality, sharing, and selfless service (Seva). Community ## Detailed History The history of Gurdwara Kartarsar Sahib is inseparable from the broader saga of the Sikh and Punjabi diaspora in the Philippine archipelago, a story that stretches back centuries. The earliest recorded Indian presence in the Philippines dates to 1762, when British forces — accompanied by approximately 600 Indian sepoys (native soldiers) — invaded Manila and temporarily wrested the city from Spanish colonial rule. When the conflict ended in 1764, a number of these Indian soldiers chose to remain in the islands rather than return home, making them among the earliest South Asian settlers in the Philippines. The modern wave of Punjabi Sikh migration, however, began in earnest in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. By around 1902, the first identifiable Punjabi Sikh settler arrived in Manila, drawn by the economic opportunities offered by the newly established American colonial administration. As the Philippines operated as an American territory, many Indians saw it as a strategic transit point and commercial hub. Over the following decades, a slow but steady stream of Punjabi migrants arrived, the majority from the districts of Jalandhar and Hoshiarpur in what is now the Indian state of Punjab. By the 1920s, the community had grown sufficiently to warrant a formal place of worship, and in 1929 the Khalsa Diwan Temple — considered Manila's oldest surviving gurdwara — was established. The founding of subsequent gurdwaras, including Gurdwara Kartarsar Sahib in Marikina City, followed organically as the Sikh population spread beyond central Manila and established residential communities in the metropolitan area's newer districts. Marikina City, located east of Manila, became home to a portion of the Sikh community, and the gurdwara at Barangay San Roque was established to serve their spiritual needs. The precise founding date of Gurdwara Kartarsar Sahib is not definitively documented in available public records; it is believed to have been established in the latter half of the twentieth century as the Indian community expanded into Marikina. Throughout its history, the gurdwara has served as a center of community resilience. The Punjabi community in the Philippines — which now comprises nearly 82 percent of the estimated 120,000 to 130,000 people of Indian origin living in the country — has faced various challenges, including navigating complex immigration and citizenship laws, maintaining cultural identity across generations, and sustaining religious institutions far from the Punjab homeland. Gurdwara Kartarsar Sahib has been part of the community's response to these challenges, providing continuity of faith, language, and tradition. Today, it remains an active gurdwara, listed publicly on platforms such as Facebook and featured in transit and mapping services, indicating its continued importance to the local Sikh and broader Filipino community. ## Structures in the Complex ### Darbar Sahib (Main Prayer Hall) prayer_hall The central prayer hall where the Guru Granth Sahib Ji is installed on a raised takht (throne) beneath a ceremonial palki (canopy). This is the spiritual heart of the gurdwara, where daily prayers, kirtan (devotional music), and the ardas (communal prayer) take place. Worshippers and visitors sit on the floor in the presence of the eternal Guru, maintaining a posture of humility and reverence. ### Langar Hall (Community Kitchen) langar_hall The langar hall is where the gurdwara's free communal kitchen operates, preparing and serving vegetarian meals to all visitors regardless of faith, nationality, or social status. In the tradition of Sikhism, the langar embodies the principle of equality — all people sit together on the floor and share a meal as equals. This space is maintained by volunteers performing seva (selfless service). ### Nishan Sahib (Flagpole) tower The tall flagpole bearing the triangular saffron Nishan Sahib — the Sikh flag bearing the Khanda symbol — marks the gurdwara's presence in the Barangay San Roque neighborhood. The Nishan Sahib serves as a beacon for Sikhs and visitors, signaling that the gurdwara is open and that the services of langar and worship are available to all. ### Shoe Storage and Entrance Area entrance At the entrance to the gurdwara, visitors remove their shoes and store them before entering the sacred precincts. Head coverings are available for those who do not have their own. This transitional space marks the boundary between the ordinary world and the sacred space of the gurdwara, reminding all who enter to approach with humility and reverence. ### Sarovar / Ablution Area sarovar A washing area or small ablution space is customarily provided at gurdwaras to allow worshippers to wash their hands and feet before entering the darbar sahib, in keeping with the tradition of purity and cleanliness observed in Sikh sacred spaces. ## Visitor Information ### Dress Code Head covering required for all visitors (scarves or dupattas available at the entrance); shoes must be removed before entering; modest clothing recommended ### Photography Photography is generally permitted in common areas; consult with gurdwara volunteers before photographing inside the darbar sahib ### Etiquette Bow respectfully before the Guru Granth Sahib Ji upon entering the darbar sahib; sit cross-legged or in a respectful posture on the floor; refrain from smoking, alcohol, and non-vegetarian food on the premises; maintain silence during prayers and kirtan ## Climate & Best Time to Visit ## Langar (Free Community Kitchen) Serves all visitors free of charge; capacity varies but the community kitchen is designed to accommodate the congregation and guests Seating Capacity ## Architecture Gurdwara Kartarsar Sahib is a community-type gurdwara situated within the residential and commercial fabric of Barangay San Roque, Marikina City. While detailed architectural documentation of this specific gurdwara is not extensively published, it follows the functional design principles common to Sikh diaspora gurdwaras established in Southeast Asia during the twentieth century. The building is believed to incorporate the essential architectural elements required for Sikh worship: a darbar sahib (main prayer hall) where the Guru Granth Sahib Ji is installed on a raised takht (throne) beneath a canopy (palki), a langar hall (community kitchen and dining area) capable of accommodating the congregation and guests, and facilities for the community's various social and religious activities. The structure is adapted to its urban Philippine setting, occupying a plot within the residential streets of San Roque at the address 77 B Santa Ana Street. Like many diaspora gurdwaras, the building likely displays the Nishan Sahib — the triangular saffron-colored Sikh flag mounted on a tall flagpole — which serves as a visible marker of the gurdwara's presence in the neighborhood. The overall aesthetic is utilitarian yet welcoming, oriented toward community function rather than monumental grandeur, reflecting the gurdwara's role as a living community center rather than a heritage monument. ## Structures in the Complex ### Darbar Sahib (Main Prayer Hall) prayer_hall The central prayer hall where the Guru Granth Sahib Ji is installed on a raised takht (throne) beneath a ceremonial palki (canopy). This is the spiritual heart of the gurdwara, where daily prayers, kirtan (devotional music), and the ardas (communal prayer) take place. Worshippers and visitors sit on the floor in the presence of the eternal Guru, maintaining a posture of humility and reverence. ### Langar Hall (Community Kitchen) langar_hall The langar hall is where the gurdwara's free communal kitchen operates, preparing and serving vegetarian meals to all visitors regardless of faith, nationality, or social status. In the tradition of Sikhism, the langar embodies the principle of equality — all people sit together on the floor and share a meal as equals. This space is maintained by volunteers performing seva (selfless service). ### Nishan Sahib (Flagpole) tower The tall flagpole bearing the triangular saffron Nishan Sahib — the Sikh flag bearing the Khanda symbol — marks the gurdwara's presence in the Barangay San Roque neighborhood. The Nishan Sahib serves as a beacon for Sikhs and visitors, signaling that the gurdwara is open and that the services of langar and worship are available to all. ### Shoe Storage and Entrance Area entrance At the entrance to the gurdwara, visitors remove their shoes and store them before entering the sacred precincts. Head coverings are available for those who do not have their own. This transitional space marks the boundary between the ordinary world and the sacred space of the gurdwara, reminding all who enter to approach with humility and reverence. ### Sarovar / Ablution Area sarovar A washing area or small ablution space is customarily provided at gurdwaras to allow worshippers to wash their hands and feet before entering the darbar sahib, in keeping with the tradition of purity and cleanliness observed in Sikh sacred spaces. ## Events & Celebrations ### gurpurab #### Guru Nanak Dev Ji Gurpurab The birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the founder of Sikhism, is the most important festival in the Sikh calendar. At Gurdwara Kartarsar Sahib, celebrations include Akhand Path (48-hour continuous reading of the Guru Granth Sahib Ji), Prabhat Pheri (early morning processions), extended kirtan sessions, and a special grand langar serving the entire community and local Filipino neighbors. #### Gurpurab of Guru Gobind Singh Ji The birth anniversary of Guru Gobind Singh Ji, the tenth and final human Sikh Guru, is observed with devotion at the gurdwara. Nagar Kirtan (processions), kirtan darbar, and langar mark this celebration. Guru Gobind Singh Ji is revered for founding the Khalsa and for his extraordinary courage, poetry, and spiritual leadership. ### festival #### Baisakhi Baisakhi, celebrated in April, marks the Sikh New Year and the founding of the Khalsa Panth by Guru Gobind Singh Ji in 1699. The gurdwara holds special prayers, kirtan, and a festive langar. Baisakhi is a joyous occasion that blends harvest festival traditions with deep religious observance, and it is celebrated enthusiastically by the Sikh diaspora in Manila. #### Diwali — Bandi Chhor Divas Sikhs observe Diwali as Bandi Chhor Divas, commemorating the release of Guru Hargobind Ji from Gwalior Fort along with 52 other prisoners in 1619. The gurdwara is decorated with lights, special ardas and kirtan are held, and the langar is extended. The Marikina Sikh community also engages with the broader Filipino celebration of the festival of lights. ### historical #### Martyrdom of Guru Arjan Dev Ji The martyrdom of Guru Arjan Dev Ji, the fifth Sikh Guru and the first Sikh martyr, is commemorated with solemn prayers and kirtan. Sharbat (sweet drinks) and cold langar are traditionally distributed in his memory, symbolizing relief from suffering. This occasion is observed with great reverence across all gurdwaras worldwide. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### visiting Gurdwara Kartarsar Sahib in Marikina City is reported to be open daily and always accessible to visitors and worshippers. The gurdwara typically holds morning and evening prayer services, with langar (free communal meals) served throughout the day. For the most current schedule, you may contact the gurdwara at +63 2 8668 1512 or email kartarsarsahib@yahoo.com. Yes, entry to Gurdwara Kartarsar Sahib is completely free of charge, as is traditional at all Sikh gurdwaras worldwide. The langar (free communal meal) is also served to all visitors regardless of religion, nationality, or background at no cost. All visitors — regardless of gender or religion — must cover their heads before entering the gurdwara. Scarves or dupattas are usually available at the entrance if you do not have your own head covering. Shoes must be removed before entering. Modest clothing that covers shoulders and knees is recommended out of respect for the sacred space. Absolutely. Gurdwara Kartarsar Sahib warmly welcomes visitors of all faiths and backgrounds. The principle of equality and universal hospitality is central to Sikhism. Non-Sikh visitors are welcome to attend prayers, enjoy the langar, and learn about Sikh faith and culture. The only requirements are that visitors cover their heads, remove their shoes, and behave respectfully inside the gurdwara. ### history Gurdwara Kartarsar Sahib is part of the long history of the Sikh diaspora in the Philippines, which traces back to Indian soldiers who settled in the islands after the British occupation of Manila in 1762–1764. The modern Punjabi Sikh community began arriving in the early twentieth century, and by 1929 the first formal gurdwara (Khalsa Diwan) was established in Manila. Gurdwara Kartarsar Sahib in Marikina's Barangay San Roque was established to serve the growing Sikh community in the eastern Metro Manila area, believed to have been founded in the latter half of the twentieth century. ### transport The gurdwara is located at 77 B Santa Ana Street, Barangay San Roque, Marikina City, Metro Manila, Philippines. By public transit, take the LRT-2 to Marikina–Pasig Station (approximately 22 minutes' walk from the gurdwara). Jeepneys and buses also stop along Mayor Gil Fernando Avenue, about 3 minutes' walk away. By road, drive along Marcos Highway toward Marikina City and navigate to Sta. Ana Street in Barangay San Roque. Grab and other ride-hailing apps are also convenient options. ### events The gurdwara celebrates all major Sikh festivals, including Guru Nanak Dev Ji Jayanti (Gurpurab), Baisakhi (the Sikh New Year and harvest festival), Diwali (the festival of lights, observed as the day of Guru Hargobind Ji's release from imprisonment), and the Gurpurabs of other Sikh Gurus. These occasions feature extended prayer services, kirtan (devotional music), and special langar. ### volunteering Volunteers are welcome to participate in seva (selfless service) at the gurdwara. Common forms of seva include helping in the langar kitchen (cooking, serving food, washing dishes), cleaning the premises, and assisting with Gurpurab celebrations. You can express your interest by visiting the gurdwara in person or contacting them at +63 2 8668 1512 or kartarsarsahib@yahoo.com. 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